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Friday, December 15, 2017

Eliminating A Trip Hazard


Now that's what I call a trip hazard. And, it just doesn't look very realistic. So what to do? Well, there are a couple options I considered. One was to raise the floor up. The ceiling height of the Duplex Room Box is just over 10", so that wasn't an issue. I could have added some 3/16" floor joists, attached the wood floor to poster board and laid that on top of the joists. Or, I could eliminate the threshold and run the wood floors through the jamb. The only issue then is, how to secure the bottom door hinge, if I still wanted the door to open, and I do. So here's what I did...



Pulled the pin and prevented myself from losing track of it by taping it to the floor.



Poked a pin vice through the original hole to mark the spot for the new hinge hole.



Because the pin hole ended up so close to the edge, I added an extension strip to the doorway.



Then drilled out the hole.




To remove the threshold from the door frame, I clamped it to my miter box and sawed through each side.


I like to tape a scrap piece of wood into the bottom of my miter box. I don't like the using the grooves to hold my wood - it's never as steady as holding it up against the fence. Plus, having the scrap wood underneath prevents me from sawing through the metal, ruining my miter box and my saw blade!


Now that the threshold is gone, there's a gap.


Good place for a kick plate!





I cut and sanded a piece of 1/16" basswood to fit, then added pearls for rivets and a sticker as an embellishment. I painted a base coat of brown wash. followed by an aged bronze metallic coat followed by another brown wash. I dabbed with a Bounty paper towel and it left a cool pattern on the paint.




To install the door, I exchanged the original pin with a nail that was about the same gauge but a bit longer. I applied a little glue to the end of the nail before sliding it into the door, then tapped the head flush to the floor with an awl.



The door closes and opens perfectly and feels very sturdy! This method may present some bigger challenges on a real dollhouse with thicker wood and multiple floors. I guess I'll have to deal with that when I start back in on the New Orleans...



Door and windows finished and installed...


Dusky dark...


One side of the duplex is ready for whatever comes next! But first, the second duplex space!

And maybe, some photos of the Sweet Christmas Cottage with Ellie & Jim?

Back soon!
Jodi
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23 comments:

  1. SheilaDecember 15, 2017 at 8:29 PM

    Love how it looks! That kickplate is awesome. And I really love your finishes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 16, 2017 at 9:41 AM

      Thanks Sheila! If I'd just had something a little smaller for the rivets, it would have been perfect!

      Delete
  2. Megan SchetscheDecember 15, 2017 at 10:46 PM

    It looks lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  3. marionswissDecember 16, 2017 at 12:55 AM

    Aren't these structural problems just exciting? It would be boring if one could just assemble things without hitches ;-)
    i am in love with your sache window though - it looks just fabulous and the hardware you used is totally realistic. Did it come in a kit?

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    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 16, 2017 at 9:45 AM

      That is true, Marion! It would not be as much fun without challenges to overcome and feel triumphant over!
      The window is a standard Houseworks opening window, and the handle and lock are also standard brass colored dollhouse stuff. I just painted them to look old and rusty.

      Delete
  4. Drora's minimundoDecember 16, 2017 at 3:41 AM

    Solutions are what keeps the brain active and yours are brilliant. I love the results and also love the window.

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    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 16, 2017 at 9:47 AM

      Thanks Drora! I need all the help I can get in keeping what brainpower I have left! I used to be a pretty smart cookie. Getting old is humbling, lol!

      Delete
  5. Contrastes-Rosa MªDecember 16, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    Genial como has solucionado el problema , la placa queda muy bien .Feliz fin de semana:-)

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    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 16, 2017 at 9:48 AM

      Gracias Rosa-Maria!
      ¡Espero que tengas un hermoso fin de semana también!

      Delete
  6. shannonc60December 16, 2017 at 12:42 PM

    The door looks fantastic Jodi! Really love this room!

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    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 16, 2017 at 12:55 PM

      Thanks Shannon! It's been a lot of fun to work on!

      Delete
  7. Isabel RuizDecember 16, 2017 at 1:25 PM

    Ha quedado muy bien.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Alexandra MartinezDecember 18, 2017 at 1:47 AM

    You are so crafty Jodi!! I always learn one thing or two every time I come here. And on top of that I have fun, what else can I ask for? Thank you and Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 18, 2017 at 10:38 AM

      Thanks Alex! Trying and improving on ideas is what makes me the most excited! I am so happy that in some small way it helps you! Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

      Delete
  9. GiacDecember 18, 2017 at 3:45 AM

    Hello Jodi,
    It is looking beautiful! Great job on the door. It really makes the project feel so much more realistic not having that bump on the bottom. The finish of the wood and trim is so nice. I just love it.
    Big hug
    Giac

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 18, 2017 at 10:42 AM

      Thanks Giac! It's so rewarding when we can find solutions to common mini problems. I am so happy you like the rustic wood finish. Now, if only I could do so well making wood finishes as beautiful as you do, I'd have it made! :O)

      Delete
  10. otterineDecember 18, 2017 at 8:40 AM

    Excellent change and good solutions along the way. Much more realistic for sure! :D

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    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 18, 2017 at 10:45 AM

      Thanks Brae! I can definitely credit the desire to strive for a more realistic form and function to your amazing builds! You have made it seem possible to dream and achieve better!

      Delete
  11. AnonymousDecember 18, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    Hmmm... never thought of removing these even though I've thought they are a bit ridiculous... Now I want them gone in my San Fran... :o
    In the Basement the brick flooring was the perfect height to blend them in but not in the garage or bathroom. However I'm telling myself there would be a natural step up from these rooms to the main living area of the apartment. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jodi HipplerDecember 18, 2017 at 2:33 PM

      I have left them as is in all previous builds too - too intimidating to try and tackle back then! You are right - in some cases, like a garage to the basement apartment they are perfectly acceptable! I think you could also replace the threshold with a lower profile piece for the upper floors of the San Fran. Lots of old homes do have transition thresholds, but the ones that come standard on Houseworks doors are a bit on the tall side.

      Delete
  12. Kristine PaperDollMiniaturesDecember 18, 2017 at 1:39 PM

    That interior trim on the door really elevates it. I have that same door and thought it was so ho-hum until now. And I was so surprised to find out you made that kick plate! From the newer post I thought it was all one metal piece! So well done!

    ReplyDelete

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