A miniature Historia Naturalis collection

My boss' husband is an avid collector of rocks, shells and other natural specimens. He is a biologist, and teaches in a high school.  One day hubby and I were invited onto their house, and he showed us some specimens of his collection.  I told my boss that I wanted to make for him a miniature shell collection, but that thought was forgotten for a long time.

Now that we are about to relocate again (it is a long story, and for another post), I am making all the miniatures that I promised people I woud do.  And I made his yesterday evening:

The label says "Found at Virginia Beach. West Atlantic Ocean"

Actually, I bought the shells at a Michael's craft store when I was living in Virginia. In a way they come from Virginia, right?

I brought it today to work to give to my boss so she could give it to him.  She says he is going to be awed, but not as much as their little girl, who is only 6 but already loves dollhouses.  I can't wait for her to tell me about his reaction!

This afternoon I am making a chocolates box for Cris' sister (the same Cris that gifted me the fabulous miniature hat, hat stand and hat box).  Pictures of that tomorrow!

Unexpected finding

Although I try to buy from artisans whenever possible, I am quite fond of e-bay for finding miniatures, specially those of commercial nature. I never expect to find something of true quality of simply pretty there.

But today was an exception. I was looking for single stem roses for a project, and found this:

I fell in love! Although the new nature of my dollhouse doesn't go with this design, I find it truly beautiful. The artist is called Erika, and you can find these designs here. Her shop is well worth a visit; she is truly talented with floral arrangements.