Shelf Diorama

I've been really ill recently, and since I'll be bedridden for a while, I've turned one of my bedside shelves into a diorama! I knew I'd be sad without my Sylvanian Families so I've made my two favourite JP babies a little nursery!

I'm going to try and work on it whilst I am ill because it looks pretty bare at the moment! I would like to put up some cheerful wallpaper, possibly a felt carpet and a pretty little pair of curtains over a (fake) window :)
The great thing about this shelf is that my reading light is just above it so the lighting for the pictures is perfect! However you can see the screws and the bracket thing that hold the shelves up which is annoying.

This is my latest purchase, a JP Squirrel baby! Have you ever seen something more cute?! I've also ordered a Grey Cat baby and a Cottontail Rabbit baby, but those are from Japan so they will take a few weeks to come through.

And here's one of my favourite Sylvanian Families, George Golightly (JP Silk Cat baby). Just adorable:D He even has a matching teddy bear!
I'll post again when it's finished:)
I am a bit concerned about the dust though, the JP figures have really fine plush which makes cleaning them a nightmare.

For those who are awaiting Chapter 4 of the Winter Story: I've written it, but I'm waiting until I feel well enough to get out of bed before I can take the photos :)

Winter Story Chapter 3: The Mayor's Speech

Christmas had been and gone, but the snow had stayed!
Unfortunately, when January came, all the children had to go back to school despite the bad weather. They were encouraged to wrap up warm and take care when walking to school, making sure you leave a little earlier.
The whole village seemed to be getting used to the snow by now, it was part of their everyday lives now. However the local hospital was overflowing with sick patients: many had fallen in the ice and hurt themselves, sledging and skiing accidents, and of course, flu.
The hospital was incredibly small, and very, very old. Drafts came in through the broken windows and under the door; the roof wasn't really built for such a long period of snow. The only electricity in the hospital was connected by two very old wires, and they only powered the flickering dim lights. There were plans by the local council to build a new hospital, but fundraising was due to start over the summer. Since building a new hospital in the middle of winter with no money wasn't exactly possible, they were just going to have to 'make do' with what they had.

There was one doctor and two nurses, and three beds in the hospital. Roxy Renard, a local charitable resident, who usually did all the hospital's washing and cooking, was now working flat out trying to keep the hospital running.
The Mayor (Bill Waddlington) was due to make a speech that afternoon. The children had been dismissed from school early, and everybody was gathering in the centre of the village.

'Hello, everybody,' The Mayor began.
'Thank you for making your way here today, I understand some of you live on the outskirts and have had to make quite a journey to be here!
I am afraid, that the news I am going to bring you is not very positive.
Many of you are aware that our village hospital is not coping under the extreme amount of patients. The roof is beginning to leak and the hospital is cold and small. There are only three beds in the hospital, and they can only be given to the gravely ill. Doctor Murdoch has informed me that he has had to send home people who need to be in the hospital being taken care of, however there is simply not enough beds to accommodate them.
Those who are lucky enough to be offered a bed have to sleep in a cold, draughty hospital.
We are planning to build a new hospital, however currently we have no money to build one.
Healthcare is free in the village of Little Chestnut, and I wish it to remain free, as we all do. However, we need help. The hospital, the doctor, the nurses and the patients need our help. If anyone can make a donation; not to building the new hospital, but to help pay for food, heat, and medical supplies for hospital, they would be greatly appreciated.
We would also like to send out a plea for volunteers. Everyone knows that Roxy Renard is currently in charge of cleaning the hospital, washing the bedding, and feeding the patients. However she cannot do it all alone, she needs some help. A receptionist would be useful, too! The nurses are spending a lot of time answering telephone calls and booking appointments when they could be helping patients. If anyone can fix the roof and the windows, that would be greatly appreciated.
If you would like to be put on the receptionist rota, you can help fix the roof or you can help in any way, please see Camilla Hunter-Smyth at Highfields Farm, who I have put in charge of this village effort. Donations can be given at Highfields Farm or the hospital.
Thank you so much, residents of Little Chestnut! We'll only make it through this harsh winter if we work together!' The Mayor finished and everybody clapped, nodding and agreeing. People arrived at Highfields Farm in huge crowds. Mrs Hunter-Smyth was already prepared, she ordered them into different queues and soon the noisy crowds were all organised.

'Maybe we could do something?' Said Juniper Moss to her brother.
'What would we do though?' Buck Moss sniffed. He still wasn't quite better from his illness. They sat on a bench watching all the volunteers.
'We need to boost morale, try and get people to donate more money or volunteer,' Juniper thought aloud.
'It won't work, Juniper,' Buck admitted. 'Even with all that money and all those volunteers, the hospital is still too small. There simply just isn't room, money or no money, volunteers or no volunteers,' Juniper sighed, she knew he was right.

'Well maybe we could start fundraising for the new hospital,' Juniper suggested. 'Come on, let's go home now and ask Mother about it,' They began to trudge home in the thick white snow.
'Mother, we were wondering if our family could start fundraising for the new hospital?' Juniper suggested, excitedly. Her Mother frowned.
'The Little Chestnut Newspaper has made a sizeable donation towards the hospital, which we will mention on tomorrow's front page story, and I do not believe any more is required of us,' Her Mother replied in her professional 'spokeswoman' voice, whilst she took off her coat. After all, the Moss family ran the local newspaper.
'But that money won't make the hospital bigger,' Juniper exclaimed.
'At the end of the day, they just need a new hospital, that is managed better, and has a few more staff with better facilities,' She continued. Rowena actually began to look interested.
'You're on to something there, Juniper!' Rowena said, thoughtfully.
'Actually, it was Buck's idea really!' They beamed.
'Why waste your money on a derelict hospital? Save your coins for a better hospital...this just brings a whole new angle to the story!' Rowena said, animated. 'Thank you sweethearts!' She began to put her coat back on.
'No! Wait!' Juniper cried. 'You can't stop people making donations - it wouldn't be fair!'
'Well that would just ruin the point of the story, darling,' Rowena explained.
'It's not all about the story, Mother!' Buck said, crossly. Rowena stopped and looked at him - he rarely spoke out like that. 'You should encourage them to donate some money, no, enough money to keep the hospital going, however just gently remind the readers that they shouldn't waste all their money on that old shack,'

'Alright! Alright! We've got to make the hospital habitable and ensure there are enough supplies and volunteers,' She kissed both of them on the head and ran out of the door. 'Goodbye sweethearts, stay safe!'
They looked at each other. They both knew that their parents were journalists, they wouldn't be afraid to contradict the Mayor's message.

Before bedtime, they had a quick conversation.
'She'll tone it down a notch,' Juniper swallowed.
'Of course, Father likes to be on good terms with the Mayor, they wouldn't risk it,' Buck agreed. They turned to the opposite ends of the landing to their bedrooms.
'Oh Buck!' Juniper said. 'Please don't be late for school tomorrow, we have to leave early remember?!' Buck laughed.
'Don't worry, I won't!' He replied.

To be continued...

Winter Story Chapter 2: Preparations

It was a cold day in late December, and the children of the village had been given an additional week off school due to heavy snow. Most of the children were happy to play in the snow and sledge and ski down the hill.
However, Juniper Moss had other ideas. One day of playing in the snow was enough for her, and she was already hard at work planning and producing the school's Christmas Issue of the school magazine. She had hosted a last-minute board meeting at her house with the other producers of the school magazine. Being the Editor, naturally Juniper liked to be in charge of everything and everyone.

'Firstly, I would like to ensure everybody is present,' Began Juniper. 'Buck Moss, Bryon Underwood, Tilly Dappledawn, Renee Sparkle and Hector Hunter-Smyth...Excellent, we're all here,'
'The headmaster has given us the very important job of producing the Christmas Issue of the school magazine in just a week,' Juniper explained, as everybody nodded excitedly.
'It will obviously be very hard work because we have so little time,' Bryon Underwood, Juniper's 'second-in-command' vice-editor said. 'However I think if we all pull it off then the issue will be ready to hand out at the Carol Service on Christmas Eve,' Hector let out a whistle.
'It'll be tight, but I think we can do it!' Agreed Renee Sparkle, as Tilly nodded.
'All in agreement of proceeding?' Juniper asked, as everyone raised their hand. She took her role extremely seriously. 'Brilliant, let's continue!'
'Juniper had asked me to do a two-page feature about us playing in the snow yesterday,' Everybody murmured their approval, as Buck began coughing. 'But it's really up to you what you do,' Buck said, wiping his nose on his sleeve.
'I'll get some gossip!' Gushed Renee, who always knew all of the latest 'news'. 'I'll get some of the villager's opinions on whether they think we should of been allowed a week off school!'
'That's a great idea Renee, it's a controversial subject I'm sure people would love to read about,' Juniper encouraged.
'Hector, perhaps you could do a review on the school play?' Suggested Tilly, quietly as usual.
'Yes! That'd be awesome!' Hector grinned.
'It's after the Carol Service on Christmas Eve, so it will encourage more people to come and see the play!' Bryon smiled.
'Mmn, what else could we do?' Juniper wondered aloud.
'Would some freshly-baked scones and jam help you all think?' Rowena Moss laughed as she put a plate of scones and a jar of jam on the table.
'Yes, definitely, Mother!' Juniper giggled.
'Thank you Mrs Moss!' Hector said, his mouth already full of scone.

'Tilly, what would you like to do?' Juniper asked, gently.
'I could write a Christmas Story, about Father Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, if you'd like?' Tilly whispered, shyly.
'That would be lovely, Tilly, the children would love it!' Byron smiled. 'Why don't you draw some illustrations too, you're a good artist,' Tilly just nodded timidly and began jotting down notes in her notebook.

'That just leaves you and me Bryon,' Juniper said, nibbling her pencil.

'You can write the introduction, some latest news, the contents, wish everyone a Merry Christmas,' Byron suggested, and Juniper nodded. 'I can put everything together and get it printed - Oh I could do a colouring competition!'
'Brilliant idea, Bryon!' Renee said, and everybody agreed.
'Think of some prizes, something good,' Hector said.
'I'm home!' Came a voice from the front door. Everybody turned to see Cameron Moss carrying a huge Christmas Tree through the door.

'And I think that marks the end of this meeting!' Juniper smiled as everybody laughed. 'I'll be calling to check on your progress!' She warned, jokingly.

'Goodbye everyone!' Juniper called, as she shut the front door. She had noticed Buck had been unusually quiet - he was normally a top-contributer in meetings.
'Hello Juniper, how did the meeting go?' Cameron Moss asked his ambitious daughter.
'Really good, thank you Father!' Juniper beamed. 'I love the Christmas tree!'
'Well I was rather hoping you and Buck would help us decorate it!' Cameron smiled.

'Of course we will!' Buck said, stumbling into the living room.
'Are you alright, Buck, you don't look too well?' Juniper said, worriedly.
'I'll be fine! Just got a bit of a-cough cough cough!' He began coughing hysterically again.
'You're clearly not very well dear, go and lie down on the sofa, I'll bring you a blanket,' Rowena smiled, gently.

'Now, if you don't mind, Rowena dear, could you choose where you would like the tree?' He said, with a pained expression. 'It's rather heavy, you see,'
'I'll put the tinsel on!' Juniper grinned, grabbing the tinsel.
'Hang on, let me put the lights on first!' Cameron said, laughing.
'I'll help!' Buck offered.
'I don't think so, son. You look far too ill!' Cameron said, sounding slightly concerned.
'You just lie back and rest, dear,' Rowena smiled.
*An hour or so later*

'I love it!' Beamed Juniper.
'When can we put the presents under the tree?' Buck asked, dreamily.
'Buck!' Rowena laughed.
'One more week 'til Christmas!' Cameron reminded the children. Buck began coughing again.
'Right, that's enough, Buck, you're going to bed!' Rowena said, taking him by the hand.
'No Mother!' Buck couldn't think of anything more boring that being stuck in bed all day when he could be outside playing in the snow.
'I told you to dress warmly and you didn't, and now you're ill!' Rowena exclaimed, slightly crossly as she tucked him into his bed.
'But it's so boring-' Buck protested.
'I don't care. You're ill, and to get better you need warmth and rest!' Rowena said, firmly, as she hugged him.

To be continued...
If you like it please tell me in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you :)

Winter Story Chapter 1: A Snow Day

It was a very chilly December night, and the Moss Reindeer family were all tucked up in bed.

Juniper awoke when she saw a few rays of light peeking around her curtains. As she looked closer, she could see snow on her windowsill and the garden was covered in a thick white blanket of snow.

After making her bed as fast as she could, she raced into her brother's room to tell him.
'Buck! Wake up! It's snowed!' She beamed as she nudged his shoulder.

'Wha-' He sleepily looked out of his window. 'Yes! It snowed, it snowed, it snowed!' Buck sang as he jumped on his bed

They both ran to the big window in their parents' bedroom to determine how thick it was.
'Definitely enough for skiing and sledging-' Buck said, matter-of-factly.
'Oh look, the pond's frozen over - I can skate!' Juniper squealed.
They leapt down the stairs as fast as their legs could carry them.

'Mother, mother, you'll never guess what!' The two children chorussed.
'It's snowed?' Rowena guessed, laughing. She was already up preparing breakfast for the family. 'Don't worry, the school telephoned. School's cancelled, they're giving you a weeks' extra holiday,' The children grinned excitedly, although Juniper was upset that she wouldn't be able to get the Christmas Issue of the School Magazine finished.

'We've got to go out and play, come on, Juniper!' Buck grabbed Juniper's hand and headed towards the front door. Both the girls laughed.
'You're still your pyjamas, Buck!' Juniper laughed, as Buck's face fell.
'But we need to go and call for the Hunter-Smyths and all our other friends,' He said, crossly.
'Give them a chance to wake up, Buck dear! Have some breakfast and get dressed first,' Rowena said, firmly.

They tried to eat their breakfast as fast as they could without their mother noticing.
'Now go and get dressed, don't forget to wrap up warm!' Rowena warned.
'Goodbye mother' Said Juniper, who was sensibly wearing her warmest dress and her new Winter cloak.
'Yeah, bye' Said Moss, who stood in a pair of summer dungarees and a pair of snow boots.
'Don't be silly, Buck, you can't go out in the snow without wearing proper clothing!' Rowena exclaimed.

'I'll be fine, Mother! None of the other boys will wear coats!' And with that he grabbed his sister's hand and headed out of the house and down the road to their neighbours' house, leaving Rowena sighing as she closed the front door.

They knocked on the door of the Hunter-Smyths house, Highfields Farm. As Buck had expected, they were up and ready to go.

'We'll meet you at the hill in ten minutes, Isabella thinks it will be quicker if we just telephone all of the other children,' Hector explained.
'Good idea!' Juniper nodded.
'Great! See you there!' Buck smiled.
Much to Buck's surprise, they were the first to arrived at the hill. 'The Hill' was the best hill in the village for sledging and skiing, and it was the nearest.

Buck ran to the top of the hill with his skis in hand.
'Excellent coating of snow! Juniper, be careful you don't fall, the snow is very slippery!' He called down to her.
Buck then skied down the hill at top speed.
'Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee' He grinned, as he stopped next to Juniper, who was laughing.

'That was great, Buck!' They turned around. 'Oh look, everybody's arriving,' Juniper smiled.
They waited until everyone had arrived before Buck began his little 'speech'.
The Hunter-Smyths, the Underwoods, the Dappledawns, the Brambles and the Buckleys family had all turned up. Much to Buck's dismay, all the boys were wearing some sort of warm clothing.
'Thank you for all coming so quickly! Now, the snow is very slippery, especially on the hill, so I would like everybody to pair up in boy/girl partners please' Buck was in charge every year on Snow Days. Coming the North Pole, the Moss Reindeer knew more about it than anybody else.
Everybody bustled in pairs.

'Make sure you hold hands while walking up the hill, or standing on the hill. The snow is perfect for skiing or sledging, and as I'm sure many of you have noticed the pond is frozen, so you're welcome to skate but make sure you check the thickness of the ice first. Those who wish to ski please try to stick to the left side of the hill, and those sledging please stick to the right - we don't want any accidents that involve both!' Buck smiled as all the children laughed. The adults didn't come out until a bit later in the day, so they watched the children play from their windows.
'Watch out for the babies, don't let them sledge from the very top of the hill. I don't think there is anything else I need to mention, but it looks like the snow will stay for at least a few days so I'm sure we'll be back every day! Have fun and stay safe!' Everybody clapped Buck politely, who took a bow. Juniper stood next to him, they were partners today.

The Buckleys were having so much fun they appeared to have forgotten Buck's warning...

Tilly Dappledawn was quite happy just to walk through the snow with her baby siblings Dillon & Cotton who were all wrapped up warm!

Isabella & Hector Hunter-Smyth were taking it in turns to catch their baby brother Gerard who enjoying slipping down the hill on his bottom!:)

Bess Underwood was being taught how to ski - without poles! She was being very brave, and managed to do it several times without falling over! Buck, on the other hand, was absolutely freezing cold!

The Bramble hedgehog sibling were quite happy spectating whilst they huddled together.

The Underwood babies were busy being silly as they made snow-angels and played.

Bryon & Juniper were discussing the school magazine and whether they thought it was really a good idea to close the school a week early:
'I just don't think it will be beneficial to our education - five days of school is a lot of learning hours,' Exclaimed Juniper.
'Now Juniper, I agree with you to a point, however I think that having fun is important too,' Bryon laughed.

Everyone was having a lovely day, although it was very cold the sun was shining and the snow glittered.
'You have to admit, this is better than school!' Bryon Underwood smiled.
'Yes, yes it is,' Juniper laughed.

At that moment, they heard a cry from behind them!

The Buckleys had forgotten about Buck's warning to stop the babies sledging from the top of the hill, and Oscar Buckley had taken a tumble!

Naturally, Buck ran to the scene.
'Did he sledge from the top?' He asked.
'Yes, he did,' Oscar explained.
'We're sorry, Buck & Oscar, we forgot about your warning,' Maria said, cuddling her brother.
Luckily, Rowena Moss had seen the whole scene from her kitchen window as she was making hot chocolate, and had rushed to the hill as quickly as possible.

Rowena picked little Oscar up and comforted him.
'Don't worry children, accidents happen. I'll take him home and ring up your mother to collect him,' Rowena smiled before carrying Oscar back to their house.

Rowena soon had Oscar warming up by the fire playing with Juniper's teddy bear. By the time his mother came to collect him he was beaming - Rowena was very good with children.

The Buckleys lived the other side of the hill, however Agatha came quite quickly once Rowena had telephoned her.
'Thank you so much, Rowena!' Agatha smiled. 'How badly did he fall?'
'Oh it wasn't too bad, I think he was just a bit shaken up!' Rowena said.
'Well, thanks again - he looks very happy! We must meet up for a coffee this week' Agatha suggested.
'That would be lovely! Enjoy having the children off for an extra week!' Rowena laughed as Agatha sighed - she had five children and they were a 'bit of a hand-full'!

That evening the children told the day's events to their father, who had been at work all day.
'We may as well get the Christmas Tree tomorrow and finish decorating the house seeing as you're both around to help!' Cameron Moss chuckled.
'Great idea!' The children chorused.
'By the way, Juniper, the headmaster mentioned on the telephone that he would like you to organise the Christmas Issue of the school magazine as a homework project over the holiday, if that's possible?' Rowena added. Juniper was absolutely beaming. She was the editor, and like Buck, loved to boss (instruct) her team of writers.
'Brilliant! I'll ring him tomorrow and tell him I'll be happy to!' Juniper smiled. 'We'll have to have a meeting..' She muttered. 'Mother can we use the house as our office?' Juniper asked. Everyone laughed.
'I suppose so, but you can't use the living room because we'll be putting the tree up!' Rowena agreed. 'Do you want me to make some scones for the bossy - sorry - board meeting?'
'Yes please!' Said both Juniper and Buck. Buck was on the newspaper, he was in charge of the sports stories.
'But what will I write about Juniper? There is no sport to report because it has snowed!' Buck asked, sounding disappointed.
'Buck, you do realise I'm expecting a two-page feature on today's Winter sports?' Juniper laughed, as Buck grinned.

To be continued...

A New Camera!

I finally got a new camera today, so I'm back with good quality photos (finally!)
I forgot to mention in my last post that I went to the Sylvanian Shop in London on Friday! It wasn't my first time, I've been about six times before however it feels just as special each time:)
I purchased the Moss Reindeer family - so cute! Here they are:

Cameron Moss came with a yellow bow, but I felt a red would be far more 'Christmassy':)

And here is some better, updated photos from my last post:

What do you think of the new camera's photos? The lighting is terrible because it's not natural..I left it too late in the evening - I forgot it got dark so quick!

Thanks for all your views & comments, really do appreciate it<3