Wednesday 22 June 2016

Some progress

I don't think I've ever faffed about with a property as much as I've faffed about with this one.   I had an idea of where I was going with it then I really got into the research which threw up all sorts of different ideas, each one better/different from the last which resulted in me not being able to make up my mind!

I would go into the hobby room and move cardboard around (or at least that's what it felt like) with no progress of any note being made.

There's been a lot of "I want this but can't do it until I do that" and "if I do this, then I can't do that" and on it went.

Another factor delaying the progression of this was my sister Valerie.   Valerie suggested I watch Monarch of the Glen which was filmed here Ardverikie.   I hadn't watched the programme when it was shown but I trusted her judgement and duly ordered the series.    I have therefore been spending my time doing "research" and it has thrown up all sorts of other exterior ideas so really I'm no further forward!

Here, nothing is fixed, just all propped up.   Do I go with an additional oriel window?


How about a squared off bay?   The picture I'm using for inspiration here is Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott.


I definitely wanted crow stepped gables


At last, at least one decision has been made and I'm stoning the walls using Bromley Craft Products  stencil and compound and I'm going with the squared off bay (I think!)


Tuesday 7 June 2016

York Fair

Firstly, thank you to everyone who posted on this new blog.   I'm really excited about this one and am full of ideas.   Whether or not they happen will be anyone's guess but it's really nice to know folk are interested and keen to see what will be coming next.

It's great fun shopping for minis relating to a new property when all the ideas are buzzing around (in fact it's great fun shopping for minis, period) and I wasn't disappointed with my trip to the York Fair at the weekend.    I arrived in York early enough to allow myself an afternoon of RL shopping and that wasn't disappointing either - I love York!

The one thing I didn't get was the item at the very top of my list namely, panelling.   Out of stock, but I should hear from the seller the minute it's readily available again.   Here' are all my purchases and where I can remember, I've noted the name of the seller (the flooring in the background is for another property) -


Chandelier Matlock Miniatures;   decorative plaster items;  table decoration (the candles are too tall!);  fabric;  lion's heads J & A Supplies;  fretwork screen and door Dolls House Direct;  fretwork ceiling decoration.


During my foray round the shops on Saturday afternoon I came across these little items from, would you believe it, an Armoury shop.   This is a bonus!    I am so pleased to be able to say that Marsh Hall now has a motto "By Virtue Safe" and a Coat of Arms.   How swanky is that?    I've no idea how they will fit into the scheme but fit they will.   The little picture/carving is a magnet and the perfect size for a wall decoration.