A look inside my DIY house

Hello everyone! As viewers may know, I do like to make a house. This would have to be my third house now. I made the mole house for the Billabong Koalas, and the two apartments for my waddlington duck family and fresian grandparents.
This house has to be dedicated to the Periwinkles. Kate had her baby on Good Friday, a few days before easter- much to the towns joy. This is Bonnie!

now, this baby deterred the Periwinkles housing arrangement a tad. The Periwinkles lived in the old gypsy caravan- providing two beds. The extra baby meant there was 4 figures without a space to lay down! the family decided a move was best- but cornwood could provide little in housing arrangements. William took matters into his own hands, and with the help of Hornbull Fresian and Elma Mulberry- they got their hands dirty.
So, i did what i do best, and built a two story house.

Fortunately, i did take pictures of the construction process, but, i will admit i can produce some dodgy tutorials, so maybe its better to sit this one out and just observe. ;)

May Mulberry watching the designing and construction process

A Cardboard structure has been made.

the door has its separate little cubby hole.

I started out with a cardboard model- using two shoe boxes to construct a base. It was quite hard to decide what proportions to use- i just had to make sure the tallest figure- William Periwinkle (with his tall ears)- could stand up and move around in such a confined space.








I really think adding a cosy firplace reinforces the idea of a small, farmhouse family cottage.






Once i made the main structure, i added in details such as a fireplace, Mezzanine and stairs.
Next, I did paper mache. since this was a country cottage, uneven floors and ceilings added in a cosy touch. This was the longest part of the building process and was very tiring indeed.

The next step was to paint it. I decided (eventually) on a creme inside and pink outside, with a burgundy roof. It was here that i added an extension onto the second floor, poles to support the inside structure, and a chimney to add to its farm cottage image. The windows and stairs are a dark brown. For some reason, i struggled a lot to make the colour brown during the build. I know it seems ridiculous, considering brown is the easiest colour to accidentally make,  but i just kept making pink and blue blends for some reason. I had to result in getting a brown paint out of storage, but it turned out to gloss over the things i had painted- giving an unexpected sleek finish.

After the paint had set, i made it my mission to add touches such as ivy wrapped around the house. I used wire in some places to make a base- but in others I stuck the 'Oasis: Hobby Craft' moss onto the outside. I added in flowers in some places.

Now came wallpapering- i used actual wallpaper and stuck it in to give a more 'home-y' feel.

Then, i did the final touch of making sure the house was furnished for the new residents. I purchased the 'Cosy Living Room Set' to emphasise that this was a cutesy, country cottage. For Christmas, i was bestowed the gift of the 'Pink Nightlight Nursery Set' from my auntie and uncle. This was perfect, as it allowed two sleeping compartments for Nora and Bonnie Periwinkle.

Now, Kate and William needed a bed, as did Cherry and Peter- so instead of purchasing new beds, I made them.

The bunk bed was manufactured in a few easy manoeuvre's:
1) Cut two high arches and 2 rectangles the same width of the arch out of corrugated cardboard.
2) glue these together like i have in the picture shown.
3) glue foam board to it all to hide cardboard.
4) don with knitted bed spread: blanket and matching singular pillow for each bed space.

The rule was the same with the double bed- which fits perfectly in the mezzanine.

Once Hornbull, Elma, and William were finished, they revealed the surprise to Kate and the rest of the Periwinkle bunch- including newborn Bonnie, straight from Nutwood's hospital. Kate was ecstatic with joy.

The old gypsy caravan wasn't empty for very long. The Buttermilk Periwinkle Grandparents were eager to move out of their hobbit hut into the more spacious room with Camelia. This left Zafrina and Goaty Potter a place to rest.

Cherry and Peter enjoyed running around in a more open space, and playing board games by the wood burner, which sat (SNUGGLY, it was hard to get in) in the fireplace. Nora enjoyed her tea time set and her rocking horse, as well as her new, beautiful cot. William and Kate were happy to have a bed- they had too sleep on the floor in their old home. Bonnie slept silently in Kate's arms, as she rocked her to sleep to the sound of the calming radio and the creeks of their beautiful, hand carved rocking chair.

I hope you liked this update, I will be back again soon to fill you in on Cornwood's Easter Celebrations! 
Lots of Love, Emily xxxxxx

Christmas Knits for your sylvanians and Beechwood Hall Celebration

Forenote: please look at my collaborations page ^ to collaborate. 

Hello everyone! As you know, every year I do a Christmas display of all my figures partying at beechwood hall with the Hamilton family. I have set it up now and thought I would give you a tour, but first  As you may remeber, two sylvanian posts ago, i was on about things I have created for my sylvanians. This post is similar with new entries as I love knitting things for my figures!

Matilda Billabong is wearing a winter frock.

Elma mulberry rid of his tux and tried on his Christmas jumper, brown trousers and brown shoes (shoes from the shoe shop set) 

And Hermoine Billabong and Walnut Mulberry are wearing their Christmas jumper and dress.

And finally, Father Christmas has payed us a visit! I knitted / sewed everything he is wearing. The beard, the hat, the coat, the shoes and the trousers.

The coat even has a black belt.

It was the 15th of December, and the whole of cornwood was giddy with joy- as it was the first day of the 10 day celebration leading up to Christmas. this was named the Hamilton Christmas Extravaganza. Every year, beechwood hall held a 10 day long party which ended with the nativity play in the town square on Christmas Eve night. Then, all sylvanians would hang up their stockings by the fireplace or a pillowcase on bedroom doors before tucking their children in and going to bed and waiting for Father Christmas to come.

So, as you can image, beechwood hall this morning was extremely chaotic. Ham had been dusting the  mantelpieces and baking goodies while Masie tried on all her dresses. the children were out , as Masie sent them off to the Mulberry's to cause havoc somewhere else. Emily slept through the sound of the vacuum cleaner roaring downstairs, and the sound of Masie's panicked tone. 

The Christmas tree is decorated with gold pipe cleaner and little bells- along with a hanging angel!!

It also emits a red glow. 

The whole ideal is beautiful, don't you think? I donned beechwood hall with tinsel, hangings, and a Christmas tree.

The first guest to arrive was the Dante's, as the mayor wanted to assist as much as he could. Zoe set up her Christmas cake entry on the table, while Troy rehearsed his opening speech while moving the chairs around. this year, the event was held to the Adoption Charity, as most of Cornwood's children were adopted: the piglets , Joby, and Owen. 

As all the guests flooded in, the Christmas hamper loot grew bigger. May mulberry had bought champagne and her famous Mulled Berry Wine. Kate Periwinkle got out her dotted cupcakes from the cupboard which she dropped off the day before. the Waddlingtons brought their best mince pies, all dotted with the Sylvania crest. the Fresians brought activites for the village to enjoy such as twister, monopoly, and some Christmas DVDs. the seadogs brought the most with Zafrina and goaty potter. A whole trolley filled with goodies from the shop such as biscuits and bubbly. 

Now, the event was in full swing. 

The grotto , as you can see, attracts a lot of attention as Father Christmas asks each child "what would you like for Christmas? " 

I hope you like beechwood hall decorated. I thought the tinsel was a beautiful touch. Now , we just have to wait and see what events unfold. 

Lots of love, Emily xxxxx

AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

Exciting news

It was late in the afternoon, and Kate Periwinkle was baking some cupcakes for the hamiltons Christmas Extravaganza a Beechwood hall. this is held every year for the adoption fund- and a Cornwood is a heavy supporter , with most of their children being adopted from it.

"These cakes are to go into the best baked good competition- and they best win." Kate announced, proudly.

"Hello mother, Peter and I are back from school." Cherry waved as she climbed up the caravan steps.

"Mother, we are only getting bigger and this caravan is only getting smaller!" Peter panted, as he struggled up the steps.

"No,that is just you eating my treats." Kate giggled. "Tell you what though, I am rather hungry recently. Children, can you go to your father at the vegetable patch and tell him to bring me back the parsley plant? I am craving parsley buns." 

"Only if we can go to my tree," Cherry ran out with her basket, throwing her yellow coat over her back. "I want to make some Cherry bake wells."

"I'll come too then, Cherry won't get mucky but I wouldn't mind." 

"Peter, you dare not get your breeches dirty. I only just washed them last night. " Kate warned.

 They had all gone, and it was just kate and nora.

 Kate huffed. "I think I should take a break- I feel a bit ill."

"Are you okay mummy?" Nora asked. She had just woken up from her nap and was dazed. 

"Yes. I am okay. Would you like to go on a walk with me, get some fresh air? Yes. I think I need some fresh air."

"Yes mummy, I will go and get my kart." Nora crawled outside to find her clacker kart to ride on and hopefully get pushed.

They headed out with a hamper of cakes in a basket - they were going to the Hamiltons to drop off the goods and some other bits and bobs in time for tomorrow. 

Notice my fake snow scene. The snow dried up and won't absorb any water so now I am truly stuffed. 

"Hello Kate! " Masie welcomed. "My dear, you best come in, it's getting colder by the day now." 

It was just Nora, Masie, Emily and Kate in the house. Peppa and Spice were at the town square. Ham had gone up to Nutwood for the day. 

Nora and Emily were preoccupied with some toys on the dining room floor while Masie and Kate were talking over tea and scones. ( Sylvanian scones have cream on the bottom and Jam on the top)

"I have been feeling really strange recently. " Kate remarked.

"Well, what are your symptoms?" Masie asked, concerned. 

 " I am hungry all the time, and my stomach is causing a ruckus. I feel sick most days, especially mornings."

As soon as Kate had said her symptoms out loud, she realised what may be the cause. 

"Well , Kate... I think I know what this may be." Masie giggled. "Oh! How exciting." 

"Let's not get ahead ... "

"Not sure? Go to Robert Fresian. He's a retired doctor. He may be a tad grumpy you disturbed him on a Thursday evening but this is a serious matter." 

"Your right. do you mind taking care of Nora for a bit? I will come and collect her later. " 

"Of course. Go!" 

Kate hurried out the house and down to the Fresian Grandparents house.

She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Lillian opened the door. "Hello Kate.. How may I help?" 

"Is Robert here? This is an emergency. I need a diagnosis." 

"Well yes, but for goodness gracious, come in ! You'll catch your death my dear." Lillian out her arm around Kate. 

"Who is it? " Robert snapped. 

"Hello, Mr. Fresian. I am sorry to disturb you, but i am in desperate need of a diagnosis. "

"Well, sorry to snap. What are your symptoms?" 

Kate recalled them.

"Well, my dear. Lillian, call Mr. billabong. We need to visit Nutwood." 

"Oh do we? That will take an awful while. " Kate said in disparity. 

"I doubt mr. billabong will be to happy about this. Unless it's a complete emergency. " Lillian remarked.

"Well, I think I know what it is but this isn't in my area if medical expertise. Lillian, sit down with her. You were a nurse." Robert sat up and took Joby out of Lillian's arms. 

Lillian put her hand on Kate's knee. 

That night, the whole of the Periwinkle family were dining .

"I went out to the Fresian grandparents after you left, today. " Kate said to William. " I wanted to enquire to them about my excessive hunger and illness."

"And?" Rebecca asked.

"Yes mother, what could it be?" Peter leaned in, as did the rest of the family.

"Well, you see, I am expecting" 

----------

Hello everyone, and isn't this a surprise. Kate periwinkle is pregnant! I thought that a little story would be cute for it. And, well wouldn't it be marvelous if the new baby was born on Christmas Eve? 

Lots of love, Emily . Xxxxx

Please send your love and wishes to Kate and hope she has a healthy birth and pregnancy. 

New Blog Layout

Hello everyone! if you have visited before- you will know my old pink background has changed.
I took this photo myself, and it includes the Buttermilk Grandparents telling old tales to some of the children. I really like it, and feel its incredibly christmassy!
Ive also altered the fonts. Please give your opinions on this so I can know what you think- If its hard to read I will change it , this just goes incredibly well with the theme (others did too, don't be afraid to ask!)
Emily xxxxxx

Autumn Coats

hello everyone! The last time i wrote on here was around the end of summer. My weekends have been very busy, and the weekdays have been filled with school days. Since I'm taking my GCSE's, every spare minute i have is actually allocated to homework or revision. Its hard work! alas, I have pulled myself together. Its the 20th of November while I'm writing this, and its getting scarily (yet excitedly) close to December 1st.

I have been feeling very crafty of late- maybe its because the nights are drawing in - but i feel compelled to the fire and fairy lights. I have already knitted two hats for myself (one is a Father Christmas hat, of course) and both have pom poms!

I thought, hold on, these would be super cute in miniature! I have been experimenting so I have only made 1, but I have made a coat as well.

May Mulberry and her daughter, Charlotte Mulberry, are modelling today, as the infamous Cherry Periwinkle and her mother, Kate Periwinkle, are having a week of baking delicious mince pies, however, this clothing was always made in the mind of the Mulberry's.

The hat is a knitted green. If you want the knitting measurements, you need around 12 stitches and then knit 6 rows. Cast off and sew appropriately. Its as simple as that. You knit a rectangle and then stitch it up at the top and sides to make a hat. To make the bobble, tie some wool into a few knots, and cut it in a few places with the scissors to make it frizzy. Sew on top to hide any unwanted visible stitches.

To make the scarf, just cast on around 20 stitches, and knit 1 row. cast off (this adds another row) and thread some wool through and tie it together. Voila.

I think this combo is very nice and is very simple. It will definitely keep May nice and warm during the winter months to come!!!!

Charlotte Mulberry is modelling a burgundy knitted coat with blue and yellow flecks. I think this is also a beautiful coat, and is very warm. To make , cast on 20 stitches and knit 8 rows. simple. For the arm holes, just push them between stitches.

I really like all the things i have made, and i have some more stuff in the works! Lots of love, Emily xx