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Monday, May 9, 2022

Beachside Bungalow Porch Preparedness

It's been a couple weeks since my last post, but I really have been working on the Beachside Bungalow's porch every spare chance I get. Since I am making nearly every accessory, I have been doing a lot of prep work to make and decorate them before I could start putting the porch together. By prep work I mean finding/creating/configuring items in Tinkercad to be 3D printed, and designing custom furniture pieces in Design Space to be cut with the Cricut Maker. I'll share my prep progress here now in order to save a ridiculously long finished porch post later.

Of course a beach house porch needs lots of beach themed items. I started with surfboards. I knew I wanted to include a few styles on the porch, so I went to Thingiverse to look for the perfect models. I found three - a longboard, a standard surfboard and a boogieboard. I saved them then imported them into Tinkercad to resize them to 1/12th scale.


Once 3D printed, I had to come up with a way to decorate them. I am certainly not an artistic painter, but in Design Space, I found various surfboard designs. To make sure the dimensions were right, I exported two of the boards from Tinkercad as svg files and then uploaded them to Design Space. All I had to do was resize my images to the 3D printed sizes, then use the Print Then Cut feature to cut the images out. The longboard was a little trickier. Because of it's curved design. The svg export just stops the file at the start of the curve, chopping some of the length off of the surfboard. To get around this, I scanned the longboard into the computer, saved as a png file, then imported it into Design Space as an svg file. There's always more than one way to skin a cat. For those not familiar with English slang, I apologize for the gruesome phrase.

Surfboard art images left. Svg imports right.

Scan of longboard.


I painted a base color on the surfboards. Once the images were Print Then Cut onto regular printer paper, I just had to peel away the waste parts.






To stick the images on the surfboards, I used yellow label Mod Podge. I overcoated several more layers of Mod Podge letting them dry thoroughly in between. This made the boards appear to have a good coating of wax on them. I applied the images to both sides of each board.





I printed several other fun accessories with the 3D printer. Some were my own design, and some I downloaded from the generous creators on Thingiverse. Some got a few design tweaks, some just resized. The birdhouses on the right were all provided by a wonderful designer and given away for free on Thingiverse. They were meant to be printed full size for actual birds, but they scaled down amazingly well. The birdhouses on the left were my design. I made them to look like an old fashioned beach changing tent. 






Right as I began painting this one, I noticed that it looked conspicuously like a Honey Bucket. For those that don’t know the brand name, they are port-a-pottys that are brought in to various places like construction sites and concert venues to give folks a temporary place to "go". I decided to leave it as is - after all, birds “gotta go” too. Better in here than on your head, which I saw happen once to a poor bald man! At least he didn't have to wash bird poop out of his hair! 😉



From several different designers, I found shoes that I could reduce to 1/12th scale. My painting skills are definitely not as polished as Betsy or Birgit on tiny things, but from a distance they are passable. With all the sand at the beach, taking one's shoes off at the porch will be a house rule for Kairi and her friends.

Mailbox, boat cleats and various shoes.

Tiny Converse like sneakers.


You may have noticed that grouped in with the shoes is a mailbox. This was my second printed attempt at the mailbox, after I had combined some parts and resized others. The fun thing about this mailbox, other than it was a full sized design that was down scalable, is that the door really opens and closes and the flag is functional, too. I just had to resize and reinforce the holes so that push pins could be fitted. Kairi might just have some outgoing mail soon.


It just wouldn't be a beach theme without life savers and boat buoys. Thanks to Thingiverse, I was able to easily find these, too. A few adjustments and they suited my needs perfectly! I added a ship's wheel and anchor hooks just for good measure.


Two styles of buoys.


If you have followed the beachside bungalow build, you've already seen the lanterns I designed last fall. The porch was a perfect opportunity to print and paint up more. I am planning to install two that actually light up. Fingers crossed I can easily connect them to the "finished" wiring hub.



This was my first attempt at printing the mailbox before the adjustments. I also made an address plaque, but I'll save the finished photo for the porch reveal post.


I've also made several pieces of furniture designed in Design Space and cut out of chipboard with the Maker. Since I have yet to upholster them, I'll save them for next time, too.

Hope you are all making progress on your projects and having fun doing it! See you soon!

xo xo,

Jodi

45 comments:

  1. This is so inspiring. I'm hoping to take a 3D printing class soon. Now I can't wait.

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    1. That is so exciting, Chris! The ability to 3D print any accessory you need or want to try gives this dollhouse hobby a whole new dimension! Have fun and don't worry if it seems a little overwhelming at first. Soon you'll be on your way!

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  2. Jodi, I LOVE all those accessories! So sweet and fun. Can’t wait to see all these things together on the porch. It’s getting colder here, so I’ll be able to pretend I’m on your porch, enjoying some warm weather and maybe a cocktail. Xx

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    1. Thanks Shannon! It is fun to have access to all this great stuff especially since its right at my fingertips! The porch seemed so big at first, but now, I am running out of space before running out of ideas, lol!

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  3. Wow, Jodi, nothing stops you from tinkering with your tinker cad and cricut!!! What an amazing assortment of things you have imported from the thingie-verse tinker world! LOL! I know, I don't know my way around any of it, but your results are stunning! The mailbox with all the working parts!! The shoes piled by the door... the lanterns (fingers and toes crossed...!) and those Bird houses!!! I Love the little beach changing tents you designed!!! Just Brilliant! The surfboards clearly were a challenge... but you triumphed over all the mechanical stumbling blocks! Now I can't wait to see the furniture.... and the porch all set up.... cue the sunshine, soft breezes, surf on the shore and seagulls...... :):):) Oh, and a wind chime or two.....(??!) :)

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement, Betsy! I am happy that you like the things I've found, so far! Turning to the Qidi and the Cricut are my first thought when I need something these days! It's wonderfully freeing not to have to scour the internet, pay a lot and wait for shipping for all the accessories. And any idea is only a few hours away, and I have more money to allocate toward special artisan pieces! Ahhhh seagulls, windchimes and the sound of the surf. I can almost hear them...

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  4. (Or maybe that's just the ice in the tall glasses I'm hearing...!) :):)

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    1. Ah yes! Refreshing iced beverages are a must have for the soundscape, too! I'll see if I can rustle up a pitcher and some glasses...

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  5. The bungalow is fantastic, I've had one on the back burner for years, now I feel like I really need to get with it :) Most beach houses have a cutesy name, have you thought of one?

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    1. Hi Michelle! Oh yes! There is no time like NOW to follow your inspiration and get going on your bungalow! You are in for such a joy filled experience and a place to explore all of your ideas! If you decide to blog about it, please send me the link so we can all join you on the journey! As for a project name, we'll go with the address like my good friend Elizabeth (Studio E Miniatures) has done with her incredible #43 Green Dolphin Street dollhouse. We'll call if 549 Tide Pool Cove.

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  6. Jodi todos los accesorios para el bungalow son increíbles! la idea de los diseños para las tablas de surf ha sido genial,quedan perfectas! Y esas pequeñas casitas de påjaros tan chiquitinas, el calzado me encanta, los pequeños faroles....todo me impulsa a creer escuchar ya el rumor de las olas al romper en la playa!!!
    Besos.

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    1. ¡Gracias Pilar! ¡Me alegro mucho de que te guste la decoraciĂłn! Es genial que tus ideas pasen del pensamiento a la realidad en tan solo unas horas. ¡Sigo pensando en elementos "imprescindibles", y asĂ­ sigo empujando la lĂ­nea de meta mĂĄs lejos! Sin embargo, ¡quĂ© maravilloso es estar tan atrapado en la diversiĂłn!

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  7. I bet you had fun playing with your amazing tools, designing and making all those wonderful accessories. I love them and I am sure the porche will be awesome! One more thing Jodi, do you sell the 3D files? I remember you having a shop or something? I would love to get the shoes and see if around here I can find where to print them. Take care.

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    1. Hi Alex! It is so much fun and all consuming! A 3D printer would be a powerful friend in your hands, as well! I hope you get the opportunity to explore one soon!
      I used to have a Shapeways shop but since everything I'd created in it was from 2015-2016 it got stale. Shapeways raised it's prices so much over the years that the items were really overpriced, and I made less than $1.00 on each one.
      As for the shoes on Thingiverse, I am pretty sure I can't print a designer's creation and sell them, or share their files other than provide a link to their Thingiverse page. But I recommend that you get a Thingiverse account (it is free), save all the files you want, then work with a local college class or student to have them print the files for you. I bet they would charge you minimally for the time and materials. If you want a license to sell them, contact the designer and get a license from them.
      As for any of my designs, maybe someday I might sell some things, but I am not in a position to have the time or brain space to do it now. If ever you want one of my files, email me and we can make a deal. :O)

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    2. Thank you for all the help and info, Jodi. Will follow your advice :)

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  8. Es increĂ­ble todo los que puedes hacer con esa impresora 3D !!! La verdad es que me encanta como queda todo.

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    1. ¡Gracias Isabel! Es una herramienta tan Ăștil, y ahora hay tantos creadores que encontrar cosas geniales es fĂĄcil.

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  9. Hi Jodi, I am so impressed on your virtuous working with 3 D printers and PC and I think: it is very funny to do your own things in your own colors.
    Your beachhouse is so colorfull and I like this very much, it is so expressiv.
    So long, Nina

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    1. Thanks Nina! Having the 3D printer really opens up another avenue for making minis, and it's challenging and fun! Glad you like everything!

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  10. It is amazing how much you can find on Thingiverse, your selections perfectly convey the beach house vibe. Does Kairi surf? I’ve been a little distracted lately, but I can’t wait to get back to 3D printing.

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    1. Thanks Sherrill - I know! And so wonderful that creators offer their stuff for free! When I have time, I am going to make some of my 3D files available on Thigiverse, too. Kairi is all the brave and adventurous things I am not, and surfing is in included among them. I am excited for you to get all wrapped up in 3D creating again, too! I know the things you create for your Scandi House are going to be so inspiring!

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  11. This is just way too much fun. Your 3-D printing allows you to whatever you want and it is all amazing. I love the tiny birdhouses, but the shoes are the cat's meow. (Isn't that an old slang from the '20s or something?😊). And you introduced us to a place to play: Thingversa. I was wonder, too, if you could have used vinyl on your surf boards--but would it be cost effective the small amount that you needed. Can't wait to see the porch!

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    1. Hi Ann! Glad you like the 3D items - it's so great to find so many useful (and free) things! I think you're right about the time frame for the phrase. I found this on Wikipedia:

      "The cat's meow," an expression referring to something that is considered outstanding; coined by American cartoonist Thomas A. Dorgan (1877–1929).

      I thought about vinyl for the surfboards, but there is a wood embossed pattern on one of the boards and I wasn't sure I could get a good bond. And also wasn't sure about having a thick "wax" layer over the top of them. If you get a chance to experiment with it, let us know!

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  12. That previous post was me, Ann. Don't know why I'm in hiding now.đŸ€Ł

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    1. Hi Ann! Maybe just signing out and back in will clear the cashe and let us see you again? It seems Blogger updated a couple weeks ago and things are acting buggy again. đŸ˜«

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  13. Fantastic accessories! It's not only the ability to 3D print them, it's the creativity to know what is perfect for a beach house porch. Another wonderful post to read and enjoy, even smile here and there. Thank you, dear Jodi.
    Hugs,
    Drora

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, my friend! Having the 3D printer and a source like Thingiverse is akin to shopping online, only all the items are "some assembly required", lol! Glad you like the beachy items!

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  14. The 3D printer is a great help to print objects to insert in your creations. I really like the surfboards. The porch will be amazing.

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    1. Thanks Faby! It has been fun to find and print many beach items! It's a great theme to work with!

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  15. Es increible la cantidad de detalles para tus escenas que puedes realizar tan solo con imaginarlas.....y un poquito de trabajo.
    Un saludo

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    1. ¡Gracias Mariana! ¿Recuerdas cuando tenĂ­as que recorrer muchos minoristas en lĂ­nea diferentes para encontrar los accesorios perfectos? ¡Es tan liberador tener cualquier idea al alcance de la mano y completarla en horas! ¡El Ășnico lĂ­mite es la imaginaciĂłn!

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  16. Una entrada fantĂĄstica como siempre, todos los objetos son maravillosos para tu nuevo proyecto . Me ha encantado la expresiĂłn "el maullido del gato" encaja perfectamente en tus trabajos y en tus entradas, gracias por ello .Besos

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    1. ¡Gracias Rosa MarĂ­a! ¡Me siento tan empoderada con todos los recursos en lĂ­nea y la impresora 3D a mi disposiciĂłn! ¡Realmente ha abierto las posibilidades de personalizar estas mini escenas! ¡OjalĂĄ pudiera hacerlos y compartirlos con todos ustedes!

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  17. I LOVE EVERYTHING you've done. The Surfboards are particularly impressive but I also LOVE the working mailbox AND the lanterns. The way you've painted and aged them is MARVELLOUS!
    The variety of beach themed footwear outside the door, the buoys, life preserves and birdhouses are all Excellent and I must add that the last birdhouse reminds me more of a cute little beach cabana than a honeypot/ outhouse; therefore if there be any bald birds flying about, they can enter without risk!

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth! When you get the urge to work on Land's End again, I'll have a care package for you!
      It has been a lot of fun finding and playing with all the stuff for the porch. Dare I say, almost as good as a mini shopping spree! And no waiting for the mail! Or cringing when the credit card statement comes in, lol!
      I'm relieved that the birdhouse reads "cabana" to you! So much more pleasant than outdoor plumbing on a porch!

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  18. Working mailbox, how fabulous. I am mentally stunned by the printer instructions but that’s because I don't have one and certainly suffer printer envy. You can indeed just create anythingnit seems. Your choices and designs are beautiful

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! I am so happy that you like the 3D printed accessories! It seems kids are born now with all this technology knowledge, so it won't be long until you and your grandson are designing and printing your own fabulous things! It is lovely to see you, and I hope you've found time and inspiration to work on the room boxes. I'd love to see a new blog post from you!

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  19. Me again, like Ann I keep coming up as anonymous….it’s Marilyn aka burygardeners

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    1. It's always something isn't it, Marilyn! I believe the updates Blogger recently did have eliminated some people's profile photos among other things. Does it help to log off then on again?

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  20. Oh, what a wonderful post! ;O) I've enjoyed all the items you've created for your... eh... Kairi's needs to the fullest. Need a surfboard? How boring... let's better create three sorts of them for all purposes. *LOL* I am so much in awe with the possibilities your machine park offers you... but I can easily resist the temptation as I know that the machine is one thing, but the talented mastermind "feeding" the machine is another.

    I really hope your plans to illuminate the lanterns will work as I look already forward to see this... *tweet* The mail box is awesome and the bird houses so cute. The Honey Bucket gave me a good grin, even more as I always love to learn new expressions. Btw Germans also use a brand's name as an expression for this type of mobile toilets and this is "Dixi Klo" (tranlated: Dixi Loo).

    Anyhow, there's one thing in your post that made me wonder... why did I never met this namesake of mine in blogland before? You know, this mysterious Birgit with the polished painting skills... *grin*

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Thanks Birgit! I'm so glad you liked the post! You, like me, have been working on a beach themed project, and know that inspiration and ideas for it are so easy to come by! My biggest challenge is tiny painting, but your ability to paint such tiny things so beautifully inspires me to keep trying!
      Dixi Loo! I love it! Now I am wondering if the "Dixi" part is derivative of German slang? I'd love to know!
      Hugs

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  21. I wouldn't know where to start with all those machines, but I wish I could afford a 3D printer, the results are brilliant. I can't wait to see all your lovely items in place.

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    1. Thanks Polly! There are lots of good models under $300.00, Thingiverse has most every item you could think of using so you wouldn't even have to make your own models until you were ready, and there are hundreds of YouTube tutorials to help you along. You Can Do This! All you need is the desire to do it (check) and a little inspiration to get you excited (check)!

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  22. Jodi another awesome detail for the porch. Fun you can make what you want on the 3D printer.

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    1. Thanks Stephanie! I'm so glad you like the porch and I hope you feel inspired! It is so incredible to have the world at your fingers with a 3D printer! A dream come true!

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