Trim Work?

Side Trim Added

Now is the time to cut and paint the trip, add the decorative brackets, and the doors and windows.  The trim work.  Precision work.  I'm doomed.  However, it looks quite beautiful, but I may be biased.

The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is on Fire (figuratively)

All the Pieces Left for Assembly Fit Inside!

The roof is now affixed to the dollhouse.  It was really a job that required 3 people, but alas, it was just me and a schnauzer, but somehow we managed.  Now that the roof is attached (and also the dormer) the "wabi-sabi-ness" of the house is starting to become a bit more evident.  Fortunately for me, no real people will be living in the house nor will it need to be inspected.  A few things are out of whack, but it still looks quite beautiful to me.

The best part is that the number of pieces left can fit inside the dollhouse.  What was the most gigantic box of parts and pieces are now assembled into the dollhouse!

Drip & Dry OR Dump &Clump?

The Dump and Clump Method

The Drip and Dry Method

At some point, it will become inevitable.  The roof must be shingled.  As I was working on some trim, I glanced ahead and saw the next adventure would be adding the roof.  Time to get cooking with the shingles.

I tried two approaches.  I am sure neither are approved by the dollhouse gurus.  First, I used what I'll call the "drip and dry" technique.  It worked well but still took quite sometime.  As it began to look like an imminent downpour, I decided to speed things up with what we'll call the "dump and clump" method.  It also worked fine, but the rain came and the shingle staining awaits for another day.

I've stained about 3/4 of the necessary shingles.

I'm sure you've noticed my tongs.  They were an investment from the Target dollar spot!

Pictures are Worth a Thousand Words

It's a House!

The Porch in Place

Beginning the Dormer

It Always Goes Back to the Shingles

Attic Support Added 

More Painting

It’s another rainy night and as good as any to get back to the dollhouse.  I couldn’t help but think about how my grandparents did so much crafting in  the space they created on their enclosed porch facing the river.  I find that although the space I work in is cramped and often comically
so, I appreciate being able to sit and work quietly and look out over the yard.  No music and no television.  Just progress.  Minus the multi-hour sitting I did during the Boston coverage, I’ve worked while looking out over the yard.

I’ve added the attic/roof support that required another dose of heavy books.  While that glue was drying, I moved on to draw the shingle lines  (never mind that I have yet to stain those shingles) and painting lines for the roof.  (The roof is substantial on this bungalow.)  Moving on, I painted the interior ceilings and once again progress has come to a standstill.  Nothing more can be assembled tonight, as the pieces are still wet from the first coat of paint.  It’s probably for the best as things are about to get more exact with the assembly of the porch railings and the dormers.

Congratulations, it's a House!

Books Serve as Great Weights

During the Boston Marathon bombing coverage, I found myself building and building and watching and watching.  While the events unfolded, my house was actually raised--a good old fashion dollhouse raising.  I couldn't believe how much time had passed, how few mistakes I had made, and how much I had accomplished.  And then, like all good things, it came to an end.  After a brief hiatus, I am constructing again.

What I find most amusing about this photograph and the books that are being used as weights--The Transformation of War, Robert McNamara's In Retrospect, a French copy of Fannie Farmer's cookbook and The BFG for good measure.  I'm not sure what that collection of titles says about me or the future implications for the wabi sabi dollhouse.