Sink of Inspiration

This is my sink of inspiration that I keep on my desk.
One of my first, made many years ago - it's my promo....

These are fun to make and so satisfying when finished.
Building my sinks has been like putting a puzzle together.
Different parts need to be glued on in a certain order.

I enjoy "decking them out" with a theme which probably takes
longer than making the sink itself.
It's a matter of, hopefully, placing items in their obvious,
long-term location.

I'm sure plenty of mini lovers like to decorate their own
sink and move things around occasionally...
so thus, I also leave some plain for your own ideas.

Dollhouse Exhibit at the Wenham Museum

If you're a miniature enthusiast and within traveling distance...
THIS IS A MUST SEE !!!

Nancy Shane is exhibiting her wonderful collection of dollhouses and miniatures.
Visit the Wenham Museum in Wenham, Massachusetts at 132 Main St (Rte 1A)

The exhibit is running from March 11 - May 8, 2011

Her Art Studio has many of my paintings and pieces.
She has been a customer of mine for years and how pleasing it was for me
to see them throughout the exhibit.
There are 30 houses and roomboxes to view.

Also at the museum is their permanent doll collection, plus many trains driving around their tiny villages with amazing details.

Handcrafters of Miniatures - Spring Show 2011

Handcrafters of Miniatures Spring Show 2011

Sunday March 13th, 2011
Held at the Holiday Inn - Dedham, Massachusetts
Directions - Exit 15A off Route 128
Hours 10am - 4pm

There will be many quality miniatures by very talented artists.
Come visit me at my table - Marquis Miniatures
and see some of my new creations.....

Dogs and Cats

First, I need to say that I love all animals and birds - wild and tame.....
In the past, I've owned a horse, a German Sheperd and other dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish, chickens, Guinea pig, white mice, gerbils and other "wild captives".
And no, I'm not an animal hoarder - I didn't have these pets all at the same time!

Now, I have my wonderful and very smart Blue Point Siamese cat as my pet.

My reason for getting on this subject - In my great little seacoast neighborhood, I see so many people walking their beloved dog on a leash - but often there will be a dog on the loose and their owner has no clue how to catch them!!

I feel I've been able to train my cat better than that.
I like watching "It's Me or the Dog" and this show helps in training a cat also.
One word voice commands, hand signals and treats all work.
He knows the words come, sit, down, brush, scratch, eat, snack, treat, sun, bed, etc.

If you don't teach them, they can't learn.....

SINKS - A Water Sign

Having running water in a room - how wonderful is that!

I enjoy making these and there will be more to come....
Giving them a theme is like putting the frosting on the cake for me.
In the future... I'll try to control myself - leaving some plain and
open to the imagination - and let you do the "decorating"......

I'm open to suggestions, ideas, requests, comments - I love your feedback.

Miniatures for the Yard

Guess there's something to be said about "outdoor" miniatures.
Most collectors probably don't have an outdoors to their dollhouse - I don't.
So...I may not be making a whole lot of doghouses in the future.....
The birdhouses, on the other hand, can sit on a shelf or hang out in your garden shed along with all those other bird and garden related minis you love.
And I'll always be trying something new - like the shingles on the birdhouse roof!

Happy New Year 2011 !

Wishing all of my followers a very Happy New Year!

Recent miniature paintings I've done of landmarks in Newburyport, Massachusetts
Rear Range Light Station is brick and on a main road in town.
Front Range Light is on the harbor....
The "Pink House" is very well-known, located on Plum Island and has remained pink for many years - and it's for sale - wonder what the new owners will do ???
These paintings and other miniature pieces of mine are at "Sisters We Three"
an Artisan Gift Shop at 57 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts
If you are near the area, visit their shop - it is absolutely filled with quality gifts and excellent art work of all types by many very talented people.