The Artist’s Studio – wiring channels
I showed you the lighting plan in an earlier post. Today, I used my Dremel Trio to put in the initial wiring channels, and it was quick work! :D
For the Lundby sconce by the entrance, I drilled a hole in wall so the wires would run down the exterior wall. As noted before, since I’ll be using non-replaceable bulbs, I need a backup plan in case I ever need to rewire these lamps.
On the outside, I first measured the siding strips to determine where my open spot would be.
Since other siding strips might vary in width, I marked these in order so I could use them as is when I apply the siding.
I made the usual wiring channel but routed an extra area where I can curl excess wires in case I need to rewire the lamp. I will leave this area uncovered by siding but hidden behind a fun exterior feature (to be revealed later). :D
For the two Lundby sconces in the living area, I did the same process.
The exterior feature for this wall will be a water fountain.
This is a lovely piece from Barb’s Corner on eBay.
These wires will be joined to one end wire to work as a set, and the routed area will be covered by the fountain.
I made a channel on the exterior under the door coach light in case I want to add another small light on the interior side.
The wire for the door coach light will run inside. I drilled options to run the wire through the floor or through the wall to the outside.
The bathroom sconce wires run through the wall to the living area side.
They will be wired as a set to work together, and the end wire will run out the back or through the floor (I drilled options for both).
The sunflower lamp will have my usual faux outlet technique.
Whichever easel lamp I use, it will also have a wall outlet. You can see the channel on the side wall…again with options for the wire to go through the wall or through the floor.
The recessed can lights require a larger drilled hole. I have a post on how to set these lights in place. The wiring channels for these run to the exterior side walls.
One of my lights wouldn’t fit, so I used a round needle file to adjust the hole.
On the fountain side, I curved the channel around the sconce channels.
On the door side, I made a straight channel.
As I tested the fit of these particular wires, I realized the can lights would have to be installed before the exterior siding, which is exactly the opposite of what I want to do. I prefer to mount siding when the walls are unassembled so I can press them flat to dry as needed. But, I had a lot of success using drawing paper templates for the Heritage attic walls, so that will be my solution. I will make paper templates for the exterior walls and prepare the siding on those before gluing the templates to the walls near the end of the build. :D
Categories: The Artist's Studio
February 2, 2013 | 0 commentsHappy Groundhog Day 2013
Woodrow is ready for the day!
I have a few new things to share, the first of which is my new Proxxon scroll saw. Sexy, no? :D
My friend, who is also a plumber, came to my rescue last weekend to fix my clogged drain, and while he was here we set up the saw. I didn’t have much time to work with it since I was finishing the trims on the Heritage, but I did make a couple of test cuts.
The cut balsa is smooth and not crushed.
The cut walnut was easy peasy compared to cutting by hand with a blade.
Categories: Animals and birds, Tools
February 2, 2013 | 0 commentsNew minis for grandma’s attic
I received another lovely item for grandma’s attic…a vintage race car in red.
This insanely tiny piece was made by Andrea Thieck, and yes, the wheels turn!
I also won a giveaway from Dolly’s Gallery. Gail sent me two lovely Saturday Evening Post magazines for the attic.
When it comes to vintage magazines, the ads on the back are just as interesting as the covers.
Categories: The Haunted Heritage
February 1, 2013 | 0 commentsHeritage – chimney side gable finishing
I finished the gable eave and trim for the chimney gable and the new back roof addition.
I trimmed the chimney with thin strip wood, and it looks a little awkward in places. But, I plan to cover it with ivy, so that will all work out in the end.
I finished the eaves on the new back roof and added finishing trim on the opposite side as well.
Categories: The Haunted Heritage
January 28, 2013 | 0 commentsHaunted Heritage chimney, part 11
Continuing work on the chimney. I traced the chimney outline onto a sheet of drawing paper to guide me in cutting the trim that will surround it. I didn’t end up using it as a guide, but it was worth taking the time just in case.
The chimney fits well against the house without additional adhesive, but that’s not to say it will stay removable. In theory, I can remove it in case of a major wiring disaster, but it would still require some deconstruction in that case. I just won’t weld it to the house.
I added flashing to the chimney using brown cardstock. I crinkled the paper to make it look worn and to help it form to the contours of the brickwork.
From my limited research, I believe chimney flashing is usually under the shingles on the sides, but we’ll just ignore that. :D
Next came the process of turning paper into old copper using paint. I dry-brushed each paint color over the paper flashing to age it. The final color of Bittersweet Chocolate toned down the other brighter and lighter colors.
Once I had that done, I added water to my palette and began streaking the same colors down the shingles to give the impression of mineral deposits building up over time.
It’s hard to capture in photos, but I love the way it turned out.
Categories: The Haunted Heritage
January 27, 2013 | 0 comments
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