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Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Pound Cake Logo and Window Decals

The tardiness of this post is credited to the significant challenges I had in front of me this week. But, as you can see, they have met their match and Pound Cake's name is officially on the shop!


Getting the front wall installed on the Brimble's Merchantile kit became a little more complicated because of the fancy and much thicker coffered ceiling. I had to notch the side frames for the front door and dry fit them with the ceiling in place. Then, I could dry fit the door and window frames and begin the long process of installing them. This wall has to be completed before the ceiling can be glued in.





I sanded, painted then glued the interior window and door frames, deciding to go against the kit instructions and install the "glass" to the exterior of the shop rather than the interior. In fact, I decided to make my windows using 1/32" Lexan rather than the flimsy and very vulnerable acetate provided with the kit. How awful would it be to damage one of the weaker window panes after going through all the trouble to make them? Before I could get to that point, though, I had to make some decisions about front window decals...

I wanted to create an icon to use throughout the bakery on signs and packaging. Using Publisher, I combined shapes and lines to create a layer cake balanced on a tipping scale. The reason for the name "Pound Cake" will become much more obvious as the build moves forward.


I then imported that graphic into Cricut Design Space. I chose old fashioned lettering and viola -  Pound Cake's logo. These would be cut from vinyl and applied to the shop's front windows.


To see a great and simple tutorial on the entire vinyl process, click here:
Cricut Vinyl On Glass Tutorial

This photo shows the remaining vinyl after cutting and then "weeding" away the negative material. My little dots did not make it through the weeding process. They were so tiny and the backing paper so slippery that I had to finally, abandon them.



This photo shows what the vinyl looks like after the transfer tape has been applied on top. It's like packaging tape type material that picks up the vinyl. It comes on a roll so you can cut off the area that you need.


This is the decal applied with the transfer tape onto the pre-cut Lexan window pane. Trying to center it width wise and position it correctly vertically was a slow and steady process. I made sure to burnish it well with my finger to ensure the vinyl would stick well to the window.


When you carefully peal away the transfer tape it leaves the decal behind. This too was a slow and steady process.


To sum up my vinyl experience, I found that the Cricut cut these small and intricate letters perfectly. I did take the video tutorial's suggestion to select "more" pressure in the settings window for the cut. Even the tiny dots on the cake icon were cut well. They were just too delicate to remove cleanly from the backing paper. Trying to then reposition them by hand and keep them spaced right and level would have been almost impossible. Maybe with more practice I will learn a trick to make it easier.

Here is the window pane installed into the exterior frame and being glued to the kit's front wall. Because of the 1/32" thickness of the Lexan, the glue also acts as window glazing, filling in gaps which paint completely conceals in the end.


And in position. This whole "photographing black with a camera phone" thing is going to make me WORK!





Inside view of backwards lettering...




Here's one applied to the soda fountain back bar's mirror.


The entire vinyl procedure was delicate and fought with potential peril. BUT, as with most things in life, having a zen like focus and a surplus of patience made for a victorious ending! AND, isn't it fabulous that the Cricut has made lettering dollhouse windows a much realer possibility?!? Hooray for technology!

Now, with that same zen like focus, I intend to tackle that ceiling installation!
A little luck wouldn't hurt, either! Wish me some, will you?

xo xo,
Jodi


50 comments:

  1. Good luck! I think it'll go really well though, your measurements are meticulous. The windows came out great!

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    1. Thanks Sheila! There is always something, no matter how many dry fits, that you just could not plan for. Hopefully, I can figure out ways to solve those!!!

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  2. Your logos and window decals look great, and now I’m intrigued about the significance of the name, Pound Cake. When I returned to miniature making about 8 years ago, I hoped to incorporate new technology. It is taking time, but your Cricut tutorials really help. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks Sherrill! It has been fun to think of ways to employ the Cricut's help! I know we all have so much to accomplish that trying new things can sometimes seem like too much. I hope in my trying I inspire those of you with these machines to go for it, too!

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  3. La tienda es preciosa por dentro y por fuera.
    Me encanta el detalle de las ventanas !!

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    1. Gracias Eloisa! ¡Estoy muy feliz de que también te guste a dónde va la tienda!

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  4. Thanks for sharing your Cricut successes. It is such an amazing tool and you are doing such a great job wrangling its possibilities.
    I am just getting my feet wet, but it is so much fun!

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    1. Thanks Carrie! Each new challenge helps you build your confidence and I know you'll have yours mastered soon! There is so much helpful info out there that seeing a few videos really spurs you on! I think you will really love the fabric cutting utility for all the amazing costuming you do!!!

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  5. Bonito diseño. Ha quedado muy bien en las ventanas.

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  6. Wow! I really like how your windows came out. That is a very interesting technique for cutting and placing the vinyl. (And I'm intrigued by the Lexan.) The lettering came out so crisp and clean, but I can just imagine how difficult it was to make sure you got it in exactly the right place. Well done!

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    1. Thanks Deb! Russ saw me working on them and asked why Cricut did it this way rather than just having the decals mirrored and already mounted on the transfer tape like the wall vinyl we have throughout our rl home. It must have something to do with the cutting process and the blade not cutting through the waxed backing paper. Not sure, but maybe it will make more sense as I work with it more.
      The Lexan comes evem thinner than what I used so might be a great alternative for you in half scale. It cuts with either the plastic cutters or an Xacto blade. The other nice feature is that minor scratches can be virtually removed with a little car wax.

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  7. VERY COOL, Jodi! LOVE the logos on the window :D

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  8. Me encantan los logotipos y como se ven en las ventanas,son sencillos,sin estridencias visuales y captan la atención enseguida! Imagino el trabajo de diseño y sobre todo la colocación! ha tenido que ser un trabajo para poner los nervios a prueba!
    Pero el resultado es más que excelente!!!!
    Besos.

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    1. Gracias pilar! ¡Fue un proceso estresante ya que la mayoría de las cosas son la primera vez! El personaje del vinilo me sorprendió, siendo más frágil que otros vinilos con los que he trabajado. Pero una vez que se manejan las características, el resto es solo una cuestión de cuidado. Me alegro de que te gusten!

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  9. Wow, your fight with the decals and logos ended up in a very good way, Jodi, the shop looks great already! It sounds that your Cricut machine is a true miracle and a fantastic helping hand in making miniatures. Good luck!! Good luck!! I hope this is enough good luck ;)?! You never can have enough of this stuff ;)!!
    Hugs, Ilona

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    1. Thanks Ilona! The machine is allowing me to add just the next level of detail which is so satisfying! Things I hesitated to try before are now possible! Learning new things for me is always intimidating, too, so having little successes is helping to build my confidence that you can teach this old dog new tricks! :O)

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  10. I should say "Hooray" for Jodi who is able to tackle this advanced technology!
    Good Luck! I just love your work and am happy to be a follower.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! In most things in the world these days I feel left far behind! But with minis I am highly motivated to try new and challenging things! I am so glad to have your encouragement and to know you are along this journey with me!

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  11. You do like a challenge.... fitting walls to ceiling looked 'interesting'. Well done with the adjustments so far and much luck with the rest. As for the decals - they just look as though they were meant to be and have always been there which is the ultimate measure of success after much thinking and doodling and then actually making. You underplay the brain work involved. I love watching your projects come together. Keep on keeping on.

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! I do like it when an idea becomes possible and I guess the success is like a drug! One fix and you're addicted, lol! Once I realized that dollhousing is a series of problem solving and that things don't always go your way, it made making things more relaxing. Plus, unlike RL, things don't have to work, they just have to look like they do, lol!

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  12. I was telling my husband about your projects on the new Cricut. He was a machinist for 30 years and is well versed in using the CNC type machines which on a large scale are amazing as they cut sheet metal and make locomotive engine and airplane parts. Now that hobbyists have that technology, the imagination is the only limitation.The vinyl decals take window dressing to an entirely new level. You have moved the bar.

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    1. Thank you, Ann! I would agree that Cricut Maker really has moved the bar for us! For those of us that get a ton of satisfaction from the building and designing aspect, it has changed the possibilities! I love that our hobby touches our hearts so profoundly whether we love to build, decorate, collect or all three! There really is something for everyone. A CNC machine? That sounds like the coolest job ever, especially the design part!!!

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  13. Un gran trabajo y la técnica de vinilo queda perfecta para tu escaparate,besos:-)

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    1. Gracias rosa maria! ¡Estoy feliz de que te gusten!

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  14. Wow, Jodi, it all looks so Professional!!! I would be hand lettering with my little ink and paintbrushes... you'd be Amazed at how much static builds up on a surface and makes the paint "jump" from the brush to the surface... (I painted window lettering a long time ago!) The Cricut clearly gives you an advantage with things like this! Your windows look not just Awesome, but so Real that I think the casual viewer would not know this was a mini build!!! As for the ceiling installation... those issues of changing the thickness in a kit build always make life challenging! I am sure you are up to the challenge! This is going to be one incredible shop! And you are working at an amazing speed!!! :):)

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    1. Thanks Betsy! I am so happy that you like the window vinyl but if I had the skill and artistry to paint them like you do it would be so much more fulfilling! That's creativity straight from the soul. Having this technology makes it possible for folks like me, but it isn't soulfully fulfilling!
      There is always a point in one of these kits that I ask myself why I can't just leave simple and straightforward alone. It's usually when one of my big ideas has to fit practically into the kit pieces and still look functional. That ceiling was one of those points! I dry fit so many times until it slipped right in. But wouldn't you know the minute the glue went on a new issue arose! All is well that ends well and if that's the case I am still free to dream big! That's the greatest joy!

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  15. Wow is not the word to use here. Your creativity is wonderful and your ideas keep flowing! This will be gorgeous when you are finished and cannot wait to see it.
    mini huggs,
    Conny

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    1. Thank you Conny! I hope it all comes together as well as it has in my mind! As long as I keep moving forward when the challenges arise, I'll feel good about it!

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  16. Hi Jodi! I have to admit that sometimes I find difficult to follow your explanations, just because I have no idea about any fancy tools as cricut, design space programs or any of their features, etc. It´s my bad, the tools I use are very basic, lol. However, I am sure that anybody who have a basic idea will find your tutorials and entries very helpful, you are so generous in giving detailed instructions and I applaud you for that. If this world was a University, your blog will be a MUST course to take, for sure!! I love the results you achieve, the decals are of excellent quality and your windows look superb!

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    1. Thank you for the kind comments! I am so sorry, Alex, and I do wonder when I am typing if my explanations are going to be clear enough without also being too tedious! I worry, too, that our languages won't translate very well to one another and if the subjects I explore will even be interesting. I admire so much those of you who put your blogs in a couple languages for those of us with only a passing foreign language grade so long ago in school. I promise that my intention is not to confuse anyone, only to encourage anyone who thinks that they can not learn new things to give them a try. I am definitely not the brightest person in the mini world - not even close! But with a little encouragement, I hope all who are interested in new technology will be moved to try.
      There will be more things in the bakery such as the appliances that I will employ the Cricut for as I continue the build, but there will be lots of traditional methods used for much of it too. I hope you'll stay with me and that you'll enjoy all that is to come! Hugs!

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    2. Oh, no, believe me Jodi, I LOVE your blog and entries and the detailed explanations you give. I know is hard to write a blog and many times its just easy to skip the explanation and hows to, but you are a generous soul and always share with us. I have found very useful many of your tips and tutorials. What I tried to say was that I wish I had a cricut and cricut knowledge to make the most of your valuable experience. I am not bad with computers and technology and you have tempted me so who knows maybe one day! Please keep the amazing work going. And btw, don't worry, you're explanations are very clear and I love reading in English as I always learn new words and better ways to speak in English. I have no intention to go anywhere, I love this place and your wonderful work!

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    3. Thank you, Alex! Your kindness and encouragement mean so much to me! I hope you will one day get a cutting machine, too, because with that creative and problem solving mind of yours you will be teaching all of us some really neat ways to use it! What I need to find is a proofreader who is not a crafter - to check me to make sure I am making sense, lol! :O)

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  17. Wow those shop window sign beautiful they say you must come in for some sweet cake's for your coffee or tea break.
    I'm going to put the kettle on my mother is coming to visit me and we have some sweet bought by the baker so... lol!
    have a nice day,
    groetjes van Marijke

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    1. Thank you Marijke! I am happy that the window signs invite you in! I hope at some point to actually have baked goods in the window displays to tempt shoppers even more! I fear that as I move forward I'll be craving all kinds of delicious and sweet things, too, and will have to expand my trousers!

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  18. Your Cricut machine is a fantastic help to make miniatures. So the signs are perfect.
    I really like to follow your progress and your explanations.

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    1. Thanks Faby! If I did not have the Cricut, I fear that the Brimble's kit may have languished on my shelf for another couple of years. It is making all the difference for me in this build and I am so happy that you are finding it interesting!

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  19. Do you have barrels, buckets, jars, bags and jugs at hand? Okay, here it comes: *Throws loads of luck to the other side of the globe* I hope you managed to catch every bit of luck you might need, if not... I have no doubt your talent, skills and especially the zen-like-focus plus the never ending patience will do the job. ;O)

    I've so enjoyed your explanations how you made those stunning windows. They look so "professional", as if being an industrial print on that lexan. I never stop to be amazed about the wonders the Cricut-Jodi-Team can achieve. And it was also amazing to see how you constructed your logo, very clever... and the result is impressive. What a stylish and inviting shop front!

    And now have fun with the ceiling! *teehee*

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Oh Dear Birgit ~Thank~You~ for all the wishing of Good Luck!!! It worked!!! I have wrangled that wily ceiling into submission and am currently squabbling with the ceiling pendants! The things we will do for LOVE! :O)
      I am so happy to hear that you like the window vinyl and that you think they look Professional! I am blushing over here, lol! I am so happy that technology has made a way for folks like me who cannot draw a straight line or paint a simple flower to save our lives!
      Hugs back, my friend!

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  20. Looks great, nice to see how you work everything out in detail, the decals on the windows ... beautiful

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    1. Thanks fpr the lovely comment, Gonda! I'm glad you like the front windows!

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  21. Queda una fachada preciosa.
    Un saludo

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    1. Gracias marian ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te guste la tienda!

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  22. Ohhhhh, me encanta.
    Se ve tan elegante la combinación blanco/negro.El suelo y el mobiliario son súper bonitos, y la fachada impresionante.
    Deseando verla llena.

    Un besin

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    1. Gracias carolina ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te guste cómo va el proyecto! ¡Abrazos!

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  23. These turned out great! I do like my Cricut but I rarely use it. I'm on the fence about the Maker and trod along with my Explore One. :D

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    1. Thanks Brae! You make magic happen with what you already have so there's no need to change a thing!

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  24. Your patience is astounding. Zen, indeed. :)

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