Fairy Tale Express Repurposed Miniature Garden


Hi there, Friends!  When I discovered this vintage cake topper at a yard sale a few months ago, I wasn't sure just how I might use it. I only knew that I was inexplicably drawn to it and I've learned from experience that those are the pieces I regret leaving behind and so it came home with me. 


Fairy tale express repurposed miniature garden



The miniature replica of Cinderella's pumpkin coach carriage is as pretty as a picture and who doesn't love a fairy tale? After I got it home, I realized that the traditional fairy tale motif stirred something deeper within me. Though I had two marriages end in divorce due to abandonment, infidelity and abuse, I don't see myself as a victim and I don't lament the end of the fairy tale. Instead, I am grateful for the journey of forgiveness I've traveled and the healing God has done in my heart. It has been a process, but now when I see a symbol associated with a fairy tale, I see redemption. {You can find my story here.My contemplation inspired a miniature garden, reminiscent of a sweet fairy tale. 


Fairy Tale Express repurposed miniature garden


I started with a galvanized tub of Creeping Jenny which has managed to stay lush despite our current scorching temperatures. After arranging the pumpkin coach, I added some mini flowerpots filled with zinnias and rosemary sprigs and then some tiny golden pumpkins.  


Fairy Tale Express repurposed miniature garden


In the back, more slightly larger glittered golden pumpkins ...


Fairy Tale Express repurposed miniature garden


...and in the front, the "glass" slipper!


Fairy Tale Express repurposed miniature garden


Since the Barbie shoes of days past have been replaced with Ginger Grand's Avengers and Ninja Turtle gear, I bought a dollar store Barbie just for her shoes. Note to self: it is not easy to spray paint tiny shoes that flip every time they are sprayed!


Fairy tale express miniature garden


Now for a few finishing touches. I placed a LED tea light candle in the carriage. If you look closely, you can see the candle light peeking thru the window in the first photo. 


Fairy tale express miniature garden



Last, I added a heart shaped chalkboard sign.


Fairy tale express miniature garden


I'd never considered a fragrant fairy tale, but surrounded by several rosemary bushes this one smells heavenly!


Fairy tale express miniature garden



Fairy tale express miniature garden



Pin it!

Fairy tale express repurposed miniature garden


Wishing you a happily ever after ;)

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  1. Very sweet! The Cinderella coach is a perfect piece for a Fairy garden. I love your pumpkins and the shoe is a perfect touch. I have a large galvanized bucket that is waiting to be filled for next year's garden...I have lots of ideas now!

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  2. Oh Cecilia, what a sweet, sweet way to express your journey! I love your positive attitude and how you let God work in your life. And this fairy tale garden is a beautiful way to express that! I love it and I love your story.
    Hugs my dear friend,
    Cecilia

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  3. Oh Cecilia, I lost it at the shoe...it's adorable! You are so creative, my friend, and this garden is quite whimsical and enchanting :) Hugs to you.

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  4. Your Fairy Tale Express garden is lovely. Now I have a use for all those Barbie shoes my granddaughters leave here.

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  5. Aww, so cute Cecilia...wondered what you were going to do with the pumpkin carriage instead of adorning cakes. Very cute application. Pinned.

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  6. Very creative Cecilia. That will bring much enjoyment to you when you visit and work in your secret garden. So happy you found it at our neighborhood sale. I will have to show Phyllis your post. It will make her very happy that you feel blessed by it.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

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  7. l've loved popping in here through AnnMarie's blog and seeing your wonderful fairy tale creation. l especially love all your attention to detail...the painted Cinderella slipper is the perfect touch as is the tealight candle in the coach, and what a bonus that it smells heavenly too!!

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  8. Cecelia,
    This is just too darn cute!! Love it! Thanks for stopping by!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  9. Cecilia,
    This is so precious! I may just have to linger here a moment or two and enjoy!
    Jemma

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  10. I love the little slipper! I bet it was tricky to paint!! The whole garden turned out great!

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  11. Your Fairy Tale garden is precious! I love the white and the gold, very classy! Great idea for the shoes:) xoKathleen

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  12. Cecilia this really is afairy tale garden. I love the little shoes and the horses. A great way to repurpose toys that the kids no longer play with.

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  13. Very Sweet!
    Love the shoe--like who doesn't have a glitter glass slipper laying around, lol. Sandi

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  14. I am just smiling from ear to ear. This is adorable!

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  15. I am just smiling from ear to ear. This is adorable!

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  16. Oh my gosh, just phenomenal! You're really speaking to my love of miniatures...so glad you linked up at Talk of the Town!!

    :)
    Sarah (Sadie Seasongoods)

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  17. Gosh, how cute Cecilia! I would not have been able to pass up that coach as well. I'm glad that your are able to keep a positive attitude after all you have been through! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  18. This is the cutest idea, EVER! Sharing on my FB page today, Cecilia!

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  19. What a fabulous find and a perfect way to display it. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Snickerdoodle Create-Bake-Make Link Party! Pinning to share.
    ~Laurie

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  20. Thanks for sharing this cuteness with SYC.

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