Category Archives: what’s up

but i digress…

Wallpapering!

Posted on by
Reply

I decided not to rush the dining room floor – I wasn’t sure about the trim I had, so I’ve ordered something else.  But, I did test out the printer & I’m happy to report that not only does Open Office suffice for my wallpaper graphics, but our printer rocks.

I’ve been copying wallpapers from various websites for years.  One of my favourites is Bradbury & Bradbury. Then I crop & copy into an 11×17 sheet & print.  Afterwards, I spray with a fixative.  And they look great.  Check it out.

drawing room wallpaper

Drawing Room

dining room wallpaper

Dining Room

entry hall wallpaper

Entry Hall

Drawing Room & Library flooring

Posted on by
Reply

drawing room floorToday was the day for the house.  I managed to avoid tackling the servants bells & laid wood floors instead.  I used a previously laid floor with beautiful trim from Small World Minis on eBay (one of my 2 fave suppliers of building materials).  I had to add some extra around the edges (which needs finishing).

 

drawing room floor detail

I also did the library: I used some assemble-yourself parquet trim which looked amazing once I finished.  I really enjoyed the hands-on part.  I decided to add a star detail afterwards (it was an extra piece I had kicking around).  I even got the wainscot done: complete with secret door….

 

Afterwards, I set up my newly arrived gothic dining set in the library:  chairs from eBay seller pedalcarsntrains  & trestle table from online store Bijou.  I love these pieces.  You can’t tell, but the chairs are resin.  To the right are my pocket doors into the drawing room.

And if you look close, you can see the secret passage beside the fireplace.  gothic dining room

Still blogging

Posted on by
Reply

I’m trying to flesh out my pages here.  I’ve added quite a bit this weekend, including a new page “my dolls”, & content on “tools & supplies”, “artisans & sources”, “books & links”, as well as finishing up the “this project”.  Enjoy.  Tomorrow I shall work on the house.

Here’s some stuff that arrived this week…

Ram's head

Ram's head

Pets for a Gothic Victorian

If you don't feed them they go straight back!

forthegentlemen

Not for delicate feminine sensibilities

YES glue is my friend

Posted on by
Reply

Considering the peeling wallpaper in my Brownstone I knew I’d have to research for a product that worked (not rubber cement).  I found a webpage that told me all I needed to know: thanks Katescats!  She recommended YES glue.  So I ordered some from eBay.  And it works!  It comes in a soft paste that can be spread with a palette.  I used it to lay my flooring.  It doesn’t dry too quickly, so you have time to place & move your paper.  And it doesn’t make the paper bubble, like liquid glues.  Just spread nice & flat if you are using a thin paper otherwise you’ll be able to see the rise of the paste underneath.  I can hardly wait to try it with my wallpaper…..

To build or blog, that is the question

Posted on by
Reply

tudor dollhouse piecesToday I had planned to work on some more construction bits.  But having 3 days off, why rush?  Besides, I have so much to add to these pages. In the meantime, check out these amazing pieces I’ve collected.  The gothic windows & gargoyles were a great find from York Miniature Scene. The tapestry & other pieces came from sellers on eBay – many will be included in my ‘artisans & sources’ page once I get there….

I love Mondays

Posted on by
Reply

I had a feeling today was going to be good.  I’ve been waiting impatiently for a few new acquisitions to arrive so I can carry on with constructing the 1st floor.  In particular, a bay window & gothic door for the drawing room.

If things go well (and I don’t spend all day here playing with blogging features) I may even get some electrical wired, or flooring done.

But there’s one thing I’ve learned after building 1 house already: never rush.

Who will be the first to read my virgin post?

Posted on by
2

Today I wondered “Will I ever get a blog started?”….the purpose of it all is to chronicle the building of my new 1/12th scale Victorian mansion (with Gothic Revival elements).  This I began last weekend, but its construction is happening faster than a carriage racing through the Yorkshire countryside.  And so, I must go & edit this strange & new landscape for your viewing & reading pleasure….