Amy's Miniatures and Smalls / Lundby Doll Houses Plus Any House 3/4" Scale

The Toxic Goat and his Christmas House

2011-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

The Toxic Goat would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas.

The poor but happy Goat is so old his coat glows in the dark and is from the days when toxic things were used to paint cast goats. The goat does love his little house though.

(House is antique, German and in fair to good condition.)
Mary and Martin would also like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas.
They are reflecting upon glorious memories and are filled with gratitude. They are living in the moment enjoying some peace, serenity and are about to rip open each others Christmas gift.

All the Lundby Peeps want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas.

Photo below is of my curiou cabinet that has four glass shelves with a mirror in the back. The mirror and glass made it very difficult to take photos. The photo below is from the top of the cabinet looking down at all four shelves. Each shelf has a different miniature Xmas scene.

Each scene has little dolls that want to wish you all a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A LUNDBY Wedding

2011-07-30T06:45:00.001-07:00

The Happy Couple.

Now hubby and I were spiritually married long ago.

We finally decided to make it legal.

It was a great way to allow some elder relatives to have the time

of their life planning and preparing. Happy Summer Everybody.

Meet the Meyers

2011-03-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

MEET THE MEYER's

Yes, a new family.

Just more Peeps in Peepville where taxes are low, jobs are good, and people keep moving in.

Let's meet the Meyers Family

(Thanks so much Rebecca! I just love them.)

We have Dad, Earl.

Mom is called Ermie.

Handsome young lad is named Ernie.

And the precious daughter is referred to as Emma.

They came to town because they wanted to start a Barber Shop along with a Beauty Shop. Be sure to notice Earl's hair because his lovely wife Ermie takes care of it for him. She uses lots of hair care products and always tells him never to look into the mirror and that he always looks terrific. No, she has no training but takes great pleasure in thinking she knows whats she is doing. Earl isn't trained to be a barber either but he once used a razor successfully so he figured he was good to go.

The new shop is a buzz with patrons on Opening Day. Ernie is at the front desk scheduling appointments. Emma is organizing the shelves with items for sale.

Just look at all the people waiting.

Marta is having a consultation first and just wants a trim (lower right photo.)

Martin is very nervous about the sharp blades as he looks over Earl's spiffy, fly away hair. Earl assures him that they do have a First Aid kit on hand just in case. Martin thinks to himself that Peepville needs to staff it's volunteer fire department with Paramedics.

Credits: Shop has been set up in the Brinca Dada, Emerson House using Brinca Dada and Lundby furniture. The dolls once belonged to Rebecca. I was lucky enough to win them and she sent them to the U.S. on a tiny little boat that took quite a while but the dolls have been welcomed to Peepville and will soon have a fine home near Lundby Lane.

Privacy in the Stockholm / Mom's Danglies (Crystals)

2011-03-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Millie is baby sitting for Baby Jimmy at the Fjelde's Stockholm Mansion.

This little room (usually a bathroom) has always bothered me that there is no Privacy.

I used some of mom's old crystals from lamps and such to create a wall that sparkles in the light. I have made no permanent changes to the house. I really like this added sparkly, super girlie feature. At night with the house lights on it casts different hues of color. We always called these types of things (crystals) Mom's Danglies. She virtually had them all over the place.

Thanks Mom... You'll be with the Peeps always.

(Note: Mom passed just over a year ago and I am having a great time going through the little things I put aside and really enjoy adding some creative pieces to the doll houses.)

Tiny Perfume Bottles

2011-03-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

After I got all the glue off my fingers I could sit back and look at my handy work. My little peep doll Mary is such a girlie girl and loves different perfumes yet she only had a few bottles. Now she has a dresser top full of a nice assortment for every day use and any special occasion.

Mom left me with some vintage Spinel Earrings that I was sure I would never wear due to them being clip on or screw on types of earrings. I kept looking at them and wondering what to do with them. I have a big tub of mom's old jewelry and also had little bags of parts and pieces.

I took the earrings apart and learned what Spinel actually was. Definition: a hard glassy mineral consisting of an oxide of magnesium and aluminum; occurs in various colors that are used as gemstones. These stones she had were all clear. So I took apart the earrings and lined up the individual stones that have many cuts so are very detailed.

I sorted through the old bit and pieces and found some single earrings and other stones to use for caps. I love reusing items and now mom has another place amongst the little peeps on Lundby Lane.

First and second photos show all the tiny perfume bottles Mary now has. Third and fourth photos show all the bottles I made from mom's old jewelry. Once I got the glue off my King Kong size hands I sat back and admired the tiny bits and pieces of a fine lady who will always be with me and all have a place in Peepville.

It must have Snowed Last Night

2011-02-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are still digging out but it's getting better. I can't believe the neighbor saw me out in the front yard playing in the pile of snow with tiny things. I was giggling. I hope these photos give you a chuckle too. To create these scenes I dug out a bit of snow and then placed my vintage small Marx Bar-M Ranch atop the pile and then added the snow back. After checking my photos I immediately took all minis back inside to dry them out.

Antique Cass Co. OR Converse Doll House

2011-02-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

Please say Hello to Nancy and Ronnie.

One day a trailer showed up in Peepville with an old house on it and here they are.

We now have new residents living on Ardmore Avenue.

Welcome to Peepville all the Lundby dolls exclaimed.

This post details a Cass Co. or Morton E. Converse all wood, antique doll house. It was acquired from an eBay seller. On the side door of the house written in pencil is "Mildred Byrd's Doll House". I spotted this historical information when cleaning the house. The seller could only tell me that this house came from near York, PA. Per the doll house book (Antique & Collectible Dollhouses - page 145) this could be dated to somewhere around the late 1920's. I am so pleased to be the new owner.

Photos below are of early set up and trying to figure things out so the new peeps could have a nice home to reside in.

I cut out a page from an Art Work book and used it for the back wall. I turned the house upside down and taped in some lighting.

I added some paper wall paper using painters tape. I fit a full size piece of carpet and just laid it on the floor. I have made no permanent changes to this antique house so I can easily return to it's natural state. For me this house is all about the antique chair and ottoman you see in the photo below. These pieces are the oldest doll house items I have and this house is the oldest doll house I have so I wanted them to become one. I tried to collect as many older doll house items as possible to furnish it.

So I started and things were not lining up or fitting how I wanted. I ended up taking many things from other houses on Ardmore Avenue and even on Lundby Lane.

I think I've got it to my liking. Poor Ronnie and Nancy were sitting on the porch the whole time and were just exhausted. I put in the sleeper sofa and they immediately took a nap.

Now the peeps are looking around and they think the bathroom is perfect.

Ronnie sure likes the kitchen and is so very hungry.

Time for lunch.

The dolls are pleased there is ample room for everything they need.

After lunch they are sitting and relaxing.

The only thing they wish they had was some real windows but are grateful for the way this house is because they are safe from storms and stay warm inside.

Photo below is a close up of the details which are printed directly on the wood.

Top Left: Front of house

Top Right: Side opening door

Bottom Left: Other side of house

Bottom Right: Rear of house

Credits:

Living Room: Antique Kage Fireplace and Radio. Ceramic fireplace insert with hole in rear for lighting. Antique Art Nouveau Chair and foot stool. Modern Art Deco Clock on Fireplace. Lundby Sleeper Sofa.

Bathroom: Tootsie Toy Toilet, Very old ceramic bath tub. Wood Sink (?).

Kitchen: Late 60's Lundby Stove. 70's Lundby Refrigerator. Old Dol-Toi Sink. Vintage Lundby white table and two Lundby size vintage chairs.

Still Playing

2011-02-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

I finally got the bathroom in the Brinca Dada house situated. The back of the Lundby shower is clear and I didn't want the dolls to be showering where the whole neighbor hood could see them. I used an off white new sub-way tile to block the window so the shower has a back ground.

Now my little peeps can shower in privacy.
Credits: House and Planter are by Brinca Dada. Wall hanging, rug, Tub, sink, shower and toilet are newer Lundby items. So pleased to have finally got this figured out. For now anyway...

Spring is Coming

2011-02-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Mary thinks Spring is coming. I sure hope she is correct.

Lundby Dolls go to the IMAX Theater

2011-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Lundby Dolls wanted to see the Big Game close up so they bought tickets to see it at the IMAX theater. They got great seats and the game is about to start.

Wonder who they are rooting for.

Here's the opening kick off. Go Team Go!

This team sure looks smart.

Look at that guy go. YEAH!!!!

Well , now we know who they all like. That's their Super Hero.
The thrower guy. He sure is a handsome lad.

Martin decides to buy t-shirts for everybody.

Credits: Lundby IMAX theater consists of four Brinca Dada chairs and one big TV. Dolls are of course Lundby. Winning team is the Green Bay Packers of Green Bay Wisconsin. Go Pack Go!

Antique Doll House Furniture

2011-01-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

I search high and low and occasionally the good news is mine. I travel locally to antique stores, resale shops, attend auctions and go to as many estate sales as I can.

The table below is incredible. It has a triangular surface with three drop leafs.

It is marked Germany and I suspect very old.

It is missing one leg support but otherwise in very good condition.

Note: If you click on the collages below they will open up for full size photos.

The table is very nice also. It has a thick marble top and is labeled Germany on the underside.

The chair intrigues me with it's leather look seat cushion and seat back that feel like thick paper. It is made of different thicknesses of wood and has no markings.

Credits: All items were found just sitting on a shelf at an estate sale. They are simply too big for the Lundby's so they are being auctioned off to a good home. You can find them by clicking the link on the upper right hand corner of this blog that will take you to my online auctions.

I just love seeing, touching and being around these really great items. My intent is to share with you. If anybody has any additional information I would appreciate a comment. Every day is a good day to learn something.

Signe's New Doll Houses

2011-01-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

Signe would now like to show you the three new Doll Houses she has added to her already vast collection. She likes to pretend her dollie is on vacation and goes many, many places. This is of course when she's not playing with her horses.

House below is all one piece, molded resin of some sort and found at Goodwill for a whopping 49 cents. I liked the details and the small size. It even has a hanging plant outside.

House below could be vintage but I'm not sure. It is marked WETTIG Gedeponeerd on the back of the house and it is made from 100% metal. Only the front side is painted with gray, green and black. Regardless it is very cute and Signe sure likes it. eBay purchase for not too much money.

The house below is the summer resort house made from Birch Bark. It is pretty big and takes up a lot of space in Signe's room but she just loves it. It is made from all natural materials and some tiny people must have assembled this in China. Found at resale shop, paid $1.00.

I wonder if my little peeps dolls will every have dolls.

HHHhhhmmm...

I best get to the train show soon.

Lundby TV's

2011-01-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

Lundby Televisions

Through the years.

This TV is the oldest one I have. It is said to be Rare. I scored this one from a seller that did not know it was Lundby. It is also said to be from the late 60's or 70's. The first Lundby catalog I saw it in attached to the swivel base was from 1972.

I love the horse jumping image on this TV. This TV does not light up and has broken off it's plastic stand. I found the horse image in the 1985 catalog.

This TV does light up. There is a small hole on the backside where you insert the tiny bulb attached to the cord. It looks great lite up. This TV may be older than the one above because of the type of stand it is on. This type of stand is shown in the 1984 catalog.

Now for the large screen plasma TV's currently being sold.

They are so plastic yet the dolls love the larger screen.

I like how the oldest TV has a minimal amount of plastic in it. The newest TV's are almost 100% plastic. This fact is why I yearn for the vintage items of yesteryear.

Note: Different items were sold by Lundby in the USA and overseas. I believe the catalogs were different also. So somebody in Europe may have some different TV's although I have seen all of these TV's available from European countries.

Credits: All these TV's were made by Lundby of Sweden (3/4 scale) for the Lundby dolls.

Dolls and their collections

2011-01-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Signe would like to show you her collection of horses.

She just loves horses of all breeds.

She also loves horse paintings.

She is proud of her collection although she is not done adding horses to it.

Credits: Lamp is Lundby. Most other horses are plastic expect for the one on the red ottoman. That horse is handcarved wood from the Erzgebirge region in Germany.

Antique Doll House Furniture

2011-01-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

All of the items in this post were sold at auction recently from a private collection.

I wanted to share some photos of these most beautiful and precious antique items.

I attended most of the auction online but certainly didn't buy anything.

By: Schneegas & Sohne

Credits: Theriaults Auction House

Vintage & Antique Doll House Chairs

2011-01-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Half Scale Silver Chairs.

The two chairs on the outside of the photos are marked Sterling Silver. The chair on the far left is marked to identify made in Copenhagen, Denmark and is dated from 1955 to 1973. They are fabulous together and just need a little table.

Metal Rocking Chair - Very Old

Baby High Chair - Possible 1970's

Another Metal Chair - Age unknown

Excellently detailed handmade two tone wood and weave chair.
The construction is so detailed with tiny dowel rods used and some glue.
There are no tiny nails in this unusual chair.

Antique Adrian Cooke Metal Works Chair, Chicago, IL
It is made of soft metal and has the patent date on the underside of the seat cushion.
Dated 1895 to 1905

Jo Marz Metal Designer Chair
This designer doesn't make doll house furniture but this chair is perfect 1:12 scale and very cool.

My intent is to share unusual doll house items with my fellow bloggers for fun and educational purposes. I love looking at things that are antique, vintage and unique. Most of these vintage chairs are 1:12 scale. I only collect 3/4 scale items so all of these chairs must be passed on to the proper owner and are listed on eBay. You can browse my listings at http://shop.ebay.com/miniaturesandsmalls/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1 should you be interested.

I also have some Schoenhut, Petite Princess, Renwal, Mattel and Tootsie Toy Doll Houses items listed. Just in case you might be looking...

And now for something completely different

2011-01-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

My husband and I had so much fun doing this. He has always said I am animated and this is proof positve. I don't have a lot of photos from my early years so I am very grateful to have these. We laughed and laughed. Yes, all these photos are of me. So now you know what I look like. A long time ago I won an award for my Blog and I was to tell 10 things about myself that weren't posted. Well I hope this post fulfills my obligation.

Be sure to scroll down below for some new Brinca Dada posts.

Brinca Dada Furniture Part 1 of 2

2011-01-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Mary had recently remodeled the Brinca Dada house to her liking but Martin thought is was just too blue. So this time Martin remodeled. Mary went out and about and Martin brought in a whole truck load of furniture. Martin wanted to try the Brinca Dada Furniture.

For close ups and more details click on each collage and this will open up the photos for viewing.

THE BATHROOM

THE BEDROOM

THE OFFICE DESK AND THE BABY'S ROOM

Credits: All furniture was made by Brinca Dada. The wall hangings are mostly Lundby. The plants are simply for decor.

Brinca Dada Furniture Part 2 of 2

2011-01-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

Overall photo of the house sporting the new Brinca Dada furniture.

THE DINING ROOM

THE KITCHEN

THE LIVING ROOM

Why do you think?

Do you like the Brinca Dada furniture better or the Lundby better?

I personally like a bit a both. Stay tuned to see what happens next. Maybe I will combine them.

For more information about this fabulous modern doll house please visit Brinca Dada's web site at http://www.brincadada.com/. I used the store locator to find a store near me. They seem to be adding new locations regularly.

Brinca Dada Remodel & Landscaping

2010-12-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

The house was partially remodeled.

Santa brought us some nice oak trees.

Mary expanded her miniature doll collection and shows Marta.

Mary just felt like BLUE on the main living floor.

The new bathroom has been installed.
The music room has been moved and we got a new Antique car.

Overall things are looking more like home at the Brinca Dada Emerson House.

Please enjoy the photos.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Brinca Dada Modern House - Mary's Christmas Present

2010-12-20T06:10:00.001-08:00

It was meant to be.

A One Year Blogiversary Present for YOU to see.

Although Mary just moved into a new house (October) she thought it wasn't big enough.

(Mary is a very spoiled brat doll who gets almost everything she wants.)

So we had to get her the New Brinca Dada - Emerson House.

Who says dolls can't go from Vintage to Modern?

How this happened. I have always thought this house was pretty cool but did not think it would fit too well in my collection yet I found myself attracted to it. I would not just buy this house over the Internet without seeing it in person. I thought I had to go to New York to see it. Well I was on the Brinca Dada web site a short time ago and checked the link for locations near me. I about fell out of my chair. A store about 10 miles from me had the house on display. I called, I grabbed Mary and some Lundby furniture and was at the store soon after. This was not a miniature store but a store with a very smart owner who was impressed with the house and ordered a few. Well I'll be but the Lundby furniture fit nicely and Mary would not leave the house. She just flat out wanted it. I sure did too. Now it was time to coax hubby. I asked the store owner to put a hold on the house knowing full well that I didn't have room for it and the price was a bit too high. I then asked hubby to just go take a look at it. Well wouldn't ya know but hubby fell in love with the house. He thought it was art work and would fit into our home nicely. He just admired it from all angles and then paid for the house. YIPPEE!!! It was all a fluke that this happened and yet it was meant to be.

Assembly of the House. The store owner had some very smart and talented young customers who were able to assemble her floor model for her. I was fortunate enough that these super nice people were willing to come to my house and assemble mine for me. Thanks so much to Chris and Angela. It was a fun evening with them and a bit of a challenge but you can see the end result.

Regarding the Blogiversary...

It is pure joy to have lasted here one year and made so many contacts and dear friends.

Stats:

73 different countries have stopped by.
4,366 different visitors have stopped by.
I have done 105 posts in one year.

Impressive I would say. Thank-You all!

Please see the Two Posts below with another 31 photos of the Emerson House by Brinca Dada.

Link to Brinca Dada's Web Site: http://www.brincadada.com/

More Photos of Mary's New House #1

2010-12-20T06:05:00.000-08:00

The photos in this post are with the house open at 90 degrees.

There is no rhyme or reason to the photo order.

It's my present to you for my One Year Blog Anniversary.

Thanks for your love, support and inspiration.

I cut up some small sticks to use for the fireplace. That was hubby's idea.

The music room.

The Laundry Room. AAAaaahhh... One of my favorites.

One of the roof top decks. The red brick patio pavers were added

by me and did not come with the house.

The Serenity Garden.

Camping out on the roof.

I found the Ring Toss game at the Dollar Store.

It's perfect Lundby size. Martin just loves playing it.

Mary is waiting for Martin to come and cook breakfast.

Martin is still in bed watching TV.

The Easel in the corner was a Good Will find and I rehabbed it.

The art work I found at an antique store long ago and finally know why

I've had it all these years.

There is plenty of storage under the stairs. I made a panty for the little Peeps.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW...

More Photos of Mary's New House #2

2010-12-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

These are photos with the house closed.

You can see right through the house so in the back ground is my life size chair.

And there is my life size lamp in the back ground.

See the car parked in the garage.

The roof top decks. You can also see the solar panel.

Kinda burry but gives you a visual from the back side of the house.

Again you can see right through the house. In the back ground is my

cabinet with some of the vintage vases that I collect.

Since these photos were taken I have moved this fabulous piece of art called the Emerson House to a window location. It opens up more possiblities with a natural setting in the background.

Puder Zucker & The Hexan Haus

2010-12-19T05:53:00.000-08:00

Another new House for the Lundbys.

This one will go on a new street called "Sugar Lane."

Here are the little peeps who were lucky I didn't eat them.

I asked hubby to make the enlcosed mix and we laughed for a long time because he doesn't know how to make Puder Zucker (powdered sugar). Now if I ever go to Germany I can ask for Puder Zucker at every meal.

This product was made in Germany for the greatest grocery store in the US called Trader Joe's. They are not in all areas so many of you many not have heard of them.

Here is the art work from the box and I just loved it.

Oh what fun I had to be a child for hours upon hours.

GeeBee House

2010-12-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

I've been a good girl all year so I got myself a little early Christmas Present.

Found on eBay from Minnesota US at a very reasonable cost.

This is a GeeBee House from the UK. 1:16 Scale

Estimated date from the 1960's

Below are photos of the house as I received it.

Amazingly all window frame, panes and door are intact and operational.

I spent many hours making this house my own. I used some real wall paper, some paper wall paper, an Ikea place mat and some carpet. I used painters tape to adhere all items so they are not permanent. Within 4 to 6 months the tape will not longer hold and then I can redo in a more proper fashion. I just used whatever I had to put this together.

Photos below are of the house furnished. I am displaying in my living room as a Christmas Decoration. The house measures 23 1/2" wide x 12" deep x 16 1/2" tall so it is not very large and fits into my tiny 16th scale world.

There is a kitchen and a living room downstairs with two bedrooms upstairs.

Greta the Caco girl Doll and her mom Gertrude say Thanks for stopping by.

They wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Miss Pretty and Dr. Bob

2010-12-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bob is sitting in his office working on some paperwork.

In through the window comes a low, soft voice asking if the Doctor is in.

Dr. Bob replies why yes I am the doctor. What ails you dear? Please come in.

Miss Pretty tells the doctor that her right foot feels funny.

Dr. Bob has a look.

He tells Miss Pretty she had better lie down because he has some news to tell her.

He gently tells her that it seems her right foot has broken off. He asks about the pain. Miss Pretty says Oh Doctor it doesn't hurt because I'm a doll and we don't have any pain. I am walking funny though.

The doctor tells Miss Pretty he has the perfect thing for her and gets her a wheel chair. Miss Pretty tells the doctor how wonderful this is and that she can now get on her way.

Miss Pretty thanks the doctor and rolls out the door saying Good-Bye.

Collage photos below are close ups of the some of the highlights of the Doctors Office. All these items are from the early 1900's to 1920's, very precious and 3/4 scale.

Credits: All items in the scene are vintage or antique except for the ExLax sign and the wheel chair. Miss Pretty is perfect 3/4 scale and on her back it says Made in Hong Kong. I suspect she is rather old though because her pretty dress is slowly turning to dust.

Snow... Glorious Snow...

2010-12-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

Snow...

Glorious Snow...

Clean, Fresh, Moist, Crisp, Milky, Shimmering...

Beautiful!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow...

Two new Doll House posts from today are below.

Credits: Photos taken in the back yard this morning. The First Snow is always the best.

I've already filled up all the bird feeders. Time to do some cinammon baking now.

Citadel House @ Lolly's in Elgin, IL

2010-12-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of the Citadel Doll House from Lolly's Doll House Miniatures

Store in Elgin, IL. Quite a lovely home but thankfully too big for my little world.

She is selling them unfinished but assembled and will ship.

I asked about when she might be selling the kits and she told me maybe in the future.

These photos are of her mother's cherished Citadel House.

As you can see this store is just filled with tiny treasures. I usually get lost looking at everything. Each time I go back I see something I had not seen before. It is a fabulous adventure each time I visit.

Photo below is from the interior. I say the more details the better and this house
is outstanding in details.

For further information on how to connect with Lolly see my previous post
on the Bodo Henning House.

Although I am mostly a Lundby 3/4" scale collector I have great admiration and
appreciation for all doll houses. Young, old, dirty, pretty, fancy and plain.

Credits: Thanks to Lolly for allowing me to take some photos.

Bodo Hennig House @ Lolly's, Elgin, IL

2010-12-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

There is a Bodo Henning House in great vintage condition for sale at Lolly's Doll House Miniature Store in Elgin, Illinois, USA. If you are interested contact Lolly. She will ship.

Way Too Big for ME! But maybe you need it.

Lolly's Doll House Miniatures
1054 Dundee AvenueElgin, Illinois 60120

Phone: 847-697-4040

Fax: 847-697-0387

Web Site: http://swdstudios.com/lollys/index.htm

E-mail: lolly@lollysdollhouses.com

My First Caco Doll

2010-12-01T06:38:00.000-08:00

Here she is.

Mint in Box.

Hubby named my first Caco Doll Greta.

She is just beautiful and 3/4 scale.

She fits into the Lundby World fabulously.

I love, love, love her.

I found her in a case at the local antique store filled with guy stuff like old buttons and metal hardware. There she was over in the corner looking pretty. I could not see the price tag though.

The nice folks at the antique store opened the case for me and I turned the price tag over expecting $20. or so. When I saw $6.00 she was mine, mine, mine. All mine. She even still has the original tag on her arm.

I haven't much taken her out of the box because I don't want to get her all dirty with my grubby paws. My Lundby collecting rule is items must be Lundby or better. This precious doll is much better than the Lundby dolls and I want more of them.

Credits: Caco Doll in the box. Lundby doll on the right.

Attitude of Gratitude

2010-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's Thanksgiving day at the Orphanage on Lundy Lane. All the peeps are warm in their nice little house and ready for the prayer before the big meal. During the meal each little peep will have their turn to say what they are grateful for today. The Orphange father figure tells all the little peeps that having an attitude of gratitude helps chase the blues away.

What are you grateful for?

Today I am grateful I woke up. Today I am grateful to know I’m not in charge of the universe. Today I am grateful to have ample food. Today I am grateful to have shelter. Today I am grateful for a loving husband who started me on my passion for miniatures. Today I am extremelly grateful for my freedom. Today I am grateful to have dear friends and wonderful family. I am also grateful to have memories and cherished thoughts of those who aren’t with us physically today. Today I am very grateful to know all you wonderful people out there in blogger land. It warms my heart in such a good way to know you.

Hope you all have a very, very nice Thanksgiving and a full day of Gratitude.

And I hope all your little dolls have a great day too.

The Party Continues & The Large Christmas Tree

2010-11-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, The party continues. All the peeps are full.

Some are rubbing there tummies because they all ate so much.

That Martin sure is a good cook. The girls are on the roof top playing with dolls.

Nickie is closing in.

These are all the house warming gifts Mary and Martin received.

They didn't expect anything but are very grateful because they can use everything.

The gang is gathered downstairs sitting comfortably and Martin is telling Cooking Stories.

They all laugh when he tells them about how he forget the sugar in the apple pies for 1,000 men.

The Fjelde's are the last party goers to leave and while outside saying good bye sure enough here come Verna and Arlene along with husbands Bob and Cal. The girls were determined to show up. Cal proudly announces the gift of the large living Xmas Tree. Mary and Martin are clueless as to what they'll do with it but are gracious and says "Thanks". Verna is wiggling her way in and wants to see the house. Mary says "Oh if you'd like to come in we have lots of dishes to be done." Verna replies that they were just stopping by to deliver the tree. And so it goes on Lundby Lane. Just another day for the peeps and their amazing adventures in their very small world.

Notes: All little peeps are based on real life characters mostly. Doing dishes is based on real life also.

**************************************************************

"Letter to Cal and Arlene"

Dear Uncle Cal and Aunt Arlene, I hope you enjoy seeing yourselves as dolls. Just like the real dolls you actually are. Arlene you are the blonde and Verna has the darker hair. Uncle Cal, you & Bob look so much alike. All last names have been changed to Flagg to protect the innocent. Happy Thanksgiving! We love you guys! Smooch, Jim and Amy

Party at Mary & Martin's New Stockholm House

2010-11-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

Martin and Mary are in their new kitchen discussing the party tomorrow. Martin tells Mary about all the food he ordered that will be delivered. Right now Martin is making breakfast and is so flabergasted and excited by the new swivel faucet.

The guests arrive. Ann Marie brought a grocery bag full of Trader Joe goodies. The mom & the dad from the new Orphanage on Lundy lane have arrived also.

The Nanny from the orphanage is examining the new pink and blue bath room.

Grandma arrived and tried out the Swedish Tempurpedic bed and fell asleep instantly.

Nickie is reaching his hand out to meet one of the girls that lives at the Orphanage.

Martin is cooking up some steaks and enjoys all the friends being over. Evil baby is being rocked on the swing by his father Vinnie and this is soothing so he is behaving for a nice change. Gustav seems totally bored with the gal he is sitting with.

Erik and Marta Fjelde are sitting with their daughter Signe and just love the new house. They also just love their new house as Mary & Martin sold them their old Stockholm mansion. New on Lundby Lane is a new addition to the Fjelde Family. Yes, a baby. His name is Baby Jimmy. Millie is baby sitting right now so Marta and Erik could come to the party.

And the party continues...
And the story will continue...

Above is an overall photo of the house.

Credits: Lundby Stockholm house with pull out swimming pool and built in dust covers. I have assembled almost all my favorite Lundby things and put them in this house. What fun I had!

What fun I am having and what fun I will continue to have.

Martin Goes Shopping

2010-11-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

Martin goes into the Coffee Shop in the Mini Mall to order some food for his upcoming party.
(Arlene Flagg is on the left. Cal Flagg is in the middle and Verna Flagg is on the right.)

Arlene says "Well hello there. Welcome to our newly remodeled Coffee Shop."
Martin says "Well I can see you have a nice new display case. It is so much bigger than the other one."
Verna says "Well I hunted and searched and found it. We got a good deal. Hey, would you like a sample of cavier?"
Cal is daydreaming about hunting wild animals and could care less about any of this small talk.
Arlene asks "Martin are you the folks in the town with the new house on Lundby Lane?"
Martin replies "Well yes, we sold our old mansion to the Fjelde's because they needed more room."
Verna asks "Are you all moved in? Oh and how is your lovely wife?"
Martin replies "Yes, we are all done moving in. My wife Mary is doing just fine and loving her new house."
Cal urps out "Ya gonna buy anything?"
Martin replies "Yes, I'll take everything in the case and on top of the case. Please deliver it all tomorrow afternoon."
Verna and Arlene both say Thank you. Cal grumbles and goes to get more cavier.

After Martin leaves Arlene and Verna are whispering to each other. Let's listen in.

Arlene says "What a stinker that Martin is. Having a party and didn't even invite us."
Verna says "We'll find a reason to show up Arlene. Don't you worry Sis. We'll be there."

Antique & Vintage Doll House Items

2010-11-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to work with a nice gal who had a doll house that was hand built in the early 1900's. She was moving and needed to find a way to relieve herself of these belongings. I did not want the house because it was large, very heavy and not detailed so I set her up with a local donation company that would come and take the doll house. I managed to negotiate a great price for all the furnishings. I wanted to post some photos of the items I acquired. Some items are from the early 1900's up to 1985. Almost all items are 1:12 scale or 1:10 scale and too large for my Lundby Doll Houses. Early 1900's Soft Metal Typewriter.

Food tray from the 1960's.

Early 1900's probable German made soft metal two burner stove.

Antique four piece bedroom set stamped Germany on the underside of the bed. All bedding was handswen.

German made Chaise or Fainting Couch. Probably from the early 1900's.

All items are listed on eBay with more to come.

These listings can be found by clicking this link.

http://shop.ebay.com/miniaturesandsmalls/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

I am merely showing the photos so you can see some of the great things that were made for doll houses in the early 1900's. Just fabulous stuff. Hope you enjoy the photos!

Vintage Mid 1960's Lundby Gothenberg

2010-11-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

Oh I wish I could afford this. This wonderful Lundby house is listed on eBay currently with lots of photos.

Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mid-Century-Swedish-Dollhouse-Doll-House-Eames-LUNDBY-/290496533259?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a2f1530b

Waiting for...

2010-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

SANTA Claus...

Let's fly in and take a look.

Let's fly out now so the Elves don't see us.

Happy Halloween!

Lundby Lane Mini Mall

2010-10-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Lundby Lane Mini Mall with outdoor cafe.

We have three little shops to browse.

First is the Dolls House Shop. Mary is eyeing a nice little house for her dolls.

Second we have the Coffee and Pastry shop.

This store is being manned by Verna, Arlene and Bob Flagg.

Third we have the Floral shop being run by Cal Flagg who is a master grower.

Doll houses, coffee, pastry and flowers anyone?

What's for Dinner?

2010-10-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Martin is looking everywhere for his Hot Sauce to go with the pizza he just pulled out of the oven.

He calls upstairs to let Mary know that dinner is ready.

Mary is very busy eating her chocolate ice cream cone in her posh princess sitting room and exclaims that she is not hungry.

Martin maneuvers to the bottom of the stairs to tell Mary he made chocolate cake for dessert.

Mary quickly finishes her ice cream and joins Martin. She again tells Martin that she is not very hungry for pizza but will gladly try the chocolate cake.

Vintage Doll House Table with Lamp

2010-10-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

I found this at an Estate Sale in a glass case full of dishes and pottery.

I plugged it into my Lundby 4 Volt house for a brief moment and the bulb actually lit up although dimly.

There are no markings on the bottom other than some numbers written in pencil. I just love this table lamp although it is too big for my Lundby Houses. It is definetely 1:12 or maybe 1:10 scale.

I just wanted to share these photos. The table is made of wood. The lamp shade is made of a thin plastic with a metal stand. The lamp also swivels a bit.

Camping Out

2010-09-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Nickie and Gustav has taken refuge at the local campground while the rest of the Peeps are preparing the homes on Lundby Lane. The boys are making cozy in a Bar-M-Ranch by Marx. They have a stove, sink and refrigerator provided inside along with a picnic table outside. They also have access to the primitive comfort station.

Off to the pool for the afternoon.

Time for Bed. Nickie assures Gustav that there are no bugs in the campground.

Gustav hears a loud buzzing sound. Gustav yells for Nickie to come shake out the tent and to come into the tent because he is sure he hears large bugs. Nickie tells him that there are no bugs but decides to sleep inside the tent anyway.

Both buys nestled together and sleep safely and soundly.

Credits: See previous post for details.

Camping Out Credits

2010-09-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

The pool was made by Play School and is dated 1991. It is made from 100% plastic and

is water proof. I found this at a garage sale where they were selling the whole house with

all the accessories. The owner was kind enough to sell me only this one piece for $1.00.

It fits my little peeps so well.

The Bar-M-Ranch

This is a vintage Marx Bros. tin ranch. I suspect it is 1/2 scale or slightly larger.

We acquired this at a flea market and many of these vintage items have the chimney missing. Others that have all the plastic pieces with them can be very expensive to purchase.

Overall this Vintage Tin is in very good condition. The Bar-M-Ranch was made in the early 1950's as a Roy Rogers toy.

The tent and the two sleeping bags are by Lundby of Sweden. The tent shade does come down if you untie the yellow bows. I love Lundby and their innovation to provide creative play items.

Before & After

2010-09-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

This was mom's house.

And AFTER

Now this is our house.

Ta Da...
Two full home remodels are 99.7% complete.

As you can see I've been rather busy.

The doll house room is mostly set up and ready for activity. The Peeps are moving things about. The Lundby boys have been camping. The Lundby men have been busy moving. The Lundby ladies have been busy cleaning, shopping and setting up. The precious Lundby little girls have been playing.

Summer Photos

2010-08-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

The Dolls and Doll Houses are still packed in the New Doll House Room. SOON... Next is to figure out where I want the shelves. I am close to completing two remodeling projects at two different homes. Many trips to the hardware store. The Dolls and their special houses have been on my mind. And so have all of you. Hope your summer is filled with beauty.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2010-06-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy but that Lundby has some exceptional quality miniatures.

I got this table a while back from the UK. It was in it's original package.

What a treat. The details are impeccable. We would love to find a life size table just like this.

The photo below is of the Doll House Room.

Yes, it needs help.

Sorry I've been so quiet. "Life is what happens to you when you make plans". I have been so busy working on life size houses that my walls of miniatures hasn't been situated yet. I did plan to set up my Doll House Room first and foremost but the big houses have been so demanding. Busy, Busy, Busy...

Packing Up and Moving

2010-06-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

The two photos below are of the early packing.

The contents are all kitchen related items.

At this time I wasn't even done gathering the kitchen items.

Oh the joys of tiny treasures.

It only took one and a half years to acquire all these goodies. I am amazed by the amount of precious little things I have. I am packing by room type so when I unpack I can create a new all the houses I have.

I wanted to post and let everybody know I'm moving. I've been remodeling our new home and remodeling our old home to put up For Sale. It's been very challenging having 2 kitchens, 2 garages, 2 living areas, 2 dining rooms, 3 bathrooms and 5 bedrooms to spruce up. The work seems endless but I know if I keep at it all the goals will be accomplished. I've had the hardest time packing up my doll houses. I just didn't want them out of my sight. All seven of my wonderful, precious houses are neatly packed and ready for the journey. The best part is that I have one whole room dedicated to my doll houses at the new home. This will allow ample opportunity for maximum play time. It is so good to be an adult and act like a kid.

Common Sense Tip: If you ever want to remodel please only do once house at a time.

Monday June 14th, 2010 - Today I dismantle the computer and move it hoping the new DSL line works fine in the new home as it currently has a Dial-Up Modem.

Where is Everybody?

2010-06-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Marta and Ann Marie haven't seen their husbands in a couple days. They are pondering setting out to search for Martin & their husbands who left in the new car to find Mary and Millie. The children gather to listen in on the conversation. Marta thinks it best to go out and look for them. She has gathered some supplies. Ann Marie suggests they borrow Mary's wagons and agrees to head out on foot. Nickie will watch the ground for tracks and any clues as to the missing dolls.

Marta says "Let's get packed up and get walking."

The wagons are loaded. The groceries they have should last for a few days. Antony is holding Signe's doll so she can help with the wagons. Gustav will help steer. Antony is old enough to mostly understand but Evil baby thinks he's going to the park.

Marta says "LET's ROLL!"

And away they go.

Will they find Mary?

Will they find Millie?

Will they find Martin, Erik and Vinnie?

Will the food last?

Will Evil baby behave?

Where is Everybody?

Searching for Millie and Mary

2010-06-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

The dolls on Lundby Lane has waited a couple days for Millie to return. She went out on horseback to find Mary. Concern seeps into their souls. Now both Millie and Mary are out in the big world somewhere. Martin takes Mary's wagon of money to the local car dealer and buys the first good car on the lot. They must now go out and search for Mary and Millie. Marta waves Good-Bye as the gentlemen fasten in and start the engine.

Marta has sent them off with a few supplies. Martin has his thermos of coffee. Vinnie has the jar of M&M's so they have something good to eat. Erik wisely brought along the tool box as they are unfamiliar with this new car.

Away they go with a serious look on their faces. They are determined to find the gals.

Will they find Millie?

Will they find Mary?

Will Vinnie share the M&M's?

Searching for Mary

2010-06-04T04:28:00.000-07:00

Martin calls over Erik and Vinnie. He is very concerned. Not only can't he locate his new glasses but he also can't find Mary. She's been gone a couple days now. Martin has an idea though. He has the keys to Millie's car and wonders if the guys could go and look for her.

Martin calls Millie over to ask if he can use her car. Millie tells that the car won't start and she doesn't know what is wrong with it. Vinnie offers to check the car and fix it if he can. Millie sees the concern on Martin's face. Her heart is full of compassion and can sense his loneliness. She offers to go out on horseback to search for Mary.

And away Millie goes on her favorite horse named Peaches. They ride through the grasslands looking for clues and any sign of Mary.

She continues through the chipped wood lands and constantly yells Mary's name.

They take a rest and have a drink while in the Red Rock Canyon.

No sign of Mary. The search proceeds.

Millie climbs as high as she can onto the Buddha Statue and yells Mary's name. There is no response and still no clues to where Mary is.

Will Millie find her?

Will the car get fixed?

Oh where is Mary...

Mary Prefers Chocolate Ice Cream

2010-06-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Chocolate is Mary's favorite ice cream flavor. I took her on a trip to see if she liked her new Doll House Room. The problem is that she doesn't know that she is just a doll. She is sure she is real. Her hair got all wind blown in the car because she loves the breeze in her hair.

She sat and ate her ice cream while she looked around.

The ice cream cone seemed to be the only thing that pleased her.

She was aghast at her surrounding. She looked disgusted and asked "Where is my house?

Where is Martin? Where are my things? Why is this so dirty? Where is the grass? Do I have to live here?" When dolls are upset they seem to be very difficult and ask so many questions.

I explained to Mary that this will be her new Town. I tried to convince her it will be bigger and better and that her house will still be on Lundby Lane. Mary wasn't happy at all.

Lights Out!

Mary wouldn't come with me. She insisted on staying.

She told me she wanted to start cleaning.

I'll go back and check on her in a couple days.

Note: I'm having some computer troubles (monitor) and am working on a cost effective resolution. Thank you to all the World Wide visitors and to all the wonderful miniature fans that left me wonderful comments.

New Things

2010-05-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a bargain?

I can't afford gobs of money on new things but I can rejoice when I get a real deal. I love to exclaim "SCORE" when I find things I want for a very reasonable price. I hosted a two day community garage sale the weekend after the Estate Sale. I was able to wander to the neighbors garages to see what they had. Oh Joy! I found a deal. A nice gentleman had a vintage diorama that included a cheap plastic china cabinet that was loaded with tiny goodies. I negotiated to a final price of $4.00.

Upon returning to my garage it took less then two minutes to pry the back of that diorama open to reap the bounty of tiny treasures. On the dressing table all the items displayed were inside the cheap cabinet. I love the blue swans on the mirror and the other two items. This group of items are all silver and Marta seems to like them also.

Also inside the diorama were two plastic side tables with tiny treasures glued to them. I usually don't like glue but these will stay as is. The orange jello dish on the coffee table is not new to me. The coat hanger up against the wall is brittle plastic but can be used. The lamp is not new to me. The retro wood love seat and coffee table were eBay wins. I usually don't get these because I always get outbid. These two items were listed as "Retro doll house furniture" and did not have the word LUNDBY in the description. Even those items are mostly found by collectors and I do not get them.

The rug in the photo is Lundy but not new to me. Now the gentlemen who had the diorama told me he had another one exactly the same and that I could have it also for $4.00. Last heard he still hasn't located it. Eventually he will find it and then another one of my precious dolls can have the same fine accessories for their nice home.

Credits: Lamp, Rug, Wood love seat and coffee table are Lundby. Items that were removed from the diorama are either Chrysnabon or hand made using beads and trinkets.

Item #3 you don't know about me. I am not afraid of hard work. Everything I have is due to my own hard work. The rewards of working hard and getting something you want is immeasurable. My first job was working at a Hot Dog place during high school. I had to walk one mile to get to school and after school I would walk two miles to get to work. Thanks to everybody and your very nice comments. I am currently working very hard to reach some awesome goals.

What's for dinner Martin?

2010-05-25T04:52:00.000-07:00

What's for dinner Martin?

Martin is wondering what is going on on Lundby Lane. He has noticed that no big Peeps have stopped by lately to see what they are up too.

Estate Sale Update:

It took two months to gently clean over 2,000 pieces of crystal items, glassware and I sorted approximately 1,500 pieces of jewelry. The Estate Sale was incredible hard work but worth it as it was a success. The most challenging part was that we had to remove everything we wanted from the living areas and secure it in storage locations. We kept all the good stuff but that meant that literally everything had to be gone through. The work does not stop now though. We are waiting for a donation company to come and pack the balance of items so the house will be empty. Then the remodeling work begins. Hubby and I will be settling in after the remodel is done. Then we have our home to fix up and sell.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Item #2 you don't know about me: The end result of all this hard work is that I will have a whole room just for my doll houses and dolls. Yes, I will have my own doll house room!!! The sign on the door will say "No adults allowed." I am doing everything is my power to achieve this goal.

The above photo is what the room looked like prior to any sorting of items. Today the room doesn't look much different other than some of the smaller items and the wall hangings have been purchased during the sale. There is also a good sized walk in closet which I will use for storage of my tiny treasures. I am determined to have the best doll house room I possibly can.

This room has not been painted in 25 years. I would love to hear any ideas about paint color that goes with Doll Houses. I haven't even thought about that yet nor do I have a clue what would look best.

Note: This was mom's store all room. The drawers were filled with old paperwork. The sofa is ancient and didn't sell. The furniture is from the 1960's. The closet was full to the brim with all sorts of stuff. If you love your children start cleaning things now. Mom grew up in the Great Depression and didn't learn how to throw things out. God Bless her though. For every ten items that were garbage there was one item that was a treasure.

Happy Day to YOU!

Primitive Doll House Furniture

2010-05-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

A long, long time ago a carpenter built me a home made doll house. The photos below are of the Primitive Doll House Furniture I made out of balsa wood. When the carpenter went out of my life so did the doll house but the furniture stayed with me.

The old handmade doll house furntiure was put away in a box for two decades. Today Marta and her son Gus took a look at it and laughed and laughed. Then they rushed home to appreciate all the fine Lundby furnishings they have.

This is #1 in the list of 10 things you don't know about me. I was almost 20 years old when I made these items. I had no training and no idea what I was doing. Had I applied for a job on the Lundby Design team they would have chucked and giggled I'm sure but maybe I would have gotten a job because I showed potential. We shall never know.

Credits: The Dolls - Marta and her son Gustav (Gus) are by Lundby. Room box is by Ikea.

The Estate Sale

2010-05-08T04:36:00.000-07:00

Martin and Mary take the wagon and head over to an Estate Sale advertised as HUGE.

Mary comments to Martin that she thought HUGE would mean a lot of items.

Martin tells Mary that the word HUGE actually means LARGE.

Martin checks out an old German thermometer while Mary is inspecting a brass key holder.

Martin and Martin make their way into the jewelry room. Mary sure loves all the vintage jewelry.

Closer up Mary asks Martin if "The Incredible Shrinking Machine" is working."
She would like him to shrink some items for her.

Mary checks her box of money and continues to look around for some special items.

HAPPY MOTHER'S Day!!!

Credits: My mom passed earlier this year. She had collected for many years. The photos above are of the Estate Sale that is being set up. My little peeps have found many useful tiny treasures. The big beeps (hubby and I) have also found many treasures that we are keeping.

The Hogarins left some Photos

2010-05-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

These photos were found on my camera. They must have been taken by Rigoberta and Felipe when they were visiting recently. I will attempt to figure out just where these happy looking dolls were when they took all the photos.

Now for the first photo they must have gone to the local space center.

Rigoberta must have gone to do laundry.

Looks like the local goat came in and scared her.

Oh, this photo is from the park with the statues.

This photo must be from the boardwalk. Felipe looks mesmorized by a cicada shell.

Dear Felipe and Rigoberta,

Call me at 1-800-Got-Dolls if you want me to send you copies of your photos.

Love, Millie

Nickie Signs up for Basketball

2010-05-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

Nickie has signed up for Basketball at School.

He picked out his own uniform!

Nickie is pretty smart because he thinks his uniform is a little big. Then again Nickie isn't too smart because he thinks his uniform is only a little bit too big. How do you think he will do?

Grandma is Back

2010-04-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

Everybody is waiting for Grandma to wake up.

Grandma is still sleeping.

Well there she is. I can't hear what she's saying.

She looks as to be telling an important story.

Good thing Martin and Mary preserved the 1953 Marx Tin house that is on Ardmore Avenue. Somebody had left years earlier with all contents intact.

Note the interior door bell in the upper right of the collage. It still works. I got this special Tin House at an auction that advertised a Lundby/Barton/Caroline's Home house. When I got there what they did have was a very old, beat up (frame cracked, windows missing, filled with cob webs, smelly) Caroline's Home Doll House. I ended up with this 1953 Vintage House and it is perfect scale for 1:16 and Grandma's home is now filled with the smells of her baking. I wonder who's Grandma she is.

Martin Goes to the Doctor

2010-04-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

Martin was baking a cake for Mary and it didn't turn out right. He used the wrong ingredient because he couldn't see the package label clearly. Mary tasted the cake and said it was very salty. She asked Martin what was wrong. She then set up an appointment at the Doctor's office for Martin. The doctor has arrived and greets Martin.

Well hello there Martin. I am Doctor Smith but you can just call me Doctor Bob. What brings you in today? Martin tells the nice doctor that he messed up his cake for Mary and couldn't figure out what went wrong. Martin is gravely concerned because baking and cooking are great joys for him and his lovely wife Mary.

Well have a seat Martin and please start at the top of the chart and start reading the letters for me. Martin reads aloud "E, F, P, T, O, Z, and then reads M, A, R, Y." The doctor tells him to stop reading and that he is worrying so much as this is a common problem. He then tells Martin he has an easy adjustment for him that will insure all his cakes have the proper ingredients.

Try these on Martin.

What color are my eyes?

Martin is overjoyed and says "Blue, Dr. Bob, your eyes are blue!
Wow, I can see that. Thank you Dr. Bob."

Martin continues in telling the doctor that he feels funny, like he might fall over. The doctor tells him not to worry and that it will only take a couple days for the funny feeling to go away. The fine doctor again has a solution.

The doctor continues, now Martin please wear this Sombrero for a couple days. It will take your mind off the new glasses and will protect you should you fall.

Martin loves the new hat and then thanks the kind Doctor.

The doctor then offers Martin some OXI to clean his shirt.

Martin leaves and can't get wait to get home and start baking another cake for Mary.

This time he will use the sugar instead of the salt.

**************************************************************************

All is well on Lundby Lane...

Credits: The only Lundby items in this post are the two dolls. Most of the furniture is Bespaq, 1:12 scale and high quality. The miniature glasses were purchased at the miniature store long ago. They are made of hard plastic yet very fragile and easy to lose. The Sombrero is a treasure I acquired long ago and kept it because I liked it. The eye chart and human skeleton charts were acquired in a lot from an eBay purchase with assorted items. The scale in the cabinet was made for the Franklin Mint (70's) and is metal.

New Doll House

2010-04-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Signe gets another new doll house. She worked hard and saved up for it.

She is admiring the exterior and just is speechless.

Let's see what she's done with the interior.

Signe is so proud of her new house. She bought the house and then picked all the furnishings herself. Yes, she went to the Miniature Show a couple days ago. She and her mom Marta had a blast. They found many, many items that were just too big for them.

I am so grateful I don't collect old cars or airplane engines. It was great fun to buy a new doll house and be able to carry it around for hours. I went to the Miniature Show in Chicagoland and absorbed many great ideas. I was fortunate to meet up with Chris from "Call of the Small" http://call-small.blogspot.com/ and we both commented on how much more fun it is to hunt for tiny treasures and then rejoice in the great prices we paid. I am so pleased she won that Brio House I stopped bidding on. Congrats Chris!

At the miniature show I found a tiny little doll house that already had furniture in it which was firmly in place. I sure liked it but wasn't sure I wanted to pay the price. So I continued browsing, had some lunch and when I went back to look at it again it had been bought by somebody else. Of course I was disappointed but I didn't realize I would have more fun buying a little empty house for a very fair price and spending the next hour meandering the miniature show to find my own furniture and items to accessorize. I guess I wasn't meant to have that house that was all set up. At the miniature show the vendors are so friendly that I was able to first take the little house around so I would be sure I could find proper items to furnish it. Then I went back and purchased it and several other vendors helped me furnish it. Now Signe is speechless because she just can't stop looking and playing with her new house.

The TROLLS visit the Gotland

2010-04-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

Meet the Trolls...

The Trolls have checked into the Gotland Summer Cottage early. They are time share owners so they had keys and did not wait to be greeted. They have the Ouija board set up, a candle is lit and they are asking the board for coordinates for their GPS which is on the table.

Martin knocks at the door. The Trolls ask him to just come in. Martin is filthy from cleaning up in the barn. He always likes to welcome the visitors when they arrive but not this time.

Martin comes on in and looks around.

He steps over and asks how things are so far. The Trolls say that everything is great and that they even finished decorating for their stay. Martin then asks what the Ouija board is for. The Trolls tell him they are asking the board about the weather for their hiking adventure.

The Trolls have requested Chocolate Cake, spoons and a block of ice. Martin always provides food that has been asked for from the list of many choices the Gotland offers. All the Trolls wanted was chocolate cake so Martin made them two of them. He also left them a wide assortment of silver spoons and a large block of ice in the freezer.

Martin leaves and the Green Haired Leader digs into one cake with a spoon.

The three other Trolls share the second cake.

When the leader is done eating he tells them it's time to go and to bring all the spoons.
And out the door they go singing a happy tune.

Tra-la-la-la-la..

La-La-La-la...

Hours and hours have passed. The GPS coordinates have been accurate and most beneficial. The Trolls have found a plethora of red jasper, many quartz, assorted tiger eyes and a large amethyst precious gemstone. They also saw a lot of deer but they made Troll noises and the deer pranced and scattered further into the forest.

"SCORE" says the Yellow Haired Troll as he raises his fists in excitement. They all stand in amazement at the great rocks they have dug up with just two shovels and many silver spoons. The lady Troll has wandered off to smell the flowers.

The leader tells the group that it's going to be a good Rock Hunting year because luck is finally on there side. He then tells them to go inside because now it's time to play Titanic! They scurry to get the boat and the block of ice.

Hey... Close the Door!!!

The Trolls are investors in the Gotland but they aren't here to make friends. They have learned from a famous geologist & map surveys that many exquisite gemstones are buried on the land nearby and in caverns and caves. Gee... No wonder why they showed up with so much cash and begged to become investors.

Credits: The itty bitty peeps in the boat are 1:87 HO scale and are made for Train Collectors. These specific ones came in a package of six by Preiser and were made in the Federal Republic of Germany. Hand painted in Maurituis. Too bad they didn't come with a life raft.

Signe's New Rooms

2010-04-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

SIGNE's New Rooms

Marta calls her daughter Signe downstairs, "Honey, I have a Surprise for you!" Signe runs to her mother because she knows it might be good. Marta says now honey check out your new bedroom. Marta explains that she is doing well in school and deserves the new space.

Signe is thrilled and says "AAAaaawww Mom!"

She loves the new horse statue with the rider. Plus she doesn't have to share with her brother Gustav (Gus) anymore. She was worried about bugs because of all the cookie crumbs.

Marta tells her there is another room for her. Signe is very attentive and ready to see what's next. They both go into the adjoining room, Signe look around and gives her mom a big hug.

She says in a soft sweet voice,

"Mom, I love you."

Marta leaves Signe alone to enjoy her new doll house room.

Signe is amazed. She has always wanted a Lundby Doll House.

Signe calls all her friends over to share in the fun.

Signe brings the girls to see her new bedroom first. All the little girls are hanging out there just being girls. Signe is holding a high heel shoe that she hopes to fit into some day. All the furniture and items in the room are new to Signe. She just loves the perfume bottle and the new little pink purse. The girls all think Signe is a gluckspliz (lucky mushroom).

Signe tells her friends that there is more and brings them all into her Doll House Room.

The shrieks of laughter, joy & utter excitement fill the room.

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh say the girls.

Their creative minds are whirling about.

They want to play, play, play...

All the girls find things to entertain themselves with very quickly.

AAAaaahhh...
The good things that happen on Lundby Lane.

The photo below is what Signe's old room used to look like.
She had to share it with her brother Gus.
She always complained that his socks were stinky.

Marta still isn't sure what to do with the new space in the house but I am sure she'll let me know what she does. I saw her leaving the house with her purse so maybe she's going shopping.

Credits: Ikea Vegetable Bins were used for both of Signe's new rooms. Marta had them installed along with the two existing room extensions under the Gothenberg in about 5 minutes by a very strong construction crew member named Vinnie. Yes, I went back to Ikea and bought four more of these excellent bins. They fit so well under the Lundby houses and I can use an extension cord to install real lighting. They also fit very well under the Caroline's home.

Gustav's (Gus) New Rooms

2010-04-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Gustav's (Gus Fjelde) New Rooms.

Marta has hired the local construction crew (Vinnie) to install a couple more rooms because the kids are growing up and each needs his/her own space. These are Gus's new rooms. Gus loves music and hanging out with the DeSalvo brothers. Here he is spinning a record for the guys to groove to. They all sit, relax and groove out to the music.

Now for Gus's new bedroom. As you can see it was from Ikea. Gus loves trains, miniature tractors and cars just like most boys do. He also loves Marble Statues.

(The statues are plastic and not marble of course but dolls don't know these things.)

The boys are playing and making a mess. Nickie is examining the globe trying to figure out where Verna & Arlene (the Flagg dolls) live because they are on his mind constantly. Antony and Gus are playing with the statues, vehicles and have already thrown the pillows all around. Boys, boys, boys... It seems the cow tried to jump over the car but the car got stuck.

Nickie is so jealous of Gus because he would love his own room too. He has to share with little brothers Antony and the Evil baby. Nickie sure is growing up.

Below is a photo of Gus's old room. He had to share the corner of the house with his sister Signe. Gus is much happier now that he has a bigger bed (big boy size) and his very own music room. Marta is very happy also as she can set up a nice quiet place of her own in that corner of the house. She's not sure yet what she'll do but I bet she will show me when she's done.

Oh the good things that happen on Lundby Lane! Joy, Joy, Joy...

Credits: Two Ikea Vegetable bins were used for the new rooms.

EGG Salad

2010-04-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

The children have found the hidden Egg. Marta invites them all over to the Gothenberg for Egg Salad.

We'd like to Say Good-Bye

2010-04-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Hogarins say Good-Bye to Lundby Lane.

"Thanks for all the great food and nice places to visit.

We hope to come back some day."

And they drove away in their rental car leaving with the best of memories. Vinnie has got to get the cottage cleaned quickly because new visitors are expected soon.

Credits: Thanks to Flo for sharing her goofy big headed peeps. These dolls just never stop smiling. They were a pure pleasure to entertain. However I will be sending you an invoice for the vast quantities of food they ate. :) Those ding-dongs aren't cheap to make.

The Yellow Tulip Restaurant

2010-03-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Hogarins have a reservation at the Yellow Tulip Restaurant.

As they look into the window it seems their private dining room is ready.

Ribogerta and Felipe sit down and fresh hot bread is served right away. Felipe tells his lovely gal that this will be a special night for her. He goes on to tell her what a wonderful job she did in finding this great cottage for their most relaxing adventurous trip. Rigoberta sits back and smiles at her Felipe. She has something to tell too.

Felipe then tells Rigoberta that he purchased an extra special gift. She replies, oh honey you didn't have to do that. Rigoberta tells Felipe she got him something special also to commemorate their trip to the Rolling Hills. They both continue to smile at each other, exchange gifts and then the restaurant camera man comes by to take their photo.

Rigoberta just loves her new necklace and holds it up so the camera man can see it. Felipe is proudly wearing his new Fleur de lis lapel pin. He says "Just look at it, it is beautiful." Great photo says the photographer. I'll get the photo printed up for you nice folks.

The roasted chicken, baked potato's and jello have been served.

The candles are twinkling and there is plenty of butter.

Rigoberta says let us eat now dear.

Time for an after dinner drink and some dessert.

Felipe orders an assortment that includes ding-dongs (of course).

Rigoberta gets the cookie pie.

Well, shall we dear?

Oh yes we shall.

The rhythm of the music is drawing them into the private room next door.

Frank Sinatra is singing a Michael Buble song.

Let's dance...

Felipe bellows "Turn the lights down..."

And the have been dimmed and the mood lighting is turned on.

I left and gave the Hogarins have some privacy.

In the morning I found them just waking up and they had Big Smiles on their faces.

I just don't know what went on last night but the cottage sure is messy.

Hogarins Go Bike Riding

2010-03-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Felipe and Rigoberta rent a bicycle for a leisurely ride.

Rigobeta has offered the be the rider and Felipe is to relax and enjoy the ride.

Along comes a young whipper-snapper showing off.

Felipe thinks she's cute but her head sure is big.

He tells Rigoberta "Faster dear, Faster!"

Needless to say the young girl speeds ahead and is long gone in the blink of an eye.

Felipe comments to Rigoberta "Gosh honey, they sure have a variety of peeps up here."

This is just another day in the life of the Hogarins visiting the Cottage on Lundby Lane. Sadly to say they will be packing up soon and heading back to Texas. Please stop by again because Felipe has planned a delightful surprise evening for Rigoberta.

The Hogarins have contacted Millie the rental agent for the Cottage and asked if they could stay longer but Millie has told them another visitor group is scheduled.

The Hogarins Go Exploring

2010-03-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Hogarin's are driving along and Rigoberta sees a For Sale Sign and begs Felipe to stop.

Please honey, please... I just want to look.

Please, please, please...

Isn't this cute?

Felipe says Dear you have to duck to even get into this house.

Rigoberta says let's look anyway. Come on dear.

Rigoberta loves the interior.

Felipe is exhausted and just wants to get back to the Cottage.

Credits: This doll house (Rich Toys) was in the local antique store and they were kind enough to allow me to take a couple photos. The garage sale photos and estate sale photos were also taken in the same antique store.

The Hogarins have a Quiet Evening

2010-03-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Hogarins are settling in for the evening. Rigoberta had been out shopping and arrives at the Cottage. Felipe notices right away that she got some new shoes. "My dear, what lovely shoes." Rigoberta tells him she couldn't help herself because they fit very well and were just right.

Felipe and Rigoberta are engaged in a leisurely game of back gammon. Neither cares who wins because they are just having fun. Felipe is working on the jar of cinnamon red hots he found in the Cottage.

It's time for a night time snack. Martin has been leaving fresh Ding Dongs every day for Felipe. He likes them homemade. Rigoberta saved his ding-dong's from the morning so he could have them as a night time snack. Both are very tired from a long day and it is time to say Good-Night.

Good Night dear, I love you.

Sweet dreams dear, I love you too.

Out in the Country

2010-03-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Millie has invited Felipe and Rigoberta to visit the outdoor horse ring.

They move in closer.

And closer still.
Felipe comments to Rigoberta about how small the horses and people are. He then comments that maybe they might just be big.

Rigoberta says "Honey, we're from Texas and everything is bigger in Texas."

Signe comes over the greet and meet the visitors. Signe spends hours just watching Millie training and riding the horses. Millie welcomes them and offers for Felipe to take a quick ride on one of the tamer horses. Felipe says "We have much bigger horses in Texas, so this should be so easy."

Oh no...

The Horse is rattled and tries to buck Felipe off.

Oh Wow...

The horse rears it's legs and Felipe is thrown off.

Oh My...

Millie quickly goes to check on the horse. Signe also is concerned about the horse. Rigoberta immediately checks on her wonderful husband.

"Are you okay dear? Who am I? Do you know me?"

Once Millie determines the horse is okay she turns her attention to Felipe. Felipe is okay but he does have a little bump on his head. Rigoberta is comforting him. This will end their day as they will head back to the cottage now. Felipe says he wants a Pepsi, some ding-dongs and a nap.

What will they do tomorrow?

Hogarins go Out and About

2010-03-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

BIG GARAGE SALE

After a delicious breakast the Hogarins venture out for a drive. Rigoberta sees a sign for a Garage Sale and begs Felipe to stop the car. Please honey, let's just go look.

Felipe is excited about the white dresser. He loves how the drawers work and it seems to be just the right size. He comments on the blue handles and how they match the stripes in his shirt. He would like it for his room at home. Plus it's only $3.00. Rigoberta reminds him how cramped the plane ride was, he sighs and he walks away from the dresser.

Rigoberta finds a dress manequin and asks Felipe if he can remember when she was this size. He says "Oh yes dear I remember." In his mind he thinks to himself... She was never that size.

On to the Estate Sale

The nice folks from Texas sit outside on the porch and wait their turn to enter the Estate Sale.

Rigoberta loves the view from the window.

Rigoberta also loves this special basket of flowers that is for sale. She asks Felipe if he likes it and wouldn't it be nice to bring home. She goes on about how nice it would look and how sturdy it is and what a great handle it has and what a super color it is. Felipe reminds her of the plane ride here. Rigoberta sighs, puts the basket down and they leave without buying anything but they sure had a good time browsing.

Felipe says "Well dear, what do you want to do tomorrow?"

Hogarins have breakfast

2010-03-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Mary waves Good-Bye after dropping off Rigoberto and Felipe's breakfast.

Do you need anything else dear?

No sugar drop, come and sit down.

Oh this looks delicious. Let's dig in.

The Hogarins Arrive on Lundby Lane

2010-03-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to the Hogarins

Rigoberta and Felipe Hogarin have arrived safely from Texas after a very cramped and stressful flight. Rigoberta says her nose hurts a little from the landing. They are headed for Lundby Lane. They sure need to stretch out and relax. They have booked the Gotland Summer Cottage here in Illinois for a quiet little Spring get away. The Lundby dolls want to be sure everything is just perfect for these fine folks as these are the first out of town visitors.

Filepe gets all the luggage into the truck and Rigoberta comments on how lovely this rental car is. The agent for the Gotland Cottage set this rental up for them. Rigoberta wants to be sure to thank Millie for the smooth arrangements. Filepe says get in dear let's get rolling. Let's see how fast this thing goes!

The Hogarins have arrived at the Cottage. The Hogarins are delighted! They feel safe and everything is just right. Felipe is so happy to have the nice fireplace and to see the stacked wood for them.

Rigoberta is inside putting the clothes away. She found a Welcome note and a message that breakfast would be brought to them in the morning. Filepe has found a Pepsi in the frig and a basket of strawberries. He sits outside, relaxes and breathes in the fresh spring air.

AAAAaaaahhhh....

Felipe is thinking to himself what a great place his lovely wife Rigoberta found and is thinking about a way to surprise her with his gratitude and appreciation. He is also thinking about finding a better way to get home than that awful Fisher Price airplane.

The Hogarins intend to be busy during the days and lazy during the nights as they explore the area and eat like Kings and Queens.

The Hogarins Call 1-800-Got-Dolls

2010-03-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Millie is driving down Lundby Lane is her new Ford T-Bird. She just a raise from Martin & Mary Stockholm for all the hard work she does. She cleans their house, does all the laundry, takes care of the horses, runs the coffee shop and manages the Gotland Cottage Time Share. Millie always has the 1-800-Got-Dolls phone line forwarded to her cell phone when she's away from the coffee shop or her apartment. Martin wants to be sure somebody answers the rental inquiry calls.

Ring, Ring... Ring, Ring...

Millie says "HELLO - Gotland Reservation Line - How can I help you? Yes this is Millie. Oh sure. Yes, our new cottage is available. Oh you don't say. So you are calling from Texas. Yes, it's a quaint cottage surrounded by nature. It is peaceful and relaxing. We do offer a bed and breakfast package. Would you like that? Oh Yes, Martin is a very good cook. Oh there are many great little shops. Yes, walking and hiking trails also. We also have a very nice romantic restaurant that spins records and has dancing. Great Rigoberta. I'm so glad you called. Oh sure we can do that. Great! I can give you directions. Of course we can have a rental car waiting for you. Thank you for calling. We can't wait till you get here."

Millie arrives home safely and opens the hood.

She wants to check if her engine is still nice and clean. Vinnie stops by to have a look because he loves cars. Millie tells Vinnie she's got to run now and go tell the Stockholms (Martin and Mary) about the new visitors coming soon to the Gotland.

Credits: Millie's new car is a 1:18 scale Die-Cast Metal Ford Thunder bird from 1955.

Signe dreams...

2010-03-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Signe dreams of owing her own horse some day.

Big Flowers

2010-03-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Gee Martin these flowers are so big and they make my hair smell so nice. Happy Spring!

Shadows

2010-03-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

This photo happened when the morning light was beaming through the eastern window. In the photo is a Lundby patio table with two chairs, a make shift umbrella and a small vase with two flowers in it.

Purple Cape Society

2010-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

THE PURPLE CAPE SOCIETY GETS SOME NEW MEMBERS

(Updated 3-18-10 In the USA there is a group of ladies and they call themselves the Red Hat Society. They travel around in groups and are easy to spot because they always wear Red Hats. They are a fun group and seem very loyal to each other. The Purple Cape Society is a doll version of the Red Hat Society.)

Marta invites her neighbors Mary & Anne Marie to Lunch at the Red Room. She tells them she has joined a new society and would like to them to become members also. She explains it is fun and provides merriment and will make them better neighbors. Plus if they join she can give them a gift. Mary ask lots of questions. Anne Marie says bring on the gift. Marta tells Mary to just trust her. So they both join, go open their gifts and don their Purple Capes and lunch begins at the Red Room. They are all proud to be new members of the Purple Cape Society.

If anybody can help me identify this large wooden basket in the photo above I would appreciate a note. A close up photo is below. I picked it up at an estate sale that advertised miniature wooden German doll house items. I was #51 to enter the estate sale and this was the only interesting piece that was left. I was told that somebody earlier than me had bought almost all of them. The whole flower basket is made of wood. The tiny little flowers appear to be wood also. It was quite dusty so I dry brushed it. I just thought it was intriguing and very well made. It is stamped Germany on the bottom. I just really like it.

Credits: Ikea Room Box was used for scene. Purple Cape Society was totally hubby's idea so he gets all the credit. We see the "Red Hat Ladies" here and there and they always look like they are having fun and hubby's knows my dolls are all about having fun. The Purple Capes are by Lundby. The flooring and background wall paper were cut from a place mat sold by Ikea.

Introducing Verna and Arlene

2010-03-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

OH NO...

What could it be?

What did I do?

What did I drag home with me?

What could I have possibly found at the flea market for $8?

You know I love Toys...

One of my favorites is the cowboy prize game in the upper left corner. There are tiny silver balls inside the plastic case and one is supposed to get each tiny ball into a certain indented area. Now who could do that? Another of my favorites is in the middle row on the left. That is a vintage, plastic and brittle doll house with a car port. I found it at mom's recently and it is pretty old. It is not in Mint Condition and that doesn't matter to me. Another of my favorites is the Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls in the center photo. I had to purchase the whole miniature display case at a garage sale just to get those. They are made of fabric and I think very special. Now just what could I have bought at that last flea market for $8. that I just couldn't live without.

It's a

Vintage

Marx Tin

Doll House

"Velkommen To All Things Toys"

The gang sits outside waiting for the store to open. Nickie is telling his mom to look at what Evil Baby is doing. Antony is staring in the window just waiting to get in. Anne Marie ignores Nickie because she is busy trying to impress Marta. Gustav (Gus) is looking inside with great anticipation.

The store finally opens. The first floor contains the check out counter where two very lovely ladies are greeting and assisting the customers. The blond gal is Arlene and the brunette gal is her older sister Verna. They are Flagg dolls and have very snazzy outfits on. Yes, they are dating Cal and Bob Flagg who as also known as the Flagg Brothers. Also on the first floor is the Life Size Store Logo being the Swedish Horse. Near that is a rest area for exhausted adults and a play area to park the little ones. Nickie is spending his time mesmerized by Arlene and Verna and their pure beauty. They are actually flirting with him. Nickie feels funny but he likes it.

Anne Marie and Marta are chatting. Anne Marie is still trying to impress Marta. (Don't know why.) Anne Marie keeps looking at Marta's new necklace. Marta tells her it is from the Lundby Line of Finer Jewelry and was hand made in Sweden by master craftsman. Anne Marie sure wishes she had one.

The second floor contains all the toys. Oh the toys... For the girls and boys... Antony has found an astronaut he likes. Gus has found a blue tractor he's attracted to.

The red wagons are for customers to load their purchases into. The upstairs balcony contains all the bicycles and another rest area for everybody. Anne Marie purchased the astronaut for Antony. Nickie just wanted a phone number so he left empty handed but had a flutter in his heart. Marta purchased the tractor and car for her son Gus. Marta also purchased every doll house for her daughter Signe. Yes, she bought that lucky little girl all of them and she also bought her the miniature Swedish Horse. Wait till you see Signe's new room! Marta is going to surprise her. Signe just got straight A's in school.

The nice man at the flea market had $12. on this old beat up Marx house. I looked at it and started looking elsewhere. He then lowered the price to $10. I asked if he had the missing walls. He said nope and then I mentioned the rust and looked disinterested. He then offered to part with it for $8. Not sure if I got a deal or not but I did have great fun setting up the Toy Shop. I didn't realize how many little toys I have accumulated along my way. This house will only be in my possession for a short while. It's fun to have it and check it out but it ain't a Lundby House. I know of some girls down the street that would love to have this.

Credits - Lundby Items: The counter the pretty girls are behind is a Lundby sink unit laying on it's side. The covered porch swing, the kids table and chairs, the retro yellow lamp and both rugs on the first floor are Lundby. The balance of the items are assorted doll house items.

Credits - Dolls: Verna and Arlene are Flagg Dolls. The rest of the dolls are Lundby.

Another Swedish Horse / Dala Hest

2010-03-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Flea Market Find

Another Dala Hest - Swedish Horse

I am so lucky...

Paid $3.00 USD

Because of my Lundby Doll Houses and my passion for the finer Swedish things I do my best to acquire them for reasonable prices. I saw Nicola's blog (Püppilottchen´s Toy Blog) quite a while ago that showed a tiny little Swedish Horse (Dala Hest) in a Lundby House. I thought it was cute as could be. Then we ventured into a Swedish/Norwegian store recently and saw how expensive and well made they were (hand carved and hand painted). I ended up with one tiny little Dala Hest. Much to my surprise I spotted the larger horse sitting on a table at the flea market last Sunday. I picked it up and someone who had no idea of the history or the value of this item had written $3. in permanent marker on one side. My heart was a flutter because I know this cost about $35. in the Swedish store. We didn't even barter with the guy. We just paid the $3. The precious horse even still had the label on it. The permanent markings have been carefully removed using hubby's vast knowledge. He told me to spray hairspray on a clean rag and to wipe gently. I did not do any damage to the original finish. This larger Dala Hest will look so nice somewhere on Lundby Lane.

Credits: The first photo shows two of the Swedish horses in different scales. The second photo shows the label on the larger horse. The little stool is Lundby.

Here is the link to Nicola's blog with the miniature Swedish Horse. http://pueppilottchens-spielzeug-blog.blogspot.com/2009/09/das-lundby-goteborg-puppenhaus-teil-5.html

I want to express a Special Thank You to all you wonderful bloggers for helping me along the blog road. I cherish your feedback and appreciate the sharing of ideas so very much. I wake up thinking about what you might have blogged about and rush to check em all. And just because I didn't leave a comment doesn't mean that I haven't been there. THANKS!!!

Gotland Visitors - The Flagg Brothers

2010-03-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

Introducing Cal & Bob Flagg

AKA the Flagg Brothers

The Flagg Brothers arrive at the Gotland Summer Cottage. They are part owners and are excited about their first visit. They want a feel for the place and the surroundings so they can tell friends and family the specifics to get some renters because they like all dolls want more doll things and that requires doll money. Plus their girls have sent them to be sure it is safe for them to stay also. Martin has told them the grounds are fertile hunting grounds with many, many deer that can be harvested.
The brothers are getting settled in. Cal peers out into the forest and dreams of landing a big buck. They have unloaded their Buggy and brought in all their hunting gear and some refreshments for later. Martin has left a pot of corn meal simmering on the stove and a fresh duck roasting on the fireplace fire pit. Cal says to Bob "Boy that's a Big stuffed Duck above the fireplace." Bob replies "Sure is Cal. Hope we get a big one today. Let's get ready to go." Bob feeds the dog as dogs hunts better on a full stomach. They have given him some Pro-K-Killa-Dog Food that enhances the dogs senses and betters the odds for the hunters to be successful. They have even brought their cave man tools just in case.

Bob checks the roasting duck as it is starting to smell so good. Martin said it would be ready in about three hours. The brothers head out with their wagon full of assorted guns sure to bring home a big prize.

Well the brothers arrive home three hours later empty handed. Cal tells Bob to turn the lights on. Both Cal and Bob notice how good it smells inside and outside the cottage and are delighted to have a hot meal to share.

The brothers are thoroughly disappointed and try to figure out what went wrong. Cal thinks that maybe because they didn't have camouflage gear on the deer spotted them. Bob suggests that maybe because they didn't have the right guns. So they decided next time to bring more weapons. The brothers sit down to dine in silence. Cal is filling his pipe to smoke after dinner. Cal also has a Jug of Moonshine and a hefty sized mug to pour it into. Bob is drinking some type of Rum with coke.

The sun is now setting in the western sky. Both brothers have had their fill of funny water and are feeling tipsy. Hark, there is a noise outside. Both brothers get up to look out the front door. Cal asks Bob if he heard that. Bob replies Yes I heard something. Then Cal asks Bob if he sees anything. Bob isn't sure if he's imagining things or that he sees a slew of easy prey deer right outside the door. Bob thinks he just heard a noise and tells Cal he doesn't see anything. Call replies "me neither. I don't see a darn thing."

The brothers retire for the night with dreams of slaying dragons and dinosaurs.

NOTE: No animals were hurt in the creation of this scene.

Ikea Idea - Room Boxes / Mary goes shopping

2010-03-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

INSPIRATION

Sometimes things are simply black or white.

Thanks much to "Call of the Small" for the Ikea Vegetable Bin tip.

Please click the link below to see where this great idea came from.

http://call-small.blogspot.com/2010/03/kitchenette.html

She smartly used the Bin as a miniature room box and it was simply fantastic.

Hubby and I took a trip to Ikea the other day. This was only my second time there and I started feeling so Swedish with the Smaland kids area and the Stockholm sofas. What a blast I had but I could not find this vegetable bin. Hubby said he knew where it would be and I'll be darned he knew exactaly where it would be. When he asked if I wanted two of them I did not hesitate to agree that two would be better than one. Once the bins were assembled I immediately moved my vintage Lundby Gothenberg house to see if these bins fit underneath and they do perfectly. Yes I drive a new WV bug and have some miniature ones in different scales. My last car was 14 years old and it was time to retire the old Ford Probe. I wanted a hot little car that had room and an audubon gear. Oh boy does that 5 cyliner move in the sport gear. The VW is in the Bentley family and I call my bug my baby Bentley. I put the black mini bug on top of one room box and the white one on the other. Hence my inspiration for this post. I proceeded to spend hours searching every doll house nook and cranny for miniature items that were either solid white or solid black. The set up below reminds me of the Ikea store and the room selections. I like how the natural sunlight beams through. It was nice to take photos without having to set up lights.

Below is the White Room.

I tried to use as many fabrics and textures to bring the whole room to life.
Click on the photo for better view.
And then we have the Black Room.

It appears that Mary seems to like both of the rooms.

Well she couldn't decide so she bought most items in both rooms. She is very spoiled. I got two so she got two. She had the delivery people set up all items on her Stockholm Mansion Roof top. Wonder what Martin will say when he gets home.

And look what Marta and her family got. Somehow a construction crew came and lifted the house, installed these and not even a cookie had rolled to the floor. Marta is so happy with her lower level extension. They have a place to park the car now and some room for the kids to play.

Credits: Ikea Vegetable Bin at $12.99 USD each.

White Room - Lundby items: Piano stool covered in white linen fabric, the chandelier, the vintage pitcher, two white drinking glasses, the white end table, the candelabra and the two orange pillows. The adirondack chairs were purchased at the miniature show last year. The two mice and the spilt milk are very old and I've had them for years.

Black Room - Lundby items: The outdoor grill, the coffee maker, the two yellow coffee cups and the sugar/creamer dish. The two chairs were acquired at a flea market long ago. The vintage telephone sits on the cap from my Oil of Olay bottle. I got the old tire off some old toys that I recently sorted through.

So many little items that I can't list them all. If you are curious about anything in particular please leave a comment and I will gladly respond. Thanks again to "Call of the Small". What a creative mind you have. I just love these two vegetable bins but doubt a vegetable will ever come near them.

First Flea Market of the Year

2010-03-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

S C O R E

Vintage Doll House Place Settings

The flea market season opened yesterday. We always go opening day no matter the weather. How things work out the first day determines how our season will be. At the end of the day Hubby said we are going to have a very good year. We have collected a certain type of hand-blown glass vase for years. We have never found one on opening day and hubby spotted one at the fourth vendor we visited. We have gone for months before without finding one. Glory be. What a good omen.

We ventured into the building to get out of the rain and visited some folks we have made acquaintance with previously. I browsed the area and found something that peaked my interest. It was beautiful, old, well made, affordable and the right size for Lundby. Oh my gosh... I asked the nice lady where she got these little items from and she told me she found them in the bottom of a box from an estate sale. There were three little bags and the prices had already been reduced. First bag was $3. and the other two were $2. each. I asked very nicely that if I bought the $3. bag and a $2. bag could I have the third bag for free. The answer was YES. Hubby then paid the nice folks $5. I was so excited to get home to see what they looked like.

I made four place mats by cutting from some old lace trim I had. I just can't get over how nice it looks. It adds class to any Lundby table setting. I am just in love with these little vintage pieces.

These items are all brass and just gorgeous. There is also a double boiler and hubby says good for chocolate. My dolls love chocolate! We also got a whisky jug, a plant stand and a very petite coffee grinder. My dolls love coffee too!
The items in the photo above not included in the lots were the Lundby stool, Lundby table and chairs, placemats and the little plant. I would say a very good day and a great opening to the season. Hubby and I high fived each other and we both said "SCORE". I hope your treasure hunts all go as well as mine did.

Note: Photos were taken in my little photo studio with camera on a tripod to be sure the details could be seen.

Evil Baby's Birthday Party

2010-03-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Evil Baby's Birthday Party. The gang just arrived at the Gotland Cottage after Vinne bought them all lunch at a nice deli. The DeSalvo's have rented out the Gotland for a full week and are starting the week with a party for their youngest child named Evil. The ladies have gathered the children indoors so the men could test out the Dancing Bear Ride that just arrived in the yard.The men are guarding the door so no children can get outside and see the great fun that lies ahead for them. Evil starts to open his presents while the gang sings and makes merry.

Evil just loves all his new toys. It appears he has already mastered the hammer.

Now for the last present from Mom, Anne Marie. Mom knows Evil is afraid of clowns yet hopes this vintage blue clown will cure him of his fear.

AAAaaawww...

Evil embraces the clown and hugs it so tightly.

He is calling him Ray.

Everybody is watchful in case Evil ran away afraid but he is still hugging that new toy clown of his so closely. He just loves IT. AAAaaahhh... Relief. Anne Marie believes Evil has conquered his fear of clowns.

What will he be afraid of next?

Signe asks to be excused so she can go play with her new friends who have been waiting for her.

The boys go outside and Jump with Joy for the Dancing Bear Ride. Evil and his older brother Nickie take the first turn. And around it goes...

All in all it turned out to be a great party. Evil baby got many nice new toys to play with. There isn't a big mess to clean up and the DeSalvo's can relax and enjoy some family time.

Credits: All four of Evil Baby's birthday gifts were acquired from an antique store in the country for 50 cents each. The Dancing Bear was acquired at an auction along with other carousel animals. The Bear is the only one I have left and he is perfect size. Signe's three new friends were an eBay buy. The girl in the middle is vintage Lundby. The other two are marked on the back "Marx 1975".

Vintage Doll House Items

2010-03-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

More antique store shopping. Just look at what Hubby found. This treasure was never played with. After discounts the cost was $8.40 USD. The box reads "Hand crafted in Rural England". This is a very interesting set because the chairs are too small for the table and only work with the Lundby children yet the table is a very good size. No matter because I like it, it's mine and I especially like the two tone wood. The buffet is awesome too although a tad big.

Look at what I found in a case. It was folded up and didn't look right to me so I asked to see it closer. The bottom reads "Made in USA / Pat Pend". It is 1:16 scale and perfect for my little peeps. I can never have too many chairs. I was amazed that the price was $2. USD. Mine, mine, mine... It's all mine now.

When I find interesting vintage doll house items I will gladly take photos and post them. I love to find a great deal in any store but it's always better when it's Vintage and quality. If you know the maker or have further information on this folding chair I would appreciate you sharing your knowledge but don't go to any great length because it doesn't matter that much to me.

Credits: Antique stores in South Eastern Wisconsin provided both items. We had traveled there last month. These were stores we had never shopped at before.

Marta is Busy Typing a Letter

2010-03-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Marta is busy at the office desk in her dining room. She is typing up the family request for the Gotland Summer Cottage Time Share. She's hope to get the Memorial Day weekend and following week. She wants to get her request in soon. Anne Marie is filling her form out also but wouldn't tell Marta what dates she wants. Marta is concerned that they both want the same week.

Credits: Little pink typewriter was found in the bottom of an auction box. It has no markings but is perfect size for Lundby. The little owl is solid metal and rather old. The paper stacker tray in the middle of the desk was found in a box of old boys toys and works perfectly. The tiny folders and papers were acquired at a Miniature show last year. The "I Love Dolls" mug I can't remember where I got that. The black book on the desk top is titled Sleeping Beauty, very old and the pages are paper. The calendar is metal with a paper month of dates glued into it found long ago. The plant stand is plastic and the potted plant was made by me using a wood painted flower pot and some plastic plants.

The Sofa & the Chair

2010-02-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

This sofa and chair were in a glass case at the local antique store. I looked at them and thought something was wrong with them. I then looked at the price of $4. USD and was sure something was wrong with them but couldn't figure it out so I bought them as pictured below (except for the wood added to the bottom of the sofa). I really like the size, style, coloring and the pattern. I got them home and finally noticed the chair had no back cushion and the sofa had no seat cushion. I also noticed the sofa was sitting much lower than the chair. The sofa legs had been shortened (probably broken off) so I painted four balsa wood supports and used wood glue to secure them on the underside so it sat at the same height as the chair. I knew I had two little pillows that would work for the chair but what to do with the sofa... HHHhhhmmm... I found one of mom's Estee Lauder bags that was the right color and proceeded to make one big cushion. I got it on the sofa and it sure didn't look right or good at all. Ah ha, I needed to make three cushions. So on the third try I was satisfied and the results are below.

Then I pretended I was an interior designer and set up a couple shots for all you nice folks. This is my first time using a designer mind set in my Doll House. My work is displayed below.

This last photo is my favorite. The new sofa and chair look like they fit in nicely with the vintage Lundby furniture and the brass giraffe. I was pleased.

If anybody can identify this chair and sofa I would appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me. There are no markings on either piece. The dealer who sold these items had no information either. I sincerely hope you enjoy this blog post as it is my first one without any little peeps around. I wonder where they all are.

Credits: Lundby items are the lamp, end table, coffee table, sideboard, white flower pot and rug. The daffodils are vintage and acquired at an auction. The solid brass giraffe was found some time ago at an antique store. The two elephants are old ivory earrings that I took the hook out of.

Thank you for the Awards

2010-02-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

Hubby doing the dishes is a Pyrex ad from the 1940's given to me by Rebecca. This reminds me of our first at home date. Future hubby brought veal, garlic, potatos and onions to my house. He cooked up a fantasic meal and then insisted he cleaned up. Oh the good ole days...

I received some Awards for brightening others day. That just makes my day even brighter. The photo above was given to me by Rebecca at http://rebeccascollections.blogspot.com/. She has a delightful, informative, upbeat blog that I enjoy so much. I have never received an award before so I will ponder on how to pass it along. I have only been blogging for about 70 days and am having a great time sharing. I didn't realize the true benefit would be the contact with others who share the same passion as I do. For that I am most grateful. Award also received from: Flo at http://my-vintage-dollhouses.blogspot.com/ and Carol at http://myrealitty.blogspot.com/. If you don't know of these blogs take a minute to browse. Thank you all so very much.

Favorite Things

2010-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

A New Favorite Thing!

Martin says "Oh Mary, you've here. I've been waiting for you. I have a gift for you that I'd like you to open. Mary says "Well Martin... What on earth did you get me?"
Martin says "Go ahead and open it but be careful."

Mary shrieks with joy and says "Oh Martin, it's one of those special Swedish horses. Please tell me all about it."

Mary places the horse on the mantle and Martin begins to tell Mary what is is. "It is a Dalecarlian horse or Dala horse (Swedish: Dalahäst). It is a traditional wooden statuette of a horse originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna. In the old days the Dala horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Darlarna as well as Sweden in general. I thought because we live in a Swedish house that maybe this Dala Horse would bring us good luck."

Mary exclaims "Oh Martin, I just love it. It looks hand carved and hand painted with great details and oh so special. Let's take some photos of it so others can see. I bet Marta and Erik know all about these."

A Closer Look
(Hubby calles it a Kloppen Ploppen. He's so silly!)

Credits: Viking Treasures Store, Long Grove, IL. A Norweigan and a Swedish flag fly outside the door of the treasure trove of gifts shop in a sleepy tourist town in Northern Illinois. Hubby and I had to travel north to pick something up and we stopped at this store. I spotted the Dalahast on a key chain for a reasonable price but it was way too big and mass produced. Then I spotted the tiny Dalahasts in the case that were all one of a kind. The store clerk told us they were all hand carved and hand painted from wood. I would have settled for the key chain as it still would have been usable but Wonderful Hubby bought me this most precious Swedish Horse. I wasn't expecting that and gave him a Big Smooch right in the store while the clerk wrapped up my tiny treasure which is now one of my very Favorite Things.

Vintage Doll House Items

2010-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Vintage Doll House Items for bargain prices.

SCORE...

I stop occassionally at the antique store I used to sell at. When I started selling there was only one other area that sold doll house miniatures. I've since stopped selling in that store because now there are half a dozen areas with doll house miniatures. I was upset at first because my competition had much lower prices. Now I'm happy because the deals are incredible if you look for them. I got all items in the photo below for $1.oo USD. Yeppers... One lousy dollar. I would have paid that for just the pizza cutter. The butter dish is metal and quite old. The Vinegar set has pouring lips and handles. The two green items are little bells. The cheese cutter is so small that it is secured to a piece of thin, clear plastic along with the tiny slice of cheese. I peeled the price tag off the little bag and included it in the photo. All items are perfect for 1:16 Lundby size.The same dealer had another little bag for $1.50 USD.

What!
I've seen the sets of blue splatter ware many times but had never seen the red set. This set includes 6 Lundby size plates and 6 cute little bowls. They are made of metal, sturdy and a great vintage find.

RESULTS

So I tried most of the items out and here is the result. The pizza cutter fits into Martin's hand with no sticky stuff at all. The colored mint candies fit nicely into on the bowls.

Oh yummy...

Credits: The pizza is actual Lundby and was received in an advent calendar a couple years ago. The tiny silverware is from "Mini Collectibles" and is plastic. I keep them in tiny sealed containers in an attempt to keep the set together. The red table is vintage wood. The red striped porch swing was found on the same trip to the antique store. It does not have a canopy and may or may not be Lundby.