More Scraps, More Leftovers and More Possibilities

After finishing most of the the construction for the Mid Century Modern bookshelf roombox, I was ready to tackle the Modern Modern version. The differences in these styles, from what I could learn, are subtle. I did my best with more of my scrap materials and on hand crafting supplies.

This box began the same as the Mid Mod with scrap 1/4" plywood cut down to 8-3/8" x 6-3/8" for the base. Luckily, I had one more scrap of leftover random plank flooring that would work. I just needed to lay it in the opposite direction.

The walls were constructed the same way, as well, using 3/16" foam core scraps. I had to glue a couple pieces together to gain the wall height I needed as I did not have a piece that was 12" high. I have a lot of Magic Brik tape and mortar in my supplies, so I decided on that finish for the main section of the interior walls.

Once the mortar was dry, I painted the wall with warm white acrylic paint.

For the stain in this roombox, I wanted to go lighter. Luckily, I had a leftover Cherry Minwax Stain Marker to use on all the trim and floor. I also had some really pretty veneer, and the cherry stain gave it just a touch more depth.

I added the veneer to the tops of the interior walls and clad the window wall entirely.

I stuccoed the exterior walls using more of the Magic Brik mortar mix pounced on with a paintbrush. It's painted in warm white, too.

Main structure installed onto the base.

For a modern looking exterior feature, I laminated more of the veneer to scrap strips of wood. They came as packaging to protect speed shingles and are awesome because they are perfectly square and exactly the same size. I glued them onto the veneer, using a board and heavy weights to keep them from curling, and then cut them away from the veneer sheet. I used 1/2" square and 1/16" high Woodsies, one mounted on each end of the strip, to raise them up from the surface of the wall.

The window atrium fence was constructed the same way as the Mid Mod version. This time, I had to use 3 new pieces of 1/2" x 1/16" basswood stripwood because I had used up all my scraps. I also had to use one new piece of 1/4" corner molding.

The roof was constructed in the same manner, as well. Foam core base, leftover Lexan for a skylight, leftover grip tape for the roofing, but because I didn't have enough of the veneer left, I used a scrap piece of textured ceiling paper for the ceiling.

I filled in the atrium ground area with railroad gravel, because the plants and flowers will be in pots. There is also a basket for the battery pack.

Here are the Modern Modern and Mid-Century Modern roomboxes side by side. The differences are subtle, so hopefully the decor will help tell the story.

And because having a little person in the structure always helps to visualize the scale, the ladies have agreed to assist me in a demonstration.

Just large enough for a detailed little scene, but small enough to enjoy when space is at a premium in the real life house.

During the next batch of mini time, I hope to begin looking through my plant making supplies and raiding my kit and accessory drawers to see what I can come up with to create some fun little modern scenes. I hope you are all finding batches of fun mini time, too!

xo xo,
Jodi