Dollhouse Blogs

Sunday 19 August 2012

Chinese Tea Room part II

Hello everyone,
I hope you all had a wonderfull weekend. First of all, thank you so very much for your great feedback. You are always so kind to me, and I really appreciate it very much. 
Today, I finished the Chinese Tea Room.



This room was inspired by the Chinese Lacquer room in Monplaisir Palace. During my research, I read a lot about exotic corners in wealthy Victorian homes and when my aunt Lorraine brought me back a wonderful book from her visit to the Peterhof, I knew the room would be just perfect for the small attic space.

Last post, I left off having just finished the chinoiserie panels and the main wall sections.

The ceiling was sent to me by a very dear friend. It is very Tudor, but after painting it white and accenting the plasterwork in gold, I think it worked out well. The next step was framing the chinoiserie panels with gold painted molding.

Normally, I start by looking at all the materials I have and design my rooms with that in mind so that I know exactly what I'm doing. This time, I started with a design and just jumped in. I was so happy with the look of the wall section that I completely forgot one little detail...rounded panels! I took my painted molding strips and used my Xacto knife to make cuts 3/4 of the way down, 1/8 of an inch apart. I then used gel super glue to carefully curve them into place. I wasted a lot of molding because it snapped a few times, but in the end it worked.
In the picture above, you can see I carved the edges of the top and bottom molding strips to line up with the design, then I applied 2 coats of Gesso to fill in the cuts. After some sanding, it didn't look too bad. The last preparation step was the corbels on the walls. I ordered brackets from Sue Cook and painted them gold. I used Delta Ceramcoat paints for this room because they dry fast. However, the metallic gold paint tends to be thick, and a skin forms on the top faster than on the other colors...it still went on well. After they were glued on the wall, I took a strip of lumber and cut it to create a small shelf over the bracket. Eventually each corbel will have a piece of oriental pottery on it. In the meantime, I used items from my collection to give you an idea of what it will look like.



The next step was the floor. Once again, I used iron-on wood strips from the hardware store, however I tried a new technique I plan on using in the Library. I started by drawing guidelines 1/4 of an inch apart on my illustration board subfloor. Next, I looked online and glued down 1/4 inch strips to create an oriental inspired pattern. I then mixed 2 parts black oil paint to 1 part Liquin. I covered my design using a small brush and wiped it off after 5 minutes. I waited 2 days for it to dry then filled in the rest of the floor.

I was happy with the result because the border was dark, but you could still see the wood grain come through. The only problem was that the paint was still a little wet in corners, so next time, just to be safe, I will wait 1 week before filling in the floor.

And here is the installed floor. Normally I use 2 or 3 coats of shellac, but this time I applied 4 coats to get a more golden color. When the floor and the 3 walls were glued down and had time to dry, I turned the attic section upside down and glued down the ceiling piece. I then cut illustration board to cover the angled sides of the room. I could have painted the mdf, but by covering it with illustration board, I hid the gap created by the thickness of the ceiling and the side walls.

Another idea I had was for the cabinet that will house a collection of teapots. It is the same principle as my butler's pantry.  
It would have been too tight to open hinged doors and reach inside the cabinet, so instead I made the cabinet a seperate unit that just slips into the hole in the wall. This way I can take it out, attach my teapots and tea caddies, then put it back in the wall with no risk of damage...much safer than working doors. The bottom strip you see in the picture is to enable me to eventually slide a piece of plexiglass for the cabinet doors.

The room measure 14 1/2 inches by 9 3/4 inches and is rather busy. For this reason, I decided the only furniture I will use is a table and 4 chairs, a tea trolly or small serving stand, and possibly a birdcage. I had an old walnut table lying around, so I took off the top, painted the base black and added gold detail, then faux marbled the top. At first, I was going to make it and the ledge beneath the fireplace white marble, but decided it would stick out too much in miniature. Therefore, the fireplace bottom is the wedgewood green color I used to make the chinoiserie, and for the tabletop I used black, forest green and white to create green marble. 3 coats of glaze and 1 coat of clear wax to finished the look.
And, as usual, here are pictures of the empty room.


Originally, I planned to hang gold curtains on the sides of the arched doorway. However, that doorway is the only view to the room behind it. For this reason I might just leave it open to get a good view of the large windows I cut out.

And that's it for the Chinese Tea Room. I won't lie, this room was a lot of work and a lot of patience, but I'm very happy with the result. My next step is to prime the rest of the attic section, and then I will work on the Nursery, Office, Bathroom, and the Parlor behind the Tea Room...then, I begin the exterior.

Once again, thank you so much for following my miniature adventures. I hate computers, but I must say it's a real priviledge to get to know all of you and your wonderful artwork. I look forward to reading your posts and I wish you all a wonderful week.

Big hugs,

Giac

92 comments:

  1. Really fantastic, I love the ceiling!

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  2. Just WOW and WOW again. A master work!

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  3. This is fantastic work, Giac! Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks too--so helpful. I'm really looking forward now to seeing what you do with the room behind. Getting to know people in blogland is really fun, isn't it? I always appreciate your thoughtful comments. Take care. xo Jennifer

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  4. Everytime I view your work my stomach tightens with excitement. The room is exquisite! The entire building will be way beyond anything I can imagine I know!

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  5. Incredibly wonderful!!!! Perfection!!

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  6. How exotic to have one's own Chinese tearoom in the house. You have really put a lot of work into this, and it has turned out beautifully. Great Chinoiserie, it all looks fabulous!






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  7. Es maravillosa, Giac!! Quizás no todo el mundo se atrevería con una decoración así, pero el resultado es sensacional!! Enhorabuena, nuevamente has conseguido un trabajo maravilloso!! Un abrazo enorme, enorme!!

    Giac is wonderful! Perhaps not everyone dare with a decoration as well, but the result is stunning! Congratulations, once again did a wonderful job! A huge, huge hug!

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  8. Hey !
    so wonderful! i love the details and mood for this room! i love the Chinese walls!
    =) have a wonderful day!

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  9. Hi Giac! I've been away from blogging for a while and find out I have to read a lot on your blog!
    All I can say is: you make stunning miniature work and I love every bit of it, my sincere compliments for all this great work, Giac! I'll follow the progress!
    Greetings, Ilona

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  10. WOW !!!!! Gac, you always come out with new ideas and new ways to accomplish them
    WOW again and again.
    I love looking at your Manor growing and growing. Rosanna

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  11. what perfect work...just amazing how you do all this! i imagine, it includes a LOT of patience, waiting for pieces to dry, painting again and again....but it was worthwhile...the room is absolutely wonderful! Best Greetings and a huge THANK YOU again for sharing your knowledge, information on building ...and all the rest! :)

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  12. Hello Giac,
    what a lovely room.
    congratulations

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  13. Hello Giac,

    What a beautiful Chinese tea room you have made​​. All those details ... very beautiful. Fantastic that you do all this yourself. Your floor is also very beautiful.

    Kind regards Xandra

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  14. what amazing work, so much detail, love it

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  15. Dear Giac,
    I love your room !! It's wonderful. How did you make those wall panels. I mean the painting ?? Can you explain that to me please? I love the tree, mountain and little houses.
    I'm still struggling with all kind of techniques.
    Big hug Dorien.

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  16. This is stunning! Your work is amazing!

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  17. Hey Giac
    What a great room! I love the colour (I recently painted my kitchen a simillar shade!). It will really add some drama when the house is viewed as a whole. The floor is your usual hgh standard and I really like the hand painted panels. You struck gold with the ceiling!
    Hope all is well you Both and keeping my fingers crossed for some good news on the child front.
    Much love
    Simon

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  18. How wonderful! Great detail! I admire your work! Thank you for your detailed descriptions!
    greeting

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  19. Small Attic Space ??? You must be kidding. This is really grand. I love it. Will you make furniture for this room ? A while ago I bought an "opium bed" (I think thats what it's called). I could imagine something like that would fit nicely in your room. Maybe you could call it "Tea Bed" ... lol
    Christine

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  20. Wow, superb! Fantastic work Giac. Many thumbs up!

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  21. Hello My Friend,
    The end result is worth all your effort! I know how difficult that kind of floor is to make and also how much of a struggle it is to fit panels like those into a tight space. Your painting, finishing, and execution is superb!
    Well done my friend!
    Hug to you from Ray

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  22. Hello Giac,

    I am so impressed with what you have achieved. The tea room is wonderfully done, from the inlaid floor and the marvellous chinoiserie to the magnificent fireplace. I really love your "pop out" cupboard idea for your collection of tea pots.

    Looking forward to seeing more :-)

    Cheers,
    Julie

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  23. Wow, Giac! This room is Incredible!!! You have really done an Awesome job in the "Small" space! Your solution to the Curved molding problem is GENIUS!!! I will have to remember it if I ever have the need to curve my molding! All the parts come together into a perfectly cohesive Whole and it looks so amazingly "Chinese"!!! I hope someday you show it with the China collection.... are you thinking blue and white or more on the celadon side? I hope you are also going to add big bouquets of flowers.... I am sure you have a million ideas for the accessories! I do hope you will show your teapots at the very least.... being a tea lover I want to visit this room.....!!!
    I always look forward to your posts, and I am Never disappointed!!!

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  24. Hello Giac,
    This piece is full of technical difficulties that you have overcome completely, the floor is wonderful, and the whole is quite realistic.
    Congratulations and good luck for the future work in your fabulous mansion. Have a nice day, Léa

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  25. Hi Giac,

    I love the way your panelling turned out, it looks so professionally executed!

    This is an intriguing room, just perfect for the small nooks and crannies, I'd love to have a cup of tea there!

    Well done!

    Jonquil

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  26. I Love your new room. The ceiling piece turned out awesome, as did the rest of it. Great work - I especially like the floor pattern and how you tied the baseboard to it. Keep up the good work.

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  27. This is worth every minute and every effort you put into it... this is simply stunning. And your explanations are so interesting to follow, you're not only highly skilled at building an English Manor, you're very good at showing, teaching and explaining, too... ;O)

    Greetings
    Birgit

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  28. What a great job you have done creating this room. The design of the floor and the fireplace is so creative and beautifully finished. Thank you for sharing all the tips about how you did it.

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  29. Wow Giac your Chinese room is stunning. I love all the fantastic details. Your work is perfect and I love your posts. Looking forward to seeing more. Have a wonderful week.
    Hugs Maria

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  30. What an amazing room!!

    The detail and workmanship is at your usual high standard.The thought you have put into design is incredible. Everything you put your hand to is a success,the floor is amazing and the ceiling too. I think you're right to keep the furniture simple as the room is an artwork in it's self and needs to be admired in it's own right.

    Well done!

    Big hugs,
    Fi xx

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  31. You did it again, Honey Badger! Everything is so well thought-out. A cohesive whole, as they say. Your thought-process shines throughout and everything makes perfect sense...from floor to ceiling. You effortlessly bring it all together. (I know it wasn't exactly 'effortless' --but you make it appear so, and that's what's important)!

    Admiring adulation,
    John

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  32. The room is stunning, especially the floor. I admire your patience and great knowledge of architectural details.

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  33. Quel travail ,et si impressionnant!tant de détails et de beauté. On ne peut qu'admirer bouche bée!!!!
    A bientôt!
    Isabelle

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  34. Hi Giac!
    and Wow wow!
    Your Blog is really the place to see the dreams come true...and maybe even more! I am not sure if i could even dream of anything so "Stunning"!..so happy I have found your blog and be able to see your Wonderful work. Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs
    Kikka

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  35. I love the chinnoiserie panels. In fact, the whole room is stunning and to master the curves on the panelling - well done!

    I can just see the whole tea ceremony happening in this room - it certainly warrants more than just "popping in for a cuppa"!

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  36. Meraviglioso lavoro!!! Le tue miniature sono un sogno ...!!! Miniature pieni di dettagli curatissimi ..!!! Ogni particolare così perfetto!!! Mi piacerebbe tanto ammirarle da vicino!!!
    Bravissimo!!!
    Grazie per le tue visite al mio blog e per i tuoi commenti!!!
    Baci
    Elvira

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  37. I love your work and your photography is stunning too!

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  38. omg I totally missed the big finish, I have a slipped disc and it hurts like the dickens but looking at your wonderful room makes it so much better! I really love how you finished it off and the ceiling the floor are both wonderful!

    I wish I were small enough to live there it's just like Heaven!

    Love
    Marisa

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  39. Hi Giac! Again, this is a stunning work of art that you're created, very very impressive!

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  40. Hi Giac!
    What a great room it is...
    The floor is beautiful, The ceiling is just perfect for this room.
    You have done an excellent job in painting the walls.
    The room looks chic, mysterious and definitely inspiring, great job!
    Hugs,
    Gee

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  41. Hola Giac!

    Estoy gratamente sorprendida con esta maravillosa obra de arte!!

    Has realizado un trabajo magnífico y es lógico que te recompense el resultado final.

    Entiendo perfectamente que no te guste dedicar tiempo al ordenador. El tiempo que empleas en realizar estas maravillas, es muy valioso y necesita mucha dedicación.

    Esta habitación de té, es un verdadero homenaje al buen gusto. Desde el piso hasta el techo, pasando por los finísimos detalles de las molduras y pinturas que adornan la estancia, son detalles magistrales que deleitan a quien los mira.

    Te felicito por todo!!

    Un saludo.

    Ana.

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  42. Wonderful work, Giac, inspirational as always, I can't wait to see all your porcelain, etc, in the room!

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  43. Que gran trabajo, me encanta
    Felicidades

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  44. Hi Giac,
    I am speechless! This room is magnificent! The details, the colors, the everything....

    I would like to be invited to have tea here--what an experience.

    As usual, all your explanations of how you do things is so helpful and inspiring. Your talent is boundless.

    Cheers,
    Iris

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  45. Ik ben onder de indruk van wat je maakt.
    prachtig. Er is ...naar mijn mening....geen beter voorbeeld als het origineel.

    I am impressed by what you make.
    Beautiful. There is ... in my opinion .... no better example as the original.

    xxx Conny

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  46. Your work is absolutely incredible.. what a fantastic detailed job you've done.

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  47. Caro Giac, il tuo lavoro è sempre più preciso e impressionante! Mi lasci ogni volta senza respiro...sei grande!!
    Grazie per le bellissime parole,
    un grande abbraccio
    mely

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  48. Good God!!! This is stunningly beautiful :-O!!! Gorgeous work, my friend!!

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  49. Dear Giac, this is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing this piece of marvelous work. I can spend hours just looking at each detail. It's a real treasure.
    Hugs, Drora

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  50. Hola Giac, después de una breves vacaciones es muy agradable volver a admirar trabajos tan bonitos. Y muchas gracias por tus explicaciones son de gran ayuda. Un saludo, Eva

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  51. These little items are so wonderful. But I can't imagine how much work must have gone in to making them. See my miniature furniture and steamer trunks in miniature for doll houses

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  52. Impresionsnte! no tengo palabras ... es una obra de arte! mis felicitaciones por tan magnifico trabajo. Gracias por pasarte por mi blog y dejar un comentario. Mariajo

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  53. What a fabulous room. I can't wait to see everything in place.

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  54. Just come across your house and really enjoying reading all about it Great house.

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  55. Wonderful! Great job!
    Greetings,
    Conni

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  56. Hello Giac, firstly thanks for commenting on my blog.!! Concerning your beautiful salon ... what to say other than that it is beautiful! It's perfect! Anything else I say will be redundant .... Congratulations! Kisses in your heart.

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  57. Hi Giac, thank you for your lovely comment :)
    About your room : I am speechless, This room is gorgeous! I have no words to discribe it, you are a great artist.
    Have a great week.

    Hugs Mieke xxx

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  58. Your room looks beautiful...the floor is fantastic.
    Lucy

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  59. Coucou Giac , je découvre le travail impressionnant que tu as fait sur cette pièce chinoise , c'est fabuleux , les fresques le plancher !!!!
    BRAVO

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  60. Hi Giac. Your work is inspirational. Wonderful!

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  61. Ciao Giac grazie per la visita..., spero che hai trascorso buone vacanze.Complimenti sempre per le tue opere d'arti!
    Baci

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  62. Absolutely great!! I have no words, I love it all, the floor is fantastic, and the walls and moldings, incredible! It's a very elegant room, I love the design! I congratulate you once again for such a great job. Hugs

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  63. Amazing...i think thats all so great..i have a good miniatur like as bicycle, motocycle, plain, pedicab, music tolls..please visit to my site http://houseofminiature.blogspot.com..thanks

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  64. ¡¡¡¡Precioso!!!! Me ha encantado, es un gran trabajo que has hecho pero ha valido la pena es una verdadera obra de arte, no me canso de admirar todos los detalles. Besos y feliz septiembre

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  65. Hola Giac
    Quiero agradecerte tus cariñosas palabras de apoyo.
    Aprovecho para darte la enhorabuena por el fantastico trabajo que estas haciendo, me parece una verdadera maravilla.
    Volvere para ver los avances, enhorabuena!!
    besitos ascension

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  66. Hello Giac from your newest subscriber!
    What a fabulous blog you have, full of amazing ideas!
    I am going to sit back with & catch up with all the posts I have missed!
    Sending very best wishes
    Helen.

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  67. *with a cup of tea* that should have read, Lol! x

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  68. Hi Giac, sorry I am so very late to your party, vacation and all that... The room looks beautiful! I really like that it is so different from anything else we see. I can imagine it was a lot of work, just the mitering alone will have taken forever by the looks of it!

    I like the little splashes of green you have used to balance out the strong reds and blacks (or did I mention that before, I can't remember).

    And then you just snuck in this beautiful silver tea set for us all to drool over. I hope you'll show some close-ups of that soon!

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  69. Un trabajo digno de estar en un museo. Me he quedado maravillada. Muchas felicidades.
    Un saludo.

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  70. Every detail is perfect!
    What amazing work! ;)

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  71. Don't worry if you can't sing, you have a different talent. Such creativity and artistry! You also must have a lot of patience, I wouldn't be able to do anything like this, I can't even do simple origami!

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  72. Wow, amazing work. The progress is stunning!

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  73. ¡Wooow!! Que trabajo más impresionante!!!
    ¡Mil felicidades!! Por ese talento ÖÖÖ
    Un abrazo
    Flor

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  74. Every time I see your works I am speechless .... you make masterpieces!!! wonderful!!
    Luisa

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  75. What a "treat" to visit you!grin
    Thank (( you)) for continually visiting me. I have been such a bad blogger/friend.
    This panels and the finish room is just amazing. You are incredible with attention to details.
    warm regards~grin

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  76. Hi Giac,I have now spent over 1 hour on this site and I could still look infinitely longer. You have a very incredible talent! You can work with all sorts of materials and you put everything absolutely perfect in scene.It is a pleasure for everyone that you share this with us. Thank you and Chapeau ! Jeannette

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  77. Giac, your work is spectacular! Such perfect detail. Very beautiful indeed.
    Gill x

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  78. Giac, your Chinese Tea Room is so special as wonderful. Thank you for the tutorial of making the flooring.
    I love your lovely comments about my blog. Thank you very much.
    Hugs from Craftland

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  79. Giac, so sorry to be so late in making a comment. I've been traveling so much in the past 6 weeks. I've actually been in Montreal three times during this period, but our visit on the way back from Europe was wonderful.

    Your Chinese room is absolutely wonderful. It is amazing what you are creating. I am so pleased you are sharing your work with us.

    Keep up the great work.

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  80. Ciao, piacere di conoscerti. Che meraviglia!!!!!!!!! Non ho mai visto niente di simile....ma quanto sei bravo?????
    Un abbraccio
    Emi

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  81. My admiration for this Hall of you Chinese, his work is fantastic and step by step can learn a lot, greetings :

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  82. This is absolutely gorgeous!! You do such incredible work. Thanks for sharing.
    Susan

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  83. Guiac, no habia visto la nueva sala, dios mio, como te cuidas los detalles, es impresionante. La alfombra oriental que estoy bordando, quedaria divina ahi, aunque con ese suelo tan trabajado, sería pecado ocultarlo ;)

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  84. Fantastic room!Great work! Hugs

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  85. Impresionante trabajo, realmente es una obra de arte. Todo es perfecto y con un gusto exquisito, enhorabuena. Besos

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  86. Thank you for stopping by Giac! I wish you a lovely weekend!

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  87. magnifique !!! vous avez des doigts d or !!!
    bravo !! quel blog superbe !!

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