'Tis a lesson you should heed:
Try, try, try again.
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try, try again.
I guess that one really struck a chord with me because it was the first time I realized that if you tried something, it was okay to fail - just keep trying!!! I've employed that wisdom countless times in my life, and just recently, adopted the philosophy for the Storybook Cottage's kitchen appliances. I really wanted a Do-Over, and I'm so grateful that I got the chance!
To refresh your memory, the first attempts at the Phoenix Models Ascot Gas Cooker and Fridge kits went great until I applied the paint. I did a lot of research to find top quality paint in a color that would work well in the Cottage's kitchen. The can I received must have been exposed to extreme heat or cold prior to life with me. It came straight out of the nozzle lumpy, even after I'd taken very careful steps to ensure the right temperature, and painstakingly shook the can continually for at least ten minutes.
First attempt with bumpy paint. |
Additionally, the paint color pictured on the seller's Amazon page was definitely pink. I received a color closer to apricot. The color I ordered and received, Cocktail, is actually very pretty, and would still look adorable in a retro setting, but my cottage was crying out for Pink!
Seller's Amazon Listing which still includes the wrong color photo. I did notify them. |
Actual Cocktail Paint Color Can |
So lesson learned, I was fortunate to be able to purchase a second set of appliances. This time I used tried and true Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover 2X (primer and paint in one) in Sweet Pea (same as the bathroom fixtures). Although this is the worst time of year to be spray painting, I took my time and the results were excellent! :O)
And here they are looking completely cohesive and comfortable in their new home!
The center table even got a bit of a makeover of it's own with the pink tile top.
And here are some pics of the sink side...
And the stove side...
And the whole room together...
And now that the kitchen appliances are finished, I get to decide where to put all of this!!!
This could be fun... And challenging! But just look!!!
Play time is ~F~I~N~A~L~L~Y~ here!!!
So what's going to happen to the apricot appliances? I've lovingly finished them up, and even with their spatterware texture, they're adorable! They will likely be listed in an eBay auction, soon, with a starting bid of $.99 just to make it fun. I'll let ya know...
This whole adventure, though challenging, has taught me something. I am still learning that loving the process of making mini dreams come true can be like working on a long and happy marriage:
1. You've got to be willing to overlook minor flaws in favor of the overall greatness.
2. You've got to have a short memory and be willing to just forget lots of unpleasant moments.
3. You've got to love the journey with a larger portion than the results or the expectation of where you might end up.
4. You have to be proud of the efforts and embrace the lessons that helped you grow.
I am going to try and keep these lessons in mind as I continue to embrace new challenges and, God forbid, have many more Do-Overs!
xo xo,
Jodi
Me encanta el nuevo color rosa de los electrodomésticos,los azulejos en la mesa me parece que quedan perfectos,es un conjunto precioso!! me encantará ver todos colocado en su lugar!!
ReplyDeleteBesos.
DeleteGracias pilar ¡Todo juega tan bien juntos ahora en tono y humor! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que también te guste el efecto! Encontrar un lugar para cada pequeña cosa maravillosa que he recolectado va a ser un verdadero desafío, ¡pero muy divertido!
What a difference the RIGHT color AND texture has made on your fridge and stove, Jodi. The saturated color of the Sweet Pea finish is a Perfect Fit and Definitely worth the extra effort! ❤️
ReplyDeleteI also love the pale pink tiled island work top and how it harmonizes with your counter tops- Beautifully Done!
The entire kitchen is already EYE CANDY but then seeing the last photo of all your Gorgeous accessories laid out at your fingertips was another KNOCK OUT!
I think that your gonna need a Bigger Kitchen ;D
Thank you, Elizabeth! It seems the second time is the charm in this little cottage because I keep fighting my first instincts. Will I ever learn?!? It wants to be girlie, it wants layers of pink and green and salmon in varying hues and by george it wants lace and roses! It is telling me "Push, push, push pastel and you will be fulfilled!".
DeleteI have been collecting little treasures for this project for such a long time, now. I kept finding things in my stash to add to the collection, bit by bit, too. I had them separated by room, but until I laid everything out, had no idea how much I had! There is no room for an extra kitchen, but I think many kitchen things will be spilling into other rooms!
And final decisions about floating ideas will have to be made. Curtains? Shades? Pot/drying rack? What to edit out? But I'm not going to rush, I am going to bask in this phase! 😁
I love the pink! It looks wonderful in the kitchen and to finally get the gloss/enamel finish you were looking for must be soooo satisfying. I'm so glad you got to try it again.
ReplyDeleteYou're going to have so much fun with your accessories!
Thank you Sheila! It is so wonderful to have achieved the finish I had initially imagined and to have it look exactly as I'd hoped! This was the kitchen I dreamed of for so long and it is finally a tangible thing!
DeleteDeciding where to put what and how best to show the special pieces is proving very challenging! And to think I thought I hadn't collected enough to fill the shelves! Ha!
I love the colors you chose. And the windows are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brandy! It has been so much fun to go all in with pastel girliness in this build, and I am even more excited that I get to keep it when it's finished!!! The Storybook Cottage kit had me enamored initially because of the arched windows, and adding the lead tape really made them into a more realistic feature! I'm so glad you like everything, too!
Deletesuccessful trials! I love this color that harmonizes with the rest of the kitchen!
ReplyDeletehugs
Thank you, Claude! The pink is so much better, isn't it?
DeleteDrop dead gorgeous all round. I have made the cooker so I know what making those two items takes. To have done it twice in a short period of time shows true dedication to the hobby. I am sooooo impressed and in awe. Then the utterly lovely result, so worth every curse and tear. As for the dressing of the kitchen it will obviously be the usual incredible you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marilyn! I am so happy you like the kitchen and so encouraged by your confidence in my dressing skills! I hope they will not disappoint!
DeleteI wanted something very retro and special for the appliances, and because these Phoenix kits make up so compact, they were perfect for my small footprint. They were a lot of money to invest, so I really (procrastinated) researched every step before I had the courage to start on them. When it went so wrong the first time, I was so disappointed! I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to try them again! And, to not only meet the challenge, but exceed my dreams!
Ha quedado una habitación fabulosa.
ReplyDeleteAhora a llenarla con todos los detallitos de menaje y yo deseando verlo.
Un abrazo
DeleteGracias Marian! ¡Realmente amo esta habitación! Tiene la sensación exacta que esperaba, y espero que al agregar todos los pequeños detalles especiales, ¡me encantará aún más! Estoy tan feliz que a ti también te gusta!
Well, you know me and do-overs! :-) I'm so glad you were able to get new appliances so that you could try again. I love the new pink, and you can't beat Rust-oleum. The new appliances go very well with the wallpaper. Your whole kitchen is so pretty, and I hope you truly enjoy figuring out where to put all your wonderful tiny treasures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb! Yes - you are a stickler for meeting that certain vision, too! That means Do-Overs are just going to be a part of our passion, and that is A-Okay! But does it have to be on the expensive stuff? 😜
DeleteI am so happy to know that you like the kitchen, too, and being able to finally play with all the neat stuff I've been collecting is a joy beyond measure!
Preciosa cocina, ha merecido la pena el esfuerzo y los elementos para colocar se les ve muy hermosos; harán divinos donde los coloques.Besos:-)
ReplyDeleteGracias Rosa Maria! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te gusten los electrodomésticos nuevos y mejorados y la cocina! A veces, solo tienes que hacer algo otra vez, y me alegro de haberlo hecho. ¡Mucho mejor!
DeleteI love the pink! It's perfect. You are going to have so much fun playing with all the accessories!
ReplyDeleteThanks Penelope! Who wouldn't want to have pink appliances, right?!? I know I'd spend more time in the kitchen, lol! I am attempting water slide plates today - wish me luck!!!
DeletePerfect Jodi! Worth the wait and experience! I can't wait to this whole project when it's done! --Erik in Ohio
ReplyDeleteHi Erik! Thank you so much for your introduction and encouragement about the cottage! I am so happy that you are along with me on what is turning out to be an exploration of all things pastel! I, too, am looking forward to the day when all the rooms have been dressed and it's officially time to play!
DeleteReconozco que este color encaja mejor en la cocina.Aunque la otra me pareció muy bonita. Va ha ser estupendo cuando todos los muebles este repletos con el menaje.
ReplyDeleteGracias isabel El rosa está más en armonía con las rosas del fondo de pantalla, aunque un salmón también habría funcionado. El albaricoque era demasiado vibrante para el ambiente. ¡Me alegra que te guste el nuevo color de pintura y espero que te guste la disposición de todos los pequeños y divertidos artículos para el hogar!
DeleteThree cheers for Jodie!!! I'm so glad it worked out so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie! Me too! I don't think I could have pulled off a third try, either in budget or stamina! :O)
DeleteI can imagine the satisfaction of these was even greater following the frustration over the first set. What a stunning result.
ReplyDeleteI like how you have thought of every tiny details and repeated the rug pattern on the cooker splash-back. Have fun finding spots for all your fabulous pieces.
Anna
Oh Anna yes! I am feeling so grateful with how the second set came out and so humbled by the experience from the first set! Sometimes even experience and preparations are not enough and you need a good deal of luck on your side!
DeleteI just love the illustrations from that artist - she mostly does decor pieces for infants and small children but has a series called Tea Party. You may see a trivet and towels with images from the same collection! :O)
Beautiful kitchen and details.
ReplyDeleteThank you Faby! 💗
DeleteThe paint on the new appliances is far better. What a glossy lovely finish! It makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteWe all can learn from each other's experiences, bad or good. Thank you for sharing yours. The kitchen is stunning. I love your collection of beautiful
accessories. This project is a masterpiece!
Hugs,
Drora
Thank you Drora! It is definitely a finish I can live with and a color that makes me happy!
DeleteLike you said, I have learned so much from my peers, fellow bloggers and forum members. It's what makes me brave enough to try and bold enough to dream. I hope sharing my experiences helps others in an impactful way.
I'm so happy that you like my collection! I have been curating them for nearly two years now and have been so fortunate to find some amazing work by artisans whose skill fascinates and delights me! It is wonderful to have the cottage where I can display and enjoy them for years to come!
Hi, Jodi - Your appliance Do-Over is a complete success! You've created a perfect finish and color on both pieces. I know how much patience was involved in the process, so you're to be commended highly on achieving such beautiful results. I'm glad, though, that you'll auction the apricot pieces on eBay; I still love those "bumpy" pieces and agree with you that they're adorable! I know that you're going to have SO MUCH fun playing with your wonderful collection of kitchen accessories! You're off to a grand start with the beautiful pieces that you've already arranged. I can't wait to see what you do with all the remaining ones! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi Marjorie! Thank you for the commendations and high praise!!! It is amazing what we miniaturists will go through to achieve the results we know can be achieved! I can call myself completely satisfied and happy with the new versions, and the kitchen is beginning to fulfill all my dreams for it!
DeleteI truly do hope that the apricot pieces will find their way to someone who will be as excited about them as I am about the pink ones! They are really special in spite of their rough (lol) beginnings! :O)
Wahoo!!! Success! I think they look marvelous! :D I'm also glad you aren't pitching the old pieces. Someone will love them and make them right at home.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brae! I appreciate your approval very much! I really do hope the first set of appliances will find their way to the right home and heart! 🧡
DeleteI absolutely adore the new kitchen appliances in pink. I'm so happy for you that you got a second chance with that. Eventually you would have made peace with the textured apricot set, but in your mind's eye, you would always be seeing the pink that could have been.
ReplyDeleteYou have an awesome collection of teatime accessories to work with there, it's going to be fun to see them all placed in the cottage. You have a real flair for decorating.
Thank you for the marriage/miniature making advice. I think I shall have to print it out and memorise it.
Thanks Megan! You are so right about eventually accepting them for their great qualities, but I would forever long for the original vision of shiny, pink appliances! It is really a dream come true to have them and see them so at home in the kitchen!
DeleteI have been so lucky to have collected so many wonderful things for the cottage, and in spite of being much more conservative than I though I might need to be, I have abundance! That means more mini goodness for future projects, and that is a wonderful feeling!
In times of struggle, I try my best to see and absorb the wisdom in it. Goodness knows I need it! I think if I can do that, maybe I won't have to repeat the lesson!!! I am happy to know that something in there has struck a chord with you, too!!!
I guess, "Ditto" al the commenters. But I will add that the peachy colored appliances could find a home in someone's project and they will be tickled to death to refinish them with rust stains, chips in the paint, splashed with grit and grim. You are a great teacher, you know, sharing with us not only your lessons of success, but all of your failures, too. I told my college freshmen once who were complaining about having to use a new documentation system that, "You grow in adversity." and certainly you prove that. And another lesson that seems to be lost in modern education: Try Try again. I love this little house and I love how how you write about it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann! I think it would be fun to turn the appliances into something old and rusty! Wherever they end up, I hope they are cherished!
DeleteThank you for your kind words about teaching and writing. I admire and value teachers of all kinds more than just about any other profession. Your students are lucky to have you to show them, in addition to the curriculum, practical lessons to help them deal with life's expectations!
I thought I didn't mind the bumpy appliances. I was wrong. I do mind now that I have seen how well the second batch turned out. Love that pink! Love the whole colour combination in the kitchen and the mix of patterns.
ReplyDeleteThe tiles on the centre table are exactly right and as far as all your accessories and miniatures go, that will be so much fun, finding just the right place for each one of them!
Hugs.
Thank you Veronique! Sometimes it takes a few tries to settle into exactly what your mind's eye is trying to tell you. But the new finish on the appliances and the pink tiles were exactly what I was seeking all along! I am so happy that you like them too, and I hope that the arrangement of the little accessories will make you as happy to see in the room as they make me!
DeleteTu cocina es adorable, y me encanta en rosa y en albaricoque.
ReplyDeleteLos objetos para su decoración son preciosos, y será realmente divertido colocarlos !!
Delete¡Gracias Eloisa! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te guste y me he tomado el tiempo para comentar! 💗
I would like to thank Mr. Palmer for teaching you such a valuable lesson! ;O) It's great that you got your second chance and tried again because you've been absolutely right: It had to be pink! (If you could see Rosey nodding now… *sigh*) Now the colour is perfect for your beautiful kitchen and I really like the detail that this lovely tile shed shows now a teacup; although I love birds… this fits better. I've so enjoyed the pictures of your awesome kitchen, especially the views outside the windows with your flowers peeping up are so pretty. Btw the other candidate getting a second chance is looking fantastic now too, the light pink tiles for the table were a great decision… and the lady of the house will appreciate that, it's so much better to clean. Congratulations to your extraordinary collection of awesome pieces. I'm happy for you that now the time to play has come for you - so happy playing along. I'm already looking forward to see the results of your playtime.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Birgit
Thanks Birgit! Yes - they Had To Be Pink and like Rosey, I am Tickled Pink with them! I always try to restrain myself and that was the case with the table top and why I originally had it finished in wood. But again, it Had To Be Pink, and if I'd just go with my gut and original instincts I'd save myself so much work! So definitely, Thank You Mr. Palmer, for without him I'd have to get it right the first time!
DeleteI have been having so much fun with these little accessories and the little side projects to get them Just Right! I am loving this little kitchen as much as I dreamed I would and that is a feeling that was so worth the nearly two years of dreaming and collecting and nearly ten months of constructing to get me here!!! I can't wait to share it with you!
Hello Jodi , New here, I followed your name when you posted a comment on my blog ! your kitchen is wonderful ! love the appliances ! I must look them up ! In France we have a maker called SMEG who sells colorful appliances, in our last office ( before I retired ) we had a pink fridge and a blue dishwasher. I love you sink, did you make it ? I am far from starting my 'butlers pantry' , not Calling it a kitchen but it will be fun, best wishes Stephanie ( madnessmademurray.blogspot.com )
ReplyDeleteHello Mrs. M. and welcome to my bit of Madness! We both share the same affliction, and it's wonderful to have found each other and be among such a supportive group! Congratulations on your retirement and subsequent career in miniature making!
DeleteI am so happy that you like my pink appliances, and I am familiar with SMEG. How smart of them to know so early on that kitchens should be full of inspiration, and all appliances do not have to be stainless steel! I wish I had been so in tune with this when we began building our home nearly twelve years ago. If I ever get an opportunity for a Do-Over in real life, pink will be among the top color candidates for future appliances!
The sink is Reutter, though I have removed it from it's original metal legs and built the cabinet around it so that I could fit it into the bay window. Like you, I derive the most pleasure from creating and building, so am always looking for ways to customize a dollhouse space.
Welcome to my crazy little world, and I look forward to a great future together sharing encouragement, inspiration and ideas!
I'm so happy you got the chance to do a do-over! The new colour looks spectacular! I didn't realize the other ones were as peachy until I saw the new. And kudos for you for spray painting at this time of year! I'm sure someone will just love the older set, it's still very cute. Enjoy decorating, your collection is beautiful and looks like lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristine! Yes the apricot ones would be really cute in a retro kitchen with the green accents too, but this kitchen really needed girlie pink! I was supposed to get this spray painted done last summer, but instead started the garden which took so much longer than I had guesstimated! The decorating is happening in stolen moments and has been so enjoyable! I get distracted looking and playing, and I love being at that point!
DeleteWhat a pink and green explosion!!! I really love this romantic kitchen!
ReplyDeleteHello Elenè! I am so happy you like the kitchen! Doing such a girlie and romantic theme has been gnawing at me for so long, and it is a dream come true to see all the elements coming together! Thank you for your lovely comments!
DeleteJodi, I am so happy that you get a second chance to find and achieve the right colour and textures for your kitchen appliances. You were right, pink is the colour!! You are a very persistent girl and you dit it, well done. Your kitchen is beautiful, I enjoyed looking at every corner and I'm delighted that now it's play time! Ohhh! You have so many beautiful things yaayyy. It will be a challenge to decide what goes on but I'm sure it's one you'll enjoy :). Can't wait to see the rest.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Alex! I don't know how I would have tried to rescue the apricot appliances except to just paint over the surface! But they still would not have been my dream come true! I am not usually very patient, but paying the price for that has helped me to try to be more so. I am so happy that you like the kitchen because I admire all of your kitchens so much! Being able to capture that certain feeling is a gift that you have in droves!
DeleteDear Jodi, you are so wise!!! The do over turned out Fantastic!!! The right color does make a difference... and I can already imagine myself using your "old" set as a re-furbished fixtures in a sea-side (rusted in the extreme) cottage I have been planning for ages.... so please let me know when you put them up for sale!!! LOL! I am sorry I have fallen so far behind on commenting during my marathon X-mas Card season... I aim to get caught back up! You now get to play with all your mini treasures... and already I can see this is going to be a Ton of Fun to see (and even educational for slow as molasses types like me!) I can't wait to see more! :):):)
ReplyDeleteThank you Betsy! I am so much happier with the pink appliances because they have been one of the major features I've been envisioning for the kitchen for so long! It makes me so happy to think of the apricot appliances living in one of your magical builds and seeing how you'd make them full of character and charm! I will definitely let you know when I list them! It's probably time for me to do a little organizing and pare down some other things that have no plan nor home.
DeleteYou are completely excused for your absence, and I hope the card is coming along better than you dreamed! I am so looking forward to it!!!
Ooo what have you been busy with your kitchen,
ReplyDeletebut finally it succeeded, looks beautiful, beautiful colors.
And now the decor I see fantastic miniatures, I am very curious how it will all be.
Thanks Gonda! So many little details to make but hopefully, soon, I can share!
DeleteBravo! (golf claps)! Your new appliances look amazing Jodi.. I didn't realise the others were so peach until I saw this glorious shade of pink. :) You are absolutely right, this kitchen had to have pink. They look so at home in their places. I love them! You have managed to achieve a wonderful glossy finish befitting of these kind of appliance.. I'm so glad you persevered and had a do over. :D The others probably would have bugged you forever, even though they are lovely. I totally understand the deflated feeling when the reality of what we have made does not meet the vision in our minds eye. Wowee! What a booty of divine mini decor you have to decorate with! What fun!.. That bowl and tea-set in the cabinet above the fridge are absolutely delightful. So delicate and beautiful. Perfect for the cottage. I love how the counter on the island turned out. I knew tile would look wonderful on it.. I hardly remember what the old top looked like. I can't wait to see it styled up with your usual flair. :D And how cute is that little step stool. I admire your decoupage skills.. still a technique I need to master. :D Now after all this hard work you get to reward yourself with the best bit.. playing and decorating. :D
ReplyDeleteThank you Sam! I am so happy that you like the improved versions! There are so many times when, after pouring my time and efforts (not to mention $$) into something, I am disappointed. Often, the thought of remaking is overwhelming, especially when there is no guarantee of a better result. I succumb to time pressure and leave things "good enough". But then there are times where you have your heart so set on an outcome that you are compelled to try again. This was one of those cases. I am so glad the second try came out so well! In the end, I had to remake the tile backsplash on the stove as well (next post).
DeleteIn your collection, if you don't already have something, you MUST have some china made by either Teresa or Jean Welch (The China Closet). They are paper thin, and the painted detail is incredible! They are STUPID expensive, but do get yourself a special piece!!!
Yes, the tile was THE way to go. The old top was cherry stained press board that looked like individual boards and would be great in a number of settings, but not in this kitchen! This cottage is just dying for decoupage, so I have had many opportunities to practice!!!
The cottage is absolutely beautiful. I could take up residence in it quite happily!
ReplyDeleteThanks De! I wish it was life sized so we could all take turns staying there!
DeleteHello Jodi,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you did the appliances over because they are perfect. The finish is so smooth and shiny. They look absolutely realistic. The other appliances are charming as well, but seeing the new ones in place, the lumpy finish just did not work nearly as well in the kitchen. What wonderful accessories you have. I cannot wait to see them in place. Big hug,
Giac
N.B. Still feel bad I missed it, happy belated birthday!
Thank you Giac! You're so funny! Thank you again for making sure to wish me belated happiness! I'll take it any time of year! :O)
DeleteI am so glad to have had the second chance and that it worked out so well this time! Now when I look at them, all I feel is happiness!
I love your cottage kitchen! I've seen your postings before but never thought I'd actually contact you. I'm new to the mini world and quite ignorant of where you might order the appliance kits you so beautifully finished. Your whole kitchen and accessories make me want to come over for tea. Could you possibly let me know your supplier?
ReplyDeleteHello, welcome, and congrats on entering into the fascinating world of minis! I am so glad to have you along!
DeleteI think this post may be helpful to you both in links to suppliers and to some tips on finishing the metal appliances. I had bad paint the first time, so the pink versions are actually my second try!
https://my-miniaturemadness.blogspot.com/2018/12/decisions-decoupage-and-disasters.html
You are welcome to come visit, have tea, and ask questions any time!
I would like to duplicate your stove.
ReplyDeleteDo you know who the manufacturer is of the real version? I could research.
I duplicated a Wedgewood stove and sell it in my Etsy shop.
You did a great job on your paint work it looks real good!
www.etsy.com/shop/Tinyfrankminiatures
Hi Frank!
DeleteThanks for leaving a comment! Your minis are really wonderful, especially the stove and fridge replicas! My stove and fridge are white metal kits made by Phoenix Models. Here is their web site:
https://www.phoenixmodeldevelopments.com/acatalog/kitchen.html
They are really neat but do take A LOT of time and patience to finish, so I am sure having your replicas available would make many miniaturists very happy!
Much success with the Etsy store, and do drop a line when you have something ready! I'd love to make my readers aware of your talents!!!
Hi Jodi,
ReplyDeleteI would love to know where you got your cupbroads? You did such an amazing job. I especially love the two bottom ones on each side of the stove? Was they purchased or did you make them? If you made them may I please have the measurements?
Thanks
Dana
Hi Dana,
DeleteThanks so much for your comment! I did make the cabinets, and the post link below will give you more information about them. They are basically dummy cabinets with drawer and cupboard frames added on to the boxes. They are 2" wide x 1-1/2" deep by 3" tall with a 1/8" counter top.
http://my-miniaturemadness.blogspot.com/2018/05/storybook-kitchen-cabinets.html
I used 1/16" basswood sheet to make them. I wish you much success with yours!
This is SO adorable it looks real 😍
ReplyDeleteThank you! 💗
Delete