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LisaN

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  1. When I was quite small, mom & daddy would take us to see & visit his family in Shelby, & Rutherford NC. We'd visit both of my great-grandmothers(daddy was one of the oldest grandchildren, I was one of the oldest great-grandchildren) which was alot of fun. He'd also take us to Grandfather mountain and Chimney Rock--I still love to visit there, it is one of my favorite places on earth. Also Tweetsie railroad, but that's changed a bit. After Daddy died, Mom remarried my stepfather, and we would all go camping alot. They had an RV and I went camping every summer with them and another family, sort of a mini convoy you might say. My stepdad had a CB radio and so did his best friend. My dad was known as 'Slowpoke' (after his black and tan hound Pokey) and his friend's handle was the Toolman, because Mr. Norwood sold tools. I grew up with his kids, and we still get together. It's funny now we all have our own kids, stepkids, and we still carry on the old traditions together. Some thiings you don't get away from. One of the kids, Jearl, who is my age, his wife recently had a baby and I gave her a finished roombox for her nursery, and they loved it since there was a pic of them all at their wedding in it. I also used to go camping when I was older with my grandparents in Tappahannock, they had an RV. They were true river people, would go down for a week or a weekend stay at a certain same site, plow their garden on their land they had down there, fish, it was fun. Gramps (my grandfather--mother's dad) would teach me how to fresh water fish, and tell me stories. quite fun. I didn't play much outside during ho hum summers at home--I used to read ALOT as a kid, and also play dollhouse! :lol: Summer I really looked forward to because I could get so much done with my dollhouse back then. Looking back now, I guess summers really prepared me for all the traveling I love to do now--so it's a good thing I guess. :lol:
  2. Glen, loved your pictures! Is that the Barbie on the bed who had knee surgery? :lol: To my family & I dollhouses are a variety of things...........our hobby basically turned into a business. My daughter who is 10, also likes to put certain things in her houses that she doesn't want anyone to know about, for example, candy. Hate it when she hides her 'stash' in there because we live in the country, ants, etc. I think it means alot to her since she can decorate, create in a scale small enough, and experiment with her creativity, which at 10, is the time for it --to find out what she likes, etc. Hubby likes the modeling and scale aspect, how you can create a perfectly scale model of a house, chair, etc. and it look lifelike. I think that is one reason why he loves model railroad structures so much, the realism and attention to detail. He is an engineer of sorts, so that's probably why. I love the challenge--of all aspects of miniatures, dollhouses, and collecting. I know my dollhouse collection means alot to my family, especially when we move them about to display them, and show them off to guests and company--I didn't realize how proud hubby was. So we have great fun with them, and constantly talk about the ones we want to build next--problem is the room. My mother collects 1/4 scale, and creates the yo-yos in quilt pieces, so our 'hobby' or business, is definitely a family affair!
  3. AS I previously stated, you need to contact the committee chairs on the website; Show chair I would contact for info on exhibits are Linda Lancaster,Carol Campbell These ladies could put you in touch with the chair person incharge of the exhibits. I wouldn't be worried about your work, people love to see different exhibits and the samuri house is beautiful.
  4. Until I began looking about, didn't realize how many minis, or structures I had.... ;) the sugarplum that is landscaped sits on the tv entertainment center in our den/living room. (Last weekend I turned the living room into a dining room, so all that is in there mini wise is the Queen's Row dollhouse on the coffee table in front of the big window) the exotic bathroom roombox is on the mantel, along with the bleachbottle project. a unfinished cottage also sits on the tv entertainment center. The gold caddy shack sits on the shelf above my computer desk, along with other minis and dolls. My yardsaledollhouse sits on an old student desk I have had since I was a kid in my display room(extra bedroom) the arthur--Olde Shelby Cottage, Mr. Bannister's doll emporium, and the Minnie's lil scrapbook store sit on an old bureau that Amanda used to have. the drawers are really useful for holding papers, minis. supplies, etc. Unfortunately I need to clean my display room again. I would like to add shelves so I can have the doll emporium and scrapbook store up high, and start building the foundation for Olde Shelby cottage--that is what is holding me up is room. Your house is beautiful! I would definitely create a table for it. I sell Olde English dollhouse company, and they market beautiful table kits for their houses, it makes them look like a work of art. Your house would look lovely on a table like the kind Holly mentioned in an entry hall, or foyer, or near a staircase. Right now since I am looking to add a wing on to the yardsaledollhouse aka Strawberry Hill, I will probably be creating a table for it and moving it from the desk--when I find room!! :lol:
  5. The link to the website of the Denver Miniatures Museum is: http://www.dmmdt.com/events.htm the show is held September 9-10, 2006 location: Denver Hotel Tech Center, Greenwood Village, CO Show chair I would contact for info on exhibits are Linda Lancaster,Carol Campbell Theme of the show is Women at Work room reservation rate: DMMDT's Room Rate $69 per night, per room Reservations 1-800-327.2242 Denver 303-779-6161 their dealer list is awesome! You can register for this show--there is a full registration package which might make your workshops cheaper. If you do not register, you pay a la carte prices, which are a little more. I would highly recommend getting the registration package, if you are thinking of taking more than one workshop, these kinds of workshops and shows fill up fast and taking a workshop is haphazarrd at best if you do not plan, from the looks of what they have up now--which is alot! ;) Workshops look from the schedule like they start on Wednesday, about two days before the official show from the dates listed. I am going to try to post their schedule of events in here, let's see if it works: TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Wednesday, September 6, 2006 7:30am-8:00am Registration Open *$ 8:00am-5:00pm Prepaid Workshop *$ 4:00pm-5:00pm Registration Open *$ 6:00pm-8:00pm Cocktail Party *$ Thursday, September 8, 2005 7:30am-1:00pm Registration Open *$ 8:00am-5:00pm Prepaid Workshops *$ 4:00pm-6:00pm Registration Open *$ 6:00pm-9:30pm Prepaid Workshops *$ 9:30pm-11:00pm Ice Cream Social *$ Friday, September 9, 2005 7:30am-4:30pm Registration Open *$ 8:00am-Noon Prepaid Workshops *$ 1:30pm-3:30pm Roundtables *$ 5:00pm-9:30pm Cash Bar, Dinner, Gift and Preview Shopping *$ Saturday, September 10, 2005 10:00am-5:00pm Sales/Exhibits Open *# 11:00am-3:00pm Make-it & Take-it *#% 2:00pm-4:00pm Girl Scouts Project $% 5:30pm-8:30pm Cash Bar, Banquet, Auction & Gift *$% Sunday, September 11, 2005 9:00am-10:30am Theme Brunch $% 10:15am-11:00am Handicap Shopping *# 11:00am-4:00pm Sales/Exhibits Open *#% 12:00pm-2:00pm Make-it & Take-it *#% 3:30pm-4:00pm Raffle Drawings *# 3:30pm-4:00pm Special Drawing Gift (Cannot purchase-must earn) * Full Weekend Package # General Admission $ May Be Purchased a la Carte % Purchase Separately on your own it workeed!!! Their registration packet is in word and pdf--word looks like it takes about 30 minutes to download. I would start making plans now, if I was even planning on attending, as it is arranged as NAME houseparties are. The registration packet might be high, but alot of things will be included that you wouldn't have the benefit of if just attending on the fly. I will be in Tyson's Corner that weekend, so bummer. But will still be at a show! :lol: Have fun!
  6. I definitely feel that children should be monitored closely online. As to whether or not My Space should even be on line, I think they need to upgrade their security considerably. I didn't even know that colleges looked at what kids were posting online--seems kind of stupid when you think it's their grades and school & extra curricular activities & clubs they belong to that they should be interested in--so I rather doubt I would have my child apply to that sort of college. We have about three computers. Amanda loves to play games on mine or Chris' and that is it...nada. no online chatting, no discussion. Her mother allows her to go online but the parental controls are so tight on her mom's computer she has to ask to go to any sites not on the approval list. It's all about knowing what you kids are doing--and responsibility. We are thinking of letting her have the Mac in her room just to play games on--(I hate computer games and would love to delete them from my computer-- I think they are simply a waste of time--) but no internet access.
  7. Generally at a huge show such as Denver--(never been, but I hope to go one day at a friend's invite! ) the exhibits are just there for you to enjoy. They might make it interesting and have an exhibit that is intended for raffling, such as a dollhouse that is finished, etc. Even small shows usually have some sort of exhibit that they are sponsoring for a raffle to raise money for a charity, club, etc. I remember at Lakeland Miniature Guild show I brought a couple of exhibits and they had people vote as to what was the best, most unusual, most creative, etc. and the exhibitors won prizes. If you are gong for the whole enchilada--Denver is a huge show and has tons of classes, workshops, etc. go to their website and scout out and plan NOW. classes fill up. If you are taking a class, take a basic toolbox kit with you--carry a large tote bag w/ just your essentials. Also wear comfortable shoes and clothing--the bigger the show, the quicker the good stuff goes! If they have a show preview, that's the best time to shop in my opinion. Another fun thing is the themed teas and luncheons some of these shows have. Usually an artist will have about ten people, there will be some sort of lunch or a 'tea' planned, and they will talk on a subject, any subject, and there will be a miniature that is included. It's a great way to meet other miniaturists, take a load off, enjoy a snack or lunch with other miniaturists. These themed teas and luncheons are alot of fun at NAME houseparties. I do not know if Denver has NAME sponsored roundtable workshops--but be prepared for these to be filled QUICKLY. roundtable workshops are generally anywhere from $3-8 apiece, and it is a quick little project that can be done in about 5-15 minutes. There are people who save up their money for the maximum (enjoyment--they are class hounds! :o ) and sign up for all of the short roundtables. I would definitely go to one of the banquets, sales, a little of each. Boy, I wish I could go with you! The best way to plan your 'strategy' is go to the website --I bet some major dealers will be there! And don't forget your camera! B) Have fun!
  8. I live in Va. and we have had flash flood warnings all day yesterday and last night and this morning. last week the heat was so unbearable that it was hard to breathe--it weakens me considerably since I am so prone to migraines. The rain is good for the garden and my flowers, but it is really a pain in the patootie as far as getting anything done.. especially with the flash flood warnings so close. We live in what is referred to as flat land, just hope we don't loose our electricity. What was so strange yesterday is all of a sudden it would be clear and then five feet away it would pour rain! :o was really weird. We have had alot of heat here last week--I did not go out at all! It was so hot that I would go to the grocery store or run errands EARLY in the morning before heat took over. I had some Bond 527 glue dry up in that heat, so I transported glues into a cooler place to be on the safe side.
  9. Melanie, listen to Lony & Calamari--they are right on the ball. Be quite specific in your return, and payment policies--I only accept paypal, and I only use USPS flat rate for this very reason. Best thing about the flat rate envelopes and boxes, they free, easy to get, and you can go up to four lbs for $4.50, $8.10 is up to 70 lbs. This allows you to combine shipping on multiple auctions, which I do. Don't fall into the trap of trying to make money off of your postage like those 1 cent wonders, ebay is cracking down, just got the low down on one of my ebay groups. Definitely the way you make your money is RESEARCH. go into completed listings, and research your item. Be creative with your title--I sometimes use subtitles, but very rarely and then I usually just combine it w/ gallery & designer. You can go to my blog--ebay has become quite the hobby for me. I love it, it allows me to pay for extra expenses, and I look at ebay as a great resource. Ebay also has blogs, go to community. You can use these blogs to talk to other ebayers, or advertise what's in your listings. Take advantage of turbo lister, and your About Me! page--this really allows free word of mouth advertisement--buyers like to know who they are buying from, makes it personal. My special blogspot: http://yardsaleebaysellerjunkie.blogspot.com I started this little blog with tips I have found that worked for me on yard sales, and ebay. Most of all, have patience. Don't pay for a 10 day auction--seven days gets you the same amount of traffic as ten--just time your listings. Ebay is on pacific time, I highly recommend Marcia Collier's book, Starting an ebay business for dummies---(the title is weird, I know, but hey, the book is gold in advice.) I have a few books on ebay that are really great, and I now shop for my hard to find items that are just really expensive in a brick and mortar store. Don't despair--it is very possible to make a living off of ebay--I know people who do it, and ebay for me is a great hobby that turned into another sideline business. ** think outside the box when dealing with ebay, and don't get caught up in the discussion board retoric--because what would go in a brick and mortar, does not always work well on ebay--that's the beauty of it.! **
  10. I'd say the biggest house as far as rooms go would be the yardsaledollhouse. I added hallways because a staircase should be in a hallway, not in a room. That gave me three more rooms, nine rooms in the main house. I turned the attic into a train room and a little boys room--so it now has 11 rooms, and I am planning on buying the wing to add to it so it will then have thirteen rooms--I'm still working on saving up for the siding kit and the wing kit. Queen's Row is big just in width, not rooms--it has a total of eight rooms if counting the attic. Queen's Row has fallen by the wayside --I'm hoping to work on the grand entrance hall this weekend. Most of my other houses are small cottages. The Arthur (Olde Shelby Cottage) is still being worked on, and until I get shelving on the walls in my display room, nix on the landscaped base I wanted to add to it. As far as big houses, my sugarplum wizard's cottage has a landscaped base that is about four or five feet long, complete with cemetary. This is the most cumbersome house I have because of the base--not the cottage itself. When I first began to collect I went a little nuts with the landscaping.
  11. I have used drywall mud on foamcore, and foam insulation. Works just fine--I created my fireplace how to in Jan. issue of AM with foam insulation, foamcore, and the fireplace is completely made of drywall mud, spread with a palette knife, and cake decorating bag. You can see a good picture of it in my blog. http://yardsaledollhousestory.blogspot.com Let it 'set up' a bit if you are doing any intricate decorative work. It should look great. If you need to age it, use Weathered Wood crackle--I used that on the siding of Minnie's Lil Scapbook store and it looked great.
  12. I know what you mean Holly about Kids' activities and gas prices--Amanda just got inducted into the Jobies and session (alot like camp) is coming up--between the clothes she needs, the admission, AND gas to go about shopping for this stuff and taking her to meetings--it is a pain in the wallet. Going on vacation with the cost of gas isn't an option, at least not an extended vacation with long road miles involved.
  13. Heidi, had to laugh. I had ALL of Erma's books at one time and read them when I was a teenager. There were certain parts of her books that were just too, too funny. I like you getting proactive--I'm going to have to check that fix-it sight out! Here are a few of mine: Grass is growing, but can't cut it because A) hubby didn't get home in time too hot c) I'd cut it myself but the lawn mower is 'rigged' so hubby says -he doesn't like me to use his toys--go figure Dishwasher broke a glass so now we wash dishes. Hubby's job is now to wash dishes--I figure it's only fair, if I have to cook!LOL! I know how you feel about bugs--the thing we have the most problem with is ants and bees. There are wasps and bees in the old shed and I hate bees.
  14. I think fourteen cats is overboard, even if they live out in the country where they could be 'barn' cats. Little guy down the road my husband knows who rents a house on the big farm has alot of cats, but they are 'barn' cats--it's kind of neat to see them on the woodpile, and near the barn. And yes, they are useful-they keep the vermin down. But I wouldn't have fourteen cats in a house. I have three cats and the two outdoors will 'spray' if they think another animal has come into the yard, etc. It is a way of marking their territory, so to speak. Sweetie Pie is old, I think she does not see very well and sprays certain things outside like the fence, or a bush, I think so she can simply find her way about. She never really leaves the yard. I would just quietly speak to the lady like Heidi mentioned here--though it is unhealthy, and unsafe, it is very possible the cat jumped in the car and peed on the towels, without her knowing until she got up the road. Though it is aggravating, Heidi had a point there about not throwing the towels out yourself, etc. That's the day care director's job. It's possible the mother may have fourteen cats--but I would be very careful before jumping to conclusions--she could be running a boarding kennel, be a person who is a groomer, or breeds and shows cats. Fourteen is excessive, but not if she has permits and licensing. Someone mentioned they could have just had kittens, if this is probably the case, the kittens are not yet old enough to be weaned, sold, etc.
  15. I was thinking grout myself too. Like lipyrogirl said, you can get grout in all kinds of colors. Quik Seal is something I have used for grout when making floor tiling out of dry wall mud, I use the Quik Seal to rub it for the appearance of grout. The only thing is you use a seperate base for your walkway, like heavy artist's paper or paper that resembles canvas so it will absorb the glue. I use a thinned out Elmer's glue, and just keep adding glue if I need it more thick. Then after everything is dry, spray with a sealer to hold it in place. I think this is one reason why my sugarplum cottage that is on a big base and landscaped, has done so well with Henry --he likes to park his carcass on the driveway and 'smell' everything. He hasn't demolished the flowers but he has worked pretty good on an azalea tree at the end of the driveway.
  16. I am so sorry you didn't get the house. Many older houses like that about here are nightmares as far as restoration, unless the family the house has been in has taken care of it year after year. Better safe than sorry. Actually, alot of people who live where I live in Manquin, Tappahannock, Kilmarnock, Fredericksburg, and Carolina county here in Va. commute. When I worked my former security job I communted and had to get up at 4:30 in the morning. I too sometimes ended up working 12 hour days like you, but loved where I lived and thought it well worth it. There are many commuter lots all around, since everyone here mostly commutes except those that work for the county, or nearby. If I worked in D.C. like Lily there in Atlanta I think I would shoot myself if I had to commute the traffic is horrendous. Don't be discouraged! You might find another dream house that fits right in and doesn't put so much stress on you. But I would've said the commute is worth it!
  17. Actually, this is my answer to a longing for a train set. Hubby & I watch train dvd's we get from Garden Railroad on Saturdays, and our favorite show on HGTV is Workin' on the Railroad. We love the structures and landscaping actually more than the actual signifigance of a train. I lean towards N & Z scale, he leans more towards HO because of all the kit possibilities. We both would love a working steam engine train for G scale in the yard, but not possible with two cats who live outside, the maintenance would be a nightmare. So this is my answer to it--a dollhouse train room!lol! Heidi, the birdcage came from Miniature Memories in Folly Beach, S.C. I highly recommend Joan's shop--she is a wonderful lady in person, and she is very reasonably priced. I & my friends order from her quite frequently. The owl in the cage is by our resident animal artisan here on GL, Anya!
  18. I agree with you. It used to cost very little to fill up my little pontiac, and now I schedule things when I go shopping/post office/ etc. in one trip. Doe, I am sorry to hear about your back, I suffer back pain alot and really feel for you. I think alot of mine is the beginning of arthritis in the neck, (could minis cause us to hurt? ) from sitting still so long when I work on a project or my mini books. ( :lol: Corn can be fermented, I know folks who used it for their gas tanks! Old geezers in the family used to keep the 'recipe' on hand to put in their pickups! That was a big joke at the family reunions about ten or fifteen years ago. ;) ) Jennifer, I love Pigeon Forge! It has been so long since I have been there! I went to Dollywood and simply loved it--I remember finding great minis there too! Is it her sister Stella who has a doll shop or a hat shop? Can't remember! ;)
  19. Linda, it looks great! Chris has been busy marking off space for his workshop --and I love the chair! Jimmy is really talented. I have alot of work to be done to my workshop--so I know how excited you are!Great pics!
  20. Yes, I thought the lurid pink awful for this grand house. It closely resembles some of the houses about here in Va. from the late 1860's- 1900's, especially when I saw how siding was applied to it. When I started looking about on sites on the internet, I was amazed at how much this house can be enlarged, bashed, etc. The only things that did not come with my yard sale buy was the windows, door, and roof. I plan to improvise the roof and make it hinged so it opens from the front to the back, instead of hinged from the middle. The roof right now is last on my list; right now cutting those windows and door to fit are first, then the siding. Haven't got to the little boys' room yet, I am having so much fun with the train room right now. Forgot to tell you how I made the 'tunnel' that the little train on the floor appears to be coming out of ---it was made from an egg carton, mounted on foam insulation, mounted on balsa wood, then covered with plaster cloth. The front brick tunnel entrance is made of paperclay. I then painted it with washes and landscaped it. I made the base for the Lionelville ornament with foam insulation and train plaster cloth also. The trees are toothpicks with the 'grass' applied for leaves. Thank you so much for looking! :lol:
  21. Actually, I found out from a lady on the Camp yahoo group that it is actually a Strawberry Patch kit from Walmer? who was bought out by RGT. You can still buy the house, Tracey, and it also has a wing kit that can be added to each side, (the milled wing kit is really cheap, and it also has hinged doors) I plan to buy the siding and shingle kit to side this house in, and custom make the bulls' eye window in the attic. Later if they Woodenhouse family needs more room--I will buy the additional wing for it. This house has been so much fun And doing a train room is easy, I looked at articles in Miniature Gazette and DHM from past issues of folks who have done it--and painting the walls to blend with the scenery is easy too--it's really easy to paint with acrylics--I just used a few techniques of Donna Dewberry. Thank you so much for looking!
  22. I have lots of updates on my 'yard sale find'. I have progressed past the stairs, and stained and installed the stair stringers, and have priced up the 'kit' that is available to apply siding to the house--that is the next step, after I alter the windows and door--they need to be trimmed a bit to accomadate the windows I wish to use. I have incorporated many items from my collection that I have collected over the years. One of these is a Lionelville hallmark train ornament, that looks like a miniature train set up. I have also collected the miniature hallmark ornaments with a plane, train, and a fire engine. So it is only natural the attic should be made into a train room and a little boys room(the little boys room will be done in cowboy theme--to also house my collection of Breyer Mini Whinnie's! ;) --I also collect model Horses from Breyer. These are perfect replicas of what would be the equivilant of 1:9th scale or traditional scale in full size. :lol: ) Here are some pics so far of the train room the wall that divides the two rooms is made of foamcore, and some stripwood stained was use to make a door frame. The support strip is low, so it blends in with the viewpoint of an attic /playroom/bedroom duo. For more on the yardsale dollhouse, check out my blog documenting this little house! http://yardsaledollhousestory.blogspot.com
  23. Oh dear, I just had to laugh.....at the thought of this big burly man cutting and hacking on poor Barbie. :lol: Glen, you did a great job on her 'knees' ...sure you shouldn't be a doll surgeon? Did a short, blonde woman make you upset--and she looked like Barbie? ;) What's next for Barbie--those are the fairytale ones, right? I guess she didn't live happily ever after without sedatives?? :lol: I'm with doogster--you ought to sell the bent knee parts on ebay...... ;)
  24. That's funny. Now, can you chew gum while you do that? <grin>
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