Firstly, I had over three hundred books to shelve; that can take a while when you are actually fussy as to what should go next to what!
I then spent (wasted?) ages trying to make something of these...
I began by gluing the split ammonite on to a small base but I then found the glass display jars so thought I could perhaps put the two ammonite pieces inside those. I love the fossils in rocks, so cleverly made. Before someone tells me the ammonites would be very large when scaled up I did google it and the largest specimen found was eight feet so I think I am way inside that parameter. These are real incidentally.
The complete ammonite needed raising up as it looked silly sitting at the bottom of the glass jar. I found some corners of door frames and knocked off the edges with rough sandpaper to get it to fit in the jar... it needed more sanding than you see here.
Et voila two 18th century specimens that belonged to a favourite poet perhaps.
Just a reminder of the trompe-l'oeil effect when the door is open. I am still very happy with that.
The table holds a lovely art folder containing some prints of tropical plants. The eighteenth century was one of discovering new continents and new botany and it is recorded in many poems of the time.
(Elizabeth's field of interest and work)
There is also a collection of old maps showing the known world during the 1700s.
The display jars look good in place on the shelf to the right of the door at the back. The small fossil is propped between some books.
I still have one shelf to fill on this right wall
Even more space over here on the left
So many wonderful details in your library. Dalton House looks beautiful. It must be so much fun to unpack all of your treasures, like rediscovering them all over again. You have commented before about your lack of success in finding just the right rug but it appears from your pictures that you found some lovely ones. Welcome back Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth, more to come I hope just not sure what yet.... As you say a nice chore right now reminding myself what I have, just need three times more. Thank you for saying the rugs look OK. I am never sure because I get this fixed idea about what I want so its no wonder I can't find anything like it. M
DeleteIt looks lovely. Wish I could shrink myself down and spend hours in there.
ReplyDeleteJust the right thing for me to hear - thank you Sheila. M
DeleteIt must feel so good to play again and to reconnect with all the ideas you've had for this lovely room. The geodes in their displays are wonderful, as are the map bin, books and office fixtures. Elizabeth must enjoy this room very much, though I do see a place on the left for a small table, electric kettle and a basket of tea packets to choose from! ;O) Who wants to climb all those stairs for another cuppa?
ReplyDeleteWhat!!!! the risk of liquids in my humidified, air-conditioned, specially lit library begone wicked woman. Its OK, she can slope off just across the corridor to the 'real lived in' part of the house - there's a huge kitchen/family room there, ideal for a cuppa.
DeleteThe library books, office supplies and the fossils on the shelves are all Striking Marilyn. Your bases for the fossils under glass was a Clever and efficient solution. I must add too, that your scene behind the library door is Perfect! Your entire library looks just as real as the photo of the hall behind it- Bravo!!! :D
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Elizabeth. A few more bits and bobs and that will be a room finished. Quite sad in a way. M
DeleteFantastic! I've been going through your blog a lot. I'm about to assemble my first nicer kit -- you are my guide!
ReplyDeleteThanks Katherine and welcome to the mad world of minis. Lots of nice folk even if we are a bit batty. Check out my videos (beware they are very rank amateur) for actual explanations how to do stuff like wallpapering. That said I am sure you will find your own way of doing things but it sometimes helps to see what someone else did so you can say "no, don't think I'll do it that way". If you are reading this in a browser you can find a link to the videos in the left hand column. Enjoy. M
DeleteI already have watched each video as a run through pre-preparation! They are a huge help. I will be going back to re-watch as needed (= often)! I actually started watching them well before I acquired my dream kit which I just happen to luck upon later.
DeleteThat makes me so happy, thank you. I was super 'shy' about putting myself out there but hoped it might help someone sometime. I found it very hard when I started to find how-to's for the basic stuff. As always with this sort of thing over the years I am now able to find all sorts but never mind at least mine is among them. Email any time if you want to ask about anything, happy to help. Marilyn (mormson@gmail.com)
DeleteThis room looks so realistic and interesting. Great job. I would love to spend some time there :)
ReplyDeleteSo that's me, you and Sheila so far.... pull up a chair and welcome Alexandra.
DeleteYour library is lovely! I too like the trompe-l'oeil effect of the stairs through the door. I also like the map stand. Marvelous work!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Teresa
beaconhilldollhouse.blogspot.com
Thanks Teresa, you get the gold star for this week for plodding through so many posts. I am always desperate to make the house look real and give it some depth....most dolls houses after all are only the front slice of a property and you know there must be other rooms further back. Would love to have the space and the budget to have a 1/12th complete house. Marilyn
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