Mini mania!

Mini got hold of me again! And I started my next project: a Parisian pied-à-terre on the top two floors of a typical building in Boulevard Haussmann in Paris.
This totally different and new style really tempted me....

Here the design I made for the house. I focus on the apartment right now - whether I do the three remaining levels below this ... not sure yet.

Walls: I decided not to paint but rather use a nice color paper.

Windows: we recently got a fablab (public space with laser cutters, 3d printers, felt-press, etc.) in our town. So, I decided to laser the windows with cardstock. But first I had to learn the software (Inkscape) and get to know how the laser works. This took a while but it was fun because I got to know new people and techniques. Learning something new is sooo important!

miniature Window handles

But only two of the windows on this floor open - didn't want to stress myself too much ;-)
I am so please with the hardware from my shop at Shapeways... it looks perfect.

Floor: popsicle sticks with a tinted waxing.

The holes in the wall are for lights up to staircase...

Panels for the walls: cardstock, combination of laser and hand-cut. But I had to order the quarter-round dowels for the top from the U.K. - and of course all these other wall trimmings.

Entrance and staircase: space is a little cramped there and I really had to figure our which step to take first. I wanted to use the space under the staircase and recessed part of the kitchen into it.

And there was a small space for a laundry room as well :-) I did not furnish this because I cannot get to it and just used a photo.

While the apartment is old, the furnishing and interior decorating will be contemporary. Shabby chic or antique is just not my style. So, I saw this sofa 'Major Tom' in Dezeen and made a replica. It turned out beautiful but I think it is a little too big for this room - might have to make a different one.

Major Tom in miniature

As you know lamps and lighting is my passion! First I had this idea for the two in the entrance hall.
Then I wanted a Belux Twilight for the lounge. And of course a reading light: copy of Fez from Baltenschweiler. And I laid enough cables for a few more ;-)

Entrance Hall with downlights (Nalladris bulbs)

Miniatures Belux Twilight floor lamp

And the kitchen is nearly complete as well:

Ah, nearly forgot the radiator - it can be cold in Paris in winter, too ;-)

oh, just see that the door handls are at a different height... mh. Some things you only notice on a photo...

Well, this is what the project looks today. Seems as it I calculated the stairscase correctly: just enough space for the flooring :-)

A looong blog - but there was so much to share!
And either I now get busy with the floor above or I do the front first - there is still plenty to make me happy :-)

Keep you posted...

SIMP Miniature Fair in Paris 2016

Spending more than 4 hours to get that little???
Seems crazy - but it is always difficult to avoid kitsch...

And then: to meet all the FB friends finally in person :-)))

Probably the greatest decorator is Janny Warnaar of Artofmini. She has a wonderful way of presenting things... I am very impressed! And therefore it was rather difficult to get access to their showings because the rock the market somewhat with their products (good business sense..). Janny, wonderful finally meeting you in person. Wish I could hire you to decorate my new house :-)

With Catherine Ferouelle of  l'atelier du chat botte I shared a salad, a smoke and we just took to each other instantly! What an admirable artist: totally uncomplicated, ready to share knowledge and she simply seems to have fun experimenting. One day, Catherine, I will be as good at painting as you are... long way to go though.. Looking forward to getting your garden chairs though :-)

And I finally met Francisco and his lovely (good looking) mother from Artmajeur! We have been exchanging so many mails about perfect stone wall, LED for his lamps and his perfect models.. I could obviously not resist and chose the lamps that are least retro to fit into my present project.

I promised Susanna Alberti of MiniatureFashion to come to the Milan Fair! Susanne, glad that we met in person and I could see your delicate work! You should be very proud of your sense of fabric and fashion...doing creations like you do is totally beyond me :-)

I always worked with LED light from modelltrainsoftware in USA. I few miniaturists have mentioned Nalladris and I had a look at their LED products. This is really an alternative AND their lamps to not have these terrible resistor units I always have to hide somewhere. Bought a few and will check them out...

And: Elisabeth Causeret with her pottery...

And: Elsner van Gronow with an incredible choice of metal ornaments....

When unpacking my 'loot' it looked like so little...
But I am so excited about using all these things eventually :-))