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Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Feeling Grand!


Before I got the doors installed last week, I had a real mess on my hands! The New Orleans was looking like a dumping ground for all the things I had yet to figure out and install. I needed to get the ceiling/roof out for a dry fit to see how things were going to line up. Adding three inches to the interior and exterior mansard walls made getting a perfect fit a challenge!



What I ended up doing was adding 1/8" strips to the tops of all of the walls. Except the interior bedroom/bathroom and bathroom/closet walls, as they had somehow ended up being higher by that much. Once they were all evened out, I attached the crown molding to the walls, before I attached the roof. This seemed easier than reaching in. Because of the angled mansard walls, I "cheated" and used square blocks in the corners rather than having to miter and cut complicated angles. I added the ceiling paper to the ceiling before gluing and nailing it to the house permanently. Then the house went on it's head for the ceiling work. I still had gaps here and there, so I filled them in with wood glue before playing with the ceiling designs.






I had several options at my disposal, so I played around with some layouts. I ended up changing my mind several times.







For the bathroom, I wanted to keep it pretty simple by using just a ceiling rose and some corner brackets. I ended up building a frame around the brackets just to give it a little extra detail.




In the stairwell hall, I had a fancy Unique Miniatures ceiling piece, so I just added some JMG laser cut swan brackets to the corners. To get them all perfectly aligned, I used a couple pieces of 5/8" scrap wood glued into an "L" jig. This way, I could line the jig up against the molding and place the bracket into the jig to glue. Because the Unique Miniatures pieces do not lay perfectly flat, I had to use more wood glue to caulk the cracks.






My original plan for the bedroom ceiling was more dramatic. The oval Unique Miniatures piece I had turned out to be a little more egg shaped, and having more surrounding detail seemed to draw attention to the mis-shape. So I opted to create a shallow tray ceiling with 1/2" x 1/16" strip wood and keep to a simpler design. I really like the center resin frame - it is a perfect piece and the detail is lovely.




Once I had the ceilings painted with white chalk paint, it was time to add the lighting! Installing the delicate bi-pin bulbs on the Houseworks chandelier, testing the lights, cutting down the chain to the proper length and gluing the fixtures to the ceiling was nerve wracking!





But with a lot of patience and praying, all went well!








I'm thanking my lucky stars that this part went so smoothly, but I'm not in the clear just yet. I've got two led spot lights to add to each room which means back on her head she goes while I try to carefully drill the holes. Makes me sweat just thinking about it! But while I am sweating, I am also so grateful that this long neglected project has all it's structural pieces in place! I can see the end now, and because the challenges have been so big, the satisfaction is equally as grand!

xo xo,

Jodi

54 comments:

  1. I love how your ceilings look! So beautiful. As far as I'm concerned the square blocks aren't cheating, they're an architectural feature.

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    1. Thanks Sheila! I'm so excited to be so close to the finish line! Finally!
      And if corner blocks are good enough for Robin Carey, I'll be proud to employ them too! 😊

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  2. What a grand dame she is turning out to be! The ceilings are stunning and I love your solution for the main bedroom with the shallow tray border and the solution of using corner blocks rather than cutting crazy angles on the cornice is something I will certainly keep in mind. Not only is it simple and clever, more importantly - it looks great.
    What is is about lights? They scare the living daylight out of me and the first one I ever installed worked of a week before I managed to somehow damage it when working on something else... Fingers crossed for your spotlight!
    Anna x

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    1. Thanks Anna! I am happy that you like how the ceilings and moldings are coming along!
      Oh the perils of lighting! I, too, have gone to points of no return with everything working fine only to discover that something went horribly wrong and my inaccessible wiring has gone bad!!! So infuriating!!! But in this build there is no tape wire so I am hoping that if something does go wrong it's with a bulb and not a wire!

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  3. what a beautiful house, Jodi: the ceilings are beautiful
    hugs

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    1. Thanks Claude! I am happy that the New Orleans is appealing to you!

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  4. Grand and gorgeous and luxurious!!! WOW! Those ceilings are a piece of art, they´re perfect for your beautiful chandeliers Jodi. I´m so happy all that effort paid off. I have to say that your solution for the ceiling corners is genius!! I normally don´t put ceiling molding, but if one day I do, I would use this trick for sure. You´re not just lucky, you are very good at what you do, and there where you may lack a bit of skills you compensate it with your tenacity.
    xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Alex! You are too kind! My skills were definitely challenged throughout this project and I had my share of whining and frustration, but I am happy that I kept trying and didn't give up! Only another ten years or so before I know everything, right? LOL! 😊

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  5. Fabulous work as always with equally fabulous results. It is a testament to your excellent build that you are able to turn your building upside down at this stage - and contemplating doing it again!!! - you know no fear. Mine most definitely would object to that strongly and would decidedly go all out of kilter. I stand in awe and admiration.

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    1. Thank you Marilyn!, It was a careful operation turning it upside down the first time - I learned pretty quickly which adhesives held and there were a couple minor causalities. I ended up being able to get the LED's done right side up and that was a relief! Now the fear/worry is that I'll have lights suddenly stop working as this is always the case for me no matter how diligent I am about the connections. All prayers are welcomed!

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  6. Oh my! I understand how this amount of progress would give you a grand feeling of satisfaction. The house itself is grand! Thank you so much for the details on your thought process and execution.

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    1. Thank you Sherrill! I had a first floor with no ceiling for nearly two years and so it does feel amazing to have gotten all of the kit pieces attached at last! I CAN finish hard things after, lol!

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  7. Wow! As always, major respect for getting lights working, and for turning your dollhouse upside down to do the ceilings! (I had to laugh at the entire bathroom upside down. Obviously, everything was well glued on!) The moldings are lovely, and using blocks in the corners is a great trick and looks perfectly fine. Actually, I think they give the moldings a little extra bit of elegance. It must be so exciting getting this close to the really fun part--putting the furniture in! Hope your spotlights go well.

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    1. Thanks Deb! The Quick Grip has stood up to the gravity and only the tub and a small plant let go! What a relief! I am so glad the Russ was here to help and lend moral support, and that I was able to get the LED's in with the house back on it's bottom! I am so excited to be reaching this part of the build and it feels so good to believe that I can actually count on myself to finish something again!

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  8. WOW Jodi! It is ALL so Beautiful!!! Your ceiling solutions are PRECISELY what this house called for! You have surpassed it's wildest expectations as each well-chosen solution fits the space requirements as well as adds to the Heightened Grandeur of each Elegant room.

    The chandeliers are hung at the right height and their classic styles match the sophisticated interiors within each room. They sparkle and shine and enhance the romantic french architecture in such a GORGEOUS way and the effects are Jaw Dropping!
    Truly your New Orleans house is the SHOWSTOPPER of the neighbourhood -100% BELLISSIMO!!! ❤️

    elizabeth

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth! It makes me so happy that you like the ceilings and the chandeliers! I have been dreaming of them for so long now, I have to keep pinching myself (and testing them) to make sure they're real! In spite of the disappointing quality on most of the Unique Miniatures pieces, I think it still looks good and many lessons were learned. I find that the things I obsess about during the build are soon forgotten and overlooked in favor of loving the whole when it's all done! 😊

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  9. Love, Love, Love!!!! This house is so beautiful. Bravo Jodi, pat yourself on the back.

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    1. Thank you Carrie! I didn't realize the challenge I put in front of myself when I started or I probably never would have had the confidence that I could finish. It has taken a lot longer than I anticipated, but it feels so satisfying to have found the determination to get back to it again!

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  10. Has logrado unos techos muy hermosos,te han quedado espléndidos:-)

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    1. Gracias Rosa Maria! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te gusten! 💗

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  11. Los techos son bellĂ­simos.
    Esta quedando una casa magnifica. Felicidades.
    Un saludo

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    1. Gracias Marian! Fue un desafĂ­o mucho mĂĄs grande de lo que originalmente pensĂ©, pero se siente tan bien estar cerca del final. ¡Puedo hacerlo! 😊

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  12. It’s looking spectacular Jodi. All the hard work and patience is paying off. The upstairs looks so pretty now with the chandeliers and all the trim finished.

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    1. Thank you Shannon! My respect for miniaturists has deepened because of this project, and I have really learned so much about myself! I am excited to begin making and making over the furniture and just hope the design comes together as beautifully as it looks in my mind!

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  13. Has hecho un trabajo estupendo con los techos. ¡Han quedado preciosos!.

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    1. ¡Gracias Isabel! ¡Es tan emocionante tener la Ășltima pieza estructural en la casa y poder encender todas las luces para disfrutar finalmente!

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  14. Your doll house is breath taking I must be honest I love the bathroom the MOST thanks for sharing I just learnt that miniature stuff has been going on from way back in the early 1800 and I never knew about it until now i just started making miniature stuff in 2016 and let me tell you its a lot of fun doing it and when you see the finish making it you can't believe that you just made that lol any way please check out my new video
    http://youtu.clickable.cards/73IRx

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    1. Super creative ways to use everyday objects and turn them into miniatures! I love it, Donna! Thanks for your kind comments and following along with my project. I am looking forward to checking out your blog!

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  15. What a relief - finally I'm able to read your wonderful post to the end. Yesterday evening I had just started to read your post and came to the part where you started to play with your ceiling embellishments when a heavy thunderstorm started around here. Well, no computer when there's lightning outside so I had to switch it off not knowing about the steps it took the achieve the wonderful, fantastic, gorgeous, drop-dead-beautiful look as shown in the first picture. Can you imagine my despair??? *LOL* But on the other hand… today I could enjoy this post even more after all this anticipating. ;O) I can only say this is wonderful work, what an elegant look. And it's amazing how you've done the ceilings... your "block cheating" is so clever and in fact no cheating at all. I'm also in awe with your chandeliers (or as Sia sings "Chandeliiiiiiieeeeeeeeee), this was the perfect lamp choice for your beautiful and elegant house. Hooray that you've managed this delicate and tricky task without serious difficulties. You have every right to feel grand now… nevertheless for me you are a giant! ;O)

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Thank you Birgit! I am so happy that you were not disappointed when you were finally able to come back and finish the post! We had thunder here yesterday, too! Exciting and a little frightening, though there is generally thunder only in June, so it means the kickoff to gorgeous summer weather!
      I am certainly no giant, but the encouragement and kindness mean the world to me!!! It feels so great to have something go fairly easily after all the struggles with this build! That is what makes us keep coming back for more! 😊

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  16. The ceilings and chandeliers are gorgeous! This house is going to be another masterpiece. Your work is stunning! There is so much to learn from the way you find solutions for problems. I just love reading your posts and following your work.
    Thank you again for sharing.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! I am happy that you like the chandeliers! I have never had something so fancy before this house and am glad to have had the opportunity to try and enjoy them. Thank you also for the kind sentiments! I get very nervous when trying a new dollhouse challenge, and knowing that sharing my experience encourages others to try for themselves is such a privilege. I hope you are finding time to work on your mini dreams too!

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  17. Oh how fast you go and I don't get along with my house (I am a lot outside now, garden etc ..) but your house looks beautiful, very nice ornaments on the ceiling and beautiful lamps, great!

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    1. Thank you Gonda! If I were any good at gardening I'd likely be in my yard, too. But alas I am a terrible gardener! I forget or get lazy and all things die! I am happy that you are enjoying spring and I know your wonderful project will start calling to you again soon. Then you'll have a gorgeous garden and a magnificent house to share with us!

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  18. Wow all those ceilings and every one a masterpiece amazing job. I love the lights they are beautiful.
    Hugs Maria

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    1. Thank you Maria! I have been dreaming about getting to make them a reality for over three years now, and I am so delighted that they have come together so smoothly!

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  19. The ceilings and chandeliers are amazing. This house will be a masterpiece.

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    1. Thank you, Faby! I have been able to try out so many ideas and challenges on this house, and for that I am so grateful! It takes so much more time, patience, materials, furnishings and tiny details to complete a big project, and I needed to learn that lesson so that I really know what I am in for before beginning a new one. Now I see why so many miniaturists have one very special house and dedicate all their time to it. I need to reign in my dreams a little! 😊

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  20. Hi, Jodi - You've solved some major structural issues and accomplished some major goals, so I can absolutely feel your sense of relief that it all went well. Congratulations! The ceilings are stunning, and I feel sure that you had a pleasant time working out all the lovely designs and choosing between all the options for each ceiling. I admire your ability to accomplish all that electrical work so successfully; the chandeliers are beautiful and add such warm elegance to this truly grand house. You've certainly earned the feelings of greatest satisfaction for this tough job so well done.
    Marjorie

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    1. Thank you Marjorie! I really did give myself a few challenges, but you know when you see the potential in something, you've just got to help it be what it can be! Both the house and myself have grown so much in the process. Compared to some of the other tasks I've encountered with this build, the ceilings and chandeliers went delightfully smoothly. I am asking myself was it more about luck or just where my spirit was at during the process. 😊

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  21. Wow!!! Jodi, Grand Doesn't even begin to describe how elegant and classy and beautiful this house has become!!! I just love what you have done with the ceilings! The raised roof for the upstairs caused a lot of "issues" but you have solved them beautifully! The bathroom with the chandelier is probably the most beautiful elegant bath I have ever seen! LOL! And the chandelier over the stairs is making the statement you wanted it to! The bedroom is now the focus for the upstairs... still awaiting your beautiful details, but already "Talking" elegant old world grace in every part! Your attention to detail and your "patience" with yourself while you wandered to other projects has paid off gorgeously! I really am looking forward to seeing the details you will add to adorn this incredible house!!! But I can be patient! :):):)

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    1. Thank you Betsy! I so appreciate old world craftsmanship and detail in real life homes. Trying to capture a little of that here was my goal in spite of my lack of knowledge or experience. It makes me so happy to have the positive feedback and know that I achieved a little and learned a lot!
      I hope the furnishings that I imagined for the house are cohesive with the feel I am trying to create, and I hope that when the new owner moves in she feels fortunate to live in an historic old house with all of the modern conveniences. Except a nice shower. She'll have to settle for a tub! 😊💗

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  22. I got vertigo looking at your upside down house but now the ceilings are in their proper place and the lightfixtures are operational, it looks stunning!

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    1. I did too when I was working on it, Megan! I had to keep my focus very limited or I felt ill!

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  23. Cannot find the words!!! Everything here is just gorgeous!!! I love the ceilings, the furniture and all of the elegant things you have made and done. You have done a wonderful, lovely job!!!You have a lovely touch with miniatures!!
    Love it all!!!
    Mini huggs,
    Conny

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    1. Thanks Conny! I am so happy that you like it ans so relieved that this part of the build was kind to me!

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  24. Great job on the ceilings! So often those get ignored in miniature houses. I really enjoy your black and white bathroom and art work. Things are really coming together nicely. Keep up the good work!

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    1. Thanks Troy! This house just seemed to be calling out for something detailed and I am glad I had some choices in materials to give it what it wanted! I'm so close to having all of the foundational tasks finished, and so looking forward to finally getting to decorate!

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  25. Ahh! What a daring thing to flip the house over! I'm so amazed it all stayed in tact, those kitchen cabinets even! The ceilings look fantastic! Having such height in the rooms makes all the difference because we actually get to enjoy all the details you put in!. So often things like this stay hidden. Can't wait to see more of the furnishings go in!

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    1. It was scary!!! At least I had Russ here - the first time!
      One drawer got loose, and I removed the upper kitchen cabinets as those I kept loose for decorating. The tub with it's tiny feet-to-floor contact only lasted and hour but luckily did not get damaged when it fell. So the Quick Grip did it's job thank goodness! Getting to this point feels like such a relief, and at times I had lost hope that I'd ever get this project down to work on again!

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  26. I so admire your staircase ! I think that I intellectualised it too much and should have just gone with it. Your ceilings looks amazing ! I jsut glued in my fireplace wall really well and then realised that I forgot the wall lights ! No more access to the Inside ! Typical. Huggsss

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    1. Thank you Stephanie! That staircase messed with my head for a year and a half before I just decided to get it over with, lol! I admire your three level staircase with landings and built-ins! You are a bad ass, and I love it! I always forget some imperative part of the process, and all you can do is come up with a work around. Once, I cut the tape wire to the entire upper floor of a build. I got so disheartened that the project became an unlit one. It's tough to learn the hard way, but there's no escaping it. Hugs!

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