Well hello there! It's been a while! I'm here with a bit of an update and a new dollhouse project.
If you follow me on instagram I posted a small update last week. I became unwell toward the end of the patio project and had to put everything on pause. This fall I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and since then I've been learning how to adapt and still work on minis.
Which leads me to my new project... I know jumping back into my big transitional dollhouse would be too much for me right now. So I've decided to go a little smaller and do the Real Good Toys Beachside Bungalow Kit.
I'm not really kit bashing too much this time. However, I have remodelled the front porch to bring it up to date. The original kit is too traditional looking and trying to make it modern has been a challenge.
I've been very impressed with how easy this kit has been to assemble. I would definitely recommend it, although I find the interior space to be a little too small for my tastes. I think the classic bungalow is bigger.
The original kit comes with 2 columns and a post base in the middle. It's very asymmetrical. I tried adding an extra column but in the end decided to ditch the traditional columns all together and make my own.
To start, this is the original kit layout with my own laser cut windows. (In these photos the porch support beam was already trimmed for my new design, you can see how the original kit's posts are spread out wider).
I didn't like the empty space in the middle so I tried adding a third column.
It was still too traditional looking so I took away the post bases, which meant I had to make new columns and caps.
I also had to add extra MDF pieces to the porch base so the posts could sit properly without the old bases.
I decided the post widths included in the original design were too wide and cut them down:
I trimmed the big porch support beam that holds up the roof for my new design too.
Once I liked the column sizes I glued them into the base and added thin strips of veneer to the porch floor. (Just like my backyard patio retreat)
I cut out the openings for the larger window and door. I used a Dremel with a saw blade attachment. The trim will cover any gaps.
To make the double door I bought another of the same style and removed the oval slider. I microwaved just the door piece (without the metal pins!) for 10 seconds to loosen the glue so I could take it apart.
I had to make a new frame to go around both doors. I used all the trim pieces that came with the original doors to do it, as well as two pieces of thin basswood strips for the bottom. Once I had the frame I used a tiny screwdriver to make new holes for the pins. I finished the design with two laser cut window mullion panels (I'll add the plexi this week)
So this is where I'm at now: I've painted everything and am ready for assembly.
I've cheated and used painted masking tape to hold the roof and dormer on for these photos, it's still in a dry fit.
What do you think so far? Should I paint the columns white or stain them to match the porch floor? I plan on adding some sort of trim around their bases. I'm still a little unsure whether I want a metal roof or an asphalt shingle roof... lots of trim work still to be done.
I've made some brand new 3D working lantern lights for this build too. Can't wait to show what those look like!
The goal is to have this house all ready to add some Christmas lights and snow before the end of December.
Hope you are well and working away on your minis!
Ohhh lanterns. I love seeing your creations. This is looking great. The windows are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheila, I'm really excited to get them on! The question will be how many...
DeleteIt looks beautiful! I think white for the columns, but then I never painted the wood of my Waterside Way balcony and left them wood, so I also like wood color. I love seeing your dremel in action. I'm glad you are able to do a smaller mini project.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penelope! I think the plan is to stain them and then if need be paint... I really was happy with how the dremmel worked out!
DeleteSo happy that you are feeling better. You and your wonderful work have been missed.
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzy! I've miss everyone here too!
DeleteA wonderful new project!!! I'm glad despite your disease you're back with new miniatures.
ReplyDeleteGeneviève
Thank you Genevieve! I'm thrilled to be working again, I really missed having this escape.
DeleteEstá quedando fenomeal. Has hecho una fran trabajo con puertas y ventanas.
ReplyDeleteThank you Isabel!
Deletekristine, impressive what a little transformation can do! stain the columns. and hey, you seem to have a steady hand: cutting mdf with the dremel is not all that easy... ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Marion! Yes it wasn't easy to cut at first... I started with a smaller dremmel but once I switched to the bigger dremmel and blade it was much easier. This dollhouse kit's walls aren't too thick either :)
DeleteI love the updates Kristine! It looks as though someone has bought a 1930's bungalow and is remodeling to bring it into a more modern function! Can't wait to see the clever ways you'll allocate the spaces inside! It's small, but you are magic!
ReplyDeleteYes! I feel like that's exactly it. It's more of a remodel than a new design. Although to be honest... I'm not sure if I'm going to even do the inside? It's so tiny. I mostly just bought the kit for the front facade. We will see!
DeleteHi Kristine. I have 3 close friend who suffer from fibromyalgia and so I understand how debilitating this disease can be, I admire that you are soldiering on despite the intense pain going on inside and happy that you are able to continue to work at your own pace.
ReplyDeleteYour Bungalow upgrades are coming along Beautifully!
I love the way you've remade the entry door and the new windows are Smashing. Your bungalow with its low roof line, needed these larger windows and doors to immediately maximize the natural light- GOOD CALL!
Thank you Elizabeth! It's definitely been a journey to figure out what works for me right now. I've really missed my minis and being apart of the community here too. I think the biggest thing is that I just work a lot slower. So this smaller build has been so good for me to back to it. Happy you like the changes, I'm hoping once I add the trim work it will really come together :)
DeleteA beautiful creation!
ReplyDeleteHowdy! I am quite excited by your new project, will be anxiously waiting for updates. I must say I am flabbergasted by your Belmont House, truly admirable work with astounding good taste. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! You have inspired my 17 year old daughter to make this dollhouse in a scandinavian design. We cant wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLove, love this. Thank you so much for sharing, look forward to more and more......
ReplyDeleteWould love to know what are the measurements for your new porch posts? I can't find square columns anywhere! Help!
ReplyDelete