KT Miniatures Is Back Open For Business!

 Hi Everyone

Am pleased to say that after two weeks of being completely flattened by Covid, KT Miniatures is now back open for business once again.

My apologies for the delay in any outstanding orders but thank you for your patience and understanding. I am slowly working through my inbox this morning to contact those of you who have been waiting patiently. 

In my naivety of being double vaccinated, I assumed that if I caught Covid it would be just a mild infection....but how wrong I was! It seems that it is the Delta variant I caught and it is a real nasty thing. 

I still have no sense of smell, a weird change in sense of taste, and am left with a hacking cough which I cannot shake off. But at least the fevers and breathlessness have now ceased, it was quite scary. I am very thankful that I have been double jabbed because otherwise I would have been in big trouble. 

So please be careful out there and still take precautions, just because you are double jabbed does not mean that you will not get Covid...and although you may not end up in hospital it is still a horrible thing to have. 

Celia

KT Miniatures

KT MINIATURES CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 Unfortunately I have had to close due to Covid illness.  

As from today I am closed for business for at least 10 days.

Apologies for the delay in any outstanding orders, I will give them priority as soon as I am able to do so. 
Celia
KT Miniatures

c1930s Wagner & Son Stable, Antique Horses On Wheels Plus A Rare Britains' Tin Pond

Some very different kind of miniatures went up for sale on KT Miniatures recently. 

A lot were sold as soon as they went up for sale on the website, but nevertheless, I thought I would feature these on here anyway as they are quite unusual. Let's start with the stable first...

c1930s Wagner & Son Stable Plus Various Figures

This was definitely a first for KT Miniatures and quite a rare item. I have sold Wagner & Son dolls houses in the past, but never a stable. This was believed to originate from the 1930s. 

The stable exterior is of wooden construction in a cream painted finish and terracotta painted roof. The main stable room has three sections with feeding trough and shelf along the back. Plus to the left of this area is a larger space for the cart.  Above this area is the hayloft that has one larger opening door with window (missing metal tack handle) and a smaller opening door that has the original metal tack handle.  The painted stencil design around the doors is like the painted finish on some of the Wagner dolls houses of the same period. 

The building measures 21 ¾” wide x 7 ½” deep x 15 ¾” high.

On the far-left side wall exterior there is an image of a hand painted tree, which is rather charming. 

To the far right of the stable is a quaint little hen house with a side ramp leading up to an upper floor. The roof of the hen house is hinged which allows access to inside. 

The whole of the building is fixed to a green painted wooden base. 

Above the hayloft door one can tell from the tiny bit of glue residue that something is missing…possibly a wooden hook for a pulley mechanism perhaps? 

Accompanying this stable building is an old wooden cart with metal spoked wheels. There is a historic worm hole on the top lip of the cart, however there is no evidence of there being any further infestation to either the cart or the stable. 

There are two 1930s Elastolin figures and a rooster (each marked ELASTOLIN). There is also a bull, cow and bullock, possibly Elastolin but there is no maker’s mark. 

This sold almost immediately it went up for sale, so please note that this is no longer available. 

Rare 1930s Britains Tinplate Pond & Swans

Again, this is a first for KT Miniatures and not something one would necessarily associate with dolls houses. It is truly lovely and the photos don't really do justice to this lithographed item. 

The patina of the colouring is quite muted and lovely. The three lead swans came with this pond, am not sure if they are original to it. 

The detail is charming, there are two little pond lilies in the water and surrounding the pond is an illusion of rockery and vegetation. 

This Britains pond is quite different to the Britains lead garden pond that was also available during the 1930s.  I am assuming that this pond was originally sold to be used primarily with the Britains farm items? From what I could gather, this pond was only available for a limited time during the 1930s, hence the rarity factor. 

Please note that this also is no longer available to purchase on KT Miniatures,  as it too was sold almost immediately it went up for sale. 

Antique Miniature Horses On Wheels

These are another first for KT Miniatures and again, not necessarily associated with dolls house collectors. But if you are looking for something a little different to add to your miniatures collection, then these could be for you. They are being sold separately and are believed to be of paper mache construction, although I am not an expert on miniature horses and am wondering if they could possibly be made of some kind of composition? Each horse stands on a wooden base with rotating metal wheels. They are believed to be of German origin from the early 1900s. 

This horse comes in a dappled brown/cream painted finish, with additional painted detail. The saddle appears to be made of leather and has metal stirrups. 

This horse comes in a brown painted finish, with additional painted detail. It too has a leather saddle with metal stirrups. 

These are currently still for sale and can be found on the following page:

https://ktminiatures.com/garden/

A Box Of Memories & Dementia

 A tiny room box I made for my stepmother's 80th birthday has suddenly become useful in a way that I had never anticipated when I first made it for her 13 years ago (she is now on the cusp of her 93rd birthday). 

Sadly, after several weeks in hospital through January of this year, the powers that be finally deemed that her physical and mental deterioration was such that she could no longer stay in her own home and was going to need round the clock nursing home care. Dementia is advancing with a vengeance and we are at the stage where she dips in and out of lucidity constantly.  

Her room in the nursing home (she calls it her flat) is small and modest, therefore due to space and safety limitations, much thought had to be put into the decision of which possessions to bring from her old house. However, she did specifically ask for "her little room box" and it appears that not only does it continue to give her enjoyment in the same way that it always has, but it is also proving therapeutic in helping to stimulate her memories and conversation. 

Almost every single item in the little box has some sort of significance for her, as it includes family photos, certificates, books, items of clothing, magazines, Jim Reeves & Val Doonican LP's, etc., all replicated and miniaturised down to 1/12th scale. 

She played tennis and badminton for most of her adult life, right into her late 70s, and then laterally took up bowls which she then played until her late 80's. I had managed to replicate one or two of her special sporting trophies in miniature too. All the photos that you see in this post were taken 13 years ago when I had just completed it. Since then, she has added her own bits and bobs, including flowers and a stunning artisan made tennis racket in 1/12th scale - sadly I do not have any updated photos of the additional items in situ. 

Many of her early family photos were incorporated into this little scene, including some of her parents and sister. It never ceases to amaze me how at times she can talk lucidly about her childhood or something from years ago, but bless her, her short term memory is fraught with confusion. 

Her little memory box has created a lot of interest amongst her new carers. It has been mentioned that the concept of these little room boxes can be helpful to people with dementia, and how my stepmother is clearly benefitting in so many ways from it. So it has got me thinking....

An Old 1950s Room Box

I still have this old 1950s Living Room/Kitchen room box that I made for a "how to make" article in the Dolls House & Miniature Scene magazine (August & September issues - 2006)....it is literally gathering dust in my old loft workroom. A few years ago I had planned to sell it but in the end  I could not part with it...you know how it is:) 

But times have changed, and priorities have changed. My plan is to create some additional carefully chosen relevant props and then donate the room box to the nursing home. Hopefully I will be able to bring an update on this 1950s project very soon and bring you more photos. 

Celia

KTMiniatures

Some Inspirational Hand Painted Wallpaper & Other Ideas For Your Dolls House By Jane Parkin!

The other day a customer mentioned that she was making wallpaper for her latest dolls house. I was so intrigued that I enquired on how she was making it. Further communication ensued, resulting in photos dropping into my inbox. The designs were unique and beautiful, and quite different from anything I have seen before.  I asked the lovely lady if it was possible to feature her wallpapers on this blog, as I know that many of you would find them inspiring. Not only did she agree to allow her hand painted wallpapers to be shown on here, but she has also shared some other photos plus useful tips that she has discovered along the way. 

A pastel horse scene by Jane Parkin. 

 Jane Parkin is an equestrian artist from Yorkshire. Although the majority of us will not have the level of Jane's artistic skills, you could still have a go at creating your own in some way, perhaps by adapting and simplifying your patterns/designs. I love some of Jane's other creative ideas too, including the thatched roof!

The following text and photos are Jane's...enjoy!

DOLLS HOUSE WALLPAPER

By Jane Parkin

Jane's First House Bought As A Present - A Kit House

I never had a dolls house when I was a girl and often longed for one.  It was a complete surprise when the Christmas 5 years ago, my daughter presented me with one.  When it came to applying the wallpaper, I made so many mistakes I soon became very frustrated by the whole thing.  Eventually after three attempts it was passable (just!)

Dolls House With Coir "Thatched Roof".

The next house I found at the side of the road outside a junk shop in a very sorry state, without windows upstairs. I made new ones out of margarine lids and the roof from coir, which you use for lining hanging baskets.  

Beamed  Dolls House Walls By Jane Parkin

I decided to try a heavier wallpaper in this house and used the plain side of some paper we had left from our real life size dining room.  This was much easier to manipulate, and I realised by this time that to have any success, I needed to cut each wall out separately.  I then cut strips of floor covering to make the beams. (Getting better)

Tri-ang No. 42 Dolls House - Jane Parkin

The next house was my Triang no. 42. I love this house and wanted it to be as authentic as possible.

Kitchen Of Tri-ang No. 42 Dolls House - Jane Parkin

The exterior was original but had some damage on the side of the roof, however I was amazed how easy it was to put this right.  I made two false internal doors and found some 1930’s style wallpapers.  I added picture rails and bought most of my furniture of that period from KT Miniatures.  The papers were a bit on the thin side and so I decided that with the next house I would try and design my own paper to get what I really wanted and a good weight.

Lines Bros. DH8 Dolls House - Jane Parkin

The next dolls house was my Lines Bros. DH8.  This house I think has been much loved,  it is very grubby inside with not much of the wallpaper still on, and has two new chimneys.  

Lines Bros. DH8 Before Renovation - Jane Parkin

The pictures above and below show two rooms that I have done already in the DH8. 

Lines Bros. DH8 Dining Room With Hand Painted Wallpaper - Jane Parkin

I recommend using a good quality watercolour paper and cut it exactly to the size of each wall - one piece of paper to each wall.  I started by painting the wall facing as that is the focal point.   I then marked the other two pieces of paper where the design needs to follow on.

Lines Bros. DH8 Dining Room - Matching Up Hand Painted Wallpaper - Jane Parkin

Lines Bros. DH8 Upstairs Room With Hand Painted Wallpaper - Jane Parkin

I used plenty of PVA glue and with a dry clean cloth smoothed it over.  In doing so I used a hair drier to help it dry quickly and avoid bubbles.  If you have a go and find that bubbles appear again a few hours later, repeat with the hair drier.

Lines Bros. DH8 Staircase Before Renovation

 

Lines Bros. DH8 Staircase After Renovation

In my experience I found it best to leave the old remnants of wallpaper on and give the walls a really good sanding down with a medium sandpaper.  As the staircase was so narrow I painted it completely with cream matt emulsion, then used a cotton bud and my fingers to try and make some sort of a pattern.  The carpet I made myself using a simple design in cross-stitch.

Repeat Pattern Idea - Jane Parkin

Design Idea - Jane Parkin

Small Check Design Idea - Jane Parkin

One of my ideas, the small check as seen above, I think would be suitable for the kitchen.  I will try another idea, similar, only more muted, so as to not fight with the existing floor.  Yes the floor is scuffed, but I want it to look lived in. I have learnt quite a lot from my previous experiences and I feel much more confident.

Good luck if you have a go, it can be great fun!

 © Jane Parkin

Huge thanks to Jane for allowing us to take a peek at her images and sharing her tips. We really hope that this has inspired you to have a go, whether you have an old dolls house with none of the original papers left, or a modern reproduction dolls house! 

Celia

KT Miniatures