#Paris #Miniature Project 16: Painting!

Painting & More Painting!

Greetings again!  For the U.S. followers, I hope your Memorial Day weekend was safe and hopefully dry. I did get one day of the three-day weekend to work on minis!

 

Paint, paint, and painted some more!  As you can see the shop front is ready for the stucco.  

The door is ready and I found a Fleur-de-Lis that looks like it might work. I also finished painting the two windows, the French doors, and all the trim for the third floor. 

Like I said, paint...paint…paint. I also painted the tops and bottoms of the shutter; the door frame and the “iron” scroll of the forthcoming door for the second floor entrance.

The two little “iron” works (above) are also painted which will be decorative items in the shop. (Liking the look of this already!--Chris)

I also painted the cabinet for the shop in a soft red which matches the design in the floor. So far, it has taken three coats.  I may need another coat of paint,, too!

Finally, the third floor floors (three walls) are getting ready for wallpaper, just need to sand first. As you can see from the picture, the lines in blue are the added pieces of wood to make the rooftop flat as opposed to the original angle. The red lines indicate where there used to be windows on the side walls. I first put on Kilz primer, then the wood was glued onto the walls and open window spaces, and filled with light joint compound. The next step is to sand to make it is a smooth finish and then I can apply the wallpaper.

So, the next step is to see if the items painted in black and the cabinet need another coat of paint. Once the cabinet is done I'll varnish to give it a shine and assemble the item (the top has shelves with a mirrored back).

Also, on my list is the shop floor and the windowpanes for the shop front. Then I can put up the four walls and see where I want things to go to be able to glue on shelves, etc. before permanently gluing the walls together. It’s so much easier to have everything hung, etc. before putting it together.

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The planning continues for the Paris Miniature Project which is my friend Gigi's  Serendipity Shed renovation for the HBS 2019 Creatin’ Contest. 

(Click photo in left column to go to Day 1 or here - Day 1  - See last entry Day 15.)

 * Don't forget you can put your email in the subscribe to updates box under the Paris photo in left column also to let you know when a new post goes up.

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It's moving along! Until the next time… Happy Creating!--Gigi

#Paris #Miniature Project 15: What's New?

Lots new this week!!

The planning continues for the Paris Miniature Project which is my friend Gigi's  Serendipity Shed renovation for the HBS 2019 Creatin’ Contest. 

(Click photo in left column to go to Day 1 or here - Day 1  - See last entry Day 14.)

 * Don't forget you can put your email in the subscribe to updates box under the Paris photo in left column also to let you know when a new post goes up.

Although there is progress, it seems like a lot of little things have been done. But once all the little things come together, like puzzle pieces, the bigger picture appears. 

I'm excited to share the latest update. I completed more kits from Artofmini.com which are the posters, books, and the new door for the shop. Originally, I had a different shop door, but it was just too plain. (See top photo.)

I came across the door kit also from ArtofMini.com in my stash.  It consists of three pieces (all the same size). The kit comes together like a sandwich with the “iron” window panel in the middle. I first painted the “iron” window, then cut a “glass” window from a clear plastic container and assembled the pieces.The door just needs the door handle and a decorative touch on the bottom panel. I also painted the trim above the door and window black. (LOVE that door panel. Really gives it the perfect "look."--Chris)

The tedious work on painting has begun. Two windows from the third floor are done. The four shutters for the second floor are done. The other pieces are the two windows that will be in front of the second floor. The next pieces to be worked on are the second painting of the store cabinet (reddish color), the black scroll works from Artofmini.com, along with the tops and bottoms of the shutters, and there is my list which includes doing a gray-wash on the shutters to “age” them.

I am asking again for your valued feedback.  

The door in the middle was what I was thinking of using for the second floor entrance (on the left side accessible from the outside staircase). At the right is the door I can substitute. It is similar to the front shop door, but with a different “iron” pattern. It will be in a different color than the green shop door.  What do you think?  Let me know.

(I like the door at right as it's similar in style with the iron work and the panels. What does everyone else think?--Chris)

Also, if you have not done so already, see last week's posting on the colors for the outside.

Moving right along!! Thanks for coming along on the journey with me! Until the next time. Happy Creating!--Gigi

#Paris #Miniature Project 14: All About COLOR!

COLOR!!

The planning continues for the Paris Miniature Project which is my friend Gigi Nephew's Serendipity Shed renovation for the HBS 2019 Creatin’ Contest. 

(Click photo in left column to go to Day 1 or here - Day 1  - See last entry Day 12.)

 * Don't forget you can put your email in the subscribe to updates box under the Paris photo in left column also to let you know when a new post goes up.

I'm baaaaack!!

Finally, another update on my beloved Paris Project.  Finished up the class with the paper that was way too long for “just an assignment.” Today, I started a new class and what a breath of relief as there are lots of assignments, but they are bite-sized so to speak which means more mini time!

All the remaining walls, ceilings and floors have been covered with Kilz (primer). I am done wallpapering the second floor also.The third floor's three walls need to be sanded and a little work done to the walls to make it a flat roof  (plan B implemented for easier wallpapering) so once this is done I will provide before and after pics of the walls.

So, here are some progress pictures.  The outside stairs arrived from China (ordered them through Wish.com), and I prepared them with Kilz. Yes, what you see is a toilet with the pull string (also from Wish.com) which will be incorporated into the second floor…still noodling that idea because of small space. As you can see, the picture shows two of the walls from the shop with some completed items.  (Love it!! It all fits and looks great!--Chris)

The storage cabinet (lower half is a kit from Artofmini.com) and the glass shelving on top came like that. he idea is to have these urns with beautiful flowers on each side and the cabinets filled with lots of goodies to buy. In front is a French side table and on top is a small suitcase and a box with pictures (all three items were kits from Artofmini.com).  So, pretty sweet, four kits I bought last month at the miniature shows are already put together.

Another reason for showing you the walls of the shop is that I am asking you for input on what color to use on the outside. The three stories will have “stucco” (plaster) which I want to paint a white-wash color (faintly, not heavy) to provide some interest. In looking online at Paris shops, the shops are in all colors, while the floors above are one more color. Here is a close-up picture of the green I am thinking of using as an accent color on the outside of the store for the trim. (Looks nice. I like the green!--Chris)

  

Now it is your turn.  What color or colors do you suggest?  See above for the available colors.  Remember, it will be a diluted application for the second and third story (which will have white window trim and a black iron balcony). The first story can be different than the second and third story. Please submit your suggestions in the comments box. Thank you in advance!!!! Happy Creating!!--Gigi

(My two cents; I like the sage or Cape Cod Blue. The Arroyo Red could look nice, too. The white is well, white, and doesn't show well here. ha!--Chris)

#Paris #Miniature Project: Lucky 13 Planning!

Ta-Dah! Today is the Lucky 13th Day for the #Paris #Miniature Project Blog!

The planning continues for the Paris Miniature Project which is my friend Gigi Nephew's Serendipity Shed renovation for the HBS 2019 Creatin’ Contest. 

(Click photo in left column to go to Day 1 or here - Day 1  - See last entry Day 12.)

 * Don't forget you can put your email in the subscribe to updates box under the Paris photo in left column also to let you know when a new post goes up.

 Today also is Teacher’s Appreciation Day, so if you are a teacher, Thank You! I still fondly remember some of my teachers who made a big impact on me. 

Speaking of teachers, a great teacher was my Oma (grandmother) who taught me so many wonderful things during the summers I went to visit her in Germany. It’s because of her that I learned my numbers, colors, and even read a few words in German before first grade, which made it easier to learn English. It’s because of Oma, that I love to sew and do crafts.  She taught me to make something out of nothing.

Well, today I am just going to talk about my next plans for the Paris Project.  I am in my final week (of eight week courses) - and this course has --five-- assignments due this Friday (as opposed to Sundays). So, needless to say, I have to make it my priority. ☹

The courses are for the master’s in teaching Secondary Education as I want to teach middle school and high school students. It’s my second career after being in business/project management over 30 years, and quite honestly, less stressful, less hours, and less corporate junk (if you get my meaning).

So, onto the Paris Project plans. After these "lovely" assignments are completed, I want to finish putting on Kilz (primer) on the fourth walls (and all the floor) , then I can glue the wedge to make a flat roof (as the original kit has an angled roof). Then I can wallpaper that floor.

Next, I want to age the glass roof and put the “glass” (sheet plastic) in. (See previous post comments on Day 12 (link at top) if you have questions about the ideas for that process.) Then I can put together the first floor, but I need to figure out the color trim and base. I plan on having the outside walls stuccoed to make it look a little older. In keeping with my vow to use what I have on hand, I'll next be pulling out possible paint colors.  Hopefully by Friday, I hope to ask you,  the readers and followers, for your input to the color combination.  Chris will be posting pics for me to have you vote and decide what looks best.

Well, onto the homework pile.  Until the next time… Happy Creating!--Gigi

#Paris #Miniature Project 12: Le Decor!

Wow, Day 12 of the Paris Miniature Project! 

The planning continues for the Paris Miniature Project which is my friend Gigi Nephew's Serendipity Shed renovation for the HBS 2019 Creatin’ Contest. 

(Click photo in left column to go to Day 1 or here - Day 1  - See last entry Day 11.)

 * Don't forget you can put your email in the subscribe to updates box under the Paris photo in left column also to let you know when a new post goes up.

If you like to decorate then this is for you!

April showers bring May flowers…so what do May showers bring?  I think winter is hanging on too tight…enough of the rain please!  So, to hide from the rain when I got home today from substituting at my son’s school, I worked on the Paris Project. 

Since Tuesday’s update, I painted the trim and the inside of the openings (door and windows) as this is a lot easier to do now, then when the wallpaper is on.

Last night I had to “Kilz” (primer) the walls before papering…totally forgot this process… I hate doing this, but it is so much better when wallpapering!  Then I put on the wallpaper and noticed that I forgot a wall of the second floor to apply Kilz  on (far left three walls).  The good news is that the first floor store walls are all done. Now I can at least start putting them together and then work on the floor of the shop! (Looks good! Can't wait to see it go together!!--Chris)

It’s a short update this time as I have to get ready to substitute tomorrow again for a different teacher. I am not used to having to get dressed up and going into work!  I have not done it in over a 1½ years!

Until the next time… Happy Creating!--Gigi

Miniature Shows Finds: #Paris #Miniature Project 11

I don't know about you, but I love looking at what other people buy and what they find at dollhouse shows. It's great finding your own stuff, of course, but admit it, it's fun peeking, too!--Chris

So for Day 11, Gigi is sharing her latest finds. (Click photos for full view.)

The planning continues for the Paris Miniature Project which is my friend Gigi Nephew's Serendipity Shed renovation for the HBS 2019 Creatin’ Contest. 

(Click photo in left column to go to Day 1 or here - Day 1  - See last entry Day 10.)

 * Don't forget you can put your email in the subscribe to updates box under the Paris photo in left column also to let you know when a new post goes up.

Finds & Progress!

Happy last day of April! I'm so excited to share with you the treasures I found for my Paris Project with Chris this past weekend at the dollhouse shows!

As you can see from the picture above, I found quite a bit of beautiful items and kits, but I am the most excited on the LED lights I bought! 

All the lighting is from this very sweet lady Lisa Hicks from California who also has an online store (www.aweebitteeny.com).  

As you can see from the far left, there is a silver chandelier with white “candle” lights with two matching scone wall lights which will go in the second story living room. Next to them near the front are two black and white lights for the outside of the shop. On the right side of the chair is one gold swivel light that I can set on a store shelf or counter to accent an item.  Moving to the right is another beautiful silver chandelier that will go in the bedroom. Finally, all the way to the right is a light with three golden globes that also goes in the store. There are two matching smaller ones that are not shown that I need to adjust (which I got for a cheaper price). 

The adorable table with two chairs is also from Lisa Hicks.  Finally, there is a silver desk light next to the blue vases. I will be most definitely ordering some more items… like the outside street lamps on her site…. Oh, my how cute, you should check it out on her site!

As you may have noticed I bought more kits from www.artofmini.com which is a German vendor who also has an online store. I have shown some finished kits from her in the Day 6 blog. I'm especially excited about the store counter in the box on the right side. There was a finished one on display and it is so perfect for the store! As I finish these kits, I 'll be taking pictures and share them with you! 

The raw wood shelving with the mirror behind it I also got from Lisa Hicks and I am thinking of putting this on top of the counter… I have lots of ideas swirling in my head.

I also got some box kits, maps and other paper products from Looking Glass Miniatures.  Other items I bought from various vendors are a white arm chair, a Paris pillow, gold ornate picture frames, two different blue glass vases, a silver radiator, gold serving platters, and a realistic skull.  Yes, a skull for the shop… You'll  just have to wait and see what I plan on doing with that one.

I did find some other items, but they are for other projects. Chris and I had so much fun!  Please visit her blog on our visit.  There were many items that are quite exquisite, but oh my… the prices.  There was one glass vase, very detailed that had price tag of $1,450 US…needless to say, I quickly stepped back not to even remotely touch the table…yikes! My entire Paris Project will not be that much!  The one show, although Chris and I found some of favorite vendors, was mostly for the collectors.

I did get the wallpaper cut out for all three floors. (That looks good!--Chris) 

 I can glue the wallpaper on the walls for the second floor (see middle wall in picture). I have to paint the door and inside window frames for the first floor (far left in picture). The wallpaper for the third floor (far right in picture) has to wait as I have to glue the extension to make the roof flat (original angled in kit) and I also have to paint the inside trim of the door/windows. I hope to accomplish this list this week, but I have a paper to do for my online graduate class, two full days of substituting at my son’s school and a state band competition to go to on Saturday for my son and his wind ensemble group. “Real life” is sneaking in on me… LOL

So, that's it for now. Until next time... Happy Creating!

Miniature Shows and Finds!

My friend Gigi and I went to two of the miniature shows held this weekend in Schaumburg, Ill., The Miniature Show and The Three Blind Mice Show. We went on Friday and managed to beat the snow (which btw was way overblown, only got an inch or so and it's already melted.) We were pretty tired by the end so we didn't go back on Saturday to see the Bishop International Show. Maybe next time.

Didn't take as many photos but here's a few of the "interesting" finds for you to guess the price at that we saw at The Miniature Show. They had some nice items, a lot of expensive items, but we found a few dealers we found really neat kits at. I'm sure Gigi will be sharing the unique hand-made LED lights she found for her Paris Miniature Project. (If you haven't seen the progress, click the Paris picture in the left column.)

First the Annual Guess the Price Game: (Answers will be at the end.)

One of several shelves with gorgeous, hand-blown crystal. Really sparkled but... ahem....  costly.

Very nice furred Reindeer...

Hand-turned ivory and wood urns

A mini cabinet house

Hand-knit doll clothing and dolls.

Also a few of my finds at The Miniature Show:

I most often look for different kits as I enjoy building things myself. Otherwise I usually buy only a few tidbits and small furnishings, that's about it.

I love the half scale kits from sdk miniatures from Pennsylvania. Nice quality flowers and furniture. I really like the style of her Gothic line that I'll use in my haunted house. I have the single bookcases and had to add the double sided bookcase, which is really neat looking.  I also like the look of Hollyhocks in a garden. I also got the Gothic table, a second one as the first one is being decorated as a cobwebbed Miss Havisham table.

I was thrilled to find these vintage style kits (hat boxes, top hat and shipping box set) from Looking Glass Miniature from Canada. Really reasonable and nice to find different types of kits! I like the shipping box set and want to put that in the eventual Attic roombox I will be making. A nice touch is the hats when done will fit in the two boxes I made up.

These were cool, too. I like the kits from Art of Mini from Germany. I got these two suitcase kits and a sheet kit of vintage scrapbooks.

At the Three Blind Mice show, I also got a half-scale craftsman plant stand kit and a real nice Craftsman Library Table kit, both oak for half price from TMC, Teresa's Miniature Creations. I also got a mid-size Mayberry Street room box for $10 from another dealer as it has a slight scratch on the top of the acrylic. Barely visible, so a great find!

Did you guess the prices?

From top to bottom:
Crystal vases and items ranged in price from $275 to $445 each. (Jim Irish crystal)
Reindeer, $495 each
Ivory - $995 each; Wood, $165 each
Mini house (I think this was the photo of the one I was amazed at) for.... $6,900
Clothing - left bottom outfit, $237, right side outfit, bottom, $197

There were others, too, but these caught my eye.  No, I didn't buy any. Maybe next time... haa!

#Paris #Miniature Project 10: A Cut Above!

The planning continues for the Paris Miniature Project which is my friend Gigi Nephew's Serendipity Shed renovation for the HBS 2019 Creatin’ Contest. 

(Click photo in left column to go to Day 1 or here - Day 1  - See last entry Day 9.)

 * Don't forget you can put your email in the subscribe to updates box under the Paris photo in left column also to let you know when a new post goes up.

Yes, Progress!!

By Gigi Nephew

Hello everyone! I'm so excited as it’s Miniature Show weekend with my dear friend Chris!!!!!!  I can’t wait to see what treasures I can find.

Needless to say, I will be focusing on items for the Paris Project, but then again if I see an item for another project… you other miniaturists get the idea. (Can't wait!! This is our annual day-long event. Always a good time!--Chris)

I got my darling hubby to do some cutting. Top photo: The openings for the second floor windows and door are cut, and the third floor window fillers are done, too! The only cutting left is the opening between the second floor and the third floor for the stairs.  (Nice job!!!--Chris)

The roof for the third floor is also cut out. There is a ledge about 1¼ inches all around.  I will be using the ledge for plants and other things. (Looking good!--Chris)

I plan on starting the wallpapering next week, all three floors! My vision for the Paris building is becoming reality!

Until next time… Happy Creating!

(PS, yes, I'll be posting photos from what we find and see at the shows!--Chris)