Giddy kipper dolls

The Last Post

2010-08-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is the last post I will be doing on this blog. My new blog is up and running and all the problems have been sorted. I am now having a giveaway there. Please click on the picture at the side to go to the new blog and take part. The winner will be drawn on 7th September, but you must be a follower on my new blog.

Many Thanks for following me here. Jain xx

The time has come...

2010-06-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been having a great deal of trouble with this blog and links. I and several others Nikki, Julie and Debbie has tried to sort it out without sucess. I have now taken the plunge and have created a new blog still called The Giddy Kipper, but with a different blogspot address.
I hope you will all come and have a look and hopefully some of you will follow me there. I now have 97 followers and am looking forward to doing my first giveaway when I reach 100. I'll add the followers together and have a question for you all. More to be posted when I get there, on my new blog.

This will be one of the last posts on this blog. I will do a couple of prompts before I stop posting.

The link is on the side bar, click on the picture of Viviene the giraffe. Thank you all for following me so far. See you on the other side... Jain xx

She really doesn't care!!!

2010-06-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

I created this witch this week, she just came out of the blue and she has a real sense of fun.
I'm hoping to take a little break over the next few weeks and get my new nursery roombox decorated in preparation for all the miniatures I am going to buy in Paris!!!!
I have got a very busy week ahead. Monday I have to go to Durham to get a replacement passport, I've lost the one I only got last year and have turned my house over so it looks like I've been burgled, to no avail!
On Tuesday I have to go to crown court as a procecution witness to an accident I witnessed last year. I am very nervous about the whole thing. The rest of the week is pretty much taken up with courses and work. Might get to start the roombox.

I will hopefully have some photos of the roombox to post soon. I also have to sort out my new blog, more news about that soon. Jain xx

The Witches!!

2010-05-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

Thought I would just add a picture of the witches coven. This is how they were displayed at Kensington. They have all been sold now, but I will be doing more. Jain

Pictures of a couple of Characters.

2010-05-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to put some pictures on here of the Hatter and some of the other characters. Unfortunately I thought I had taken a picture of them in the scene I displayed at Kensington, not sure what happened, but I hadn't!! Anyway although these are rather uninspiring pictures, you get the idea.

Also I thought I'd better start to mention that I am going to launch a new blog that will take the place of this one, in the end. I have been having a lot of trouble with my profile not listing my blog and people have found it difficult to find me to follow. I notice I am now up to 90 followers and welcome to you. When I get to 100 I will have a giveaway, have been waiting so long to do this. Maybe I will have a new blog set up by then too. I hope everyone will come over and join me there. Jain xx

Back from Kensington.

2010-05-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well back safe and sound from a very sucessful Kensington. Julie and I travelled down together on Thursday and back on Monday , so a long time away from home. We shared a stand for the first time which worked well and it was lovely to have the company behind the stand. We were rather imprisoned behind it though and are going to have to change things for next time as we are sharing again.
It was great to meet the bloggers at long last. Kate with little Lola and cake. Michelle and her mum and lots of other familar names. We had a lovely meal with Nikki on Saturday night as well.

These are some pictures of the table.

I had my new sign with me that my friend Carolyn had painted, the giddy kipper is just as I imagined him to be.
A very warm welcome to my new followers and hopefully I will have some more regular ramblings now. jainxx

Just a quick and boring post.

2010-04-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

Just to say the next few weeks are going to be very hectic getting ready for Kensington, so no blog posts unless I am granted a miracle of a 40 hour day!!! Love Jain xx

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all my followers. I see I have a few new ones, so welcome to you all.
I just thought over the next few posts I would show my other dollshouse. It is set in the 1940's, it is a middle class familys home. With grandparents, daughter and 2 grandchildren living there. There are no dolls in the house, strange for me!! I have just put pictures today of the exterior and the hall and understairs cupboard. All very messy,just as I like it!
The house itself was built by George, at Elphin dollshouses and is such beautiful work. I decorated the whole house inside and out and vowed it would be the last time I did that. Decorating is not my favourite thing to do. I am pleased how well it all turned out, but it took years to do.

Also just to alert you to the latest publication of AIM magazine, a link at the side. Also my friend Sue at Pastmastery is selling a phantasy House/ boot, so I have included her link too.

Hope everyone is having a lovely Easter. Jain xx

Back from Miniatura.

2010-03-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well had a very busy and hectic weekend and I'm absolutely exhausted today. Julie (bellabelle dolls) and I travelled together and had our stands next to each other, so even in the quiet times we weren't lonely. It seemed smaller and quieter than usual, not sure if that was anything to do with Arnhem being on at the same time. Met Julia and Hywel from Bear cabin miniatures, lovely to met you both. Opposite was Maggs,who kept us supplied with gorgeous goodies. Was so nice to see old and new customers and also put some names to faces.
All in all I had a very sucessful show. Just need to get my head down for Pudsey and then Kensington to replace stock. Will try and update the blog with any new characters I create, as I do them.

Here is a picture of my stand before the start of the show. Looks rather busy on the photo, I thought i didn't have much stock!!!!! Jain x

Miniatura Preview.

2010-03-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

I've had a very busy few weeks getting ready for Miniatura and have not been very good at blogging. So thought after a very long day in my shed I would post a few pics of some of the characters that will be coming with me to Miniatura. I will be in a complete frazzle for the rest of the week. Julie(Bellabelle dolls) and I will be setting off on Friday morning and will be having tables next to each other. Stands N9 and N10. Anyone visiting, come and say hello.

Anyway here they are. Love Jain xxx

A glimpse inside!

2010-03-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

I think it was Julia from Bear cabim miniatures who asked about The Giddy Kipper. This building was made by Vic Newey, I really dislike the building of houses, not quick enough for me, I have no patience. I commisioned Vic to make The Giddy Kipper. It is a tearooms and curios shop,from fantasty land, bit of everything really. I have had it a few years and to my shame have not anywhere near finished it. But.... .. thought I would give you a peek of what is done. Mostly things I have collected and some I have made myself.

Jainxx

The Kreative Blogger Award.

2010-02-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you very much to Julia http://bearcabinminiatures.blogspot.com/ and Michelle http://wwwmichellesmadworld.blogspot.com/ for awarding me the kreative blogger award. Like many of us, find it hard to believe sometimes that anyone wants to read my ramblings!!
The rules of the award are:

1. Thank the person that gave it to you
2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog
3. Link to the person who nominated you
4. Name 7 things about yourself that nobody knows
5. Nominate 7 kreativ bloggers
6. Post link to the 7 blogs that you nominate
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know that you nominate them.
Here goes:
7 Things you don't know about me:

1. I love all animals, but really am very frightened of snakes and rats.
2. I love my soaps, sorry Michelle!! and at the moment am an addict of Larkrise to Candleford.
3. I have lived in Paris in my youth, but still cannot speak French.
4. I am very bad at Maths.
5. My favourite foods are curry and cake.
6. I love musicals. I'm going to London next weekend to see Legally blonde, with Ellie.
7. Have always wanted to be able to dance.

The blogs I choose to pass the award on to are:
Silke at ttp://silke-schloesser.blogspot.com/
Castle crowns and cottages http://toutcequibrille.blogspot.com/
Sandra at http://towerhousedolls.blogspot.com/
Vicky at http://njdminiatures.blogspot.com/
Mercedes at http://libertybiberty.blogspot.com/
Julie at http://jakdawsattic.blogspot.com/
Julie at http://bellabelledolls.blogspot.com/

Wow! that has taken me ages! Off to tell the people they have been awarded.
Tomorrow I will try and do a few pictures of the inside of The Giddy Kipper and I might have a few photos of recent characters to put up this week. Jain xx

Some new characters.

2010-02-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

I have noticied I have got some new followers this week, welcome to you all and I hope you enjoy reading my ramblings!!

Just thought I'd show you a few of my new characters, a little different than my most recent ones.

Things have been quite hectic the last couple of weeks with decorating and also trying to get some stock together for Miniatura which is only 5 weeks away.

Also I have received a lovely award from Julie http://bellabelledolls.blogspot.com/

I now have to name 6 other Blogs I enjoy, so here goes.... Jainxxx

http://wwwmichellesmadworld.blogspot.com/
http://whittakersminis.blogspot.com/
http://nikkinikkinikki72.blogspot.com
http://lastanzadigiuggiola.blogspot.com/
http://nickycc.blogspot.com/
http://wendiesminiworld.blogspot.com/

The Professor has a new home!

2010-02-08T00:29:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. This is a big, big THANK YOU to everyone who helped me,whether advertising, advice, supplies or bidding, with the fundraising auction, for Ellies trip. We are absoulutely thrilled to bits with the amount we raised and I know dear Gwendoline is going to a lovely home. I've taken this snap of a very happy Ellie with Gwendoline and her mandrake table. Jain xxx

She is listed!!

2010-01-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

I have had a very eventful weekend with decorating our bathroom and trying to find out where the dreadful smell in the house was coming from. It turns out the smell was Ellie's fish tank and the decorating which I hoped to have finished tonight, is still not done. Have spent a stressful afternoon getting Ellie to list Gwendoline Stout on ebay. She is now listed, click the picture of her at the side, to go to her auction. Jain x

Tiny Antique doll.

2010-01-26T00:20:00.000-08:00

This is a tiny antique dolls house doll, in a little wicker box. She is a tiny 3.5cm tall. Think she(or similar) will be one of the little things I will have with me at fairs!! The box needs a few adjustments yet.

Unfortunately it is a clinic work day for me today,with a manager shadowing us all,fun!!!LOL wish I could be in my shed dolling!!

Lazy Sunday!

2010-01-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

Have had a lazy day today,done some finishing off things and fiddling with some new ideas for some little things to sell at fairs. My figures are taking a lot longer to do, I am doing them in a slightly different way and putting a lot more detail and accessories with them. The little things will be nice to pad things out a bit. I am so enjoying really taking my time,not worrying and doing exactly what I feel like doing. Spent most of last year panicking about not having enough stock, this year will be different, will have what I have and no more!!!LOL I may have a few less on my table,but hope the quality will shine through! I still have a long list of 'to do's' but doesnt feel like a list anymore. I was detemined to try and work out a better way to do things and stay calm, think I have found it!!!

Must also mention Thame Fair on the 21st Feb. The fair does a wonderful job raising money for Breast Cancer and AIM have a table there of members miniatures on display,some of which will be auctioned at the end,for breast cancer funds. The fair is organised by Celia Thomas and has become very well respected.http://www.ktminiatures.com/Thame_Fair_2010.html
Jain xxx

Another one almost finished!

2010-01-21T23:48:00.000-08:00

Professor Stout and her table are finished now. They will be on ebay next weekend 30th/31st.I have to say a big Thank you to Nikki for the bits and pieces and advice she gave me and to all you, for your encouragement.

This week I have been working on Miss Haversham,who refuses to take a good photograph.These are the first couple, of the finished figure. She will have a small table that will go beside her,which isn't finished yet. Jain x

Just a few pictures of Gwendoline Stout.

2010-01-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would add a few more pictures of Gwendoline Stout,she and her table are now almost finished,just a couple more details left to do. She will be listed on ebay the weekend of the 30th/31st January,will put a link here. Jain xx

An update.

2010-01-14T03:28:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Professor Gwendoline Stout. Just a quick glimspe of her head and shoulders. She has a very dirty distressed hat,coat and boots and of course the neccessary mandrake scream protective ear muffs. I have decided to wait until the weekend of 30th and 31st of January to list her and her mandrake table on ebay. I'm having a few problems with getting the stuff together to make the table,I want it to be right. The professor is just about done now, maybe one or two tiny details to add. Also thought it may be better to wait so I have time to drum up some publicity about it.
Hope everyone is coping in the weather. Jain xx

Correction!!!!

2010-01-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your comments and encouragement. I have just been informed by Ellie that I have put Tasmania instead of Tansania, what a wallie!! She is going to Tansania in Africa!!!!!! LOL Professor Stout is well on the way to being finished. She is a rotund and cheerful character. Tomorrow I will start on her mandrake table, everything needs lots of distressing. Jain xx

My Charity Doll!!

2010-01-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

Over this weekend and the next week I am making a new character which is going to be up for auction on ebay (date to follow,hopefully next weekend!)
My daughter, Ellie, is going to Tasmania,for 5 weeks, with World Challenge next year. It is a character building trip that will involve a section of charity work in a school, which is in need of repair and decoration. Ellie has to raise the £3,500 to make the trip, by working,fundraising and sponsors. It's a huge task for a 14 year old,but I hope she will rise to the challenge. If you would like to check out the website, the link is at the side.
The doll for auction is going to be a mandrake professor, complete with bench and mandrakes. All proceeds from the sale will go to Ellie's trip. Will post some construction pictures on here and keep updates to when it will be on ebay. I am not good at listing on ebay,so don't do it!! Ellie is listing the doll as her part of the exercise.Will keep you posted. Jain xx

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry,a bit late but sent with feeling to all my followers!
Well , I've had a bit of a rest but have been doing bits. These are the 2 first finished characters of 2010. The cook, who was supposed to be a witch cook but wouldn't dress as I planned (think she was frightened of dunking), is the 1st of the ' Hogarth hags', Moll. I got a couple of Hogarth books for Christmas and I think you will see his influence in my characters this year. The second character is my version of a house elf,his name is Bobbie!! Jain x

A Merry Christmas to Everyone!!!

2009-12-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

Just want to wish all my followers a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year. I was hoping to find a nice festive picture to put on, but ran out of time. Well I am just about ready now,just some marzipan to make and a white chocolate trifle to make before bed.
Don't suppose there will be much blogging over the next few days,hope everyone has a good time, see you in the new year....

Whoohoo!!! I have managed to catch the ball!

2009-12-16T00:54:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I have managed to upload an award or similar. Some things I now find easy to do on the computer,but this has just always stumped me. After lots of huffing and puffing,help from Julie (bellabelle dolls) and hubby, it is here!!
Now I have to answer all the questions.
1. 3 names I get called.... Jain .
Alison,only by people who don't know me as it is my official first name.
Mum,by my daughter,Ellie.
Sis,by my brother,he nearly always calls me this and I call him Bro.

2. 3 things I'm wearing.
Glasses,as I am doing computer work and miniatures alternately.
Greek slippers,brought in Crete on holiday this year.
Scruffy clothes,I'm in all day just waiting for parcels.
3. Things I did yesterday.
Went to work at the GUM clinic.
Did my food shopping,got most of christmas stuff, very organised,not like me!!!
Wrote some christmas cards.
4. 2 things I have eaten today
Toasted ham and cheese sandwich
Shreddies
5. 2 people I have rung.
Andy Hopwood,I am going to be having a table at Spring Miniatura,very exciting.
Julie Campbell for a natter.
6. 2 things I will do today.
Finish some christmas orders.
Finish writing my cards.
7. 3 drinks I like.
Tea,by the bucket full.
Nice proper coffee,made by my husband,Ian,only one a day for me though.
A nice real ale
8. 3 things I wish for.
My family and friends to be well and happy.
My husband Ian to get better,he has been ill for nearly 4 years now.
and of course would love there to be contentment in the world.
Watch out Julie Kendall,the ball is coming your way!!!

Etsy Shop

2009-12-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Have listed a few other things in my Etsy shop. They are quite christmasy. The snow queen is such a fun piece,took ages to do,but I am really pleased with it. Fantasy is my favourite thing. My imagination runs riot.
Click on the picture at the side to go to my shop.

Look what I got!!

2009-12-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

So chuffed with my lovely new banner. Katie, who normally makes some very beautiful ,weird dolls ,made it for me. Her blog is http://www.katiestrangeworld.blogspot.com/ check it out.Absolutely love it,very me. Thank you Katie. Jain x

The computer stuff is hard work!!

2009-12-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

I think and hope that my website is all updated now. If anyone is having trouble accessing it from an old bookmark you need to put the address in again or click on the picture link here. When it published it did a weird thing with the address,but it comes up ok.

It has gone live!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well after a lot of trouble, I'm not brill with computers,it is published!!!yeah!!! if all this works will be very pleased with myself!!! There is still work to be done,ignore what the address says!! Will sort it. The Etsy shop has a few characters in it and I will be doing the rest this evening,hopefully,it is so slow... Will add the link at the side. Thank you so much for the comments,was lovely to know that people are actually watching. Jain xxxxxxxx

The clearance sale is nearly ready!!

2009-12-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Boy!!!! it takes me so long to do computer stuff. I am getting on well with sorting out the sale,but it's not quite ready yet. I will have the dolls listed in my etsy shop and will put the link here, at the weekend. They will also be on my website.

A stock clearance soon!!!

2009-11-30T03:13:00.000-08:00

Have Had a very busy week since Kensington. Had to redo my stand, as the shelves I had were difficult to light and did not show my dolls off very well.
York was different for me ,had Ian, my husband, with me for his first fair. Had a fairly good day, but noticed people going for smaller things, think the recession has really hit us now.
I will be having a sort through all the characters I have left from the fair season and having a clearance sale on my website. There is nothing wrong with any of the characters. I will be making more and need to make room for them on my stand for next spring,would like to start the new year fresh.
I will list them on here, and my website, and in my Etsy shop, if I can suss it out. Will be next weekend 6th December.
Jain xxx

I am a very bad blogger!!!!!

2009-11-24T00:31:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it was July when I last blogged. Life seems to have completely taken over and I have been very busy getting stock ready for the fairs this month. With two down and just York to go and thought it was a good time to sort through the photos of my new work and update my blog and website. These are some photos of my latest characters.

Saturday at home.

2009-07-11T04:05:00.001-07:00

Have been rather lazy with my blog of late. I have Just finished this commission of a squirrel shopkeeper,he has been rather a pain to do one way or another,but I quite like him now he's finished.
Also I have just found out I have an article in American Miniaturist in July's issue. A friend has sent a photocopy of it and it looks lovely. Just need to find a copy of the real thing.
Lovely day again today,just about to potter out to my shed.

Can anybody help me???

2009-07-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

I am having so much trouble with getting my blog to show, under my blogs, when someone clicks on my photo on followers.It is in my profile and is ticked to show but it just wont, Any tips will be gratefully received. Love Jain x

Little Mo

2009-06-15T05:49:00.001-07:00

This is Little Mo. She is my first completed 24th scale character. I really enjoyed doing her,so sweet. Just the rest of the family to do now to live in the birdbox. I will post pictures as it all comes to life. We have another beautiful day here today. Love Jain x x x

Look what I got!!

2009-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Got up this morning to beautiful sunshine and went along to a local car boot sale. Other peoples rubbish,I love it!!! I brought this beautiful old shoe last for 10p,have a lovely idea for this as a prop! and some very fine leather gloves for £1, plus a box full of old tatting,some very nice bits for collars etc. Spent the rest of the day in the shed or garden. I tried out my newly acquired Kato clay and was thrilled with it. I like the sheen it has and the colour and the strength is unbelievable, no more broken fingers I hope.Thank you very much Vicky NJD miniatures, for reviewing it. Have also got a pic of guinea pigs,Sugar and Spice enjoying the sun. Jain x

York Fair

2009-06-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Just got back from York fair. Had a fabulous day, plenty of sales and interest,it whizzed by!
I was supposed to be taking daughter,Ellie,but left her at home for a more stress free day. I didn't get much time to go around, but managed to buy myself a treat from Deb Jackson Miniatures. It is the most beautiful sewing box. Have a look on Deb's website,she does some fantastic stuff. http://www.debjacksondesigns.com/
Saw Julie from Bellabelle dolls briefly and Debbie (Pixies and Poppets) called by to say hello,she'd had a bad journey and had arrived late, so was rushing to get round. Sewing box Pictured. Jain x

A couple of new ones!!!

2009-06-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Thought I would just pop a couple of pictures of Prudence Pickering and Herman Hallibutt,my new witch and wizard. They have taken a while to get dressed but I'm happy with them now.

These 2 will be coming to York with me on Sunday. Jain x

Tagging

2009-06-02T01:31:00.000-07:00

Just trying to sort out this tagging. I know Julie has tagged me http://bellabelledolls.blogspot.com/ go and look at her beautiful dolls. Nikki I think has also tagged me her blog is http://nikkinikkinikki72.blogspot.com/ I am going to go after some of her fabulous glassware on ebay,I have a beautiful little jar of unicorn horns Nikki kindly gave me.

Now I think i have to list 6 little things that make me happy!!!

My shed,although that is very important.

Having a cuddle with my dogs

Walking to to top of our hill on a clear day,feel so lucky to live where I do.

A good cup of tea.

The smell of gorse bushes,it brings back childhood memories of beach holidays.

The ticking of the grandmother clock.

I have to go to the day job today,so wont see much of the gorgeous weather,hope everyone has a good day. Jain x

Sunday in my shed

2009-05-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Thought I would just put on a couple of pictures to show you my fabulous shed. It is at the top of my garden and has a beautiful view over the wolds,on a clear day! I feel very happy and calm when I'm in there,this is where I do my creating!

I've been working on some new characters for the York fair next weekend. My table is number 135 ,on the middle floor, for anyone wanting to say hello. I hope I will get a few photos here before I go. Jain x x x

A day out with the family!

2009-05-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Spent a lovely day today walking with my husband,daughter and dogs along the costal path near to Scarborough,we had a picnic, played on the beach and finished off the day eating a take away curry in the camper van, looking over the bay,fantastic!! I have felt so guilty over the last few weeks. Seemed to have ignored the family while getting ready for Kensington. This was just a nice relaxing day. Tonight I'm going to get the clay out to start sculpting again. I need to do some more cats, they seem to be very popular at the moment. I will post any pictures when I have some finished, will be in about a week.

Tomorrow I plan to tidy my shed. I might even take some pictures to show what a mess I manage to work in!!! Watch this space. Jain x

2009-05-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share a picture of my wonderful dogs Betty and Macey!

2009-05-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandad Shambles

2009-05-21T03:57:00.000-07:00

Fleur the pug,she's special!!

2009-05-21T03:53:00.001-07:00

Dotty.

2009-05-21T03:50:00.000-07:00

Millicent Morgan's new hat.

2009-05-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the lovely welcomes. I am still getting used to this and think I am learning by my mistakes. Will try today to put some more pictures on,haven't been to successful at that so far.

Today is another house cleaning day, as cleaning wise I did nothing before Kensington!!!!

Will bob back later with photos. Jain x

Recent characters

2009-05-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Thought I would just show a few things I have made recently,which took the trip to Kensington. Some have come back with me to show another day.

My first day!

2009-05-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I am a dollmaker and miniaturist among other things and I'm hoping this will be a good way to keep up to date with my news and new characters I have created.

I have just returned from London where I have been exhibiting at Kensington Dollshouse Festival. My friend Julie Campbell and I travelled down together. Julie had a wonderful piece in the showcase,the old lady who lived in a shoe,which you can check out on her blog. We had a fabulous weekend with a few disasters and a lot of laughs!! It was fantastic to be there for the first time at the summer festival. I had put Silvana Box a little old lady sat on a silver box,in the charity auction and it made £60 for the NSPCC. Also Hattie Shambles and her baby Abbie were the prize for the mouse hunt competition.

I will now atempt to upload some photos.