Bodo Hennig sewing machine
Sharee featured her beautiful Bodo Hennig sewing machine last fall, and while it had been on my wish list already, seeing hers sent me on the search for one. The retail price is hefty, though I’m not saying it isn’t worth it. It’s a beautiful item, but I had hoped to find a better deal…and I finally did. This beauty was found on eBay for a nice price in pristine condition. It has a black rubber band that moves the needle and pedal when you crank the wheel. Miss Charlotte is a mouse doll from PamelaJunksMinis. The scissors and pin cushion are purchased minis from local shows.
The thimble is from Vilia Miniatures. It’s impossibly tiny with wonderful detail.
The box of needles is also from Vilia Miniatures.
I borrowed the vanity stool from the Heritage, and the mannequin was made from a Hazel Dowd kit. The fashion drawings and large books are from L Delaney, and the rug is from Dale’s Dreams. The vintage radio is from Halls Miniature Clocks (I have one in dark green, too). The yardstick was purchased at the local shows, and the cabinet was a local craigslist find.
I purchased the skeins of yarn over the years, but the knitting is from Small Talk (a vendor at one of the local mini shows). The basket is by Al Chandronnait.
It looks so real! :D
Categories: Furniture
February 20, 2014 | 0 commentsThe Brownstone – security gate, part 1
Before I could put the front steps together, I needed to address security for the lower level entrance. Wrought iron gates seem to be the norm, but my metalworking in miniature skill set isn’t quite there yet. Maybe someday. I started with a gate that Keli sent me a long time ago.
Using a carpenter’s square as a guide for the wall and ground, I set one of the gate pieces so there was very little space left uncovered at the top. I carefully removed bits from the other gate to create a complete iron door. I glued the pieces together using wood glue.
Now, to get it to function. I cut three lengths of 1/8″ x 1/8″ strip wood: two on the left and one on the right.
I installed hinges between the two left posts. I carved recesses for the hinges, drilled pilot holes with a mini drill, added a thin layer of super glue gel to help secure the hinges and then pushed the tiny nails into the pilot holes.
Once I had the hinges functioning smoothly, I glued the gate to the right hand post. I covered the existing lock detail with wood veneer to mimic a lock box. The back piece is flush with the gate, but the front piece hangs over a little to catch the adjacent post.
I added a pair of French door handles from Mary’s Miniatures.
Check the fit. Looking good! :D
It’s 39° outside…let’s go spray paint! :D Okay, maybe not…it’s also dark outside. I don’t need to have this finished and installed to move forward. I just needed to figure out the basic fit.
Categories: The Brownstone
February 18, 2014 | 0 commentsThe Brownstone – entrance and front steps, part 8
Continuing work on the entrance and front steps. I cut two pieces of balsa to finish each of the tops. I would have used basswood, but I didn’t have any 1/8″ thick on hand and this is the hardest sheet of balsa I’ve ever seen. You can’t bruise it with your fingernail at all. Very dense fibers on this one.
I sanded the edges and adjusted the fit before coating the pieces with spackling to remove any hint of grain.
I sanded the pieces smooth.
I then painted them to look like stained concrete. :D
After a light sanding of the base coat of Fawn by Americana, I applied a mixture of Fawn, Desert Tan and Staining Medium to the stairs. The Staining Medium made the paint more of a glaze, so there is a subtle variation of color that is hard to see in photographs. I will add more aging once it is all glued together.
But, I have one more thing to address first. Stay tuned.
Categories: The Brownstone
February 16, 2014 | 0 commentsThe Brownstone – front door, part 2
Continuing work on the front door. Now that the frame has been constructed, it’s time to add the 1/16″ x 1/16″ trim to keep drafts out. This also serves as the door stop to keep the door from swinging freely in and out. No more drafty door!
The threshold trim is 1/32″ x 1/16″ for added realism in proportion.
Next up was the transom window. I used more 3/16″ x 3/8″ trim to make the sides and top. I glued only the sides in place. I made a channel from the same trim used on the door frame.
This will hold the acrylic window in place. Here you can see I’m using the acrylic sheet during the gluing process to ensure a secure fit.
I taped the top to the sides and fashioned the remaining channel. The top piece will remain removable until I get the whole thing painted.
Ok…time to do some painting and staining before I can move forward. :D
Categories: The Brownstone
February 13, 2014 | 0 commentsThe Brownstone – entrance and front steps, part 7
Continuing work on the entrance and front steps. My second arch turned out better, so I altered the first one. My second wall also lined up better, so the two don’t match. I’m not going to redo them since you won’t see them side by side…well…except here. :D
I painted the stone with a base coat of Fawn by Americana.
After the base coat of Fawn by Americana had dried, it was time to start adding color washes and glazes to add some dimension. I mixed Mississippi Mud with Staining Medium, both by Americana, and dotted the color at random. I wiped it off immediately.
I added a number of paint washes to get a deeper color variation. It ended up a lovely warm color. Now the texture and outlines show up well.
Categories: The Brownstone
February 12, 2014 | 0 comments
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