Heritage – mossy roof

Moss = mess. That is a truism! :D To add moss to the roof, I used the same materials I had used on the mossy front steps – Aleene’s clear gel tacky glue and Fine Turf, Burnt Grass by Woodland Scenics.

I used a glue syringe to apply the glue, focusing the glue on the seams between the shingle rows with a few lines following the vertical lines between the individual shingles. I worked in small areas so the glue wouldn’t have the chance to dry.

For the portions of the roof that allowed access, I used a foil tray to catch the excess moss as I applied it to the glue.

I applied the moss liberally and let it set for a few moments.

I used a large, soft brush to remove some of the excess. Once the glue has set overnight, I’ll go back and remove more.

I filled that large gap in the left side valley…no need for that trim wood after all. :D

For the especially warped shingles, I worked those in my favor by adding a lot of glue under and around them. This makes them stand out more, but they look more realistic.

I think grandma might want to look into replacing a few of these before she ends up with water damage.

The railing on the sun porch is held in place with only pins, no glue. This means I can remove it as needed. I figured it would be easier to clean up the excess moss material without it.

I didn’t go overboard with the moss, and there will actually be less than you see here when I brush away the excess again tomorrow.

Yay for creepy, mossy house!!! :D

Update: after installing the bedroom swinging window, I added the final trim to the front gable as well as the trim between the main wall and the gable.

Categories: The Haunted Heritage
October 14, 2012 | 0 comments

Heritage – roof shingling, part 5

Continuing work on the roof. I cut and adjusted my templates for the two sides of the dormer window roof. The shingles for this portion were quick and easy to cut. The front roof is now completely covered.

I decided against any added strip wood to the gap on the left main roof since no gaps formed on the right main roof. The dormer roof will need to dry a few days to see if gaps occur there. I’ll just pile on the moss for the left side gap.

I shingled over the outer edge of the middle front section, using shingles cut in half lengthwise, with 5/8″ lines marked for consistency. I did this after the initial paint wash on the roof shingles in case those shifted or shrank from the paint treatments. 

It finished off the edge very nicely.

I painted the roof with a grey and black mixed glaze to match the main roof to the portico roof. I brushed on the glaze and wiped it away in a downward with a paper towel. I then used sandpaper to lift some of the color before adding another paint wash. Then I did a final sanding. I find doing multiple rounds of paint, washes, glazes and sanding creates a good depth of tone and a more realistic worn appearance.

I love the way it’s turning out!

I probably won’t do the roof ridges on the gable and dormer until I get the back roof on. I’ll need to finish off the top flat portion, too. For now, I’ll add some moss to the roof and concentrate on the landscaping. Halloween is fast approaching, and I want some Heritage Halloween photos this year!

Categories: The Haunted Heritage
October 13, 2012 | 0 comments

Heritage – The Tree, part 3

Continuing work on The Tree. After building the dogwood tree, with its individual leaves and flowers, I didn’t think The Tree would stand for foam foliage. Plus, I will be scattering the realistic leaves I took so much time to make, so the leaves on the ground should match those on The Tree.

Instead of making more right from the start, I filtered out the maple leaves from the bunch I already had. There are 88 branches, so I figured 1-3 leaves per. Mid to late October often sees sparse trees with more leaves on the ground than on the branches.

I colored the stems on these leaves with a brown marker so they would blend in more with the branches. I’ll leave the ones for the ground as is since those look better without the darker stem.

I glued them on individually, just enough to give The Tree a pop of color and some life. Having leaves on the ends of the branches also disguises the non-tapered ends resulting from the water putty process.

This old tree isn’t dead or dying by any means. It’s just ready for its winter slumber. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Once I have the roof finished, I’ll plant it and sculpt around the roots. :]

Categories: Flowers, plants, and trees, The Haunted Heritage
October 11, 2012 | 0 comments

Heritage – grandma’s neglected lawn, part 2

Continuing work on the lawn. I primed each foam piece with grey gesso. I had left the pieces removable since I didn’t want to risk getting gesso or paint on the brick foundation.

After these dried, I painted all of the pieces black. I still need to sculpt the area around the tree, but I sealed and painted all of the pieces I had cut previously.

I glued the foam to the landscaping board using Weldbond glue. I applied glue to both surfaces with a scrap of cardboard and then pressed the pieces into place.

I also glued the wood bases for the stairs and cellar doors in place, though the stairs and cellar doors will stay removable for the time being.

I added some leftover stucco patch to fill in the gaps between the pieces.

It will be easy enough to touch up the paint once it dries without marring the house foundation.

Categories: The Haunted Heritage
October 10, 2012 | 0 comments

Heritage – roof shingling, part 4

Continuing work on the roof. I finished applying shingles to the front of the house. I started with the right main front and then added shingles to the narrow piece in the middle that brings the roof forward over the portico. After those were in place, I added shingles to the center main front and then finally the right side of the front gable.

The only part remaining is the small dormer portion. I have just enough diamond shingles to finish the front, including the dormer window. I will need to order another batch to finish the back roof when I get to it.

As you can see, the right side is higher than the left side and the gable. All this will be figured out once I get the top roof piece and the back roof in place. I suppose an uneven roof will work in my favor for a dilapidated house.

I added the black/brown/grey color wash, which seemed to cause less warping this time around. Here it is still wet from painting.

Most of the shingles from the first portion I painted have returned to their natural shape with only a few warped pieces here and there. Those, too, are acceptable for my old, rickety house. :D

Unfortunately, some of the shingles have shrunk from the inner corners, leaving gaps. I figured this might happen.

The usual dollhouse solution is to add strip wood, but I’m not sure if this would detract from the realistic illusion I have going so far. I have some very small strip wood that might blend in well enough once painted to match. It will make me feel like the roof is more polished without drawing a lot of attention.

Another option would be to add a whole lot of moss in the crevices. I do plan to have a mossy old roof, after all. I could do both: add the thin strip wood and moss over it to make it less obvious.

Categories: The Haunted Heritage
October 8, 2012 | 0 comments