The dreaded chairs have been conquered

But first, here's a photo of the nightstand table I made for the master bedroom. I used two sizes of wood circles, two buttons and a turned spindle. All painted it looks like carved wood.
Here's the chair to go with the desk. I started filling the desk last night. I still need some other accessories to go with the books and magazines.
And, finally, here are the dining chairs. For both chair styles I used sections of gingerbread to form the chair backs. These chairs are upholstered with a striped fabric with fruit. The rug also has fruit on it. All of the food and the plates were made by my friends, Gaye (of My Small Obsession) and Brenda.

I am definitely improving some skills while working on this house. Working with what I have while filling such a large house has made thinking outside the box a necessity. But that's the type of challenge I love. Thank you so much for all of your comments. I really enjoy reading your thoughts and ideas.

The trade

These are the overstuffed chairs I made for my friend, Brenda, in exchange for the saloon girl she's making for me. I think I'm getting the best end of the deal. :) I do hope she likes the chairs, though. She sent me the fabric. I think it's so pretty. It's a very dark red with cream and brown (I think - can't tell for sure if it's brown, black or gray) leaves.

The chair on the right wasn't completely dry when I took the photos. The embroidery thread piping still shows wet glue. It's looking pretty good now, though. ;0)

I love my mailman!

Today was a great day for mail - I got all three packages I've been waiting for. The first was the kits to make these chairs to go with the table I made for a customer. The Chrysbon Duxbury chair looks just like her real ones. I'm really happy with the finished chairs and now I can get them mailed to my wonderfully patient customer. :-)
The second package was the order from HBS that I used my birthday money for. Part of it was this outhouse. It came unfinished but I gave it that silvery, gray finish that wood ages to when exposed to the elements. The Jensons are very happy to have their "necessary" ready for use.

The third package was the Small World garden swap. Not everyone has their package so I'm only gonna share this adorable little bunny. It looks like he's knocked down one of Rebekah's precious plants so he'd better be careful.

A little mini-ing is good for the soul

I decided to let housework go today after the door fell off the fridge. I spent some time making minis instead. This is the couch for my friend, Tina.
And this is the set. I haven't heard from her about the little couch yet, but I know she's happy with the chair. My upholstered furniture skills are improving. I really like how the chair came out.

Country Cottage Charm

I made this comfy looking little chair for Tina, a friend from the UK. We are making a trade. In exchange for this chair and a coordinating couch I get a wonderful doll named Verity. She's in her nightclothes, ready for bed. I have a couple of bedroom boxes to choose from for her new home.

I met Tina online in a miniatures forum but I consider her a true friend. When my daughter was studying in London and had some health issues, Tina took her in for a week based on our online friendship. Meg enjoyed her stay with Tina's family, recovered enough to take her second course, and got a true taste of living in the UK.

Much better

I thought the wood needed to be a warmer color so I stained it maple today. The little table looks really nice, I think. I used a stain pen for the plastic legs. I also made the Tinker Bell rug and the pot of flowers. Everything should be kid safe and cozy for the dollhouse inhabitants. There's also an entertainment center for this room but I've already given it to my friend. It's a rustic green with Tink on the doors.

I'm a little goofy right now 'cause I printed all of the wallpaper and sealed it. I did it outside but I still inhaled far more than I should have. I can't the smell out of my nose, lol.