Saturday 26 January 2019

Downsizing


I have been silent for long while, and for a reason. Two weeks after my last post I unexpectedly and hastily had to move from my large house to a small flat. Apart from the physical stress, the emotional part of it was so strong that I almost threw away all my dollhouses, room boxes, unfinished projects, tools and supplies. It could have been a disaster.

I had occasionally considered what I would do with the dollhouses if we for some reason decided to or needed to move, and even what I should write in my will concerning the dollhouses. Even without considering all efforts, there is a fortune hidden inside that people might not realise. (I make most things from trash, but I have a few really valuable pieces). Yet it was of course rather abstract, something I could dismiss for a while.

Dollhouses were not my highest priority when I moved, and my first impulse was to get rid of everything, although I didn't quite envision how. I did throw away a lot of recyclables, I gave away boxes of quality supplies to a school, but since I didn't have much time to do the sorting and discarding, fortunately I didn't get through it all. A young colleague was concerned about my well-being, and although she quite realistically understood that I could not bring my dollhouses to my little flat, she suggested that I bring something: some supplies, some tools, to keep myself busy during long, lonely evenings. I am glad I listened to her, because bringing even a tiny portion of my miniature stuff proved to make a difference. And it turned out that, because I don't have a lot of possessions, there was plenty of room, more that it seemed at first.

I now live in a student accommodation. It has plenty of shelves. It is meant for academics who have many books. I have most of my books in my office, which is just around the corner. The few books I brought with me, books I re-read regularly and some I keep for sentimental reasons, took half a shelf.

The rest I could fill with miniatures. I brought four room boxes, having measured carefully that they fit into shelves. I feel happy looking at them. Declutter prophets say that you should only keep things that make you happy. I brought some of my favourite Chippendale pieces and some other favourite items, and although I cannot make proper rooms, they look nice in the shelves.




As you can see I brought all my Chippendale kits, about sixty of them. If I make one piece every weekend – which I don't – they will last until next September. I brought my tools, paints, stains and supplies. In my previous life, I didn't have a designated hobby room either, so there isn't much difference, just that my desk is smaller and generally there is less space. But there is enough to make some miniatures. Here are some things I have made since I downsized. 






 



This has not solved the problem of the dollhouses left behind, and sooner or later I will have to deal with them. But it is another story.


9 comments:

  1. I completely understand how you feel. We have downsized but only some my littles and other interests are in storage until we get settled. My roomboxes went to family. I gave away and threw out houses cuz no one wanted them. I donated books, supplies, dishes etc. My kits are all gone. I have no littles with me but I have a quilt to work on. If one more person says: it's only stuff" I swear I'll get violent! We can't get it back but if there's any truth to the saying 'misery loves company' you're in good company. I guess we must focus on what we can do and enjoy that. I do like the pieces you've done. Good luck and carry on.

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    1. It is not "only stuff". They are things that you bought and/or labored over and they have special meaning to you, Judy. Maria, I am sorry that you have gone through all of this stress but you have done an amazing job with what you have with you now! This is a temporary set back but soon you will be back on course. My thoughts, prayers and respect are with you.

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  2. I have often found myself repeating that old saying, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans!" I'm glad you were able to listen to your colleague and keep some of the things that meant a lot to you.

    I am putting together a HOM slant-front desk right now! the old version with the hinges. I read your years-ago post on it over and over, because yours is the only other one I've seen with hinges! I like the green color on your new one.

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  3. If you are on Facebook, join our HoM group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1534326733532018/

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  4. I'm sorry you've had so much upheaval. I hope you're able to find places for your dollhouses.

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  5. Oh no, I'm so sorry that this has happened to you! I can only imagine how stressful the move must have been. We're planning to emmigrate in about four years' time. I'm very slowly making up my mind what can go along and what will stay behind. Even with so much time to take leave, making a decision is sometimes heart-rending.

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  6. Once again: declutter prophets say that you should only keep things that make you happy. They are right. A dollhouse that you invested time and love in makes you more happy than a chest you have bought at IKEA

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  7. Am so pleased you have continued to make minis and to blog, I have always enjoyed your blog post so much. I'm sure you miss your houses, I too will miss seeing Womble Hall, hoping you manage to find room for it soon. Student accom. isn't too comfortable and you sound lonely, I don't know what happened but am very sorry xx

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    1. Thank you. Fact is, Womble Hall has been safely transported to storage where it waits for me when I have a place of my own. So I promise, you will see more of it in the not so remote future

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