Not quite what they are. Here are some examples:
Since I had a bunch of my knotwork board trim I decided to use that and tie the whole house together with it. And to make the cute corbel/center posts I cut down some newel posts, added a bead and the end of a spindle.
I used Minwax Ebony on the knotwork and the Dark Walnut on the rest of the boards so they'd match the trim on the bay window and the oriel window on the tower.
My glue was still drying in these pics but here's one where I was able to take the painter's tape off.
I like how they look, just a bit more finished. And when I do my slate roof it will come just over the edge of the boards and look even better.
Before I did that I added more trim to the dormer on the removable roof.
Not a lot, just around the window and some inside the gable. I think it looks pretty good at this point. I added more magnets to hold the roof on since with the dormer it has a bit more weight to it.
I didn't attach the tower to the cottage this weekend, though I do need to do that soon. I'm thinking of messing with the tower walls on the edges to see if I can create an illusion of thicker walls rather than the thin oatmeal containers. I might be able to do it with some strips of balsa wood if I angled the balsa wood edges so they look like thin triangles and sandwiched the walls of the tower end between them. Have to see. But in the meantime I've been working on things for the stillroom/laboratory.
I did take the clamps and rubber band off the loom so here's a look at it all finished.
Since I was still thinking about the tower walls I decided I'd get some things ready for the stillroom/laboratory. I painted up some of my Shapeways purchases and with the help of a tutorial I purchased from Patricia Paul Studio on Etsy I made some magical items.
I used jewelry wire and hot glue in some cases, and beads for bubbles in others. Gesso to prime the wire and hot glue and then paint and in some cases glitter nail polish, and then the triple thick glaze to make everything look shiny like liquid.
I'm pretty pleased with how things turned out.
I made a potion bottle with a floating cork. (Oh, I also added some shelves to the chimney for more storage.)
That's one of my glass bottles that I primed with the gesso and painted.
An in progress shot of my bubbling cauldron with the floating spoon.
I painted the magic potion green. This is before the glaze to make it liquid looking.
And I made a nearly bubbling over cauldron to go over the fire in the fireplace.
So I added 'magic' to it with some sparkles and the glaze.
You'd already seen the kettle with the purple potion pouring into the cauldron. I decided I wanted to use one of my potion bottles so I had some blue potion pouring into the same cauldron from a different direction.
I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.
The still got it's lip added to the bottom container and I got everything primed and painted. It has a slightly metallic look.
Most of the items on the mantle have been glued down. I had to glue the carafe of wine pouring into the goblet or it wouldn't have stayed up.
The floating spoon cauldron isn't glued down because it's heavy enough to stay upright. I might leave it in that spot or move it elsewhere. I'm thinking about it.
Next weekend I might have to work part of the day Saturday and the same with the weekend after that depending on how well our progress goes with the new accounting program. This is not something I'm thrilled with when I think of how much I have left to do on the dollhouse. Hopefully it'll only be half days.
But I need to start adding scrolls and books and equipment to the table and shelves in the stillroom. And get the wool and supplies Keli sent me in the workroom. Same with the kitchen and the bedroom. Food and bedding respectively.
And I'd like to get the tower attached to the cottage. I think I've figured out how to make the 'hallways' look so that's something.
Attaching the tower means I need to get the whole cottage onto the base, so build up the base a bit, make sure all my wires are long enough to come out the back and then get everything situated.
And the list grows and grows.
I hear that Nancy is recovering from her surgery nicely and is home and subject to cat supervision (whether she likes it or not) so that's some really good news.
How are the rest of you doing?
A saltbox (Keli)
Lantern (make)
Clogs (Keli) & (Anna if she gets time)
Wool cards (make)
Sausages on a string
Dyed wool drying (Keli)
Wool bundles (Keli)
Woven cloth (go through fabric stash)
B
Build base for house
Get cottage on base
Attach Tower to Main Cottage
Doorway Finishes
Hall Stone?
Floors.
Dormer ceiling supports
Build furniture:
Make rush mats
Make books & scrolls
Stillroom paraphernalia
Potions? (some bottles made)
Cage with spider
Cage with mice
Furniture in place finalize lights.
Remove candles from extra and add to stillroom table.
Create 'slate' roof
Create front garden
Make tree?
Make stream?
Make lake/river to go alongside house
Make stone wall to go around garden
Iron front gate.
I'm doing okay, thanks for asking. The husband was extra irritating today and I had an extra glass of whiskey, but tomorrow is a new day.
ReplyDeleteThe bargeboards look great and give a wonderful finishing touch. Well done!
Thank you Keli! I was really excited to do them because it seems to connect the lower floor and the upper one.
DeleteMy husband drank the last of the tequila so I did Not get to have any on Sunday. Starting to think I need a secret stash.
Hi Sheila! I see that I've missed lots of new things/work on your blog, you've made great progess on your dollhouse. I´m sorry for not being in blogworld lately, because I always learn alot from others, like you :)! I've admired everything you did openmouthed, wow, the new miniatures for the stillroom are fantastic, with lots of imagination and research of course: you did an excellent job!! The bargerboards are such an authentic detail, you made them exactly as they look at thepictures. And I agree with you that they surely will give the finishing touch to the edges of the roof, the roof slates will do the rest. There is still lots to do, but your dollhouse is beautiful already. Odd word 'bargerboards', here we name that part of the roof 'windveren', which literally translated into English means: feathers in the wind ;).
ReplyDeleteHugs, Ilona
Thank you Ilona! I'm trying to go full speed ahead but there's always so much to do! You've had a pretty good reason to not be in the blogworld. And the good thing about blogs is we're always here when you come back.
DeleteWindveren... I like that!
The bargeboards are a super awesome detail that adds so much charm and character to the facade! I didn't know that they were called anything other than fascia, either, but I guess when they're carved, they deserve distinction! Love 'em!
ReplyDeleteThe loom is fantastic, and makes such an impactful feature in the space! I love that you went with the lighter walls, because the loom deserves to be spotlighted!
I am tickled by the magical items you've created! They are going to add a feeling of animation and really pull the viewer into the enchanted world you're creating! The still came out great, and the accessories are fun and interesting!
Good luck with the tower wall thickening! I love the idea and can't wait for the entrancing moment when the tower gets attached to the structure!
Thank you Jodi! I had no idea what they were called either. I was going with the generic 'trim' and stumbled on the term.
DeleteI am pleased with how the loom turned out. And the different fabric gives it a pop of color the beige stuff it came with wouldn't have.
I was so excited the 'magic' stuff turned out decently. It's now all protected inside the house so no one can go playing with it and break my stuff.
Entrancing... is that what being hypnotized by terror that you'll goof up called? As good a word as any I guess. LOL. I'm hoping to mess around with the walls tonight or tomorrow.
Outstanding trim detailing! :D Patricia Paul has a wealth of info, and you did a great job with the magical items throughout. I love that loom...I have no need of one in mini, but man, do I want to build one now. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Brae! I'm hoping to make other 'magic' things, not sure for what, but I love how they look.
DeleteThe loom is from SDK Miniatures, they had them in half scale and did on in 1:12 when I inquired if they were available in their shop on Etsy. I was so excited! I did not want to try and make it from scratch.
Impresionante el trabajo que has hecho, cada día que pasa tu casa se ve que va a ser fantástica.saludos:-)
ReplyDelete¡Gracias! Espero que todos los pequeños detalles se sumen a algo realmente divertido.
DeleteI love how the roof is starting to look. I think you did an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteMagical objects are just perfect! :D
Thank you Camelia! I worried about how to finish the edges. Research always solves the problem...and sometimes creates others. LOL
DeleteThank you for sharing your research on Tudor houses. Yous looks perfectly in style.
ReplyDeleteI love the loom and the rug in work. The cute, magical items are stunning. I love everything in this project.
Hugs, Drora
Thank you Drora! Lots of research. And the craziness to go with it. I'm glad you like all of the items that will be going into the rooms. Lots more to do!
DeleteWow! Sheila, you have added a lot of fantastic details!!! I Love the bargeboards! You show some beautiful examples and the knotwork trim on your cottage will unify the various parts in an understated way. As for all the potions you have been mixing up... I hope you got your "recipes" right! LOL! Wouldn't want to have any explosions or vanishing mixtures... ! I love the one that is pouring the wine into the chalice....! And the cauldron that is boiling over...! Clearly there is a lot going on in this cottage.... more than meets the eye as they say! :) I am looking forward to seeing the Tower attached... but I can understand your reluctance to rush into it... take your time and plan it out... that usually saves time in the long run! As usual, I can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteThanks Betsy! I was pretty stoked about those bargeboards. The knotwork on the first floor, the dark walnut wood and the timbers are all done in the same shade and hopefully makes the house look pretty as well as authentic.
DeleteI had a lot of fun with my magic potions. Don't know how many more I'll have. I don't want to make things too busy.
Astounded by your amazing work and attention to detail. wow.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! I can get pretty intense about historic accuracy...hopefully it all pays off in the end.
DeleteThe effect of the self-pouring kitchen carafs and stirring spoon is magical Sheila! You are really setting the stage and making the presence of your story's character felt in every corner!
ReplyDeleteI especially LOVE the loom and the Bargeboard trims which add an ENORMOUS amount of English charm and ancient-ness to your cottage project.
Thanks Elizabeth! I was really excited to find a good way to trim out the roof.
DeleteHi Sheila, love the bargeboard trim! I don't know where you found that knotwork design for them but it's really unique. I'm glad you were able to match it to the windows. I think it really transforms the house roof from a dollhouse kit to a custom piece. And I was not expecting the magic levitating potions, but I think they are fabulous!! So adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristine! I found the trim on Ebay... I'll try to remember to post a link. I bought a bunch of it because I knew I'd be able to use it.
DeleteI'm hoping the 'floating' potions will make it a little more magical... not over the top but this is a Retired WQ (although she still disputes the W part of the descriptor) and she's got a few tricks up her sleeve still.