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Friday, December 20, 2013

Karin Corbin's Mini Glitter Houses


As luck would have it, I won not one, but two of Karin Corbin's Glitter Village kits!  Karin designed the most adorable little houses which you can buy at her Etsy shop. They are beautifully assembled into kits and when they arrived in the mail a few weeks ago, I couldn't help tearing into them and I put them all together in the course of a few hours!

I was hoping to get my camera fixed by now but I'm still relying on the phone --sorry!  

I set up the village around a little square, just like 'Who-ville.'
They are extremely tiny --this whole village square is just a few inches across. Karin designed them so that the first few houses are simple to put together --but they get increasingly harder as you continue through the series...it was like doing a puzzle --highly entertaining!  Thank you so much, Karin!

After I had all the buildings assembled, I had to apply the glitter --they are 'glitter houses,' after all! I even used micro-glitter which is as fine as pixie dust  --and I'm afraid I got it absolutely everywhere-- all over the kitchen table...tracked all over the house...all over myself...I can't look in the mirror without finding a minute sparkle somewhere on my face.  I'm still cleaning up the mess and expect I'll be finding sparkles til next July.

There are more buildings being planned for next year and you can get a sneak peek at Karin's blog. I can't wait to get the next set! 

The little village looks perfect with all my other decorations. Karin wanted to see photos so...here's a peek:
My favorite Christmas book: 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'
My little village sits on the cabinet in the dining room where Merriman Park usually goes. The dollhouse is currently at a holiday show at the Waseka County Historical Society.  

I got to attend the grand opening weekend of the show and met the absolute nicest people down in Waseka --both at the show and in the darling, little town itself. Here's the house set up at the museum:
I sort of decorated the rooms for Christmas though they didn't do much 'decking the halls' during the early 19th-century time frame: no trees, for example. But most of the fireplace mantles have magnolia and boxwood greens on them. And I placed garlands on the outdoor railings and wreaths on all the windows.
Look! The sign on top of the glass vitrine says that I'm 'internationally recognized!' Well, how about that? 

Sorry I have been so inactive, lately...between shlepping Merriman Park down to the Waseka County Historical Society, the holidays themselves, and general day-to-day drama, I just haven't had the time. But I look forward to catching up with all of you.

Growing up, this was one of my favorite Christmas songs in one of my favorite Christmas TV specials. We used to drive our parents completely crazy singing this song. I can't imagine why...




32 comments:

minifleur said...[Reply]

John,
How wonderful to share Merriman Park with others over the holidays!
Your tree is gorgeous! And,your glitter village is a lovely addition to your décor.
I too loved the Grinch! You do know it is available in miniature? I have it in my Santa's workshop although my Elf fell asleep reading it!
Have a wonderful holiday!
Martha
XO

Cactusneedle said...[Reply]

WHY did you have to show these adorable tiny houses? lol Now I have to put them on my wish list. Love your "big" house. One of these (at least) is on my bucket list. For now, I content myself with viewing others' work.

Simon said...[Reply]

Hi John
The village looks fantastic and I love the arrangement.
Merriman sits perfectly in its glass case. What a wonderful experience.
Your house looks great all decked up for the holidays, the ostrich feathers give it a Regency flare.
Have a great weekend and don't over do it!
Si

(From the UK, which proves you're recognised internationally!)

Anna said...[Reply]

Ahhh...I love this song too. (I used to hum it in the presence of a mean-spirited relative who was especially nasty around Christmas!)

Congratulations on having Merriman Park on display; I can't even imagine the general public being interested in my houses!

The Old Maid said...[Reply]

Congrats on your pretty win John! Your Christmas decorations are very elegant and beautiful!
The House looks great and yes! You are internationally recognized!!!:) :)

Merry Christmas!
Ewa

Ilona said...[Reply]

Hi John! Congratulations on your beautiful prize from Karin, the glitter houses are fabulous! I think your phone adds a special effect to the photo ;)! So, you haven't only decorated the glitter houses, you decorated your RL house and yourself too LOL! Your RL house is so beautifully decorated, it has lots of atmosphere!
And your Merriman Park in the museum, WOW, how cool is that, my congratulations, John, enjoy! The house looks great in all its grandeur!
Hugs, Ilona

Jeri Elsner said...[Reply]

Christmas at "The Lilacs"...beautiful!

afairytalecometruewyrna said...[Reply]

Your home is wonderful, beautiful and cozy,
Congratulations to Meriman Park have come to visit a museum. It is so very wonderful that many people can enjoy, see your beautiful house. I would love to see it in real life.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in the new year, I will be delighted to see what you want to show here.
Hugs
Wyrna

Troy said...[Reply]

Hi John, your Christmas decorations are beautiful and the new little village fits right in! Congrats on the museum showing - that is great! I am happy for you. Merriman park is truly museum worthy! Have a wonderful Christmas. Troy

Catherine said...[Reply]

John,

What a beautiful display Karin's tiny houses turned out to be. They look wonderful along with the rest of your decorations.

What an honor to have you beautiful Merriman Park on display in the museum. How i wish I could see it all decked out for Christmas. I can only imagine how thrilled people/children are to see such a wonderful dollhouse.

Merry Christmas John to you and yours. OXOXO

Indy_Poppy said...[Reply]

You must get a buzz from seeing other people enjoying your work. I love the glitter village....you will be finding glitter for weeks!
IndyPoppy

Margaret said...[Reply]

How funny, I can imagine you covered with glitter. The little village is gorgeous, and how exciting to be 'internationally recognised', deservedly so, your house will amaze all who see it.

Plushpussycat said...[Reply]

Gorgeous houses, John. I bought a few single houses at the Seattle Miniatures Show--now I must put them together! argh! Your home looks gorgeous, your exhibition looks gorgeous too, and I love the video. My brother and I sang along to this one too but couldn't follow all the words. xo Jennifer

miraclechicken said...[Reply]

Oh awesome! Way to go my internationally recognized friend :) Merriman Park looks gorgeous on display in all it's splendor.

Karin's houses look great! I love them. What fun!

Karin Corbin said...[Reply]

Thank you for taking those photos. Your home is so lovely and festive, I want to spend Xmas day there too.

They are fun puzzles and you did win them for guessing how the puzzle was solved. I suspect you did not even look at the instructions.

When I go most anywhere lately someone is bound to comment that I have glitter on my face.

John said...[Reply]

Hi Karin,

Are we like the oldest, living ravers, or what? Get out your glow stick!

Thank you again for the houses, they are so adorable and I love the new prototypes you are working on!

Jingle bells,
John

elizabeth s said...[Reply]

Hi John! I must say that you have displayed the tiny houses to perfection! I met Karen at the Seattle Miniature show last year and she generously gifted me and Janine each with a tiny little house, which I have yet to assemble. Seeing how incredible they look grouped in a village, has now made me want to own some More! Hopefully Karen is there again at the Seattle Show in March.
Meanwhile, Congratulations on having Merriman Park on display! The photos are great and you must feel very proud to hear all of the positive comments about your masterpiece! :D
I also am a fan of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I loved Dr. Suess and read him to my own children when they were toddlers just as I use to read the stories to my younger brothers and sisters, growing up. Fox in socks and Green eggs and ham were my favorites! But a Christmas tradition was watching The Grinch every year on Television.
It is a Christmas Classic right up there with Charlie Brown's Christmas and Burl Ives Frosty the Snowman in Claymation! :D
Have yourself a Very Merry Christmas!

elizabeth

Gee said...[Reply]

Hello John,
congrats on winning those sweet little adorable houses!

Your rl room is gorgeous, the tree and christmas decoration are beautiful, fit for a decoration mag.

What a good timing to have your house on display, in these dark days before Xmas, having the opportunity to rl admire such a house absolutely adds to the magic of Christmas :)

Have a great Christmas, John!
big hugs,
Gee

Brad said...[Reply]

Hi John,

Your decorations look terrific. And wow! Look at Merriman Park all encased and ready for the museum patrons--Wonderful!

Hope you are well!

All best,
Brad

Marisa said...[Reply]

Merry Christmas John!

Im a bit late to the party as usual BUT congrats on being Internationally known (like Rob Base and D.J. E Z Rock..great now I have that song stuck in my head) You little Sneak you didnt tell us you put the house on display (now I can tell folks I know someone famous)

the glitter houses look lovely (gltter makes everything better but it also ruins your Dyson)

Hugs
and lots of Christmas Love

Marisa

Daydreamer said...[Reply]

Hi John! Congratulations on both the winning of Karin's glitter houses and the Display of Merriman Park!!! Wow! What an honor! I am glad to see it well protected.... and you are Brave to Move it at all!!!
Your RL House decorations are Scrumptious.... and I think it is so cute that the Tiny Glitter Village sits where Merriman Park usually does..... Honey... who shrunk the house????
Okay, now I've been humming "Mr. Grinch" all day.....!!

Josje said...[Reply]

Hello John! Your glitter village looks wonderful, how lucky to have won two sets! And it is so nice to have something pretty in the place of Merriman Park.
It must have been a mammoth task to transport the house to the museum and set it up again, but wow! what an honour! How I would love to be visiting that museum now!
A very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones John!

Lucille said...[Reply]

Merry Christmas, John! Wishing you a lovely day!

Unknown said...[Reply]

Hi Darling!
We are so proud of You and your work with Merrimen Park! We really miss You and Glenn!
We wish you both a Happy New Year!
Lots if love Maria and Anders

Gee said...[Reply]

Hello John,
Wishing the both of you a very happy New Year!
hugs,
Gee

Andy said...[Reply]

Love the Christmas decor!! sorry I am SO late posting comments!

How fabulous that your house was used in a display!! You superstar!!

hugs
Andy xxx

Latest news and recent projects said...[Reply]

Hi John,
I haven't read any posts of you for a while. I hope everything is OK with you.

Remember my questions about your project?

Well, I must say you have been my inspiration while I was working on mine, the Moat's bedroom.
Of course, it's not as grandiose as yours, just a bedroom with 3 double doors and 2 windows in a chateau de province in France called Villandry.
.
I hope you don't mind but I borrowed your idea of doors opening on something else. a hall to the right and another room to the left.

Doing the mouldings was new and a bit difficult for me. I had to do them again and again. I did the doors again too but each time was closer to my idea.

Now the room is almost finished. I just need to do the curtains but the fabric, a 1/12 copy of the original toile hasn't arrived from France yet.

So if you want to see what my room looks like, you can have a look at my last post at http://ajarnpatrick.blogspot.com
Thanks for inspiring me,

All the best,

Patrick
PS I tried to email this to you but it came back undelivered. Do you have a new email address?

Fi.P said...[Reply]

WOW! Now that is quite something!

What at star you are, internationally recognised to boot! Merriman park is a museum piece of the future, it looks stunning displayed in the glass cabinet, it must have taken forever to unpack, set up and unpack again.

Well done my lovely!

Fi XX

Unknown said...[Reply]

Hi John.
I have just finished reading my way through your blog. Merriman Park is magnificent - so elegant. I am so glad I could see it all the way through from start to completion.
Your RL house is adorable as well - the garden is so beautiful.
Thanks for sharing. Emjay

Karin Corbin said...[Reply]

Wakey, Walkey, its spring. You can come out of hibernation now ;)

Daydreamer said...[Reply]

I suppose it is probably too late to send in the Saint Bernards.... is Spring arriving up there yet? We are cold and rainy... very rainy, but at least it's not more snow!
I hope you got Merriman Park home safely and that you are well! Just thinking about you!

Giac said...[Reply]

Hello John,
Happy belated birthday my friend. I hope you are well and that life is being a bit kinder to you.
Miss you.
Big hug,
Giac