Wednesday 5 April 2017

The Difference a Week Makes

Last week, in my extreme desire for spring to arrive, I took pictures of my back deck and out my front window so I could measure the progress by the amount of snow melt. Well, I wish it could have been more but, I am seeing a little more of the deck floor and the neighbours' yards are showing grass around the edges. I guess that's the most I can hope for this week.



We're supposed to get a couple of days of rain, then the temperatures are rising this week so I'm very hopeful for the progress before next week's Weather Watch!

Louise and I were in Montreal this past weekend to take in the MEM show and sale. Besides spending lots of time at the vendor booths and visiting the exhibition room, we were lucky enough to visit with Giac, (English Manor Dollhouse) and view the incredible piece of art that is his massive dollhouse. His talent is unbelievable!!! To really understand the artistry this house exemplifies, you MUST go to Giac's site where you can get a close-up view of each room and witness the transformation. I took one long-range picture but still only managed to fit in 2/3rds of the building.


Giac was also so kind to give Louise and me a mini tutorial (no pun intended) on using paint to produce an extremely realistic-looking wood finish. Here, Louise is trying her hand at producing it. It looks really good - even better in person.


We also talked with him about marble faux finishes. When we went to check out the beautiful finishes in his dollhouse, he showed us a little table he had faux finished with a green marble top. Doesn't it look fabulous?


For those of you who also follow our friend, Marijke's, blog: Pulchinella's Cellar, you would have seen that she made a beautiful, formal floral centrepiece as a commission. Well, the commission was for Louise and me because we wanted to bring Giac a little "thank you" gift that would be suitable for a building as elegant as his dollhouse. Giac loved the piece and is trying it out in his front hall (click on the picture to get a larger view). He may move it around from room to room before he decides exactly where it looks best but, for now, I think it looks beautiful right where it is.


After a wonderful couple of hours spent with Giac, and his husband Jo, it was time for us to leave and head back to New Brunswick - but not without big hugs all around!!! (Louise is adamant that Giac gives the BEST hugs ever!! - I think she's right)


Of course, I consider myself the lucky one because I got hugs from both Jo and Giac at the same time! What a pair of wonderful young men! Their parents must be so proud of them.



Alas - we couldn't stay any longer but we know we'll be back!! Something to look forward to, for sure!

I'm heading away for a few days but, God willing, I will try to post a few pictures from the Montreal exhibit room over the next couple of days then before you know it, I'll be back to mini work of my own!! TTFN! - Marilyn

11 comments:

  1. Por fin ya se ve que la nieve se va retirando ; si llegan las lluvias quedará todo limpio. Todo un lujo disfrutar del trabajo de Giac en directo y un tutorial , muy emocionante todas estas experiencias,feliz día:-)

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    1. Yes Rosa - I hope the rain will take away a lot of the snow that is left. It was indeed a treat to meet up with Giac and get a little tutorial from him. It was a great day, for sure. All the best. - Marilyn

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  2. Hello Marilyn,
    You are too sweet to me! jo and I had such a wonderful time when you visited. we do hope we will get the chance to visit with you again...sooner rather then later. Once again, I absolutely adore the magnificent flower arrangement Marijke made. Actually, it has moved to the Tudor hall right in front of the window. I will send you and Marijke pictures soon. Thank you again, it was a beautiful present.
    Hang in there, the snow will be over before you know it.
    Big hug to you and Louise.
    Giac

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    1. We had such a great time, Giac. I can hardly wait to try out the paint technique you taught us. Also, the discussion about layering the paint in between layers of varnish when doing a marble faux finish has really got me thinking too! Thank you so much for being so generous with your time. Hugs to you and Jo! -Marilyn

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  3. Awww - that's so wonderful that you got to spend time with Giac and Jo! There never was or ever will be such a talented and kind person as Giac. I hope you and Louise found some tiny treasures for yourselves and that you'll share them with us soon. And - hopefully next week that pile of snow will have turned into a nice drink of water for the flowers trying to make their way up!

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    1. What a delightful trip to Montreal to not only visit the miniature exhibition and show but to meet with Giac. I have not yet had that pleasure but certainly marvel at the exacting expertise he has shown in creating his amazing manor house...he is more than generous with sharing his knowledge and skill! Hope you were able to find some miniature treasures to add to your own collection while in Montreal. Spring is just around the corner and hopefully the melt continues quickly where you live...Cheers, Alayne

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    2. Yes, Jodi and Alayne, our visit with Giac put the cherry on the top of our visit to the Montreal Show. We had a rgreat time. I'm in Prince Edward Island right now but, when i get home, I'll be sure to show some pics from the show as well as my purchases. - Marilyn

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  4. I LOVED these photos Marilyn and I envy you and Louise getting the opportunity to visit with both Giac and Jo, not to mention getting to see his INCREDIBLE English Manor in person, you Lucky ladies! :D
    Your gift of Marijke's floral arrangement was a Kind, Thoughtful and Beautiful gesture as well, and a Terrific way to end your Montreal Show day! :D

    elizabeth

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    1. Yes, Elizabeth, getting to see Giac's beautiful house in person was indeed a treasured gift. We consider ourselves very lucky. Who knows - maybe some day we'll head all the way to the other coast of our huge country and come knocking on your door too. Now that would be incredible as well - to see the Dolphin street house and Villa Leone in person! I can dream, can't I? Hugs - Marilyn

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  5. Que suerte estar con Giac y Jo y recibir sus abrazos y cariño pero lo que más envidia me da es que tuviste la oportunidad de ver en directo English Manor.
    Un saludo

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    1. Sí, Marian, ver esa increíble casa de muñecas en persona fue solo superado por pasar una tarde maravillosa con Giac y Jo. Realmente son una pareja maravillosa y acogedora.

      Yes, Marian, seeing that incredible dollhouse in person was second only to spending a wonderful afternoon with Giac and Jo. They truly are a wonderful and welcoming couple.

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