.the princess portal.

I love doll houses and miniatures. Apart from the undisputed fact that a tiny version of something is always infinitely cuter, I think Doll Houses offer a way to indulge in a fondness for period decor and luxurious old homes even if one can’t have a life size manor.

I had a little Victorian doll’s house when I was younger, but some day I would like to build a Chateau, inspired by Versailles but a little simpler, with blue panelled walls and painted ceilings and gilt furniture. It would take me a very long time to finish though and I have some other projects to complete first, such as my vanity.

I hope you will enjoy these links as much a I did. There are some really amazing dollhouse artists out there!

Greenleaf Dollshouse Kits
Greenleaf make a wide range of dollshouse kits. These come uncompleted for you to put together and paint yourself. From charming gingerbread cottages to grand manors they have so many different styles. I love imagining who would live in each of these houses.

Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle
This is my favourite dollhouse ever! It was put together by talented craftspersons using exquisite materials such as chinese jade and real jewels. Each room tells the story of a famous fairy tale and is amazingly detailed. There is even a library with miniature books. I wouldn’t mind living here myself.

The Dolls House Emporium
Another dollhouse store. They make some beautiful houses and furniture but I think they are a bit expensive. I just like looking at the high quality photos and getting ideas. I especially love their conservatories. Don’t miss their 3d dollshouse tour either!

Hogwarts Dollhouse
For the Harry Potter fans. This is a really stunning piece, every room is so full of miniatures all heavily influenced by the movies. It is such a big dollhouse I imagine it would be even more impressive in real life. I like the Gryffindor common room, it looks so cosy!

Fairy Woodland
For something a little different, houses for fairies instead of dolls! They’re made from natural materials and would blend in well in their woodland habitat. I adore the tiny fairy furniture and think it would be simply magical to have one of these in your room, all lit up from the inside!

Dollshouse Castle
Ok, I admit, I have a weakness for Castles. Here is another beautiful example, luxuriously appointed with marble bathrooms and chandeliers. The photos taken of the interior make them look like real rooms. It is 9 feet high, can you believe it? I like the piano room and the tiny gold and silver chess set. So much work goes in to these houses, they are masterpieces in themselves!

When a Princess goes out she must be prepared for all eventualities, tucked away in a handbag or purse she carries all those little essentials and treasures that she can never be without.

Today’s lesson is a bit of fun. I have put together a list of items that a princess might like to carry with her, of course this varies with each of us and I would love to hear about the contents of your reticule as well!

A Handkerchief, lace or otherwise, embroidered with her initials. For little sneezes and coughs and to offer to a tearful friend or aquaintance.

A cardholder, silver or embossed leather perhaps. To hold one’s calling cards and other important pieces of plastic and paper.

A small diary or notebook and a pen. For recording her wonderful adventures and whimsical thoughts. Also useful for shopping lists, to do lists and spontaneous poetry.

A folding hand fan, lace, bamboo or paper. For cooling oneself on a hot day or in a stuffy room. Also keeps one’s hands busy and can be used for signalling friends and gentlemen.

Cosmetics case, containing a little powder, lip gloss, a comb, mirror and a small bottle of perfume at the least. For refreshing oneself and maintaining appearances.

A little coin purse, possibly beaded or made of tapestry, with enough change for emergencies and charity.

A handful of boiled sweets, mints, candied nuts or small chocolates. To take away a bad taste or keep her from feeling faint. Also nice to be able to offer to a tired or woeful friend.

A good book, to relieve moments of bored and transport one far away when life gets a little too tedious. Very useful when one is forced to wait for anything.

Gloves. Warm fur trimmed in winter, lace in summer, silk for evenings. Gloves are one of the most elegant accessories and also protect the hands and prevent one from picking up unwanted germs.

Sewing kit. Cute little emergency sewing kits are easily found and invaluable in cases of a lost button or loose thread.

Other things this Princess sometimes carries: bubble blower, disney princess bandaids, birdseed, tami-chan, organizer, purikura album, cute stickers, keys, tea bags, purse, compact mirror, camera, pink DS lite and sometimes Milky or Fleur for company!