Thursday, 23 August 2012

White Wedding - Dollhouse Miniature Style

It’s a nice day for a…

The British Summer may have been a dominantly breezy and rather damp affair, but it definitely didn’t put a dampener on the special days of so many happy couples out there. A highlight (or low light, depending how I’m feeling) of living where I do is the Church bells ringing over the town. Weddings. Planning, worrying, budgeting, saving, spending, co-ordinating and celebrating. Tiring work just thinking about it, but how about a wedding scene created in miniature? – All of the above in a smaller scale? Now we’re talking.church int furn
Church - kitThere’s so many things to  consider to plan your wedding day (or wedding scene, in this case).
A setting would be the most important thing to initially consider, besides of course, what type of cake is going to be on offer…..
Cakes aside for a moment, a church wedding is traditionally the favourite of many brides, and this wonderful church kit could be a fabulous project for anyone interested in the world of miniatures. Decorate it with any of our selection of wallpapers- interior and exterior- roofing finishes, flooring, and you’re on to a great start, with beautiful details including realistic rafters, opening bell tower, and fabulous windows. The church goers will need somewhere to sit, and Magpies Miniatures have seen to that with our Pew kit, with a lectern and alter also available.

Decorate as you so wish with floral arrangements and accessories, and you’re well on the way to creating your dolls perfect day!
Doll… I suppose we need a bride and groom, as short of finding a Shrink-Ray or a highly trained hamster, nobody else is going to be walking down that aisle.
BrideGroomWe have a couple of women available here at Magpies Miniatures for the position of the Bride (and no, I’m not referring to Mandy and Niccy!)- a lovely little ceramic poseable figure, or a resin lady with detailed veil, flowers and a wonderful dress. Both magnificent in their own rights, and many other accessories you could decorate a room with back at the house, from white wedding shoes, to ‘diamond’ jewellery, dressing tables and more. After all, a bride-to-be needs a place to transform into the Princess she becomes on the big day.
Diamound Jewelery Set
And the Groom? No need to scour online dating websites, seedy bars or clubs, we have Mr (Almost) Perfect right here, in fact- two of them! Again one available in ceramic, and the other resin based. Accessories including top hats, canes and shaving sets help transform that bachelor pad into a world of a doting husband-to-be prepping for his big day.
Setting, Flowers, Bride, Groom… we’re getting there.
Who said being a wedding planner was difficult?

Now it’s definitely time to discuss cake.

Decorative Cut Rose CakeChocolate? Victoria Sponge? A classic fruit cake? Personally, I think I’m partial to a nice slice of Victoria sponge, with jam and butter-cream. Maybe not ‘traditional’ in a traditional-sense, but definitely delicious (looking, at least- let’s remember we can’t actually eat this one!)
Leaving the planning here, and you can take over to make your scene exactly as you desire. If the church is too much for you, or you don’t have the space required for such a big build, don’t be alarmed, you don’t have to miss out on the fun. Dollhosue miniatures doesn’t necessarily have to end in a house, or a church. Many of our customers use our projects for ideas of their own- creating scenes in wooden boxes and crates, jewellery making, card making, cake toppers, and room boxes in the most obscure places you can imagine- including teacups!  Let your imagination roll, and the impossible suddenly becomes possible.

Ding dong the bells are gonna chime!

-          Happy crafting.
Magpies Miniatures Team.

P.S Slightly off-topic, but very relevant in the news today- have you heard the latest regarding Prince Harry?? What would the Queen say?!!
queenie 

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Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Website Changes


Website Changes

Posted on 8:02pm Wednesday 22nd Aug 2012
Regular visitors to Magpies Miniatures (and there are a lot of you out there, we thank you sincerely for that!) will realise the website has been undergoing some tweaks and changes. All the content you used to see is still here, so don't worry about not being able to find your favourite items. Rather than going down the left hand side, all our products are now available from the •• SHOP ONLINE •• button on the top menu- this will eventually become a drop-down menu, so you will be able to shop by room from the Homepage, but you can still click it now to access the full categories list.
screencap
A second change is the position of the shopping basket and product search areas- this is to make your browsing of the site easier. They are now located at the top right of your screens, but the Basket is still accessible in the right-hand column for now to ease the change on you all- this will eventually be taken down, so please try to familiarise yourselves with the new layout.
Little changes here and there will be happening in the near future, so please be patient and don't be alarmed- and let us know if something isn't working as it should for you!
We appreciate your feedback as always.
Regards,
Niccy & Mandy- Magpies Miniatures.

Friday, 17 August 2012

Miniature Gypsy Caravan Kits

ETA: Anyone Reading this and interested in the Miniature caravans may be glad to know that they are currently ON OFFER at a reduced price- grab it cheaper while you can!!

-from www.magpies-miniatures.net


I briefly mentioned in my previous Blog post, My 10 Favourite items under £10, that we offer fabulous 12th and 24th scale Gypsy Caravan kits here on Magpies Miniatures, brought to you by McQueenies. Now while they didn't fit in the "under £10" category, I feel like they need a special highlighted mention here in the blog for their incredible detail, astounding beauty, and fantastic quality.

You may, or may not know, that Magpies Miniatures is a family run business in the UK, specifically Cumbria- in the North-West, far far away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life, and within touching distance of the astonishing views that the Lake District have to offer.
cumbria
The Lake District is known worldwide for it's location, beauty, friendly locals, and line of link with famous people, including William Wordsworth, Stan Laurel (Oliver Hardy's comedic companion) and Beatrix Potter. In fact, there's even a Beatrix Potter Museum here! Another of Cumbria's traditions is an annual gathering of around 10,000 Gypsies, travellers and their horses, in a weekend festival known as "Abbleby Horse Fair". Nowadays, many of the travellers turn up with their modern motor-homes and wonderfully beige caravans, but others in keeping with traditions, turn up with their bow-top Gypsy Caravans, much like the style McQueenies recreate in their fabulous products.


Now to take a look the much-loved Gypsy Caravan Kits we stock here at Magpies Miniatures:
12th Scale Gypsy Caravan Kit.
 Miniature Gypsy Caravan Kit - 12th Scale Kit
This is the 12th scale kit. Beautiful, isn't it? A fabulous idea if you don't have a lot of space for a full (or another!) dollshouse, or perhaps just fancy the idea of doing something different as a side-line project. The kit would make a wonderful birthday or Christmas present for the collector who seemingly has everything, or maybe you should just treat yourself!
The body of the caravan measures 13½" in length, 7" width, and 10" height (350mm x 180mm x 254mm), and boasts many beautiful features including opening chicken coops, cratch, and two part-door, plus the windows, wheels and everything else you see in the image. Impressed? Let's have a look at the interior:

Unit with Stove
Inside Caravan
 Blimey! The inside is as fabulous as the outside! No need to be worried about finding furniture which fits within the walls- McQueenie have that covered. Everything you see here is included in the £195.00 price tag. So you get the kit to make the full outer body as outlined above, plus bed, bench, cooker unit, table, wall unit, and a Phoenix white metal stove.
I bet you can understand why exactly I wanted to highlight these pieces here in the blog- magnificent aren't they?
Remember, these do come as kits, so assembly will be required- but that's half the fun! Of course the other half is the decorating, finishing and admiring- definitely lots of the latter involved.
Click the Main image above, or HERE to view this item on Magpies Miniatures


Perhaps 12th scale isn't right for you. Do your dolls live in a 24th scale? Not to worry, we also have another Gypsy Caravan in 24th scale too...


24th Scale Miniature Gypsy Caravan Kit
 Miniature Gypsy Caravan Kit - 24th Scale Kit
Just as stunning as the 12th scale model, the 24th scale caravan offers the same quality finish and attention to detail as it's big sister. Similarly boasting opening chicken coops, cratch and two-part doors, windows, and metal cast wheels, the body of this piece measures 6¾" length, 3½" width, and 5" in height. But is the interior of this as incredible as the other? Brace yourself, we're going in...
1/24 caravan a
1/24 Caravan c
 Hurrah! It is! Again, included for £135.00 you receive everything in the image above, and seen here- bed, benches, wall unit, cooker unit, table and a gorgeous black stove.
Again, it is important to realise that these are kits, and you will need a steady hand, lots of patience and good eyesight (or a great pair of spectacles) to accomplish what you want with these pieces.
Also please keep in mind the scale of the caravan you are purchasing- these are of two different scales and sizes, and you don't want to find that the doll you purchase to live within the caravan looks like the BFG in their surroundings.


To make things easier, 12th Scale (1:12) Means 1" of your dollshouse miniature, is equal to 12" in "real life" (where us bigger people live)
So, similarly: 24th Scale (1:24) means 1" of your dollshouse miniature, is equal to 24" in "real life" as we know it!
If you're uncertain which direction you should be going to find accessories for your caravan, please see here:
If you're interested in accessories for the 24th Scale caravan (the caravan on pink-purple background) , please see our specialist 24th scale section by CLICKING HERE
If it's the 12th scale accessories (caravan on green-blue background) you're in need of, then all the other products available in our shop (CLICK HERE) will fit, unless otherwise stated in their descriptions.
Still confused? Don't panic, we're here to help- just CONTACT US with any questions and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

So, now you've got some very important decisions to make- which gypsy caravan will you opt for, what colour are you going to paint it, and how many chickens are you going to have??


I hope you find this information on our Gypsy Caravans insightful and...well, informative! Thank you for reading, and good luck with your projects.
Best wishes,
Niccy (and Mandy) - Magpies Miniatures.

Want to keep updated on latest arrivals and news at Magpies Miniatures?
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Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Top 10 items under £10 - Magpies-miniatures.net

Posted on 8:20am Wednesday 15th Aug 2012
Dollshouses don't have to be expensive, and you'll find that many of the items here for sale on Magpies Miniatures are in fact very affordable. I've chosen a selection of my 10 favourite products under £10 in the list below. Do you have a favourite product?

10. A dollhouse for your dollhouse
dollhouse
£4.50 - Find this in TOYS & GAMES

This wonderful 12th scale dollshouse for your dolls in YOUR dollshouse is beautiful!
I simply love the idea of incorpoating a miniature world within a miniature world.
Could you challenge yourself to find or make other miniature miniatures to place along side this little house?




9. Dartboard and darts
darts £6.50 - Find this in PUB ACCESSORIES
The dartboard would be any perfect accessory to your pub or bar scene.
Beautifully detailed, measuring approximately 50mm x 50mm (2" x 2"), and includes a box and 3 metal darts.
A bargain price for a quality piece, and still change from £10 to put behind the bar!








 8. Working Clock
clock
 £7.25 Find this in LIVING ROOM > CLOCKS AND MISCELLANY
"I'm late, I'm late, For a very important date. No time to say "Hello, Goodbye". I'm late, I'm late, I'm late"
Keep the White Rabbit from Wonderland on side, with this fantastic Working Quartz Clock.
Measuring approximately 22mm in diameter, to fit a 20mm opening, this clock would be a beautiful addition to any room.
Battery is also included.




 7. Red Vacuum Hoover
Red Hoover£6.45 Find this in Kitchen Accessories
If you're going to have a hoover, you want one with a big smiley face!
A brilliant addition to the modern home, or any dating back to 1981 onwards; the year his cheeky grin hit shops in the UK.
I actually have a full size 'Henry Hoover' here in my garage,makes cleaning the car a much more delightful chore knowing those crumbs are going straight to his waistline and not mine!


  6. Mannequin Kit
Mannequin Kit
£8.50 Find this in McQUEENIE KITS
I'm a huge fan of all of the McQueenie kits- ranging from Gypsy caravans to shelves, bookcases and tables.
This brilliant little Mannequin kit would look fabulous in a tailors, sewing or dressing room.
Measuring in at 125mm tall (5"), the kit consists of 5 mahogany pieces, and a resin body.
Assembly instructions are included.








5. Toothpaste set
Toothpaste Set £1.15 Find this in BATHROOM > Bathroom Accessories
One of many amazingly detailed finishing touches to many rooms, this 3 piece toothbrush set is one of my favourites.
These are the pieces which make your houses look 'lived in' and realistic,
and as an added bonus nobody can squeeze the toothpaste from the middle, leave the cap off, or manage to squirt it all over the sink!


  4. Green and Gold tea set
Coffee Set, Green, 1930 Style£6.50 Find this in DINING ROOM > TEA SETS AND TABLEWARE > Tea & Coffee Sets
A fabulous example of the exquisite tea and coffee sets we have to offer here at Magpies Miniatures.
This particular 13-piece set comprises of 4 cups and saucers, sugar bowl, milk jug with base plate, and teapot with lid-
decorated in a lovely spearmint green colour, with gold decoration, in typical 1930s fashion.
A particular favourite of mine, but if green and gold aren't your "cup of tea" then have a look at the other sets available using the link above.
 
3. Vegetables in Crates
Sweetcorn and Peppers in wooden crates
Cauliflower and Brocoli in wooden crates £4.35 each, Find these in KITCHEN > FOOD AND DRINK > Food
Admittedly I may be cheating a little in having 4 items for my number 3 slot-
but I couldn't choose between these products-
I think they're all incredibly well made, and would be a fabulous addition to any house.
Would you place them in your garden near the vegetable patch?
On your market stall or greengrocer? Perhaps in the larder or kitchen- that decision is up to you. I'm suddenly feeling very hungry!
Asparagus and Mushrooms in wooden crates
Carrots and Courgettes in wooden crates
 Peppers and corn, cauliflower and broccoli, asparagus and mushrooms, or courgettes (zucchini) and carrots- which is your favourite?





2.  Fancy Black Telephone       
£3.92 Fancy Black TelephoneFind this here ENTRANCE HALL > Hall Accessories
The detail on this telephone is incredible, and very realistic.
Also available in white to compliment any hallway setting.
Measuring 23mm(h) x 25mm(w) x 16mm(d).
Simply stunning.



1. Gretsch  Electric Guitar
Gretsch Electric Guitar  £6.56 Find this here: MUSIC ROOM > Electric Guitars
I'm a fan of all of the instruments in the collection, from saxophones to fine harpsichords, grand pianos and even banjos. This electric guitar is magnificent, detailing and colours are truly beautiful, and any miniatures collector would benefit from this in their musical setting.
I hope you find my top ten interesting and informative, perhaps given you some ideas of where you can go with your scenes.
Happy creating, if you have any queries, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help as always.

Want to keep updated on latest arrivals and news at Magpies Miniatures?
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and give us a 'like' on Facebook by following the link below. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Halloween

Posted on 4:41pm Tuesday 14th Aug 2012
halloween
Has anyone noticed our spooktacular new products added today?
Be sure to pop over to the Seasonal section (click the image above for a quick-link), and  admire our new arrival of little Pumpkins, to ready your house for the Halloween celebrations on the 31st October. They join our already established collection of rats, tombstones, broomsticks and other equally eerie accessories!
Each pumpkin has a hole in the bottom to insert a light- place them on your porch or windowsil and see them glow. ... Keep your eyes peeled for some other ghoulish products coming to Magpies Miniatures soon.

Want to keep updated on latest arrivals and news at Magpies Miniatures?
Keep coming back to the blog, checking in at the NEW ARRIVALS page,
and give us a 'like' on Facebook by following the link below. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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Wednesday, 4 January 2012





A very happy new year to all

Well I hope all went well for everyone over Christmas and now here we are at the start of a fresh new year. Of course this time of year is the time to make life changing  resolutions which will keep us all on the straight and narrow. I hope you all manage to keep to those but I have broken mine already as the biscuit tin is already empty.

We at magpies hope to build upon all we achieved in 2011 and we are endeavouring to be bigger and better in 2012, but definitely not to lose the personnel touch. We try very hard to make sure that our customers are always happy with what we do.

During all of January we are offering 10% of all items on our site. All customer's have to do is enter the code  CHRISTMAS10  at the checkout and 10% will be automatically  deducted.

We now also have a facebook shop too, so please check it out!

All the best for 2012 from the magpie team.




Monday, 12 December 2011





Hello to all and welcome back,

                  Well Christmas is coming up really fast now and so far we have not got anything sorted. We have the tree up for the grandchildren but that's it! Panic is beginning to set in a little. Today is the last day for postage to Europe for Christmas delivery too so it has been a rush to ensure that we have sent everything out as quickly as possible.
     We have added some new items to the site in the past couple of weeks, which are quite nice items. One of which is a art deco style mirror in a copper finish.


I think this looks quite nice as it is a little different from the usual gold framed mirrors. This item can be found here,
Copper coloured mirror




     Another new item that might appeal
 to people that make shop scenes is the
 new over door bell. This would complement
 any old fashioned shop display.

    We have also added a couple of new dolls to our collection. It has been said, more than once, that we look a little like them!  We are a little hurt by that, and some people may be going onto Santa's naughty list.

That said, they are of very nice quality and worth a look at.

Right best go and get Christmas sorted.

Best regards to all

The magpie team.