Christmas in February

My Christmas dollhouse is almost done, or will it ever really be done? More pictures on the walls, decorations for the tree, a cat in Santa's lap? Perhaps, but for now I am quite happy with what I have made.

Santa is holding a card he received from a little boy in Maine, so far away! Santa's dog Aput waits patiently, ready for play. The fire burns brightly and the tree is decorated. Santa just came inside from feeding the reindeer and still has his stocking cap on. Mrs. Claus promised to bring some tea and goodies she has baked. But, for now Santa is content to read his cards and think about bringing smiles to the faces of children all over the world. Today he talked with the elves about making some special toys. Santa especially loves horses and would the elves to make rocking horses and hobby horses for next Christmas. Santa talked with Mrs. Claus about dolls today. They are designing a new doll made of wool felt with soft hair and bright eyes, just the right size for little arms to hold. Mrs. Claus would like to design a dollhouse for the elves to build, too.

Mrs. Claus is busy in the kitchen, but as you can see she is wearing her new green chiffon dress. She's ready to relax by the fire with Santa and drink some tea. She is about to cut into the coffeecake with red cherries, her favorite. Stew is bubbling on the stove for a late supper. Mrs. Claus hung a picture of her favorite cat on the wall earlier today. He was a huge white fluffy cat and lived to be 18 years old. His name was Sven. Mrs. Claus is hoping Santa will bring her a kitten for Christmas. Yes, Mrs. Claus likes Santa to give her a surprise present at Christmas, too.

Augusta Miniature Show

The miniature show at Augusta, Maine on Saturday was a treasure trove for this dollhouse enthusiast. I mangaged to circle the tables several times and picked up many goodies for my Christmas house. You can see the mirror over the mantlepiece, two lamps, Christmas presents and rocking horses in the living room. There is a new table in the kitchen which holds a pretty pink rose tea set, too.

Santa is relaxing in his rocking chair. He's wearing a red check shirt, navy trousers, and a jaunty red stocking cap. Mrs. Claus is much happier in her new chiffon gown with lacy petticoat and warm pantaloons. She is pleased to have Santa at home and will help him read his mail after she puts up some pictures on the walls. Decorating the Christmas tree with more ornaments is on Santa's to-do list; but first an apple and a quick snooze in front of the fire.

Let me introduce you

Meet Mrs. Claus, the lovely wife of Santa, of course. She is made from a pattern I bought from Cloth Doll Supply. The pattern is by Barbara Graff and includes a whole family ranging from the tallest at 6 inches down to an infant measuring an inch and a half. http://clothdollsupply.com/graff.html It is a wonderful pattern and the since the dolls have pipecleaners in them they are completely flexible.

Mrs. Claus is wearing an empire waist dress of fine cotton. Her boots are painted black. Her hair is made from embroidery floss and wool yarn and is arranged in a bun. Her expression, well let's just say cheerful and leave it at that.

I still need to make panteloons for her, poor thing. I will probably make an apron for her, too. Santa is made, but not dressed. He is looking quite thin, but I can add some padding. I need to find suitable fabric for pants for him.

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