As I previously mentioned, this year’s project is entirely laser cut so everyone can see for themselves what all the fuss is about. I’m sure that those of you who are new to laser cutting will be amazed and veterans will continue to be impressed at the level of detail and ease of assembly.

The optional addition for this project adds a whole new dimension to the kit, but I decided to sit on the photos for another week… you’re going to love it! The great thing is it’s just that; and option. All entries will be judged in the same category equally. Stay tuned to see more next week!

ShareThis

So what’s the big deal about laser cutting? I think that many of you might have that question and this will be the perfect opportunity to find out. For now, I’ll focus on the detail in the accompanying teaser picture. As you can see, the doors have laser engraved detail that we just can’t accomplish through traditional means. That’s just the start; it’s a breeze to strip out the pieces and sanding is minimal, so assembly happens at light speed! And speaking of speed, we’re even going to include some samples of our new speed shingles so you can be well informed about the laser cut options available exclusively at the Greenleaf Company Store!

Stay tuned as more details unfold as we approach the kick off date of March 20^th (which just happens to be the first day of spring). This year’s contest promises to be more fun than ever … we can’t wait to see what you’re going to come up with! As in previous years, the winner gets more than just bragging rights and cool prizes; they get to name this new product and be immortalized as part of the Greenleaf product line, right next to Annie’s Lobster Shack and the Loganberry Mill! So get your thinking caps on and just imagine what’s going to be behind these doors!

ShareThis

One of the more significant changes has been to the windows. We decided to move away from our traditional silkscreen windows and added laser cut detailed mullions to a new double hung design. In addition, we changed the shutters to a new louvered design that adds an authentic appearance never seen before on a Greenleaf Dollhouse. All these changes looked so great, but the upper windows where partially covered by the pediment, so we lower all the second floor windows to show off these new features.

We didn’t stop there! The entrance way has been radically changed as well. Out with the double doors and in with a new engraved design with detailed sidelights to match. The raised panel door look extends to the interior doors as well! The French patio doors got a makeover that will make you want to head out to the balcony for a mint julep! And speaking about the patios, the new railing system makes the conservatory roof look so inviting; you’ll get a sun tan just looking at it!

There are other improvements, but you’re going to have to stop by the Greenleaf Dollhouses Company Store on August 10^th for both the big picture and all the mini details. Because of a limited availability of the front columns, there will only be 12 units available for this initial release, so don’t miss out on your chance to own a new Greenleaf legend; the Beaumont Dollhouse Kit!

ShareThis

First Place - Congratulations Intrinsicat!

Jen Wins a $500 Gift Certificate to the Greenleaf Company Store and Re-names this Dollhouse!
That’s right, I’m happy to re-introduce you to one of our newest dollhouses, The Loganberry Mill which is named in honor of Jen’s daughter who’s nickname is Loganberry. In addition to bragging rights, Jen will get $500 to spend at will in the Greenleaf Company Store!

Second Place - Congratulations r1simp!

Roy Wins a $250 Gift Certificate to the Greenleaf Company Store

Third Place - HOLY SMOKES, IT’S A TWO WAY TIE!

Again, I have to say that the entries we received this year were just amazing; amazing to the point that selecting just three winners seemed to be an impossible task. After a hopeless dead lock, we decided to name two third place winners which I listed in alphabetical order.

Congratulations eyelee!

Congratulations pin1056!

Eily and Linda have each won a $125 Gift Certificate to the Greenleaf Company Store

We truly enjoyed all 59 entries and I thank all who participated. Again, in my book, they were all winners! All entries are available for viewing online in our Community Contests and Classes Gallery which you can visit here.

Young Miniaturist Category - HOLY SMOKES, IT’S A FIVE WAY TIE FOR FIRST PLACE!

This year we also had a young miniaturist competition and we really enjoyed all their projects! We look forward to the day when they can compete in the main event, so to keep them motivated, they’re all winners!

Congratulations Rebekah S!

Congratulations Simone!

Congratulations Rachel & Sarah!

Congratulations Tyler!

Congratulations Victoria!

Rebekah, Simone, the Topps Girls, Tyler and Victoria have each won an Aster Cottage Dollhouse Kit!
Keep up the good work kids! We look forward to seeing what you do with these dollhouses! All their entries are available for viewing online in our Community Contests and Classes Gallery which you can visit here.

Hold on - Congratulations, everyone’s a winner!

That’s right, everyone who entered is going to get a 144 scale version of the Loganberry Mill! We scaled down this wonderful little house and put our new laser cutter to work so everyone can have a memento of this historic event! I hope everyone enjoys this house as much as we’ve enjoyed looking at you amazing projects!

A Personal Note

I would like to apologize for not being as involved in the chatter as I have been in previous years. We have a bunch of new products we’re working on and my beloved dog friend Seven has had some health issues. Its honestly been hard to find the time to even breath. Its unfortunate because this contest is one of my favorite parts of the year. The good news is that we will soon be releasing laser cut versions of the Jefferson, Emerson Row, Brimbles Mercantile, Rosedale and the Beaumont (so you winners might want to hold up on spending all that cash)! Additionally, the Willowcrest will begin shipping next week… I apologize for the delay. I’m also happy to share with you that Seven’s health is improving and I have hopes that she will be able to fully enjoy her 14th summer in beautiful Upstate NY!

And a Personal Thanks to the Judges

Massive thanks to my big sister Lisa and my pop Dean Sr. for a job well done!

ShareThis

Laser cutting works by directing a high powered beam of light with incredible precision across the surface of a sheet of wood leaving a high quality finished cut. There are many differences in die-cutting and laser cutting wood, the most important is that we can realize intricate designs that are too complex for die-cutting. We can also cut smooth curves and even engrave highly detailed patterns into the wood, a technique that will add dimension and scope to our products. Additional benefits of laser cutting is considerably less stripping of parts and minimal sanding.

For over sixty years, Greenleaf Dollhouses has been die-cutting thousands of products with great success and will continue to do so. We look forward to a future of blending laser cutting into our product line, while continuing to die cut our dollhouse kits that are loved worldwide.Â

ShareThis

The base sits flush with the floor and entrance way for a seamless appearance.  It can be permanently fixed to your lighthouse or the snug fit allows you to let gravity do the work in case you want the option of rotating the lighthouse whenever the mood hits you.  Being that the light house is an octagon, that leaves you with eight different positions to choose from!  Please see the photo below for some examples! 

EDIT:  The Harbor Island Base and the Dollhouse Lighthouse are now available at the Greenleaf Company Store!

ShareThis

The Miniature Lighthouse will be available this month for sale exclusively at the Greenleaf Company Store with an expected retail of under $100!  I’m still working on the name, so if you have any suggestions, please post them below!

EDIT:  The Dollhouse Lighthouse is now available at the Greenleaf Company Store for $99 with FREE shipping!

ShareThis

Just like last year, we are making it extra interesting; we’re going to name this new building after the winner! That’s right, instead of the Winners Bungalow, we’ll rename it after you - for example, Annie’s Lobster Shack! Now how cool is that? New this year is a young Miniaturist category for ages 15 and under!

In an effort to keep the contest affordable, we are offering this years contest house with a roof upgrade option. Please refer to this picture. The standard roof on the right offers the appearance of a metal roof. The upgraded roof on the left is made up of wood slats that offers a unique alternative. Please select your roof option when ordering. Please note that there is an additional charge of $4.95 for the upgrade.

First Prize - A $500 Gift Certificate to the Greenleaf Company Store

That’s right, $500 to spend as you want in the Greenleaf Company Store! That’s enough to buy our flagship model, the Garfield Dollhouse!

Second Prize - A $250 Gift Certificate to the Greenleaf Company Store

That’s right, $250 to spend as you want in the Greenleaf Company Store! That’s enough to buy the Select Edition of the Brookwood Dollhouse! The Select Edition of the Brookwood Dollhouse is a special production run in which we upgrade the kit to the finest birch plywood we could find and is back in stock and available here.

Third Prize - A $125 Gift Certificate to the Greenleaf Company Store

That’s right, $125 to spend as you want in the Greenleaf Company Store! That’s enough to buy our Limited Edition Arthur Dollhouse or maybe a Deluxe Dollhouse Lighting Kit.

The Young Miniaturist Prizes

First Prize - A Aster Cottage Dollhouse Kit

The Aster Cottager has been a long time favorite for miniaturist of all ages. After a long absence, this dollhouse is again available at the Greenleaf Company Store.

Value: $58.99

Second Prize - A Strorybook Cottage Dollhouse Kit

The Storybook Dollhouse kit is a perfect project for both new and seasoned miniaturist. It’s charm is just the beginning and the included furniture makes it a complete package.

Value: $48.00

Third Prize - A Sugar Plum Dollhouse Kit

The Sugarplum Dollhouse Kit is a cute house that doesn’t disappoint. This is also a complete house with furniture, so all your needs are met!

Value: $38.99

The Details

Enter here on the shipping page during checkout

Decorate your Winner’s Bungalow and include it in a scene, maybe next to your dollhouse or in a garden setting, whatever strikes your fancy. You can also turn your bungalow into ANYTHING your imagination can dream up. Please note there is only one entry per member.

Submit your 3 BEST pictures to thewinner@greenleafdollhouses.com by Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, with the words in the subject line “I’m a winner”. You can include a short description of your project.

A select group of Greenleaf Staff, not Forum Staff, but the people that actually make your dollhouses, will select the winners based on originality.

The winners will be announced the first week in June and all the submissions will be uploaded to a special gallery for all to enjoy!

Order your Winners Bungalow here for $14.95 with FREE SHIPPING*

Good Luck everyone!

*Greenleaf is providing a delivered price just for this contest that is below cost. We’re sorry that the free shipping only applies to US members, but we urge our members outside the US to still participate in this contest. We have pre-stripped the houses to minimize the box size and setup a discounted shipping rate to help you out. There is an additional $6.00 to Canada and $16.00 to everywhere else outside the USA. Please select the appropriate destination on the Winners Bungalow page.

ShareThis

ShareThis

ShareThis

Well How did that happen?  It all sits squarely on the shoulders of Marlene Buffington of CDHM.org, also know around the Greenleaf Miniature Community as chikzilla.  Marlene is on a mission to bring little things into the big time and her most recent promotional push is the upcoming appearance on Martha Stewart Living Television.

The segment of  show focuses on miniature food artist Betsy Niederer who will be demonstrating how to create a mini turkey to hostess Martha Stewart.  Betsy is absolutely amazing and I would suggest that everyone visit her gallery at CDHM, but do so on a full stomach because you’re guaranteed to get hungry looking at all her delicious food items.

Marlene had put months into making this happen, and when it all began to finally come together, she extended an invitation to her long time sponsor, Greenleaf Dollhouses, to join in the excitement.  Of course, we graciously accepted and donated 220 Storybook Cottage Dollhouse Kits to be given away as gifts to Martha Stewart’s audience members.

Of course, there was a need for a painted model for the show so, in steps miniature superstar, Tracy Topps.  Time was of the essence and Tracy is always up for a challenge, so she stayed up all night making a Storybook Cottage for Martha that she shipped out FedEx the next day.  Tracy also completed the furniture and it all looked fantastic on the set.  Tracy also has a gallery at CDHM and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, I would suggest contacting her… she is a true artist.

A big thanks to our friends at CDHM for including us in this great opportunity. The CDHM web site is filled with miniaturists of all genres happily chatting, teaching and attending tutorials, writing blogs, filling galleries, and participating in many, many other features all designed to promote mini artists and the hobby of miniatures.  It’s some what like a Mall of Miniatures with each artists having their own store.  It’s the first place to start looking for unique goodies for your miniature collecting hobby.  I highly recommend you stop by  Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures and have a look for yourself.

It goes without saying that we want to thank the entire production crew on the Martha Stewart Living Show for showcasing miniatures and Greenleaf Dollhouses to her viewing audience. Of course, a big thanks to Martha for having us and taking a picture with my sister Lisa, Marlene and Alice (I’ll post a copy as soon as I get one).  Be sure to set your Tivo’s to see the Storybook Dollhouse on Martha Stewart.

ShareThis

I’d like to send out a big thanks to Steve Bailey for proving the pictures used in this fund raiser.  Steve is an award winning miniaturist from Marietta, PA who has a gift for building rescue vehicles in miniature scale. Below are a few more of Steve’s project, but I recommend you visit his web site to find out what else Steve is working on, some of which is for sale.

ShareThis

ShareThis

First Place - Congratulations Annie Guiney!

Annie Wins a $300 Gift Certificate to the Greenleaf Company Store and Re-names this Dollhouse!

That’s right, I’m happy to re-introduce you to one of our newest dollhouses, Annie’s Lobster Shack. In addition to bragging rights, Annie will get $300 to spend at will in the Greenleaf Company Store! That’s even enough to buy our flagship model, the Garfield Dollhouse Kit!

Second Place - Congratulations giftbox!

�
Donald Wins a Select Edition of the Brookwood Dollhouse Kit

The Select Edition of the Brookwood Dollhouse Kit was a special production run in which we upgrade the kit to the finest birch plywood we could find. We only ran 20 of these houses and they are currently sold out (Donald get’s the last one we have)! Learn more about the Brookwood Select Dollhouse Kit.

Third Place - HOLLY SMOKES, IT’S A THREE WAY TIE!

Again, I have to say that the entries we received this year were just amazing; amazing to the point that selecting just three winners seemed to be an impossible task. After a hopeless dead lock, we decided to name three third place winners which I listed in alphabetical order.

Congratulations brandan!

Congratulations Elicia Easton!

Congratulations evervescent!
 

Brandan, Elicia and Andrea have each won a Select Edition of the Vineyard Cottage Dollhouse Kit 

The Vineyard Cottage has just been released and like the Brookwood Dollhouse Kit, we had a special production run in which we upgrade the kit to the finest birch plywood we could find. The Select Edition of the Vineyard Cottage Dollhouse Kit is still available exclusively at the Greenleaf Company Store.

I would like to close by saying that we truly enjoyed all 82 entries. I’m my book, they were all winners! All entries are available for viewing online in our Community Contests and Classes Gallery which you can visit here.

A Personal Thanks to the Judges
This was a task I’d wish on no one. Massive thanks to Bev, my big sister Lisa and my mother Marie for a job well done!

ShareThis

The Official Gallery will be available next Monday, June 2nd, and at that time, the winners will be announced. I wishes all who entered the best of luck and I thank you for sharing such fantastic works of art with us!

ShareThis

Get ready to start your engines because the Big Bus Dollhouse Kit is coming to town.   It all started with an email from our friends over at Hobby Builders Supply.  The Miniature Mad Man, Ernie Collier, mentioned something about a bus in his March newsletter which got a tremendous response.  It didn’t take long before we got the call; “Make me a bus”! 

This isn’t the first time we’ve been challenged by HBS.  Our Houseboat kit was the direct result of Ernie’s love of real houseboats.  He got it in his mind that it would make a great project for miniaturist and decide to drive us crazy until we finally made him a prototype.  I have to admit that the houseboat dollhouse kit has become very popular, so this time, we didn’t hesitate and knocked this project out in record time!

When I sat down with my development team and said BUS, they all scratched their heads.   We had three goals; Make is stylishly, make it functional and make it affordable.  We started our research and struck a target retail price of $40 and with in a week (okay, maybe two weeks), we where sending pictures to HBS for their input. As you can see in the picture below, we originally had the opening on the opposite side of the bus.  Ernie and his team made mention of his and we were in full agreement, so we switched it around and started the final prototype.

Now that the details were hammered out, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get busy!  Introducing a new product is quite involved for us at Greenleaf.  We needed to transform a sample that was hand cut on a jigsaw into a manufactured product; fist layouts, then tooling the dies, sampling, more tooling, more sampling and then finally making a box and packing it all up.  Since this item is an HBS exclusive, there was no need for a point of sale label, but there was the matter of assembly instructions.  In steps Hobby Builders Supply resident-miniaturist, Sally Cook-Thomas.  We have worked closely with Sally in the past and it’s always been a joy.  Sally was also responsible for writing the Houseboat instructions which were spot on, so we are grateful that she took this responsibility off our desk.  It’s a very involved process that would have bogged us down and drastically effected the released date, so three cheers for Sally.  On top of this commitment, Sally took one of our final prototypes and decorated it for the HBS catalog cover and was kind enough to share it was us (so six cheers for Sally).  Her Sixties theme is whimsical and fun, so I used it as the focus of the above flash slide show.

Greenleaf now has three dollhouse kits based on a transportation theme.  First, there was our Miniature Travel Trailer, followed by our Houseboat kit and finally the Big Bus which is now available for pre-order exclusively at Miniatures.com.  They are running a pre-order special, so you can get $5.00 off the $39.99 retail price.  This coupon code, WPC2812, MUST be entered in the media code box while checking out.  For those of you interested in the recreating the Sixties theme, there are more pictures of Sally’s bus with links to some of the items she used available here.

In closing, I’d like to thank Ernie for approaching us with this project.  I’m sure that he could have imported this kit for less money, but when possible,  he prefers to buy products made in the USA.  As an American manufacturer, this is something we always appreciate!

NOTE: There is a larger version of the above show available at the Greenleaf Miniature Community.
Click here to see it now!

ShareThis

ShareThis

Greenleaf will be including Ben’s new instructions in the Orchid Dollhouse Kits starting with our next production run scheduled for next week… the Buttercup is soon to follow.  There’s no need to go out and buy an new kit, because Ben provided the instructions in PDF format and they are available at the Greenleaf Miniature Community Download Area.  You will also find a copy of the Greenleaf Warm-up which is a starter sheet included in all our kits.  This tip sheet was also converted by Ben.

Thanks again Ben!

ShareThis

ShareThis

To make this years contest extra interesting, we’re going to name this new building after the winner! That’s right, instead of the Greenleaf Workshop, we’ll rename it after you - for example, Mary’s Workshop! Now how cool is that?

In a nutshell, just submit a picture of a scene with your Winners Workshop and you might win one of these great prizes below. The best news is that Greenleaf has put together a special deal on the Winners Workshop for $8.95 with FREE SHIPPING on your order* (more details below)! So join us in the fun as well celebrate the seasons!

The Prizes
First Prize

A $300 Gift Certificate to the Greenleaf Company Store
That’s right, $300 to spend as you want in the Greenleaf Company Store! That’s enough to buy our flagship model, the Garfield Dollhouse!

Second Prize

A Select Edition of the Brookwood Dollhouse
The Select Edition of the Brookwood Dollhouse was a special production run in which we upgrade the kit to the finest birch plywood we could find. We only ran 20 of these houses and they are currently sold out, but we keep one aside for this special occasion! Learn more about the Brookwood Select here.
Value: $199.95

Third Prize

A Select Edition of the Vineyard Cottage
The Vineyard Cottage has just been released and like the Brookwood Dollhouse, we had a special production run in which we upgrade the kit to the finest birch plywood we could find. The Select Edition of the Vineyard Cottage is still available exclusively at the Greenleaf Company Store while supplies last, but maybe you can win one for FREE! Learn more about the Vineyard Cottage Select here.
Value: $129.95

The Details
You will need a Winner’s Workshop[/url] which is available at a special price of $8.95 with FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the US*. Just go to the Greenleaf Insider Sale by March 31, 2008 and during the checkout process, enter the Promotion Code:

SPRING-FLING-08

Enter here on the shipping page during checkout

Decorate your Winner’s Workshop and include it in a scene, maybe next to your dollhouse or in a garden setting, whatever strikes your fancy. You can also turn your Workshop into ANYTHING your imagination can dream up. Please note there is only one entry per member.

Submit your 3 BEST pictures to thewinner@greenleafdollhouses.com by Memorial Day, May 26, 2008, with the words in the subject line “I’m a winner”. You can include a short description of your project.

A select group of Greenleaf Staff, not Forum Staff, but the people that actually make your dollhouses, will select the winners based on originality.
The winners will be announced the first week in June and all the submissions will be uploaded to a special gallery for all to enjoy!

Order your Winners Workshop here for $8.95 with FREE SHIPPING*

Good Luck everyone!

*Greenleaf is providing a delivered price just for this contest that is below cost. We’re sorry that the free shipping only applies to US members, but we urge our members outside the US to still participate in this contest. We have setup a discounted shipping rate to help you out. There is an additional $6.00 to Canada and $14.00 Europe and Down Under. Please select the appropriate destination on the Winners Workshop page.

ShareThis

ShareThis

ShareThis

We have gotten a lot of positive feedback on the Brookwood Select Edition which featured an upgrade to birch plywood, so we’ve done it again! The Vineyard Cottage Select will be available exclusively at the Greenleaf Doll Houses Company Store.  The Greenleaf Select houses may become available in limited quantities from time to time (there are only 20 of the Vineyard), but there is no guarantee that they will be run again, so if your interested, don’t delay!

ShareThis

ShareThis

ShareThis