tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89548271135000524222024-03-06T18:19:11.560+10:00The Florist'sMarionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-76976203006679023762021-12-06T21:34:00.001+10:002021-12-06T21:34:33.195+10:00A display added<p> </p><p>When I was looking through some old magazines I came upon cut outs for packets of seed. Instantly I knew I wanted to add this to my shop. I did some searching on the internet for ideas and found something I liked. I set upon designing it, including the name of the company, which I also copied from the internet. I don't worry about copying as I am not selling, so it should be alright. I used matboard offcuts and paper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHQ3iZqK1l92Pe1Y7PfhOpncjsq0C64eeIWhwIXfiP-7NWUUjti3qeNxeyZYWHRubXRMBSMsKrOZxjySfuEfoL5WdZuLLRdc1kpPUZDQIdwqrCtvaAsG_SO5b6YuD0WnbCB2BOcBsQDo/s2048/20211206_123314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHQ3iZqK1l92Pe1Y7PfhOpncjsq0C64eeIWhwIXfiP-7NWUUjti3qeNxeyZYWHRubXRMBSMsKrOZxjySfuEfoL5WdZuLLRdc1kpPUZDQIdwqrCtvaAsG_SO5b6YuD0WnbCB2BOcBsQDo/w300-h400/20211206_123314.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34BqOwukqoTfR190Neof9NKKQkk1KKdZKYi498e9FG0DgUM1h1rjqRRzXSCWhmltP4wZ_aKxwBZtXkUUb0QeZWzOxX8rmOTv2q0gHnpV7l9623NvRKGlD4p5caXxjdJ5ulhY2Rd0Fzik/s2048/20211206_110401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34BqOwukqoTfR190Neof9NKKQkk1KKdZKYi498e9FG0DgUM1h1rjqRRzXSCWhmltP4wZ_aKxwBZtXkUUb0QeZWzOxX8rmOTv2q0gHnpV7l9623NvRKGlD4p5caXxjdJ5ulhY2Rd0Fzik/w300-h400/20211206_110401.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-0qoAkoUlCi5GP-Vnc28-IcemYmx21HqqLc4kCiRhqrDJfZ0i9-jQKF_XOzbxGcU_ogp4ANrY0Z9iHP_8gr3LFVDPnbyKe-6GzBKAK8QwkuP6OZaFGd_lce05sq-Q_uVNcKQq0MVfW8/s2048/20211206_110459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-0qoAkoUlCi5GP-Vnc28-IcemYmx21HqqLc4kCiRhqrDJfZ0i9-jQKF_XOzbxGcU_ogp4ANrY0Z9iHP_8gr3LFVDPnbyKe-6GzBKAK8QwkuP6OZaFGd_lce05sq-Q_uVNcKQq0MVfW8/w300-h400/20211206_110459.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVzHzn6FZVwtsZo7h8NCr-324uhumlac6Wq8jSaYT3mIGYR3eNNxOiT0pCu0CgeJ5HJzvXDfAxQ7_1HTZfvBpNwb9Rn0ORNxriveSK8fKGfcrI9u_IN1le3i-ujWT-XT3G9PzcfBefCI/s2048/20211206_110618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVzHzn6FZVwtsZo7h8NCr-324uhumlac6Wq8jSaYT3mIGYR3eNNxOiT0pCu0CgeJ5HJzvXDfAxQ7_1HTZfvBpNwb9Rn0ORNxriveSK8fKGfcrI9u_IN1le3i-ujWT-XT3G9PzcfBefCI/w300-h400/20211206_110618.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVt_e6PslHqbW1PfDqSc5OY6DkdyjLlPvrHU_DbGWt5oYYCd0TSjDrl749exNvHhpPn-cPCBTLaiO2IzBZjZDtOJLRWxCpSm4bABf890aVdjdLu80ZdUWc4JZF2VAgllmzi_4VtioqULE/s2048/20211206_110658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVt_e6PslHqbW1PfDqSc5OY6DkdyjLlPvrHU_DbGWt5oYYCd0TSjDrl749exNvHhpPn-cPCBTLaiO2IzBZjZDtOJLRWxCpSm4bABf890aVdjdLu80ZdUWc4JZF2VAgllmzi_4VtioqULE/w300-h400/20211206_110658.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-82850489935521255522021-10-27T13:35:00.001+10:002021-10-27T13:35:05.129+10:00Back again after 7 years...<p> I have ome back to my miniatures again after a very long absence, and I am starting to enjoy it again. I am currently working on all the unfinished projects. There are plenty. :-) My Witch's Cottage is one, and then there is my bigger dollshouse and, of course, the Florist. The <a href="https://marion-thewitchscottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Witch's Cottage</a> (if you are interested) is nearly finished. The Florist has my main interest at the moment.</p><p>In 20214 I finished the baskets for the upstairs workbench. Since then I have added a few more items. Well, since then as in this week! ;-)</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxTg842rFOsVLyOEZ0oyNE5UDQUkBDnazvT-Ee8wGbnislMH02-YMBuheMXe3t8iBn3i-NWYz4v72uiSc0TYQjtLwvRIh0tEw853PeWOyOWPz0zmwxuchqGHU8fchCOLw9c-pldSIQtI/s2048/113+sink+in+the+workplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxTg842rFOsVLyOEZ0oyNE5UDQUkBDnazvT-Ee8wGbnislMH02-YMBuheMXe3t8iBn3i-NWYz4v72uiSc0TYQjtLwvRIh0tEw853PeWOyOWPz0zmwxuchqGHU8fchCOLw9c-pldSIQtI/w400-h300/113+sink+in+the+workplace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towel, soap and container on the wall added</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFvWvQYCRrQnT_lQUx7dsZ8CvtEtai1zybKV7qIWNufH3uUTcdbuOGhz8mDkcnx7A2t1Q0GMjlG84cPoVMmgYmDB3g4st8ItRbbvHWbvyBfVpDx8gwHLJQbO5T_7Hsut_L-kwpkiL8ck/s2048/114+sink+with+some+items+added.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFvWvQYCRrQnT_lQUx7dsZ8CvtEtai1zybKV7qIWNufH3uUTcdbuOGhz8mDkcnx7A2t1Q0GMjlG84cPoVMmgYmDB3g4st8ItRbbvHWbvyBfVpDx8gwHLJQbO5T_7Hsut_L-kwpkiL8ck/s320/114+sink+with+some+items+added.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bucket, dust brush and broom added.<br />The big container with the tissue needs some more work done.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionbXqlPqm1wc65AYdsYFIAlGdxFgWjv-b9I0GW0d9D0ELVPO7MEACEsdeA_6NBfHNfahbwzNIlgzRHcnZi3ipG5ddTBWzZK290smgUIlLco-zyDoeI67pl4JwXmt73j0tgVZphxInyfw/s2048/115+the+upstairs+workbench+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionbXqlPqm1wc65AYdsYFIAlGdxFgWjv-b9I0GW0d9D0ELVPO7MEACEsdeA_6NBfHNfahbwzNIlgzRHcnZi3ipG5ddTBWzZK290smgUIlLco-zyDoeI67pl4JwXmt73j0tgVZphxInyfw/w300-h400/115+the+upstairs+workbench+finished.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Items added to the workbench, like pruners, garden gloves, <br />a basket with twine, a mug and the flowers needed <br />to create a huge bouquet in the big vase on the floor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNzDnrtDLUw6bTzw045Pd-OwxQg82qY57J6JxJgInVe8cmSk5WEKVad1Zicqt8YGIjk65iv2TNi7XfpuEKGcIPYF92P9fI0o3cwuxTf5EuzFPC5PyjL1stYesmimtg-wIdYfZnY7XmF0/s2048/116+a+little+gnome+for+the+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNzDnrtDLUw6bTzw045Pd-OwxQg82qY57J6JxJgInVe8cmSk5WEKVad1Zicqt8YGIjk65iv2TNi7XfpuEKGcIPYF92P9fI0o3cwuxTf5EuzFPC5PyjL1stYesmimtg-wIdYfZnY7XmF0/w300-h400/116+a+little+gnome+for+the+shop.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A garden gnome for the shop. Happy that you can only <br />see the imperfections when you look at the picture.... ;-)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjQsvgrNmKcZg8l30_NKc2OkuLXfuOkgSm29Nt1hNdBjPYQbVIaKkSuy9DkfN4NNdrsL8QZgLlxQgdfkwMCtZlrzBJ7QqYlM3ZVeyQ3npNptNjax52a7gq9H__4lBJ3yIjef0ghPRULs/s2048/117+display+bench+in+the+making.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjQsvgrNmKcZg8l30_NKc2OkuLXfuOkgSm29Nt1hNdBjPYQbVIaKkSuy9DkfN4NNdrsL8QZgLlxQgdfkwMCtZlrzBJ7QqYlM3ZVeyQ3npNptNjax52a7gq9H__4lBJ3yIjef0ghPRULs/w400-h300/117+display+bench+in+the+making.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A display bench in the making. Colours kept in line with the upstairs funiture.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-XHLScUvQYvcyyAwLasDaozgXbWouGnZJ3G-nYF6gllfq3Dkp6f5Ty9HwN73EYPAbAA5VQ20DFre-aZEESE1e70F9xifNPeSYZ5SiyLxD6q6NmXPuvv8pN07vYncBEh7Edcb6HuGwBs/s2048/118+display+bench+in+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-XHLScUvQYvcyyAwLasDaozgXbWouGnZJ3G-nYF6gllfq3Dkp6f5Ty9HwN73EYPAbAA5VQ20DFre-aZEESE1e70F9xifNPeSYZ5SiyLxD6q6NmXPuvv8pN07vYncBEh7Edcb6HuGwBs/w400-h300/118+display+bench+in+place.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The display bench in place, next to a basket cabinet I made years ago</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV_Nedtgs6_mTZ7B36nQDRRuoLBHbbpB1m7-Dqo6Ww9rYniY1jpW_CB_I7wUg7Jmvkf7Pre5AtDFSz2T07WT2eUfhLGEj60c-T8CP9Ex2KQuwFdV-Vgbr9x9qr0wif1p7JsLtGltEaZ4/s2048/119+a+few+crates+for+displaying+plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV_Nedtgs6_mTZ7B36nQDRRuoLBHbbpB1m7-Dqo6Ww9rYniY1jpW_CB_I7wUg7Jmvkf7Pre5AtDFSz2T07WT2eUfhLGEj60c-T8CP9Ex2KQuwFdV-Vgbr9x9qr0wif1p7JsLtGltEaZ4/w300-h400/119+a+few+crates+for+displaying+plants.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also made a few crates to lift the plants somewhat higher <br />and make room for extra 'for sale' items in the shop. <br />The basket contains seasonal catalogues for plants and seeds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN_XWGgS22S9x5atKl2lEZZZsSoi80J1OpB4hjXs7tlr5Qabca8bJeq-YxWTJOKeS0L1Stjin4tM2rKKiLLBorFlNMBcZ6vH4kmfxoYyNpyl3fkMCZgsy2j232sZy71n0x44Y7bn8BG4/s2048/120+the+display+bench+with+plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN_XWGgS22S9x5atKl2lEZZZsSoi80J1OpB4hjXs7tlr5Qabca8bJeq-YxWTJOKeS0L1Stjin4tM2rKKiLLBorFlNMBcZ6vH4kmfxoYyNpyl3fkMCZgsy2j232sZy71n0x44Y7bn8BG4/w300-h400/120+the+display+bench+with+plants.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The display bench in place with some of the plants I have made. <br />The tiles in the oblong basket are 'real' tiles, decorated with decals. <br />The gnome is hanging about waiting for its rightful place in the shop.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCthd51GZ_SZQLgZb3EX3-Rn6RyvHiqbs-fJkA6EM5ra2pwHEYZSmEDYQDOJNOlt5B-Kqar7LPadbs2Vwp8nQPBkzpe2h62RbsaxPWQaB-VWFvcefz77F3oMUMIuJFGHKNG692ZgRn2cg/s2048/121+an+overview+of+the+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCthd51GZ_SZQLgZb3EX3-Rn6RyvHiqbs-fJkA6EM5ra2pwHEYZSmEDYQDOJNOlt5B-Kqar7LPadbs2Vwp8nQPBkzpe2h62RbsaxPWQaB-VWFvcefz77F3oMUMIuJFGHKNG692ZgRn2cg/w400-h300/121+an+overview+of+the+shop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overview of the shop nearing its finished stage.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4HeDPHO-ZyGnmaqgptl5xnIBkF2BewMP1bA6RyEnWBiphlQXvTUlpJL6joIzCj01zJCnPTYP1hMjRnyUCwXf461tknwyIFi9eRXiOJLcXL7zcTQaoNhinmzaeFLNmrgkEsNkc6XoZxM/s2048/122+a+planter+for+the+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4HeDPHO-ZyGnmaqgptl5xnIBkF2BewMP1bA6RyEnWBiphlQXvTUlpJL6joIzCj01zJCnPTYP1hMjRnyUCwXf461tknwyIFi9eRXiOJLcXL7zcTQaoNhinmzaeFLNmrgkEsNkc6XoZxM/w300-h400/122+a+planter+for+the+wall.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wall-mounted earthenware pot with plants</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlROwQwK5Jc-yjnzgfRY5Xy7-Xfg6qjU3Ccql1xVcYsNTPUAVDJR_dtJeNTeYF54nX005wWbk4pthHjbcyCIk_peNuNOMdy6a0pyDB5SNYpfwsWIhlyuahnizPVUPIJIKs28X7KO0puEk/s2048/123+out+on+the+street+with+a+Xanthorea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlROwQwK5Jc-yjnzgfRY5Xy7-Xfg6qjU3Ccql1xVcYsNTPUAVDJR_dtJeNTeYF54nX005wWbk4pthHjbcyCIk_peNuNOMdy6a0pyDB5SNYpfwsWIhlyuahnizPVUPIJIKs28X7KO0puEk/w300-h400/123+out+on+the+street+with+a+Xanthorea.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street view. The plant on the right needs a clearer picture. <br />It's a Xanthorrhoea or 'grass tree', native to Australia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMc-d8X_gBWOHU7O3vo79rFcSl3pM3rHpPNvBEOvHGiiggIDRhwGH-GUQduvWqz3T4mgIC_LLHhn6OadlJbgg9-Kkw9viNhyO4-DWlJvHUwC14V-_y-q34YWFmWRmG3p8WmrltKCFb4M/s2048/124+street+name+and+house+number+added.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMc-d8X_gBWOHU7O3vo79rFcSl3pM3rHpPNvBEOvHGiiggIDRhwGH-GUQduvWqz3T4mgIC_LLHhn6OadlJbgg9-Kkw9viNhyO4-DWlJvHUwC14V-_y-q34YWFmWRmG3p8WmrltKCFb4M/w300-h400/124+street+name+and+house+number+added.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The street has a name and the shop a house number.<br />Pepermuntlaantje translates into: Peppermint Lane.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few night shots:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNLTUrBGrFDh7qoBlnD55gZTne3Ns8b48f5iUA5tF0jo__TJWXyxVygvfOqxMobpphH7-Aysg2jMLdlBV9NdMGRyzkU3R6cc6a070VcEMSEFbISNvymB8ivHzDFUvqNzTm_D6nYKAdcM/s2048/125+the+shop+at+night+1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNLTUrBGrFDh7qoBlnD55gZTne3Ns8b48f5iUA5tF0jo__TJWXyxVygvfOqxMobpphH7-Aysg2jMLdlBV9NdMGRyzkU3R6cc6a070VcEMSEFbISNvymB8ivHzDFUvqNzTm_D6nYKAdcM/w300-h400/125+the+shop+at+night+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobHJZw0JDG4gdqqlhj7y7hU04aR0V1wbTfjp7SH2UbmleCnn7cPnHU0lYyUiGxayi5KESz9-OHigzlVH2OA7juYBypwz-CYtOwb82UYxIr_kQSLBTYaLPEn45zBUPbp7ghParpzID2fQ/s2048/126+the+shop+at+night+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobHJZw0JDG4gdqqlhj7y7hU04aR0V1wbTfjp7SH2UbmleCnn7cPnHU0lYyUiGxayi5KESz9-OHigzlVH2OA7juYBypwz-CYtOwb82UYxIr_kQSLBTYaLPEn45zBUPbp7ghParpzID2fQ/w300-h400/126+the+shop+at+night+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgL77JBfbljozXLCq9mnK08Mnn6OPXqlTVI6x6lAUP-bDu7nJEXGme-OrHEs7w0AywwGHU6Pp64KmCk794HLeJt4X1LUgAFiR7ET3NeACk_UHBDqyPgGH6cGYIKvyNEJ-06WOen_8iGw/s2048/127+the+shop+at+night+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgL77JBfbljozXLCq9mnK08Mnn6OPXqlTVI6x6lAUP-bDu7nJEXGme-OrHEs7w0AywwGHU6Pp64KmCk794HLeJt4X1LUgAFiR7ET3NeACk_UHBDqyPgGH6cGYIKvyNEJ-06WOen_8iGw/w300-h400/127+the+shop+at+night+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-52009472365933440892014-10-27T20:38:00.001+10:002015-10-17T15:31:23.744+10:00BasketsJust a quick update to show that I am still alive and kicking!<br />
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From time to time I try to go back to my hobby, but I am still not always in the right frame of mind after the loss of my husband. However, something is pulling me in the right direction... :-)<br />
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After a bit of work on my dollshouse I wanted to go back to my florist and do some work on the upstairs floor. The workbench needed a few drawers or something to hold tools and stuff, so I decided to go for baskets. <br />
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As the walls, and therefore the workbench, are not square it takes a bit of extra work, but in reality it is not too difficult. The baskets I am making of balsa (bottom) and paper (woven part). It is a very simple procedure albeit time consuming, but that's miniatures for you.<br />
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I haven't finished the work yet, but wanted to show a few pictures of what I am doing at present. The blue basket on the bench is a finished product that I made some time ago. It's also made of paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78jDekYSv9zLnjkXg9qcl7XVurUxbCFQp2Qmez_N6Q5ghcDaXka_qgXM70wEZD6-uV3PtheMFdzYJpwveEVEKxNlwtxCa-n_rnCoasaPszjMOBUPqfL44fA9NdiIMARkw5P-ft83zUwQ/s1600/110+basket+in+the+making.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78jDekYSv9zLnjkXg9qcl7XVurUxbCFQp2Qmez_N6Q5ghcDaXka_qgXM70wEZD6-uV3PtheMFdzYJpwveEVEKxNlwtxCa-n_rnCoasaPszjMOBUPqfL44fA9NdiIMARkw5P-ft83zUwQ/s400/110+basket+in+the+making.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGe2asuqIzDeLglSB1oEBOARzfUOM_4AYfw5X-9zusSgiPR2K3Nj1GX1d78JWg6Gs59f3TGHr3nLznzaGwQ6lyKQsdJjzKJpMDl94l4yuw1dvslvOZ9LL1IbW89PIgKTByeBL-fENtPQI/s1600/111+baskets+in+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGe2asuqIzDeLglSB1oEBOARzfUOM_4AYfw5X-9zusSgiPR2K3Nj1GX1d78JWg6Gs59f3TGHr3nLznzaGwQ6lyKQsdJjzKJpMDl94l4yuw1dvslvOZ9LL1IbW89PIgKTByeBL-fENtPQI/s400/111+baskets+in+place.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEsO0SKqssiNBeaw7i4WW_-bkreuvRFXunAxhk8pidsYtDegFtJznN6udOKLCr80qcm_WDxLB4J5pKIJFs0qVqFkD4DKOwIqXmuKaRwFyLdd9JGlabsAccqebUlW2qxa5Jw_wVYxW8tk/s1600/112+odd+shaped+baskets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEsO0SKqssiNBeaw7i4WW_-bkreuvRFXunAxhk8pidsYtDegFtJznN6udOKLCr80qcm_WDxLB4J5pKIJFs0qVqFkD4DKOwIqXmuKaRwFyLdd9JGlabsAccqebUlW2qxa5Jw_wVYxW8tk/s400/112+odd+shaped+baskets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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An update will follow when I have finished the baskets. Till then.<br />
<br />Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-84857824541258965912014-06-23T09:24:00.002+10:002015-10-17T15:37:07.838+10:00The rest of the kitsIndeed I had more time to make flowers. I had brought three kits with me and discovered a little plastic bag with a waterlilies workshop, so I have been able to keep myself busy. After the hollyhocks followed a pink hibiscus, an orchid (Phalaenopsis) and the waterlilies. I also made a cyclamen, but that was done with some material that my friend still had lying around. The waterlilies aren't finished yet, so hence no picture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyk5H9d4DmHEPOQYmAZFHqGeozivGs1EghtFV0HQIVIJQllCluAOABEziUFJdPodiE5N-X0t7D07XLXWlDfUtlgmOWo2udhUU9jyXKLEFNVGZd-p23FSvuK4ri_Eh5ygQfjJJWhqscOfE/s1600/2014+Pink+Hibiscus+-+Ria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyk5H9d4DmHEPOQYmAZFHqGeozivGs1EghtFV0HQIVIJQllCluAOABEziUFJdPodiE5N-X0t7D07XLXWlDfUtlgmOWo2udhUU9jyXKLEFNVGZd-p23FSvuK4ri_Eh5ygQfjJJWhqscOfE/s320/2014+Pink+Hibiscus+-+Ria.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pink hibiscus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMR1Snk2A-cZl36EpN2JhPjL_Mx_SaM9DgRf7Hw6b00LuwpuRXTYsMkDVpzSeJN6Zai3bA6_bwaLtCo6NC2LPEv_Bb31gP_yQgxpK1zFswjZy6XNqvd_0cJvhHpLYeoeDtIDzsVTklMw/s1600/2014+Cyclamen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMR1Snk2A-cZl36EpN2JhPjL_Mx_SaM9DgRf7Hw6b00LuwpuRXTYsMkDVpzSeJN6Zai3bA6_bwaLtCo6NC2LPEv_Bb31gP_yQgxpK1zFswjZy6XNqvd_0cJvhHpLYeoeDtIDzsVTklMw/s320/2014+Cyclamen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cyclamen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PdYxIQFtD1-7Niv-U8nBDJk2rvTAww2ooF3xJca6pVfwDg62zW4cAOxpTncgHuHCAWkgCzOt-mAy4bcDSNYqwfwF_lka6j9eyYPvzN5eyV40Sk6oCzGOcY2Efxj4UXFERQV6e7v0DOs/s1600/2014+Phalaenopsis+-+Ria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PdYxIQFtD1-7Niv-U8nBDJk2rvTAww2ooF3xJca6pVfwDg62zW4cAOxpTncgHuHCAWkgCzOt-mAy4bcDSNYqwfwF_lka6j9eyYPvzN5eyV40Sk6oCzGOcY2Efxj4UXFERQV6e7v0DOs/s320/2014+Phalaenopsis+-+Ria.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">phalaenopsis</td></tr>
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That's all for the moment. You'll see more when I feel like it again... (plenty of kits to go)</div>
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Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-79669327039239487542014-06-17T10:10:00.002+10:002015-10-17T15:38:50.868+10:00More flowersOn holiday in New Zealand and staying with a friend who also has miniatures for a hobby, I couldn't help but make some more flowers for either my florist or to just plant in a garden one day. I'd packed some kits in my suitcase and the weather appeared to be just right for some indoor fun: it's been raining on and off!<br />
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We both have a series of kit sets for plant/flower making and we both happened to have hollyhocks. So, a picture to show the results:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMce53sumDreTPsFPGFbjM3lGAy-uZgvzHL4V-ZBxUofWO-nF2ODrgi0DkkG9iDhtICl7-ukT_knm1zlT9OAyNh9zgKFaYSCcoE5adLCXQziltuHoTF_wLfa-2odIu2TO6M-k1LAQIy4/s1600/2014+Pink+and+red+Hollyhocks+-+Ria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMce53sumDreTPsFPGFbjM3lGAy-uZgvzHL4V-ZBxUofWO-nF2ODrgi0DkkG9iDhtICl7-ukT_knm1zlT9OAyNh9zgKFaYSCcoE5adLCXQziltuHoTF_wLfa-2odIu2TO6M-k1LAQIy4/s400/2014+Pink+and+red+Hollyhocks+-+Ria.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I do have a few more kits at hand, but don't know how we will be going timewise. You'll find out when I update my blog again. ;-)<br />
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<br />Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-16112015254376097922013-12-05T19:21:00.000+10:002015-10-17T15:39:22.718+10:00Tragic eventsAt the beginning of this year, on the 23rd of January to be precise, the title of my post was: Back on deck. Well, that didn't last long, because just then my husband passed away under tragic circumstances and of course, I was devastated. Miniatures did no longer appear on my horizon for a long time, other than preparing and tutoring workshops at our Brisbane dollshouse club. I felt obliged, because I was, and still am, workshop convenor.<br />
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In a way that was good, because it kept me going and it kept me interested to a degree. At the moment I am still battling depression because of what happened, but I have finally taken the step to get back to my miniatures. It will keep me distracted and that is what I need.<br />
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Since back then I was working on the Florist I decided I will keep going with that for a while. It's a bit difficult at times, because I needed to finish and place the stairs and they were made for me by my husband... I guess these things will happen from time to time (as they happen in other areas as well), so on with it and get them painted. I am not sure I will leave the white parts as they are, but I can ponder about it. In the meantime there are other objects that I can concentrate on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLc7VaCi-UAICjQuxGflPQ7QFRfMsnYL2k1QpC5Ro2AM-hcqrGRgHqVZEHFDx0atSX1KuKsFfr8oGN3Ka7Z-ttuO7evoCXRT1ker3YifGyRmnvYVFzSrzrJJ5qGj6s-KyBpzeuvj-FFY/s1600/106+stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLc7VaCi-UAICjQuxGflPQ7QFRfMsnYL2k1QpC5Ro2AM-hcqrGRgHqVZEHFDx0atSX1KuKsFfr8oGN3Ka7Z-ttuO7evoCXRT1ker3YifGyRmnvYVFzSrzrJJ5qGj6s-KyBpzeuvj-FFY/s400/106+stairs.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stairs, painted white and green</td></tr>
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The original plan was to have this fantastic bouquet of flowers in the window as a show piece for the shop. Well, that will no longer be possible, because over time something unfortunate happened with the bouquet. As you know, most of the flowers we miniaturists make are worked on florist wire: metal. For some reason or other, it may be the 'clay' in which they were stuck, the wire had started to rust through and broke off. So, after a while all my flowers were lying on the ground.... The only solution I can see at the moment is to gather all the flowers and the big vase and put them in the 'work area' where somebody is arranging a beautiful bouquet!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bouquet as it was</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bouquet 'being arranged'</td></tr>
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I wanted to start something new too, so I made a blackboard to advertise the flowers outside the shop. As this is a shop with a lot of Dutch flowers and a Dutch feel about it, I have decided that, yes, it has an English name, but...... I want it to be a flower shop somewhere in the Netherlands. ;-)</div>
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The blackboard reads:</div>
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<i><b>This week's specials</b></i></div>
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<i>Tulips</i></div>
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<i>Irises</i></div>
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<i>Daffodils</i></div>
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<i>€4.50/bunch</i></div>
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<i>Parrot tulips</i></div>
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<i>€5.00</i></div>
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So close to Christmas with all the goings on of break-up parties etc. I don't know if I will have a lot of time to consistently work, but I aim to do so. So, hopefully, see you soon again. In the meantime I will think of what I will add next...<br />
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Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-38143632635403118222013-01-23T17:57:00.001+10:002013-01-23T17:57:09.507+10:00Back on deckFirst of all a Happy New Year to all. As you can see, I am back on deck and couldn't wait to get going again, so I was looking for something 'easy' to do. I still have a load of kits lying around. It's so handy for when your creative juices aren't flowing yet.... :-)<br />
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However, I can forget about 'easy', because this chair was not as easy as I thought it would be. When searching through my container with all the kits I came across this, quite modern, chair and I could picture it in my contemporary shop. The chair is actually a set of four, with four different animals as a back rest, but I only had this one, so I figured it would fit nicely in the shop, which consists of odds and ends anyway.<br />
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It was a lot of work, quite fiddly, but I am happy with the result and it got me back into miniatures again. The animal had to be cut out with the scroll saw and the legs and back rest are connected with wooden 'pins', so I had to drill holes in the tops of the legs and the dowels. Not an easy task. The legs went alright, the dowel protested heavily, but the parts that didn't go too neatly have been covered up by the upholstery!<br />
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The upholstery is by way of woven ribbon in two colours. It was something I had always wanted to do, so that worked out well. And here's the chair:<br />
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It probably looks a bit too clean and new, but so does the rest upstairs. A bit further down the track I may do something about it, but not just yet.<br />
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No idea what comes next. I will ponder over that and you will find out when I post another update. See you then.Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-82132521625628250632012-11-13T21:20:00.000+10:002012-11-13T21:21:00.105+10:00The carpenter is busyI am so glad that I have taken some time out this week to do some mini work. At least I can keep going and that way I don't loose my creative 'thread'...<br />
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I have called in the carpenter to build me a workbench with shelving and I need a sink, built in, in the corner. This room upstairs is going to be the work room where the bouquets are being prepared for sale and all the other work is done. Downstairs is only going to be the sales area. The shop is rather small and the florist will just have to keep fit by climbing the stairs all day. :-)<br />
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First I wanted light upstairs, so I have found a lamp shade that I have made some years ago. It is a simple beaded shade with little roses worked in. The lamp will have to be easily removed in case I need a new bulb, so I used an old plastic plug that I can plug in into the ceiling contacts easily. I shouldn't have had the wires exposed, but something had gone wrong and the contacts had to be replaced. As I couldn't lift the roof we had to find another way, but it's working fine now (temporarily):<br />
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Tomorrow the electrician will fit the wires properly so that I can turn on the lights upstairs and downstairs. I have also put in windows and treated them to look like old glass as I did with my witch's cottage:<br />
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As you can see again in the pictures, the building is not straight and I am working with difficult angles. However, it's a learning curve and part of the fun. The shelving underneath the workbench was a challenge, but worked out okay in the end:<br />
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I wasn't going to make a cabinet with drawers and doors. Shelving seemed a lot simpler and I like the idea of putting some baskets in with stuff, so this is sort of what it's going to look like.<br />
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As a florist needs a wet area with a sink I have fixed one in the other corner, where there is less room. It's where you enter the floor via the stairs. I generally draw my plans and cut them out of paper to see if it works, so here's the new sink in stages:<br />
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Now I am looking for some pewter items that I know I've bought some time ago. I do have secateurs and a tap, but they need to be painted. That's the next job. The drainpipe is going to be painted grey and will be fixed underneath the sink, but will be in full view. Upstairs is not a luxury kitchen! I have found a chain with tiny links, but need to find some black rubber or similar to make a plug for the sink. If I can't find rubber then polymer clay will be a solution. Let's just wait and see what's going to happen.<br />
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Next is filling the room with all the necessities, like wrapping paper, ribbon, scissors, a bin and everything else I can think of. Anybody with good ideas just leave me a message in the comments... :-)<br />
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See you next time<br />
<br />Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-86248748127407766072012-11-11T16:26:00.001+10:002012-11-11T16:30:08.711+10:00A rusty old chairAgain it's been a while. Nearly eight months to be precise, but... I haven't forgotten my <i>florist</i>. It's just that right now we are travelling a lot and while away from home I can't do much. (My other blog: <a href="http://marionsminiatures.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Marion's Miniatures</a>, deals with our last trip and a visit to a small dolls house show with some pictures.) Sometimes I take my miniature knitting, but that's about all. However, being home for three weeks between two overseas trips I have been able to manage to get a workshop ready for the Brisbane club and also a rusty old chair for my <i>florist.</i><br />
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For a while I have had my eyes on a workshop in one of my Dutch mini magazines, but since I am not very good at soldering I have been putting it off, until today! Another reason was the wire. I couldn't get the right thickness and when I did it was on a roll, which makes it a lot more difficult to handle, but....... here it is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96OMZWxX4ID8RE2Qsg5SS2yq6FSN_yEsot3pwsuSMxmzBDu8Xjhx6zJxYkXL2F4mhUGvIruIjKEnKZqAlSb_ADMELG9Y36cFYQLibq8jb7VNCmtLesfb18oXpaRtWShTZf5UUD_jxZaI/s1600/94+Rusty+chair+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96OMZWxX4ID8RE2Qsg5SS2yq6FSN_yEsot3pwsuSMxmzBDu8Xjhx6zJxYkXL2F4mhUGvIruIjKEnKZqAlSb_ADMELG9Y36cFYQLibq8jb7VNCmtLesfb18oXpaRtWShTZf5UUD_jxZaI/s400/94+Rusty+chair+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The seat of the chair has been taken out and replaced with a kind of wire basket. The chair can be decorated according to the season and since I've just returned from the US it's been decorated with autumn in mind and thus pumpkins, of which we must have seen hundreds!!! But it was great and autumn has again become my favourite season (in my mind, because where I live we don't quite experience autumn).<br />
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The chair was first treated with primer and than with rust from a 'scenic rust' kit. It's every body's guess what will be next on my list, but I'll have lots of time to think about it, because I'll be away till mid January. No Christmas decorations in my florist yet..... ;-)<br />
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I have noticed that my list of followers has grown again. Welcome to all newcomers. When I am back home again with more time on my hands, I will dive into it, have a look at your blogs, where possible, and welcome you all properly.<br />
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See you again in the new year.<br />
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<br />Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-48447605506125260372012-03-17T20:56:00.002+10:002012-03-17T21:14:15.887+10:00A cabinet with hutch for the shopI am briefly back to show you what I have made for the Florist: a cabinet with hutch. It would be a lovely cabinet for a country shop, but I couldn't wait so I thought it would be nice enough among the plants and flowers. It's hand painted as well and I used a well known theme (in the Netherlands), that of <i>Hen & Rooster</i>. Or in Dutch <i>Kip & Haan</i>. <br />
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Normally I take pictures as I go, but this time I was working so concentrated that I all but forgot until it was well and truly finished. Anyway, this cabinet I built from scratch. I looked up some pictures of similar cabinets on the Internet and drew up my own plan. Since I have a thicknesser for miniature woodwork I can use whatever wood I have available. In this case I have used slats from old Venetian blinds. The only part I am not happy with is the doors. I wanted to hinge them with pins at the top and bottom, but I tried a more complicated way that did not work. Instead of rounding off the side of the doors to accommodate the opening and closing I tried to drill the holes off centre, but the pins stuck out. I think the holes were a bit to close to the side. Anyway, I solved the hinge problem by using pieces of fabric. It doesn't look as good, but it will have to do. Once in the shop with plants and other stuff all around it doesn't matter as much anyway.<br />
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So, here's the cabinet:<br />
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The pictures aren't the best, but the sky was very overcast today and I didn't want to wait for better light.<br />
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I have noticed that I have a lot of new followers again. Too many to mention one by one, so may I please welcome you all collectively? I hope you'll enjoy reading my blog.<br />
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The list of followers made me think of something. If there's anybody from around Buffalo, NY who reads my blog I would like to tell you that I am planning a trip to your country later in the year. It would be nice to meet like minded people or to find out if there is a dollshouse and miniature club somewhere in or near Buffalo.<br />
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Bye for now...Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-57264678879906221112012-01-02T15:06:00.001+10:002012-01-02T15:08:20.343+10:00Back again (temporarily)In September (is it really that long ago?) I temporarily stopped updating this blog for reasons mentioned back then. In the meantime I have been working on other miniatures, which you will be able to see on <a href="http://marionsminiatures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Marion's Miniatures</a> shortly (I hope). However, I couldn't resist going back to making plants hence the beautiful hanging basket which I have filled with pansies and pink daisies today. The basket came with the kit from Variaatjes. Many more to come, over time, because I still have a shoe box full of kits.<br />
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This basket contains 21 pansies and 17 daisies. It kept me busy for the best part of the day....... :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, not glued but attached to the wall with real nails</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjvTXHY-e3X52jyjBqIqRHGH6rPN-wBri9iKYV0qb_ab5sQsid0HCw6WXcCU5II8dh-Ptl8xuQRnlDLZq2cNuIyzMmAfS79uYho75-wPr0Cbt0Cw6j0CETcQKT3FDb2biGVeOthNqixU/s1600/91+hanging+basket+on+the+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjvTXHY-e3X52jyjBqIqRHGH6rPN-wBri9iKYV0qb_ab5sQsid0HCw6WXcCU5II8dh-Ptl8xuQRnlDLZq2cNuIyzMmAfS79uYho75-wPr0Cbt0Cw6j0CETcQKT3FDb2biGVeOthNqixU/s400/91+hanging+basket+on+the+wall.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pleasant entrance to the shop</td></tr>
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That's it for today beside my warm welcome to another round of followers. Wondering now who number 100 will be... No time today to welcome you all personally, but insofar you have a blog I have paid a visit in the meantime and liked what I saw. And above all: A Happy New Year to all of my followers.Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-820507879536271532011-09-13T17:04:00.000+10:002011-09-13T17:04:31.784+10:00A temporary stopI have stopped temporarily working on my flower shop for various reasons. One is that it is going on display for a short time and secondly I haven't got any inspiration at the moment. So, I have returned to working on my dolls house instead. If you wish to follow me there go to my other blog: <a href="http://marionsminiatures.blogspot.com/">Marion's Miniatures</a>. Enjoy.Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-39773787451600597422011-08-11T13:05:00.007+10:002011-08-11T13:12:22.268+10:00More about the street and the bucketsDo you reckon it's difficult to think of a suitable title every time you blog? I do, but.... I'm not really breaking my head over it though. ;-)<br />
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Well, this is just a follow up of what I was working on before. First the street scene. I have finished the cobble stones and grouted them. I'm not overly happy, but it will have to do. The part I'm not happy with is that the clay shrunk more than I had anticipated and the grout was still a bit to white, eventhough I had added some parchment and burnt sienna colours to darken it. Not enough though after it had dried up. Wonder if I can still do something with a wash....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-pZMtmMne1GjPvJL9gCOpSeaVOV9KN1peZ7Vg7Hsk1ZAAZ3rFnWa5GAiCObW6XvmmVMhHMzbLUhJbv5uEQ08IhY19SB5su982baKDShyphenhyphenp06c85P7rFwn77P2iZ7A7nMQ7cijLdTRaWE/s1600/85+cobblestones+painted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-pZMtmMne1GjPvJL9gCOpSeaVOV9KN1peZ7Vg7Hsk1ZAAZ3rFnWa5GAiCObW6XvmmVMhHMzbLUhJbv5uEQ08IhY19SB5su982baKDShyphenhyphenp06c85P7rFwn77P2iZ7A7nMQ7cijLdTRaWE/s400/85+cobblestones+painted.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM107iIFUHljegSMnJx_N0fdaCqzNdnfjN5ej-Ec5-Z-NYswZ6woiCaO76OFAZLMX5ySJiDH7F9xvFLZJTC5psnNIh-I69mFc4m2BWw4L7JBfpiU5wQUNfPatuuLNeKrJ6J33enOCBq8/s1600/86+cobblestones+done.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM107iIFUHljegSMnJx_N0fdaCqzNdnfjN5ej-Ec5-Z-NYswZ6woiCaO76OFAZLMX5ySJiDH7F9xvFLZJTC5psnNIh-I69mFc4m2BWw4L7JBfpiU5wQUNfPatuuLNeKrJ6J33enOCBq8/s400/86+cobblestones+done.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
To wash in the grout I had to varnish the cobble stones first. This made them darker and a bit too shiny eventhough I used matt varnish. It's not too bad though. We can pretend it had just been raining. :-) Yes, I know, you can see the grout on the pavers' edges. Will have to paint that again. Never a dull day for a miniaturist!<br />
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The buckets are finished too now. Unfortunately they ended up a bit bigger than the one I already had and also I couldn't match the colour, since I didn't paint the smaller one at home. It's not too bad though. I might just use the four new ones outside. I sprayed them silver at first, but that appeared to be too shiny. Silver Folk Art paint didn't do it for me either, so I went out and bought an expensive spray can for a galvanised zink effect. I am happier now, but I am still wondering how to get that real 'used' and 'old' effect of zink. I own a few items myself and when I compare the buckets just don't look right. Anybody has an idea????<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl3r29pJG4QGoc-VWSRBsQOYWyTXNFovHMT9kuP5S0HkHBYG7EffDxec2aXv9-6lnNgoLhodr9YzBvcbowODFBsg-t5Ujl3xBXUglZMmaw8NTghMcUszhg_T0g-1bWqHBgfm9gGHCv5I/s1600/89+bouquets+for+sale+in+the+buckets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl3r29pJG4QGoc-VWSRBsQOYWyTXNFovHMT9kuP5S0HkHBYG7EffDxec2aXv9-6lnNgoLhodr9YzBvcbowODFBsg-t5Ujl3xBXUglZMmaw8NTghMcUszhg_T0g-1bWqHBgfm9gGHCv5I/s400/89+bouquets+for+sale+in+the+buckets.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The one in the front is the older one, that I made a few years ago. The one on the far right has been sprayed with 'zink', the other two are still plain 'silver'.<br />
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I have been in search of all the items I could use to decorate and fill my shop and luckily I had quite a few. First there is this huge bouquet which gets pride of place in the bay window. An eye catcher for the customers I reckon, and also this beautiful Hibiscus that I am putting out on the pavement:<br />
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</div>And that's my update for today. All I need to do now is to welcome yet another follower. She's from Finland and her name is <span style="color: yellow;">Ultsu</span>. Ultsu likes dreaming, like most of us, and she does it (and more) on: <a href="http://ultsununelma.blogspot.com/">Mini Dreams</a>. I hope you'll enjoy visiting my blog Ultsu and a warm welcome to you.<br />
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Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-16404056983441403222011-08-05T09:32:00.003+10:002011-08-05T09:55:57.000+10:00BucketsNo, don't worry. It's not raining buckets of water. I am only making buckets. ;-) You see, if you want to sell bunches of flowers you need something to store them in. Buckets are probably old fashioned, but I had made one a while ago from card stock and thought it looked really neat, so that's what I am doing right now: making more buckets.<br />
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Here I am in the process of doing so:<br />
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The hardest part of the buckets really was the drilling of little holes in the length of a toothpick, but I have succeeded so far. I need those pieces as the handles for the buckets.<br />
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In the background you can see, very vaguely, the original bucket with bunches of tulips. I should take a picture of that one too, but I'm running out of time right now. This was only meant to be a very short update to show that I am still working on my project. <br />
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Oh, and before I go, I want to welcome another new follower: <span style="color: yellow;">MiniJoJo</span> at <a href="http://minijojosmountfield.blogspot.com/">Mini Jo Jo's Mountfield</a>. As busy as her life seems to be, she seems to find time for mini's and blogging. I don't know how she does it. Go and have a look at her blog.<br />
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Have a nice day all of you out there.Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-37510584694375966872011-08-02T22:14:00.013+10:002011-08-03T08:55:01.828+10:00Welcome and a little note<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I posted this <strong>welcome</strong> just after I finished my regular update, and on the same day, so have a look at my other post as well so as not to miss the progress on my florist.</span></div></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">A long neglected welcome to all my new followers. I haven't worked on this blog for a while and besides I have been on a three month holiday, so it's easy to lag behind in those circumstances. However, today I wish you all a warm welcome and thank you for following my blog. I hope you'll find something of interest now and then.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I would like to welcome all of you by name and with your link, so that other people may be able to find you as well, because your blogs (if you have one) are certainly worth reading. For those who are a new follower, but don't have a blog (or I couldn't find one in your profile) be assured you're just as welcome. :-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, welcome to:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Annina</span> at Miniatures by Annina<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://anninagunter.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://anninagunter.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Eva</span> at Casita de Regaliz<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://casitaderegaliz.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://casitaderegaliz.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Muriel</span> at Le Coffre D'Emilie <span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://lecoffredemilie.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://lecoffredemilie.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Cidisu</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Eli en Karina</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Tonyina from Barcelona</span> - at Can Tonyina Minis <span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://minitonyina.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://minitonyina.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Fabiola from Italy</span> at Il Monda Magico di Fabiola <span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://fabiolamiominimondo.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://fabiolamiominimondo.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Choupraville</span> at Mini Rivoli <span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://blogrivoli.typepad.com/minirivoli/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://blogrivoli.typepad.com/minirivoli/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Il cucchiaino Magico</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://ilcucchiainomagico.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://ilcucchiainomagico.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Petra from Hamburg in Germany</span> at Meine Kleinigkeiten <span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://meinekleinigkeiten.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://meinekleinigkeiten.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Treefeathers</span> at Life in Miniature <span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://blog.treefeathers.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://blog.treefeathers.com/</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Susi</span> at MiniEden<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://minieden.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://minieden.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Quynh</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Elis</span> at Minis-onesecondlife <span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://minis-onesecondlife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://minis-onesecondlife.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Eline-750</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: yellow;">Rosamargarita</span> at La Tapatia<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><a href="http://chiquicosas.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://chiquicosas.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy!</div>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-13016527527286823422011-08-02T20:07:00.005+10:002011-08-02T20:20:26.675+10:00The street gets doneToday I enjoyed myself. I played with clay! Yes, I do like playing with clay, because this job was different from the roof tiles. This part is the more creative work that I like. I have started paving the street and the footpath. However, before I could start on it I had to place a doorstep in the door opening, because, when I changed my mind I had to cut the door shorter to accommodate the floor inside and the pavers outside. Oh, and I showed a picture of me working on the scroll saw yesterday, but I of course had to cut the base too. This I didn't do on the scroll saw, but on another one of my <em>you beaut</em> machines: the table saw:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqW1aOLBR1OAp-dfX3w3y8KPBaNFR0lenTJg8AsYxI3piEm6ZI1BX6a6Eyy_OClHTsJKFMxfcrFe5umsYhsrHjz6s2Z92QP7WrbrKhmeLY1hxZKZJnMym4BXmTUi_MMlbwBdG5lMATV4Y/s1600/79+sawing+machine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqW1aOLBR1OAp-dfX3w3y8KPBaNFR0lenTJg8AsYxI3piEm6ZI1BX6a6Eyy_OClHTsJKFMxfcrFe5umsYhsrHjz6s2Z92QP7WrbrKhmeLY1hxZKZJnMym4BXmTUi_MMlbwBdG5lMATV4Y/s400/79+sawing+machine.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And, yes, I do use the push sticks. Ten fingers may seem a lot, but I still want to hang on to all of them!<br />
This machine I've had since October last year, but hadn't really used it until yesterday. Stage fright probably, but I am over that now.<br />
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Anyway I needed a doorstep which I created from a few tongue depressers. Nothing fancy. Stained them and glued them in: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoCOHhnbIqHfP4ybZGY8jiwnwgYk1e06O3Mnaow8DIRyforfRZuTPQOmRiHYch7kr0ZOtrGVMBc8dpVJPV5NKu8mWNADDCc3K1MefvLlG9v0jslphIkHSpcjBc1D1fYc_geE752ID_RU/s1600/83+doorstep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoCOHhnbIqHfP4ybZGY8jiwnwgYk1e06O3Mnaow8DIRyforfRZuTPQOmRiHYch7kr0ZOtrGVMBc8dpVJPV5NKu8mWNADDCc3K1MefvLlG9v0jslphIkHSpcjBc1D1fYc_geE752ID_RU/s400/83+doorstep.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As you can see, I will have a lot of cleaning to do before we open the shop. Paving is such a dirty job. ;-) By the way, the hole in the floor is to accommodate the stairs when I get to do the interior.<br />
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I really shouldn't have started with this picture, because it gives the game away. Ah well, on to the next pictures quickly then.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtrpL0Q8ygtej9LR6rC6dslNT5P_Ufan6WOK1F5hcAhfy02R61ndW6KMq-DvqwPN9QcRyc-mu69WF4a_4-Y7g84P0-gpvObdWl1eEcmJjRRoSjDH5HQWlJku9M_7aO471CP_ClvRmTak/s1600/80+paving+indents.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtrpL0Q8ygtej9LR6rC6dslNT5P_Ufan6WOK1F5hcAhfy02R61ndW6KMq-DvqwPN9QcRyc-mu69WF4a_4-Y7g84P0-gpvObdWl1eEcmJjRRoSjDH5HQWlJku9M_7aO471CP_ClvRmTak/s400/80+paving+indents.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The paving is done in stages. First a layer of paperclay onto the glue covered surface and then the pavers are indented with a special tool: a cut off credit card!<br />
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Then comes the tricky bit. I have to wait till the clay is dry enough so it doesn't pull, but also not too dry, because then it's too late to do anything at all. I got it right today:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DjtVQt0g3AxLlMoRVh9UssEwLNBwUVykc4vmyeo3Xz6myURaigG3xDeSjmP8fY3H1OpkB1JjdYLN74A03cXKAHB9ScxrCCwlJDOgPaioPhsSYKUWPwaUsrVfjwB0CnZNFbOtuX1oHRU/s1600/81+paving+carved.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DjtVQt0g3AxLlMoRVh9UssEwLNBwUVykc4vmyeo3Xz6myURaigG3xDeSjmP8fY3H1OpkB1JjdYLN74A03cXKAHB9ScxrCCwlJDOgPaioPhsSYKUWPwaUsrVfjwB0CnZNFbOtuX1oHRU/s400/81+paving+carved.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The pavers are nicely carved out and can now dry. This is the foot path. Next come the cobble stones for the street at a slightly lower level:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfkU9VmXvbjdvmdQJYdPVEmFH2Tx1PtcvzIDV8rKXty4WrDvxQGxkNOvCEyWufavjify586XYOcfcw-zl6AsL8SlPr5n7gU5FD_nCi1HMTKH9ufPpjb5Jglie2laThHKa3_oc9zdzeOU/s1600/82+cobble+stones.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfkU9VmXvbjdvmdQJYdPVEmFH2Tx1PtcvzIDV8rKXty4WrDvxQGxkNOvCEyWufavjify586XYOcfcw-zl6AsL8SlPr5n7gU5FD_nCi1HMTKH9ufPpjb5Jglie2laThHKa3_oc9zdzeOU/s400/82+cobble+stones.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I started of with a tiny bit, but wasn't happy, so off they went into the bin. Start again. This time I was happy enough and finished the whole lot. All you do for starters is just glue little balls of clay onto the surface and wait till the clay is dry. Then comes the hard bit, but I'll leave that for next time. I am going to be patient and start thinking about the interior. I have a feeling there will also be a lot of flower and plant making.... <br />
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One more thing. While I was reading through earlier posts to look up something I came upon my one time building inspector. Remember her? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz56sHIr2tMWfLSJD-tWAHT6l5ZQ2dTHUFq5eoYXBPU7zqdMWCrP00A1uHV3-lMgVaep50-uvzBMyEZM8EBryU7-ZvJRDRo3LnBc6W_mnMzhZ0C5F4MzANlo93B0lPLay2uQdUp0IfNU/s1600/39+building+inspector.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz56sHIr2tMWfLSJD-tWAHT6l5ZQ2dTHUFq5eoYXBPU7zqdMWCrP00A1uHV3-lMgVaep50-uvzBMyEZM8EBryU7-ZvJRDRo3LnBc6W_mnMzhZ0C5F4MzANlo93B0lPLay2uQdUp0IfNU/s400/39+building+inspector.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Well, unfortunately I've had to do without her since last December. There were multiple problems with her and we have had to put her to sleep. I still miss her every day, but I know she's much happier where she is now. That makes it less hard, but only just. She was in her own way a cute little thing.<br />
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See you next time.Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-19220319812618239852011-07-31T21:44:00.001+10:002011-07-31T22:14:56.820+10:00And steady she goes...The most boring part has been finished now: the slates on the roof! I thought I would never see the end of it. Just been unlucky this time, because I finished the roof on my witch's cottage much quicker (and neater!). It really doesn't help when you go away on a three months holiday and forget to pack away your paperclay in a sealed plastic bag. That was one. Next thing is that this time I didn't have long continueous periods to work and you can tell, every little batch looked different. Then there were the interruptions: doorbell, phone call... You come back to your job and notice the dried clay on your work board or dried glue on your roof. Ah well, it's done now and since paperclay is quite forgiving once it's been painted it still looks half decent. This is the result of a week's hard work (I have forgotten to take a picture of the roof with just the paperclay done, but at least there is the one of the bay window): <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NCryZovk9V-p8KivSbCvEdrp_70dPzTTz-ZHG-VTN8pHMRLP8uRbLg_Rvqk0tiIwCjDwIHPKjnYyTdSCZ8gTrxCRJtZ1YvAJ7a2DHf1T1QzR1XbGEPAUtzKLRWKfG7HLjcEDCFw6VIQ/s1600/67+Little+roof+slates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NCryZovk9V-p8KivSbCvEdrp_70dPzTTz-ZHG-VTN8pHMRLP8uRbLg_Rvqk0tiIwCjDwIHPKjnYyTdSCZ8gTrxCRJtZ1YvAJ7a2DHf1T1QzR1XbGEPAUtzKLRWKfG7HLjcEDCFw6VIQ/s400/67+Little+roof+slates.jpg" t$="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roof on the bay window done</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWQIUy2RdqceLCPlDcFua1WPrL0GK295JHizyzwEbZbvXFqTmxfcWQuvfJGJL-GtBg2Tuvtmh0A9ib_9AgFB_XWRdq3ZJGyFAm8TtkSWx8N7wsQY9W8kwBCRWyAvoRcxN3dAs2GwvOjw/s1600/71+roof+painted+-+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWQIUy2RdqceLCPlDcFua1WPrL0GK295JHizyzwEbZbvXFqTmxfcWQuvfJGJL-GtBg2Tuvtmh0A9ib_9AgFB_XWRdq3ZJGyFAm8TtkSWx8N7wsQY9W8kwBCRWyAvoRcxN3dAs2GwvOjw/s400/71+roof+painted+-+side.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the roof painted and 'gutters' attached and painted</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5D7ouxvGAy3iiG4G2RYXaan90wRuNYhPJkZVrKEbfg34AV4fWEqAb5_2jZaBRB6xAb2jgKsojr_OFS2anS8ZkvHzyNwEXdcdiQOcFJehIyvMy9XPRderiOzO99XOYUhfRrZCuhV0L-uE/s1600/72+roof+painted+-+side+again.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5D7ouxvGAy3iiG4G2RYXaan90wRuNYhPJkZVrKEbfg34AV4fWEqAb5_2jZaBRB6xAb2jgKsojr_OFS2anS8ZkvHzyNwEXdcdiQOcFJehIyvMy9XPRderiOzO99XOYUhfRrZCuhV0L-uE/s400/72+roof+painted+-+side+again.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have decided to paint the window sills green as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn88XAB9VAf8wSkyBsUlgdHlNvt45QLhZtpMb-3euvLnVarUmTLAsHNvu6FcFwQ2ILt6xlBnpfXRRIjAUF_hLRQj0paXtQw62raVwCZiYJCO7uJKRVEr_sKTS3PfMNFAf1HJ6FecUfwE8/s1600/73+roof+painted+-+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn88XAB9VAf8wSkyBsUlgdHlNvt45QLhZtpMb-3euvLnVarUmTLAsHNvu6FcFwQ2ILt6xlBnpfXRRIjAUF_hLRQj0paXtQw62raVwCZiYJCO7uJKRVEr_sKTS3PfMNFAf1HJ6FecUfwE8/s400/73+roof+painted+-+front.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's even a planter with gereniums</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBhAXR57rkhCSfUzOB626GTaiXrt32cD28NmtsuQPq25qY4c6TnlppnvWY2G3ddPg9W1P_gbqqPyfX4zpkIFdlN_UISvzQlCSXoPYypkSRnbGJKpFaPPSYYjmDnwpYIoWJffQjFdeMS8/s1600/75+looking+through+the+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBhAXR57rkhCSfUzOB626GTaiXrt32cD28NmtsuQPq25qY4c6TnlppnvWY2G3ddPg9W1P_gbqqPyfX4zpkIFdlN_UISvzQlCSXoPYypkSRnbGJKpFaPPSYYjmDnwpYIoWJffQjFdeMS8/s400/75+looking+through+the+window.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking through the window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBMHNnyE_NVIGNFwL8-kTpIgGKQ0XgOO8f8JCcd3-PzfSHJhwMaTaih7azxJAV8aBYfAbbg5GJjA49_cO3ss5tepHekhAtm5SnmJ2XtgPQxnbugE_kNiENtUeyCgFkDlHiM3fw25jo6k/s1600/74+doorbell+attached.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBMHNnyE_NVIGNFwL8-kTpIgGKQ0XgOO8f8JCcd3-PzfSHJhwMaTaih7azxJAV8aBYfAbbg5GJjA49_cO3ss5tepHekhAtm5SnmJ2XtgPQxnbugE_kNiENtUeyCgFkDlHiM3fw25jo6k/s400/74+doorbell+attached.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shop doorbell attached</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you, like me, never work to a plan then sometimes you have to make changes, minor or major. This time a ran into quite a major change which required me to put the whole building on the scroll saw:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaLb88TF3Uz40Q3upuni88yXfRJpi1x49ZWo1cCADLglH717kAMalcd9sPI5IvlgERnrcG1Gda50IVah5uOCQNEZRAIN6TOjcSgggJWHa_Oi4TtnFGtWimt6BW0icXl_Uvd1PQK8iqJY/s1600/77+shop+on+the+scroll+saw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaLb88TF3Uz40Q3upuni88yXfRJpi1x49ZWo1cCADLglH717kAMalcd9sPI5IvlgERnrcG1Gda50IVah5uOCQNEZRAIN6TOjcSgggJWHa_Oi4TtnFGtWimt6BW0icXl_Uvd1PQK8iqJY/s400/77+shop+on+the+scroll+saw.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shop on the scroll saw</td></tr>
</tbody></table> As I had never planned to use paperclay for this scene I needed to cut off a bit from the base. The plan is to have a slightly higher footpath next to the building and the street at a slightly lower level. So I cut off the bit for the street and will glue a new square base underneath the existing one, ending up with two different levels.<br />
It will perhaps become a bit clearer once I can show you the picture of the finished base once the glue is dry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW3lW0X5-ADmMuADS7AUbNLlZSUco1n6dsj2HmbIsJt7e7GCqgXNbTjnDv3Bq4901xm4oJWtmyUxqJCOw1n3raEWVraRtMJPzKoRz9FAE5bOYD48L-UU0abvnZaXXH0BxpguRRuQHdJI/s1600/78+cutting+off+part+for+the+street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW3lW0X5-ADmMuADS7AUbNLlZSUco1n6dsj2HmbIsJt7e7GCqgXNbTjnDv3Bq4901xm4oJWtmyUxqJCOw1n3raEWVraRtMJPzKoRz9FAE5bOYD48L-UU0abvnZaXXH0BxpguRRuQHdJI/s400/78+cutting+off+part+for+the+street.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cutting of the part for the "street"</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Well that's all for now. I'd wanted to welcome new followers, but it took too long (been neglecting you people for too long, my fault) and it's way past my bed time. <br />
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See you, folks...Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-88445528450216541912011-07-05T16:45:00.002+10:002011-07-31T13:35:44.967+10:00Was it really more than half a year?Yes, it was. More than half a year ago, seven months and a bit to be precise, I posted on this blog about the cacti I had made. Not that I haven't done anything in the meantime, but my Florist has been terribly neglected. So, here I am, back again and I have made a new start.<br />
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On my other blog, <a href="http://marionsminiatures.blogspot.com/">Marion's Miniatures</a>, you may have read why I haven't done much of late. Amongst other things I have been overseas for three months, but it was mainly my 'mini' holiday, so I have visited two fairs and have partaken in various workshops. You can read all about it on that blog if you would like to (and haven't done so yet).<br />
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You may have read that I have met Nina from Germany, who is also making a flower shop (or has already finished hers). <em>Und, ja Nina, Ich habe es versprochenm Ich wurde wieder arbeiten als Ich zurueck war</em>. I keep promises as you can see ;-) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt5oS0NExlPfCXXr19oA9b2xqzcpLXzTObRRVj_J72uiLBpijRqmIMkqRqi4OHCQgalmkYtnZNsso7MkiZotf8z1l1v0306lm13yj2jvZFHEBwMUP2yEesRp0K2bD_yvc7xSdcbXMNJ0/s1600/65+Front+wall+brick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt5oS0NExlPfCXXr19oA9b2xqzcpLXzTObRRVj_J72uiLBpijRqmIMkqRqi4OHCQgalmkYtnZNsso7MkiZotf8z1l1v0306lm13yj2jvZFHEBwMUP2yEesRp0K2bD_yvc7xSdcbXMNJ0/s400/65+Front+wall+brick.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember the white brick wall? It's been painted now</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA_tq4IBkiz2kEupSAEBEWD6fhei-cXz_hroITFbO9Fjg3XDmfE6eEEafDJ1OF9CpuUFlCV5CFYmEel_gPnqRIkLNEe0ddvOu8dwGPHb_LG2Yge2V3M95KSNFfUX729DPofM99DoK3Kk/s1600/66+Side+wall+brick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA_tq4IBkiz2kEupSAEBEWD6fhei-cXz_hroITFbO9Fjg3XDmfE6eEEafDJ1OF9CpuUFlCV5CFYmEel_gPnqRIkLNEe0ddvOu8dwGPHb_LG2Yge2V3M95KSNFfUX729DPofM99DoK3Kk/s400/66+Side+wall+brick.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the side wall too</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next I will be working on the roof and put on paperclay slates, the same as on my witch's cottage.<br />
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That's all for now. When I next have a bit of time I will have a look at my followers, because I have been neglecting that side of my blog as well. See you soon....Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-83590874290278477242010-11-22T17:36:00.005+10:002011-08-02T20:10:11.724+10:00Cacti workshop<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I only have time for a brief update today. Yesterday was club meeting day and a very resourceful member taught us how to make cacti and the planters for them.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I don't have time to go into detail today, but here's a picture of my finished product. I don't know if I will be 'selling' cacti in my flower shop, but I'll keep them here for the time being. The cacti are probably a bit out of scale (although I know there are huge cacti!), and therefore I might prefer to use them with my Adobe house that is still half finished.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAdPuS0gGcYT7B8CpkO3sEeD8OgBdH0MiIKbP6GUwMUAsSvq3frIBfRNvmEVywL8hiAc8Tq6rw570XR9ViDSdICW6muP50T-yR1aAlivXdSOttxhKWVXgtAA7VAlATaNq-xFWrPFCYvg/s1600/Cacti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAdPuS0gGcYT7B8CpkO3sEeD8OgBdH0MiIKbP6GUwMUAsSvq3frIBfRNvmEVywL8hiAc8Tq6rw570XR9ViDSdICW6muP50T-yR1aAlivXdSOttxhKWVXgtAA7VAlATaNq-xFWrPFCYvg/s400/Cacti.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was a fun workshop though and I have enough material for more cacti, so perhaps I will be showing some more later today or tomorrow.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRNg71HXMKMKxoyGJNPKxoweZB8QvRBtmE1oV5Mi_dwrk5XAitlX6rFgJNp3s0QkpKmgYNMv3Lpf66VYDpu3-Mc4Asj6HMF1N2O6Q79RmpmGfg-5twv2Fb3uN3LSrw1otH7CL48YLRYc/s1600/cacti+-+old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRNg71HXMKMKxoyGJNPKxoweZB8QvRBtmE1oV5Mi_dwrk5XAitlX6rFgJNp3s0QkpKmgYNMv3Lpf66VYDpu3-Mc4Asj6HMF1N2O6Q79RmpmGfg-5twv2Fb3uN3LSrw1otH7CL48YLRYc/s400/cacti+-+old.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I just remembered that when I started with miniatures, now some 12 years ago, I had made cacti for my conservatory. I didn't have tutorials at the time and very little help. I just looked at pictures and tried to copy mother nature. The picture is probably too clear, but from a distance those three cacti look quite realistic. I used very finely rolled cotton wool for the dots on the cactus in the centre, pulled out cotton wool for the one on the left and little snippets of an old toothbrush for the needles on the right one. They were far from perfect, but I was, and still am as a matter of fact, happy with the result. Bye the way, they were made out of Fimo, and I can't even remember anymore what the containers were made of. ;-)<br />
</div>This is all I have time for right now. See you next time.Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-87637781929182435092010-11-15T14:51:00.002+10:002010-11-15T15:50:07.678+10:00Back from New Zealand and some more 'brick laying' doneAlthough I have been back from my trip for over a week now, I haven't had much time to update my blogs. There's always so much else to do... However, our local group's get-together was last Sunday and I took my florist to do some more brick laying. It took me the best part of the day and a sore back, but once you start you'll have to finish, especially in the warmer months when the paper clay tends to dry a lot quicker. So here are the pictures of the side and front of the shop:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m3eaS44Ll23JLtqN7l60UZZk5ShGK0VA2M1E_gPiehKt-o_XX8xRw6MnSyQS7jzcsyEPOrmE92_SV4FD66c4zmQFLxRRwGb5AYw7ASdSYZWIpK0JS7Zvy5CXRqWLyx1EN6vf71GonbM/s1600/63+bricks+done+front+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m3eaS44Ll23JLtqN7l60UZZk5ShGK0VA2M1E_gPiehKt-o_XX8xRw6MnSyQS7jzcsyEPOrmE92_SV4FD66c4zmQFLxRRwGb5AYw7ASdSYZWIpK0JS7Zvy5CXRqWLyx1EN6vf71GonbM/s400/63+bricks+done+front+wall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7-8CjyoxO75mfZzeslqzpVSdVsCqBv-_Vv-Ye3zdN4Rs_x7rN8lauYXqZ7JLSH2zAFLIakea_WdVzpZVrJC62mYKXpFNVNOa-LbJh9Ptky0kGUvv2ZtwtJSue82vSaWIi_GNSzo4E7E/s1600/64+bricks+done+side+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7-8CjyoxO75mfZzeslqzpVSdVsCqBv-_Vv-Ye3zdN4Rs_x7rN8lauYXqZ7JLSH2zAFLIakea_WdVzpZVrJC62mYKXpFNVNOa-LbJh9Ptky0kGUvv2ZtwtJSue82vSaWIi_GNSzo4E7E/s400/64+bricks+done+side+wall.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Next step is probably the dormer, but I am not too sure yet if I am going to do cladding or add brickwork. Building structures often don't have brickwork for dormers, because there wouldn't be a base for the bricks to sit on. If I can't make up my mind I may start on the paving. Let's keep it a surprise for the moment. :-)<br />
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The other additions for the shop can be found on my other blog: <a href="http://marionsminiatures.blogspot.com/">Marion's Miniatures</a>, because that's where I have written about my trip to New Zealand.<br />
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Additions to this blog however are six new followers that I would like to welcome. They are:<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">Cheryl</span> at <a href="http://aminiatureplace.blogspot.com/">A Miniature Place</a>,<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Allison</span> at <a href="http://www.miniatureallsorts.blogspot.com/">Miniature Allsorts</a> (such striking name),<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Patty Clark</span> at <a href="http://patty-petit-orphelin.blogspot.com/">Mini Babies</a>,<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Sylvia</span> at <a href="http://lotjesdollshouse.blogspot.com/">Lotjes Dollshouse</a> (called after her dog, I believe),<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Lorraine</span> at <a href="http://dollhouseminisbydfly.blogspot.com/">Dfly Creations - Dollhouse Miniatures</a>,<br />
and last but not least <span style="color: yellow;">Maria</span> at <a href="http://casitasminiatura.blogspot.com/">Casitas en Miniatura</a>.<br />
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As usual I have visited all your blogs (if I haven't done so before) and loved what I saw. Well worth visiting, all of them. New mini friends, a warm welcome from<br />
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MarionMarionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-54722753283961382092010-10-20T21:57:00.001+10:002011-08-02T20:10:24.577+10:00The brickwork is nextGlad the inside is finished, so I can get on with a different task. I have now started with the brickwork on the outside as you can see in the picture:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtrlD17gRbVoYLUGihFTLptVWlfspLnGs1c5NnFUDm1m3mzIH8_AJoDMJa53QyfNoajEE4e_gTPbnD4RcJvzXVfHyvAfrnY1FPSsbjZbdFm66h5XJWcVhRkoV9wnSAy_tnHm59RR1J94/s1600/61+bricks+bay+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtrlD17gRbVoYLUGihFTLptVWlfspLnGs1c5NnFUDm1m3mzIH8_AJoDMJa53QyfNoajEE4e_gTPbnD4RcJvzXVfHyvAfrnY1FPSsbjZbdFm66h5XJWcVhRkoV9wnSAy_tnHm59RR1J94/s400/61+bricks+bay+window.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I am not overly happy with the quality of the bricks, but will have to live with it.... In normal circumstances I work with a layer of paperclay which is 3mm thick, but since I decided only afterwards to work with clay I realised too late that my window frames should have been at least 4 or 5 mms thick. With a flat layer of clay it doesn't matter, but when you have to carve out bricks it makes all the difference. Now my layers was less then 2mm, which is far too thin. The thickness and therefore the texture of the clay is very important when you do your carving, as is the dryness. Too wet and you drag your clay, too dry and you can't carve anymore. In this case I couldn't get the texture right and in most cases I carved right through the layer of clay until I touched the wood. So, I hope that when it's painted it will look a little bit better then it does now. I know, it doesn't look too bad, but it's not my standard of work. :-)<br />
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Inside I had to work with the two different clays, because I was running out of the Creative Paperclay and the last packet I had I wanted to keep for the outside walls. So I had to finish of one wall with the other paperclay. I am glad I had foreseen the problem with the colours, because it is now apparent that the other clay is more grey then white. If it's going to worry me when it's all dry I might just put a light coat of paint on top, but I'll wait a while before I take that step. <br />
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I am also glad that paperclay is so forgiving. You can do almost everything with it and repair mistakes. Now, that is what I call great! I said last night that I was going to try something different, and I am glad I have been able to make repairs. I wanted to stencil a nice edge with flowers along the ceiling, but I didn't have the right stencils for it. Then I thought I'd stencil a bit next to the dormer window on either side. Well, that didn't quite work. I think the old paint I have for stencilling has dried out too much, so I got some more paperclay and pasted that over the top, just like when I repair cracks.....<br />
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Next picture shows you the other tiles that I have framed so this tile picture can hang on the wall next to the door. I thought I'd allow myself a picture with flowers in a flower shop. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgND1TEbT68fJ1OTdYT3hsdQGjnaISFiB3WwKtPbZnWLIjI2wqJ1N8fmtizuC1miusJO3E6ESrIwjsLcXf4xjSCAMd2qlwP9lg8Fz_fAWrkGkRoeFqmqsNyKmId_eUF-eQxENHPBdk5-Q0/s1600/62+Tile+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgND1TEbT68fJ1OTdYT3hsdQGjnaISFiB3WwKtPbZnWLIjI2wqJ1N8fmtizuC1miusJO3E6ESrIwjsLcXf4xjSCAMd2qlwP9lg8Fz_fAWrkGkRoeFqmqsNyKmId_eUF-eQxENHPBdk5-Q0/s400/62+Tile+picture.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
And all this will have to do for the time being, because tomorrow I am going to pack and take of to New Zealand on Friday. I am going to the Dollhouse and Miniatures Convention in Auckland with a friend from there and then on to stay with her for a fortnight. we'll have a great time, I guess, because we'll have a lot to talk about and a lot to mini together. So, will see you back after the 5th of November.<br />
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But, before I go I want to quickly welcome a few more followers (not all new, because with 3 blogs you tend to see well-known names...), but at least new on this blog. A warm welcome to:<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">Teresa Martinez</span> at <a href="http://tinyterminiatures.blogspot.com/">Tiny Ter Miniatures</a><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Natalia</span> at <a href="http://scarletsailsminiatures.blogspot.com/">Scarlet Sails Miniatures</a><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Karin</span> at <a href="http://orrlakemusings.blogspot.com/">Mini Ramblings and Musings</a> and<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">rmartedal</span> for whom I cannot detect a link. If you have one, please let me know and I'll add it on.<br />
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That's all for now. See you around in a few weeks' time<br />
<br />
MarionMarionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-37661109592785499242010-10-19T16:30:00.000+10:002011-08-02T20:10:46.379+10:00The inside walls are finishedToday I finished the inside walls. Glad it's done, because once the walls are in place you have a heck of time to get into the corners. It's easier when you plan a building, work with foam core (gator board) and clad the walls before you put the lot together, as we did with the witch's cottage. Never mind, it's done, because where there is a will there is a way....<br />
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I was asked what to do with the cracks. Well, it depends of course on how big your cracks are. Even though I am not world's biggest expert on paperclay I could probably also say, it depends on what kind of clay you work with. From my own experience I could say that the depth and the number of cracks appear to be different when working with two different clays. I don't think weather has a lot to do with it, but it is possible of influence: in warm weather the clay dries faster and dries out faster when working with it, so that could be a reason. However, when working with the paperclay I definitely feel the difference in structure, so I think that might be the biggest reason. So far I have worked with Creative Clay in cold weather, although we had a heater on in the room, and in warm weather and the cracks are minimal. When I did 'Scrooge' (with the 'pottery paperclay') it was very cold and the clay dried very slowly, but still the cracks were bigger and there were more of them. I feel there is a lot more moisture in the latter clay. Sometimes, however, it also depends on how you combine layers. If you are a bit short and just move two layers alongside and against each other without smoothing out each layer your chances are that you will have not only cracks, but parts that will curl away.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now, what to do with them if you have cracks. I will show you with a few pictures what I do. I had a crack in the corner where two walls meet (yes, didn't smooth out enough) and a smaller one next to it. For the crack in the corner I rolled out a 'worm' with wet hands and placed it in the corner from top to bottom, then smoothed it out with my fingers. I am not a nail biter, so generally my nails get in the way with such a job, but I was lucky that I lost a large part of a nail from my index finger the other day and hence I had a nice smoothing tool. :-) Where I couldn't even get my finger in the corner I used a plastic smoothing tool to finish it off. Apologies for the first picture. It's blurred and I can't take it again, but you get the drift...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BHovTotWJhqf9wqPij_UoJBEJ3lRYMJCOR3Y3T8giBOgO4WbiiGGYonVV8xhaaFU1R1xwAEiHslHYnU0K5bzDrLKtY-QqNBpaz_9HKIhKr8bthv2mVEiIZ8i_iZL5ypw6nkLTTHYtjs/s1600/56+filling+the+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BHovTotWJhqf9wqPij_UoJBEJ3lRYMJCOR3Y3T8giBOgO4WbiiGGYonVV8xhaaFU1R1xwAEiHslHYnU0K5bzDrLKtY-QqNBpaz_9HKIhKr8bthv2mVEiIZ8i_iZL5ypw6nkLTTHYtjs/s400/56+filling+the+corner.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEq6NFl4ySYK-Q76zS032tbZW2lQXDl5kcSgYQEw6pmN3cvhahi5KADkxx08rim_KTO1WRqlFQ3i_8wmUw5z15YyYtp0TSt4TIZw1wm2rP6AfO_D5Y-qs3f3z1hfFhmzhABD8y60HrRA/s1600/59+smoothing+the+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEq6NFl4ySYK-Q76zS032tbZW2lQXDl5kcSgYQEw6pmN3cvhahi5KADkxx08rim_KTO1WRqlFQ3i_8wmUw5z15YyYtp0TSt4TIZw1wm2rP6AfO_D5Y-qs3f3z1hfFhmzhABD8y60HrRA/s400/59+smoothing+the+corner.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">For the little crack in the top corner I picked up a little ball of clay with wet fingers, worked it flat and into a not too moist paste and rubbed it carefully into the crack. The crack was only tiny and didn't need to be filled, but I did it anyway, so that I could show you. Bye the way, it now shows the wallpaper that I have used for the ceiling.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIjSjsraZfqnW239URoRH5I50rdyrEP9nSUHLsNECvNlgU2FVpBusTtgJH-_Oo8yHKMyAFBoZZugwJZrBf4cbiErXKBIWavoZPRTfIXT1AsLbc28iHbENIJRUkB6xQYpCNBxXTYTLN6A/s1600/57+a+little+ball+of+clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIjSjsraZfqnW239URoRH5I50rdyrEP9nSUHLsNECvNlgU2FVpBusTtgJH-_Oo8yHKMyAFBoZZugwJZrBf4cbiErXKBIWavoZPRTfIXT1AsLbc28iHbENIJRUkB6xQYpCNBxXTYTLN6A/s400/57+a+little+ball+of+clay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbkYgzRVKz4FEQukn6xmIu00_dkNQw_qM1h8vqOkUS-_vu-k2OjwMkLiX8hchqAIEqK0JzKxaoE1OTzj5rN9ekmS0Z8AH5YAyMoNHm2EXJ1GVaTv1TKpR8HC974FDt9O5AU41vA_rKoA/s1600/58+filling+the+cracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbkYgzRVKz4FEQukn6xmIu00_dkNQw_qM1h8vqOkUS-_vu-k2OjwMkLiX8hchqAIEqK0JzKxaoE1OTzj5rN9ekmS0Z8AH5YAyMoNHm2EXJ1GVaTv1TKpR8HC974FDt9O5AU41vA_rKoA/s400/58+filling+the+cracks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I figure that when you have bigger cracks you could do the same. Make the clay into a (very thick) paste and rub it in. If you have used a stiff brush to texture the walls don't forget to repeat it on your repaired part. Don't forget the glue either in the corners (like I did!). I just hope it will hold anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This brings the inside plastering to an end. The top floor is finished and drying:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzYF5itF7Syfnv7fgALEVljq3maFjEgqVJYPb0nmtGNF2Ea9dyS_jZe_APonmYIk3XY8cB8Bl_iaR745rc3ymMR1LWdSFOJgGRu-dvIBrz0gvgel5TjUJFqvsUh2MJIkDa1y_HDuPdzU/s1600/60+upstairs+walls+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzYF5itF7Syfnv7fgALEVljq3maFjEgqVJYPb0nmtGNF2Ea9dyS_jZe_APonmYIk3XY8cB8Bl_iaR745rc3ymMR1LWdSFOJgGRu-dvIBrz0gvgel5TjUJFqvsUh2MJIkDa1y_HDuPdzU/s400/60+upstairs+walls+finished.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know yet what I'll do with the ugly edges, but I am not going to worry about them now.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">For further decoration I have something in mind, but I need a sample wall with dry clay to try it out, so once I get that done I'll let you know.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Bye for now</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Marion</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-79131198793761120792010-10-18T17:56:00.004+10:002011-08-02T20:10:46.379+10:00How I 'plaster' my wallsI noticed that a few people would like me to show more in depth what I am doing with the paperclay. Yes, I am 'plastering' the walls with paperclay. Since I have done a workshop with Rik Pierce I am totally addicted. :-) <br />
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Before I show you the pictures and explain I need to tell you that there are different kinds of paperclay. One is rather expensive (for me and probably for a few more people) and that is the Creative Paperclay that Rik uses. It's also the best. I can't deny that, but having said that, I have had satisfactory results with the paperclay that I buy locally (in Brisbane, Australia) at the pottery supply shop. The good thing is, I can get 10 kilos for the same price as I can buy the Creative Paperclay over here. The local paperclay is produced in Sydney, I've been told, and the quality is generally good enough for the work I do. <br />
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For my florist I have been using the Creative Paperclay. For the paperclay workshop I took ('Scrooge', on my other blog) I have used the pottery paperclay. I am not sure if it was the paperclay itself of the fact that my current batch of Creative Paperclay has dried out slightly, but at the moment I don't have a lot of shrinkage or the cracks that go with it, which I did have with the other sort. Also, I don't have much left of the good stuff, so I am putting on thinner layers, which also may make a difference. Thinner layer, less moisture, less room for shrinkage.<br />
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Anyway, this is how I do it. I roll out the paperclay on a tray with edges of approx. 3mm, so when I roll (I use a piece of drainpipe) the sheet is of even width. I measure the wall and cut out the shape that I need. I smear glue on the wall, lay the sheet of clay on top and flatten and push it gently in place. I make the corrections that are needed here and there and roughen the surface with a stiff brush. When done, it can be left to dry and you can do whatever you want, leave it or give it a light wash for a dirty wall, or paint it in a particular colour (also a wash; for a natural look don't 'paint').<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zGa0dnkaaiTwMnxvU-S1FTzQFfk4HEkzXUuZY-CSvibCliXXPCqJtMFHstd-nR4hJaI9cD-UBHC2MPKSKDbSQ2EmIzupe-0SjZwgQreIPgwufVmQ_kFll9jrToICqmyvXH7jjH3qC_E/s1600/53+wall+preparation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zGa0dnkaaiTwMnxvU-S1FTzQFfk4HEkzXUuZY-CSvibCliXXPCqJtMFHstd-nR4hJaI9cD-UBHC2MPKSKDbSQ2EmIzupe-0SjZwgQreIPgwufVmQ_kFll9jrToICqmyvXH7jjH3qC_E/s400/53+wall+preparation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzgPEogTG6z2Su2r2jK9gqUAr5eXByZ9pVmQyQh7IWF6iYMC68W-U9NRwVcXY2ilaKCxxEj5yqcO-y5PPpo_CaF2tRSwUdIAJXNMHPG455rDffPjUafAkr7hweBjkvGn74yB0WkSgvRE/s1600/54+clay+cut+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzgPEogTG6z2Su2r2jK9gqUAr5eXByZ9pVmQyQh7IWF6iYMC68W-U9NRwVcXY2ilaKCxxEj5yqcO-y5PPpo_CaF2tRSwUdIAJXNMHPG455rDffPjUafAkr7hweBjkvGn74yB0WkSgvRE/s400/54+clay+cut+out.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1qS-9NBWoW5FMm7QKQlX7i3NmAucCVPaRxfsxeLUj_kIMtpHeCPXU8B_MJaIEI9f-uwdlXaxqQt9ufl1rc10SL2DZvjpLvREsNSPkgZT8tJG9wNJ-qWmLbA78BH-Fxb8kEj_x-4xOsI/s1600/55+finished+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1qS-9NBWoW5FMm7QKQlX7i3NmAucCVPaRxfsxeLUj_kIMtpHeCPXU8B_MJaIEI9f-uwdlXaxqQt9ufl1rc10SL2DZvjpLvREsNSPkgZT8tJG9wNJ-qWmLbA78BH-Fxb8kEj_x-4xOsI/s400/55+finished+wall.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The picture that you see on the wall is a picture made up of tiles. I have worked it into the 'plaster'. To my idea it presents a bit of a rustic look. They are six individual tiles that I have glued on a piece of paper to hold them together to stick neatly onto the wall.<br />
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I have made up another one as well, but that picture will hang 'on' the wall. It's also a series of tiles, but framed. I'll show you it at a later stage.<br />
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I'm going back to work now, before the last of the afternoon light fades away. I don't like working with artificial light.<br />
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I hope my explanations have been of some use to you. <br />
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See you around<br />
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MarionMarionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-67568125902756913022010-10-17T22:12:00.000+10:002011-08-02T20:10:46.380+10:00Starting on the wallsI am very pleased with my self, but my back is screaming. It needs a rest. So, for tonight I show you what I have been able to do today and then it's off to bed....<br />
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All went well so far. I have painted the floor boards with a coat of gloss semi-transparent baltic pine. I like the colour, but not the gloss. I had a big can still left from another job, so I thought I'd better use it. I am going to try and sand back the floor and then put on bees wax. Hopefully it will look a bit more worn. But I do like the colour, so that's great.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL2vrvQju6s_ohXYM0NE6MwrMFGSe0ftxuRqPlyJas3PBYIPP4JMiGbbOgmI5MiKYzgIW8HhqCZo7jTe3zRiohmyqG8UBbasrw7G1g1WGveiGIESApzj6ZzUNKyaFwd6bAZnzCll1QXI/s1600/50+floor+painted+-+plasterwork+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL2vrvQju6s_ohXYM0NE6MwrMFGSe0ftxuRqPlyJas3PBYIPP4JMiGbbOgmI5MiKYzgIW8HhqCZo7jTe3zRiohmyqG8UBbasrw7G1g1WGveiGIESApzj6ZzUNKyaFwd6bAZnzCll1QXI/s400/50+floor+painted+-+plasterwork+done.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNssLXe1ZmmisrUwLhM5zrwLipjzRTaHw06nQ3mROB0R8sPZ6wnX3Wv6-VGdYZLrjclt2w2lDXTVTWJXd7sBz9sW1sH0cHdIBzURpxwRtN9kSKEcFjUvGaljmHQqcuMpV4_PEJ2lJJe4/s1600/51+1st+floor+with+baltic+pine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNssLXe1ZmmisrUwLhM5zrwLipjzRTaHw06nQ3mROB0R8sPZ6wnX3Wv6-VGdYZLrjclt2w2lDXTVTWJXd7sBz9sW1sH0cHdIBzURpxwRtN9kSKEcFjUvGaljmHQqcuMpV4_PEJ2lJJe4/s400/51+1st+floor+with+baltic+pine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You can't see this, but the ceiling hase been done with decorative white wallpaper. It's a bit like an old fashioned decorative plaster ceiling. I've tried to take a picture, but I can't get it focussed, so you'll have to believe me. ;-)<br />
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What you can see is the plastered wall. I have left the wall to the right to be done later, because I have other plans with that one. If I can manage what I have in mind I'll show you tomorrow. The other walls are done with paperclay. Very difficult to do it on the inside when the walls are in place, but I had no choice. I am curious as how much it will shrink overnight. Well, I guess I'll see the damage tomorrow....<br />
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And I couldn't help myself, but next is a picture with the lights on. It looks so real.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAwWVehthU-J3IclcqVSIQdmK7mORHua5ZRmn5LYI3m463dwUxCYZ0V0l3fxz2SMRSyW38bw3vejlVU7clbtkGJQ7suPRvxJAEkRE4w9SylG8TP4p5ouA0mIRmoiOiPwlbgrIKRQ2pJU/s1600/52+Floor+and+plasterwork+-+lights+on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAwWVehthU-J3IclcqVSIQdmK7mORHua5ZRmn5LYI3m463dwUxCYZ0V0l3fxz2SMRSyW38bw3vejlVU7clbtkGJQ7suPRvxJAEkRE4w9SylG8TP4p5ouA0mIRmoiOiPwlbgrIKRQ2pJU/s400/52+Floor+and+plasterwork+-+lights+on.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8954827113500052422.post-34103962260603715622010-10-16T19:32:00.004+10:002010-10-16T19:41:55.688+10:00The floors done (again)Changing my mind caused indeed a lot more work, but something I gladly did, because I like working with wood. Next month it will even be better, because then I will have my own table saw. But for now I can get a lot done with my scroll saw and the disk sander. The latter has been one of my best buys. You can do a lot of precision work with a disk sander, that's what makes it such a great piece of equipment. I have used it a lot today to sand all the diagonal parts of the timber floor boards. If you measure correctly you don't even have to use the attachments to set the angles, which makes it even a lot quicker.<br />
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So, what have I done today? It doesn't look like much, but it took me the best part of the day to glue all the floor boards on the ground floor in place and to cut and glue the floor boards for the first floor. However, I did say it was fun and it looks great. The floors look quite light, but I am going to think of a colour that shows the wood mellow with age. <br />
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Did I tell you yesterday that I thought I was going to cheat? Well, I haven't. At least, not really. If I couldn't think of a solution I was going to use balsa. Now, that is what I call cheating... :-) Although, I have used balsa a lot in the past, even to make furniture. However, I discovered some bass wood of equal thickness as the other timber, so I used that. I still consider it cheating a bit, because now I have used two different kinds of timber. Not only that, but they don't look alike, nor do they even smell alike! I got around the problem of the two colours by cutting the planks up here and there and exchange them with the different colours. Worked a treat! So, now I have a ground floor of lovely smelling camphor laurel mixed with bass wood.<br />
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The first floor is probably done in Tasmanian oak, but I am not too sure about it. I should keep track, not only of what type of timber I use to make something, but also of the discarded parts, because although I am learning, I can not yet tell the differences most of the time.<br />
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Anyway, enough of my chattering. Here are the pictures:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJQSwoB5uv7ww88eu9pfhmHML_K0P8whyphenhyphen8_KzVJ57Jr0iX0KM_XktFF-NBgbt3B7qAqUX23ZO8Tda4_Lml5vp2dYeQLJkX6wt1wvpgzDaWtm_TJu_2muXobM11LSbRIT2DT8vmPhV5Z4/s1600/Floor+boards+1st+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJQSwoB5uv7ww88eu9pfhmHML_K0P8whyphenhyphen8_KzVJ57Jr0iX0KM_XktFF-NBgbt3B7qAqUX23ZO8Tda4_Lml5vp2dYeQLJkX6wt1wvpgzDaWtm_TJu_2muXobM11LSbRIT2DT8vmPhV5Z4/s400/Floor+boards+1st+floor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T58eeFJGBDvVDVCXa6JUoWJQhJgVf8RK9XxVzVMFnE9pV7ybSpMszLz9TZwkeBi2X18t-7FMx_i5t8HaLGPu-XeS1HfgAiLaHmGa3MHHc5Op_XewjeA-vKgxKzKoYftukh6bTw8T0vM/s1600/Floor+boards+downstairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3T58eeFJGBDvVDVCXa6JUoWJQhJgVf8RK9XxVzVMFnE9pV7ybSpMszLz9TZwkeBi2X18t-7FMx_i5t8HaLGPu-XeS1HfgAiLaHmGa3MHHc5Op_XewjeA-vKgxKzKoYftukh6bTw8T0vM/s400/Floor+boards+downstairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And now it's Saturday night, nothing worthwhile on tv, so I might get on with it.....<br />
<br />
Bye for now<br />
<br />
MarionMarionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316009712508153625noreply@blogger.com3