The Conjuring Cupboard Scene

[Oswalda Shutte]

Duringthe 2000s, the horror genre struggled to make a mark, with numerous films following predictable templates that failed to leave a lasting impact. However, a significant shift occurred with the release of 'The Conjuring'. What set this movie apart and propelled it to great success in Hollywood? Upon closer examination, several factors come into play. One of the key factors behind the success of 'The Conjuring' lies in its remarkably believable script that sends chills down your spine. The film is said to be inspired by a real-life incident, which sets a foreboding mood, as viewers anticipate the unfolding of something truly terrifying. It taps into the fascination Americans have with haunted houses, where ghostly occurrences typically take place in secluded mansions, and where it seems to take the police an eternity to respond.

'The Conjuring' stands out due to its effective utilization of scary elements. The film strategically employs horror elements in a way that enhances the overall experience. Instead of relying on torture-based horror, it skillfully incorporates traditional elements like haunted houses, demonic possessions, and exorcisms. One notable instance is the scene where the witch springs forth from the cupboard, launching an attack on Andrea Perron. This moment is genuinely terrifying, leaving virtually no viewer untouched by fear. Director James Wan's brilliance lies in his ability to build anticipation, creating an unsettling atmosphere where the audience senses that something is amiss. And when the anticipated horror finally unfolds onscreen, it surpasses even the darkest imaginings, intensifying the fright factor.

The movie stands out by presenting well-developed characters who play integral roles in the film, particularly paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their convincing portrayal builds trust with the audience, who rely on them to assist the Perron family in their dire situation. The film's depiction of supernatural events feels realistic rather than gimmicky, creating a genuine sense of plausibility. The accompanying background score further enhances this feeling, adding to the overall atmosphere and intensifying the viewing experience. The movie is brimming with suspense in every minute, leaving no second unexplored. James Wan meticulously utilizes every opportunity, from the haunting appearances of the dusty old Annabelle to the eerie melodies emanating from music boxes.

In addition to its suspenseful nature, the movie delves into themes of love and the power of connections, showcasing how true love ultimately triumphs over evil. The narrative unfolds with a devoted mother, deeply affectionate toward her children and husband, becoming possessed. The resolution goes beyond Ed's exorcism or Lorraine's presence; it is the unwavering love that Caroline holds for her kids that emerges victorious. The malicious spirit finds itself powerless against a mother's boundless love, unable to execute its nefarious intentions.

'The Conjuring' emerges as a triumph in all respects, not only saving the horror genre from stagnation and the predictable tropes that often plague it but also standing the test of time. Despite years having passed since its release, it remains an undeniable masterpiece.

I used paper plates made by Classic for each place setting. Once again, I coated each one with a different color nail polish so that it gave the plates a ceramic look---and they were very inexpensive. The napkin rings are made with faces that I cut out of millefiori flowers and then added pink bunka for the petals. The napkins are made with silk bias cut ribbon.

Candy fills a blister pack bowl. To make the lollipops, I filled a mold, by Stewart Dollhouse Creations, with Magic Glos that was tinted with scrapbooking chalk, I, then, placed it out in the sunlight to cure. The yellow pot of vegetables has been in my collection for over 25 years and was made by Donna Smolik.

I bought some belly button rings at a store at a discount because I liked the unusual beads. I was going to throw away the plastic connector of the belly ring when I realized that the ends would make perfect food coloring bottles. I cut them to size, colored them with marker and tipped the tapered end with gold paint and placed them on this baking counter. The rolling pin was made with a wooden bead and then I glued nail polish covered belaying pins on the ends. The air dry frosting was colored with acrylic paints and placed in these tiny blister pack bowls. The milk was made with Scenic Water resin. Three jump rings made the round cookie cutter.

Again, the metal mini teapot, sugar and creamer are painted with maroon nail polish and accented with acrylic paint. I am not 100% satisfied with the display on top of the green crate so, I may eventually change it.

Sitting on a 1/4 inch scale plastic chair, is this delicately painted doll that I found at my miniature store, Dollhouses Unlimited, and then dressed her with a fine linen cloth and lace hat. I painted the candle with bright pink nail polish so that it would tie in with the same colored teacups and saucers on the dining table. Iced Enamels is what I used to paint this white scrapbooking architectural piece. I purchased the pink porcelain sugar and creamer and my daughter Sage painted the flowers. The tiny wreath is made with railroad tree greenery and tiny paper punched flowers.

I love these chubby metal mini birds that I believe come from England. After I sprayed them with a white primer and washed with an antiquing medium, I colored them with scrapbooking chalk and brushed them with acrylic gold to give them a little gleam. This metal mini teapot was painted with nail polish, then I painted the roses with acrylic paints.

Another puzzle: What to put along this back wall since there was no room for furniture and I had already done pictures and a shelf on the other two walls. Well, on my work station was an empty crate given to me by Nancy Gaiser for a flower class she had taught. I put it against the wall and it reminded me that I had wanted to do a miniature display using different style crates. Great!! This gave me an opportunity to display more teapots and kitchen goodies and each crate acted like it's own shelf--much easier to decorate.

When I spotted Noreen Sand's half-inch scale Romantic Hideaway class offered through the NAME 2014 On-Line Show, I knew I had to sign up to be a member of NAME. I had always admired Noreen's work on the internet and wished that someday I could take a class. This was a perfect on-line class and I was thrilled with the way it turned out. I was doubly pleased that I could incorporate this baby house into my room box in such a way that I could appreciate the delicateness of the 1/144 scale furniture and accessories. I added a few extras to the scene including the chair, paper dolls and tiny rabbit made by Barbara Meyer of Mini Gems.

It was such a puzzle for me to figure out what to do with the back left corner of the box to balance out the fully decorated kitchen cupboard in the right corner. Should I put a door, a window? Then I remembered this kit by Noreen Sand. I had wanted to incorporate it into the room box but I did not think that it would fit. Oh, perfect!! I could cut a hole in the wall for this baby house instead of a hole for a door or a window.

Welcome to Zinnia's Tea Party!! I collaged this picture print that came from Bumble Button Blogspot. I flocked the bunny, then added glitter, no hole beads, a bow, leaves and flowers, a butterfly, and trims.

On the left wall hangs mostly vintage pictures of little girls playing tea party. The large print with the girl in the blue dress comes fromBumble Button Blogspot. The small print on the left comes from Little Ideas Studio on Etsy. The other pictures come from pins on Pinterest.

After I had made the sweets table in my last room box, Barn Wedding Photo Shoot, I knew that for my next project I wanted to experiment with making more miniature food. Then my 10 year old daughter, Zinnia, asked me when I was going to make her a room box since she was the only one among my 4 children who had not, yet, gotten one. I then decided to make a tea party. I had wanted to make a party scene after I had read to my children, years ago, a book called Sybil and the Blue Rabbit by Jane Johnson. In the book is an elaborate drawing of a girl with her many stuffed animals sitting at a long banquet table filled with all kinds of food and drink. Besides making miniature food, another challenge for me, was to learn how to make needle felted stuffed animals. I figured, that if I wasn't successful, I could always buy them. However, with the shared talent of wonderful people through the internet, watching YouTube videos and reading tutorials, I was able to make some animals that met my standards of acceptance. Needle felting turns out to be very forgiving and easy. I imagined for this box, my daughter Zinnia, putting together a tea party for her stuffed animals and dolls and there was no limit in this child-like dream. Box completed in September 2014.

I modified what was a shabby chic dome class taught by Sherrill Jenkins into this more party-like theme display so that it would compliment the tea party room box that I was working on at the time. The teapot was a kit from Patty Caster and the flamingo was made by Barbra Meyer. This piece is 1 1/2" in diameter and because it took up so much room on the table, I decided to give it its own place by sitting it on top of a stool.

I was thrilled that I won this doll kit for $6.00 through a silent auction at a miniature show. The packaging was so old that it looked like it had been in some lady's stash for at least 30 years. I glued the arms and head with pipe cleaners to the porcelain body, dressed, wigged, repainted her face, then glued her legs inside the dress and to the chair. I think she has a sweet innocent look to her.

The inspiration for using a jewelry clasp finding to make this jewelry case came from a very talented miniature blogger, Elizabeth Slinn of Studio E Miniatures. Pink and brass beaded necklace and earrings were another group project and the tutorial can be found at Michaela's Miniaturen. I placed the earrings on a gold framed black flocked paper so that they could pop against the pinkish rug. Girlie footstool is made with a fabric covered metal button and a gathered pink netting. Resin shoes, painted with nail polish and embellished with a chain part and rhinestone, and pink silk chiffon scarf round out the dress-up ensemble.

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