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Thursday, May 24, 2018

Storybook Cottage Preparations

I didn't get my regular amount of mini time this week to work on the Storybook Cottage, so I didn't really finish anything. But I did solidify some ideas, and got some things prepared for the next tasks at hand.


I settled on the layout and elements for the bathroom. One of them was the built in unit with a faux cabinet door and two open basket shelves. Another was that the clawfoot tub would be surrounded with beadboard. The last was that I'd add legs to the front of the sink.

I made the built in unit in the same way as the other elements so far - a combination of Cricut designed and cut chipboard front and wood construction on the rest.



Once I had the bathroom figured out, I realized that none of it could be installed until soooo much else was finished. So, I had to rethink what the next, most ideal order of operations would be. I realized that it is just about time to begin permanent wall assembly. Almost... First, though, I needed to finish all the interior window frames on the walls.


This is where the Cricut saved the day again. Remember how I'd added new arched window openings to the new stairwell wall that I added? And remember how I changed the kit windows from their original triangular top shapes to arched, as well? I needed to make the frames for all of them.


Thank goodness for the Cricut, because if I had to cut all these frames myself, interior and exterior, let's just say they wouldn't be as neat!


So, along with the kit's actual wood frames, I sanded, filled, sanded...


Then painted and painted... And here is where I got.


My next steps will be to get the frames installed onto the walls, and then glue the three main walls and stairwell section to the first floor. But that, my friends, will have to be delayed until next week's mini time. This Memorial Day weekend is designated for family camping, where minis aren't allowed. I'll miss them, but will have this view to console me:

Mt. Adams
To those of you in the US, who get to enjoy an extra day off work, remember those who fought and continue to work towards freedom everywhere. To everyone, everywhere, remember to take time to make special memories with the ones and things you love.

xo xo,
Jodi

26 comments:

  1. Hello Jodi,
    I love the layout of the bathroom. I think the built ins are a terrific idea which really maximize the space and the nook that it creates for the bathtub is perfect for ta cozy cottage. I am still ina dmirtaion of the changes you made to the kit and the windows came out very well.
    Have fun camping with your family...I hope you will have great weather.
    Big hug
    Giac

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    1. Thanks Giac! I am looking for opportunities with this build to add unique and special touches here and there, and the ideas are often a bit too enthusiastic. There is just no room for all of them! Luckily, though, some of them do work and are just enough challenge to keep me learning and interested without being off putting. I am glad you like what's going in!
      Camping was wonderful, a little chilly and windy the first day but perfect the next two. A beautiful spot and a recharge for the soul!

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  2. My husband is a veteran and actually likes that I'll have an extra day to mini. It means he gets an extra day to watch baseball. Of course he'll keep up a running commentary and i'll have to respond or 'come see this' but still, it's nice.

    I love your bathroom built in. And those window frames! OMG! If I had any ability to deal with graphics programs I might think about getting one. Those window frames are perfect, nice clean crisp edges. Love!

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    1. Hope you have fun this weekend! Take pictures and maybe they can become a backdrop for your cottage.

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    2. There is nothing better than being with the one you love, even when it's in adjoining rooms doing separate activities that each one enjoys individually. A baseball game playing in the background is a comforting feeling, isn't it? Give him a kiss on the cheek from me and tell him he's a hero in my book!

      You are one smart cookie and could figure out the Design Space or similar software in a weekend just watching a few YouTube videos. Don't let that stop you from getting one of these one day. You'll come up with loads of creative ways to use it!

      It was a great camp out - Russ got some great photos! Maybe some day I will get one of those free programs that let you print large images onto separate 8.5 x 11 pages so you can tape them together to make posters. They would make great backdrops - great idea!

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  3. Hello, Jodi - The Storybook bathroom is going to be so pretty, with those built-ins for storage and the convenient placement of fixtures. The beadboard detail is a great choice, and of course all those trim pieces for the windows just add the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your family camping time!
    Marjorie

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    1. Thanks Marjorie! I am getting excited to begin the actual assembly process now that most of the fixtures are resolved. There is so much happening in the real life world that finding the "mini time" might be the biggest challenge.
      Camping was such a recharge! Had our little doe wander into camp on the second night this year. She visits us every time we camp there, and it is comforting to see her alive and well again!

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  4. Happy Memorial Day weekend Jodi! I think it is a grand thing to break free from our mini madness every now and then, to spend quality time with the ones we love, and to enjoy the beauty which is all around us,
    So have fun camping! :D
    Meanwhile, the progress on the bathroom is going so well! I know what you mean about waiting to permanently glue the walls together- it IS a BIG commitment but your bathroom even in its planning stages is going to be Wonderful!
    I LOVE the way you have been able to accommodate a shelving unit despite the angle of the roof. It makes the bathroom appear more spacious than it would be without it! Having the dormer window over the tub gives the impression of airiness and room to breath and the pitch at the top of the window repeats the shape of the shelf unit which visually unifies that wall.
    Love the bead board and love the placements of the utilities too!
    Lastly, you are definitely ROCKIN your Circut machine, Jodi and what a time saver it is! Your shelving and windows are consistently clean and precise because they are done by A PRO!
    Looking forward to your next installment :D

    elizabeth

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth! The past two summers have been so busy with deadline jobs for Russ that our camping trips really suffered. We have plans for at least four more long weekends this summer, and are looking forward to reconnecting with some of our favorite places. I have decided to bring along a small tool kit and see if I can construct deadfall birdhouses to leave behind at each place. Woods and minis - the best of both worlds!
      I am happy you like the bathroom elements! It's been so much fun to try to utilize the spaces to maximize the storage and decorating possibilities! And that Cricut really is a godsend and a time saver! Now the challenge will be what order to do things, and in thinking through the processes, it seems I'll be jumping around a lot between the inside and outside. Keeping my fingers crossed that it all comes together in a way that keeps me excited about the project!

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  5. Has aprovechado muy bien el espacio del baño. Un gran trabajo el de la ventanas. Espero que disfrutes de una buen día en familia. Desde luego el paisaje es espectacular.

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    1. Gracias Isabel! Me alegra que te guste el baño! El campamento fue maravilloso, ¡un lugar tan hermoso para estar cerca! ¡Especialmente cuando el clima es soleado y cálido!

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  6. Hi Jodi! Your bathroom is showing true promise! It is going to be fabulous! And I am sure you can imagine I would be cutting all those frames by hand.... I need to get some real tools! I hope you have a Wonderful and re-invigorating vacation! That is what they are for... and you look like you have a great destination! :)

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    1. Thanks Betsy! I attempted to cut a few of the frames using the pre-made and kit windows as the pattern. The ones I cut from balsa wood turned out okay, but were so fragile I just knew I'd break them somehow and have to remake several of them. I also tried basswood using the scroll saw. The outside curve was okay, but needed a lot of sanding. The Cricut just takes a lot of the work out and the chipboard is much less expensive. Not to mention that it does a way better job than I can! :O)
      Camping was so relaxing, so peaceful, doggies loved exploring the forest, the campfires were lovely, we had sunshine! Just what we needed!

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  7. Wow Jodi! You can be proud of yourself for doing such a great job with fantastic results. I love how this bathroom is already looking and am sure it will be even more beautiful when finished.
    Have a nice outing with your family.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thank you Drora! I am happy you are liking the bathroom! I have come to understand that sometimes results have nothing to do with the amount of effort we put into something. Mostly, we just get lucky or we don't with an idea. So, when things do work out, it's better to thank God than to pat ourselves on the back! ;O) I am a nobody and nothing special at all, I just enjoy the creativity and especially enjoy getting to share the passion we all have for minis!
      The family time was wonderful!

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  8. Que bonitos los cambios de este kit, la buhardilla es un elemento fantástico realza la casa con el otro trozo de tejado; el baño promete. Que pases un feliz fin de semana en familia.:-)

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    1. Gracias Rosa Maria! ¡Estoy feliz de que te guste el baño hasta ahora! ¡El tiempo al aire libre con el esposo, los niños y los perros fue realmente agradable! ¡Es una verdadera bendición cuando podemos encontrar el tiempo para disfrutar de la compañía de los demás!

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  9. Still cracking along I see! Love the ideas for the bathroom. Adding the legs to the front of the sink is inspired. A cute cottagey detail. :) And beadboard for the tub surround.. *swoon* love! That cricut is certainly earning it's keep on this build.. I've said it before and I'll say it again.. I've got to get one of those! But not before I know which voltage zone of the world I'll be living in. ;D Wrigley and I went for a walk down to the beachfront this morning (it's only 3 doors away which is good for his wobbly old legs). We walked on the sand and he dipped his toes in the salt water.. It made me smile to see him so happy... Even if he does walk like a drunken sailor.. lol

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    1. Thanks Sam! I am sneaking in every mini moment whenever possible. It puts my mind into a good place when I can focus on something solvable and gratifying. I am glad you like the bathroom so far, and yes - you will NEED a Cricut the minute you know where to plug it in! :O)
      I am so happy you are getting in so much quality time with Wrigley! I keep remembering what you said about making every day a great day for our fur babies, and it has made me more cognoscente to do the same. You are such a great momma, making sure he is living every moment in joyful happiness! I bet he is the most adorable drunken sailor that ever lived! Give him kisses from me, and sneak him and extra cookie!

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  10. Love the bathroom layout Jodi. I find it so hard to come up with good layouts, and I think you really managed the space the best. I hope you had a great long weekend away!

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  11. Oh my goodness is that dollhouse for real I tell you I am ready to move in just send me the keys please, the bathroom is breath taking the kitchen is gorgeous I just love miniatures when they look as real as yours

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  12. Hi. I LOVE your project! I have a Cricut machine I never used because it intimidates me! Did you cut wood on it? If not, what is the material you used to make the windows?

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    1. Thanks Debbie! I have used the Cricut in many ways for dollhouse building, so here are a sequence of posts that give sources for materials etc. and tips to help you employ what can be a powerful and revolutionary tool!

      https://my-miniaturemadness.blogspot.com/search?q=cricut

      And here is a link to Melody Lane's YouTube channel. Watching her videos is how I came to learn all about my Cricut and not be intimidated any more. I think you'll enjoy them!

      Good luck, be brave, and make minis!!!

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