I have been a total slacker where my minis are concerned.  After spending Halloween in New Orleans, I have decided to buckle down and work on locating and purchasing a real sized home.  This means that my Judge & Gibbet will have to close down for the winter while I work on getting rid of my real life clutter.  Have a wonderful winter, Friends.  I will continue to follow my mini friends and will hopefully be back in the mini-game next summer. Happy Belated Halloween!

I love this crazy, flawed, one legged doll.  She was part of a lot eBay.  She was crammed down in the corner of a box, looking up at me with her big wide eyes when I found her there.

She has been sitting in the Judge & Gibbet attic for years along with other pieces that have no place.  But during a recent trip to Seattle, it hit me.  This fine little lady would make a wonderful fortune teller in a box!  Instead of working on a room this winter, I am going to devote my time to making a wonderful cabinet for her along with a slot for coins and a place for the fortune to come out.  I know it will not be the same, (and I would not want it to) but below is an example of what I am going for.

She will be a perfect addition to the bar when she is finished.  Maybe she will inspire me to actually get to work on that room!

I think I will start with 3- windowed doors and a solid back and see what I can do.  Wish me luck!

I have been so busy that my poor house has been gathering dust. Finally this weekend, I had time to add lights to the witch's herbology room.  I also received a lovely copy of Dollhouse Miniatures which featured my witch's laboratory in the Sept-Oct issue. They were lovely to work with.

As for my current room, which is right next to the lab, I still have LOADS of work to do and many, many little bottles to fill and books to bind.  But here is an update.

I hope everyone is well and enjoying a great summer!

I have been working on the young witch's herbology/ potion room and having a great time abusing the wallpaper and ceiling.  I started with a normal damask and used a fine grade sandpaper to take off the sheen. Next, I created rips and tears and tea stained the exposed white areas.

Under the wallpaper is a dark cement like wall. I tried my hand at staining it and marking it up a bit. I think I could go a little further, but don't want to over do it.

I purchased some white, unfinished skulls from a seller on etsy and were very happy with them.  I used dark wood stain and the primer and then went over each skull with diluted white paint. For the exceptionally low price, I think I may add a few more.

I am now about 1/3 finished with the room and have loads of trim and details to add.  Here is a shot of where I am. Regretfully, a flashlight and an iPhone do not make for a spooky mood. I can't wait to put in the lights!

Per your comment, this one's for you, Catherine!

Every little witch needs to be prepared, right?

A few more things that need to be finished, fixed and hidden, but here are a few non-fancy shots of where I am now.  Danny will be taking nice photos for me this weekend after I am ready to step back and stop switching things around.