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Monday, June 19, 2017

Redeux or Re-Do?

And I had such plans to make noticeable progress...

But instead I am in a bit of a do over...


It started out promising... Just add a couple thin strips to the window trim to make them appear that they open out. Then add pulls and viola - something done. Got the brass handles and door knobs coated with gilders paste to make them look more gold than brass. Did the same with the dining room chandelier and fireplace sconces. Liked it. The that's when the setback happened...


While I'm here, I thought - better start figuring out the window treatments. Some luck there, as a random piece of clearance fabric that I bought ages ago seems to blend nicely with the color scheme. Had previously made up a cornice with decorative molding for over the door to add some oomph. Thought "why not do something similar for the windows"? You know - turn them into cornices for the drapes to tuck behind. I have some nice resin pieces left over from the ceiling decorations.


Great idea, until I made the mock up. Should they be painted white or fabric covered? The white looked too stark. If I covered them with fabric, the molding pieces would look silly just sitting on top. So, all progress stopped which was just as well since I was out of ideas. Then that night, while laying there with a migraine and unable to sleep, it came to me. White decorative cornices over the windows as part of the trim, then arched, fabric covered cornices as the drapery treatments. You'd be able to see the good stuff under the window treatments, reference the arches everywhere in the build and it would make it more interesting. That idea had to sit there and marinate as my attention was focused on Father's Day activities.

Note how far it protrudes.




As I was testing different mock ups I realized that the trims I'd added to the tops of the windows stuck out too far and would interfere with the way the drapes draped. At least this was an easy re-do - they came right off with only a little encouragement.





I haven't had occasion to play with the Cricut in several months, but I knew this was my opportunity. I made mock ups for all three windows with card stock, printed and gave them a test fit. Once I made a couple adjustments, I printed again on chipboard.


The arches themselves will be covered with a little batting and the same material as the drapes which will hang down between the decorative cornices and the arched cornices. Now I just need to learn how to use the pleater. On some scrap fabric first.



I also cut the new piece of "glass" for the front door and got the interior handle attached. The decorative glass came in the same eBay lot as the door but was a little too tall and narrow. I am hoping that a couple more syringe applications of tacky glue in the cracks will be enough to make it appear like glazing and not look weird. If so, I'll have to cut some trim pieces to cover it up.

Hopefully the window covering part goes well and does not require any more do-overs. Then I can turn my attention to getting the ceiling on. That will surely feel like progress!

Have a great first week of summer, everyone!

Jodi

18 comments:

  1. I have that pleater! It's a really awesome tool. Because of the humidity here I can't use hairspray or starch as a fixative so I use watered down white glue. Like Elmer's or whatever. Works pretty well and it's how I made the curtains for NOLA House.

    I like how your cornices look. Elegant but not fussy. And I can't wait to see the front door with light behind it.

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    1. Oh yes! I remember the NOLA window treatments and they were lovely! You've given me some much needed confidence - thank you, Sheila! I did buy some Stiffen Quick on Brae's recommendation, so I'll let you know how it goes with that. My material is like a rayon kind of thing, so I'm a little nervous. I second you on the light through the front door - I hope it's a special dollhouse moment! At this point any light progress will make me swoon!

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    2. I think the test run on some similar fabric will really help you. Plus if memory serves there are tons of videos for making curtains as well. Can't wait to see how they look. I know they're going to be gorgeous.

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  2. I really like your arched valances! Great idea and execution. :) I've got to get myself one of those cricut machines.. I've been umming and ahhing over a cricut or a silhouette.. I'm leaning to the cricut but am paralysed by indecision.. lol
    Really loving that door glass too.. what a pretty pattern.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sam! Yes you do NEED a Cricut! Your mind will explode with ideas! I haven't used a Silhouette so I can't speak to it, but the Cricut is very user friendly and there's tons of YouTube videos that get you up to speed quick! If you find a good deal on the Explore Air 1, it's just as good as the Explore Air 2 but deeply discounted.

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  3. I just bought that same pleather, haven't used It yet. The door 'glass' looks beautiful. I like the idea of the cornices repeating the arches, very clever.

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    1. Thanks, Keli! I can't wait to see what you get going with your pleater! And what fabric you choose!

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  4. Hello Jodi,
    The best ideas come to us at night ;) I must say I really like the cornice. The semi-circle cut out really highlights the carving. it will be beautiful. In fact I am loving your window very much. Great trim job. I must get some gilder's paste because it looks so beautiful, and the glass insert in the door is spot on. It is all coming together beautifully!
    Big hug
    Giac

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    1. Thanks so much, Giac! It is certainly the most challenging and thought provoking project so far, and I am enjoying the process. Keep the suggestions coming - my night time muse doesn't show up as often as I need her!

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  5. All of that prep-work with the wood trims has really paid off for you Jodi because the more of them you add, the more authentic your windows are looking! I love the faux work you have done to make them appear as though they are operational, it looks MARVELOUS! And your cornices are going to be just the ticket for over your windows.
    FYI Re: using your Pretty Pleater, I did a tutorial on how I used mine. Everyone has a method for making drapes and curtains which works for them, but if your interested, you might want to check out "Bed Curtains" on my blog. I have used a Pretty Pleater with natural and synthetic fabrics and it works well for both.

    elizabeth

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth! I have gone on over to the tutorial and am going to give it a new read with my drapes in mind. I think the coffee stain method may also be invaluable as my bed linens are pretty stark white and may need to be toned down a little. What would I do without your experience and willingness to so generously share? Big hugs! :O)

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  6. Me gusta mucho la puerta con el cristal. En cuanto a las cortinas tengo ganas de ver como quedan.

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    1. Gracias Isabel! ¡Quiero ver las cortinas también! Tal vez tendré la oportunidad de hacerlos mañana!

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  7. following this dicussion I started googling about pleats and just learned about this!! wow! this pretty pleater is super!! thanks for sharing the idea. I really did not know this existed ;-)

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    1. Well I am happy to share the discovery, Marion! Thanks to Brae and Elizabeth, I have two methods to try with the pleater so I will report my findings.

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  8. Excellent solution! I'm looking forward to your fancy draperies. :D

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    1. Thank you, Brae! I hope they turn out looking nice - my window coverings are usually very primitive and often fashioned with glue! :O)

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    ReplyDelete