Back to School!

 

                                       

I am looking forward to getting back to the classroom and my students after such a long time.  In celebration, I tried to finish off the library of Daviot House (only a miniaturist would understand that mentality!)   I have just about finished, just a book here and a pencil there, and I am still contemplating whether to make curtains or not.  

It may depend on how bad the weather gets this Autumn, as the library is the number one spot in Daviot House to snuggle up against the worst weather, with a good book, and some thick curtains would be very cozy and stop the draughts.

I wish my real life desk was this neat and tidy.  The paperwhites are just a little too early, but seasons are strange in Daviot House.  I would like to fill this lovely secretaire with papers and paraphenalia, and I am on the look out for suitable pens.

We shall see about the curtains.... and possibly a new seat cover for the beautiful corner chair by Brian Rumble, the white colour is just too blinding!

The revolving bookcase has been moved to the front of the room, as it was too far back to be seen.  

It houses a collection of treasures.

You may remember the flowers I made earlier this year.  I used the same technique to make some daffodils and narcissi - I used tracing paper and pastel chalks, which give a lovely subtle colour.

The bronze Egyptian cat was on the mantlepiece, but it was also a little lost.  Now it sits proudly guarding the books!

The compass tea caddy by Malcolm Hall you have seen before, as well as the beautiful turned urn by Michael's Miniature Treasures.  But here's a new item...

I found a photo of an antique ostrich egg on a stand, and Michael kindly made it for me! 

 In fact, he made two for me to choose from using different woods, and I chose this one as the stand is made of African wood, which I thought most appropriate for an ostrich egg.

In other new items news... a stunning clock from Keith Bourgourd at Small Time.  I probably shouldn't have, but I couldn't resist it.  There is something lovely about having working clocks in a miniature house.  And practical too, as I can check the time when I am working on the house!  

The tiny acorn finial is perfact, and goes with the underlying naturalist theme of the library.   And the lion head handles go well with my tiny ivory lion, looking very fierce!

All in all, I am very pleased with the fireplace, I just need to wire the log basket for a cheering glow.

                                           

The book making has continued, but at a snail's pace.  On the bottom, there will be a complete 24 tome Encyclopedia Britannica, which matches the real one I have.  It is a relic in this day and age of the internet!    The shelves need just a little something extra...

A pen and ink drawing of the three graces that I drew years ago and never quite found the right home for...

I think it has found the right spot now!

I have cheated in the book making on some shelves; filling them instead with urns and boxes.  I have a small collection of urns and vases from various makers.  

I feel I have earned a wee dram of whisky!  

Cheers to the new school year!