Next Project: The Half-Scale Mansion

 I'm on a book-high at the moment, having just finished reading Stephen King's latest, Holly. (Marvelous!!) So my mind is kind of caught up in that wonderful feeling when you read a good, satisfying book! 

I have been working a bit on the temporary funeral parlor - lights are in and working, trim and wood wainscoting panels are done, and I have a few things to do next. But, as I tend to do, I set it aside for a bit to actually start the Park Ave. Mansion. The completed photos are only the kit: I'm not that far yet. (Kit images, LaserDollhouseDesigns.)

As usually happens with these projects, at least for me, it's hard to start until you have your color choices figured out. Had to paint the sidewalk a light gray first. Then I decided on Sandstone for the basement stairs, which look pretty cool, but I have to say, did not go in as easily as I'd thought they would. But I finally got it.

This is another house you have to think of the building in steps so you don't mess it up. So I figured at least the bottom of the house's front walls have to be painted first since they butt up to the sidewalk. But... what color to do the brick? Do I fill in the grout lines, and what color for that, too?

Of course, I chose a color I liked, and in the back of my mind, knew maybe I shouldn't since I had... one bottle. Ceramcoat Raw Linen. And I couldn't find any more locally, so had to find a similar color as I want the grout lines to stand out. I ended up with DecoArt Americana Bleached Sand, which may or may not have more of the slight greenish tone rather than too white or gray or yellowish. So we'll see. Have to repaint the small parts I did. 

No biggie. The idea I had was to pounce or stipple the bricks themselves with maybe a red-tone paint or maybe tan with red accents. I saw a photo of a reddish-brick rowhouse and I liked that rather than just tan. Still deciding... I know, boring stuff. Well, bear with me. 

Modern Or?

I am not looking forward to painting all those windows. I am thinking of the same light sand color as I am going to attempt a more modern interior, which I've admired in dollhouses but have never done. For inspiration, here's a great modern interior done by Jeanne H. shared on the FB HalfScaleMinis group. (Used with permission.)

She only used one hallway wall as they really take up a lot of space otherwise. (I love the flooring; opposite of the floor I used in the Witch Cottage second-floor bedroom.)  I was thinking of deleting the walls mostly, too. When I checked, the bottom floor ended up with really small rooms if you follow how it was designed. Not sure about all the stairs, too, as they take up space. Then only have the halls with doors? Faux doors? Not sure yet. I'll have a better idea when I see the front and side walls glued.

 We'll see how that turns out. It may be more modern only on the top floor where the rich older homeowner lives. She has renters on the other floors, an antiques store or diner on the first floor (haven't decided), and a shabby-but-neat sleeping-living room or two on the second floor. Not sure yet.

Diner?

 I am leaning toward having a diner on the bottom basement floor which could have a small counter (wanted to do a back cooking counter but not a full kitchen), and some store items. Remember the old Woolworth's counter and booths within steps of the store shelves? (They had great grilled cheese!)

 Or maybe just a small back counter (with griddle, sink, fryer, fridge, etc.) and a smallish counter to sit at with stools. Just a few seats...?  I think I still have copies of that old Joann Swanson Nutshell News project to make a 1" scale diner/cafe... will have to hunt for it. (* Here's an index of Swanson's projects on her blog. * Her Thanksgiving how-to could be useful. * Ideas  - diner project on YouTube.)

It's been a while since I made Fimo food....I made these in 1" scale  for my rooftop BBQ in a wall-hanging cabinet.

 It would be fun to figure out how to make the items needed and the food, I think. And it would be something different (and much smaller!) in half-scale. I keep picturing the burgers frying on the grill! (Check out this vintage Woolworth's Diner on FB. Apparently the last one around in CA and last story I saw said it was going to be restored and re-open?) I'd have to get a stainless steel-look spray paint for the cooking counter to look right, I think. (See images of counter and old Woolworth's at Atomic Redhead.)

We'll see; this is brainstorming yet... as you know I change my mind - a lot! haa!

Decisions, decisions!

Added note: Admitting I wasn't real keen on what to do here... but!! The colors decided it. I picked a different color (and yay! the grout lines stayed whitish!) so I got the outside painted and really like it!! I'll show pix soon!

So, that's where it stands for the moment... This will take a bit to get to more of a showable stage, so stay tuned!

Thanks again for visiting and be sure to check back for what's next! 

October Update: Halloween & More

 

Scene from my Haunted House.

Thought I'd add a best-of-the month and show highlights for October.

Halloween in Miniature went well, though it did seem long (well, to me, since I was scheduling things! ha!)

The month's best post:

Besides the first post, everyone must like witches! 

The witchy post for Day 2 got nearly 100 views and counting as of this writing. 

Next popular was the first skeleton post on Day 3. 

Also popular was Linda's cool ghostly parlor on Day 6 and JP Sligh's Witch's Kitchen, with my companion short story on Day 8. 

This month's projects:

I finished the half-scale Witch Cottage, of course. Check out the videos. 

I got the skeleton funeral parlor long-set-aside roombox out and made some updates. Added some faux doors to the side, which I thought turned out well. I'll share more as I get it done. 

Don't worry, this'll be over. ha! I'm done with Halloween, too, (except for my cottage). It'll likely be changed then to a store. I don't decorate much for Christmas except in miniature so I'll probably change this to a Christmas store for now and then a doll shop, I think. I have quite a few mini-mini dolls here and there so maybe it's time to put them in one place.

I'll also be working on the half-scale Park Ave. Mansion. Stay tuned for updates! 

 Thanks again for visiting!

Halloween in Miniature 23-15: It's Halloween!

Welcome back to the end of Halloween in Miniature!

(See Day 1)

IT'S HALLOWEEN!!!!!

I hope you enjoyed the event these past two weeks.

Did you visit the Halloween party and see who showed up?

Well, it was fun! Back to regular posts now and... what will I be working on next?

Hint: Started...

Well, that's all I got done  - so far - on the Park Ave. Mansion.... ha! 

The base: Exciting, right? ha! Well I have to paint it before I attach the walls, and have to paint those too, I think.

I did find some cool new papers I thought would make nice wallpaper in the mansion. I like the pattern... I looked at it a couple times, but I like it, at least for one wall...I like larger and different patterns sometimes.

I'll post a monthly update tomorrow.

Thanks for visiting and voting for my miniature project too.  I do appreciate it!.

 

Halloween in Miniature 23-14: The Witch Cottage

Witch Cottage: The potion room

Welcome back to Halloween in Miniature!

(Start at Day 1 -  Next: Happy Halloween!)

While the guests are enjoying the party, the witch kindly invited everyone in to tour the cottage. (Click photos for full size; see other posts in left column archives.)

Ta-Dah!  The Witch's Cottage I've been working on all this time is finally pretty much finished. Have changed a few small things since then but it's mostly done.. Well, you're never really done, right? 

I added the potion shelf back in the room instead of the chest after the video.

The second floor bedroom/sitting area:

The potion room: 

Here's the table I put in the first floor, right-side potion-making room. You can't tell here, but the cup glows inside.

Mr. Skellie was relaxing and having a snack... finger sandwich, anyone?  Or.. let me give you a hand! (Ugh!) (Made by me.)

Wait, what's that noise outside? Can't even sit in peace and quiet! 

Here are some better views of The Witch Cottage:

 

* Thanks again for visiting and following along on my projects. I appreciate it! * 

Halloween in Miniature 23-13: Monster Mash

 

Welcome back to Halloween in Miniature!

(Start at Day 1 - Next: Day 14 - Tour the Witch Cottage!)

Yes it's been a long haul to get here! Thanks to those who've stuck with me these past two weeks. I think I'll go back to the shortened event next year!

The food is still out, so let's see who's here early for the big party!

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REMINDER: Last Chance - Don't forget to VOTE for The Witch Cottage at the Halloween Challenge. **** Please VOTE at link here - scroll down -Row 7**** 

Oh, look it's Frank! Not the monster, he insists. Don't believe what you hear, This guy has some great jokes. He's the "life" of the party, haa! (Fantastic hand-sculpted figure by Sharon Cariola)

 Step up to the bar. The ghostly bartender, a past hand-sculpted project from Julie Campbell, is pouring drinks. House wine, anyone?

The house wine? Don't worry, there's plenty! It's a never-ending bottle, it seems.

Or maybe you'd prefer a glass of this, er, "glog" from Patricia Paul. Well, maybe it tastes okay. Go ahead, you try it first. haa!

The Skellie sisters said they'd try it.... Sorry, we're not responsible for how they act afterward! (Skellie ladies in my fortune teller room.)

Ah, it's a nice evening, a full moon, the wolves are howling.... Some of the guests decided to sit out on the porch and enjoy the night air. Don't worry, the dog's bark is worse than his bite. Really. (My front porch project.)

What's that noise? Oh, sorry, gotta run. Matilda says it's getting kind of rowdy in the parlor. Some guests just can't hold their liquor. (The ghosts likely.) Better go see what's going on. See you tomorrow and come back Monday for Halloween - a tour of my Witch Cottage! 

* Thanks again for visiting. Don't forget to vote for my half -scale Witch's cottage (above) in the Halloween Challenge (Row 7). Last chance to vote!!  Thanks, I appreciate it!* 

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This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. The difference is there'll be at least a couple more photos included on this blog. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

 

Halloween in Miniature 23-12 Eye C U!

 

Here's looking at you. The giant eye on the Fairfield Dollhouse porch.

Welcome to more Halloween in Miniature!

(Start/see schedule at Day 1; Next - Day 13. Click photos for full size; see other posts in left column archives.)

Yeah, I admit it. I like weird stuff. When I found that giant rubber eye, well it had to go on the porch. It's lit, too. haa!

A past Halloween display: What would you do if you saw this guy watching you? (Or that tree with the giant eyes? haa!)

How about an eyeball cake? (Made by my friend Kitty. For my someday witch's bakery. I still have the corner shop in the Houseworks Street of Shops left to do. I've already made a Witchy Greenhouse, the Halloween store and a Teapot Shop with those buildings.)

Other Halloween cakes, also by Kitty.

Speaking of eyes... 

Image: Watercolor on Ivory, 1840, Met Museum (OA collection)

 Ever hear of Lover's Eyes? They're small Victorian-era portraits of someone's eye or eyes, namely the eye of the person admired. I always thought a wall of them would look cool. I'd like to do that in some project... maybe the half-scale gothic Victorian library I want to do in a book box. Yeah another project that's been on the list... I might work on that between the mansion project.

Here are some photos and history. Pretty fascinating.

Some cool fabric on Spoonflower, too.

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REMINDER: Don't forget to VOTE for The Witch Cottage at the Halloween Challenge. **** VOTE at link here - scroll down - Row 6**** 

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This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. The difference is there'll be at least a couple more photos included on this blog. Be sure to friend me there (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!

 

Halloween in Miniature 23-11: Seeing Red

Welcome back to more  Halloween in Miniature! 

You can see past years' posts on the top tab. (Click photos for full size; see other posts in left column archives.) Start/see schedule Day 1 - Next: Day 12

Today's theme: Seeing Red, which can have several meanings. Funny, as there isn't much red in my Halloween houses... I didn't make my latest, The Witch's Cottage, bloody/gory at all! ha! That house is mostly greens, yellow, and orange.

But don't lose your head about it... ha! 

The Headless Horseman by Lisa Tabbanor fits right in with today's red theme! (See her hand-sculpted, half-scale figures in her Etsy shop.)

While my half-scale Fairfield house isn't exactly a Halloween house, I did add some spooky elements and a lot of red. The outside, for one, is brick and a reddish-brown.(See other photos and links on top tab.)

Here's the chaise lounge and pillows in the parlor. The Eastman-style settee is a kit from MiniEtchers. I made the chaise from the d. Anne Ruff half-scale furniture kit.

I added a Wednesday-type portrait on the wall by the desk in the girl's circus-themed bedroom.

Or there's some other unusual Vampirish portraits in the main bedroom.

Here's a video of the bedroom:

The saying, Seeing Red, can also mean --  what makes you mad?

* I hate when I take a photo - and then I see something I missed. Or a flaw. Or a mistake. Then have to fix that and take the photo over and over. ha! I have to fix it otherwise it will bug me. No one else may see it, but I know it's there. ha! Know what I mean??

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REMINDER: Don't forget to VOTE for The Witch Cottage at the Halloween Challenge. **** VOTE at link here - Row 6**** 

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This year, I'm doing something different by posting on Instagram and here, according to the day's themes. The difference is there'll be at least a couple more photos included on this blog. Be sure to friend me there and tag me, (cwrite12), play along and share the list!!