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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Closing Up For Winter

When Vera and Virgil first came and asked me to build their dream cottages, I don't think they were planning on my taking August through October off. I wasn't either, so it didn't surprise me in our last meeting when they expressed concerns. After all, every sign, in the house and out in the world, was pointing toward trouble. Darkening skies, cold nighttime temperatures and the sound of wind swept rain as it played it's threatening tune against my southern facing work room window. Winter was coming, and while it has never rained in the work room, the cottages, with no roofs installed, were exposed to whatever may happen in there. I assured them that I was concerned, too, and would focus great energy toward winterizing the cottages right away.


The first task was to get the porch ceiling and then the porch roofs installed. Luckily, this was a pretty straight forward process since the Lisa's Country Cottage kits are so well made. Sure, I had to make some revisions due to the added pop outs, but that was, thankfully, an easy job, too.





With the porch roofs completed, it was finally time to move on to the main roofs. I had cut the openings for the dormers when I first dry fit the kit. Heck - I even had the ceiling sides primed. All they really needed at this point was to have the wallpapers added. 

Once the papers had been applied and the paste had set, it was time to get the roof pieces installed on the cottages. It's such a great sense of accomplishment as you see the pile of components on a kit build dwindle down!





I'm so glad that I planned ahead and had both the gabled and shed dormers for each cottage as finished and as ready to install as possible. This meant that there was no lag in getting to see the cottages nearly complete. The facades, which I had only seen in a rough dry fit and in my imagination, were now a more tangible and nearly realized dream.

Here are photos of the inside of Vera's bedroom with ceiling and dormers installed. It's fun at this point to remember the original kit design and know that, by simply dropping the floor, there is a real and functional living space for these mice. 






And Virgil's





And the gabled pop out roofs, the trickiest roofs I've ever taken on. They were challenging because they have to tie in to both the porch and the big roof, and connect flush into the wall. I did pretty okay with them, thanks to Russ' help. Gaps will become a secret once the roofing is installed and the inside ceilings trimmed.






There is still much trim work and touch up to do. And actual roofing shingles to be installed...








But with such promising progress, Vera, Virgil and I are ecstatic! It looks like the cottages truly will be closed up and secured for the winter.


I hope your winter preparations (or summer for our down under friends) are coming along in a hopeful way, as well.

xo xo,

Jodi

38 comments:

  1. They look wonderful! Your dormers came out really well. Every time I see these I get excited to work on my kit.

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    1. Thanks Sheila! I am really excited to see what you create with your Lisa's kit, too!

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  2. Vera and Virgil are perfectly in tune with their homes. The details and colors of the cottages are wonderful.

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    1. Thanks Faby! This has been a super fun genre and color scheme to work with!

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  3. Magnífico el trabajo que has hecho con los techos. Me encanta el colorido y la alegría que irradia la decoración interior.

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    1. ¡Gracias Isabel! Realmente ha sido un estímulo estar cerca de personajes y colores tan alegres, ¡especialmente porque nuestros famosos cielos grises han hecho tanta presencia este año!

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  4. Virgil and Vera look pleased.....as should you They have nice, cheery houses to spend the winter.

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    1. Thanks Carrie! Their happy dispositions are so nice to be around and are more infectious than Covid!!!

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  5. Wow, Jodi, your dormers looks gorgeous, as much as both of the cozy cottages do. I love seeing them in their nice sunny colors, I bet Vera and Virgil are very satisfied and now ready for winter ;).
    You've done a great amount of work by assembling the roof and dormers of both cottages, that's quite a job.
    Stay healtjy and take care, dear Jodi.
    Hugs, Ilona

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    1. Thanks Ilona! It feels great just to be working toward something again. And planning for future projects, too, has brought me out of my stupor!

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  6. How thoughtful of you to put Virgil and Vera’s minds at ease by finishing their roofs. The houses are so pretty and comfy looking. We too, have run the gambit with seasonal weather. What I especially enjoyed was the brilliant fall color everywhere I looked.

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    1. Thanks Sherrill! There is nothing like committing ones self to another to get the old ambition going again! And what a reward to see these little cottages become what they were meant to!
      Fall colors are my absolute favorite, too, though I have not travelled much out of my neighborhood to see them like every other year. I do love the days when the sun comes out and the sky is as crisp and clear as when I was young.

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  7. Love the way these cottages are turning out! I know what you mean about "losing the mini mojo". I have been so tied up with other commitments for months now and the longer I stay away from my minis, the harder it is to get back to it. I hope I too find my mini mojo soon! Cheers - Marilyn D.

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! Truer words were never spoken. The longer I was away the harder it was to imagine going back again. But just by circling the day on the calendar, then forcing my way back to just sit at the table and ponder, I was inspired again. I am grateful to be reminded that our passions may be dormant for a spell, but they are still there waiting to be tapped into again. You will get back at exactly the right time. 💗

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  8. Que gran trabajo has hecho con los tejados Jodi! normal que Vera y Virgil estén extasiados, el invierno les pillará guarecidos! Se ven tan alegres con la entrada de luz por las ventanas de las buhardillas.
    Si que queda trabajo con las tejas, pero ya me estoy imaginando lo fantásticas que quedarán las cabañas!
    Cuidaros mucho.
    Besos.

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    1. ¡Gracias Pilar! Lo mejor de armar el resto del kit es la gratificación casi instantánea. Eso realmente me empuja a los siguientes pasos ... ¡Espero que mirar fotos de ideas que he guardado para la decoración inspire esa fase por venir también!

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  9. The roofs on the cottages are wonderful. You are genius in solving complicated corners. It looks warm and cozy inside. I wonder why they have to live separately.
    Winter is the best season to snuggle together in one large double bed. I hope they'll soon realize it and leave one cottage for another couple to enjoy.
    Dear Jodi, Keep up the crafting mood and stay well and safe.
    Hugs, Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! If I could do the math to solve the equations I would qualify as a genius, but instead I have to stare, cut, hack and fit until it's close enough. 😊 But that's why minis are so much fun, because we don't have to use all the rules to see our dream come true!
      You are right about winter being the best time for snuggling. That is precisely why both of my children are born in July, lol! Vera and Virgil are lucky because they have so much time in front of them should they decide to combine households! Hugs!

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  10. What fantastic work you are doing on the cottages, you are so clever working it all out. Vera and Virgil will soon be safe and cosy in their own homes, or joining each other in one. As I write this I'm struggling with an island unit for my kitchen in Number 2 house. I think I've figured it out, go to put it all together then realise something needs tweaking! I know I will get there eventually, it will just take time!

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    1. Thanks Polly! Just like you said, it is a matter of trial and error until your mind collects all the puzzle pieces and then it clicks how they need to go together. I am so glad you are keeping at it because your island will end of being incredible and a piece that you can be really proud of!

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  11. Has hecho un trabajo fantástico con esas buhardillas.
    Vera y Virgil, van a pasar un invierno muy agradable y calentitos.

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    1. ¡Gracias Eloisa! ¡Se siente realmente bien haber superado los desafíos y obstáculos en el camino para llegar al tipo de cabañas que sabía que podrían ser! ¡Y hacerlo por estos adorables ratones ha sido muy gratificante!

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  12. Genial Jodi , la transformación es todo un éxito me encanta. Feliz fin de semana

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    1. ¡Gracias Rosa Maria! ¡Es maravilloso recuperar la emoción por un proyecto una vez que pensé que lo había perdido!

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  13. What a splendid job you have done getting such complicated roofs done in time for winter! Vera and Virgil are lucky to have such a talented architect.
    emjay

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    1. Thanks Emjay! It is a privilege to have all of this confidence placed in me!

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  14. I too have fallen into some sort of a no-mini pit which makes looking at your revival even more pleasurable. Honestly Jodi I remain in awe of your talent. I have no idea how you hold such complex shapes in your head (never mind conjure them up in the first place) and then how skilfully you realise the dream. This pair of cottages at such a delight and the pleasure is more than doubled by working on two at a time - for us followers any way. Thank you so much for jumping back in and sharing such lovely things. Makes the world a little brighter.

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    1. Oh Marilyn! I feel your loss and can offer in hope that there will be a point when you will feel like getting back at it. My urge was small and filled with doubt, but the act of sitting at the table, just going through the motions, brought back the desire to accomplish something.
      I am so encouraged to know that you like where the cottages have taken me and that they lift your spirits! The thrill we derive from little things is as powerful as they come, though it's still a mystery how they yield such power over us. I can also recommend a little mini shopping therapy to help you bide the time between urges to progress. It's also helped to make me feel hopeful of achieving future dreams, and most importantly, dreaming!

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  15. I have enjoyed looking at the cottages. I am glad that you share your creativity and let us see along.
    I do not know how you do all of this.
    Mini huggs,
    Conny

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    1. Thank you Conny! I love that the sharing of our dreams inspires dreaming in each other! There has been no time in our lives more important for us to stay looking forward and enjoying all the good things life has to offer!

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  16. You have done a terrific job with the roofs, the ceilings and dormers, the cottages are now protected and look fantastic. Of course Vera and Virgil are ecstatic, now they can relax and enjoy winter. I am also glad that you are getting your mojo back, we missed you and we want to see your wonderful minis and houses but don´t be hard on yourself, this hobby is to be enjoyed when you feel like it and not an obligation or imposition. Life is precious and there are many things to do and enjoy out there as well, even in these difficult times, so if other things, or family or cooking keep you away, that´s ok, you will be back at the right time. Carpe Diem.

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    1. Hi Alex! I am so happy to see you here, and I thank you so much for the encouragement! Some of us like to believe that we are tougher than we really are, and I am learning that my sensitivity effects me more deeply than I realize. All the more reason to have an immersive passion to keep my mind occupied in troubled times. Even when I have no desire to sit at my table and work, I must just make myself do it. Like eating brussels sprouts, just because it's good for me!

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  17. This post really made me smile... Of course because of the awesome work you did with those roofs and dormers. It was fascinating to follow your steps and I really loved the photos of the attic, seeing base and 1st floor together with their beautifully decorated walls was impressive.

    But even more it made me smile that your motivation is back and you're in the miniature flow again. But most of all because two concerned mice wanted to have a word or two with you... and that all of you were wondering about weather effects happening in your living room or not. This is soooooooo familiar... and such comfort... I'm not the only one who has discussions like that. *grin*

    And it's good to know that Vera and Virgil's homes are now prepared for winter coming. But I wonder now... are they also prepared for this special season starting with a "C"? What about some cheese baubles on a C-tree? *broad grin*

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Hi Birgit! I am so glad to know that these little cottages are bringing smiles to you, too! I have truly enjoyed my time with them over the past couple of weeks and I hope the spree continues! After I cook the turkey and we stop feeling stuffed ourselves, of course!

      As for the special "C" upcoming... I wish for you to find all the time you need to bask in the joy of creating your wonderous tiny world! And that you be blessed in all the joy you create from spreading the spirit we love most about the season in the amazing way that only you can do.

      It's going to be a lot different looking for my family this year. We are heeding the CDC advice and are staying separated. So instead, I am going to endeavor to take the opportunity to deepen my reverence of and understanding for the reason we celebrate it to begin with. I hope by New Years I am a better person because of it. There is so much still to be in gratitude for, and that reason is central to everything. Hugs!

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  18. Ohhhh, esos tejados se ven fabulosos.El interior, con esos papeles me encantan, el amarillo desprende alegría y luminosidad, es mi preferido.Un besin, cuídate mucho Jodi.

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    1. ¡Gracias Carolina! ¡Estoy tan feliz de saber que el amarillo brillante y soleado también te trae alegría!

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  19. It's really starting to look like home for the mice. The many roof angles are admirably put together. Being on the 'down under' side of the world (but fortunately not the one with the kangaroos), we're entering summer. I'm a little bit behind with planting my veggie garden, but we have harvested the first radishes.

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    1. Hi Megan! I envy you as you begin into the growing season and plant vegetables! There's so much hope in my heart when the sun shines! Enjoy the radishes - they will surely inspire you to get the rest of the harvest going in the ground! 💗

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