I used to have a dining room. You know, one of those standard rooms with a big dining room table, 6 or so chairs, and a low hanging lamp. None of that is left – the dolls took it.

At first, they only had the tiered shelves (to the left of the desk) which I used for some display and storage, and the floor area near it (where the shelves to the left are now) is where I laid out my displays. But, after the tragic incident of the Lottie doll and Sydney, I bought the shelves on the left so that I could keep fragile dolls away from sharp dog teeth. That left not quite enough room, what with the dining table and all, so I eventually dragged the dining room table and chairs out to the garage, got three small work tables from Ikea, and just went whole hog.

In the northeast corner I have a sewing space and what Nick calls “that creepy big-headed doll,” plus one of the Disney animators mini doll that I fell in love with. As a side note, the Blythe doll seems completely unsuited for adventures. She’s happy just to hang around the house, and that suits me fine.

The dolls who aren’t currently being photographed are on the next table. Camellia is waiting for land, Daisy is amusing herself with something that claims to be a mandolin but which seems entirely too long-necked, and Jane is chilling with the pets, felties, and extra dolls.

In front of the window is my desk, and next to that the original three-tiered shelf.

That shelf holds my generic Bob, Heather, and Sydney on a motor cycle, some fairy dolls waiting for their story with Rosie, and a white magic shrine which has successfully warded off bad work spirits for the last 5 months.

Finally, I have whatever is left over – an ironing section (apparently, when you sew, you also have to iron. Who knew?), some Breyer horses who used to see a lot more action before the Lottie dolls got moved to the garage, and a collection of possible fairy houses.

Where do we eat? While the weather is good, we’re using our patio table. Once the weather turns bad? No idea.

You’d think that taking over an entire room would be enough for me, but it’s not. I also have half the garage (that’s where I actually build things and where my light cube is), and I’ve been wondering why exactly we need a whole room for “living” 🙂