Tuesday 16 April 2013

Recent Purchases (and a Note of Caution!)


Hello! I was going to post a few pics of some recent purchases I had made at dolls' house shows and shops over the past couple of months. It occurred to me as I was taking the first few photos, that despite the fact I love all the things I have bought, I had mixed feelings when I actually got home and tried to place the items. I realised that I had been buying things simply because I liked them, and not because I had a place in mind for them in my dolls house. To put it another way, I was buying with my heart and not using my head!!

Take the first item I have shown you; the bonheur-du-jour, made by Escutcheon who had returned to Miniatura in Birmingham after a long absence, I saw a similar one in a book of dolls' house miniatures and had loved it, so when I saw this one, I snapped it up! It only really occurred to me later, back at home, that I didn't really have anywhere to put it!


 I have put it into the main bedroom, in the corner, but I had liked the arrangement I already had there, and the pink upholstered chair just didn't look good next to the bonheur-du-jour, so that meant rearranging the bedroom even more.


I have put the pink chair next to the dressing table, but am still not happy with the result, I think it doesn't work next to the chinese Chippendale chair. Or am I taking this whole thing way too seriously!?!!


I also purchased this exquisite hand painted china plate (the photo really doesn't do it justice!) which came from Escutcheon too. Again, I have absolutely no idea where to put it! It still hasn't found a home and is currently sitting on the floor of the bedroom!


Another purchase made at Miniatura has ended up in the library, after much placing and replacing in different rooms! Can you see what it is?


It's a beautiful pie-crust edge table, made by John Hodgson. I have an almost identical life sized version of this table in my bedroom, so knew I had to have it, trouble is, where could it go? Fortunately, I am happy with it being in the library, though it is hard to see all the fine detail on the table when it's so far back in the room.


I bought a few more miniature books by Ellie de Lacy. You may have noticed the book shelves need a lot more filling!! I hope the picture above isn't too dark for you to see one of Ellie's books on the desk, which has a sweet little silk page marker!


This chair was also added to the library recently, after sitting in the attic for months with nowhere to go! I bought it in a sale at a nearby dolls' house shop. It was only by chance that I noticed it matched a chair I had in the library already. so it made sense to put this with the other one!

I suppose this is really just a little note of caution, to think about where things are going to go perhaps, before rushing in to buy them. There will always be things that you buy simply because you love them, but you need to keep an eye on the practical side of things too sometimes!!

Or maybe I really am taking this whole miniatures thing far too seriously!!!!?

40 comments:

  1. You bought several beautiful pieces. I love the plate. Which I think would look great on a plate easel in your book shelves. or on the wall in that room. The rug in there is the perfect compliment to the that gorgeous plate.

    I have also bought with my heart. I have had to stop and think about what I really am going to need. Until then I am having fun making things to sell on eBay. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Catherine,

      Many thanks for your comments. I really did fall in love with the little plate. I did think of finding a little plate-stand for it and putting it into the bedroom somewhere. I'm sure it will find a home somewhere soon.

      When I think about it, nearly all my pieces have been bought with my heart, but I usually have a place in mind for them before I part with the cash. Wonder how I will get on in Kensington!

      Good luck with your ebay sales!

      Delete
  2. Your purchases are all beautiful, Andy. I usually don't buy minis I don't have a place for, but every once in a while I see something I love that would be perfect for a future project, so I buy it and put it away. I'm glad I scooped up certain mini treasures when I did, since some of them are now discontinued, or the maker has gone out of business, etc., and I can always finish a project later.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anna,

      Thanks, that's sound advice, I guess it doesn't matter what we buy as long as we love it!

      I have seen things I liked in the past and not bought them, only to find the maker has vanished by the next show when I decided to get it!

      Delete
  3. The furniture and the plate are lovely! I can understand that you wanted them!

    Lil on Lilsdolls

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lil,

      Many thanks! Pleased you loved the items as much as I do!!

      Delete
  4. Oh Andy, I can so relate to this. I get into a mini frenzy at the fairs and often buy things that will 'come in handy' somewhere down the line. However, your pieces are worth having and will no doubt find a place. Maybe start a second project or room box? =0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Funny you should mention a room-box! I have been thinking of doing one for a while, The subject is still under wraps at the moment, as I am planning to make it as a gift!

      I do like the fact that I can buy things from many different periods at the fairs, and have thought about a modern furnished project too, so am keeping my eye on your blob for tips!!! ;)

      Delete
  5. Andy, it is such a pity you have bought these beautiful pieces and you can't find the right place for them. Sometimes you have to follow your intuition, try to do so instead of thinking. It will help, because following your intuition is just there for this kind of issues ;)!
    All your purchases are very tasteful, gorgeous pieces.
    Hugs, Ilona

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ilona,

      Thank you, I feel i am now happier with my purchases, if not quite the arrangement of them, pleased you like them too!

      Delete
  6. ¡Hola Andy!

    En ocasiones, yo también he comprado piezas por impulso y luego no he sabido donde ponerlas. En muchos casos han tenido una vida un tanto itinerante hasta que han conseguido su lugar. La suerte es que como tengo varias casas de muñecas, puedo probar hasta dar con el lugar idóneo.

    ¡Un abrazo enorme!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hola Pedrete,

      Sí, estoy de acuerdo que esto ayuda a tener muchos diferentes casas de muñecas. Tengo una casa de muñecas ambientada en el siglo 18 y dos juegos en el siglo 20, por lo que soy capaz de slect elementos de diferentes épocas, pero no tengo mucho espacio.

      Cuando voy a la feria en Kensington mes que viene, voy a tomar una lista, pero es probable que sea una lista muy larga!

      abrazos
      Andy xx

      Hello Pedrete,

      Yes, I agree that it helps to have many different dolls houses. I have a dolls house set in the 18th century and two set in the 20th century, so I am able to slect items from many different periods, but don't have a lot of room.

      When I go to the show at Kensington next month, I will be taking a list, but it is likely to be a very long list!!

      hugs
      Andy xx

      Delete
  7. Hi Andy,
    I've done the same thing before at fairs. I have a new rule when I attend to try and help me. As I have a victorian styled house I aim only to buy things that fit this era. So far this idea has gone well but I did make a mistake with a small stove that was completely wrong and didn't fit the era at all. The last show I used my new plan and felt quite happy when I got home and realised I could use all the pieces....though....I was very tempted to buy a 30's styled vacuum cleaner...as it was handmade and awesome...but I remained strong...
    Don't worry about any of your purchases they all look great and I'm sure you will find a place for them.
    IndyPoppy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's funny isn't it! think I am treating my dolls house like it is my own home!! I do try to stick to the right periods for my houses, but there are so many great miniatures out there, like the Vacuum cleaner you saw, so I know just how you feel. I applaud your strong will, mine must have been like jelly recently!!

      Andyxx

      Delete
  8. Hi Andy,

    I'm going against the grain here....if you love something enough to buy it you will make it work. I think you are thinking about it too hard. That plate is beautiful....I just love it and it's perfect for the library on the shelves, not all houses...even grand ones were perfectly arranged all the time in a minimalist sense. At first glance of your bedchamber I thought how lovely it looked with the extra items in it.....and even more lovely it would be with drapes and a hood on the four poster!!! Now you have seen Johns effort you know you don't need to sew!
    I love the scene with the book, the red candle matches the book mark and I think your pie edged table looks lovely.

    All in all Andy, lovely purchases!

    ML Fi xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes Mrs P!!!

      I will do as I am told!!! Eventually! Mind you, I think the room is crying out for curtains! So I have been thinking about making a start on them for a couple of days now! John's no-sew curtains look great, so might give them a go, or I might try and SEW!!!! and make some blinds!!

      We'll see how it goes!!

      hugs
      Andy xxx

      Delete
  9. OMG, I will HEED your CAUTIONARY TALE when I go to the Chicago International this weekend! I'm making a LIST right now! And I'm STICKING TO IT!

    I wouldn't worry so much about your purchases, Andy --they are all excellent and in perfect taste and I know you will find homes for everything, eventually. I really love the new bedroom arrangement. Sometimes you get to used to seeing something a certain way and it it looks 'funny' when you first change it because your brain is telling you "THAT"S NOT HOW IT"S SUPPOSED TO GO!" and you're like, "I MUST PUT IT BACK," but if you give some time for your brain to catch up it will all be good!

    XOXO,
    John

    P.S. Those windows SCREAM for no-sew curtains, LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John!

      Don't you worry, go and enjoy yourself this weekend, I hope you find lots of great things!! I wish I was able to go myself, but just imagine what I might come back with!!! ;o)

      I think you have given some sound advice, I know when I added my Hodgson Chairs to the drawing room that I wasn't happy at first and thought I had made a huge and expensive mistake, but I love that room even more now!

      Maybe adding those curtains would lift the room up a little!!? I'll take another look at your blog to see how!!

      Andy xxx

      Delete
  10. I think you have bought very nice pieces; the plate is beautiful, I like that deep blue color in combination with the gold. To me it is as royal as red/gold or creme/gold.
    The other buys are a caresse to the eyes too, but my favorite is the bonheur-du-jour.
    A lovely piece but overall you succeeded very well!

    I always buy minis listening to my heart, I only use my mind when it comes to costs.
    I firmly believe that's the way to go, otherwise you just have a box filled with expensive pieces, while it should be a home.
    For instance, I have bought a Sue Cook fireplace that is made about 100 years later or more than the year life in my dh supposes to take place, totally not in place but I think it is gorgeous so I will keep it in the DH.

    I also believe letters or a book or keys on the table, or a candlestick and a drink or whatever, bring furniture to life.
    So I would not judge that bonheur 'in the nude', if it fits anywhere or not.

    Thanks for showing your beauties!
    Hugs,
    Gee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gee,

      Thank you! Your comments make perfect sense!! Yes, I think the bonheur needs accessorizing (what doesn't!!), I will have a think about what to put inside it, any suggestions would be gratefully received!! I think I have some brass keys somewhere, that came free with a dolls house magazine!

      Funny, I have also bout a Sue Cook Fireplace recently, which is about 100 years after the period I was planning to use for my project!!! However, it still fits the theme, I will just pull the whole project forward by a few years!!. I look forward to seeing your fireplace in your dolls house!

      You have hit the nail on the head I think, buy what you love and can afford, don't worry too much about where it can go, because there's always somewhere for it! I need to be a little less obsessive about period maybe when I am shopping for miniatures!!

      Hugs
      Andy xxx

      Delete
    2. LOL Andy, that is not obsessive, that is being accurate hihihi ;)

      Delete
  11. Andy,
    Your purchases are lovely--I think they were worth buying. Since they are so lovely and you LIKE them (very important), if you don't use them in one dollhouse, you will use them in another.

    Also, don't mull to much about where something SHOULD go, put it where you want it to go. Mix and match, after all, real houses that are much loved are that way--why not for the little people?

    I (and my sister) are known for buying what we like and then finding a place for the items --terrible for the budget but great for the spirit!

    Relax, have fun, that's why we have hobbies--feel good about it.

    Cheers,
    Iris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I am coming around to the idea of buying with passion, rather than thinking only of period. I love the way you put your rooms together and play with ideas, so will follow your advice!!

      Look out everyone, who knows where this might end!! :o)

      hugs
      Andyxxx

      Delete
  12. Oh No! No, Andy, you have it ALL Wrong!!!! You MUST buy the things that grab your imagination... and your heart... and just build More Dollhouses to fit them later!!! LOL!
    Seriously, I think we each find our "method" for selecting what we bring home... and I have never been to a Dollhouse Fair... so who am I to tell anyone else how to do it??? I LOVE your purchases! And like John says... I think it can take us a while to accept the new look especially when we have been so used to seeing it one way... but all things evolve and sometimes a piece of furniture will Surprise us and fit perfectly where we never imagined it before! Sometimes the Best plans turn out to not look the best in place... and sometimes unexpected arrangements are the most pleasing. (Maybe if the bed is slid closer to the open side of the room, there will still be room for the chair by the fire... or maybe the Bonheur should sit against the side wall on the front side of the bed and the bedside table on the far side... ) I am sure you will eventually find the perfect arrangement... and playing is supposed to be fun! And you have such a good "Eye" for the period of your house... I think it is hard for you to really go wrong! You will find places for your Treasures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Betsy!

      If only I had the room for many more dolls houses!! I'd have lots more of them!!

      Thank you, yes, I think You and John are right, I think I have been so used to the bedroom looking a certain way, that I just didn't accept the way it looked when I changed it.

      I promise to buy only treasures at my next show!! ;)

      Andy xxx

      Delete
  13. I think all your purchases are amazing and I am sure you will never really regret having bought them. They will find the perfect spot in the future, some of the other commenters have made good suggestions, but then you know best how you like things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Margaret,

      Thanks for your comments. I am pleased that you like what I bought recently. I am sure they will all be settled into a comfortable place soon!!

      I've been listening to what people have said, and you're right there are many good suggestions.

      Andy xxx

      Delete
  14. Hi Andy, I really enjoyed this post! You bought exquisite furniture and accessories.
    Just like you, in the past I bought a few things at fairs and realised at home they did not fit in my current Miniature House.
    I stored them in a box for later use but you should not do this with your purchases. They are far too precious to be hidden away. In your case I think I would put all these treasures in a special showcase......

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      thanks, a showcase would be lovely, I might think about that, but I think I am happier with the position of the new things now I have had time to get used to them!!

      Pleased you liked my new things!! ;)

      Andy

      Delete
  15. A mi tambuién me sucede eso de comprar cosas que me gustan y luego no saber dónde ponerlas porque son casi iguales ue las que tenemos y no sólo me pasa con las miniaturas, en la vida real también me sucede. Tus compras son preciosas y hechas con el corazón, me gustan muchísimo y seguro que encontrarás un sitio dónde colocarlas y te quedarán perfectas. Besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hola!
      Sí, lo hago en la vida real, comprar cosas que me gustan, y luego pienso, 'Bueno, ¿dónde voy a poner esto?'.

      También tengo la costumbre de comprar regalos para la gente, y cuando llego a casa, me gustan mucho los guardo para mí! ;)

      Gracias por tus comentarios

      Abrazos
      Andy xx

      Hello!
      Yes, I do that in real life too, buy things I love; then think, 'Now, where am I going to put this?'.

      I also have a habit of buying presents for people, and when I get home, like them so much I keep them for myself!! ;)

      Thank you for your comments

      Hugs
      Andy xx

      Delete
  16. Hello Andy,
    First of all every purchase is just ebautiful. On the one hand I always go to the miniature show with pcitures and wallpaper smaples of every room to avoid regretting a purchase. On the other hand, because I have bought furniture with my heart I, like you, had to rethink the arrangement of some rooms and sometimes it actually was refreshing to see a room evolve past my original idea. If you bought them with your heart you will find a place for them, be it in a new mini project or even around your house. The important thing is you have exquisite taste.
    Big hug,
    Giac

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Giac! how I wish I was as organised as you are! I am not even sure I have any of the wallpapers I used left!

      When I really think about it, almost all of my miniatures have been bought because I like them, especially the craftsmen made pieces! It's just that my house had less in it, so was easier to place things in, and I had an idea of what I wanted to go where, now the house is fully, I think I panicked a little when it didn't seem right!

      The plate will end up looking good somewhere!!

      hugs
      Andy xxx

      Delete
  17. Oh Andy,
    actually your doing it right, you buy things you love and then find places to put them so they pull the room together, those are wonderful purchases.

    thank you for sharing them

    Hugs
    Marisa :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marisa,

      many thanks, I am thrilled that you like my recent purchases! I do love them, and feel much happier about them now!

      hugs
      Andy xx

      Delete
  18. Don't blame yourself - you've made wonderful purchases and you'll find perfect places for them, if not in your current projects then in your future ones. ;O)

    Greetings
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Birgit,

      I feel much happier with my new miniatures now, thanks to lots of sensible people leaving comments!! ;) I think they will all find a good place to live in my Georgian House!

      Andy xx

      Delete
  19. Hi Andy, Another great post. I think it's ok to buy things just because you like them. Just be careful where you place them! You have purchases some great pieces. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Troy, many thanks, hope you're settling into your new home, and you have plenty of space for your miniatures!

      Pleased you like what I bought, wish I could find bargains like you do!

      Delete
  20. Very beautiful purchases! Love the plate a lot! Mini hugs, Natalia

    ReplyDelete