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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Modifications...

I was so excited when I went to bed last night, knowing I'd have time to work on the soap shop today, that I lay there for hours going through the steps in my mind. I finally did fall asleep, and woke up ready to jump right in this morning.

After the first dry fit I was able to determine the modifications I'd need to make to accommodate the new doors and windows. Before marking where I'd need to trim away some of the window openings, I had to modify the windows...

These are cast resin frames by Jim Coates that I purchased on eBay several months back when I began to plan this project. They are very detailed and very nicely finished. I needed to turn them into a single double window, so I needed to trim them down so that they'd be flush where they met in the middle. Using my Xacto knife worked perfectly. I then sanded down the gold paint so I'd get better glue adhesion.  

Here they are before the trimming...



And here they are trimmed and glued.


There will be matching frames on the inside, so I modified and glued a total of eight window frames.

The double windows are just a bit larger than the openings in the kit, so I trimmed away the plywood using my scroll saw. I had to make access cuts in a few cases, but these are easily repaired later with interior and exterior wall finishes.

Before making the cuts in the bay window wall...



After cutting away the plywood.



Here is the left wall with the bay window and attic window in dry fit...



Here is the front wall with the new door and window frames in dry fit. I had to fill in a little space on the top and take a little off the sides...



Some of you may remember that I had dormers for the barn project. Because of the slope of the roof, Russ helped me to recreate the angle in the dormers by cutting them with his compound miter saw. There was essentially half a dormer left over for each of the three we cut. This gave me an idea... The front roof seemed awefully big and boring on this kit. It was crying out for a dormer, and I just happened t have an extra round attic window...



I'll have to come up with some adorable cornice or something to dress it up, but it will sure add some character to that roof!

Here it is in dry fit again after the modifications...



I cut away the settle bench wall from the porch too. I want a more substantial porch for displaying stuff to lure you into the shop.



I should be able to camouflage the bad filling job around the attic window.

I cut most of the second floor away and just left a shelf for displaying stuff. Because the new door was so much taller than the kit door, I cut out that floor section completely. We'll see what ideas strike me in that area as we go along.



Next comes sanding and priming. I'll probably paper and trim out the interior walls for the most part before I glue the structure together. That's going to be the hard part, because I have so many ideas swirling in my brain, but no idea yet if any of them are good ones...

More fun to come soon!

14 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you, Kat! I think the gold has got to go, but how can you go wrong with such detailed window frames? All I can take credit for is the weakness to buy things that are so wonderful!

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  2. Ha, you don't need to lure me into the shop. It looks like it is going to be one of those beautiful old buildings that are repurposed for modern retail. I love discovering places like that and finding out what is inside =0) Love those window frames

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    1. I just love those shops, too! And, I hope this one turns out so sweet that I just want to squeeze it! Are you back to working on the brick building with the lovely loft and wonderful windows? I've missed seeing it "become"!

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    2. You know how it is Jodi, too many projects on the go at one time. It's currently dismantled and leaning against a wall. I'll get back to it before long =0)

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    3. That's great news, Pepper! I know life fills up with things too quickly, so inspiration waits a lot of times. When you get back to it, I'll be there enthusiastically lurking! :O)

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  3. It looks great so far. I really like the idea of the high ledges to display stuff!

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    1. Thanks, Cyd! Let's hope I can make stuff worthy of display! How's the Creatin' Contest build coming? I am excited to see where you're going with it!!!

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  4. Wow! The new windows and door look fantastic! I like the way you are going with this shop. Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

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    1. Thanks Shelley! I can only take credit for buying them, but I am glad that you are going to follow along as I go! Suggestions are very much appreciated, too!

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  5. I love the changes you made and the double windows are a perfect fit. Can't wait to see more! I agree with Cyd, the shelf idea is great.

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    1. Thanks Susi! Just a few more days and I'll be able to get back to it again! Hopefully between now and then, I'll come up with a more solid plan for the finishes I want to use. Just too many ideas!

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  6. Hi Jodi!
    This project looks like it is off to a Great Start! I love the new door and the windows which look classy and far more interesting than those original to the kit. Your addition of the dainty round windows is another great touch which soften down the angular lines of the structure and make it look both friendly and exciting! Two thumbs UP! from me:D

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    1. Thanks E! Now I just need some of your beautiful roses to adorn the inside and out! I'll be going back to that post to study your method! Mine will no be nearly as stunning!

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