Book making

I decided to try my hand at making books in quantity for my study bookcase. I did some research and found a blog post about how to enhance the realism of the books. I used this idea - color in a band around the inside edge of the paper cover.

Update: I located a video on this topic done by this blogger that I had watched also - if you are interested in this she does a great job.

All in all I think they came out well. One thing I learned is I need to keep a variety of markers on hand, different colors and tip thicknesses. And a glue stick came in very handy as well.

I need to grab my bookcase and start arranging them!

Kitchen finishing

Now that I've gotten all the windows and doors done, I'm moving on to the kitchen. I need to paint and install ceiling beams and crown like I have in the study. The 3rd wallpaper is up and I'm happy with it.

I bought this pot board and love the finish. This gives me some ideas on how to finish the cabinets.

Bathroom plans

I've been thinking about how I'm going to finish and furnish the bathroom in the wing attic space. All the angles are a challenge.

I love Sally Wallace's version of it, so I'm using it as inspiration. I'm not enamored of the turquoise floor but I love the dark wallpaper. I chose a Brodnax wallpaper that has those dark colors. I also love how she has a sitting room space, I hadn't thought of that.

I began placing things I've purchased and looking at flooring options. I was hoping to use some of the flooring I have. I have some 1" tiles but not enough - its a big floor. So I pulled out some paper flooring I had stowed away. I may try the beige one here...though I did order a marble World Model floor yesterday.

I need to figure out how to do a round shower curtain. The stand I bought doesn't include the round shower ring. I may have to rig my own ring on it, one I make from strong wire.

This is the floor from World Model I ordered. 

Possible flooring

Wallpaper for bathroom

Windows and doors complete

I'm finally done painting all the windows and doors! The only remaining parts are the mullions and I've decided to hold off until warmer weather where I can spray them outside. There are way too many of those to think about hand-painting them.

For this reason, the windows and doors are not glued in.  I do have the 2 oeil-de-boeuf dormers to attach. I also haven't glued in the interior arches for the 2 wings (Kitchen and Study). I want to be sure I can remove the door portion to attach those mullions.

Painting exterior frames and color washing.

Painting and painting and painting

Placing the door, filling the gaps, and attaching the exterior window trim.

Interior doors done

The interior doors have been painted and partially installed. This simple addition gives a more finished look.

French country work done

I now have the 3rd floor hall papered and at least the chair rail added. Still need baseboard and crown. I spackled the window space today and will need to follow up with sanding and paint touch up.

The study also got lighting today. I drilled holes through the beams and the ceiling for this. Then I glued down the attic to the first floor - no longer have a fear of committment! Tapewire was next, followed by eyelets for the electrical connections. Finally wiring the Lighting Bug lights!