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

Precious Gifts From Flora of La casa delle bambole di Flora

I recently made a purchase from Flora's Etsy shop, FloraDollhouse. You must know her amazing blog, La casa delle bambole di Flora. I, too, had been following her blog with interest for the last year or so. Every time she would post on her blog, I would be right there, eyeing every little wonderful romantic, mini shabby chic detail.

So recently, I finally made a purchase in her shop. Why it took me so long, I have no idea. I never imagined what a fabulous, nurturing gift to self that it would be. I ordered a lovely pink gingham shabby pitcher, but I received so much more:

For in addition to the gorgeous pitcher, Flora sent three beautiful shabby books. One opens, with beautiful colorful recipes inside. So beautiful!

In addition to all this, she sent this beautiful flower ornament. It looks so lovely hanging on Cupcake Cottage's door! Wow! I never imagined all of the sweet gifts Flora would send. After I initially looked at her gifts, I had to put them aside to keep from getting teary. And she even wrapped everything in gorgeous paper with ribbon!

Thank you so much for your kindness, my friend! You are a treasure to the miniature community! Your works are pieces of beauty. If you haven't seen them, Flora's blog and online shop are feasts for the eyes.

Speaking of lovely gifts, I received two blog awards from special blog friends. The first one was from Eleonora of Nelle scatole oiccine...ci sone le cose preziose! blog:

Eleonora has a fun blog with beautiful handmade food and dolls--it's a must-see! Thank you so much, Eleonora! Then, most recently, MelyMel of MelyMel Piccoli sogni blog honored me with another award:

I've written about Mely's blog before, because I love its sweetness so much. What? You haven't looked at it yet? Please look now--you won't be disappointed! Thank you so much, Mely! Until next time.... xoxo Jennifer

Precious Swap with Mieke from Petite Victorian Rose!

As I opened the box from Mieke of Petite Victorian Rose blog, which was wrapped in red paper with white polka dots (such shabby fun!), I was shaking. The box was packed full of amazing, precious handmade miniature gifts, and every one of them so thoughtful.

Handmade shabby tulle wedding dress!

When I had asked Mieke a few months back if she thought doing a swap would be fun, I had no idea how fun it would be! We both took our time making things and gathering supplies and other gifts for each other. It was well worth taking the extra time, because you can see what Mieke sent. The fact is, Mieke spoiled me rotten with her beautiful gifts! ;-)

So feminine and precious!

Tiny toiletries inside!

Inside the big suitcase!

Mieke has such a lovely blog. She has Victorian-inspired miniature dollhouse scenes and funny cute photo stories. I always look forward to her posts, because she is such a gentle, sweet, and funny blogger.

Ladies miniature hat pin collection!

Mieke's precious memory box!

Mieke has published photos of what I sent her for our swap, if you are interested. While you're there, I highly recommend that you take a look at her posts and join her blog, if you haven't already. ;-)

Does it get more shabby and romantic than this?

Sewing room: thread holder (background) and French fashion book!

Beautiful handmade card and multitudes of craft supplies!

Thank you so much, Mieke! Words cannot convey my gratitude for your thoughtful gifts and your precious friendship! Until next time.... xoxo Jennifer