New Shabby Chic Miniatures Book!

Hi Everyone! I recently received an advance copy of Monica Castillo's (Kitchen Miniature blog) new book, Kitchen Miniature: Kitchens With Soul, and I highly recommend it. Not only is the book full of adorable photos inside several of her miniature kitchens, but it also includes helpful advice for achieving the same effect in your own miniature kitchen scenes.

In her latest book, Monica advises the use of a number of elements for achieving that adorable shabby chic look that she is famous for. She also includes some delicious real-life recipes for making some of the tasty-looking miniature treats featured in her kitchen scenes. Yum yum!

I found her book to be both an enjoyable read and a visual treat. Check out Monica's new book in her Etsy shop, which also features yummy-looking mini foods for sale.

Next post I'll show you two new birthday cards that I recently designed. They're already back from the printer - yay! Until next time, keep it fun!  xoxo Jennifer

Meet Artist Monica Castillo

Not only is she a talented miniaturist from Barcelona, she's also an amazing mixed media artist. A self-taught painter from age ten, Monica makes custom books that include her original illustrations. Monica Castillo's blog is called Kitchen Miniature, and I know you'll love her blog and her work!

I've recently received some gorgeous miniature gifts in the mail from sweet blog friends. One precious friendship package came from Monica. First, see the beautiful gifts, all handmade by her, that Monica sent for Flossy's Cupcake Cottage:

There's a darling spa kit with eye mask, nail polish, and cotton balls in a jar; a gorgeous picnic basket with a plate, napkins, wrapped sandwiches, and cheese; and a delicious cheese board with three kinds of cheeses, bread, and pears! Everything is so beautiful and thoughtful. Flossy is over the moon with happiness!

Monica sent more beautiful miniature gifts too:

The chicken plaque has a wonderful red gingham paper on the back, the broken egg is so fun, and the other minis are so delicate and beautiful. Sophie will have the chicken plaque in her bear cabin soon, and I'm afraid someone has already eaten the chocolates since I took this photo! ;-)

Next, Monica sent a beautiful lapel pin featuring a hand painted camera and the message "Smile!" :

And for the grand finale, Monica sent this gorgeous painting as part of her beautiful friendship gift:

It's one of Monica's original paintings, on mat board. The painting is called Rabbit Queen. There are words around the outside edge of the rabbit, which read: "all you need is love, believe in you in the power of love and life will be wonderful. believe in you, love is in the air." Not only is the painting gorgeous, with rich colors, many layers of pigment, and a deep meaning, but it is also one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received.

Thank you for everything, Monica! You're a beautiful, talented, and thoughtful friend. Monica's blog, Kitchen Miniature, is full of gorgeous miniatures like the ones I've shown you today. If you have a chance, please check out Monica's blog, leave her a nice comment, and welcome her to blogland!

I have more miniature gifts to show you soon, plus a new story! Plus, don't forget! Plushpussycat's 3-year blog anniversary giveaway is still going through Thursday, March 13, 2014. Leave a comment on the giveaway post to enter. I'll announce the winner on Friday! Until next time, keep things fun! xoxo Jennifer