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The first project in the new house. {fairy door}

the first project in the new house: a tiny fairy door

We moved our things into the new house on Friday, and we just spent our third night there. Unbelievably, it’s starting to feel a little bit like home.

While the movers were hauling the big stuff up the stairs, I took ten minutes to put our stamp on the place.

the supplies for the first project in the new house: a tiny fairy door

You know I’m obsessed with all things whimsical. I ordered supplies for a tiny little project a few months ago (right after I stumbled upon this. I stole the whole thing, right down to the milk bottles). I intended to do it immediately—but then we got the contract on the house, and I decided to wait until we got to the new place.

It’s a tiny fairy door, although I suspect it will be called a Borrower door around here. Sarah has been obsessed with the tiny people since she read the book last fall: she’s been building them tiny homes, movie theaters, grocery stores, and swimming pools (with real water, of course) ever since.

the first project in the new house: a tiny fairy door

We have a dedicated office in the new place that we didn’t have before, and that’s where the Borrower door is. I attached it to the wall with scrapbooking tape—not my first choice, but everything else was packed!

The first project in the new house: a tiny fairy door

The door has since gotten a little gold handle, because I finally found the box with the craft glue.

fairy door insta

I haven’t said a word about the door to the kids. (It’s a secret: don’t tell them their mum did it!) I have been switching things up around the door every night, like moving the ladder or rotating out a few milk bottles.

I’m not sure whether they’ll love it or ignore it, but it’s been great fun for me. Too much fun, probably. Moving might be getting to me a little bit!

I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and links to all things whimsical. 

P.S. A pinterest board dedicated to my whimsy obsession. And my other obsession.

40 comments

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  1. Jeannie says:

    Truly, truly awesome. Instantly reminded me of Gretchen Rubin’s Happier at Home. I hope you and your family are really happy in YOUR new home!

  2. Jennifer says:

    This is amazing! We are in the process of moving and I want to fully set up my daughter’s bedroom/playroom before we are fully moved in, I think this would be such a wonderful touch! Now to find supplies in Canada (I know American Hobby Lobby will have something when we go in June, but I like the idea of having it there right from the get-go!)

  3. We are getting ready to move in a few weeks and I love the idea of putting your own personal stamp on your home. I may have to “borrow” the idea! Lol. Anyway, welcome to your new home! Hope it starts to feel homey soon.

  4. Scott says:

    A friend of ours gave our girls a little kit to do a fairy set in a planter, or something like that (They currently play with it with their lego friends). It has a little table, some chairs, an arbor with a gate, things like that. What is it about little girls loving tiny things?

  5. Anne says:

    I love it! Now, I have to introduce my family to The Borrowers. I’ve never read it. Also, this also totally made me think of Gretchen Rubin. Do you get a little thrill every time you look at it? Fun, fun, fun! 🙂

    Also, Strengthsfinder….have you talked Strengthsfinder before? My husband’s workplace uses this as a tool. I’ve totally meant to ask you about this. I took a quiz online and my #1 was Learner and #2 was Cheerleader, which was a surprise but made total sense. I am going to buy this. Thanks for the heads up!

    Hope it’s going well at your house!

  6. Love this idea! I’ve always been a fan of miniatures—I never really played with dollhouses, I only ever rearranged the furniture 🙂 Even though we don’t have kids yet, I’m tempted to do this in our own home for the added sense of whimsy! And of course, anyone who would ever notice and comment on it would be immediately added to my favorite people list. Those are the type of people I want in my life!

  7. Sara says:

    Thanks for the StrengthsFinder 2.0 recommendation. Do you know how long it normally takes to get the email from Amazon with access code? I’m eager to start!

  8. I love this so much. It reminded me of Happiness at Home, too–especially when you pointed out that the whimsy is fun for YOU, whether or not the kids get involved. I have to remind myself of that distinction sometimes. It’s okay (fine! good! wonderful!) to be whimsical in ways that make us grown-ups happy, even if the children turn out to be indifferent to that particular brand of whimsy. Hope the unpacking is going smoothly today!

  9. Camden says:

    Wonderful! The Borrowers was one of my favorite books as a kid. It’s the first chapter book I read to my son, now 13 months old. I’m sure he didn’t get much out of it seeing as how he was only a few months old, but I can’t wait to read it again and again to and with him as he grows. Maybe we’ll do a door like your when he’s a bit older! I’ve loved reading about your family’s enjoyment of this wonderful book.

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