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Friday, February 2, 2018

Sinks For Sam

Sam over at Blueprint Minis has recently discovered some techniques for miniature watercolor painting, and boy has she exposed a hidden talent! If you are not a follower of her blog or seen her awesome works of art, I suggest you go take a look! She shares her resources and encourages everyone to give it a try!


When she left a comment a couple blog posts ago saying she should commission me to make a sink for her basement apartment bathroom in the San Franciscan she's building, I saw my opportunity for a swap! We discussed styles and measurements, then I got to work! I love a challenge, and I super hope that one of the designs I've been playing with will satisfy the look she's trying to achieve.

Sam's Inspiration Sink with My Doodling

I wanted to try versions with both round and square sinks. I had a square plastic sink left over from a Reallife kitchen kit, and a round one I'd salvaged from the Barn when I realized I wouldn't have space for the two bathrooms I'd planned. These would make suitable models for the prototypes.


The inspiration sink appears to be constructed from thin metal, so I used 1/16" basswood. I cut the top and shelf using the life sized measurements scaled down to 1/12th. It is roughly 3" wide x 2" deep x 3" high (not including the back splash).


To cut the sink hole, I marked the center point between the sides, cheating the sink toward the front edge to leave plenty of space for taps (and bathroom-y stuff). Then I measured each of the sink halves out from the center point, top and bottom, then drew the circle around to connect them. You could also just trace the circle, but my sink will be under-slung and the sink is too large to just trace - the hole would have been too large. You could also just use a Circle Template, but that is one tool I don't have!

To cut the circle, I first traced the line with my flower making stylus, a tip I learned from the fabulous tutorials on Julie Warren's YouTube Channel. Then, my Xacto played nice and just stayed in the pre-grooved line.


To make the rounded legs, I used 1/8" dowel rod, the smallest I had on hand. Scale-wise, I think it's fine. For added stability, I sanded the ends to fit inside bead spacers with holes just slightly less than 3mm. I used contact cement to glue them together, then glued the spacers to the bottom of the sink tops so that the spacers were flush on the sides. To the bottoms, I added another spacer and some tiny beads that looked like they'd make good feet.


I added an extra shelf, as Sam suggested that the more display space the better. And I agree! We both weren't quite sure about the back splash and shelf, and the 3" w x 2" d measurements would leave the bathroom space a little tight.



With adjusted measurements, 2-1/4" w x 1-1/2" d and still 3" h, I cut new pieces, this time using a large bisque bowl for the round sink and a homemade wooden square one.




And employed the same method for the legs with bead spacers and feet. To fit the lower shelves, I traced the 1/8" dowel onto the corners of the shelf pieces, then cut and sanded away until they had a nice fit.


Here are the smaller versions. Sam and I still need to consult about back splash, details and finish, but since she is on a fabulous three week ski vacation, these may sit like they are for a bit. Which is good because, there hasn't been a hint of good spray painting weather here in weeks!




I don't know what that groundhog is seeing, but I never trust that guy, or the weatherman anyway! :O)

Hope the sunshine finds you, wherever you are and whatever the temperature may be!

xo xo,
Jodi

28 comments:

  1. Nice sinks. Who is your lovely sink model?

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    1. Thanks Keli! It's a good start, anyway!
      The model is Kairi, purchased as the resident for the Beachside Bungalow kit back in the summer of 2016 (which still remains in the unopened box). You can read about here in this post:
      http://my-miniaturemadness.blogspot.com/2016/09/side-tracked.html

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  2. I love that one with the deep rounded sink, the smaller version. Something about undermount sinks, I'm a sucker for them.

    Can't wait to see how they turn out!

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    1. Thanks Sheila! I am liking the smaller ones, too. I am finding often that converting things from 1:1 scale into perfect 1:12 scale isn't always pleasing to the eye. The larger ones have inspired me to think about making a stove/oven, though! I like the back splash shape for that!

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    2. Yes! It would be perfect for a stove. I've been building a stove with a similar backsplash oh, for about a year now.. Lol.. One of those projects that you get stumped on a particular part and they sit unfinished until you figure out what you are going to do.

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    3. Lol! I have a special box just for those! For some of us, good things take time!

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  3. I think Sam is going to be happily surprised!

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    1. Thank you for your vote of confidence, Grandmommy! I hope so - we'll see how the painting and finishing cooperate! :O)

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  4. Yippee! Very happy, but not surprised at all. Jodi's handmade stuff is always fab! This is great! Now we get more feedback :D

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    1. Yes! Extra eyes and input are always appreciated! Sometimes when you've looked at something too long, you stop "seeing" it!

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  5. Dos modelos geniales, le encantarán. Buen fin de semana:-)

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    1. Gracias Rosa Maria! ¡Espero que lo haga cuando todos hayan terminado!

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  6. Me gustan los dos nodelos. A ver si tienes un poquito de buen tiempo y quedarán geniales.

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    1. Gracias Isabel! Espero que sí, pero mientras tanto, tengo planty de mini polvo y reparación para mantenerme ocupado!

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  7. Well done Jodi! I have to say that I like the shape and sizes of both of the ones for Sam; and also I greatly admire your creativity and growing Proficiency in sink making!
    You might have to build new homes for Each of them! ;D

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth! The sinks have been a great learning project! Repetitive and hands on are the best ways for me.

      As far as building new homes for the sinks, I currently have a collection of 8 completed (or nearly) structures and one in progress (which needs an entire kitchen), 10 1/12th scale house kits waiting and one (I think) still on my wish list. I won't count the 1/4 scale village houses or the 1/144th scale kits. I will practice sink making, maybe keep a few, maybe give some away, and maybe purge some on eBay at some point. I am feeling a strong urge to purge old projects to make room for a few of the dreams that are waiting. In fact, I've spent the day removing furniture and accessories from the Contemporary Ranch and may list that on Craigslist!

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  8. The sinks are lovely. Like you I find precise one twelfth scale sometimes too big, doesn't make sense I know when it is going in a one twelfth size room. My theory is that whatever wood or fabric it is made of can't be 1/12th so it sort of visually bulks it up. Purging possesions is so good for the soul, enjoy shedding some sinks and other stuff. Lucky recipients. Marilyn

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! Even the smallest difference, like using 1/16" vs. 3/32" can make all the difference to the eye. It's an ongoing challenge, but overcoming the challenges are one of the best things about making minis!
      Even after making the decision (which took three years!) it is still so hard to let things go. My love becomes renewed, and my heart wants to hoard! Even when my brain knows to let go is to have more!

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  9. Sam is very lucky but she´s going to find very difficult to choose one. I know I would. You have mastered the art of sink-making, well done you!

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    1. Thanks Alex! Mastery is an elusive notion, but the trying and experimenting is good for the old melon. If one of the models ends up working well for Sam, I will be so honored just to have a place her her special dollhouse!

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  10. Un trabajo sensacional. Enhorabuena.
    Un abrazo

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  11. Hello Jodi,
    These are both wonderful. Both are beautifully done and would look great in Sam's house. I look forward to seeing which one she picks. How wonderful when talented artists get together and swap.
    Big hug
    Giac

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    1. Thanks Giac! You're right - a swap between mini friends is always fun, and making something for someone else is always such great motivation to do your best!

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  12. Oh! Both sinks are fantastic. A very difficult choice to make.
    It's wonderful that you both were able to make a swap, each getting a gorgeous object that she desires.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! It is awesome to think about having mini friends in every corner of the world, and being able to give and receive with them! I bet your list of countries is astounding!

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  13. Hi Jodi! Your sinks are fabulous... again and again!!! I applaud your inventiveness and dedication to getting it right! (I always hate to start over on a design!) I took a look at Sam's paintings and agree that she is on a roll! I hope she has a wonderful vacation! What an amazing place is Blogland!!!

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  14. Thanks Betsy! I know it sounds like a goody two shoes answer, but I truly am grateful to be able to explore this hobby, and to share it all with the amazing kindred people I've come to know through it!

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