Shameless promotion and way off topic

The gift giving is starting (hey, at least I waited until Halloween!) and I just created a temporary site to show the mini food inspired jewelry I make and sell. There are only a few styles currently posted but more will be added soon. I am working on a full service stand alone site with a shopping cart and everything (I'm gettin' fancy!) but it is a major undertaking, so for now this will have to do.

 

In addition to the sweets and pastries I am creating a line of Japanese foods which should be out by early December. These are going to be really fun! And while aimed specifically for kids into Anime and Manga (get that confused look off your face), adults into Japanese culture will love these as well!

 

If you are not into J-pop or Anime, you won't get this!

 

 

Custom pieces are available. Check out the site and let me know what you think! Oh, and feel free to order something if you like. I won't mind!





 

http://tastycafejewelry.blogspot.com/

 

I will apologize in advance for the less than stellar photography. Until I can hire Brae ( www.otterine.com ) as my photographer, it has to be iphone pics :(

 

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Halloween! Boo!

All Hallows Greetings From Gartth Manor

 

The Garth family sends you helliday greetings on this darkest of days. They wish they could invite you in for some brandy and sweets but alas, this is their one night of the year when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead are thinnest. They have other plans......

 



Another Magickal Giveaway Alert!

Giveaways are always so much fun! It's like the lottery but with minis! I never have much luck with them myself but I love sharing when I come across one that is super cool. This one is super cool....

 

Illyria's Miniatures is doing a giveaway. I have a few of her pieces in my collection and they are awesome! She specializes in magickal and fantasy themes. Her bat books are incredible! 

She hails from Slovenia "The Sunny Side of the Alps!" which is just cool on its own.

 

I have copied the giveaway information from her blog below so you can see the super cool stuff she is giving away! Go to her blog and join to get in on the fun:

http://illyriasminiatures.blogspot.com/

 

Here are the goodies:

 

 

#1: A set of three Illyria's Miniatures original books - a Bat Book, a Mossy Book and a Dragonscale Book - Turquoise.

 

(That mossy book is just perfect for a Faerie dwelling!- Michi)

#2: One Illyria's Miniatures original Bat Book

#3: One Illyria's Miniatures original Dragonscale Book - Gold

 

(I have several of these in various sizes and the picture does no justice to the detail!- Michi)

Well, here they are, the three prizes waiting for the lucky winners!

Now for the rules:

1. You have to be a follower of my blog. (new followers will also be able to participate, so don't be shy!)

2. Leave a comment on this blog entry to let me know you wish to be added to the draw.

3. Post about my giveaway on your blog.

The giveaway will last until Sunday, November 11th, when I will draw the winners at 12am CET (Central European Time).

Good luck!

*Poof*



Vines for Garth Manor

 

 

Here are the vines that will cover parts of Garth Manor. The kits are from Peaches in Canada. You can see her work here:

http://miniflowers05.blogspot.com/

 

The grape clusters won't be included but will be used in the Bavarian Cafe project. I think the leaves have a much more creepy feel to them as opposed to plain ivy. This was her suggestion and I couldn't agree more. I think they are absolutely fabulous! Check out her site and if you have ever thought of doing some flower kits, DEFINITELY check her out. Her work is amazing.

 

I am still furiously working on jewelry, trying desperately to get enough inventory together for the gift giving and show season. I got a late start because I was so busy with the manor (and I was kind of lazy and putting it off).

 

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Off Topic- Jewelry Time

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I have been in high gear creating my jewelry which has shifted my focus away from the manor just a bit. I am still working on the windows and finishing the shingling (pictures soon) but have been busy creating my non-caloric treats.

 

 Guaranteed NOT to add to your waist line. These are scented like chocolate.

 

The pendant is scented like cream cheese frosting.

 

This tort charm is super duper tiny. It was impossible for me to take a clear picture. Grrrrr.

 

These pictures are just horrible. I really need to get a better camera and a light box but they are sold at a retail level so buyers see them up close.

 

Thanks for checking these out. Making these always makes me smile despite the rain. Now I have to get back to work! Have a great day!

 



Swap Stuff!

I LOVE SWAPS! It is so much fun to just randomly swap stuff with mini friends. These just arrived all the way from Slovenia- The Sunny Side of the Alps! These are all handmade pieces from one of my favorite fantasy artists- Jana!

Check out her blog here: http://illyriasminiatures.blogspot.com/

 

 

I loved these fun "dragon scale" books! They will be at home in the Garth Manor library! The potion bottles will also be featured in the hidden "witchcraft" cabinet.

This unfinished throne chair is amazing. Completely hand carved. Now I just have to figure out in which direction I want to go with finishing it! Just the perfect chair for reading in the study by the fire on a stormy night.

 

If anyone is ever interested in random swapping, let me know! Just for fun!

 

Vines....Finally!



 

 



Wedding Bouquets by Monica (aka Peaches). Aren't they stunning?

So I found a source for vines for not only Garth Manor, but for the Bavarian Cafe as well! There is an artisan in Canada who makes the most incredible flowers! Her name is Monica Lavoie aka "Peaches". Here is her link:

http://miniflowers05.blogspot.com/

I have spoken with her directly and she is putting together a relatively huge batch of Geranium, Sunflower, Grape vines, and other flower kits for me.

After trying to come up with a vine on my own that would look good creeping up the sides of the manor, I gave up. Nothing looked good. I have ordered 12 sets of vines from her and will be assembling them as soon as they arrive. I will post pictures of each step of assembly.

The kits for the Bavarian Cafe will include over two hundred stems so it will be time consuming but the results should be stunning. I am truly excited to get started on this. I have also created a blog dedicated to the upcoming Cafe project. Please swing by and join! Unlike the Garth Manor project, this site will follow the project from wood selection to design, cutting, assembly, and finishing. It is going to be fun! And probably filled with some frustration as well! Here is the link:

 



http://bavariancafe.blogspot.com/

 

 

I am still working on shingles (I am sick of eggs!) and am getting the landscaping foundation ready. The Halloween deadline is NOT going to happen but I am ok with that. I am going to take my time.

 

Until later mini friends!

 

Michi :)