Swept Away

Every once in a while an idea comes to me out of nowhere. I get excited, I start looking around to see if the concept has been done before, and if so, how'd they do it. Usually, it's a real life sized thing and I have to figure out how to do it in miniature. If I'm lucky, I get really inspired by photos I've seen on Pinterest etc, and a scheme begins to materialize. I remember parts and pieces I have in my mini supplies that I can harness, and a new project is born. I am sure every one of you shares this phenomenon with me, so you can relate when I tell you I got totally sidetracked this week. That's how it happened, and why I paused production on the kitchen to make a hall tree for the living room.

I knew long ago that I'd wanted a hall tree/coat rack/entry table type of thing by the Cottage's front door. Originally I had ideas for using shutters with shelves, hooks, photo frames etc. But then I saw some photos of how people were re-purposing doors as coat racks and my mind exploded. I had to get out the notepad and write things down before I forgot them. That's how this crude drawing with notes happened.

Once I had the idea, it marinated overnight, and then Saturday morning I started looking through my stash. I had some real dollhouse doors, but then I came across some leftover wood panels from the Greenleaf doors I used as trim on the Botanique shops I started (but never finished) in 2016. They were the perfect size, and using my Cricut, I could cut the door's raised panels and arched transom window frames for the top. I took all the pertinent measurements, drew up a quick scale drawing on graph paper, then got to work in the Cricut Design Space program,

I wanted a tabletop and drawer piece to be attached, so was thrilled when, in my stash of kits, I found a House Of Miniatures Queen Ann Tea Table kit. How perfect! It was exactly the width of the door blank and had lovely cabriole legs.

I decided to use only the front legs and have the back attach right to the door. I also wanted to make faux drawers on the sides like some of the real life historically accurate Queen Ann Tea tables have. The kit didn't have drawers or a bottom, so I cut a duplicate of the table top to make a bottom. I laid out all the pieces and began to assemble.

Once I started building and dry fitting, I decided to omit the arched top. It just made the piece too imposing in the small entry way and really didn't need the extra detail. I added some Unique Miniatures reliefs (that I borrowed from the New Orleans' project drawer), Dresden trim to the sides and shelf, and shelf brackets (stair trim from JMG Laser Works).

While I had the Cricut projects going, I decided to make the frame for the arched mantle mirror too. I added subtle Dresden detailing on it, as well.

I mixed up some of the Cameo Blush paint with some Vintage White and some Sandstone. It kept the color in the pallet, but warmed and softened it a bit. Once I had a couple coats on, I gave it a test in the space for color and size, and to see how the details looked in the natural light.

Now it was time to start adding some of the details. Instead of sanding down the edges or applying ink pad ink, I decided to tie into the gold framed Unique Miniatures mirror and use Inka Gold gilders paste instead. I rubbed my finger into the gilders paste, then rubbed my finger across edges, the reliefs and the Dresden to give it some added dimension.

I did the same for the mirror frame, then added the mirror card to the mirror frames.

The mantle mirror is just propped against the wall for now - I don't think I'm going to decorate the living room until I have the kitchen completed, but I just wanted to get an idea of how it would look. It's hard to get my hand and the camera in here, so the second photo is taken from outside looking through the bump out window seat window. The radiator is just stuck in the fireplace too for now.

I didn't remember until I was writing this post that I forgot to install the hardware for the side drawers. Oops! I promise they'll be there after I accessorize the hall tree and post finished photos. The space between the table top and the shelf gave me just enough room for the mirror, two coat hooks and the door knob. Looks like my tacky wax has let my mirror slide out of place too. Ah jeeze!

I just love the view from the kitchen door! The home spun hall tree is not too bad for something I whipped up from my own imagination and my supply drawers! Oh, and of course, a little inspiration from all the real life decorator geniuses on Pinterest!

I hope all of you are being surprised with inspiration that carries you away to unexpected places! It's awfully fun to be swept away, and far too rare!

xo xo,
Jodi