Remember, be back before midnight...

One of the best known fairytales, 'Cinderella' is so loved because it's about reward for the good and punishment for the wicked, with this justice being metered out by a magical being stepping in at the right time.
This classic rags-to-riches story was first published by 17th century Italian fairytale collector Giambattista Basile in 1634. It was recorded again in French author Charles Perrault's 'Mother Goose Tales' in 1697. The marvelous German Grimm brothers took notice and released another version in their fairytale collection in 1812. So this story was read to entranced children all over Europe and the fairytale genre was born. I loved it as a child and remember sweeping the fireplace in our family home when I was about 7 and wishing and hoping I could make my fairy Godmother appear. She did in a manner of speaking.... but not until I was 15. ;)

A pumpkin becomes a golden carriage, mice become horses, a rat becomes a coachman, lizards become footmen and Cinderella's rags become a beautiful jeweled gown complete with delicate glass slippers...

Hope you like my rendition. This pumpkin patch has just felt the dusting of magic from the Fairy Godmother's wand, and are forming into carriages. The vines are curling into the shapes of wheels.

Available at my online shop later today. Mice available soon also.

If you're wondering where some of my inspiration comes from on this topic, you must must must watch the best Cinderella film. It's 'The Slipper and the Rose' (1976) and you will *love* it. Here's a still below.

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My Workspace - some Cinderella magic

It's time for a glimpse into my workspace since I've been busily making so many new things but haven't really shared many new items here or on my shop, or anywhere! My apartment is a chaos of new miniature magic which I've been making over the past 3 weeks. Halloween items are almost ready and will be launched soon... but it feels too early for spooky season, so it's fairytale magic first.

Here I'm making Cinderella's carriage just as it's beginning to transform from being a pumpkin.  The leafy vines are already curling into the shapes of wheels. Have a look at some of my in-the-making photos (nope, that's not a pink bulb of garlic, it's an early stage of this pumpkin carriage!)

Where would Cinderella be without white horses? Or more accurately- tiny white mice which as you know become horses. So we have some of these too - far more than she needs.... all will be made available at my online shop within the next few days.

Take a look at my inspiration. I saw the Royal New Zealand Ballet's last performance of 'Cinderella' here in Wellington on Sunday 5th of this month. As the elaborate leafy carriage was brought onto the stage and I saw Cinderella's gorgeous pink dress glittering under the stage lights, I had the idea to make these.

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All good things come in small (Pixie Dust) packages

New packaging, new cards, new stationary!
Everything from Pixie Dust Miniatures comes nicely packaged.Want something rushed out as a gift? Just let me know in your checkout message and I'll make sure it happens.

And don't forget, as a reward, you get 10% off your next order whenever you spend $100 or more in a single transaction. ;)

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FEATURED - Read all about it...!

If you pick up a copy of the US magazine 'Dollhouse Miniatures' then you'll find a patisserie I made last Feb on the cover (note this is one of my Hummingbird Miniatures products, not Pixie Dust). It's a September 2012 issue and is out now.
Inside is a 5 page feature on my work (covering both Pixie Dust Miniatures and my realistic food brand). Also in this magazine is a Grinny Pumpkin Cauldron tutorial I gave for the upcoming spooky season... more on this here.

Have a look at my article and let me know what you think. :) And don't forget, both my shops are active whilst I am here briefly in New Zealand (back in US by December), and I ship everywhere.

Pixie Dust Miniatures shop is here 
Hummingbird Miniatures shop is here

And here's the front cover featuring my patisserie. 

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TUTORIAL Published

In this month's issue of 'Dollhouse Miniatures' magazine, you'll find my first Pixie Dust Miniatures tutorial!

Learn how to make a Grinny Pumpkin Cauldron like the ones I sell at my online store here. Perfect for Halloween.

You can see a thumbnail of the tutorial below, but in order to read it and be able to follow it you will need to purchase the magazine in stores or online here. It's well worth the low price ($6.99 usd / £2.99) as it's full of features on other miniaturists, other tutorials, great articles and inspiration. So, I'd certainly encourage you to purchase this magazine. Hope you enjoy my first Pixie Dust Miniatures tutorial!

Final result - Grinny Pumpkin Cauldrons just in time for Halloween

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Half the Size, Twice as cool

Like Alice in Wonderland, I'm getting smaller and smaller and smaller... well Pixie Dust Miniatures is. ;)

For those that like things smaller than one inch scale, I have some half inch scale dragon eggs newly listed in store, and ready to hatch. 

May require incubation. Handle with oven gloves. 

And, a look at some other half inch minis.... Find all Half Inch Range here, and for the next few days get half off half inch by using the code: HALFINCH. 50% will be deducted from your total order, but not from postage. ;) Email me if you have a query. 

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Open for Business!

Just in case you missed it, my Pixie Dust Miniatures online store re-opened 2 days ago. The orders I've had since then have just been shipped off a moment ago. 


Nice to be back!
Caroline x




Got myself settled into this new apartment and took some photos so you can see where your miniatures are being made these days!

  

The cityscape shows the view from my balcony at dawn, and the next photo is my office (workshop is in another room but at present a bit too messy and disorganised to photograph!)

 

These photos show the interior and exterior of my building (photos I took yesterday).


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Pixie Dust in Middle-earth

Yes, I've landed in Middle-earth and have attained comfortable lodgings dug into the hills with a stocked pantry and solid round front door. See photos.

(Okay, it's a 2 bed skyscraper apartment with a balcony overlooking central Wellington with use of pool, gym and sauna).

It must have seemed like I drifted off the edge of the world, but in fact I have been adjusting to New Zealand life and re-purchasing all the tools which were too heavy to fly with (craft oven, clay pasta machine, workshop table, lighting, etc etc). Yeah... great fun. ;)

Almost sorted, so my online shop will re-open verrrrrrry soon and you'll be hearing a lot more from me as I progress with Myrtle and launch a whole lot of new and unique miniature magic... stay tuned!

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Off to New Zealand SALE!!!

As many of you know, I'm off to New Zealand very soon... in 9 days as a matter of fact!! Now, I will be gone for 6 months, but will continue to run my shops from abroad.

So... you might want to get in there and buy whatever you've had your eye on at my online shop (or my other shop) fast! I'm closing up in 5 days.

I'm offering a coupon code for 20% off all in store (including sale items) and this will run until I close my shop in 5 days time (Tuesday 12th June 2012).

Enter the coupon code 'NewZealand' after you click to buy but before you pay and 20% will be deducted from the total amount, apart from postage.

Enjoy! And feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about my temporary move to New Zealand.
Caroline xXx