Daisy shows us the charming business side as well.  From the book shelves over the doors to the tiny chalk drawing of an orange on the message board, this room is delightfully real.

There’s a lot to be learned in the Moonshine Shed as well but we probably shouldn’t mention that to the authorities.    Marie-Louise created several charming scenes inside the  distillery that give insight into the workings of a still.  (I’m pretty sure my Granddad would recognize these scenes!)  The little touches like the sawdust on the floor make it hard to believe this is miniature.

Outside the still, Marie-Louise added so many lovely touches such as the beautiful logo and sign above the door, the rustic landscaping, and the empty barrels and rusty bike leaning against the tree.

Whimsical miniature settings are not only fun to create, but they never fail to put a smile on the face of those viewing the finished scene.   Just outside the home of the 3 Bears, Rbytsdy added a sweet little bench with three beehives for Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear.  Each one is just right when it comes to charm!  The detailing is this scene is simply amazing.  Everything from the flowers and grass growing up against the side of the house to the tiny mushrooms are a delight, but I’m especially fascinated by the little clothesline outside Papa Bear’s beehive.  Who knew that bees wear socks???

Chris takes us on a trip to Serenity Bay where you can hear the ocean just by looking at the pictures of this wonderfully modern house.   Inside the house Chris has added some architectural details that sets the tone and adds so much character.  This scene of a glass fireplace makes me want to snuggle on the floor with the german shepherd and relax.

This scene gives us a great deal of insight into the owners of the house with glimpses of their preferences in décor.  From the lighthouse lamp to the artful arrangement over the dining room door, it’s all a teeny, realistic peek into someone else’s life.

Details in fantasy scenes are right up there with whimsical scenes in the ‘fun to create’ category.  Since the scene is a fantasy, you can add anything you like and it will always look just right.   Llyn puts the owls to work in her Hogwarts Post Office and the big clock on the wall behind them explains how the owls always know when it’s time to deliver the mail during breakfast.

On the other side of Diagon Alley, Jenn’s shop carries anything that a young witch or wizard will need for the semester.  The little details like wax seals over the corks of bottles make it look mysterious and slightly dangerous.

I love this detailed picture taken at the floor level of the shop.  (the picture was taken by Jenn’s 5 year old son who obviously has inherited his mother’s eye for miniatures!)  Looking at a miniature from ‘1:12 scale eye level’ brings a whole new perspective to detailing.

Over in Hemlock Hollow, Monica’s mortician is dabbling in a second career choice as an alchemist.  There’s a certain element of grace in that combination if you stop and think about it.  And if you take a look in the garage, you can see that the tools of the trade might be helpful in both jobs.

Claudia has added just the right amount of detailing to the waiting room at her inn.  This comfortable scene is warm and inviting.  Chinese checkers anyone?  A charming touch of realism is the painting over the fireplace which is a copy of a painting by one of her friends.  Nice!

Shops are always a great way to exercise one’s talent for staging details because you can add so much into the scene.  Diana created a delightful scene that’s familiar to us all—a dollhouse and mini store!

It’s always great to see the artisan at work behind the scenes, especially if the artisan is building dollhouses.

Kathie B also gives us a ‘behind the scenes’ look at a different kind of artisan.  Her pottery studio features supplies, a pottery wheel and works in progress too.

Rhonda’s Excelsior Equestrian Center has a VIP lounge that’s furnished with horse lovers in mind.  I love the mini miniature orange tree!

Jillian’s bait and tackle shop is located at the base of a fabulous lighthouse and carries anything that a fisherman could want.  But the nicest detail is a comfy little nook around the corner from the front door where the owner can put some of his own inventory to good use.

Miniatures take on a completely different look when they portray grittily realistic scenes.  Gone are the bright, pretty colors but instead there is a beauty and grace found in these natural scenes. 

Wendy interpreted her contest house as an Antique Barn where a fascinating hodgepodge of minis gathered in a cluttered roadside store.  The display is reminiscent of all those obscure stores that were so abundant in years gone by but the real treasure is hidden out back.

Selkie’s entry is a tribute to the survivors of a tornado in Fargo, ND in 1957.  This picture shows the chicken coop after the dormer roof from the house landed on it.  Her detailing work making the rubble and arranging the dog and chicken picking thru it truly bring the scene to life.

Krin is having a garage sale, another great way to create a scene with tons of detailing.  But the real joy of this scene is getting to see the preparation occurring the night before the sale as special items are cleaned up or repaired before the big sale.  It’s another little peek into a piece of someone’s life that draws us right into the scene.

At the Baslow Ranch, Brae incorporates a lot of subtle details that carry a big impact.  Her use of a monochromatic paint scheme gives the whole scene a significant appearance.  Because of that, the smaller details need to be underplayed and carefully balanced.   This pump is a perfect example of just the right amount of brush to frame the pump and bucket.

Brae has taken even more care to age and distress the interior with just the right touch to make it appear aged and slightly melancholy.  This scene with the picture tucked under the mirror frame is so very realistic and heartbreakingly beautiful.

There is so much more to see in the Spring Fling entries!  I’ve tried to fit in as much as I could and wish that there were room enough to include every single picture.  The Spring Fling is always exciting and fun for the participants but I think the best part of it is seeing the results when these incredibly talented artisans give it their all... down to the very last detail.