tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48429339499234630022024-03-05T23:35:51.073+00:00Mini MalarkeyA blog dedicated to messing around with miniaturesKim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-67601038025001743362015-05-31T21:43:00.001+01:002015-05-31T21:43:27.243+01:00Perplexed Over PropertyI wanted to ask a question<br />
<br />
<u>How do you decide which property to build for your witch?</u><br />
<br />
I have spent far too much time pinning images of houses which inspire me, including houses that people have designed for vitual worlds (like the sims and second life) <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sockcat/fantasy-cottages-mini-inspiring/" target="_blank">PINTEREST</a> but I want to know how people make that final decision on what type of house to build.<br />
<br />
So I have a witch character in mind, she needs somewhere to live and work. However her workplace must be separate from her kitchen. You wouldn't whip up lunch in a science lab, and isn't safe to mix food and magic.<br />
<br />
Whatever it is it will be a scratch build so I can make it unique. My witch is a quirky kinda gal (she is a witch after all) so it won't be a standard shabby chic home (not that I have anything against that style I just find that more suited to a cupcakery or tea room). I was thinking more like a wizards tower but don't want a dark dungeony atmosphere. She works mainly with nature magic and has a special interest in herbology research (she has been published in many reputable journals) so a greenhouse will be in there somewhere too.<br />
<br />
Probably the thing that has thrown me into confusion is the existence of cob houses, built in natural and recycled materials with lots of curves and flowing lines sounds perfect for the little witch in my brain. Except I can't figure where to put the workspace? A separate building or hut? Do a pinterest search for cob house or earthship and you will see that no two are the same. Perfect.<br />
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Mix all this in with the problem of display space meaning I would like to make my house modular meaning I can store each room/floor on separate shelves of a bookcase but put it together when I want to show it off as a whole. Also much easier if I am ever to transport it.<br />
<br />
<br />What about a nice cosy hobbit hole! Lots of rooms, no stairs.....????<br />
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Or maybe a treehouse??? Perhaps the Burrows??? (Weasley family home from Harry Potter)<br />
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And then I end up with a brain filled with indecision and do none of them, spend too much time on pinterest muddling my brain up even further and not getting any minis made.<br />
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AaaaRrrrrGgggHhhhh !!!!!!<br />
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The annoying thing is that I swore to myself not to get myself in a muddle about this again (it is not the first time, I have the sketches to prove it) and concentrate on the minis rather than the properties. If I had the space and time to build 20 houses then I would just build them all, but pesky reality intervenes.<br />
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HELP !!! Your advice, thoughts, opinions are much needed here!<br />
<br />
Apologies for the lack of pictures, the house has been visited by the plague this week so not much turning, I am sending myself to the lathe this instant. I have some african blackwood pen blanks to experiment with.<br />
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Correction. I refused to have a blog post with absolutely no actual miniatures in it, so I got turning for a few hours with some new pen blanks. African blackwood is very dense and hard, takes fine detail well and polishes up to a high sheen.<br />
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I warmed up with a small bowl, the picture isn't very good but there are two lines inscribed near the top with a new tool.<br />
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The pot is was turned from a scrap of sycamore left over from making pens at woodturning club on thursday, this one is mine. The pen mechanism is from a simple BIC pen. Length 6".<br />
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The the challenge was to make a pair of pillar candle stands, I was more successful this time at matching them but I prefer the first one I made. For some reason the base got flakey on the second one so I guess it just looks more like it is worn with use.<br />
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I will try to have a more productive week this week, despite lots of full size things to do.<br />
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Until next time, KimKim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-21293327398704365342015-05-22T19:27:00.001+01:002015-05-22T19:27:47.342+01:00A few days away from the lathe......but I'm backDue to a shoulder injury I had an enforced break from turning which made me sad. Also a trip on Friday to have a delicious dinner and film with family for lil sisters birthday. That burger was so good I am making burgers for sunday lunch. With brioche buns. mmmmmmmmm bacon.<br />
<br />
I had turned another little bowl on wednesday to take to my woodturning group on thursday but since then I had not turned until today (sunday evening). Twas the first time I had taken minis to club and I think the members were reasonably impressed with the delicate work. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wednesday bowl (possibly walnut)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
I also picked a 2" piece of walnut out of the shavings after the demonstrator had finished making a whistle and he proceeded to give me a piece of African blackwood to try. Supposedly it is very fine grained and strong, dense and perfect for holding the small details needed in mini work. Quite frankly I am too afraid to cut into it yet as it is pretty expensive so I will continue building my skills before cutting into this piece. (Edit: several days later postman brought me 5 pen blanks [3/4" square about 6 inches long] to try before cutting into the bigger piece.)<br />
<br />
But I am back on the lathe with avengance.<br />
<br />
Today I was determined to make a candlestick after far too many fails at the end of last week and nothing to show for a good amount of working time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Progress photos which never reached completion</td></tr>
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<br />
As a precaution I thought I would practise with some cheap 9mm hardwood dowel which was left over from making lace bobbins.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not quite a matching pair</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
Surprisingly it worked rather well and a pair of vaguely similar candlesticks emerged. The light wood would also be great for anything that was to be painted.<br />
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Then another little bowl and a kitchen paper stand and I was finished, a very productive turning session indeed.<br />
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Until next time, Kim<br />
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Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-22240439409353110962015-05-16T03:32:00.000+01:002015-05-16T03:32:22.129+01:00More miniature woodturningAnother session at the lathe and I have a few things to share, two bowls and a small drinking cup about 8mm tall. This one gave me some trouble when I dropped it behind the lathe station into a pile of shavings and spent half an hour on my hands and knees searching for it. Time I think to put a back board on the lathe station me thinks.<br />
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After completing the tiny tumbler I placed it beside my first mini turning and made a funny squeeking noise..... <br />
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I was so pleased with the first turning, I was overjoyed with the second
only about a week later. The walls are so thin! Less than a millimetre. Much like the cake stand which didn't survive the final stages of polishing.<br />
<br />
I seem to have reached the limits of the commercial tools I have, with the 6mm spindle gouge unable to reach the bottom of this container. Taking a cheap (and useless) wood carving tool from the craft stash I hit the grinder and shaped it firstly to fit in such a tiny vessel and secondly gave it the profile of a scraper to help me thin down the walls of the cup and flatten off the bottom. I can see me making many more tools to complete these pieces, there are some available online but they are very expensive and the scraper is about the simplest tool there is to make, even if mine does look home made it did the job. Next task, hollowing tools.<br />
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To finish, this is a group of my fave tiny turnings so far....<br />
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We shall see where this road takes me from here......any suggestions?<br />
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Todays images brought to you by Nikon+macro filter rather than Samsung galaxy phone.Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-41587625675073538912015-05-11T16:34:00.000+01:002015-05-11T16:34:47.706+01:00Wood turning.....the beginning So back to the story....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tgMcS_87NLrOFhKdqLS_guvPBfJ5SiHQ9VUuxLaHPnX6NfEJk7zOSE3dGUn688v0Joks0g9Rfo-pGbqbRBG4VrNL9iok-L0_YOOdiE0_QmCqKDjXc5Dv5un5hbyCq05MNIjgLZlI0jg/s1600/20141127_212243.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tgMcS_87NLrOFhKdqLS_guvPBfJ5SiHQ9VUuxLaHPnX6NfEJk7zOSE3dGUn688v0Joks0g9Rfo-pGbqbRBG4VrNL9iok-L0_YOOdiE0_QmCqKDjXc5Dv5un5hbyCq05MNIjgLZlI0jg/s320/20141127_212243.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Snowman</td></tr>
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The
following month I went to a community hall about 20 minutes from me and
had a fantastic time. I watched the club chairman turn an adorable little
snowman before being let loose on a small lathe to make my own. Sure
that it was unlikely that my piece would look even remotely snowman-like
I had a go anyway and was so pleased when at the end of the night I
went home with a little piece of sycamore that ACTUALLY looked like a
snowman. He spend the next six weeks on display before being packed away
with the rest of the ornaments for next year. I haven't missed missed a
meeting yet (2 each month).<br />
<br />
Santa must have decided that
with all the turmoil lately that I deserved a nice present and brought
me a lathe for Christmas. Yes, my own lathe. Not a big one of course (I
have to be able lift the darn thing) but an entry level one perfect for
someone starting out. An Amazon gift card bought me a starter set of
tools and off I went.<br />
<br />
I had an awful lot to learn. <br />
<br />
With
monthly demonstration and hands on evenings I got better at handling
the tools and I made a few other little things but at home I tended to
spend too long watching turning videos on Youtube and not actually much
time on my lathe, partly due to a lack of a suitable bench to put my
lathe on.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Lathe Station</td></tr>
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This
all changed when a new member to the wood turning group I attend, just
so happened to live quite literally around the corner from me AND I
found an abandoned, heavy duty bookcase at the bus stop 20/30 feet from
my front door in the same week. Now I had a sturdy lathe station with
storage beneath the lathe and a buddy who wants to learn to turn too. G
has a more comprehensive workshop where I can use the band saw to
prepare wood quickly and also he has a good supply of hardwood scraps
from local joiners which he was happy to share meaning I didn't need to
worry about ruining the few nice pieces I had.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfCIQ_DnACWYlOFLYTDf04ZBmE9bFR4H4SpOct74JMko6yVJLPliDT5tf8NXcV39l62OBc1smGf_2s5_kSU1YrVaZgqJOp-UY4IybRQNhLDrHs76NqzKNH9FSZBkEZSGvSh_defbNZ7Y/s1600/20150414_174001.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfCIQ_DnACWYlOFLYTDf04ZBmE9bFR4H4SpOct74JMko6yVJLPliDT5tf8NXcV39l62OBc1smGf_2s5_kSU1YrVaZgqJOp-UY4IybRQNhLDrHs76NqzKNH9FSZBkEZSGvSh_defbNZ7Y/s320/20150414_174001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspired by Japanese rice bowl</td></tr>
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My
first visit to G's workshop I started work on my first ever bowl. Sadly
once I got it home I decided to refine a surface I had already finished
and it did not end well. With a bang the bowl exploded sending pieces
of Sapele everywhere. Thankfully a few days earlier I had invested in an
full face shield which saved my left face from disaster (I wear glasses
so eyes were safe). I swear never to turn without my face shield! The
guy on Youtube is right, goggles are not enough. Those bowl
shards had sharp edges and could have done some damage.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZji5on4Gw26YQIA12eMa-0yb_mf-pJrKa3Xdae3YRbj87wq74wyLUcoec1DVyFIKS21ClLtAZCvVkg8_WZ14pRVkYPY-o3P9wqKNNmIVC7HWKHeoIviDwGNbWByZGvoW0Hwz8kRCs9UY/s1600/20150426_010143.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZji5on4Gw26YQIA12eMa-0yb_mf-pJrKa3Xdae3YRbj87wq74wyLUcoec1DVyFIKS21ClLtAZCvVkg8_WZ14pRVkYPY-o3P9wqKNNmIVC7HWKHeoIviDwGNbWByZGvoW0Hwz8kRCs9UY/s320/20150426_010143.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Completed Bowl</td></tr>
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Undeterred
I chucked up another blank (from G) and completed my first bowl. It was
not perfect by any means but it was mine and I was proud of it.<br />
<br />
There are a few other things I have turned for practise, a tool handle, a mallet handle for a 100% recycled mallet for guide camp this summer, a couple of mushrooms (a lathe staple) and a failed honey dipper (half my fault, half the wood grain was too course) but you didn't come here to read about full sized items did you?!?<br />
<br />
I had pinned many mini turnings on pinterest, some simple, some definitely not simple. On my last trip to G's workshop I had dug around in the bin for the bits left over when you cut a circle out of a square on the band saw for a bowl. The pieces in the corner were cut into small blocks (1" square by 2 inches long) and they came home with me. Later that week I had been working on some normal sized items and after the honey dipper I decided to try something small<br />
<br />
......as in dolls house small.<br />
<br />
To be continued<br />
<br />
Kim Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-61850021324992965802015-05-11T03:23:00.000+01:002015-05-13T02:38:00.904+01:00First turned miniaturesAnd so....<br />
<br />
Taking one of my tiny chunks I glued it to a block of scrap
pine and just decided to see what happened. A plant pot appeared from
the block of wood followed my a slightly more curved one the day after. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Fm7hhSSxUv-tV0970m4Ozv9iZPAyGydligKKQqf5n2vQYC5p1sQIpFaluvesnI8EcUzVZ1cnabeYrES_KOLXpokv6HTKhYcQ9vEYIjlk94Xdoo4tSFBjel4ry6jHfCncJmO1qArpf8/s1600/20150505_213930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Fm7hhSSxUv-tV0970m4Ozv9iZPAyGydligKKQqf5n2vQYC5p1sQIpFaluvesnI8EcUzVZ1cnabeYrES_KOLXpokv6HTKhYcQ9vEYIjlk94Xdoo4tSFBjel4ry6jHfCncJmO1qArpf8/s400/20150505_213930.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plant pots. Push pin for scale.</td></tr>
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The next day came another two minis from the same type of wood, a bowl and a deep platter which I don't have pictures of for some reason. [Correction. Making up for being a bad blogger I went and got them and photographed them.] The base of the bowl on the left is a little too thick but all good practise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jkJqWP8aGfvrN7nQPGTLaRITAozrPxHLcKExoGI7mgQO-bHPc6P3qbRdoIeiE8Kd1LdDHg9S1LJZLmXJTY-mly5jJNc7Pip3P9_G3zwkK-6fgvvN8ZHPKgek1i-nZTBlbMt01tTcxcw/s1600/20150510_011616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jkJqWP8aGfvrN7nQPGTLaRITAozrPxHLcKExoGI7mgQO-bHPc6P3qbRdoIeiE8Kd1LdDHg9S1LJZLmXJTY-mly5jJNc7Pip3P9_G3zwkK-6fgvvN8ZHPKgek1i-nZTBlbMt01tTcxcw/s400/20150510_011616.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Bowls</td></tr>
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The next session at the lathe I used a piece of Yew wood which had cracked during drying and was no use for full size work. Broke it down and glued it up for this little pair of beauties, the wall thicknesses were getting thinner and I was very happy with these items. The little dish is just 6mm (1/4") tall. I think yew may be my favourite wood, works easily, has a lovely warm colour and grain and finishes wonderfully. We are lucky to have a tree surgeon amongst our group and I shall have to offer him baked good for more yew (and other woods)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvkW-8WYDKma3pbpll6_xx58FHT7aolyCA7VOVj3394YmSZ5n-S3W3HLRUYDn7acyPzEfzOgZebShSTW2hfGiZ1DRbZbKMY7RK6-Srd9t_pv4PTYQ3LITJBJsEP2wSdoSV_rKdVKUCT8/s1600/20150507_221945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvkW-8WYDKma3pbpll6_xx58FHT7aolyCA7VOVj3394YmSZ5n-S3W3HLRUYDn7acyPzEfzOgZebShSTW2hfGiZ1DRbZbKMY7RK6-Srd9t_pv4PTYQ3LITJBJsEP2wSdoSV_rKdVKUCT8/s400/20150507_221945.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yew</td></tr>
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Now we are almost up to date, I hit the lathe again this afternoon and after turning a spinning top (normal size) from yew as a warm up, I started with another bit of the same wood as above. Perhaps I was getting over confident and the first bowl I made was destroyed in a catch, there was still a little left so I went for another little dish like the one above but I was an idiot and made the same mistake and lost that too.<br />
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Next a piece of sapele, turned a small bowl, sanded and finished and just needs the bottom cleaning and finishing before I can photograph it but very nice. Still lots of wood left so I started a plate, which began to develop a base which turned into a cake stand, all was going well and it was just as I was finishing the polishing up that I held it wrong and it was destroyed, the top was super thin (in scale but fragile) and it would have been stunning. I was rather sad. Thin top platter with an simple but elegant pedestal in a warm brown wood.<br />
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Perhaps all of my walls today were too thin and overly fragile. That is the danger of mini work, walls less than 1mm thick and it is so easy to slip and destroy nearly an hour of work. At least I am not short of practice wood, G tells me there are more scraps to salvage in his workshop, his timber come from local joiners so they are somewhat limited in variety, hopefully when word gets around our club that I can use pieces that
are firewood to them I may find myself inundated with a larger variety of
woods (a terrible burden). For exotics I may have to resort to actually spending money and buying them. And hunting in the garden. We have a lot of garden.....seriously. <br />
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For anyone wondering, I am trying to get back to my blogging and the mini community in general so I would love to get set up for some swaps or personal exchanges. I would happily swap something I have made for something nice that someone else has made with love. I will get set up for better images as I do have a dslr and a macro lens, I just need to get somewhere set up with decent lighting. The next upgrade at the lathe station will be two lamps for excellent lighting and I am hoping to put together a little photostudioroombox which can sit (with magnets) on the lathe bed and borrow the twin lights for good photographs.<br />
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And maybe, in time..........an etsy shop?<br />
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And because blogs need pictures and the latter part of this blog is lacking, here is a cute kitty in a bag.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_S4fvcRJ_U/VU6ubUH4B2I/AAAAAAAAAZo/Se5AbJc_gLw/s1600/20150505_121230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_S4fvcRJ_U/VU6ubUH4B2I/AAAAAAAAAZo/Se5AbJc_gLw/s640/20150505_121230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't bring myself to take the bag away.</td></tr>
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<br />Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-54821488904880076372015-05-10T00:51:00.005+01:002015-05-10T02:07:30.616+01:00I'm a bad BAD blogger!Good evening followers, or at least the 18 that Blogger says are still out there somewhere.<br />
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I have indeed been a bad bad Blogger, going two years without a post. Unacceptable.<br />
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There has been a lot of change here at Chez Malarkey as last time I wrote here there were more humans in the house than cats and now we are outnumbered. Supper must be on time or the cats will start a revolution.<br />
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A month after I last wrote here J's mum was admitted to the hospital with an Alzheimer's related crisis and 6 weeks later she went into a care facility. Things were a lot quieter at home and even the cats were noticeably more relaxed. Sadly in the October 2013 his Dad had what appeared to be a minor medical problem however a chest x-ray showed he had cancer.....everywhere. With palliative care he left us three weeks later which turned out to be a sudden emotional roller coaster. This made the house quieter still and black cat Loki missing his favourite human. Exceeding expectations, MIL made it through all of 2014 and into 2015 before passing away suddenly one Saturday afternoon in February. Despite being just 3/4 miles away when the care facility called us we did not make it in time to say goodbye. A lot of sudden change in just two years. Summer 2013 I also had (another) major surgery which was my last scheduled and left me without the unpleasantness of an ileostomy bag. YAY!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zAGw8mEMWZ7yGJKFoxgqDnf4GtSIuhBaQnOlaO94jwhztk2LTOu1yb97U66clixMIXr_7x8YO_3dpoytCxmcLE4Mo5vtuN21yGGmR4uSUWtsZ_A2fFVjDooCKPPSR0fcP-OR8vJB798/s1600/20141006_163226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zAGw8mEMWZ7yGJKFoxgqDnf4GtSIuhBaQnOlaO94jwhztk2LTOu1yb97U66clixMIXr_7x8YO_3dpoytCxmcLE4Mo5vtuN21yGGmR4uSUWtsZ_A2fFVjDooCKPPSR0fcP-OR8vJB798/s320/20141006_163226.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Present Lace</td></tr>
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Back on topic of minis and crafting in general, I have been busy learning to make bobbin lace and have made good progress, making some lace trimmed items for my grandparents last Christmas. Here it is in progress. Most of the bobbins were bought and painted in pairs but as this pattern took more than the 25 pairs of bobbins I owned I used some hardwood dowel and whittled myself some more.<br />
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There are two books on the art of miniature lace (by Roz Snowden) and I have acquired both, they do look rather intimidating even for someone who likes to work small.<br />
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My other creative endeavour has been something I have been looking at since I saw how lace bobbins were made, I mean I knew what a lathe was and basic idea of how it works (wood spin, insert sharp tool) there was one in the workshop at my (all girls) school though I never saw it in action.<br />
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Last October (2014) I went to the great northern lace fair in Leeds and I was slightly overwhelmed by so much lace stuff in one room. However, in another room I encountered some gentlemen with a stand representing their wood turning group, I chatted with them for a while and admired their work and whilst this club was too far for me to visit regularly I hoped there was one nearer to me.<br />
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There was..........to be continued!<br />
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This post was getting rather long so I am breaking here for tonight, but I can promise the story will continue and ends quite well......and includes and explosion!<br />
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Until next time. Kim.Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-66054219777340246512013-02-04T02:19:00.002+00:002013-02-04T03:41:11.201+00:00It's happening again......<p>I am over planning things.<br>
I have carefully sketched out a complete cottage design for Belinda (who is still an image in my mind) when she has nothing to put in it.</p>
<p>I have something of a tendency to do this, let my plans get away from me and then they can become overwhelming and actually stop me doing things which is really stupid and annoying. Hence a few days without posts, also home responsibilities were above average keeping me busy.</p>
<p>So despite having partially written a post about the ground floor plan/design I am going to leave it un-published in the draft section. I am going to be strong and try and keep myself thinking small.</p>
<p>Some of the nicest minis I have seen are not full houses, some are just a single dresser/hutch filled with co-ordinated goodies or a single corner of a room or a lone worktable. And for the time being that is where I need to keep my focus. Thinking small.</p>
<p>When I look through my pinterest pins there are so many things I want to make, all different styles of baskets, pots, ceramics, tiles, plants, books. The list could truly be endless and so for now that is where I am going to focus.</p>
<p> Maybe in a while when Belinda has a physical presence and a stack of possessions she will demand a space of her own and I will re-visit those plans.</p>
<p>I shall return to the theme of art supplies until I am satisfied with that, and then I will pick a new theme and order anything I need for it (eg wire for baskets) and then I will do lots of that item in various styles. I will link to tutorials I have found most useful and give you any variations that I have made to those or tutes of my own.</p>
<p>Belinda's magical cottage is not the only theme I like in mini, I know that shabby chic is a very popular mini style and it is one I would like to play with as it is not a style I would ever have in my actual home. Not super shabby chic like a cath kidston shop just vomited its entire contents into my mini, but a shabby lite, more neutrals with pastel highlights and some tasteful wear on the furnishings.</p>
<p>When I make baskets (again as an example) I can make some in neutrals and pastels for future usen, whilst Belinda will need darker tones. <br>
I shall go and get a good night's rest and start with a fresh mind tomorrow. Does anyone else have this kind of problem? If so, how do you cope with it?</p>
<p>Until then, Goodnight all.<br>
Kim</p>
<p>PS. This thursday till saturday I will be in Manchester for an event, finally getting to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers">Hank and John</a> in person and I CANNOT WAIT, so excited!!!!!!! </p>
Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-29351766733658572042013-01-30T00:01:00.000+00:002013-01-30T00:01:57.403+00:00Bristles for Brushes...trial and errorAs much fun as it can be at times, when it becomes more error than success it can become frustrating.<br />
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After a bit of experimenting I think I have settled on a brush method.<br />
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First you need some hair, of course it is always important to get ones materials from an ethically raised, sustainable source which in this case is.....moi.<br />
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So I have a habit of letting my hair get REALLY long, when I was ill it got to the point where I could almost sit on it and I would get comments from strangers. It was a pain to wash and brush.. Before I had my big surgery I had no idea what my recovery was going to be like, I was aiming to make life easy for myself by cutting the hair short so it would be easy to care for. I was preparing for the worst (a long and somewhat painful recovery) so that anything less awful than that would be a bonus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kurqCe_jPoMhDUILmwLFfU-uNU7FqJSpbyZVxpYHtEt4Q-BCZSStgIauX6AE3shukIqgNFvilBKYaCrGv4-P4Q5fzHf5k6gB9dP9nOSSVbskk7S5nnTD4R2zHV2YtDCUx2vMwCs3vaI/s1600/ponytail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kurqCe_jPoMhDUILmwLFfU-uNU7FqJSpbyZVxpYHtEt4Q-BCZSStgIauX6AE3shukIqgNFvilBKYaCrGv4-P4Q5fzHf5k6gB9dP9nOSSVbskk7S5nnTD4R2zHV2YtDCUx2vMwCs3vaI/s400/ponytail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This meant cutting about 15 inches off my hair which was cut whilst tied and displayed on my bookcase as a trophy. (This hair was not suitable for charitable uses as it was very thin and low quality due to my illness and all the strong meds I had been taking.) It looked like a dark blonde dis-articulated cats tail. You will be pleased to hear my recovery was a hundred times easier than I could have hoped for. <br />
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18 months (and 2 big surgeries later) I am looking for a bristle source and there it was sitting on my bookcase and from there I went. And I need to cut to my hair again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMrqhmomeT2mabEDcqOJX5sakhvulFJ54zjNdTl5LWD2PjhwbCfm6ekVYk28HU1ciEE4DTka45r6DPkgMYQDj6Wkfrqcj493SvelZsK-LlJZu23opAya0Sy48mXv3iS0vnJHB1N5rVbY/s1600/bristles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMrqhmomeT2mabEDcqOJX5sakhvulFJ54zjNdTl5LWD2PjhwbCfm6ekVYk28HU1ciEE4DTka45r6DPkgMYQDj6Wkfrqcj493SvelZsK-LlJZu23opAya0Sy48mXv3iS0vnJHB1N5rVbY/s320/bristles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I took a length from the end of the bundled hair, about an inch and a half long. Select a pinch of hairs to suite the size of brush you want to make. <br />
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Twist together and hold them together with some form of clip, I have used a clothes peg.<br />
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Using a flexible white glue (like PVA, tacky glue, elmers) and dip the ends making sure that all the hair ends are covered, allow to dry<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSis6tICEnqriMQH_p3biOaHarIH8Rc0HKOSk24jdfAJQimww3FjeNwV1F4XzfY2vxs9Yhyphenhyphennq850UtVadMbxOZcQgZsRA4sICe7kaB0RMzz7yw1g8V6kK4EIXj-pEqRwuJpupy7Pn8MvQ/s1600/peg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSis6tICEnqriMQH_p3biOaHarIH8Rc0HKOSk24jdfAJQimww3FjeNwV1F4XzfY2vxs9Yhyphenhyphennq850UtVadMbxOZcQgZsRA4sICe7kaB0RMzz7yw1g8V6kK4EIXj-pEqRwuJpupy7Pn8MvQ/s400/peg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Note, at this point in writing this post I didn't feel very well. I spent two hours in the bathroom feeling progressively worse before calling for an ambulance and spending my early sunday morning hours receiving emergency IV fluids at the local hospital. Anyway, they sent my mostly re-hydrated ass home with instructions to drink like a fish whilst I shift this gastroenteritis. Most people don't need the hospital for the bug which is doing the rounds here at the moment, however I am short precisely one colon (see above major surgeries) and if I am ill, I can dehydrate extremely fast. At midnight I was fine and writing this post but by 2.11 am we called the emergency services. A few bags of fluids and some anti-nausea meds and I felt more human and was sent home, hopefully to sleep it off.</span> </div>
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Returning to the post 48 hours later, we continue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtewy8DUMxBmjSmsqIyffibY_7W69dGwtDTlJKooore7Tk9AOCdqZMDv5qtR1KH_Us6-Koz6gH11AvMeRi6YcRpa9iLtrNLVGwajfozn2TnZEem-JUdVskbGF_yU7feT9VhzGQd5d00GU/s1600/bristles1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtewy8DUMxBmjSmsqIyffibY_7W69dGwtDTlJKooore7Tk9AOCdqZMDv5qtR1KH_Us6-Koz6gH11AvMeRi6YcRpa9iLtrNLVGwajfozn2TnZEem-JUdVskbGF_yU7feT9VhzGQd5d00GU/s400/bristles1-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To give the bristles some strength, I wrapped a thin strip of tissue paper around the glued end. (1) After experimenting I recommend that you not trim the brush head at this point.</div>
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Butt the brush end to the handle and attach with a strong glue (2). I used superglue gel but E6000 would probably be great, but it would take longer to dry and I don't have any yet :(</div>
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For the final ferrule, I wrapped another layer of tissue paper (which happened to be silver/grey), wider this time to cover the paper already there and the join with the handle (3), glue and allow to dry. Remove excess. Tissue paper wet with glue tears nicely and smooths with almost no visible seam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFakG4OFkgunc8zBkr6KFDjlbt9_1Gvp0cPU-F6vwh4iTULYjMCu2abFDkui7SFQHcsFE08BFrbIhNldSXaUPUQNiNO0I839SlPs3s13C25iGqguf8M5NlQNxrnuvA-lgQXZHSoGG9GUY/s1600/trimbristles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFakG4OFkgunc8zBkr6KFDjlbt9_1Gvp0cPU-F6vwh4iTULYjMCu2abFDkui7SFQHcsFE08BFrbIhNldSXaUPUQNiNO0I839SlPs3s13C25iGqguf8M5NlQNxrnuvA-lgQXZHSoGG9GUY/s320/trimbristles.jpg" width="320" /></a> Trim bristles to the desired shape and size using real brushes to guide you. Seal with an acrylic varnish to protect the ferrule and handle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmo4LAeV-Nfjig2xXqfFgCOQcB02Q-BugmwAyoLBpdcvdOe8NvNspX4C0oTkVNropJ3QouRKuLWEc7i9CFCtAALoXqpQkHXlcBvQe8nm-r9ydZbG6Z5Czot2qo87_EGjAXXcoKa29hlm4/s1600/finishedbrushes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmo4LAeV-Nfjig2xXqfFgCOQcB02Q-BugmwAyoLBpdcvdOe8NvNspX4C0oTkVNropJ3QouRKuLWEc7i9CFCtAALoXqpQkHXlcBvQe8nm-r9ydZbG6Z5Czot2qo87_EGjAXXcoKa29hlm4/s320/finishedbrushes.jpg" width="320" /></a>And you are finished, now enjoy your handy work. Here we have a selection I made, some of the ferrules I coloured with metallic sharpies before sealing. The green handled brush on the right has a ferrule made of aluminium foil from the kitchen as an experiment but I think it is too shiny and prefer the others.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwz70SVQI80nWrflbNnt3p6H_VI_Zw5xA8QOYj2VJPLCn0iT0-pSAiy2BAbs948eCnh_Et4UtwKKq8aiw_ripksm5fDLO2MWfU7RzOmOwxJpoMjvILBAcE_O5z6akULI37AopRj0ANt8/s1600/Belinda%2527s1stwand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwz70SVQI80nWrflbNnt3p6H_VI_Zw5xA8QOYj2VJPLCn0iT0-pSAiy2BAbs948eCnh_Et4UtwKKq8aiw_ripksm5fDLO2MWfU7RzOmOwxJpoMjvILBAcE_O5z6akULI37AopRj0ANt8/s320/Belinda%2527s1stwand.jpg" width="320" /></a>And as promised to Nina, here is the brush handle which was attacked with carving tools and became a wand, there is not much detail but it certainly implies more than just a plain stick.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb1yaR8CHExZwdluwe6m-T7DnTWzOADo8r_xK8C11rpVh2gUO_HhkOMVFnRhhkhD3krvZB7wObwN88ZTjVSn66_q-sDZwKmlnGlxAK3DmAvOfD2lqvbpwpTJ7mOP1GtMBUK70TqW8RsM/s1600/legokitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb1yaR8CHExZwdluwe6m-T7DnTWzOADo8r_xK8C11rpVh2gUO_HhkOMVFnRhhkhD3krvZB7wObwN88ZTjVSn66_q-sDZwKmlnGlxAK3DmAvOfD2lqvbpwpTJ7mOP1GtMBUK70TqW8RsM/s320/legokitty.jpg" width="320" /></a>And in the non 12th scale mini world, this might have fallen into my trolley in the toy section of the supermarket today. I treated myself after such a rough couple of days. (£2.99) Love cats, love lego, what more could I ask for.</div>
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What next? Those <a href="http://minimalarkey.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/petit-paint-pans-and-questioning-my.html" target="_blank">paint pans</a> need a box to live in!</div>
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I am beginning to think about the pieces of furniture that any self respecting which would have in her home, and then I can select a size for the ground floor. Then construction of the mock-up can begin and all the design choices and challenges worked out before really 'breaking ground'</div>
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Until another day, Kim</div>
Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-13657744550818835152013-01-26T00:33:00.000+00:002013-01-26T00:33:51.791+00:00Paintbrush Handles and Dremel Identity CrisisBefore I talk about matchsticks and dremels which think they are lathes, I want to thank the people who have checked out my fledgling blog, followed and left comments. You have been hugely encouraging and for that I am most grateful.<br />
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Yesterday was my most visited day ever with 17 page views (taking me to 114) and more than <u>doubled</u> my followers (from 3 to 7) so welcome all, make yourselves at home and grab a cup of tea. I am going to try to get content up at a rate of about 2-3 posts per week.<br />
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One of my favourite things is finding new ways to use easily available and low cost supplies (often from the DIY store) and use them to make unique items or give mass produced items some character. I want somewhere to share my findings, also if I go without making something for a few days I wont have post fodder so it will kick my butt into gear.<br />
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Right now I have a good range of craft supply basics but lack
many tools and specialist items, I will be obtaining these as I can. I
have a long list of things I would like and tools I would like to try. I
wanted to try using a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draw_plate" target="_blank">drawplate</a> to reduce the thickness of a cocktail stick to make paintbrush handles.<br />
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Lacking a draw plate, I decided to experiment.<br />
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I put a very cheap matchstick (2.4mm sq and 43mm long) from a kids craft pack into the dremel multi-tool<br />
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Then worked at it with coarse and then fine sandpaper. The first attempt I went too far and it snapped, but my second try was more successful and yielded a quite convincing scale paint brush handle.<br />
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Once you have reached the desired thickness, use folder piece of sandpaper or a cutting tool to thin the piece where you wish to separate it. I believe in lathe working this is called parting<br />
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Make lots more !<br />
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Give the handles some colour, here I have given them a watercolour wash to tint them without coating them (they will be sealed later)<br />
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I doubt I will be able to turn fine spindles on the dremel (even if I get a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-26150220JB-Workstation/dp/B0012RQG94/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pdT1_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3LZIZOZZ4O3NE&coliid=I1CESZUME6ATLQ" target="_blank">workstation</a> to hold the dremel level and still) however I think with my cheap woodcarving tools I can imply greater detail with a few scored lines. After a few handles I tried the carving tools again and got a reasonable first magic wand which just needs to be stained, it can also be Belinda's first wand.<br />
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Model ship builders apparently use drawplates to create rails and pegs
for their work, for woodwork the tool is used from the 'wrong' side of the
die using successively smaller holes until the desired size is reached.
I want to make some drawing pencils (and coloured ones like my real
sets) and for this I feel I would need the reproducibility of a
drawplate,
using the same final hole for the whole set. Sat next to each other is
will be very clear that they are not identical in width, there is a
lot more room for variation in a jar of paintbrushes, I have about
10 different sizes, colours and styles in my brush pot (mug). <br />
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I need to work on creating the bristles for the brushes next, I tried some last night but it needs more work (the brush on the far left above has a little cyanoacrylate gel on it still, must sand that off.Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-61711971692419209352013-01-24T00:05:00.002+00:002013-01-24T00:07:10.303+00:00A Very Dangerous Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last thursday I needed to work on a full scale project, cupcakes for my mum's birthday (I won't tell you how old) before spending the weekend at her house for a family dinner on sunday. This means I wasn't been able to work on my paintbrushes as I was without my dremel, but on the upside I was able to visit a recently open <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">craft megastore</a> near mum's house.<br />
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Thankfully there isn't a branch of this store near my house or I would be bankrupt! I did get to browse the place on my Christmas visit but I was itching to go back. Mum ended up going to another nearby store to buy a new toilet seat and then came back to drag me out. :(<br />
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I ended up buying two sheets of basswood (1/16th and 1/32 which is 1.6 and 0.8mm) I will be using these to make up a little wooden box for the paints to live in, hopefully it will have an authentic sliding lid.<br />
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Some one step antiquing crackle medium which caught my attention and a bottle of brown acrylic paint. I have the normal crackle medium but it takes a total of three coats to achieve the effect. The one step seems to be more of a crackly top coat into which I can rub some 'dirt' into the crackles in the form of a light wash or pastel powder.<br />
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Oh and a little craft punch, a 10mm circle. I don't have a reason for this yet, but I will find one.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Kim <br />
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What are your favourite tools and materials to use when making miniatures?Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-37011505925485263342013-01-17T00:20:00.002+00:002013-01-17T00:43:13.757+00:00Petit Paint Pans and Questioning my SanityHope you are all keeping well<br />
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I sat down tuesday evening (in preparation for the livestream of the evening of awesome with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/vlogbrothers" target="_blank">Hank and John Green</a>) with some crafting supplies to experiment.<br />
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I can't make a box for the watercolours until I see how big the pans will be, so that is the first thing to do. Full size pans are 30mm x 19mm x 10mm which seems fine until you start to divide by 12.<br />
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To give me a form to work around I cut a matchstick in half to give me the closest measurement I could get (Image 1 below). This was 1.35mm x 2.25mm when measured with a <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=digital+caliper&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a#q=digital+caliper&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=ZGe&tbo=u&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&source=univ&tbm=shop&sa=X&ei=0wj2UNOxHMfBhAedkIDoDQ&ved=0CFsQrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41018144,d.ZG4&fp=79a3fb36be0d6a3&biw=1366&bih=638" target="_blank">digital caliper</a> which is quite possibly one of the most essential tools in my still limited experience. Mine are a cheap set from ebay, I'm sure they aren't 100% perfect but they are 1000 times better than me squinting with a ruler and guessing.<br />
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This is a few pans from my collection, two whole and one half pan. These got calipered (that is a word right?) which led to the decision that Belinda will be using whole pans, I'm crazy but not that crazy.<br />
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My technique was to wrap a 10mm strip of paper (thin, like tracing paper) around the thinned end of the matchstick like quilling, using white glue to form a slightly squashed tube. Remove from the matchstick and allow to dry. (2-5)<br />
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Take slices approx 1mm from this tube (chopping off any uneven ends) and squeeze into a rectangular shape. (6+7)<br />
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Take a little square of paper 5x5mm or so. Dip one end of the squared off slice (from the tube) into the white glue and press down onto the little paper scrap, allow to dry. Once dry the excess will be snipped off. (8&9)<br />
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Giving you pans which may not be quite 1/12th of my original pans but are freaking tiny and will leave your family questioning wether your medication dose needs increasing. <br />
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To fill, you could put in some polymer clay or a dab of acrylic paint. For accuracy however I took a scalpel and dug out a little pea of semi-solid paint and poked it in with a toothpick. If you have a brush small enough then you could make tiny little watercolour with this set.<br />
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I may try again and see if I can get a better result with polymer clay but I suspect the wall thickness may be an issue. Unless I make them all as one large block, experimenting will continue.<br />
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SO. This has been my first tutorial, let me know what you think and whether I should do more in the future. If so, what items would any self respecting witch have that I can experiment in making?<br />
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Thanks to all for visiting my fledgling mini-blog, please leave me some love below.<br />
Kim<br />
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<u>Two little notes.</u><br />
1. Metric Measurements.....I am in the UK so whilst I am quite familiar with imperial measurement and will use them for quilting and baking, when it comes to dividing by twelve, and getting down to 32ths of an inch it only makes sense (to me) to use metric.<br />
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2. Photography. I like cameras, but until I have my new desk set up, all images will be on a light or dark background whichever is most appropriate (the black above is my planner). Also my digital camera is about 7 or 8 years old and just 3.2MP. It does good macro but so far I have been using my phone which has an 8MP camera (Samsung Galaxy S2). Later this year I hope to replace my olympus camera and will set up a little "studio" on my desk, a little foam core roombox with soft light from both sides which should improve my shots. My images are edited in GIMP, a free graphics program which I use to scale the images down and convert to jpg, this means photos with 1/10th the file size so my picasa allowance goes further.Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-50703582544487548112013-01-14T04:31:00.000+00:002013-01-15T23:41:28.497+00:00Project One - A Home for Belinda the WitchGood day all.<br />
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So I listed my preferred mini themes in an earlier post, but in the last few days whilst I have been resting up a back injury (moving the desk perhaps not a great idea) I have had Belinda the mini witch on my mind, and all over my pinterest account. Tudor cottages and dark furniture in 1:1 scale and some amazing magical scenes in 1:12 filled my mind. So this scene will be my first project back into minis.<br />
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I spent some time last night (couldn't sleep, back pain) sketching out some ideas for my witches house, a modular construction allowing me to display on a bookcase but put together as a complete house when I wish to show it off. More about that at a later date.<br />
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To begin with, I shall make lots of nice things to go inside what will be a temporary roombox. Meanwhile, I can work on rough cardboard prototypes of the actual house, allowing me to put a lot of hidden detail in each section before actually investing in the materials to build and dress the final house. Also, once most of the main furniture has been made, I can better determine the size needed to allow me to add decorative items for years to come without anything looking too empty. More on the design at a later date.<br />
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So now we come to Belinda, who is for the time being just an image in my head. An image mostly consisting of her character and very little of her appearance. Perhaps I shall sculpt her myself, perhaps she will come to me whilst at a show or from an artists shop. When I see her, I will recognise her. For now, think of <a href="http://www.heidiott.co.uk/dolls-house-dolls/dolls-house-undressed-dolls/heidi-ott-dolls-house-doll-undressed-old-lady-with-wig-xkf06__XKF06.aspx" target="_blank">Heidi Ott's Old Lady doll</a>. She will likely wear a lot of black (and other dark colours), but have a worn kindly face, that of the local witch to whom everyone goes to for advice. She takes walks in the woods, communing with nature and spends hours in her garden tending to magical herbs and traditional vegetables.<br />
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I am sure that I will not be the first mini-ist to inject certain aspects of myself into my mini characters. One thing I like to do and that has entertained me whilst I was ill has been drawing and sketching, a little bit of journaling. Maybe a bit of <a href="http://www.zentangle.com/" target="_blank">zentangle</a>. I think Belinda might share this interest also, and so the first thing I want to make for her is some art supplies.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Watercolour paint set in an old wooden box</li>
<li>Brushes and a water jar</li>
<li>Tubes of spare paints</li>
<li>Ceramic Palette</li>
<li>Art journal to sketch in</li>
<li>Completed work</li>
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It is late here now and I must go to bed, I have a busy day of errands and <a href="http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/" target="_blank">guides</a> tomorrow so give me a day or two and we will see how the above plans go.<br />
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First, the little pans that hold the paint within the box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbxxpgXZcxHo_aevpqwOFnq1pxwSzDyyf22YKJQ7JQiyrtVa2B-ZAkLsdLUBJDhXGETjv0MDyxBb6_npbwrgMUIV1DwUDj8zQu_2ArIqM3pvEkmDnbf4Ot-cs21SqJbDHtgFWgGo1tWU/s1600/paintpans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbxxpgXZcxHo_aevpqwOFnq1pxwSzDyyf22YKJQ7JQiyrtVa2B-ZAkLsdLUBJDhXGETjv0MDyxBb6_npbwrgMUIV1DwUDj8zQu_2ArIqM3pvEkmDnbf4Ot-cs21SqJbDHtgFWgGo1tWU/s400/paintpans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Scale size should be......2.5mm x 1.5mm x 0.8mm ........this could be interesting!<br />
<br />Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-34608174606818674412013-01-13T01:25:00.000+00:002013-01-13T01:25:00.054+00:00Pinterest, my internet drug of choice.Hello. My name is Kim and I have a Pinterest Addiction.<br />
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I would ask if y'all were as addicted to pinning miniatures as I am but from the number of people out there pinning and repining I think that question answers itself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjEMWK-UJFjaMJ15mjWJUFpw5r5dmrqu9xHkCYXZwAXTHUlmWv4biHbRF1kb9g1qGAo6F2I3nSnRG4u6hhycovTcRoDqwa1g__AWLwDxTD8zueIGRlrUFoekDLxJXDKpnC56mHrkANDY/s320/Pinterest_Favicon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With a total of 1364 pins over 35 boards (and a not too shabby 272 followers) it would appear I have a terminal case of pinterest addiction. In fact, I am sure I spend so long on pinterest and other useful sites looking at other peoples work that I never actually get around to doing any of my own.<br />
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Whilst my physical spaces are rather cluttered it seems that my digital spaces are just about the same. I was thinking of dividing my mini board into smaller boards (such as shabby chic, techniques, witch-y, antique-y) but I have such a hard time classifying a single picture into just one category. What to do when the same item but in different colours/patterns would fit in very different scenes? I am terrible at picking favourites or making decisions so it will likely remain as it is indefinitely<br />
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In the mean time, you can find me and my most relevant boards here at<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/sockcat/" target="_blank">Just Me</a> <br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/sockcat/miniature-magnificence/" target="_blank">Miniature Magnificence</a> (minis I love, by other people)<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/sockcat/polymer-clay-tutorials/" target="_blank">Polymer Clay Tutorial </a>(translates well into minis)<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/sockcat/miniatures-full-size-inspiration/" target="_blank">Miniatures - Full Size Inspiration </a>(real size goodies I would never have in real life but in mini YES)<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/sockcat/my-miniature-creations/" target="_blank">My Miniature Creations</a> (Currently empty but not for long)<br />
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Do you have a mini related pin board? If so let me know so I can follow and adore.<br />
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(Image property of pinterest.com with whom I have no affiliation, just an addiction)Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-57684991842647453512013-01-10T23:29:00.000+00:002013-01-10T23:29:18.999+00:00Further Workspace update and the last of the cats.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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So after a few more days of work on the desk area (it has been neglected for several years) the desk is now re-oriented but the top surface is still covered. A lot of other items in the house need to leave, move or be added before any real progress can be made and that will have to wait till finances allow. I will continue to work on the shelves above, on my bookcase and also upstairs and will return to the workspace with a guided tour when it is truly complete.My PC has gone but J's is "borrowing" some space from under my desk.</div>
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And to introduce the last of the <strike>bosses</strike> cats of the house, I bring you Loki. He is little younger than Freaya at around 7 and is also a rescue cat. He is also slightly evil. Not too much you understand, just the right amount of evil. The amount of evil that will steal the prawn right off the top of your ebi nigiri when given the chance. Also not the sharpest tool in the drawer. Madly in love with Freaya despite the fact she would gladly never see him again. Actually, if he left she would have no-one to give her daily beatings to. So instead he spends all of his time with Astrilde and are sometimes referred to as the opposite twins, black/white good/evil and yet such good friends.</div>
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ALSO........this means I am going to start working on some actual miniatures, which will give me something relevant to blog about and hopefuly make some new mini friends.</div>
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Till next time, Kim.</div>
Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-2589945706209268182013-01-05T03:47:00.001+00:002013-01-10T23:09:22.094+00:00Workspace updateSo here is an update after an estimated 8 hours or so of clearing work. A lot of stuff is still piled on the desk (because apparently the sofa is for sitting on) but you can see that there is in fact a desk, and a chair too! I wasn't imagining it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqxCsBmk4pTSFJ0f0KtHIf6mqzOg6GtZjB_Xw_ft_4v3xrAHtI8y8_qHAFbCM48wcn5YXERR-62OqvUU1n9ioA2c3Ybf022jUk-hknyG5wumRiSmMV01EIVXTV0Z8SLA97_S91lz2aoA/s1600/20130105_031419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqxCsBmk4pTSFJ0f0KtHIf6mqzOg6GtZjB_Xw_ft_4v3xrAHtI8y8_qHAFbCM48wcn5YXERR-62OqvUU1n9ioA2c3Ybf022jUk-hknyG5wumRiSmMV01EIVXTV0Z8SLA97_S91lz2aoA/s400/20130105_031419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Much paper junk has been bagged for recycling and also the above desk shelf is starting to improve. Some of that time was spent filing paperwork and bank statements from the past several years and shredding any other bits containing personal information, I also found my driving licence which I knew was in there somewhere.<br />
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The PC is still in place but perhaps tomorrow I will think about actually turning the desk (and cutting off excess length). There is a little set of plastic drawers under there now and they will be re-organised and put back along with two other plastic drawer sets from elsewhere in the house. At least until I can replace them with better quality metal drawers. The lamp is currently not functioning but we will have to see whether it can be salvaged, at least until I can replace it. The CD's will be sorted and either stored long term elsewhere or disposed of.<br />
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Crafting gear is going to be split into two main categories. TOOLS and MATERIALS<br />
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Tools are durable re-usable items used to manipulate the materials into finished items. Glue is in a fuzzy grey area. Larger amounts of materials will be upstairs (fabric collection) whilst smaller ones will be located depending upon frequency of likely need. Polymer clay will always be near at hand whilst that raffia I bought for mini nativities five years ago can live on a higher shelf. Also non-crafty stationary/office supplies will have a place to live for when I need envelopes and other such boring adult tasks.<br />
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Sunday the tree comes down so the dining table can migrate back to its proper place, that just leaves the rescue bookcase which will probably go where the other plastic drawers are coming from,at least temporarily.<br />
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And for anyone making it to the end of this post I give you Freaya. This is our eldest cat at about 9 years old, she is the dominant female of the house and rules with an iron paw.<br />
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Until another day, KimKim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-62643521145855483572013-01-03T22:04:00.004+00:002013-01-03T22:04:58.967+00:00The Workspace Make-overWhilst I have been out of crafting condition my desk has become something of a dumping ground, more like a bomb range after a visit from the Mythbusters crew than a creative space.<br />
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Also it was put there over a decade ago for university to house my desktop PC and its CRT screen. Now I am a laptop kinda girl, and in winter it is rare to find me too far from the fireplace where it is warm. That is another reason it is such a state.<br />
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All after shots need a before for comparison. So here it is, my desk area at its worst. (Note J's mostly tidy desk behind)<br />
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Now I am happy to admit that this is such a mess that you cannot actually see my desk, hence why I called it my desk area. what you have is a standard (melamine coated) chipboard desk, the PC tower has a cubby to the right of the monitor with a small drawer above and a wide leg at the other end. Between those two supports is a roll out keyboard shelf from the days when the monitor took up the whole desk. The desk stands at a right angle to the alcove so it projects kinda far into the room. The little space on the left has a mini bookcase in it that matches the desk. This shot also includes the folding dining table and a rescue bookcase which seem to have sucked in by the gravitational force of that much junk.</div>
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More pictures of my shame</div>
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The plan is...... get ALL the stuff out. PC will be stored upstairs in the event of a laptop failure, that will free up a lot of space. The dining table will bo back to its intended location once freed up, it currently houses the christmas tree. Bookcase.......to be decided.</div>
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The new desk will consist of.....</div>
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<li> The existing desktop, cut to fit inthe alcove (parallel, not at a right angle) held on four 2x4 legs with stabilizing cross pieces, most of this can and will be cut from scraps of the current desk.</li>
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Beneath this...<ul>
<li> 3 sets of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00107874/" target="_blank">metal office drawers on casters</a> courtesy of Ikea (when finances allow, inferior plastic ones I already have until then.</li>
<li>At the back of the desktop surface, small diy drawers for my most frequently used small items.</li>
<li>Pots of pens/paintbrushes will sit on top of there with any items that are drying or being photographed</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLpjDHmCDDkCoJw_9k4Gg0YDqzu1gLthYZIbhBvaEale1JpoysZy0rLhUEpnIWoxcZJnU4Kf_Z0M_9r7wnajyFywt8Tn7H30bjwPg_zSPc3hjvZY_FhI6YGqaMTVUdJMmc8EzTCxWivs/s1600/20130103_212600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLpjDHmCDDkCoJw_9k4Gg0YDqzu1gLthYZIbhBvaEale1JpoysZy0rLhUEpnIWoxcZJnU4Kf_Z0M_9r7wnajyFywt8Tn7H30bjwPg_zSPc3hjvZY_FhI6YGqaMTVUdJMmc8EzTCxWivs/s320/20130103_212600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Please excuse the plan sketch being photographed, the scanner refuses to
scan because it has no cyan ink. (!?!?!?!?!?) Also it was drawn on the
back of an activity sheet in McDonalds this afternoon.<br />
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The shelving above will be reconfigured to house items one deep so that no box is behind or below another, this will likely bring the shelves closer together and extra shelves (not as deep) will be added at the bottom (not as deep so I don't knock myself out on them.)</div>
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Lighting will consist of 2 <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40370283/" target="_blank">anglepoise type lights</a> which can be used together to give shadowless (almost) light for photography.</div>
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Let the sorting begin......Until next time.</div>
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<br />Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842933949923463002.post-84798510426523163372013-01-03T01:54:00.000+00:002013-01-03T01:59:06.978+00:00Hello and Welcome<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thequiltedcat/1894529406/" title="Astrilde 1"><img alt="Astrilde by thequiltedcat" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2197/1894529406_76e1abb91d.jpg" title="Astrilde" /></a></div>
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<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thequiltedcat/1894529406/"></a><br /></span></div>
Good evening from rainy England.<br />
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My Name is Kim and I have long been fascinated by miniatures, how such dainty versions of ordinary objects take on an almost magical cuteness. In case anyone is wondering, I turned 30 last year.<br />
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I have made miniatures before a few years ago and enjoyed swapping with other UK based mini-ists, however ill health meant I left the group to concentrate on getting better. Several years and two major surgeries later I am back in fighting form and wanting to get back to my love of miniatures, so as part of my 2013 goals is to make minis once more. Even at my sickest I never stopped reading mini-blogs and later pinning images that inspired me, and to help me get back into the fold I am starting this blog for interaction with other people who share my interests.<br />
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Living in a small house space is in short supply, another reason that minis are a great hobby, room boxes need never take up that much space. And materials tend to go quite a long way when you make tiny things. I did start a scratch built house with basement all those years ago but I discovered that I didn't want to do whole period houses, furnished with low end purchased pieces. I have no interest in doing a mini bathroom.<br />
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I would rather concentrate my efforts on a few various room boxes in a mix of styles/themes and make as much as possible myself,swap with others and buy only metal and glass items which I can not work with. I want to concentrate on learning new techniques to create ageing and wear and on making really high quality pieces which I can then swap with some of the bloggers whose work I adore and broaden my collection. Techniques such as mold-making and casting are also fascinating and I can't wait to try them. Some day I hope to buy a kiln and learn to work with fired ceramics and glass (lamp work), but that will have to wait till I get my financial footing back and a more dedicated workspace.<br />
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My room boxes will be - in no particular order and often simultaneously<br />
<ul>
<li>A witches house, her name will be Belinda. Or at least the working part of the house, again, a witches bathroom doesn't interest me, or her kitchen. I want to see all her books and jars of potion ingredients, cauldron and black cat.</li>
<li>A shabby chic teashop/bakery with a gift shop This will eventually be two boxes one above the other but will inhabit one box until it expands.</li>
<li>Some kind of antiquarians office/library full of books and artifacts, no specific period and will be filled with various curiosities. Everything from artifacts from fantasy realms such as Tolkien (OH is a big fan) through to a miniature versions of the mars curiosity rover.</li>
</ul>
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Of course this being the first ever post on the blog only a few early and/or very dedicated readers will ever see it, once I have some actual posts for people to see then I will start being more public about it.<br />
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So that dear readers is quite the treatise.<br />
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Step 1 will be workspace, turning my former computer desk (I always use my laptop on the sofa now) into a working area, and as funds allow, adding storage drawers below (hello IKEA) and boxes on shelves above for my most used tools and materials. Large fabric yardage and rarely used items will have a shelf upstairs.<br />
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And in case you were wondering about the kitten at the top? I hate blog posts without pictures and since I had nothing relevant I played it safe with our youngest cat as a kitten. Her name is Astrilde and she is now 6. She is the sweetest bundle of love you will ever meet. You will meet the others in later posts.<br />
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Till next time<br />
Kim<br />
<br />Kim Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399552260939866378noreply@blogger.com2