Here are the participants in the Create Year Long Challenge (CYLC2026).
Participants are in alphabetical order by last name. Participants with a last name starting with A-F are on this page.
Participants with a last name starting with G-P can be found here.
Participants with a last name starting with R-Z can be found here.
Completed projects can be found here.
From Judy Adamcyk:
I plan on making a puppet stage with a puppet master, marionettes, and hand puppets.
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Maria Alecci:
I'm glad that the year long challenge is back. This year I plan to complete the blue house which is a quarter scale house. I want also to built the furniture for the Debbie Young's sand glass beach cottage, and built the room kit that's still in the box.
Thank you for this chance.
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March Update:
Things got in the way but I found a little bit of time to work in the challenge.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Barb Antol:
I’ve chosen two projects for CYLC 2026. Both are quarter-scale. One is the Moroccan Villa kit from Raptoor Crafting. I’ve wanted to do this kit for some time. There are seven rooms in the villa surrounding a courtyard. I’m especially looking forward to building and painting all the little furniture kits to fill the rooms.
The second project includes two Venetian buildings from Cornel’s Creations: Corte dele Gondole and Casa di Marco. They will go side-by-side with a little canal in front. I bought two of the little 3D-printed gondolas from Cornel and already have those painted, so when the scene is done, they’ll be ready to sail.
I’m so glad we’re doing CYLC again this year and I’m really looking forward to both projects!
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March Update:
Usually I build my structures first, then do the furnishings. This time, I’ve opted to do the furnishings first. So, here are the furnishings for part 1 of my CYLC 2026 project which is the Moroccan Villa kit from Raptoor Crafting. I still have to dress the beds, make cushions and add other accessories. The Villa kit is modular and includes seven little rooms surrounding a courtyard. Since the furniture is now built, I can decorate each room as I build it. I’ve had fun working on these kits, most of which are also from Raptoor Crafting. I love the designs and the more vibrant colors have been such fun to work with. I may have gone a bit overboard with the various blue shades, but I really, really like those 🥰
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Marie Arighi:
This year-long project will be a heartfelt transformation of a classic Barbie house into a breezy coastal retreat called "Jo’s by the Sea". Over the coming months, I’ll be slowly reimagining each room — stripping away the bold colors and modern edges and replacing them with soft coastal tones, weathered textures, and thoughtful details inspired by seaside living.
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March Update:
For the first step of my Beach Dollhouse project, I focused on creating soft, coastal-inspired floors. From driftwood-style planks in the living spaces to a light marble touch in the bath and hand-crafted octagon tiles for the patio, each detail was designed to bring in a breezy, by-the-sea feel. Every piece was cut, placed, and finished with care—because even the tiniest beach house deserves beautiful floors beneath its story. 🌊✨
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Mary Barrett:
Well, third time a charm?? Let's hope ... this is the third year working on this project and I have come up with a few changes. I am expanding the original idea, making the tent smaller and installing several additional living an/or working spaces!! Finger crossed!!!
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March Update:
First photo of the year....have changed some of my ideas, using buildings instead of tents, or maybe I do both!!!! Only time will tell!!!! Lots of little branches to do and should have more.....base is filling in well!!!! Until next time....
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Martha Bates:
At the end of October 2025. I started my first ever "Made in China" kit. It was supposed to be a Music Store but I planned to convert it to a cafe called The Salad Tub. I already had the bathtub, so how hard could it be!?!? Here I am January 2026 and still have not completed the basic wall structure! I have other projects I want to work on but refuse to set this one aside till it is finished. Maybe entering this challenge will spur me into completion!
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March Update:
Divide and Conquer.
My problem with this project was too many things to do and no real order to them. So I used some of my cardboard paint trays to divide them into lots which enables me to complete on part at a time. And look, I am making progress!
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Cassidy Beeman:
For 2026, I hope to create a half scale cabin from scratch. I have already started assembling the sides but still have a lot of work to do before I can put the exterior together. The front will have 2 small windows and a door, one side will be the kitchen with double windows, and the other wife will have a floor to ceiling fireplace with bookshelf, small built in seat. I’m using very dark brown and red for the exterior. I have included an inspiration photo of the outside as well as my current progress.
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March Update:
I totally neglected my half scale log cabin build and instead made a half scale bakery stand from a kit I got for the holidays. It’s The Market kit in 1:24 scale by Amy from Little Vintage Lane. I added the scalloped trim, wallpaper, stain, paint, a “tile” floor, and made some miniature baskets. All of the baked goods are from Etsy. It was such a fun kit to put together!
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Jene Bondi:
So I didn't manage to accomplish anything last year so of course I've chosen 4 projects because I can't work on just 1. I have 2 Christmas roomboxes in 1/12 scale. 1 is Carlsons Victorian Bay kit with 2 put together. Hopefully it will look like a peaceful Christmas scene. (The kind I always wanted but never got.) The other one won't be so peaceful. Santa had too much eggnog and I have 2 Joyce Cox elves that are very, very naughty.
The pink roombox is also 1/12 scale. It was to be a celebration of female ummm parts....and it will be with a twist...she is a also a cat lady of course and likes flea market finds and is a spice, sassy girl. Lots will be going on there.
Then lastly is my 1/4 scale Neverwas. The staircase is stumping me as nothing works how I want it on the outside & there is still a lot to be done. The 2nd picture is some of the bits and bobs that I have collected.
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March Update:
My 1/12 scale Carlson roombox is finished. I'm extremely happy with how it turned out. Seems that the joy Cox elves wanted to be in this roombox relaxing and waiting to open presents. The lights do work but it is hard to get a good picture. Since I can only do 2 pictures I've included the pictures of the insides so you can see what is all in there instead of a closed roombox.
The other Santa roombox 1/12 scale that had too much eggnog is coming along nicely. I bought some more elves and just waiting for them to arrive. Roombox took an unexpected turn. It not going to be mass mayhem but Santa is still tied up with Christmas lights. Next update I'll send pictures of this and hopefully I'll be done. Probably should have stained or painted the outside of the roombox before I glued everything in but I didn't. Sometimes you gotta do things backwards.
The pink roombox, 1/12 scale I am reupholstering a Bespaq couch and that's all I've done.
The Neverwas 1/4 scale I'm working on the lights as I have a short in it and those stairs still are the bane of my existence.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Cindy Bottasso:
I used to visit Chicago when I lived closer. I loved the cute residential areas. I got so excited when Debbie Young made a Chicago bungalow kit. But I've had it for a long time, just sitting in a closet. This is the motivation I need. And maybe I'll finish the Taylor shop and 1920s dollhouse I started at last year's convention.
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March Update:
I've built the structure but only taped the roof. I'm not going to lie the roof scares me a bit but it seems to go together ok. Lots of angles?!?
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Susan Buffaloe:
I’ve picked a book nook kit for the 2026 challenge. It says a 14 year old can complete it … we’ll see if I can. The kit is a replica of Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter movies.
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March Update:
I haven’t accomplished much on my book nook except to look at the massive amount of pieces in the box. I have also been distracted by another project I’m working on, too. You can see the other project in the photo above. It’s time to stop being overwhelmed and get busy.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Shannon Cherry:
My plans are to design & build a 1800's steam workshop / machine shop with an overhead power shaft. This will be powered with an electric motor to start and may move on to steam as time permits.
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March Update:
My workshop has been a slow process, I'm still collecting ideas & inspiration photos. I joined the AC Gilbert club who made the Erector Sets back in the early 1920's through 70's. A picture of some of my many erector set pieces & my foam bricks glued up. The real foundry has a roof now, so it's time to start moving in equipment shortly.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Dana Chester:
I’m an Art Deco “diva”, in love with every decade and sub-style of the era. As an artist, and new miniaturist, I’m thrilled to be creating my first house in a mid-1930s moderne style with a “starter set” of rooms: kitchen, dining, living, bedroom, bath, and of course a staircase (to challenge myself), plus a sundeck. The walls and linoleum-style floor of the kitchen are complete, as well as the dining room, with a full-wall mural that I designed. I just put in the terrazzo living room floor and have started the stairwell. My kitchen cabinetry and appliances have been dry-fit with scrap cardboard, and I have a dining room table design in mind as well as furniture for the main living space. There’s a long way to go but I’m looking forward to creating every detail and learning throughout the process. So glad there’s a way to share my journey!
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March Update:
Slowly, but surely, I’m getting things done. In lieu of a fireplace, I made an “electric fire” for the living room—very fiddly to make but satisfying when complete—and a coat closet with a curved door. I also tackled the staircase/stairwell. (Yep, I learned a lot from that endeavor.) I’m about 60% finished with the kitchen cabinetry. Before I make the appliances, I may start on some of the furnishings for the living and dining rooms to mix it up a bit. Time will tell!
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Chrissie Clapp:
Gonna try again. Darned age and health issue got in the way last year but it is good to have goals. I want to work on 1/2 scale Loren Korff house.
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Debbie Colombo:
There are several UFO's I have and this is the year. I have an unfinished A frame, and unfinished Betterley calendar club kit, I want to finish Dracula's castle, my Ode to Poe, my NAME day kit 2025, my dish painting, my Christmas shelves, my 50th anniversary NAME day kit and I want to landscape my Petite Properties Winterberry hall and my Karen Cary Castle.
I should be able to get most of them done since they are already in pretty advanced states.
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March Update:
Didn't get a whole lot done toward my goal for this year, but at least I got the insides of these two drawers done.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Sara Cook:
I'm going to take another run at my House That JAK Built kit. I made a small room box last year as a proof of concept for my Mermaid Santa scene. I'm going to use what I learned from that to make a better version in the two-storey box. This mermaid is absolutely obsessed with Christmas and has collected so many things from sunken freighters. I'm planning to use several screens and microcontrollers, including a more refined version of the working TV I made for the scene last year. The JAK kit features a false back with room for wiring, making it perfect for my electronic tinkering.
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March Update:
I have made a few things for my 1:24 Christmas-loving mermaid. The first thing I wanted to do was make a better version of the working console TV I made last year. The programming took some trial and error, but this version is much more stable. The photo is of a test fitting; things aren’t all glued down yet. I’ve also been working on her bed for the upstairs room, but she always wants to try it out and leaves things a mess and this was the best pic I could get. I also finished the top of her vanity table. Still trying to figure out the perfect mirror! The room box itself is still in pieces because I can’t decide on how to finish the outside. I hope to have the structure finished before the next update.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From JoAnne Cutting:
Since I did so well last year, I'm going to continue with a good thing. My goal is the same though: finish at least 6 kits from my overflowing, ever-growing stash. I have a Big Box now! I did get a head start, and finished the Mary Englebreit Rose Shadowbox on New Year's Day. So that's one!
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March Update:
It might not look like much but I lost count of the time it took me to assemble and finish this little lobster trap kit. The kit was very old and I had a terrible time sorting the pieces and following the directions. But it's done now, which meets my goal for the quarter! Here's to something quicker for the next one.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Kathy Davis:
I will complete my garden greenhouse kit.
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Alice Del Vecchio:
I am taking on my first doll house challenge! I bought a large house on Facebook marketplace and it will be my 'I hate winter' endeavor! Getting my workshop organized and set up this week then doing sketches. Hope to be remodeling the exterior in February. I've collected miniature furniture for 30 years but never had the time to dedicate to a large project. Ahhhhhh, retirement is great. Thanks the support and expertise of this group!
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Diana DeWalt:
I think I will make John Wesley my 2026 project too. Maybe I'll make more progress.
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March Update:
So I spent some time on John Wesley. I created some furniture for bedrooms but still have to dress the beds. I made the insert for the little offset in the dining room; the angles were fun. Lastly, I spent hours on the computer trying to come up with rug ideas for all the various rooms. They need to be pared down, sized, and then printed out on the "fuzzy" paper.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Crystal Dezenosky:
In 2025 I said I was going to make this house. Have it finished, inside and out. With landscaping as well! That did not happen. I did however get the house built. So for 2026, I plan to get it lit, furnished and landscaped. I might also see about putting an addition on because I want an extra room.
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March Update:
Well, haven’t done much! Put some stuff in that I want to use but that is all!
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Pam Doran:
I have 2 challenges for 2026. One is the Craftsman Bungalow from Camp Make-a-Mini. I would like to complete the structure (inside and out) and leave the furnishing of it for another year. It has been sitting on my desk for 2 years and it is time to complete it and clean the area so I can pull out another UFO and complete that. The other is going to be an advent calendar house for my daughter. Originally these were 2 separate open-sided dollhouse kits and I am merging them to create a hinged enclosed dollhouse. I picked these up years ago at Michaels. The scale of the house is 1:24 and will be 3 floors, each floor and side will have a different scene. The inside will hold the advent boxes, the outside sections on each side are going to be open and covered with acrylic to show the scenes. I have been knocking this idea around for a few years, collecting accessories and ideas and its time to complete it. I'm hoping that joining the challenge will be the push I need to complete both these projects and give me the space and impetus to complete my other projects that linger.
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March Update:
The Advent House is slowly coming along. Measuring multiple times, cutting out patterns, adjusting measurements and lots of sanding to get to this point. Hoping for the drawers to be done by next check-in and then onto the other 6 sections. Nothing done on the Craftsman house, but I did decide to add a chimney/fireplace and 2 bookcases. So I did shop to add those and also found some copper metal to add for an accent. Both projects make me happy to work on.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Lori Ebiner:
Back at it and this year hoping to finish my haunted mansion that I've been working on since the COVID era. Would love to have it finished for Halloween! There are two rooms finished, three more and the outside to go! I only have one photo of the graveyard room but hope to send more at the first check in!
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Carolyn Eiche:
This year I would like to finish the interior and the rest of the landscaping for my Sweet Rose Cottage taught by Debbie Young on Quarter Connection in January 2025 and also the rest of my Secret Shop books from this year's club kits by Robin Betterley. I have the bookcase and 5 books completed and the books for some of the other months but not all of the interiors. Hope to finish them up this year.
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March Update:
I was able to finish 3 of the Betterley’s Calendar Club books this quarter. The Cross Keys Pub, The Village Post and The Sweet Shop. Five more to go.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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From Jean Ellsworth:
I am going to try again this year to finish my "Manor House Miniatures" miniature shop. A replica of my shop which was open from 1975-1981, in Cincinnati, OH.
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March Update:
Sorry to report I do not have any updated info or photos for my dollhouse shop, this quarter. Going thru my stash to find shelving, show cases, and accessories to use in it.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Kirsten Enzinger:
I've had the idea for this roombox for years and would like to get it finished. It will have work spaces for two people. I’m hoping the challenge will help me get it done this year.
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March Update:
I haven't been able to make any progress on my room box this quarter. Hopefully I'll have more time next quarter to work on it.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Kim Fitzsimmons:
For years I have wanted to recreate the central pictures in the children’s book, Good Night Moon. I purchased two rabbits at last year’s Tom Bishop Show in Chicago. The challenge will be the distortion in the picture.
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March Update:
Lots of false starts. Got to crazy with glue and had to redo floor. I attempted the paintings, but will commission a much more talented artist/friend. Pleased with windows. I hope for more progress next quarter. Progress is more in what not to do than what I did.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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From Bev Fleming:
here's 1st picture of this years finishing goal, the toy store from Quarter Source. 2nd photo to follow
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March Update:
finally got something done this qtr, worked on inside
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
