It gets bloody cold here in Minnesota. Part of the reason I'm building Merriman Park is to keep busy during these bleak, bone-numbing months so I don't sink into a depressive, zombie-like state. For real. Anyway, I couldn't seem to muster the energy to bundle up, and get my arse out of the house to purchase paint to finish up my stone work. So I finally broke down and shopped online, delivery charges be damned! And in just a few short days, the box of paints and supplies arrived on my doorstep. Thanks, magic internet!
It's a good thing I was home when the package was delivered --it could have all froze solid and then I would have been back to square one...
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
DOH!
I learned the other day (from reading an architecture book I picked up) that the chimneys of Merriman Park are not historically accurate --guess chimney pots weren't invented until the Victorian Era. Ooops.
Duh Moment
I've been beating myself up about this because I feel like I should have known this already. It's even worse because the book I "discovered" this information in was one of those books that you buy on a whim (this one was at the woodworking shop where I exchanged the aforementioned gouge, and it was titled Architecture For Dolls' Houses 40% OFF --how could I not get it?
So do I snap off the offending chimney pots, or leave them as is?
At first I was like, "whatevs," nobody will know the difference, but as time goes by, I get more and more incensed when I look at them.
They will have to go.
Duh Moment
I've been beating myself up about this because I feel like I should have known this already. It's even worse because the book I "discovered" this information in was one of those books that you buy on a whim (this one was at the woodworking shop where I exchanged the aforementioned gouge, and it was titled Architecture For Dolls' Houses 40% OFF --how could I not get it?
So do I snap off the offending chimney pots, or leave them as is?
At first I was like, "whatevs," nobody will know the difference, but as time goes by, I get more and more incensed when I look at them.
They will have to go.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
To brick, or not to brick...that is the question.
Finally got the gouge exchanged to the proper size. Karin Corbin suggested I make my own gouge, but alas! I did not have any mini brass tubing laying about. (I would LOVE to see Karin's studio some day --bet it is incredible)!
OK, don't laugh, but now I'm seriously considering using a stucco finish instead of the brick! (Hey, it's MY doll house)! The reason is because I was watching some BBC miniseries and there was a country house --Hanbury Court-- that was eerily similar to my own Merriman Park. It had the same classical portico (dressed in pale, rusticated stone), the body of the house rendered in yellow stucco. I found the effect to be charming.
(Check it out at 0:04-05 or you'll miss it)!
So I decided to work on the center portion of the house, which I had already decided to be stone. I'm going for dressed ashlar blocks. I already had the primer coat on so I was ready to go...
Bricks, stucco --it can just WAIT for now!
Well, I first had to pack away all the furniture I have been accumulating so it wouldn't get ruined. Glad I saved all the original boxes.
I'm getting a little worried about all the little parts laying about. I had to take five of my windows apart so I could paint the outside frames the stone color. So now there are tiny bits of window parts scattered about. I am so bad about keeping all this little stuff organized.
Anyway, I got the center block painted the "base" stone color along with the pediment, the roof balusters, the chimneys, the cornices, quoins, basement and entrance stair. I even penciled in the ashlar blocks!
Finally feel like I made some progress!
BTW Cranford is highly recommended, especially if you're a fan of Dame Judy Dench.
OK, don't laugh, but now I'm seriously considering using a stucco finish instead of the brick! (Hey, it's MY doll house)! The reason is because I was watching some BBC miniseries and there was a country house --Hanbury Court-- that was eerily similar to my own Merriman Park. It had the same classical portico (dressed in pale, rusticated stone), the body of the house rendered in yellow stucco. I found the effect to be charming.
(Check it out at 0:04-05 or you'll miss it)!
So I decided to work on the center portion of the house, which I had already decided to be stone. I'm going for dressed ashlar blocks. I already had the primer coat on so I was ready to go...
Bricks, stucco --it can just WAIT for now!
Well, I first had to pack away all the furniture I have been accumulating so it wouldn't get ruined. Glad I saved all the original boxes.
I'm getting a little worried about all the little parts laying about. I had to take five of my windows apart so I could paint the outside frames the stone color. So now there are tiny bits of window parts scattered about. I am so bad about keeping all this little stuff organized.
Anyway, I got the center block painted the "base" stone color along with the pediment, the roof balusters, the chimneys, the cornices, quoins, basement and entrance stair. I even penciled in the ashlar blocks!
Finally feel like I made some progress!
BTW Cranford is highly recommended, especially if you're a fan of Dame Judy Dench.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Brick Update
Well, um, the new gouge is a little too thick, so I'm going to have to return it for a smaller tool. Curses! Foiled again!
I am seriously thinking of just doing a stucco finish, instead!
I am seriously thinking of just doing a stucco finish, instead!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Brick Experiment #2
Actually, 2, #3,#4 and #5 (I think). Didn't have much luck this weekend with the bricks. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong...I was not even able to reproduce the stone sample I did earlier! Having a rough time, I guess. I am going to buy some commercial gesso and see if that makes a difference. Still haven't discovered the ultimate scribing tool, but a mini, standard screwdriver proved to be the strongest contender, with the meat thermometer a close second.
Winter blues settling in...trying to stay optimistic but all I want to do lately is devour carbs and sleep....
Here's my house from summer. How many months til June?
Here's my house from summer. How many months til June?
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