Catch-Up Time

Hello my dear blog friends! Yes, I'm still alive and healthy--I've just been too busy to post. So much has happened since my last post that it's now catch-up time. ;-)

First off, I had that little pick-a name-for-the-bird giveaway contest, and this is what I sent to Fabiola for picking the perfect name, Bluebelle:

I made the items in the first two photos, and the kitty was from my personal collection. Fabiola has written a beautiful post with photos of my gifts on her blog. Thank you, Faby!

Next, many of you have asked about the Portland Miniature Show. It was such a fun weekend! I like to search for bargains in the "garage sale" baskets on many of the vendors' tables. These are usually accessories or furniture pieces from the vendor's own collection that she no longer wants, and the prices are marked very low. I found many wonderful treasures in these baskets, and I bought very little else! ;-)

One item that I bought at full price was this tiny shabby chic doll bed made by Milestone Miniatures:

The pink chair (both items shown in Cupcake Cottage's bedroom nook) is from the same artist, but from last year's show.

Another purchase was a small cottage dollhouse kit (the Sweet Heart dollhouse kit by Dura-Craft) for just $10:

Buying this dollhouse kit led me to realize that I don't want large dollhouses anymore. Instead, I want several small, lightweight dollhouses, like a little village of dollhouses for my critters. After thinking it through, I sold Sophie the bear's Brambleberry Farmhouse to a good friend who will take wonderful care of it. And now Sophie has moved back to Cupcake Cottage with Flossy the bunny. Sophie was getting lonely in that big house all by herself, and now Flossy and Sophie can spend more time together again--yay!

There were no ribbons at the show for my "Puppy in the Cake Shop" exhibit, but it was still fun and a good learning experience. I'm not sorry I brought my exhibit to the show. I met wonderful people as a result, and I saw a different side of the show by being a little more of an "insider."

Why have I been gone so long? First, I was on a short vacation, and then I'll let you in on a little secret. I've found a new interest that has taken me away from blogland for the last few weeks, but not forever. This new interest is very compatible with the things I already do on my blog. So next post, I will show some photos of this new hobby of mine. I think you will be surprised! :-)

OK, that's enough catching up for now. I've missed you all and your wonderful blogs. Thank you in advance for your precious comments. I read them all, and they really make my day. Until next time.... xoxo Jennifer