Today was a busy one...

The grouting is finally finished and I'm thankful.  I think it looks great.  I wanted it more rough than smooth and I finally had to use stuff from Martha Stewart and mix it with cream paint.  I think it looks great and it's just what I was trying to do.  Of course, I had to throw the brush away.

Then I decided to tackle the stairs.  I made the template and as usual with human hands, the cuts are not perfect.  No one will be able to run up and down -- they will probably go round and round.  However, I think they turned out great. I covered them with the same paper as the floor so the wood look would be consistent.  I had to find a way to keep them upright while putting in the treads so I used a cassette tape holder (yes, I still have some).  I can only put 2-3 treads on at a time.  Like them? What do you think?

I also am going to try and make the balcony slightly circular.  With railings.  And there needs to be railings on the stairs. 

Then I measured and cut out a counter for the firehouse.  It's cute and it will be placed permanently so it doesn't move all over. 









And last but not least, here is the building that will be for the magic shop, The Magic Muse.  I have to get a deeper purple.  The purple I have on hand is too light.  So while things are drying, I'll be working on this shop.



If I don't work tomorrow, it's a trip to Joann's early in the day. 

Until then...





Pat

Starting grout

For some reason, the grout I mixed up for the library didn't work as well as it did for the firehouse.  I had it all finished but the grout material fell flat.

So it's back to square one.  I then tried to use a thicker type of grouting material but it can only be put on with a toothpick because it is too thick.  And with a toothpick, the library seems to be a very large project.  LOL

I am going to mix up more grout tomorrow.  I hope to take tomorrow to finish it.  I'll let you know. 

I spent a lot of time on the staircase.  And I have it down.  I need only make a template now because there are several buildings with second stories. I will also be making the library balcony circular.  I think I have it figured out.

I am planning to start the third building because it takes a while to let things dry in the other ones.  So I will be having several buildings at once. 

The next one is the magic shop and I'm thinking of a purple and black color scheme.  I will post the "before" picture on tomorrow's blog. 

I am also still sewing Halloween outfits for the dolls.  It's an interesting life.

Toothpicks....

Looks good but too much work

Until then...

Pat

Stairs and steps

Good evening.  Worked in 7th grade again today and had friends over for dinner tonight.  I didn't get much done on either the 1:12 or 1:48 houses.  However, I do think I managed to tame the stairs problem.

When I substitute in this one area, there's a math teacher, Phil, who loves solving puzzles.  I was busy during down time drawing plans for 1:48 furniture and he came in the classroom.  I presented him with the problem.  He began to do some figuring on the board, showing me how he would compute the 1:48.  Of course, not being a math person, I just listen and follow.

So with his advice, I came home and began working on the stairs.  I am drawing each step and riser to see what works best.  I don't want the stairs to come out too far but I want them to be nice.  I will try to finish them tomorrow, along with the grout in the library. 

I have quite a few projects to do tomorrow, as well, so I better get to bed.  I stayed up last night too late watching Project Runway!

Library issues

Today I worked and I'll be working tomorrow, too, so I didn't want to drag out the "grout" for the exterior walls of the library.  Instead, I did more on the inside.

I put a "wood" floor down and I really love its richness.  I also cut out walls in order to make it more like sheet rock.  At this time, you can see the blue mat board but it will be covered with something other than blue, although I'm liking the blue more and more.  I like mat board to work with but it's not easy to cut sometimes. 

One thing about working with a mat board is that your knife (I work with an X-acto knife) needs to have a very sharp blade.  I also use a thin metal ruler.  But be aware that it often moves when you hold it tight. I use masking tape on each end to help me as I hold it with one hand and slice with the other. 

I think I need to go to the store and get something for the walls.  I'll look in the scrapbooking section.  I was thinking of something that resembles a lighter wood or a pale "painted" look.  The ceiling will be white but with something ornate on it.  I'm still in the thinking stage.

I'm still looking for ways to make the stairs.  If I find something, I'll let you know.  Hmmm...maybe Otterine, when she made that wonderful building, will be able to help.  Otterine, are you out there?

Until tomorrow...

 Pat

Library masonry done

Today was the day to put up the brick on the library.  I saw a library photo online and that's how I bricked it.

It took me most of the afternoon because it's boring and I'm slow because I like to cut things so they look realistic.  I will do the grouting tomorrow and may need to fill in places, where needed.  Then I plan to do some architectural things around the building.

I may or may not get to the porch painting.  We'll see.  I'm teaching science tomorrow to 7th graders.  Should be a fun day.

Haven't heard anyone help about staircases in quarter scale.  I have the book by Fiona Broadwood from Petite Properties on Making Dolls House Furniture in 1:48th Scale.  I looked at the items inside and I will be making most of them within the next few weeks.  I'm excited about it.

At this time, I divide my time among several projects and wonder if anyone else does the same.  Yes?  Or are you the type who likes to do one thing completely?  I have to keep moving while things dry. 

So, take a look.  I think it will be beautiful when it's done.

Until tomorrow...

Pat

Back to the Bricks

Didn't work today so spent this afternoon trying to place the ladder in the firehouse.  The only place I could put it was on the far right end of the building, which you can see if you look closely.  The front doors are settled in and I have to put handles on them. Now the fun part begins in looking for a bell for the tower, table, chairs, etc. for the downstairs. I will seal the bricks, too. I am going to work on the roof tomorrow. I am ready for this building to be finished.

I was able to cut out the mat board for the library walls.  I also cut out the balcony.  I am going to have to figure out the stairs.  If anyone has a 1:48 plan for a staircase, let me know. 

I've been online looking at libraries and I'm doing the bricks in pinkish/tannish/whitish.  I started it tonight, as you can see.  I will try to make more tonight before I go to bed and then hopefully finish them tomorrow.  I realized that there is too much pink on them so when I put them on the building, I will pounce some tan/white on them. 

Until tomorrow...

Monday musings and work, too

I worked today and then spent over an hour on the phone with the HP tech because my all-in-one HP printer isn't working.  One day it was.  Replaced the toners.  Not working.  It's the unit itself and because it's under warranty, they are sending us another one on October 4.  I miss my printer...

Anyway, several things did get done.  Here's the ladder for the firehouse.  I think it came out great.  I also did the wood stove, putting it on the first floor and the pipe will go up and out of the second-floor wall. 

Then I put on the front doors.  They warped a tad and didn't want to lay flat over the bricks, so I am going to keep pressure on them until the glue sets.  I may have to take a few bricks off to get it to lay flat.  Is a builder's job ever done??

I decided to cover the walls of the library with mat board.  I cut them out tonight and now I'm working on cutting out the windows.  The windows will have a frame around them.  I also cut out the balcony.  Looking at the wall of windows, there may be few, if any books up there, but there will be a nice balcony where one can stand and look down!  I have an idea for the floor, too. 

So all is coming along.  I'm trying to be patient about finishing things but I'm not very patient sometimes!



Until tomorrow....

Sunday ramblings

Today was a rest day.  Stayed out too late last night.  10 p.m. is late!  LOL

I have been deciding on the exterior and interior for the library.  The exterior will be white stone.  I will repaint the pillars white again since they are a little tired.  I may lighten the front porch and steps instead of the grey.

Still not sure about the roof.  I think black slate would be a good choice.  I found more of them in online pix than any other color. 

The paper shows stairs placement

I also cut out the template for the second story balcony with steps on both sides.  I wanted to make them a bit turned out and the balcony more bowed but I don't want to use up too much space.  I'm going to make the balcony from mat board first, just to determine if it will look better straight or bowed.

I also finished the garage door but I'm going to paint the inner door a little darker.  I need handles now.  Hope to have it up tomorrow.  Remember when I said I forgot to put stone on the back wall?  I did that tonight.

Having trouble with our printer.  It was fine.  Got all new cartridges.  Black doesn't work.  I may just have to get a new one to replace the new one.  I spent over an hour playing around with it. 

I have decided to make one of the buildings a Magic Shop.  That should be a fun building to do.  I love quirky things.

I work tomorrow so time will be limited.  Don't know about a job Tuesday but I'm off Wednesday for the holiday. 

Talk to you tomorrow night!


Pat

Tools for the future

Today was a sewing day and then it went south.  LOL  I did glue the firehouse second floor into place and it looks great.  I need to do some things to it and then I'll put it on display.

Went to friend's house for pizza tonight but on the way stopped several places.  The first place was the Dollar Store, where I bought these miniature bottles.  They will be potion bottles.  They are actually accents for nail painting.  I'll use the inner beads and such for dollhouse pies and cakes.  And I got 16 of them for $4.00.  I was put on to them by Casey's Minis, an award-winning blog.  I was excited about these finds!

Then I went to Joanne's Fabrics and bought some fabrics for my dolls' wardrobes.  But I also bought a few other things: round wooden pieces in 2 different sizes (great for table tops), a tiny dowel (great for quarter-scale table legs) and the biggest find, two felt squares.  But not the normal felt squares.

One is grey and looks like stone.  The other is brown and looks like a dark stone.  $1.29 each.  I think I'll use them on one of the roofs.

Oh yes, and I didn't take a pic of it but I also bought a spooky wire black Halloween tree.  It's for the quarter-scale village.  It was 40% off.  I think my day went well.

Hope your day was great, too!  Tomorrow I have to work hard to make up for the nothing-done-day today.  Oh yes, one more thing.  One of my followers, John, gave me a fabulous suggestion for my library and I'm going to take his advice.  Wait until you see it!


Pat

Second building chosen

I worked today and we had dinner at St. Barbara's Greek Festival.  Of course we bought some Greek pastries.  Yum.

I went to both AC Moore and Michael's tonight.  I couldn't get the materials I wanted for the firehouse roof.  I'll be going to Joanne's tomorrow. Maybe something there will catch my eye.  The ladder is done and I have to paint it.  Then I'll glue in the second floor.  I also plan to finish the potbellied stove and make the other things needed.  One thing I forgot to do was to brick the back wall, which will be put back on to keep the inside clean.  Maybe a Sunday afternoon job.

I have decided to do the library next.  I plan to leave the pillars white.  I will probably do siding on the exterior and research it.  Wood paneling inside.  Wood floor with lovely shine.  Bookcases.  Tables.  Lights. 

Notice how roomy it is

What I like about this building is that it's open inside with no added bump outs like the firehouse.  I don't know what I'll do about the roof yet.  I have to research old libraries to see what type of roofs they had.  I was thinking of slate.  Not real, of course, but slate.

Both sides identical

So tomorrow this will be my starting point.  It's Saturday and after our chores, it's a day I set aside for catching up on any crafts, if I can.  I'm hoping to have a bunch of things to show you tomorrow night.  Or not.  And maybe have plans for this building.  LOL




Hope you enjoyed this view before the bashing begins!

Ready for thatching and on to the Library

Worked today in a special education class.  Had such a good time.  Tomorrow I'll be teaching the computer class in a middle school.  Substituting is interesting but stressful sometimes.  I need to work with minis to calm me down.  That and a nap, of course.  LOL

Browned roof ready for thatching

I decided to give the roof a coat of brown before I thatch it.  I wasn't sure about what color I want the thatch to be but looking at the brown, I think it's a great color. 

I also put trim on the opening to finish the edges.  The ladder hubby made is coming along.  Needs to be painted and then attached to the 2nd floor. 

I hope to work on the doors tomorrow night and hope to finish the stove.  We are going to the Greek Festival in the next town and on our way home will stop at AC Moore and Michaels.  I'm hoping to find a thatching product.

I am definitely going to start working on the library this weekend so stay tuned.  There is a lot of work to be done on it.

Later....

Pat 

Another wait for drying...

I worked today in a middle school for sixth grade.  I just love sixth graders.  They just absorb everything around them.  I was a bit tired when I got home so I will probably wait to finish the potbellied stove until Saturday. 

Front needs doors

The grouting is finished.  It's actually a tannish color and may look lighter as it dries.  However, that's what chalks are for.  I can always tone it down.  I did have a bit of difficulty piping the grouting in so there were times I had to use a paintbrush.  I have a tiny brush I use for doll eyebrows and it worked well.

I now have to keep my hands off of it until it dries completely. 

The next step will be to put on trim around the opening.  I also plan to finish the one inside wall.  The second floor needs to be glued in place. 

I will begin planning the roof now.  It needs to complement the stones.

My hubby is making the ladder to go to the sleeping area.  Bless that little Dremel tool.  He's using craft sticks and toothpicks.  Then it needs to be stained.

So that's it for today.  Tomorrow when I get home from work, I will check to make sure I didn't miss any grouting spots. 

Add caption

Hubby drilling holes for ladder

Until then...

Pat

Fieldstone finished

Well, it took me most of the afternoon, but the fieldstone is done.  I was really excited when hubby said it resembled the buildings in this little old town in North Jersey.  Nice.

It wasn't difficult to put up the stones.  The difficulty was carrying them in from the field.  LOL  However, they were extremely messy.  I did use gloves but the glue and the cardboard and the chalk dust all blended together and ugh! what a mess. 

But it did turn out great.  I had to stop fiddling with it and set it aside to dry thoroughly.  I get impatient when I want a job finished.  I plan on doing the grouting tomorrow.  Depending on what I decide to use for the grout.  There are a number of options.

I am working on the potbelly stove and have something that resembles a stove.  It needs to be baked and I have to add the door and all of the other things.  It also needs legs and piping.  But I think it is going to be great when finished.



Doors will be wood



 




















So, with the stone done this far, what does everyone think?  I think a few of the buildings will be sided with bricks but I have to get my head around cutting bricks because they are so straight.  We'll see after the firehouse is done.



 


















Also making Halloween outfits for my group of dolls.  I'll take a group photo when they are all dressed and ready for the season.



Pat

Start of the pot belly stove

So today I got a call to substitute teach in a 6th grade math and science class.  The call didn't come in until 7:20 because it was a late call from a teacher.  Now usually, even on an off day, I get up at 6:30 because I want to do so much during the day.  But it's been raining and at 7:20, I had just managed to get myself out of bed.  I did make it by 8:30, though.

Since I get my jobs by computer and had no job tomorrow, I spent several hours waiting for a job to come up.  I did not get to do much after that except for one project.

The potbelly stove.  I started it and then realized it needed some dressing up.  So I made a band for around its middle, a nice stand for it and a slightly fluted piece on the top.  I don't know if you can see them or not, but I did put some indentations around the belly.  I hope to do the pipe tomorrow.  I know it looks a little rough but so is the building.  No laughing at it, though.  Well, maybe a chuckle.  I promise it will look better with legs and its pipe.

I decided that in order to do the grouting properly, I need an applicator bottle and I don't have an empty one.  So I have to get one, maybe tomorrow on the way home from school.  I want to do it right.  The one wall needs painting, which I'll do and put nice trim around the outer edge.  That's tomorrow afternoon.

I am also going to start sanding the library.  I like to have several projects at one time in progress.  The library is a little more challenging.  You can see it in the photos from a previous blog.  I think it will be fun.  I want to brick the outside. 

I would love to get mini turntables for the buildings if I could.  Anyone out there know a source?  Or better yet, how to make them in quarter scale size?  Thanks.

Pat

P.S.  The blog site is acting wacky again.  I think the fieldstone building popped up again.  Oh well.

Well, it took me most of the afternoon, but the fieldstone is done.  I was really excited when hubby said it resembled the buildings in this little old town in North Jersey.  Nice.

Doors will be wood

It wasn't difficult to put up the stones.  The difficulty was carrying them in from the field.  LOL  However, they were extremely messy.  I did use gloves but the glue and the cardboard and the chalk dust all blended together and ugh! what a mess. 

But it did turn out great.  I had to stop fiddling with it and set it aside to dry thoroughly.  I get impatient when I want a job finished.  I plan on doing the grouting tomorrow.  Depending on what I decide to use for the grout.  There are a number of options.


I am working on the potbelly stove and have something that resembles a stove.  It needs to be baked and I have to add the door and all of the other things.  It also needs legs and piping.  But I think it is going to be great when finished.




So, with the stone done this far, what does everyone think? I think a few of the buildings will be sided with bricks but I have to get my head around cutting bricks because they are so straight. We'll see after the firehouse is done.

Also making Halloween outfits for my group of dolls. I'll take a group photo when they are all dressed and ready for the season.

Until tomorrow...

Pat

Windows and doors are now done

Today I decided to follow the tutorial I'm using and put bricks around the windows and doors.  My design was different than hers because her windows were rounded at the top.  But I think these came out well. 

I chalked them white.  This brick process took several hours. 

I then began chalking the bricks for the main house this evening but I'm too tired to continue.  It's boring so I will continue tomorrow.  I think the color I put on them is too blah so I may add some red tints when I do the bricks on the building.

Because I need a break from mason work (LOL), I will begin the pot bellied stove tomorrow, too. I have an idea and will share it with you when I see if it works.

I also have to cut out and sew up some capes for my dolls.  Halloween is just around the corner!

So I hope to show you some actual brickwork tomorrow.

Pat

I have to prime first?

Today was a great day.  Cool and beautiful with no humidity.  We met our friends for an early dinner down at a little restaurant on the water, the Tuckahoe Inn.  It's about an hour from Wildwood.

Sanded and ready for priming

Primed with undercoat of Camel brown

Well, I watched the tutorial video again on bricking the building and realized I had to prime the pieces before bricking them.  So that's what I did this morning.  I didn't realize there was so much prepping to be done.  I can't do it half-way so I made sure every piece of trim not needed was taken off.  And some pieces had to be cut off with a craft knife.

I want the doors to be wood so I just primed them for now.

So, after church tomorrow, I will tint the "bricks" and begin placing them on the building.  I also found out how to finish the trims on the windows and doors. 

My hubby said he would make the stairs for the firemen's sleep area and most houses had ladders.  Ladders?? I asked.  He laughed because I was thinking of a circular staircase.  Most small firehouses were not equipped with fancy things because they couldn't afford them.   

So, if you hoped for the bricking to be done, I'm sorry for the disappointment.  But there is always a priming period and I almost forgot to do it.  Tune in tomorrow night and part of the bricking should be done.

Hope your day is great!

Pat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ceiling, trim, and beds

Hi. Didn't have a job today so I worked on the firehouse.  I decided to paint the ceiling brown.  Hubby said they didn't really do white ceilings.  Go figure.

I also decided to put a baseboard on the far wall.  Then I painted the things that stick out a chocolate brown.  Kind of looks like a hacienda at this point. 

And then I couldn't help myself.  I started to play with making cots.  So I made 3 of them, complete with coverlet and a pillow.  Turned out well.  Then hubby said they do need foot lockers.  LOL  So that will probably be tomorrow.

I am looking to make a potbellied stove for the sleeping quarters.  So I found some things a Lowe's tonight.  I have to look up how to paint white pvc pipe.  The items didn't come in black. 

I also need to make a set of stairs.  Hubby said they couldn't go up the pole.  He's a riot.  Hmmm....  Speaking of the fireman's pole, I finished it.  Used a dowel.  Used gold paint with a bit of black in it.  Looks good.

Because the original building materials included "trim" made from cardboard, it was beginning to get yucky.  So I took it off.  It took a while to get it off.  But once everything has the stone on it, I will put new trim on it.

Oh yes, hubby asked about a bathroom.  I forget about the details sometimes! 



So enjoy the pix.  I think I will begin doing the brickwork tomorrow afternoon because it takes time to dry in between coats.  I have been looking at a video on how to do it so I will review it tomorrow morning after chores.  I figure a good several days for the brickwork to be finished.  I am going to try a chimney, too.  We'll see.

Until tomorrow...

Pat

One wall papered in firehouse

Hi there.  Didn't work outside today -- no jobs available.  So I finished a sewing project and then my mind turned to the firehouse.  Oh my.

Wallpaper at the back

I decided that since the walls are so rough, I would wallpaper them.  It took almost all afternoon to make a template for the wallpaper.  I first used the outside of the building and then when I put it inside for specific modifications, I had to cut around the pieces of boards sticking out under that shelf.  It took me about 2 hours to completely finish the wallpaper.  But I know it will be worth it.

One of my followers gave me a suggestion for the fireman's pole -- the innards of a ballpoint pen.  I have some.  Hubby has some.  They were all white.  So, no pen will be safe now.  I am in search of one that is goldish.  I know I can paint it and probably will.  But the fun is taking people's pens apart.  LOL

Because I am antsy in having something take so long, I am going to turn my sights on another of the buildings and begin the flooring.  Since I cut everything by hand, it takes a little longer.  Although I might be able to cover it with a wallpaper and then put a poly spray coat on it.  I usually try it on a spare piece before I actually do it.

I will be painting the firehouse ceiling.  I think maybe a white or light cream.  I am going to get those battery lights for it (have them in my dollhouse and they are amazingly fabulous!).  The bright ceiling will help the light glow better. 

I couldn't help myself, though.  I printed some quarter-scale plans of beds.  The firemen need something to sleep on.  I want to cut them out tomorrow, too.  I think I'll make them out of mat board.  It's sturdy and I want sturdy beds. 

Hubby found  me a fire call box from one of his tie tacks.  Cute.  I'll take a picture of it tomorrow.

See you then.

Pat

Floor painted in firehouse

Old floor in light gray

Today was interesting.  I was the substitute teacher for first graders.  Honestly, they are so cute.  They forget sometimes they are in school for the whole day.  At 10:15, they wanted to know when the buses were coming to take them home!  Funny kids. 

I decided to paint the floor a light gray.  I will be putting wallboard (aka wood pieces) up to hide the walls as they are now.  I also put a floor in the bell tower.  Notice the floor is a little crooked on the right.  That's about how it would look if it were old.  I'm pleased with the color because I mixed black and white paint. 

Bell tower

The bell tower needs a bell so I'll be looking for one, if anyone knows a source of cheap bells at 1:48 although it can be bigger because sometimes bells are as big as people.

I also have the fireman's pole cut and put the hole in the ceiling/floor.  I need to find brass colored paint. 

Tomorrow I want to do the walls.  If I don't work, I'll do it during the day.  Otherwise, it's after 4 p.m.

 Oh yes, I am also looking for a 1:48 Dalmatian.  I think the firehouse needs one.  I'm not sure the little firetruck I have will be good enough but I'll see when it's finished. 

I would hope to get the walls, siding and roof done by the end of this week (using Sunday as the week's end day!). 

See you tomorrow.


Pat