Storybook Cottage - Laying The Groundwork

This week's mini time was a continuation of getting the landscape board ready for the cottage and it's garden. Before I got much further, I needed to get the plywood base bottom covered in felt to protect the table it will sit on. I bought a few yards of this brown felt at Joanne's a few years ago when it was on clearance, and I'm still using it up. I cut a piece to cover the bottom with extra allowance around the edges, then gave the plywood a good layer of Grandmother Stover's glue. I laid on the felt, then used my burnishing tool to get good adhesion everywhere. Once dry, I used my Xacto knife to cut a nice close edge. When I missed some, or the cut wasn't as pretty as could be, I used my embroidery scissors to clean it up.

I marked again on the board where the house would sit, then made a planter box to attach to two of the fence sections. They got stucco (and later aged) to match. There will be a stone path along the third fence section, so it didn't need a planter.

Using foam core boards for walls and cereal box cardboard for bottoms, I made a planter for the corner and for under the bay window by the front door. I covered them in "stone", then added foam planting bed to help hold in the future plantings.

With the very limited garden space, I decided not to try to force in a lawn, but instead make a stone path surrounding the cottage. In addition to the planters and window boxes, I can have an extensive container garden with all sorts of creative pots and things. So first, I painted in the path, then edged it in 1/4" wide liner "stones". I checked the fit of the fencing and planters as I went.

Then I filled in the pathway with "stone pavers" made from the same Yankee Candle cardboard packaging as the rest of the "stone" in the project.

I didn't want to grout the stone, because I wanted a more informal path kind of feeling. I had this Bachmann gravel in my landscaping drawer for a long while now, but had never had the chance to use it. I experimented a little, then found that running a light bead of Elmer's glue in the grout lines, then sprinkling the gravel on worked well. I lightly patted the gravel, then once dry, I rubbed my finger across it to remove the excess and loose gravel. I didn't try to save the excess - didn't want to risk gouging my wood floors if I happened to miss cleaning it up, so I just dumped the board out on my gravel walkway in the back yard. With a little future aging using chalk pastels, then planting some rogue weeds and moss in here an there, I think it will look nice.

So here is the table that the cottage is going to live on. I am still mulling over ideas about weather I'm going to paint it, and if so, how? The great thing is that there is room on the bottom shelf for another small future project!

And here is where the cottage stands now, ready for flowers and plants and all manner of living things to adorn her. You may notice that the moss is a little less prominent, having been rubbed to lose some of it's fuzziness. But the mossy rock is kind of growing on me.

But before I can begin to undertake all of that flowery awesomeness, I have some real life homework.

Dresser Handles

Dresser Painting in Progress

Lots of Decor Stuff To Make

Russ has finished the flooring in two bedrooms and the hall, with only the landing and stairway to go. So now I can begin creating a nice, comfortable room for our guests to stay in.

So now that the groundwork has been laid, next time, I hope to have more exciting and colorful things to share both with the cottage, and our real life home!

xo xo,
Jodi

The Storybook's Hardscape

I got some mixed feedback and some great advice on the Storybook's aged copper roofs, weathering and moss. I needed to let all of it soak in for a while, so instead, I started the hardscape. First, I had to decide on a size. My parents gave me a cute side table when they moved to Arizona, so I limited my landscape board to a size that would fit nicely on that. It doesn't leave as much garden space as I'd really like, but in miniatures, unless you live in a mansion, you have to make sacrifices. I'll just have to figure out how to maximize the space I have.

I used a scrap piece of 1/2" plywood and cut it down to size with my scroll saw. The table is an oblong shape, so to save potential bruising when dusting, I cut off the corners. It also gives it a bit of a tea tray shape, so maybe I could add some handles to the left and right sides. I glued 3/4" edging to three sides, and 1/2" to the back (dollhouse opening) and where the gate and arbor will be so visitors won't trip coming into the yard. I secured it further by drilling pilot holes then adding nails. Once that was done I gave it a coat of gesso. Before I permanently attach anything, I'll cover the bottom with felt to protect the table it sits on.

Next, I needed to figure out the fencing. I am trying my best with this project to use up all of the supplies and materials I have (so far) purchased and (not yet) used since my foray back into minis. I've had some JMG Miniatures laser cut fencing in my stash for at least a couple years now, and finally, had an opportunity to use it up. I didn't want a high fence to block the garden, so I cut it in half and framed it with 1/8" x 1/16" basswood.

I wanted fancy "copper" fencing framed in with solid fencing on either side, but with so little glue area on the "copper" sections, I needed a way to make them more solid. Santa didn't get me the router table I wanted last year, so I still have to improvise to make dados. By sandwiching a piece of 3/8" x 1/8" basswood between two 1/2" x 1/4" pieces, I create my own 1/8" dado - perfect for my fence to slide into. The bottom rail is 1/4" x 1/4", sandwiched between the two fence posts, and the "copper" fence slides in and rests on top.

For the solid sections on either end of each fence section, I used 1/4" scrap basswood and added another fence post to each end. There was enough gluing surface here so that these posts do not need dados. To the two outside side sections, I added the tea tree embellishments. To the two outside front sections, I added some of the left over laser cut fencing - the other half of the "copper" sections. These each got a bee embellishment. Each post also got a cap and a finial.

I underpainted each of the solid fence sections in Cameo Blush, then treated them to a layer of stucco. The "copper" sections, as well as the post caps and finials got a treatment of copper leafing pen.

I'll share photos later in the post of the completed and aged fence sections, but first, the arbor. I've been looking for a long time at many of the pre-made and kit arbors available in 1/12th scale. None of them really excited me, and not really knowing how much space I had, I was afraid to order one and not use it. That's how I got so much stuff in the first place! So, staying true to my "use it up" plan, I made my own, custom fit for my opening - 2-5/8". And, I saved myself $20-$30!

I printed off a photo of a pre-made arbor with a basic design, just to see how everything fit together. Then, using more of my leftover fence pieces, I made a fancy panel for each side. I was able to dado the top rails using my scroll saw so that the roof slats sat firmly in the grooves.

To make it's finish commensurate with the cottage and garden, I first colored all of the wood with a brown ProMarker. So much nicer than oily, nasty stain! Alcohol inks would work great here, too. Just have to work fast because the alcohol inks evaporate so quickly. Just squirt out a little at a time in a disposable cup to work with. After that it got a good coat of Vintage White, let it dry, then a coat of DecoArt One Step Crackle. Once that was dry, I gave it a good coat of a mixture of Folkart clear and antiquing wax. Whatever reaction the three products had together, it gave it a mossy, peeling paint, worn out sort of look. I love it!

Before aging of arbor and fence sections.

The opposite corner of the landscape board will have a simple gate. This will be the more utility area - the perfect spot for a potting bench! I saw the real life blue one pictured below from Flower Patch Farmhouse, and there was just something so simple and cute about it. It looked easy enough to make, and like another opportunity to use up some more of my laser cut leftovers! It's just a simple frame made with 1/4" x 1/4" basswood as posts and support pieces, 1/4" x 1/8" basswood for skirting, and 1/2" x 1/16" basswood for the fence slats, shelves and bench top. The leftover fencing pieces are what I based my width on, and the overall measurements are 3" wide x 5-1/2" high x 1-1/2" deep. The bench top is 2-15/16 high. The knobs on the posts are leftovers cut from a headboard that I recovered in fabric a few years ago.

And here it is after getting the same aging treatments as the arbor. I can't wait to accessorize! Oh! You can also see the fence and finials with their verdigris and patina aging treatments.

Next up will be the planters. I'm still mulling designs for them in my mind. Ideally, they'll be removable for planting, and so they can be out of the way for the grass? cobblestone? paver? installation. Meanwhile, I'm still contemplating a compass point, where the moss should  grow, how to proceed with the aged copper roofs. And do I really care that sun loving and shade loving flowers should be in different areas? It is only a make believe Storybook, after all!

May all your decisions be easy ones, and may you always make the right choice! :O)

xo xo,
Jodi

Heaven Sent

It's amazing how a simple hobby can change your life. Minis have always ignited something in me, but it was only in the last six years or so that I've been able to fully explore this passion. How can something so trivial fill up one's soul so much? I don't know the answer, I just know I've never done anything that excites me this way, and allows me to be so creative.

One of the most incredible aspects of being involved in this hobby is getting to connect with so many others who feel the same way. You don't need to explain minis to another miniaturist, they just get you. And connecting with so many kindred souls has been amazing. I have learned so much and been so inspired by others who, like me, are compelled to share every dream and idea with like minded and passionate people. One of the most incredibly talented and inspiring people that I've had the privilege to meet is Elizabeth Shinn. I'm sure you all know the stunning work that she shares on her own blog, Studio E.

In addition to being incredibly creative with things like turning everyday objects into works of art, using masterful crafting techniques and compounds to create incredible texture and age to things, and making amazing miniature food and flowers, Elizabeth is an extraordinarily kind and generous person. I am sure many of you have seen or been encouraged by  the numerous comments she leaves for others. She always takes the time to leave such thoughtful and insightful words. I look forward to her comments on every post! Because of that generous spirit, Elizabeth is one of my heroes in the miniature world.

So you can only imagine my excitement when I received a message from Elizabeth asking for my address! You see, she had made perfume bottles and thought I might like some for the cottage! Yes! Yes, please!

I retrieved my package this morning, and was gobsmacked by all the incredible things inside! Not just perfume bottles, but so, so much more!

I am amazed at the intricacies and detailed elements Elizabeth has managed to include on these bottles! They are truly beautiful, and I wish the camera could capture how some of them sparkle! I don't know how she knows just what to use and how to design them or manage to glue these tiny pieces, but they are perfect! I can't wait to display them in the cottage bedroom and bathroom! And there are so many!

These jars and tray and towels and soap are just incredibly delicate and pretty! The glass tray even has feet! Every little thing is embellished with something special, all in perfect scale and completely realistic!

Just look at the detail in this tray of cookies! It must have taken so much time to make each of these. They look so real, and incredibly delicious!  If I went to afternoon tea, I'd have to have one of each kind! I think these will be perfect displayed in the living room right next to the Ina Williams tea set!

I am getting so hungry just looking at these amazing foods! Look at the fruit on top! Who can do this? Elizabeth can! This combination of green and pink will look lovely in the cottage's kitchen!

And this one? Topped with chocolate and macaroons? This wouldn't last a day in my real life house! I have a special cake stand just for this one!

Elizabeth bought this pitcher for herself from an artisan in Italy. Because of it's colors (and her giant heart) she has passed it on to me! The flowers are made by Elizabeth, and are so realistic in color and texture that a good photo could fool you into thinking they are "real"! I am so excited to have them joined together in the cottage!

And last but certainly not least, she sent along some fabric that she thought might match the color scheme and wallpapers. She nailed it! Look forward to seeing cushions, pillows and bedding soon!

And most exciting of all, Elizabeth said that she's still working on Villa Leone, and in spite of some battles, will post some progress soon. I'm looking so forward to that!

Thank you so much Elizabeth, for your generosity, thoughtfulness, kindness and most especially your friendship. I value that above all!

xo xo,
Jodi