Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Pictures and Lighting: Miniature Addition

 


Taking pictures of your minis is very important if you like to blog or share your work on social media.  You put all this hard work into building and styling the most perfect miniatures, and if your pictures aren't crip and true, then it feels (at least to myself), that no one can see what I really want to see and feel.

Let us look back, way back, to the original pictures on this blog.  I owned a Blackberry at the time, so I relied on my Canon camera to take photos.  I didn't know about the importance of natural light and everything looked yellow.  Every shot, I thought, I looks like someone peed on the picture!

It look a few years, an iPhone and some inspiration to bring my minis out of the basement and up to a window.  The inspiring Nesha Kay (IG @nesha_kaye) is an amazing photographer, scene setter and 1:6 Barbie/Fashion Royalty artist.  I saw a few of her Instagram posts about putting her room boxes by windows for light, and to capture the outdoors through the room box window.  This was revolutionary stuff for me!

Mini photography can be done well at any budget or location.  I am no expert, but I've always loved photography and maybe my mistakes and discoveries can help you!


Natural Light

Move your house to your brightest window or you sun/shade window.  Turn it, and see how the light cuts through windows and casts shadows.  If the view through your windows stinks, try printing backgrounds.

The drawbacks? Well, it can't be photographed at night.  And your best light often is for maybe an hour a day at that location so be prepared to shoot or move your house around your home.


Artificial Light

Lighting was once really expensive to buy.  I would look at camera stores and cringe.  But with the advent of TikTok and YouTube, cheap and easy LED lighting is available everywhere.



I purchased an entire lighting rig for under $100 on Amazon.  It takes a while to assemble (and put away), its amazing.  Watch for sales, because there's always a similar set available.  What these lights do is allow you to light from the left and right and front/top at the same time, removing shadows or weird tinges to your photos.  You don't even need to have the most amazing phone camera, because the lights make up for it.  Need to shoot at midnight? Rainy dull day? No problem!  My husband jokes it looks like the Sears Portrait Studio in my office when its set up.

An even more simple and cost effective solution is an LED light ring.  You can purchase ones the clip to your cell phone and surround your camera. Or you can purchase a large one that connects to a stand.  My ring can screw into a stand, or unscrew it and I can place it under my chin, on the roof of the house, etc. to cast the right light/shadows no matter how awkward the space is or the time of day.  A good LED light should have 3 light colours, such as warm white, cool white and warm yellow light.  Mine also has 4 levels of brightness for each colour.  It's just 3 simple buttons to press on the ring light, so nothing complicated.  Below is something similar to what I own. It was $35 on Amazon and connects using a USB to a plug.




Combination Lighting

When photographing a dollhouse, you often have deep rooms that make it difficult to get light into.  This is where the ring light comes in handy.  You can have the pleasant natural light come through a window, but by positioning the ring light a little bit away from the house, but in front of the room, and matching the light colour and brightness to your ring light to the natural light, you can fill the space with light.  Your photos won't be dark anymore! 


Backgrounds

I would clip magazine images and tape them to books for scenes outside my windows.  But that requires lots of repositioning depending on the angle you are shooting from.  It's very annoying to have a great shot then realize half the window has a book in it. 

You can get great landscape shots from Pixabay (thanks Kristine of Paper Doll Miniatures) and expand them in Word to fill a page.   I often just print on legal size paper at home and tape a few sheets together. I then tape it to a book outside the window and voila! something nice to see.  Some miniature magazines also come with a free background image page you can remove and use too.


There you have it! I hope this helps you all a little bit or at least shows you that there are lighting options out there that will better showcase your hard work and won't break the bank.


Hugs!

Kat



Thursday, March 23, 2023

The Mid Century Build

 The Mid Century Build



This one took me a while! A year or two of off and on building.  I feel like the moment it got to be frustrating or I ran out of a material I put it on pause.  But then one day I said enough is enough! This half finished house looks sad on your shelf, so I did all the tedious finishes, purchased all the bits I needed and finished in about 2 weeks (a record!) 

This post has a lot of pictures, so you'll just need to keep scrolling down for more!


Exterior



The base of the kit is the Greenleaf 2012 Spring Fling contest build.  I bought it long after the contest when it was on sale.  It was a bit small, so I added the bathroom wing.  Then I took the greenhouse and flipped it on its side to create a sunken living room.



The exterior was "bricked" using artist oil paint paper and a square paper punch.  The wood siding came from a model train store.  It was the same wood I used as the kitchen backsplash in my Ikea room box.  





I made a wall sconce because I couldn't find any modern exterior lighting.  It's a piece of aluminum curved and attached to a piece of smoke mirrored plastic.  I fed an LED inside to light it and hid the battery pack in the planter.




Interior


First stop....the bathroom!  This was the first interior space I finished.  It was so tedious to cut the acrylic and fit the shower.  But don't get me started on how I made it extra hard to get your hand/tweezers inside the shower to style it!

I used 3D printed minis from the Shapeways stores of  Marion Russek and Paper Doll Miniatures.  
For the shower I used acrylic sheets and trimmed them with fine plastic channel from the model railway store. From the same store I also purchased the brick/tile paper for the walls.

The vanity was handmade.  After I constructed the frame I covered all the wood with a pretty veneer.  Another "what was I thinking" project.  The counter top was a piece of sample tile which I didn't even need to trim.

I also ended up making the wall sconces using very thin veneer and brass rod.  The LED lights inside are wired through the wall and into the kitchen.

FUN FACT! Thin acrylic mirror sheets don't like clear instant grip glues.  It can distort the mirror.  Which I discovered after it was up!  Nothing too noticeable, but next time I'll use tacky glue.





The Living Space


This is the combo kitchen, living and sleeping area.  The living room couch in the sunken area is the bed.

The one major issue that presented itself after the fact was the flooring.  I used the Houseworks strip flooring sheets where the wood veneer is glued to a paper sheet.  After a year of it being down, the glue from the paper to the veneer wood floor started to separate in spots  so I have gaps and bouncy spots.  Thank fully you can sort of jam glue in there, but I have been really disappointed with Houseworks.  I would separate the floor from the paper and glue it direct to the house next time.


The Kitchen


I really wanted to challenge myself with this kitchen.  And I did!  The backsplash was an aluminum sheet (they scratch really easy!).  To it, I mounted my floating shelves made of balsa and then veneered.  I didn't want to see the LED lights underneath, so I added a piece of frosted acrylic plastic.

The cabinets were the same story!  Build from simple wood frames, I veneered them and left spaces for the ELF appliance kits I made.  The island is made from the Houseworks island kit, again veneered.  But this veneer was trickier as I had to glue, veneer and trim into the recessed panels on the cabinets.  I used so many knife blades!











The Living Area


Area? Transition Space? The dining area would be stool on the kitchen island.  Or maybe a TV tray while on the couch? You would have to be creative.

I used a lot pieces in my collection to decorate the space.  I stitched (petite point) the rug from a Janet Granger kit and the bar cabinet was a Jane Harrop kit.





The Bedroom


Its the bedroom where you don't sleep past 6am because there aren't any drapes.  Sorry!  I was not that ambitious.  The bed does lift up to conceal the battery/switch for the globe light.  I made two bed tops, one is beige linen and the other beige corduroy. 

I stitched all the pillows and didn't want to make any after that for a long time!  The rug was hand made from Tremeers Treasures If you can, check out this husband and wife duos work.  They're a sweet elderly couple that love making minis and produce beautiful items.







There you have it friends! A miniature project that was actually completed on time....and by that I mean, completed in under 5 years.  

Hugs!
Kat


Thursday, March 02, 2023

Well Hello Again!

 Well Hello Again!



I have to admit that some significant time has passed since I last blogged about my miniatures.  It was a mix of things that kept me busy like the pandemic, life and moving.  My goal is to blog more and eventually redo everything in to a proper website.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves!  I post mostly to Instagram these days, so feel free to follow me there @kitty_and_kat_miniatures

Since this is a bit of a catch up, I'll just show you some items from about the last 6 months.


Berries


I had the berry pots in my stash for a very long time.  But I hadn't located a strawberry kit that looked accurate enough to inspire me.  Then about a year ago I stumbled upon Moonflower Mini Garden on Etsy.  The flower kits are amazing.  The have such fine detail, include everything you need and have step by step colour photos. 









Mini Modern

When I'm feeling inspired I often love to pull out my modern minis made by Pepper Micheson of MitchyMoo Miniatures. Its a bit like Where's Waldo in these images, there are so many of her pieces!  But lets try! The red sofa, blue floor lamp, coffee table, armoire, Ikea poang chair...and there may be more but just not in these shots.


After waiting and watching their website, I ordered myself a mini lava lamp from Shepherd Miniatures.  It lights up and is such a delight!










Random Bits of Fun


I am in love with this beautiful orchid from Martha Mclean Miniatures (orchid by Pat Richard and glass by Ray Storey).  The dinner setting was vintage and purchased on Ebay (no artist listed).





I really do have a soft spot for The Golden Girls.  1980's Miami vibe miniature are so much fun.  I made the couch from a vintage kit.  My first attempt at bending and shaping bamboo strips went better then expected.  The charcuterie came from MarshmellowHugs on Etsy and the tiki glasses are from Stewart Dollhouse Creations.



I have so much more to share!  Recall my Mid Century Build? Well that was finally finished and it looks amazing.  I will post about that gem really soon.

Hugs!
Kat



Monday, December 30, 2019

Happy New Year!



Happy New Year!  


2019 was a busy year.  2020 will bring lots more time for minis, so hang on!


I had a little fun creating this New Year's party scene.  These folks sure know how to party.






Where To Buy - Where To Find


Sofa and Sideboard - MitchyMooMiniatures (Etsy)

Coffee Table - Keenderson Miniatures

Chinese Food/Tylenol/Cake Box - Paper Minis

Bar Cart - Jane Harrop

Bar Mixer & Ice Bucket - Miniatures.com



Friday, November 01, 2019

It's Christmas Time! with HBS and miniatures.com







The Christmas countdown is on! While most of us haven't started Christmas shopping yet, if you want to get your Christmas minis ready, the clock is ticking.  Fear not, you have time and hopefully I can provide some inspiration.  Hobby Builder Supply (HBS) and miniatures.com asked me to put together a Christmas scene using an assortment of products from miniatures.com.

Those of you who have followed me all these years might have noted I haven't always posted elaborate Christmas scenes, but this year I started early (June!) and was determined to make a not one but TWO Christmas scenes.



The Room Box


The first part was choosing the road less traveled, meaning, I decided to make a new room box for the Winter White Christmas Scene.  If you're interested in a bit of that journey, check out my post The Formal Room Box

Two important features of the room box are the fireplace's brick wall and the fireplace itself.  The brick wall is a piece of MDF covered in the Embossed Light Brick Sheet.  I primed it and painted it with the wall colour.  The Jamestown Fireplace comes unfinished.  I chose to paint it my wall colour and used the same brick sheet to line the inside of the fireplace.

Once the room box was completed, I began assembling pieces from miniatures.com and my collection.  Many of the pieces from miniatures.com were painted or embellished to work with my scene, so please take a look at my shopping list at the end to find all the items.







Winter White Christmas Scene




We begin by peeking into the mini family's living room.  They're safe and warm from the cold snow.



The Tree


The Douglas Fir Trees make the perfect Christmas tree.  It has lots of flocked branches that are the perfect place to dangle Christmas balls and garland.  I simply cut a 1"x 1" square of wood, drilled a small hole in the center and glued the tree in place.  A small dab of wax held the base in place.  miniatures.com has an entire Christmas page where you can find ornaments for your tree.







The Fireplace


While this family might not be toasting marshmallows (given how clean the fireplace is!), I'm sure Santa can find his way down.  The Jamestown fireplace comes unfinished.  I simply added a little of the brick paper to the inside and then painted the entire thing  in my wall colour.







The fireplace features two trees, painted white using spray paint.  The Four Green Mini Trees, and many other bottle brush trees on miniatures.com, can easily be sprayed a colour to match your Christmas decor.

The Gold Bamboo Mirror....well, its not gold anymore!  Using an x-acto knife, I gently pried the mirror from the frame.  I then spray painted the frame white and glued the mirror back on.



Will Santa Visit?


It would appear the mini family left some milk and cookies out for Santa!

I continued to make some easy modifications to my furniture items.  I took the White Storage Table and cut off the tiny legs to lower it to coffee table height!  Even though it was already white, I have it a coat of white paint to match my walls.  This versatile piece has a shelf underneath of display baskets or other accessories.

The table also features Three White "Simple Shapes" Vases and How The Grinch Store Christmas.  Santa won't be disappointed with his 3-Pc. Cookies for Santa Set (and a note written to him).



 

Other Secrets


The living room also features the beautiful unfinished Hudson Side Table.  To age the wood I diluted grey paint in water and brushed it on the table.  The paint darkens the nooks and crannies and a little light sanding distresses the wood.

The table is also topped with one of the Set of Three Pink Candy Dishes that I spray painted metallic to match my decor.  Just be sure to select a spray paint that can adhere to plastic.  I used a bit of wax to adhere the dish to cardboard before I sprayed, because I learned the hard way that the paint stream will knock it right over!





One of my favourite pieces is the Dress Form on a Stand.  This is a simple black plastic Chrysnbon piece that is very versatile. Using a make-up sponge I dabbed the form with gold paint.  Once dry, I used linen to cover the bodice, which was adhered using a regular tacky glue.   





The simple and beautiful Unfinished Demilune Table is tucked up against the wall.  I used a white, water-based stain and antiqued by dry brushing it with grey paint.






Christmas Dinner


Now, I couldn't just make one scene, could I?  When I think about Christmas, I always think of the delicious food and the groaning table.  The mini meal is much more exciting to work on then the real life meal.  Not that I don't enjoy it, but preparing that raw turkey tries my Christmas spirit.





The Dinner


I chose the Garnished Turkey and Platter, which is full of detail and the centerpiece of the meal. I added in the Turkey Dinner Plate with Side of Cranberries and the Green Bean Casserole to complete my meal.  For added realism I use the Carving Knife and Fork Set along with the 3-Pc. Silver Flatware Set.





Come Have A Look Around!


If turkey isn't your thing, try the Garnished Ham Platter.  I apologize, I didn't think to supply a vegan option at this meal ;).  




Those little Christmas trees I used in the previous scene made their way over here too!



The Book of Mini


As I may have mentioned, I was generously included in The Book of Mini by Kate Unver.  The great folks at miniatures.com and HBS also have 3 images included in the book too.

The holiday season is almost here!  Consider giving your loved ones a copy.  Kate is a huge champion of our hobby and you can follow her at The Daily Miniatures (@dailymini) on Instagram.  Her Instagram features mini artist from around the world.  It has led me to make a few discoveries that I would have never known about!





So, I can officially say that I've crossed something off my holiday list, my miniature scenes!  Thanks again to Hobby Builders Supply and miniatures.com for their support with this post.  




Your miniatures.com shopping list!




Here's the shopping list for the living room:

How The Grinch Stole Christmas book

3 pcs Cookies for Santa Set

Set of Three Pink Candy Dishes

Two Dress Forms on Stands Chrysnbon

Hudson Side Table

White Storage Table

Douglas Fir Trees

Jamestown Fireplace

Embossed Light Brick Sheet

Unfinished Demilune Table

Gold "Bamboo" Mirror

Three White "Simple Shapes" Vases

Four Green Mini Trees (painted white)



Here's the shopping list for the Christmas dinner:

Garnished Ham

Turkey Dinner Plate  with Side of Cranberries

Garnished Turkey and Platter

Green Bean Casserole

Carving Knife and Fork Set 

Four Green Mini Trees (painted white)

3-Pc. Silver Flatware Set



This post received support from Hobby Builders Supply and miniatures.com