In order to give the locks something to actually slide into I had to build up the frame of the windows first. I used 1/8 x 1/8 bass wood and glued it to the windows then painted or stained it.
Then I added the hardware.
I swear the hardest thing was trying to get the wire straight and I'm still not sure I managed it completely.
The double windows were pretty easy. The single windows I ended up using 1/16 x 1/8 for one side with an added length of 1/8 x 1/8 next to it so I could get the right look.
Then I framed them out. And I made sure that I added window ledges to this house. Sadly, not quite deep enough for a cat to sit on but still, aesthetically pleasing I think.
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| Believe it or not the paint color hasn't changed. It's weird how lighting will make colors light or dark. |
See what I mean about the wire? It bothers me even though I doubt anyone else really notices it.
I've only been able to put the doors and the upper story windows in. The first floor windows are still drying and I want them very firmly set before I start putting them in.
The other thing that'll hold up me putting the walls on the house is a dilemma I'm having about the curtains. I bought some fabric and I have an idea of how I want the first floor curtains to look in the front room. The rest of the house... yeah, not so sure.
I know I don't want to completely block out the hardware I just spent two days on. So covering the windows is out. But I want some realism too.
Like I said dilemma.
I got one more thing done this weekend. Finally put the handles on the front door. It started out this bright shiny brass but I aged it up some with some black metallic paint.
So that's it for this weekend. I'm planning on sitting for a while and researching curtains.
Sheila, they are coming along super! About the wire: I used a straight wire like the flower shops use, 0.8mm. Everything else is impossible to work with because you can never get it really straight... and unfortunately photos reveal every flaw :-((
ReplyDeleteThe windows are looking super, handles as well but try an replace the wire...
Yeah, everything is glued in so at the moment I'm working on straightening out what I have. The only thing I've been able to really find is jewelry wire.
ReplyDeleteMy husband suggested cutting a longer than needed length and using pliers on both ends to pull the wire straight, then clip off the excess. I might have to pull the really wire out, and the handles and locks, and redo them if I can't salvage the wire somehow. My first set of doors looks really awful in comparison with the last.
The doors and windows look great. The aging in the hardware is looking awesome. I see what you mean about the wire. You might try piano wire which is very stiff and straight. You can get it or order it from hobby stores like Hobby Town.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm letting them sit for a few days while I debate the process. it means I have to pull everything off and reglue if I want to replace the wire.
DeleteI know it will be a pain, but you really need straight wire. Splurge on some already straight pieces instead of trying to straighten some yourself.
ReplyDeleteYeah I ordered some off of Amazon and when it arrives I'll begin the process of taking the hardware off and replacing the wire.
DeleteBetween the feedback I'm getting and my own OCD tendencies...I just can't stand how it looks anymore.
Those add so much! I am so with you about the wire. My husband would say: no one else notices, I say: I notice and that's enough. Thats probably something all of us miniaturists struggle with. The attention being in the details, but when it's small everything is details!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love how the hardware looks but that wire! My new wire arrives on Thursday so this coming weekend I'll be able to fix the windows.
DeleteI totally agree! The devil is in the details.
It's fixable Sheila, hopefully you'll be much happier with straighter wire. It is looking great! You had a productive weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm pleased that at least I figured out how to make the hardware work with these type of windows.
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