The Brownstone – bay window section, part 5

Continuing work on the bay window section. After assembling the front wall, I added the trim to the interior upper window.

It was then time to add the bay window section. I drilled holes along the front grid opening.

I used a drop of super glue gel to insert headless pins into the drilled holes.

These are meant to add stability to the joins as opposed to just gluing the bay section onto the front.

I lined up the bay window section to mark where pilot holes should be drilled in the opposite grid. After drilling the holes, I tapped it into place without glue in dry fit…but then it wouldn’t come back off. Haaaaaaaa! Well, it’s sturdy at least. :D

The front panel of the bay window popped loose in the process, so I had to glue that back in place. No biggie.

There was also one section where the bay window met the front wall that needed extra glue as well. Once the interior basswood padding is glued in place, any gaps between the two sections will be masked.

Some of the black window frame pieces popped out with the hammering and handling, not an unusual occurrence. I’m foreseeing a lifelong battle keeping these pieces intact.

I glued the interior window trim/padding pieces in place. This creates a solid, smooth surface for finishing later on in the build. :] I used toothpicks wedged into the corners to hold the boards in place while the glue dried.

Here’s the front wall with the side addition, front door and front steps propped in place.

I think we’re getting somewhere! :D

Categories: The Brownstone
April 17, 2014 | 0 comments

The Brownstone – front wall progress

I finished painting and sealing the timber grid and then added the completed filler pieces.

I drew guidelines for the lower stonework.

I cut trim for the garage door opening since the wood included in the Timberbrook kit is rather wide. I like this thin trim look better.

I applied the egg carton stones, leaving the edges open. These pieces will be added after the structure is glued together.

The backer board is 1/8″ thick and won’t allow the same finishing process I used on the bay windows, using 1/16″ basswood to act as inner trim work. (Here’s the post outlining this process.)

I determined the bedroom size (on the left) as well as the place where the floor board will hit. I cut the marked corner from the backer board.

I will finish the window and pad the wall for a smooth surface using the basswood trim method. (Here’s the finishing post for this window.)

I painted the stonework with the base coat of Fawn by Americana.  I then glued the backer board in place.

Categories: The Brownstone
April 16, 2014 | 0 comments

Bishop, day 1; 3 Blind Mice, day 2 – 2014

Went to the Bishop Show on Friday for the preview sale.

First, the item up is the one I couldn’t show you the other night.  Two fox doorknockers in brass from Ron Stetkewicz Miniatures.

Jane Graber pottery.  There’s one more piece I’ll be ordering from her directly since she didn’t have more there.

Twilla’s Tiny Treasures.  I bought two more birdhouse kits like the one I made for The Aero Squadron Lounge.

She also had the tiniest pine cones which she said she harvested after a wind storm before anyone could trample them.  :D

Lisa’s Little Things. These kits looked beautiful in the display, though it is hard to tell the amazing detail from the package photos.

Griffin box.

Small and long treasure boxes.  There are two boxes in each kit.

Tea chest.

Wendy’s Miniatures.  She had such an amazing collection of geodes, fossils, gemstones and other curiosities.

Vilia Miniature.  I have one of these sinks already, but I have an idea for another.

These stacking trays came in blue, red and green.

Vitreus Ignis.  Tiny glass paperweight.  She had a lot of wonderful designs.  It was so hard to choose.

Ray Storey lighting.  I always find great stuff here.  :D

Miniature Atelier 2CV.  Wonderful modern hardware.  They had intricate metalwork inserts for doors and windows as well as beautifully made furniture and lamps.

Ulus Miniaturas.  The smallest tape measure ever!!!

L. Delaney.  These quilts are printed on paper towel.

The detail and texture are amazing.

She had a bed made up with one as well as some folded in a cabinet…very realistic.

I also picked up this tile with a bird.  She said these were images from Pompeii.

Sir Thomas Thumb.  Carpenter’s square.

He also had loose Chrysnbon sinks, tubs and toilets.  The tubs didn’t have the feet, and the toilets didn’t have the tanks, but they would be great for bashing into custom pieces.  I picked up a bunch of the sinks since I love them and don’t want to buy the whole kit every time I want the sink.  I also picked up some fencing which you will see on the Brownstone.

Then back to 3 Blind Mice.

All About Miniatures.  Greg kept putting more things out for us to peruse.  :D  First is a window with arched shutters…awesome.

A working gate.

Old World Tile kits.

I love these!

Hartland Miniatures.  Chrysnbon pitcher paired with two glasses.

Chrysnbon candy dishes.

Brushed metal salt and pepper shakers.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
April 13, 2014 | 0 comments

3 Blind Mice – April 2014

I went to the 3 Blind Mice show tonight, its opening night.  There were several rooms of vendors, and I was able to find a lot of great stuff.

The first stop was Greg’s table, All About Miniatures.  He has some great old new stock.  I picked up some Architect’s Choice brackets in three styles.

I picked up a Timberbrook sliding door at J&J Dollhouse Minis.

Two snowmen from Patricia M. Wehmeier Miniatures.

I also picked up a great candle mold from Patricia.  She always has great found items, but these were all her own.  :]

The beautiful table and chairs set was actually all sold individually, which I think is fabulous.  There were chairs in black, white and green, as well as long tables instead of square.  These are from Wildwood Dollhouse & Miniatures.

The aging is superb.

I’ve been in love with this sink for awhile now, and a few have gone for big bucks on eBay lately.  I was able to find one for a very good price from Hartland Miniatures.

This fun book shelf is from Debbie Ohm.

This great macramé hanging planter is from Linda’s Creations.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
April 10, 2014 | 0 comments

The Brownstone – bay window section, part 4

Continuing work on the bay window section. I masked off the top portion of each basswood padding piece and affixed the pieces to my work board.

The edges will serve as part of the window trim, so I stained them with Minwax Dark Walnut.

When working with a lot of pieces of similar shape and size, I mark the backs for reference. This one shows the upward direction, first section, right side, outer trim.

I will prime the remaining portions before applying wallpaper, but I am choosing not to prime before installation since I don’t want to risk warping the boards. Instead, I glued in the forward boards, the middle trim and interior corner boards.

The remaining boards will be installed after I glue the bay window section to the front wall, so this part is as completed as it can be to this point. Here they are in dry fit, so you can see what I’m after. :D

Categories: The Brownstone
April 8, 2014 | 0 comments