dales_dreams dollhouse miniatures 1/12th or one inch scale

Hello! :)

2015-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, my! I cannot believe how long it has been since my last post. Twas never my intention to just walk away, but, it is what it is.

So much has happened in the past two years, gees, this year alone has been a roller coaster ride of good and bad for me and my family. I won't bore you with all of the details. ;)

Let's get up to date! :)

Please do let me know what you have been up to as of late!

Most recently, I exhibited at Philadelphia Miniaturia for the third year in a row. Best time evah! and best show to date! So happy to be included with so many fabulous artisans. I feel so privileged to be included in such a fabulous show.

This year I had the opportunity to teach that went really, really well. My students were so happy with their mini creations and I am so bummed that I completely forgot to bring a camera. I will try to remember for next time.

For now, some pics of my table at the show;

My very sweet son took this pic;

and I took this one of the table;

I have more pictures on the ipad, but have yet to figure all of that out completely yet. I'm still learning, even though I am old! lol

Okay, so bear with me, this old dog is going to have to learn new tricks, after being away for so long, everything is so new and different, I have much to learn, but I will keep on trying!

Thank you for still being around and interested. I really appreciate it. :)

There is much in store for dale's dreams in the coming months and coming year and many new minis to be seen. I hope you continue to join me in this miniature journey. I'm still loving it and I hope you are as well.

Many blessings sent out to you and yours!
As ever,
dale :)

AMERICANA is now live at Etsy!

2013-09-02T16:13:00.000-04:00

By working together, we can accomplish great things!

May I present to you;

AMERICANA!

These are the collaborative works of myself, CalicoJewels and KatiesClayCorner

all are now available for sale at etsy in our shops

If you would like to see the inspirations for this line, you can find them here on pinterest.

Feel free to follow my boards.

My mother was very patriotic, it gave her great pleasure that her father in law was a Yankee Doodle Dandy (born on the 4th of July), she loved history and was a genealogist. When our country celebrated the bicentennial, my mother recreated the flag that Betsy Ross made. It is for these reasons that I dedicate my new line of miniatures, AMERICANA, to her memory.

And, the new line is...

2013-08-25T14:32:00.004-04:00

I am pleased to announce the name of my new line is.... (drum roll please) AMERICANA! This has been the result of months of work and research. It has been a collaborative effort, I've joined forces with Linda Sweigart of CalicoJewels at etsy and Katie Reid of KatiesClayCorner and blog of the same name, also at etsy. Linda is well known for her Medieval, Tudor and fantasy furniture. Katie makes all kinds of cute accessories for the dollhouse. The listings for the new line of Americana miniatures will go live in our shops on Labor Day.

Are you following dalesdreams on facebook?

If you are and you share the announcement post about the new line, you will be entered in a drawing to win a sneak peek preview of the line with an early option to purchase before the listings go live.

Have you signed up to be on my mailing list? To receive the latest news and information from dalesdreams simply email me at [email protected]">[email protected] put mailing list in the subject line and you won't miss out on any important news, information or sales details.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement during the creation phase.

Where have I been?

2013-07-07T10:31:00.000-04:00

All the things you didn't know...

Where have I been? Well, that is something I ask myself all of the time. But, mostly, it's where am I? lol and I'm sure my hubby would concur, he often wonders where I am, or where my head is at.

It used to really upset him, when my kids were little and I didn't know what day it was. It never really mattered to me, all of the days were the same, until it came to the weekend and he was home. :) I was busy being in the moment, but, I digress. ;)

When I left you all, we had just returned from the Denver Show. We did have a wonderful time at the show and I learned a lot, met a lot of great people, but... the trip did not go at all as planned, but what does one do? Other than suck it up and put a smile on their face and go on. :)

When we returned from the trip, we had some family stuff to deal with and the next thing I knew, I was getting a job. I hadn't worked outside the home in ten years, so it was very exciting. I got a sales position at Macy's for the holidays and I basically just worked like a nut from then on until after Christmas and then found out that they were keeping me on permanently.

Nine months later, I still love my job. I love getting dressed up and wearing make up and jewelry and accessories! It's like playing dress up, every day that I go to work. I love our customers, some of the most fabulous fashion savy people shop at Macy's and our customers are from all around the world. This is so appealing to the world traveler in me. I love the stimulus, the excitement, the work, and most of all, helping people. I confess, I am not an avid clothes shopper, but I love serving others.

This year has had a lot of ups and downs for us and I try to keep focused on the positive rather than the negative...

The highlights so far this year have been, my oldest daughter graduating from Penn State University where she had a major in Meteorology and a minor in.... I always wanna say Business Science, I think she says something else. ;)

My husband turned 50 and we celebrated him being in business for himself for the past ten years.

One of the lowest points of the year so far, has been my mother passing away. She died in the spring and I was there at her side to see her not take one more breath. I was there for her, just as I was for when my father passed away and I feel so grateful and fortunate to have been there both times, for both of them.

Both of my parents started to fail in the same year, though they had been divorced for the majority of my life.

I had always been so close with my mother. We spoke on the phone daily when the children were little and she was at everything for my kids, we took her on vacations with us, she was just a staple for my kids, which is how I wanted it to be, I made sure, she was always there.

Almost one month to the day of my father going into the hospital, my mother took a fall coming home from work and basically, cracked her head open and was hospitalized. I had her come to my house to recuperate, my brother lived with my father, so he had him covered, but I was busy visiting him, every chance that I could.

After mom with with us for a while, hubby and I were comparing notes and we knew things were not right. After a visit up to my mother's house, I came home and told her, "Tough love, you are not going back home anymore, you are going to stay here." She looked at me with relief in her eyes and smiled.

I had her evaluated by a neurologist and that is when we got the diagnosis of dementia. Dementia is a cruel and heart breaking disease.

I cried every night uncontrollably for a week. I knew, I had already lost my mom.

This is something that I have kept fiercely private, because it has been so close to my heart, so painful... this was my secret, I shared with only a few.

As any parent that has raised children knows, you celebrate each day with each new thing learned and each goal in life attained.

I watched my mother digress and unlearn everything. She couldn't remember how to wash her hair, so we got her hair done every week. She couldn't remember how to tie her shoes, so I tied them for her...

The movie "The Devil Wore Prada" came out and we went to see it. Mother always loved movies and going to see them. This movie totally changed my direction in life. Given my circumstances it was a time of re-evaluation.

I longed for a job in retail again, but, knew that could not be. But, I could fulfill one life dream to go to Paris, so I took my family to Paris the next spring.

I knew I had to do something for me during this time, as I could not leave the house, I had to supervise her and eventually her caregivers.

I decided to go back to what I knew, making dollhouse miniatures. I had a very small business when the children were young and I just sold exclusively to one shop. This was a lot of fun, until my son when to school and I missed him so much, I could not self motivate. I ended up working at an antique store here in my town.

On the anniversary of my father's passing, I opened my etsy shop, dalesdreams. I was just about to spam all of my dear friends and family, when I got an email from one of my dearest childhood friends that her mother was in the hospital and then, a bit later, another email, she had passed away.

My shop opened with a dud, as I no longer felt like celebrating it, those spam emails never went out with any announcement of my new endeavor.

But, it opened, life went on and I had my first sale within the first week.

So, here I am, seven years later, dalesdreams will be five in August. Still making my miniatures... and realizing that in wanting to have something just for me, that I never shared it with my mother at all. She never knew what I was doing and given that she had dementia, I don't know how she would have reacted. (It was very rough for me, us switching roles, she used to introduce me to people as her mother) I know how she would have reacted years earlier, she would have been so proud of me and happy for me, as she had always been and that's what I keep in my mind.

So, that's it, my deeply guarded secret, now you know...where dale's dreams came from.

And, life goes on....

I'm working on a new line, set to debut on Labor Day and it is the biggest project, my largest endeavor to date. I hope that you will be around for the reveal.

This post is dedicated to Dorothy Rose Rodgers 7-2-28 - 3-21-13
I will love and miss you forever, Mother.

Denver Show Part II

2012-10-29T08:34:00.000-04:00

The long awaited Part II of the Denver Dollhouse and Miniature Show!

Remember, if you want to see a larger image of the photographs, right click on one and have it the image open in a new tab, you can then click on that image to enlarge, so you don't miss out on anything!

Last time I shared with you people I had already known, but was getting to see in person.

This time, I share with you some brand new people that I met and took a liking too. :)

Era and her husband;

run Pearce Miniatures and Era makes the most exquisite miniature florals.

website is here

[email protected]" target="_blank">email is here

Gideon was our next door neighbor and he was just the nicest gentleman.

His miniature business is called Wild Wolf Miniatures and he makes very high end furniture.

website is here

[email protected]" target="_blank">email here

Jim Pounder is one of the friendliest men you will ever meet and he makes beautiful sculptures and light fixtures.

Definitely, on the must have list for some day!

You can find some of his works here

and here.

I didn't get a picture of her, but, Judi was a wonderful gal.

She had long black hair and was wearing vintage glasses that she had her prescription put in. How cool is that? What a smart idea! She looked fabulous!

She told me how her girlfriends started the Denver show, thirty years ago.

It was a pleasure having Judi as one of our neighbors.

Before the show, I had posted in Small Stuff Digest, to see if anyone from there was going.

Sue Veeder was one to respond and say that she would be there.

Lo and behold, she was siting right next to me at the dinner on Friday night.

That was fun. :)

website here

[email protected]" target="_blank">email here

She had some lovely items, but, I had my eye on some of her son's modern black and white photography in miniature. Of course, I am kicking myself for not getting one, but, there is always next time!

Unfortunately, I only got to say a quick Hi! to the gal that has True2Scale.

Her packaging was really quite impressive!

you can find her blog here

and her website here

And there you have it for now!

A few more things to share with you in the third edition, plus a giveaway!

All coming soon! :)

Sharing Sunday! :)

2012-10-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

Yes, I will use any excuse I can find to pull out my blue and white china.

Photo credits below.

I especially added these top two because they fit in with the season.

I recently got this gift from Lyssa. She had a giveaway on her blog and added a special one for those that had been most supportive of her. I was so touched to be one! :)

I know the fence shelf looks a bit Halloweeny, but later it's gonna be shabby chic-y some where in one of my houses. I love her paintings and check out the basket, would you believe it is made of paper? I had to really examine it.

Sweet treasures, thank you Lyssa!

You can find her blog here and her etsy shop here.

These are from my friend Heidi. She dressed the skelly herself and that has got to be the tiniest cameo I have ever seen. I have to make up those boxes now.

I met Heidi on facebook, she's been down here to visit twice now. We have minis and food and music in common... and the occasional sarcasm. ;)

You can find her blog here, where she writes about life and day to day kinda stuff. :)

She's been back to making minis again, maybe she will share some pics soon!

Patricia from Papillon Bleu made me this dolly when we did a trade a while back. I made a proper mattress for Alienore. She gave her a pink dress because of my affinity for pink and dark hair to match me, but look at her bracelet.

She gave her a pink bracelet just like I have.

Have you any idea how hard it is to take a picture of your right hand with your left hand?

I don't suggest trying it! lol ;)

Just one of the many moments of serendipity that I have had with so many of my mini peeps.

More hat stands from Tom Saunders.... perhaps I just leave them out some where to remind me to make some hats soon! :)

He doesn't seem to have an open shop at the moment..

I thought I bought yellow apples, bananas and peppers.

According to the receipt it is bananas, grapefruit and tomatoes!

Too funny, I don't even like grapefruit!

Guess I need my eyes checked. ;)

They are from the[email protected]" target="_blank"> Fieldwood Company, Inc.

Of course, we should all be preparing for this holiday!

I got this from Pepe when Caterina had a swap for Christmas.

Sadly, I cannot find her blog now, she might not have even had a blog, I am not sure, if anyone knows, please let me know and I will edit this post.

Photo credits:

Fireplace, bench, and blue and white china from my private collection.

Blue jug from Sandy Copeland

Miniature photography from Wanderinon

Folding screen, pillows, rug and shell mirror can be purchased at my etsy shop.

Thanks for joining me for sharing Sunday! :)

Latest works...

2012-10-05T12:15:00.000-04:00

Spent a good portion of this week painting these pieces with many coats of paint and sanding.

Highlighted with gold paint and the chair has been reupholstered.

I liked them so much, I decided to keep them for myself. :)

In progress...

You can see the bedroom pieces in their before look.

A while ago, my cousin who is a professional organizer gave me a bunch of furniture from a woman that was downsizing.

and a dollhouse...

and a box of furniture to make, though, some of it is missing.

With how busy I was this past summer, I think I forgot to share all of this.

I painted this buffet or console table to have an Asian style to it and it's been distressed to show age.

I don't often venture outside of 1/12th or one inch scale, but I did for this little bed.

You can see it's before look in the group photo above. Bed measures less than 3" wide.

Painted, sanded, aged, and distressed.

New floral rose print has been combined with two vintage fabrics, one featuring hearts, the other polka dots. Fine vintage and antique trims and lace have been used to embellish the bedding and pillows.

Country, cottage, shabby chic.

Before.

In progress...

The bench has been embellished with pink, blue, and yellow roses, it's also been distressed. Upholstered with a blue floral and rose pink pleated trim. The pillows are all loose and filled with a material that makes them appear real, along with a folded "quilt." Rag rug is braided from a yard each of the fabrics used.

I didn't forget about the series for the Denver show, Part II will be coming soon and so will a giveaway.

Stay tuned! :)

Denver Dollhouse Miniatures Show Part I

2012-09-27T12:22:00.000-04:00

There is so much that I want to share with you all that this is going to be broken down to three postings.

I apologize if you think this is over kill, but otherwise, it would be one humungous post! lol

When I teasingly referred to it as the epic cross country adventure, I had no idea how true those words would come to be! Thank goodness, my dear sweet hubby was along for the ride and the journey. He is really my BFF (best friend forever). Over the past almost 30 years many "friends" have come and gone, but, he remains and will hopefully always be, my best friend, my greatest supporter and my soul mate.

Plus, he makes me laugh all of the time! :)

I am very blessed.

We took three and a half days to get to Denver, CO from New Jersey. We thought this would be a leisurely pace, but still, they were long days of driving! The first night in Denver, we stayed with my oldest sister. When I went to first grade, she went to college and a year later she transferred to Denver and she has lived there ever since. The last time we drove across the country was in 1976, so it was nice to repeat that journey as an adult and to be the one driving. :) Thank goodness for planes in the mean time. ;)

I'm bad, I didn't get a picture of her and she looked fabulous, too!

I love and adore her so much!

I did get a pic of her new kitty though, Rascal. :)

The next day, we met up with my friend Cathy, because I told her I would share table space with her and have her floral items for sale. I've been friends with Cath for four years, in fact, she was the first one that accosted me on etsy and we became fast friends. :)

Did I get a picture of her? No! I am so bad!

We were under a time crunch as hubby had a work deadline so we basically were just rushing in to pick up her merchandise and rushed out.

But, you know what is funny about peeps you know online but never have seen?

They usually lie about the way they look. lol ;)

Cath told me she was big, imagine my surprise when I find this tiny little woman! lol ;) Big my foot! ;)

You can find Cathy's blog here.

Anyhoo! I will never forget the girlish twinkle/sparkle that was in her eyes and we finally got to hug, a few times, in person, after having given each other so many virtual hugs over the years. :)

I could not have picked a better place/show to be my first. I was surrounded by my hubby, sis, good mini friends and even a gal from high school that I got to catch up with who has been living in Denver for a while. The people that ran the show were so supportive and excited for me for it being my first show, as well as the other dealers and the customers. I could not have asked for a better experience. I learned a lot!

Okay, enough blabbing from me, on with the show! :)

Here's my table.

I was tickled to get to meet so many peeps in real life that I have met online. :)

Julie, I have known since blogging, but got to know her a lot better on facebook. We have so much in common, including last names (her last name is my maiden name), we both have family from the same small town in Western Pennsylvania and a host of other things, like loving nature... well, the list goes on and on and I won't bore you further, but, I have to tell you, it was such a joy to get to meet her in person and get to hang out with her. She is such a real and fun person to be around, it was a true gift. :)

You can find Julie's shop here, her blog is currently under construction. ;)

Check out the gourd bird and house! Cool, right? :)

And her caravan, she sells instructions how to make one.

Pamela J is another I met through blogging and etsy and eventually facebook. Her minis are fab! One really needs to see them in person to appreciate the detail, especially with her mini food jewelry.

I loved this! :)

Bear, I have had the pleasure of seeing his turnings the past few times at the Philadelphia Miniaturia. He is now president of the board for the Denver Dollhouse and Miniatures Museum.

These bowls were made soon after he became president. Apparently the day after he took office, a storm wreaked havoc on the grounds and these were the little blessings from the storm. :)

Kathy, I met her at etsy she has a shop here. What I really like about her fabrics is that she has them professionally printed. She was busy promoting her items by giving out some free samples to a few dealers. I was tickled of course, to be one of them. :) So nice to get to meet her in person after corresponding with her. :)

And here is me at the show, my friend Cath took this pic of me.

Next time, some new peeps to meet!
...and coming up soon, a giveaway! :)

Sharing Sundays! :)

2012-09-16T17:35:00.000-04:00

Welcome to sharing Sunday's, this is where I get to share my private collection with you, promote some of my fave artisans and document my minis all at the same time. :)

Pitcher of Peonies

Miniature Patisserie, Pei Li

Pei Li is such a sweet lady and I am just enamored with her creations. :)

Shop

Blog

Floral Cake Plate

Carolyn's Little Kitchen

Isn't this just the sweetest little cake plate? :)

Shop

Blog

Indian Handbag

Ewa

Ewa is such a generous soul! I saw these on her blog and asked if I could buy one and she simply would not hear of it. :) She is too kind. :)

Blog

Little House on the Prairie Book Set

Tree Feathers

I do not know what has happened to this gal. :( I love my boxed set of the Little House on the Prairie series. Sadly, her etsy shop is no longer around, but her blog is still up.

Blog

Decorative Columns

Victoria Dark Squirrel

Victoria makes a lot of witchy/goth type stuff. When I saw these in her shop, they were aged. She was so sweet to do a custom order for me and make them in white. I see these in a living room some day, flanking the fireplace with plants on top. She also threw in some lovely mini fabrics for me, how sweet is that? :)

Shop

Blog

Assorted Foods

Petit Plat, Stephanie Kilgast

Stephanie makes some of the best food around and these are just some of the pieces I have from her. :)

Shop

Blog

I hope you have enjoyed Sharing Sundays with me. :)

Be sure to check out their shops and blogs, they are all clickable links.

Until next time!

What is beyond Crazy? lol ;)

2012-08-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

I normally operate at a certain level of craziness...

But, I think I am out doing myself now. ;)

Getting ready for the Denver Museum

Miniature and Doll Fall Show & Sale

This after one of the busiest summers I have ever experienced!

Oldest is now en route home from Miami after a short vaca with the bf after her NASA internship.

She met the head of NASA, an astronaut and delivered presentations to the higher ups at NASA. Hubby attended the final presentation and said that it went very well, he was quite pleased with how professional she was. :)

For someone that does not have a car, she travels pretty well, I'll be picking her up at the bus station tonight and taking her back to Penn State University tomorrow and then myself returning home on Saturday and then all of the chillins will be at their destinations for a while!

Middle already returned to college around the beginning of this month and it anxiously awaiting school to begin. My son who graduated from HS this year is already attending his technical school where he is learning to be a diesel technician. It is so nice to see him come home from school happy and with a smile on his face! What a difference from the past 12 or so years of schooling experience!

So, in the mean time, four of the rooms in my house are turned upside down while we play our own version of musical rooms. To be completed after I return from Denver! and then some! ;)

I've been keeping late evenings and surprisingly enough some early mornings as well as I get ready for the show. By the time I head down stairs at night from working until 9 or 10pm, I am pretty much a zombie sitting in front of the tv and netbook, liking away on facebook.

Haven't really been having much in the way of real conversations, because the brain is no longer functioning! :)

So I am going to be packaging up my minis for sale at the show and let me tell you, the excitement is at an all time high. Hubby will be going along with me and we have three stops along the way in our cross country journey. The first and last stop will be with good friends from school days and the middle stop in Chicago with be will Tracy and Iva that I have gotten to know well over fb in the past year or more. Also looking forward to visiting one of the Chicago museums to see a dollhouse exhibit, we have two choices, but will probably only get to one or the other.

Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle

Thorne Miniature Rooms

These shell mirrors are some of the items I have been making for the show.

Some might be finding their way into my etsy shop shortly.

So, today packing up minis and will start making my own displays for the table.

Look I drew you a picture. :)

Wish me luck, I'm making two turntables and three nestled risers for display.

I have been fortunate and honored to be mentioned on Otterine's blog and on this blog Cotton Ridge the gal that runs the latter blog also has a website of inexpensive minis here.

Many thanks to both of you ladies, it is greatly appreciated! :)

Oh, and I've also been making these French Memo or Message boards.

Okay, that's all I got for now, lots more pics on facebook

dale's dreams

I gotta get back to work, the clock is ticking loudly! ;)

ciao for now :)

New Perfume Bottle Collections

2012-08-16T16:12:00.000-04:00

I am so tickled with how these have come out. :)

Golden elegance :)

When I made this set, I thought I would keep it for myself.

This set reminds me of the ocean :)

Then, when I made this set, I thought I would keep it for myself.

But, then this set was created!

and, then this one!

Sunny yellows :)

A special mix, this one includes a little purple butterfly bottle, seen right there in the front.

Inspired by Absinthe

Surf , sand and sea

Royal elegance, fit for a queen :)

I had shown a picture on facebook of work in progress. My dear sweet friend Kim, you can see her blog here, asked if I could make some steampunk inspired perfume bottles.

So, I did and she was thrilled with these. Turns out, it will coordinate wonderfully with her stained glass window. Serendipity! :)

Well, I can't keep all of them for myself, so these will all be heading into my etsy shop shortly and will be available for purchase.

Sharing Sundays!

2012-08-05T14:27:00.000-04:00

No, I haven't forgotten about Sharing Sundays! :)

What is that expression, "If you want something done, ask a busy woman."

I just might be that woman. ;)

If you had forgotten what Sharing Sundays is, it is when I share with you what is in my private collection of miniatures and I share where or who I got them from.

My attempt at trying to catalog my minis. :)

I apologize for the not so hot photo, not really much time for playing and at least I did get in this little bit. I'm beginning to think my pictures all look the same, I just keep tending to gravitate to my favorite items. :)

Photo credits below.

Okay, lots to share with you, today! :)

Thought I would share with you some of my wall art, especially since I've been adding a lot to that collection as of late.

A Monet replica from LittleTimeWasters.

I love Monet!

It's a nice large painting that will be wonderful above the couch or above a fireplace.

This was one of my first purchases from etsy.

Originally her shop was called SandBoxArt, but now she goes by the name DollhouseLittles.

You know how partial I am to pink. :)

It's kind of become a joke anymore, when ever someone lists something that is pink they are always sure to let me know. :)

These last three items come from LyssasBudgetMinis.

Lyssa and I did a trade a while back and she painted both of these special for me and added in this cute little crate.

The crate is doing a great job of storing the artwork, don't you think? :)

These all have been sitting on my desk, since... since... well, you can barely see the desk given the piles of paperwork on it and around it. Let's just say that several months have passed. ;)

Come to be that just recently, Lyssa had a giveaway on her blog and I was a winner.

I think it's only like the second time I have ever won any thing, so that was nice.

Very nice indeed, thanks Lyssa! :)

What else to share with you?

hmmm....

Well, Caterina is holding another holiday swap, if you have never participated before, give it a try. She does a great job of running the swap- it is a lot of work to run and it is also so much fun, like Christmas morning! You can find her blog here.

I've participated in a couple of her swaps in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Jazzi Minis is doing something really fun, perhaps you will want to join in on this. I know I am signed up. :)

Jazzi is sending the mini version of herself around the world and it will be documented by all of the bloggers that are participating. Doesn't that just sound like such fun? Kinda like the "Traveling Gnome."

I've been trying to catch up with as many of you and your blogs as I possible can. Life has got to slow down at some point, doesn't it?

LOL! We shall see, we shall see.

Here's to hoping that your week is off to a good start. :)

Cheers!

Photo credits:

Turning by Mike Rowe

Ikea tables by Yuki

Greenery arrangements by Golden Unicorn Miniatures - while she is not currently creating, she has been highlighting very talented artisans on her blog, so do take a look there. :)

Furniture my private collection from the Art Deco Museum Shop in Miami Beach, FL

Rug and pillow from my etsy shop

Some of the things I've been working on as of late :)

2012-07-27T15:36:00.000-04:00

I've been in baby land! lol :)

I took these vintage dollhouse miniatures and gave them a face lift.

The inspiration was the children's fabric. Perfectly scaled for the dollhouse.

At first, I just bought it in pastel...

but, then the more I thought about it...

I went back and purchased it in the primary color.

It is so handy having our new quilt shop in town, it's just two blocks from my house and is owned by a friend of mine. As Martha would say, it's a good thing! :)

These will all be heading into my etsy shop shortly.

Some in sets and some singly.

All of the bedding is removeable, the quilt has been tacked in place and the bows are permanent.

The crib and changing table are sold as a set and will come with a bonus of these baby bundles.

When my oldest was in girl scouts, they would do "Baby Bundles" for mothers in need.

This is a set of six wash cloths, six folded cloth diapers, four flannel receiving blankets and two baby towels. All bundled up. :)

I also have a set to list separately in my etsy shop.

I love how these colors pop.

Again here, the quilt is just tacked in place, the pillows (2) are loose.

The toy box has been upholstered to stand double duty as a bench.

A scaled down bassinet, this is probably the first bed for baby when it first comes home.

When my children were first born, they all spent some time in the family cradle until they outgrew it. :)

The walker reminds me of the one we had for our children.

It was red and white, too!

Something I did not have when my kids were little but, I did always want one, a wicker bassinet.

This has been white washed and the pillow and mattress are removeable, and they are also trimmed entirely with lace.

The drawers of the changing table have been lined with a soft blue and white paper.

All of the furniture has been lightly sanded to show real life, normal wear and tear.

I think it adds to the realism. :)

So, these are some of the things I have been working on and there is more to come!

I've been trying to make as many items as I can for the Denver Dollhouse and Miniatures Show that I will be attending in September. I am so excited about that, it will be my first show ever!

My oldest sister lives in Denver and so do a great many of my miniature friends, plus many others that will be at the show. :)

I feel like a gerbil in the wheel!

Here I go, again! :)

Questions for my blogging friends....

2012-06-27T20:49:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'm embarrassed to admit this, for you all are going to know just how far behind I am...(ie. March)

Of course, I am still mottling my way through the changes at blogger, I'm sure I will get better with it in time, took me forever to find my blogroll again! lol ;)

My question is about google friend connect. I know that most of us have been using this feature. What are you doing now that it has been retired? Did you add a google + badge to your blog? How are you keeping up with your followers?

It seems to still be working, though, I see many blogs that do not have the feature, how do followers subscribe then? Must it be by email, RSS or google +?

I have no understanding of RSS and I've tried, repeatedly! lol ;) Follow by email is great for those special few blogs you don't want to miss... but, one couldn't have all of the blogs they are following in their email, or all they would be doing is blog reading 24/7. Yes, I'm an honest person. :)

So, I'm wondering how you all are handling the changes and what you are doing, I would greatly appreciate any help, tips, info. :) If you know me, you know how technically challenged I am!

thank you!

dale :)

Latest Custom Order

2012-06-20T17:13:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to do a quick share with you all.

This is a custom order I just completed for a Moroccan setting.

My client seems to be real pleased with the end result. :)

Be back soon! <3

Vote for me! :)

2012-06-07T23:41:00.000-04:00

Yes! The next time about.com has a vote, vote for me. Oh, not about best mini blog, I surely don't qualify, but, for worst blogger of the year or ever? Definitely! And, I am counting on your vote! lol, just kidding, but, that is what I feel like, worst blogger ever! :(

I have been busy!

And, I can see from my shop stats, that I get busy this time of year. Not the year after I started my shop, but, since then, this month represents my kids' lives have been moving on. For some reason I thought when they reached college age they would not need me so much. Not! ;)

I have tried to keep myself busy in the interim. Recently, I picked up my eldest at Penn State University, brought her and her pigs (guinea pigs) back home and then loaded the car back up and drove her down to an internship in VA. NASA, yes, NASA! How cool is that? I think it is pretty awesome. :)

So, my youngest, my son is about to graduate from high school, God willing, and then start in less than a month for schooling for diesel mechanic and that will go on till the second December passing.

Middle is moving into a house soon nearby her University...

and, I'm trying to make minis...

take care of the house and home...

Oh, did I say I got back to gardening?

I did. :)

and home renovations?

Yeah, we are back at it!

Slowly but surely!

So, when I say I am busy.

I am. :)

Please, join me on facebook :)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/dales-dreams/107190135987923

You can also do a friend request, I'm always happy to accept a new friendship. :)

Oh, yeah, these items can all be purchased from my etsy shop.

click below

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dalesdreams

I'm especially tickled about the chair and already one of the kitty pillow sets has already been purchased.

There are more sets available in my shop.

Bear with me, I will be back to socialize and I very much appreciate your support.

dale :)

New Line of Miniatures

2012-05-13T10:12:00.000-04:00

I've been a little busy. :)

All of these minis will be heading into my etsy shop shortly.

With the exception of the desk and chair.

They will be the subject of an upcoming tutorial. :)

Pillows :)

a memo board...

"Are the calla lilies in bloom?"
One of my favorite flowers after roses... I carried calla lilies as my bridal bouquet. :)

a desk set; blotter, journal, memo pad and pencil holder complete with three pencils.

of course you have your loved ones close at hand...

a folding screen and some bunting, because, bunting is fun and playful :)

a coordinating bench with pillows...

you can never have too many pillows!

Rug was listed previously in my shop.

Thanks for letting me take you on the tour! :)

If you are celebrating Mother's Day today, I hope you are lounging about watching movies and eating bonbons.... and perhaps going on a shopping spree. ;)

Enjoy!
dale <3

Sale!

2012-04-30T09:19:00.001-04:00

Last day to enjoy 20% off in my etsy shops.

See previous post for details and links.

Thank you! :)

Sale! at dale's dreams and dale's dreamsII

2012-04-26T13:38:00.000-04:00

That's right, I'm having a sale in both shops until the end of this month.

Use coupon code April2012 during checkout and you will receive 20% off your entire purchase, excluding shipping.

click on either shop link below to begin shopping

dale's dreams designer decor for the dollhouse

dale's dreams II everything else, vintage, handmade and supplies

Have fun! :)

and thank you for your patronage! <3

dale :)

Look what has come in the mail! :)

2012-04-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

Aren't these just so cute?

I love the rooster, I can see him in a French Provencal inspired kitchen, can't you?

This was a very pleasant surprise that I received from Karin of

Karin's mini and maxi interior

A while back she put out a plea for small seashells for her mini surf shop. Being the avid beach comber and shell hoarder, I was able to send her off a bunch of shells I had gathered to help her out.

We had fun emailing each other back and forth and were busy using Google Earth to look at each others homes.

Thanks so much, Karin!

This was so sweet of you, you didn't have to do this,

but, I'm glad you did.

dale :)

Happy Easter Everyone!

2012-04-08T10:24:00.002-04:00

Please join the bunnies and I and celebrate with us at our little garden party!

Wishing you and your families many blessings! :)

from

dale and the bunnies :)

Sharing Sundays!

2012-04-01T09:00:00.003-04:00

Okay, this was me just playing. ;)

Credits at the end of the post.

Well, a girl has to have some fun, right? After I took some pictures of my minis, I took a few minutes to play and threw this scene together. Now, I know why you gals create scenes like this for your blogs!

It is so much fun to play!!! :)

The more I added the better it looked. When I added the plants, the whole scene came to life.

Hubby and I are sitting here, Sunday morning, having our coffee and tea, catching up on reading the mail and reading the Velveteen Rabbit to our little Tommy. :)

Okay, now on with the show!

This adorable tole tray was a recent purchase from

GlimpsesofNewEngland

I have a huge collection of tole painted trays in real life much like this one. I have so many, I could wallpaper the walls with them. I admit, I am in impulse buyer when it comes to minis. I know many of you have lists of things you want to add to your collection and I admire that. I just know, when I see something, I want it, I buy it. ;)

And here is one of the very reasons why I am starting to catalog my miniatures.
I bought this at the most recent Philadelphia Miniaturia...
and I have no idea who I bought her from or how much she cost. :(

Not really fond of her resin coloring. I'll paint her up a bit so she looks more like a stone carving at a later date.

Anyone know where she might have come from?

You might recall having seen this before. This is a handwoven basket that I received from my friend Sans!
Right now, she is busy with a month long travel through Europe visiting blogging friends.
You can follow her travels here.

I know I have shown this on my blog at least three times. I can't help it. I love it so much, even though it is just a bottle cap, it combines my love of little black cats and flowers. How can I not celebrate that?

You can find Lisa's etsy shop here.

I hope you have enjoyed Sharing Sundays with me.
Thanks for stopping by!
dale :)

credits for top photo:

large urn of greenery Golden Unicorn Minis

bird of paradise flowers Cecilia Colo

black IKEA inspired tables Amatheria

turning Tom Saunders

velveteen rabbit book Pat Carlson

letters Linda Carswell

occasional stool, rug, bust, and pillow dale's dreams

couch, shopping bag, mug, cup n saucer, pottery my private collection

PS light bulb moment

found this bead sorting tray in my bead drawer.... since all of my beads are organized, I had a wonderful revelation that I could use this to store the teeny tiny minis. I had nabbed this from one of my daughters and knew it would come in handy someday... the day has arrived! :)

Sharing Sundays! :)

2012-03-25T09:00:00.004-04:00

This is a new thing I am starting for Sundays.

I want to document my collection of miniatures so I can get them out of the packaging and get to enjoy them.

I was just going through a bunch of stuff and I had no idea what I had bought.

That's no fun, right?

So, I'm going to document them all here and where they are from and who knows, you might find a new place to get something, or find something that you have been looking for. :)

Deb made this custom for me in pink, after I caught eye of one she made in chocolate.

Isn't it cool?

It's a large cake, it's for a very festive party, with lots of guests! :)

You can find her etsy shop here.

Chairs I bought from MothersMiniTreasures on etsy.

I want to redo the upholstery on these.

A beautiful black acrylic hat stand by the wonderful Tom Saunders.

You can find his shop here.

Which reminds me, I really want to make some hats.

I made a pillbox hat for an Easter swap last year? or was that the year before?

I should make some more, it was fun to do.

See! Already getting distracted and side tracked.

Where were we?

Two pink glass vases, almost iridescent, from Cookie's Bits & Pieces.

I got these one year at Philadelphia Miniaturia, which, lucky for me is virtually down the street.

I also bought this lovely handwoven basket there, by [email protected]" style="color: #e06666;">Julia Sudol.

I think women have a thing for baskets. Do you? I know I do, in real life and in miniature.

Maybe, it's because we are gatherers. :)

and the last share of the day...

Wine glasses from The Little Dollhouse Company.

Prior to this purchase, the occupants of the house had to swig directly from the only bottle of wine.

So, glasses were very important! And, they are surprisingly really sturdy little things.

Thanks for sharing your Sunday with me.

I hope you enjoyed what I had to share.

dale :)

ps. I'm going to try to make my other postings on Thursdays, we'll see how that goes. ;)

Lots of new things to share with you! :)

2012-03-22T09:10:00.007-04:00

We'll start here. :)

Some darling little pillows, I think they would look great in a nursery room.

They are so happy and cheery, aren't they?

I no sooner posted a pic on facebook and they were sold before I had them listed in my etsy shop.

I guess, I'll have to make another set. :)

Some old favorites have been re-listed and are also new and improved!

They are now smaller in size.

These measure 1 1/2" square or 4cm.

You can find all of the cat pillows I offer by seeing this shop section; Cat pillows

My very popular Asian/Oriental styled rugs have been re-listed, too!

You can find them here in the shop section; Rugs Carpets

They are offered in two different color assortments and two different sizes.

And, some New rugs! These will appeal to our modern collectors and those decorating with a transitional style.

That first black one, I have made before. I've also made more in two different blues.

This one...

and this one...

This one reminds me of a Celtic knot, what do you think?

Both of these blue rugs I had listed before, but they all sold out, so I made more.

They are all offered in various sizes and prices, hopefully, to suit everyone's need. :)

Oh, yes of course the new pillows!

Some Indian inspired!

New pillows can be found in shop section; Pillows Cushions

Shown on this last green rug I have, no more will be made, unless I come across that fabric again, it made the perfect textured carpeting. Click here.

Love these! They are new editions to my shop as well. Big thanks to Cindy, for letting me know what the characters mean.

I guess that is enough for now. :)

I'm working on giving my etsy shop(s) a whole new look, plus shipping has be upgraded to reflect the new postal fees, I tried to keep the prices down as low as I possibly could. If I'm way over in my estimates, don't worry, I do make refunds.

I've also been making a lot of changes to listings as etsy seems to like to keep us all on our toes with all of their site improvements and what have you. ;)

And, I've also been working on my photography, seems to be a never ending challege! I was quite inspired by this blog post. I love this blog, mostly for the eye candy. :)

ta ta for now!

dale :)

One year later, we remember....

2012-03-11T10:03:00.004-04:00

and honor the people of Japan

Click here

They also have a page on facebook here.

Thank you for your support! :)