The Artist’s Studio – Daybed, part 3

The daybed looks as though it has a deep base to hold the proper support for a twin mattress, but the cardboard liner sits near the surface.

I replaced this piece with white cardboard and covered it with cotton to give the appearance of box springs set into the base.

I cut two layers of foam core board and glued them together to form the mattress. I made the foam core pieces smaller than the cardboard to allow room for the bedding fabrics.

I covered the mattress with millinery batting.

I made sheets from pretty cream fabric with light brown leaves.

I stitched the detailing around the top.  Even though the stitches are out of scale, I like the finished look.

I made a coverlet from printed cotton Sarah sent me. I wasn’t sure about using green for the green bed, but it was the best out of all the fabrics I tried. It’s understated yet fun. I made a white bed pillow with bead stuffing and covered it with a pillowcase made from the same cream fabric as the sheets.

The bedding is all glued in place, so it is permanently turned down for sleeping.

To disguise this fact when I want to show it with throw pillows, I’ve used a fine afghan from Mary at Roslyn Treasures. There are decorative throw pillows to lean on as well.

I think the colors and patterns all work well together without seeming like it was intentionally put together.

When the bed is made into a sofa, the sleeping pillow hides out in the cabinet by minisx2. :D

There will be more items in the cabinet eventually.

Categories: The Artist's Studio
February 28, 2013 | 0 comments

Book inserts – an ah-ha moment

Since I borrowed books from the Heritage for my rustic crates, I needed to make more to actually use in the Studio permanently.

I printed a new batch of covers, most are popular and/or classic novels. Here they are with the covers I had leftover from the Heritage library stash.

Usually when I make books, I use basswood or balsa for the inserts with the edges painted white, tan or gold. My scraps of basswood and balsa go into a bin where I can pick and choose various thicknesses. This time, I had a piece of cardboard in my stash. When I finish using a lined notepad, I usually keep the cardboard backs for templates and trials. As I was making books, I decided to use one of the thicker cardboard pieces…1/16″ thick.

Instead of painting the edges, however, I left them natural. Because this cardboard was made from pressed layers of paper, it looks very convincing as a book insert…especially for mass produced paperbacks. If the cardboard separates a little, it just makes it look like a book that’s been read a few times. :D I’m sure white or dark yellow mat board would work well, too. Less work…no painting needed!

I like the way these look as is, but I’ll make some more books with painted edges to mix in for a more realistic variety. I also need some varying widths. :]

The birdcage is a jewelry pendant; the vase is by Jane Graber.

Categories: Miniatures
February 27, 2013 | 0 comments

The Artist’s Studio – Wood stove, part 4

Continuing work on the wood stove. This is one of those instances where I knew I would be wiring the stove LEDs but did not plan ahead for it. Why? Who knows?!! But, all was not lost! It just took some extra steps.

I received the wider fire this week from Mainly Minis – a much better fit.

I drilled a hole in the back corner for the LED wires.

I used two orange flickering LEDs and a 3V battery adapter from Evan Designs.

I put the brick surround and stove in place (neither is glued) to determine where the wires would hit the brick base.

I marked the hole with a pencil onto the wood floor underneath.

I dabbed some paint onto the wires to mark the optimal position where the wires should come up from the floor.

The wire will run under the brick surround, through the wall into the bathroom, behind the baseboard and out the back. I drilled a hole in the lower bathroom wall in the back, angled down so it would not mar the exterior siding.

I fed a length of wire through the hole in the back wall and then through the hole drilled in the dividing wall. You can see where I started an indentation in the floor with my Dremel. This is where the wires sit under the brick surround.

On the outside, the wire wraps around the back in the base foam and ends with the 3V battery adapter. I will build something to house the switch and battery – probably a firewood storage box. :]

I made the hole in the stove large enough so the LEDs can be inserted from the bottom.

I twisted the LEDs slightly apart, then twisted the wires together based on color.

I tested the LEDs to make sure I was connecting to the right extension wire.

I used shrink tubing to attach the wires and then taped them into the indentation in the floor. The hole in the brick base is large enough to feed the LEDs through from underneath.

Test the LEDs again just to make sure, though I’m still not gluing the base in just yet. I don’t think there’s anything left to do first, but there’s no rush, either. :D You can see the paint mark for my optimal spot ended up being pretty close.

On the bathroom side, the wire fits into the groove in the baseboard (shown here using a scrap).  Ingenious design for this baseboard! I wouldn’t use it exclusively since it holds one wire without any shrink tubing on it.

And, now we have a lighted, flickering fire.

I do like this wider fire better.

Categories: The Artist's Studio
February 26, 2013 | 0 comments

The Artist’s Studio – Hummingbird shower part 1

Since I wasn’t able to find suitable existing artwork for the shower mural, I’ve decided to draw the scene. Or, at least, attempt to do so. It has been a long time since I last did a drawing.

Using smooth Bristol paper, I marked an outline slightly larger than what I need for the shower surround. I viewed my inspiration photo and did a rough layout with colored pencil. I used a deliberately soft touch since I can always add more color but it is next to impossible to take color up later. My layout is busier than the original, and I eliminated the butterfly.

Here is my inspiration from Fine & Country.

This was the best existing artwork I could find; it’s from 1ms.net.

I made a color copy of my initial drawing to see if I liked it in place before working on the drawing any further. I added some height to the shower wall after seeing how short my original mockups were.

I think we’re getting somewhere.

My drawing captures enough of the essence for me, so I’ll work on completing the drawing as is.

EEEEEEEEEK! Get out!!! :O

Categories: The Artist's Studio
February 25, 2013 | 0 comments

The Artist’s Studio – Daybed, part 2

Just a quick update to show you the new daybed with its fresh coat of paint.

I started with a base coat of Foliage Green by Americana. It’s a bright lime green. I sanded and then followed it with a coat of the same green mixed with grey. I added a final glaze of green, grey and brown, most of which was wiped away.

I wanted the daybed to look like a consignment store rescue – a little vintage but with a new lease on life.

I think it looks lovely.

Categories: The Artist's Studio
February 24, 2013 | 0 comments