Search My Blog!

Use the Search box below to find keywords that you're looking for quickly and easily!

Search Feature

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

When Ideas Won't Leave You Alone...

Last week when I posted about our upcoming anniversary trip I really thought that I'd have no time for minis. Yeah, right! In the midst of doing all sorts of road trip prep, packing and domestic chores all I can think about are minis! From contemplating paint colors to dreaming up whole new project ideas. I think when my mind is in neutral that's when the best ideas come to life. The kind of ideas that just won't leave you alone...

Before the Saturday "deadline", I played around with some kits in the packaging to see what might work. After I had a rough idea of how the displays and fixtures would fit, I began to make some kits.


I had a couple of these little plant stand kits but it seemed like I needed something a little taller. These were great - just needed a little tweaking..


I cut the two back tabs from the chipboard shelf piece...


Then did a little re-configuring by gluing what was supposed to be the front piece to the back/top of the back piece...


I added some brackets, additional shelving and trim...


And there you have a set of display shelves with much more display space! Once they are painted and filled, I think they will be lovely!


I still have to add some French fru fru and paint but it's a great place to stop before vacation!


Because, while I could have been spending this bonus mini time getting more accomplished on the flower shop, that nagging idea just kept dogging me. It just would not go away! You know an idea really has a hold on you when you are willing to dedicate 45 minutes to reorganizing, labeling and taking inventory on your little trims and moldings.


I started by cutting the floor pieces to 6" x 6". I had 1/8" plywood so I cut two pieces and bonded them together for a little more substantial base.


It wasn't until then that I thought it might be a good idea to put on paper the ideas floating around in my head. You know, with real measurements ans stuff so I'd know how long to cut the pieces?


Once I had dug out the materials and felt a clear direction I got out the saw and wood glue.


Because I am an experienced mistake maker, I made sure the window fit again after the glue was setting up!


The second wall was much easier because there will be no window. Now I just have to find my protractor and figure out how to cut that angled roof beam.


 The base needs a little work and I'll get that sorted out before I build the support beam and roof pieces for the other 2 "walls" which will be mostly open. Then sloppy paint and clapboards, some shelving and some cute accessories and maybe this garden shed idea will be done with me!

I will likely post from our travels on the road, but until then, I wish you many mini ideas that will spawn new adventures!

Oh! And, ~C~O~N~G~R~A~T~U~L~A~T~I~O~N~S~ Morgen of Another Tiny Obssession for your third place win in the 2016 HBS Creatin" Contest! I absolutely love Under African Skies! Just brilliant!

xoxo
Jodi

16 comments:

  1. Hello Jodi,
    You sure do work fast! The shop fixtures are fantastic! Great job, the finishing is amazing! I love the new construction project!
    Big hug
    Giac

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Giac! I'm so glad that you are back and posting!

      Delete
  2. Great alteration on the shelves! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Brae! Necessity is truly the mother of invention!

      Delete
  3. Love those shelves!

    And I've got what is probably a newbie question. The metal tray with the magnets that you set up your wall to glue on. What is that called? I have a hard enough time at the hardware store finding help, if I know what it is I can ask what aisle its on at least. I've seen other miniaturists use them and I want one in the worst way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sheila!
      We are all newbies to some tool or technique in minis! If only there was more time to know everything, right? It it called a magnetic gluing jig. I believe I got mine at Harbor Freight but I can't find them there any more. MicroMark has one for around $25 plus shipping. It seems like a lot until you start using it - so helpful for getting all kinds of things square and straight! Here is the link for you:
      http://www.micromark.com/Magnetic-Gluing-Jig-10-1-4-Inch-Square
      It comes with only 8 magnets, but I think you can find those cheaper at Harbor Freight. Look in the Welding section. Oh to have a massive gift certificate to shop at MicroMark!!! Maybe someday...

      Delete
  4. I assembled that same plant stand for the porch of the mobile studio but didn't use it because it's too tall to be in scale. You bashed it fabulously!

    Have fun on your trip :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh bummer! I bet you can reconfigure it to make some great shelves or wall decor!

      Thanks! We are going through Cali to visit part of the family and I hope we don't get washed away!

      Delete
  5. Love those shelving units, Jodi. They work perfectly in the space. The garden shed is coming along so quickly. I can hardly wait to see it finished. Have a great holiday. Here on teh east coast of Canada we would gladly trade you for your trip through California. - Marilyn D., Oromocto, NB, Canada

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Marilyn!

      I saw all your snow and showed my husband! That is crazy! We got "snowed in" once in Montana when I was little - we had to tunnel out of the house. It was so fun then but that much snow just sounds like something to endure now! I hope it melts gently for you - come on spring!

      Delete
  6. What an imagination you have!!! I am very impressed with your kit-bashed shelf units as well as the framed in addition that you are making. Beautifully Done Jodi!!! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Elisabeth! I always get so inspired when I am making things for other people because I try to incorporate everything I know they like into it. I hope the person getting the little shed feels like I get her when it is finished!

      Delete
  7. I think you need to make minis with an egg timer running. You're at your best under pressure and with a deadline!

    <<>> for checking your window fits. I too enjoy the art if mistake making and I'm impressed you planned. That shed is going to look amazing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha! When I worked in corporate America the entire scope of my job involved publishing deadlines, so I think I really do get motivated from them! Kat - wait until you see what the Promarkers did to the egg carton stones - OMG! What a treasure they are!

      Delete
  8. I just found your blog on Pinterest. I am so excited to find a current miniature builder. You will teach me a lot. When you have moment, visit me at annsdollousedreams.blogspot.com.

    ReplyDelete