A Porch For Vera

When driving through neighborhoods, one of the things about houses that practically make me slam my breaks on is a charming front porch. I have been known to park and take photos. My grandparents had a super good one growing up. It had fancy carved posts painted white along with carved wooden panels stretched between. Set against the red brick structure with 8 foot high curved windows and beautiful Corinthian molding, it was as 'Leave It To Beaver' as they come.  The best part about that porch was it's size. It was large enough to amply accommodate my using it as my home when playing house. I'd drag all the boxes, blankets and kitchen items my grandma would let me get away with and set up my cozy abode. I was the envy of the neighborhood kids. It was devastating years later when my grandpa enclosed it. Sure, it made sense to have an airlock during cold Montana winters to keep the cold from invading the living room, but it really just ruined the charm of the front facade. We won't even discuss how grandpa later removed the front bay window, too. Grandpa was a practical man to the bone, but what a tragedy! I wish I could have found photos to share with you, but you'll just have to imagine it.

When it came to thinking about the kind of porch that would make both Vera and I happy, it was clear that it would need to be Victorian in style and coloring, with a good bit of interesting detail. But not so complicated that it ruined the fun of doing it. I dug through my "someday" drawers to try things out, and settled on fancy carved posts and laser cut cardboard low fencing pieces for the balustrade. Once that was settled it was time for a mock up and measuring.

The blocky posts on the right came with the Lisa's kit.

Once I had the measurements, I used some 1/4" x 1/4" basswood for the base. To make channels for the fencing, I sandwiched a piece of 1/16" x 1/8" between two 1/8" x 1/4" pieces. This created the frames that I could slide the fence pieces into which would then attach to the posts. With all of that worked out, it was time for tedious painting and fitting.

Then methodical gluing...

But patience persevered!

Vera and I are happy with the outcome, and she is already working on a layout for all her flowers and decor...

And asking when I might have time to assemble her rocking chair.

Soon, sweet lady. Soon... But first, the roofing.

Xo Xo,

Jodi