I’m sorry I’ve not posted in what seems like forever, its been a very busy time in the Johnson-Richards house hold…

We had a wonderful Christmas, I received everything I’d wished for and more… I’ll write and tell you a little more about it later!

Our New Year was a quiet affair, however, its exactly how we like it and it was spent with those we love, doing what we love, followed by a midnight walk with the hubs, in the snow…. ‘Perfect’.

The children went back at school on Tuesday, however, the current weather conditions have forced their school to close, so they are both off school today and at home with me… that said, they are both out sledging at the moment.

Speaking of sledging, we all went sledging up at the farm where we ride this past Sunday, then, the snow was around 2 feet deep… having spoken to Pam yesterday evening, its twice as deep now! We had several hours of fun and lots of fresh air, followed by plenty napping later that afternoon!

Deep snow up at the farm this past Sunday...

Snow filled fields... so picturesque...

The roads were still fairly clear on Sunday...

However, its not been all good this holiday season, unfortnatley, I’ve been plagued with a sore shoulder, arm and hand for around 3 – 4 weeks, I’ve lost a lot of sleep and I’ve not been able to do many of the things I’d planned: like working on orders, updates on my blog etc. I don’t mind telling you its been fairly painful.

During the past 5 days the pain moved into my neck, its been excruciating and I’m completely exhausted as I’ve not been able to find a comfortable place to rest. A visit to the Dr on Wednesday morning revealed I have a ‘Cervical Disc Prolapse’… which in layman’s terms is a slipped disc in my neck. I had Physio yesterday which helped ease the pain for around 20 minutes… so as you can imagine I’m pretty fed up! Whilst the pain killers prescribed by my Dr don’t really help either, they do wipe me out… so at least I am able to get some sleep!

As you can imagine, I’m not really a terribly Happy Bunny at the moment… AND I’ve been forced to break the first of my new year’s resolutions… the one about work… “Get In & Stay In A Good Working Routine” . On the other hand, I’ve also been forced to tackle a few more resolutions on the list, ones like… “Listen”, “Rest” and “Do as I am told”… things, if I am honest, I don’t do terribly well… but I am trying, so I guess its not ‘ALL’ bad is it?!

Lisa x

A Simple yet Beautiful Eucalyptus Wreath...

Its a month today until Christmas Day… and I can hardly contain my excitement.
I’m a big kid when it comes to Christmas, so in keeping with to the festive season, I thought I’d share with you two newly completed special commission dolls.

Presenting Mr & Mrs Claus...

The brief was to make none ‘obvious’ Mr and Mrs Claus, dressed in more traditional attire with a more traditional feel… this is what I came up with.

Jolly Old Mr Claus...

Using the fur from the inside of my favorite and much loved leather gloves, I was able to use real fur to trim Mr & Mrs C’s costumes.

Mrs Claus...

I found using fur was quite challenging as it has quite a long pile making it too long in 1:12th miniature scale. So the only solution was to cut down {which is far less easy than it sounds… believe me}… I found myself covered in fur as well as my studio… but I hope you agree the results made it worth while.

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”
By W. T. Ellis

King George's Suite...

They say dreams have meanings... well if that's the case I wonder what my dreams say about me?

The Dining Room...

Not an evening goes by when I don’t dream. Yesterday evening was no exception… I dreamt I had to unpack and arrange all of the furniture for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House… what’s that all about?

The Day Nursery...

I’m not sure what my dream says about me, but imagine playing in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House……..!

Her Majesty Queen Mary who was married to Kind George V...

The 1:12th scale Dolls’ House was commissioned in 1920 and completed in 1924. It resides in Windsor Castle.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House being packed up for Windsor...

The house itself has over forty rooms which are on four elevations. It has two staircases and two lifts which stop at every floor. It has hot and cold water, water closets which flush, electric lights, a cellar, garden and garage.

Incredible detail and so realistic...

A distinctive feature of the Dolls’ House is that without exception every item contained within it was hand made by the finest craftsmen of the United Kingdom.

Every Door has a Lock which is in Perfect Working Order...

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is an incredible house, with the most incredible detail.

Silver Winsor & Newton Watercolour Paint Box alongside a Full Size Paint Brush

All pictures are from the book, “Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House”, by Mary Stewart-Wilson. Its a lovely book and a wonderful read with enchanting pictures.

George V was an avid Stamp Collector, here you can see the Miniature version alongside a Full Size Stamp...

I really do wonder what this dream says about me… ‘Illusions of Grandeur’ perhaps?

Have a great evening and sleep well my friends.

Love Lisa x

A relaxing bath with bubbles and candles
Laughing so hard I cry
Watching a good movie with those I love

Curling up on the couch with a good book
Chocolate
A clean and tidy house

Receiving flowers
The smell of clean fresh bedding
The sound of my children laughing

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.

Audrey Hepburn

Wherever you are in the world, have a great evening!
Lisa x