Wee Little West

Fruit and Whipped Cream

2012-02-27T10:12:00.000-08:00

I had a craving for fruit and whipped cream. So I made some. But fruit and whipped cream alone seemed too decadent so I added some cake. Want some?

Let Them Eat Quiche?

2012-02-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

When there was no bread to eat, Marie Antoinette did not say "Let Them Eat Cake". Although she was Austrian, she married a man who eventually became King of France.

So instead, she may have said "Let Them Eat Quiche".

But what French Queen would be without her Tart? You can be "Queen For A Day" by having this Kiwi Cream Cheese Tart. Two other small deserts are included for the "Insatiable Dessert Queens"

P.S. from Kathy - My pain in the a_s husband wrote this. He thinks he's funny.

Let Them Eat Cake...

2012-02-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

Although Marie Antoinette did not actually say these words, they seem appropriate.
I could not help myself so I made a five layer cake with a side dessert. I found a
new way to make the texture on the cake and wanted to share it with you.

I attended the Miniature West Show last weekend. Every year, they ask for a miniature donation from the vendors to have a raffle. The proceeds do not go to the club but to other miniature causes.

Last Saturday, I was fortunate enough to win one of the raffle prizes at the Miniature West Show. It is a beautiful, realistic looking floral arrangement made and donated by Pat Stebbins of the Minikin Florist.

Another part of the raffle prize inclued this miniature, hand drawn Mickey and Minney Mouse painting. Can't you just picture this hanging in the girl's bedroom of a doll house? This work of art was made and donated by Ligia Durstenfeld of Ligia's Miniatures.

All of the fun and excitement of last weekend were too much for my dog, Coco.
He's still sleeping it off.....

Ron Hubble Classes

2012-02-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

I have always admired Ron Hubble's work.

His work is amazing http://www.ronhubble.com/

Ron gives classes on how to make his room boxes

all over the U.S. Last Saturday I had the opportunity

to see the results at the Miniature West Show.

Sandra Gruber took one of Ron's classes to make

the Lost Palace of the Moors in Cordoba Spain.

Below are pictures of Sandra's project.

Seeing this in person is breathtaking.

Miniature Show and Sale

2012-02-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

Southern California Miniature Show and Sale

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Doubletree by Hilton

6161 W. Centinela Ave

Culver City, CA 90230

(310) 649-1776

Saturday, February 11th, 2012
9:30am to 4:30pm

I'll be there.

Hope you can come too !

http://www.miniatureswest.com/index.html

Some Cheese, Grapes and Thou

2012-01-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

But there's more. In addition to the Cheese, Grapes and Thou, there are Crackers and Bread served on a wood platter made from a real tree branch sliced so the bark serves as the edge.

HUNGRY YET?

For sale on ETSY CLICK HERE

Croissants, croissants and more croissants

2012-01-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Once again, I did not make a cake but something else that I really enjoy eating. So I made some fresh baked croissants and put them in a basket.

I made so many I put some on a porcelain plate, a wicker plate, a silver tray and the big basketful.

If you look closely at the butter sheen on the outside, you can almost smell the aroma.

I have been having problems posting comments on most of your blogs. Even a high level computer geek has not been able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions on how to fix this problem, please let me know. I really want to leave comments for you but have been unable to most of the time. Thanks for understanding.

OMG, I didn't make a cake???

2012-01-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

I know, it's hard to believe that I didn't make a cake or pastry this time. I'm even surprised myself.

I decided to make some of the other foods I like to eat.

HHmmm, looks good enough to eat. Well, I'll have to wait until after I cook the mushrooms.

Makin' Bagels

2012-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

I just bought a book on making the "new" type of bagels. So I wanted to try the recipies in miniature.

As usual, you start with the dough and let the yeast do its work.

Once the dough has risen, we start shaping the bagels (the "new" way). All of the needed ingredients, the recipe book and a few finished examples are kept nearby.

P.S. Bagels aren't just for New Yorkers. We have them in Los Angeles too !

Hawaiian Christmas Wreath

2011-12-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

In today's mail (Christmas Eve) I received a wonderful surprise from Hawaii. My very dear friend, Marion, sent me this beautiful miniature Christmas wreath. When I first got sick another good friend, Betsy Niederer, put items on Ebay to raise money for my medical expenses. Without knowing her, Marion kept bidding on the item until she won. Ever since, Marion and I have been exchanging Christmas gifts.

I wanted to share this heartfelt Christmas story with you.

A Christmas Carol, by Wee Little West

2011-12-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

Unlike the "ghosts" of Dicken's, A Christmas Carol, I wanted to share some "feel good" miniature memories of my Christmas past, present and future.

Christmas Past, is a holiday assortment of miniatures from....

2006!

They were featured in

Dollhouse Miniatures magazine

December 2007 issue.

Continuing with Christmas Past,

here is another of my

earlier Christmas work.

Can you remember the

wonderful aromas and tastes

in your home from

your Christmas' Past?

But what about Christmas Future?

Will "Tiny" Tim or my "husband" Tim

be able to enjoy any of these treats?

He can if he attends a class I hope to teach

at the Chicago International Show
in April 2013.

I will teach how to make the

Hatbox filled with holiday cookies

that is shown in the first picture.

I hope in some "wee" way, this Wee Little West Christmas Carol brought back to memory some of the wonderful feelings, aromas, family members and friends from YOUR Christmas Carol.

Wishing you have the best

holidays of your life,

that create even

more wonderful memories.

Kathy

Christmas Present brought these three "wise" settings

A Wonderful Holiday Surprise

2011-12-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I received a box from overseas. I could see it was from Birgit from Biwubaer.blogspot. She had promised to mail me a little something she made for me for the beginning of Advent. As I excitedly (but carefully) opened the package, I saw a number of smaller packages inside.

Opening each package was an exciting adventure and each package took my breath away.

The first package was a multi-fold card (first and last 2 pictures below). Inside there are 24 numbered holiday ornaments which represent the twenty-four days of Christmas. Each ornament swivels to reveal the appropriate holiday theme for that day. Each page is decorated with different colored stars, some solid, others a shinning outline of a star.

Opening the second package revealed an assortment of miniature Christmas decorations. Please enjoy the detail in the two wooden carvings. They are miniature.

Not one, not two, but THREE Santa's and Christmas tree decorations glistened from the third package.

The fourth package was a large envelope. What could it be? Another exhilerating but large Christmas card? Perhaps a large picture of the other collectibles Birgit creates?

The first visible contents was a bright red Christmas type ribbon. Tugging gently on the ribbon revealed an interconnected, multiple part half circle. Taking the wonderful surprise all the way out revealed a hand made Christmas mobile. Santa and Rudolph flash golden light as they rotates. The green bejeweled wreath sparkles and glitters as the warm air gently moves through my studio where it hangs above my workspace.

Those of you who do crafts can appreciate the time and intricate detail required to create the Christmas tree decorations. Below is an enlarged view of the outstanding balls and shoes.

Here are two more pictures of the multi-folding card. The details and multiple moving parts, with differing themes had to take days.

What a marvelous and beautiful Christmas present.

Thank you, Merry Christmas, love and hugs from California to Birgit in Germany

Kathy

Let's Make Gingerbread Men Cookies!

2011-11-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

Enjoy plates of Christmas Cookies with a hot cup of Cocoa.

Serve up a tray of delectible sweets.

Let The Holidays Begin

2011-11-23T19:00:00.000-08:00

I made and photographed this Holiday arrangement a few weeks ago. I waited until Thanksgiving to post these because it's the start of the Holiday Season in the United States.

Let the Holidays begin . . .

Christmas Gift Boxes Filled With Cookies and Candies

2011-11-18T13:23:00.000-08:00

Get your presents in the mail in time for Christmas!

Choose from frosted cupcakes,

chocolate and vanilla cookies,

and delicious chocolates.

They are in beautifully decorated gift boxes.

Tiny Handknit and Crocheted Pieces

2011-11-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

I made these 1" round crochets and this delicate 3.5x4" knit square.

Really want to start creating tiny lace pieces.

Eliana's Prizes for WeeLittleWest

2011-11-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the wonderful prizes

I won on Eliana's Raffle

Two intricate plants and flowers,

with a bundled stack of miniature books

that she made herself.

THANK YOU ELIANA !!

I Dream of Chocolate

2011-11-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Those who can,

eat chocolate.

Those of us who cannot or should not,

dream of chocolate or make chocolate miniatures.

This is my chocolate dream in miniature.

This dream creation will be for sale on ETSY.

Halloween Treats Abound!

2011-10-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

An Extravaganza of Sweets and Treats

And the winners are......

2011-10-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Here are all of the entrants names....

Winner of #3, Halloween Cupcakes and Macaroons is...

Winner of #2, Halloween Cookies

Winner of #1, Pumpkin Cake is...

Congratulations Rosella, Jollie and Jackie.
Please email me your address so I can mail your prize to you.
weelittlewest@ca.rr.com

3 RAFFLE GIFTS FOR YOU...

2011-10-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

My Halloweens are filled with Treats...

I want to share some with you....

The following 3 treats will be given away for free...

Pumpkin Cake

Halloween Cookies

Halloween Cupcakes and Macaroons

ENTER MY RAFFLE

1. Be a Follower of this Blog

2. Leave a comment below

3. Three winners will be drawn from the list of people below who leave a comment.

PRIZES

1. Pumpkin Cake

2. Halloween Cookies

3. Halloween Cupcakes and Macaroons

DRAWING

October 16, 2011

The first three names drawn from the list of comments below will win one of the three prizes.

SHIPPING

It's a gift for you. I'll pay the shipping.

WHY?

So I can share the joy of my miniatures with you.

As I am sharing with you,

please share with another,

email a friend to join the raffle,

your reward may be priceless.

Pumpkins Arrive From the Garden!

2011-09-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Small wooden workbench ready for gardening.

It’s time to harvest the Fall pumpkins and grapes.

Enjoy the grapes and pumpkins fresh

out of the backyard garden.

I love Fall. The temperature is

perfect-not too hot and not too cold.

Enjoy it before winter comes,

when the days are too short

and too cold.

THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT.....

2011-09-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

Once a year,

it's your excuse

to overindulge in

Halloween Cheesecake

Halloween Cheesecake is fine

but my all time favorite is

Rasberry Cheesecake from the

first Cheesecake Factory

in Marina del Rey, California

What's YOUR favorite cheesecake ??

Fall is in the air (?)

2011-09-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe but there's a hint of fall in the air. Soon, it will be time to decorate for Halloween.

Get your dollhouse ready now with this life-like arrangement of apples, baby pumpkins and an assortment of grapes. Email me for details.

BOO!!!! With miniature pumpkins.

2011-08-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pumpkins I made recently.

My husband had to ask me if the pumpkins were real ! He hadn't seen the originals. (yeah, right)

I haven't posted a lot lately because of the deadline for the 2012 Chicago Show ad.

Macarons Incroyables !

2011-08-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

One of my mascots at the show, displaying my miniature macaroon tower.

New Creations for the Tom Bishop Show

2011-07-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my new creations that I made for the
Tom Bishop Show this weekend
Show Information

15% Discount July 29th !

2011-07-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

I'll be there. Will you?

IF YOU MENTION THIS AD

15% Discount

on ALL ITEMS

Friday, July 29th

10% Discount

on ALL ITEMS

Saturday, July 30th

4th of July Miniature Food Festival

2011-07-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Whole "Sha-Bang"

"You'll blow off your fingers with those firecrackers"

"An apple a day..." (and a berry pie too)

Patriotic Cake

Patriotic Cup Cakes

And macaroons too? Ah what the heck, let's pig out.

This only happens once a year.

Baskets of Fruit Ready for a 4th of July Picnic

2011-06-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek at 4th of July Goodies

2011-06-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Makin' Some Berry Cobbler

2011-05-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

Summer is in the air. Fill it with the aroma of some fresh baking from the oven.

My Afternoon with the Sobols

2011-05-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

Kathy says, "I spent an amazing and wonderful afternoon with my husband, visiting with Millie and Ferd Sobol. We shared some French pastries, cheese, fresh strawberries, freshly made ginger cookies and sparkling apple cider. We talked all afternoon. Ferd showed us his "workshop" where he and Millie create magical miniature furniture, together. More info about my afternoon with the Sobols is at the bottom of this post. For now, I want to share more pictures of Millie's dollhouse and more of the Sobols' miniature furniture . . .

Notice the "giant' peeking in through the window with a camera.

The Sobols and I live in southern California, so we have attended a lot of the same shows over the years. By chance this year, we flew on the same airplane to the Chicago show, and we all helped each other find our way through the O’Hare airport tunnels to the bus for the Chicago show. We got to know each other a little better, so we wanted to visit after the show. During my visit, I learned some interesting facts. Did you know that Millie not only does the fabric for the furniture but she also does parts of the woodworking? For example, she makes the tiny spindles in the above photo? Ferd is an engineering genius, who has invented dozens of machines to make the miniature furniture. He also sculpts life size models and makes bronze statutes. The most precious bronze is a mother and a daughter playing together. Ferd merged features of his grand-daughters into the little girl. Ferd was a contractor for 35 years and Millie ran the office. When Ferd was forced to quit for health reasons, an opportunity appeared that allowed Ferd to show someone that quality miniatures could be made. An article was written about the story and for the past 30 or so years, Ferd and Millie have set the benchmark of quality for miniatures."

La Boite a Domes and Le Saint Honores

2011-05-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

The stand in the above picture

was made by J. Getzan

The paper cupcake wrappers were made

by forming the paper into metal cupcake wrappers

that I bought at the International Show

Brazilian Easter Treats

2011-04-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

Ivani Grande from Brazil gave me these Easter mini gifts at the Chicago International Show. Her work is BEAUTIFUL ! Aren't the candy bunnies the cutest ever?

Macaroons at the Chicago International Show

2011-04-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of just one of the many displays that were on my neighbor's table at Tom Bishop's Chicago International Show. The larger box is from a famous shop in Paris. The miniatures on top are the box and the macaroon treats inside. Really beautiful work. This neighbor was MY LITTLE HOUSE from Spain. The artist's daughter, Marina, translated for us.

Off to Chicago !!!

2011-04-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Me and my mini's

are off to the Chicago International Show !!!

Hope to see many of you there.

I wanted to share this creation with you before it is sold

LOTS OF "LOW CAL" TREATS

2011-03-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have been busy getting ready for the Chicago Show. OMG, it's less than two weeks away. YIKES !!!! Here's a few items I just made for the show. Of course they're "low cal" because you can't eat 'em . . .

Easter Cakes

2011-03-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Easter cakes with lavender, yellow and pink roses, and with white and yellow gerber daisies

Whipped Cream Cake and Chocolate Peach Cake

2011-02-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

Pink Rose Garden Party Cakes

2011-02-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

TODAY'S WINNER IS . . .

2011-02-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

The person who won my latest raffle, and will receive this cute miniature pink cake . . .

Ascension

This winner must post a comment here to confirm that they won.

I followed several of your suggestions and used names this time. Come back and visit so you can learn about my next raffle. Thank you all. Kathy

Here are pics of the drawing...

Another FREE Miniature This Week !

2011-02-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, February 19, 2011 (California time), I am going to give this miniature cake away.

My followers will automatically be entered. The winner's blog name will be posted on Saturday. The winner must claim this prize by leaving a comment.

That's it ! This is my way to say THANK YOU to my followers. Kathy

THE NUMBER IS...

2011-02-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

THE NUMBER FOR THIS MINIATURE IS 37

(winner must claim prize by posting a comment by Sunday, Feb 20, 2011, or another drawing will be held)

In case I did not give a number to someone, I am going to have another raffle just for my Followers.
The drawing for this next raffle will be SATURDAY (February 19, 2011). Information about this next raffle will be in my next post.

Here are pictures of the actual drawing. My husband picked the number over the top of his head before we took the pictures:

FREE VD RAFFLE STILL AVAILABLE

2011-02-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

FREE VALENTINE'S GIFT FOR YOU

I made a mistake on my computer. Sorry, but to ensure everyone can be part of this raffle, I have to re-post. The original post and comments will appear below (hopefully?)

I made a mistake on my computer. Sorry, but to ensure everyone can still be part of this raffle, I have to re-post. The original post and comments will appear below (hopefully?)

THERE ARE TWO (2) RULES TO ENTER THE RAFFLE:

1) Be, or become, a follower of this blog

AND
2) Post a comment (below, by clicking the word “comments”)

Once you have done the above, a number will be sent to you. A random drawing of these numbers only will be held on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2011. I will post pictures when I draw the winning number on this blog.

3) The winner will have to leave a post that they have the winning number by February 20, 2011.

REASON TO KEEP ON CHECKING AFTER THE DRAWING: If the winner does not confirm on this blog that they are the winner by February 20, 2011, the winning number will be disqualified. On February 21, 2011, another random drawing will take place and the same rules will apply each week, until that week's winner posts an announcement that they are in fact the winner.

This ribbon-topped hatbox is loaded with fresh baked goodies. All of this was handmade and baked by me (except the buttons, paper lace and ceramic plate). The items are glued in place. Those of you who do this type of work can appreciate how long it took to make one of these creations.

This is a miniature food item, one inch scale, made for dollhouses or room-boxes.

FREE VALENTINE'S GIFT FOR YOU

2011-02-05T22:20:00.000-08:00

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE? If you will, this unique creation of mine will be sent to you for FREE ! See below for rules.

RULES:
All you have to do is:
1) Be, or become, a follower of this blog and
2) Post a comment here about this picture, and

Once you have done the above, a number will be sent to you. A random drawing of these numbers only will be held on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2011. I will post pictures when I draw the winning number on this blog.

3) The winner will have to leave a post that they have the winning number by February 20, 2011.

REASON TO KEEP ON CHECKING AFTER THE DRAWING: If the winner does not confirm on this blog that they are the winner by February 20, 2011, the winning number will be disqualified. On February 21, 2011, another random drawing will take place and the same rules will apply each week, until that week's winner posts an announcement that they are in fact the winner.

This ribbon-topped hatbox is loaded with fresh baked goodies. All of this was hand made and baked by me (except the buttons, paper lace and ceramic plate). The items are glued in place. Those of you who do this type of work can appreciate how long it took to make one of these creations.

This is a miniature food item, one inch scale, made for dollhouses or roomboxes.

BE MY VALENTINE?
Kathy

Assorted sweets: chocolate cake, butter cookies, cupcakes and St. Honores

2011-02-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

Enjoy cupcakes, cookies,sweet meringues, chocolate St. Honores and creamy tartlets

2011-01-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

Plates of sweet frosted donuts!

2011-01-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

Instead of cake, eat chocolate, raspberry or cherry Crepe Suzettes

2011-01-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

Sweets for the sweet!

2011-01-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

31 Days Until Valentine's Day !

Here's a few sweets to hold you for a while.

Available on Etsy

Valentine Cupcakes for you!

2011-01-10T15:58:00.000-08:00

A plate of creamy valentine cupcakes.

35 days until Valentine's

2011-01-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

Freshly baked, hand-twisted rolls to start the Valentine's mood. Not glued to silver tray.

January Miniature Show in Southern California

2010-12-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

It's a Holiday Rainbow!

2010-12-22T17:14:00.000-08:00

We've had 7 inches of rain and finally a break! A rare sight for us in California.

2010-12-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

It was the night before Christmas

and Santa's Goodies were already out!

FOR SALE ON ETSY

2010-12-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here is a different view of my Christmas cupcakes

I used pearl color in this picture

As my friend Betsy said on Flickr

"Kathy these are so elegant! Just beautiful

I'd love to have them in real size for my dining room :-)"

2010-12-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

These are Christmas cupcakes, topped with golden flowers. Athena liked them so much she wanted to buy a plate full of them. I’m going to make them for her and she will have them in time for Christmas.

ROOM box WITH A VIEW

2010-12-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

Doll by Marcia Backstrom's Dolls

My stroke prevents me from remembering who

made this painting. Do you know?

I got this hand knitted miniature at an estate auction.

Ever go to one?

I'm pretty sure the flowers were made by

Era Anderson Pearce Miniatures

and the vase was made by

Jon Almeda Pottery

2010-12-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Here's the same picture but without the cute Santa.

This is a chocolate cake for Christmas. Santa is here too because I think he’s cute. But my husband says he’s tired of seeing the same Santa in each picture.

2010-11-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

Something old, something new, ho ho ho!

2010-11-22T09:53:00.001-08:00

2010-11-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Hi miniaturists. After having been slowed down for the past 3 years, I'm finally able to make new creations. Here's my second one on the blog. Actually, I had Halloween items but I accidentally deleted it. Oh well, I'm learning like everyone else had to while I wasn't able to.

2010-11-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

from

Wee Little West