Sweet Christmas Cottage - Living Room

The Sweet Christmas Cottage living room is complete at last! And I am so excited, not because I was anxious to get it done, but because now I can just look at it! I am so happy because it captures exactly the mood I wanted!

Photo with old fashion-y effect.

As with any dollhouse endeavor, it had it's share of challenges from the wiring to the space restrictions to the tree. Oh yes! Let's talk about the tree!

As I mentioned in my pity party post, I had purchased what I thought was going to be the perfect realistic looking tree. And it was! Until I touched it. All of the little beautiful branches crumbled off in my hands.

There was just no hope after I began trying to string the lights on. Even trying to re-attach the branches was fruitless. For every one I attached, several more would fall off. It simply was not meant to be...

Doug Fir as it comes.

Because we have no mini shops within two hours of me, I am forced to buy online. I was not willing to spend more of my mini budget to roll the dice. So, I looked through my stash to see what I could come up with. It just so happened that I had a couple Douglas Firs which were intended for the barn. Since I never made it to the landscaping, here they were, waiting for their moment in the sun!

I printed the skirt, from an online photo, onto fabric paper.

Using the branches from one, I hot glued branches to fill out the other. I really liked the effect, so I kept going. Some of the clump stuff came off as I handled it, so I just took time to apply glue liberally and sprinkle the crumbs back onto the plastic branches. I printed the skirt, from an online photo, onto fabric paper.

Front of tree

Right side of tree

Back of tree

Left side of tree

I did this several times before and after installing lights and ornaments, and it was worth the trouble for what it turned into. I LOVE it, and would recommend this method and those trees, especially if you have little money to spend on a mini Christmas tree! Adding the mini gifts underneath made me squeal with delight!
 

Here it is in the room before adding the other furniture.

I showed you the cards made from the digital art in last week's post. Here they are added to the stair stringer.

I made up some rolls of extra wrapping paper and bows, and put them into an aged (resin) basket.


I love the way the fireplace turned out, and couldn't decide which were my favorite photos, so here are several! :O)

Lights on

Lights on old fashion-y effect

Lights off

From the front door, lights off

From the front door old fashion-y

From the front door different effect

 

From the front door lights on

Here it is filled up! Giac, I know it is crowded, but I still hope you love it! :O)

And more angles and effects. I think I might use one of these on our Christmas cards this year!

And a couple of the kitchen, just to remind you of the mood...

And a shot of the bottom floor...

And the whole back to remind me that I am still only 2/5 of the way, including the exterior finishes, done. And Thanksgiving is only eight weeks away!

Yikes! Gotta go now! Much to do! TTYS!

xo xo
Jodi