I am really looking forward to starting on the exterior of the Storybook Cottage. So, in order to get there, I needed to get the rest of the walls erected, then finish off the interior trim work. Before I could attach the stairwell wall, the stairwell needed to be completely finished off, decor and all. There will be extremely limited access once the wall and roof are attached.
I finished the display shelf trim, then using mass produced roses and leftover buds and leaf stems from the vanity project, I made up a vase of flowers. The basket and smaller vases did a nice job of completing the space.
Here's the view looking up the stairs to the landing where the dormer window will let in some light.
I centered the vase to be seen through the upper arched stairwell window...
And the clock face in the lower...
Here's a view of the front of the cottage to re-orient you with where those peek-a-boo windows are situated. They are the two small windows going up the stairwell wall.
I made a lot of trim work for myself with all the changes I made to the kit. It was slow going cutting and fitting all those angles. They say the camera adds ten pounds. Well, it also adds cracks and flaws to all your finish work. I see some areas now that still need a little attention. But overall, I am happy with how things are looking.
Above is the stairwell landing with the built in bookshelf and added dormer window, and below is the bedroom space. The bathroom door has the same frieze application of the potted tea plant to match the doors downstairs.
And here is the bathroom with the built in cabinet and beadboard tub surround. The trim work I did on this dormer isn't as nice as I had hoped, but will fade off into the background with everything else going on in here.
And here's how the back opening looks, so far. Once I touch up all the trims inside, I can attach the back finish pieces and the shed dormer upstairs. Then, begin on the exterior.
It's looking like a happy place, and one I'd love to spend some time in. That's a good enough feeling for me, and I really do love it!
Thank you all so much for being on this Storybook adventure with me!
xo xo,
Jodi
Thank YOU for letting us be on your story book adventure. It is all simply lovely. Perfect vases and basket, perfectly placed. Not sure if this is a help or whether you have your own method for sorting trims.... to fill any tiny gaps I just use a small brush dipped in paint then dipped in the very fine sawdust you get from cutting the trims and work it gently into the gap until it is sealed. Paint alone will do the job if the gap is very, very small, though you may have to do that three or four times and wait for it to dry in between. https://daltonhouse.blogspot.com/2016/12/trims-sitting-room.html
ReplyDeleteThank you Marilyn! Your post and your comment have excellent tips! I just love my sanding sponge, too! Nothing better to make the wood smooth.
DeleteI went back in this morning (prior to a nasty ocular migraine followed by the real thing) and did some more trim work and filling. Looks MUCH better now!
my sanding sponge is my best friend!
DeleteI love your house it is sooo pretty. The stairwell is beautiful with the vases and basket. You have so many wonderful ideas. Wonderful job. Looking forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteHugs Maria
Thank you, Maria! I am so happy you like the stairwell shelf decor! I was lucky because I had these in my stash, so my poor planning didn't cause a panic!
DeleteOh it's gorgeous! So much light. I love that.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't that drive you crazy how the camera picks up all those tiny flaws? Wood putty and spackle to the rescue!
I can't decide which is my favorite but I have serious love for that door.
Thanks Sheila! At first, it does drive me crazy because just when you think you're done, you see the flaws. But in the end, it is good to see them now before it's too late to make them better. I just have to curse and sulk for a while! :O)
DeleteHi, Jodi - I am so in love with that stairwell display shelf! Your choice of accessories is perfect, and the roses are beautiful. What a great idea to center the roses and the clock to be seen from the arched windows - that just doubles the viewing pleasure. Given the complexity of all the trim pieces, I think you're doing an outstanding job - and you're right that any minor flaws will just disappear into the background and never be seen. The bathroom floor looks just right for this cottage, although I know it wasn't part of your original plan - but you've done wonderful work making it fit right in. I'm looking forward to watching you work your magic on the exterior of the cottage.
ReplyDeleteMarjorie
Thanks Marjorie! I am happy you like the shelf decor, too! I did go back and make some improvements to the trims where I could, but some things will just retain their character! ;O)
DeleteMy feelings toward the bathroom tiles are improving, too. I love the color, and that makes up for so much!
A mi también me encantaría estar en esa casa Jodi, es armoniosa y los colores tan dulces que te hace sentir paz y tranquilidad. La composición floral es finísimo y la idea que se vea por la ventana fantástico.:-)
ReplyDelete¡Ven sobre Rosa y compartiremos una taza de té! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te guste también!
DeleteBeautiful accessories on the shelf. A wonderful choice of colors. I love the green pottery pieces. Such a restful atmosphere inside. I'm looking forward to see more. Thank you for sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Drora
Thank you Drora! I have always loved the pink and green combination, and especially when the pink is almost coral. I am lucky to have had these little vases in my stash!
DeleteSe ve tan acogedora y alegre que a mi también me gustaría pasar en ella unos días. Me encantan todos los ángulos y rincones que tiene.
ReplyDeleteVen, Isabel! El asiento de la ventana será una cama de invitados muy cómoda, y podremos explorar los jardines y hablar sobre la vida con el té.
DeleteHi Jodi! I think this cottage is so Sweet... and I am partial to tea too! LOL! You have done wonders with all the different trims being added... these kits are in need of trimming no matter what you do! I adore the window seat at the top of the stairs... really everything about those added stairs! Your decision to put them "out front" on the house is such a brave one... adding all those angles and windows, but it really works!!! I think the kit makers should have a look at your design!! LOL! As for the rough edges in the bathroom.... if you have ever lived in an older house... you will know that the corners and angles are always a bit rough! I think once you have added all your "treatments" no-one will notice the cracks. As for the exterior.... I can't wait to see what you are planning to do! This is such a fun project to follow!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Betsy! I am happy that you share the joy with me that adding these features brings! It does make for more work, but it makes it a little more special, too!
DeleteWouldn't it be a dream to know how to use design software to create your own dollhouse plans? There is always something on the kits that just doesn't quite work...
I am so happy that you have given me a pass on perfection for the trims. Try as I might, I can only do so much. So we'll just call it character!
Wow, great work Jodi - it’s almost finished inside! It is a beautiful little cottage.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannon! It is exciting to be reaching the point where I get to see if all my bright ideas will actually work! Not to say I won't have painted myself into puzzling corners, but I'm pretty confident that the good will outweigh the challenges ahead!
DeleteIt's almost ready to move in ;-D! I really like this little house, it's adorable and full of lovely surprises :-).
ReplyDeleteI am really happy with how it's coming out, and I'm so glad you like it, too!
DeleteA week or two on the exterior, a week or two on the windows and exterior frames, a week or two on the roofing and then I'll be able to begin making all the furniture and soft furnishings! And then... Let the decorating of all these lovely precious things I've been collecting begin! :O)
It's inspiring to see the process and it is a lovely and cosy house.
ReplyDeleteThanks Veronique! I am so glad you are here to share the experience with me! It makes it so much more fun to share with people who get the whole mini passion thing! :O)
DeleteYour Storybook cottage is as Cute as a Button Jodi! The view of the dormer window at the top of the stairs AND the shelf with the pots and plant, is Really Lovely as is the window seat and the bead board detail around the tub!
ReplyDeleteI also like the medallion you've included over the bathroom window- the perfect finishing touch! :D
Thanks Elizabeth! This style is really speaking to me, and it is such a great feeling to be happy with the direction that things are taking me! It's such a fun style to explore!
DeleteLove all of the nooks and crannies! The colors are so soothing. Looking forward to seeing where you go from here.
ReplyDeleteThanks Grandmommy! I am loving the soothing colors, too, all inspired from the wonderful wallpaper by Itsy Bitsy Mini! I hope wherever the project takes me next is as much fun as it's been so far!
DeleteHi Jodi, Love the little vignettes you’ve made in the peek-a-boo windows! It’s fabulous to see the whole build from the back in the last photo too. Just seeing it from this view makes me really appreciate the stair placement. So clever! I also really love the way you’ve managed to style the entire build so everything fits seamlessly together in terms of colour and style. Hope you're having a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristine! I am really enjoying where all of the initial ideas for the project are leading - it's keeping me excited about moving forward, which is sometimes a challenge for me.
DeleteRuss and I took a mini vacation over the weekend, enjoyed a little adventure, some beautiful weather and some amazing views from Olympic National Park. Hope your weekend was a great one, too! :O)
It was big fun to dive into your beautiful photos to discover all the wonderful details. I really admire the stairs, this is very inspirational, and the additions you've made now with the decorated shelf and keeping in mind the view through the tiny windows just add to Ah!-effect. This is a wonderful project and I can only agree that this house will be a happy place to live in. Btw you made me smile with your comment about the cruelty of the camera - I suppose we all can tell a tale or two about this. Well, I can… ;O)
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Birgit
Thanks Birgit! I am so happy that the project evokes happy feelings and some inspiration for you, as well! It's been a fun style to explore, and it's so encouraging when you're able to make an idea work in practical terms. It is good to have the photos to help you find the flaws, though at times is can be frustrating. Oh well, if it makes us better...
DeleteHello Jodi,
ReplyDeleteThe bedroom and the bathroom are beautiful spaces. the house is so full of light and so many interesting architectural touches. I am just in love with all your built in pieces and the "carved" accents you added to them. It is stunning and the staircase shelf is perfectly accessorized. Keep up the amazing work.
Big hug
Giac
Thank you, Giac! It is so rewarding to try out new ideas and have them become successful experiences! I'm glad you like everything!
Delete