Dollhouse Blogs

Sunday 27 September 2015

Ballroom paneling,ceiling and plasterwork update

Good afternoon everyone!

I hope you are all well and having a good weekend. Thank you all for your kind comments on my last post. I appreciate them very much. The ballroom is finally starting to take shape.


The first element I completed was the paneling on the walls. In the past I have created paneling using pre-painted wood strips. It looks great except that you see each piece. Since I wanted the paneled walls to look like plaster, I cut double ply illustration board pieces to fit each wall and cut out the panel openings according to my design


 
The above picture was a test run. I liked the panels and everything lined up with opening I cut out in the structure, so I was good to proceed. I needed to make the walls deeper to for the nooks I purchased. Also, I decided I wanted walnut window shutter instead of curtains so I needed at least 1 inch deep walls to make it look real. I had 5/8 mdf leftover from the structure, and I had 3/8 inch plywood leftover from our real life bathroom renovation. I used these and a few basswood strips to get the depth I needed.
 

I used the mdf over the cut out panels, and the plywood behind that. It worked well, but this section of the Manor will be really heavy. I could have used basswood strips to create the depth, since I had the leftover material why use up my lumber. When that was dry I flipped it over, painted the illustration board with 3 coats of paint using a sponge brush, and then added the molding


I used carpenters glue to glue the mdf and plywood, and then I used the Ultimate Glue and dots of super glue for the molding strips. Whatever glue you use, just make sure it is paintable. When that was dry, I flipped the structure so that the wall I was gluing in was parallel to the floor, dropped it into place and  weighed it down with books and weights (this was also glued with carpenters glue).




The next step was creating the dropped ceiling for the colonnade.


It is simply vertical spacers and the horizontal ceiling strips. I was worried it might be a bit dull so I took more double ply illustration board and cut out openings that lined up with the wall panels.


The lowered ceiling goes just low enough to accommodate the columns and pilasters that will create the colonnade. With the walls and colonnade dropped ceiling done, I started working on the plasterwork ceiling in the center of the room.

I had planned on gluing everything onto the mdf directly, but it god nicked during construction so I just used more double ply illustration board.


I cut a piece to fit then took 2 evenings to measure and plan the elements. I planed on painting the ceiling before gluing the plasterwork. This meant I would not see the pencil lines.



Before painting,  I used my utility knife to score the medallions and the rays emanating from them which are for the plaster bows. This way I would see traces of the scores and know where to glue everything. The 2 square cut-outs will be covered by the medallions. Ray gave me a great tip. He suggested cutting a cavity in the structure over the medallions. This way, when I attach the chandeliers, I can just push the wires into that space. I also cut out openings for the corner blocks and spandrels.



The plaster elements are different thicknesses. In the picture above you can see I cut the opening in the double ply illustration board, and used a piece of single ply board under the corner block so it would line up with the spandrel. I glued these down first and used these to line up the boarders.


For the boarders I used single ply board cut to the width of the panels I bought. I glued on the panels and the rosettes before installing them.


The reason for the illustration board is to get the border to the height of the molding I wanted to use around all the plasterwork. I have 4 medallions for this room. 2 for chandeliers and 2 that are decorative. Before I painted the ceiling I drilled holes to help line up the decorative medallions.


I put a copper pipe into the hole and slipped the medallions into place. I did not glue down the chandelier medallions because that will only get done when I install the fixtures, so I used double sided tape to keep them in place while I glued down the plaster bows. I glued one final rosette in the center and the ceiling was done. The last thing I did was attach the plasterwork on the wall panels.


In the picture above the cornice and the vertical strips behind them are just for show. The blue strips will sit over the columns so I will only glue them down after the columns are in place, but it gives you a feel for the space. All the plasterwork was glued down using the Ultimate Glue and gel Super glue. The super glue is just to hold the pieces in place while the other glue dries. These were way to delicate to weigh down while the glue sets. That's all I've done, so here are a few more pictures for you



In case you were wondering where the inspiration for the ballroom came from, the visual is from the entrance at Badminton house.


This is one of my very favorite rooms. I took that inspiration and incorporated a colonnade, and voila.

The next step is to turn the stricture right side up and make the floor. Jo and I are going on Holiday in 3 weeks, so it will be a while before my next post and I will not be commenting on your blogs during that time. We are taking a short cruise of Spain and Portugal leaving from Southampton and ending in Barcelona. We will arrive a few days early, so we planned a day at Brighton to visit the royal Pavilion which might give me ideas for the Chinese Banquet Hall.

Thank you all once again for your great feedback. It means a lot to me and I repeat, if you follow me and I am not following you, please let me know.

I wish you all the best and send you great big hugs
Giac









87 comments:

  1. WOW, WOW, WOW! What a gorgeous room that is going to be. you have already done a lot of work. I am dreaming of going to the ball now ;-)

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  2. Excellent work,Giac! The panelling is perfect and I love the colour you hav gone for. I can't believe the size of this room, it's massive! Lovely choice of mouldings etc too, despite the rooms size it still has a light feeling to it.
    Best wishes to you both
    Si

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  3. Its amazing, I love all the changes in depth, it brings so much life to the space.

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  4. é um trabalho sempre fantástico !!
    que maravilhoso que você tem inspiração em ideias tão lindas !!!
    um grande abraço e lhe desejo uma maravilhosa viagem !!
    é muito bom poder viajar não é mesmo?
    :0)))

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  5. Giac, it is of course looking beautiful, and I really love that shade of blue. It is perfect for a ballroom.

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  6. Maravilloso!!!!! Me entusiasma ese Palacio, es admirable!!!! El color resulta precioso, las molduras son una delicia! Resulta tan grandioso y delicado a la vez... Te deseo felices vacaciones aunque confieso que estoy deseando que vuelvas para poder ver nuevos avances :)
    Un abrazo!

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  7. Un trabajo fantástico. La foto de inspiración es muy bonita y has captado toda la elegancia del techo. No me extraña que pese, lleva mucha madera con estos esos cambio de nivel. ¡Precioso y muy elegante!. Que tengas unas buenas vacaciones.

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  8. Hi Giac,

    Wat is het toch geweldig om al jou omschrijvingen te
    lezen, ongelooflijk veel werk letterlijk, en vooral ook
    jou vernuftig denkwerk om te zetten in de realiteit.
    Zooooooooooooo knap wat je allemaal voor elkaar krijgt.

    De vorderingen zien er dan ook FANTASTISCH uit.
    Het is gewoon bijna niet te geloven voor mij dat deze
    balzaal op zo'n kleine oppervlakte [schaal] te realiseren is.
    Maar...................jij doet het, GEWELDIG gewoon.

    Voor nu wil ik jullie samen een mooie vakantieperiode
    toewensen, het zal zeker een fijne tijd zijn om alles
    te ondernemen. Geniet ervan met volle teugen.
    Heel veel plezier gewenst.

    Veel liefs,
    Josephine

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  9. Hi Giac,
    Oh I do love the colours you have chosen for the ballroom, it's looking quite exquisite! Very serene and calming too, your attention to detail is amazing.

    Hope you have a wonderful holiday with Jo and find lots of inspiration.
    Hugs,
    X

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  10. Such a lot of forward planning to get the finish so exact - but so worth it. It is all looking fabulous in that lovely heritage colour combination of blue and white too ^_^

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  11. What a stunning room. You're making it look so easy, but you're so talented. I can't wait to see your next post!

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  12. Hi Giac,

    I can sure see the difference using the Illustration Board to build up the decorative panels. I like it a lot better...you are right, everything blends together so that you don't see the panels as a separate unit. My mind is swirling....cogitating on how I can use that little piece of lore.

    I love the soft blues you are using in the room...the inspiration room is gorgeous, I can see why you are emulating it. Excited to see more!

    Doug

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  13. Wow, Giac, this is going to be incredible when it is done! The blue with the white details is such a gentle and classic combination.... positively Dreamy!!! I must say, you are going the whole distance with this room.... even making the walls thick enough for interior shutters!!! I guess the extra weight will be worth it... if you have the man-power to move it when needed!
    I hope you and Jo have a wonderful vacation! It sounds so exciting to be going on a cruise to distant places! Brighton and the Pavillion will No Doubt give you ideas for the Chinese room! LOL! Bon Voyage!

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  14. Giac, this is incredible! Everything - from all the MEASURING that you've done to the lovely soft color that you've chosen - is amazing. I think the walnut window shutters are an excellent choice; can't wait to see them! You've done such beautiful work with all the panels and medallions. I'm even impressed with the different kinds of glue you use! I'm storing those tips away for future reference. What a pleasure to see this magnificently huge ballroom take shape! (Your work impresses me to the point of multiple exclamation points!!!!)
    Happy travels to you and Jo; Brighton Pavilion is on my "bucket list." Enjoy it!
    Marjorie

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  15. This ballroom is soooooo Pretty, Giac! It is like a delicate piece of Wedgwood porcelain; Exquisite in both its complexity and classic Elegance.
    What a talent you have, Sir Giac! :D

    I hope that you and Jo have a marvelous time in Europe, and I wish you a trip, CHOCKABLOCK FULL of Creative Inspirations!
    Big Hug!!! :D

    elizabeth

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  16. Greetings Giac, Wonderful result for all you work. So interesting to hear how you worked your magic.
    Not sure if I was Jo that I would go to Brighton Pavilion - you may end up with another wing instead of just the ining room. Have fun, perhaps you will share a few pics of your trip?
    regards Janine

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  17. WOW, that is so incredible and lovely room! I wonder how on earth can you do such an exellent work. It is my biggest dream to make a manor of 1800th century some day. Its style would be pretty close to victorian manor.
    Have a nice trip :)
    Viivi

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  18. I love the ceiling work you have done, and as always, am awed at the degree of accuracy. Your finished walls and roof look wonderful. I wish you both a wonderful holiday, hope the weather is on your side and that you both feel inspired and refreshed when you return. Pam in Norway xx

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  19. Wow Giac your ballroom is stunning. I love the blue colour you have used it is so elegant and bright.I so admire all the hard work you put into you creations. Your work is always a feast for the eyes :)) I can't wait to see more. Have a fantastic holiday with Joe and relax :D
    Hugs Maria

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  20. It all looks so beautiful Giac. I especially love the drop ceiling; it adds so much interest to the room. The colour choice is lovely too. Enjoy your trip and have a safe journey =0)

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  21. Impressionnant travail Giac. On voit maintenant que le blanc des plâtres et le bleu de murs sont bien assortis. Bon voyage et revenez la tête pleine d'idées merveilleuses.

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  22. beautiful work, Giac! It's crazy, few architectural details, you are an incredible miniaturist.
    Hugs :0)

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  23. No solo me alucina el trabajo tan detallado,que siempre me deja con la boca abierta,es el diseño el que me encanta,como sabes captar cada volumen,cada forma para que luego todo encaje en su sitio y sea tan real,tan difícil de distinguir que ,en realidad es una miniatura!!!!
    De nuevo bravo Giac por tan estupendo trabajo!!!
    Besos.

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  24. Wow Giac,
    Amazing!! The blue is a beautiful colour and the size of the room is just astounding. Even though it is big, really big, it still has plenty of architectural interest throughout and that ceiling....wow!!
    I love the sheer 'grandness' of it all and I am dying to see your next post :)
    All the best
    Vivian
    PS I hope you and Jo have a wonderful time.

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  25. Hi Giac! Everything looks so beautiful and stunning in the ballroom! And what a lovely color you have used! The ceiling is amazing with the medallions!
    Have a wonderful journey in Europe!
    Hugs
    Kikka

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  26. Amazing work!

    Enjoy your holiday

    Galchi.

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  27. I love this room. It will be fantastic. I like your real life bathroom. You are amazing both in real life deco and miniature.

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  28. It looks very nice already, I very much like the lowered ceiling around for the colonnade, it adds interest to the 'room', it's very big! You've done a great job on this and this is just the beginning, it will be more fun each time for you to add detail and dressings and see it come to life more and more: fantastic start! Have a great vacation, that sounds so wonderful! Enjoy and I'll be on the lookout for progress on this gorgeous ballroom!

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  29. The precision with which you work always amazes me - this is really lovely and I can't wait to see all the final details you will be adding.

    Enjoy your holiday and I hope you pick up lots of ideas from the Pavilion in Brighton.

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  30. Oh, it is going to be fabulous! I love your reference room, too.

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  31. This is going to be so fabulous Giac! I love what you've done so far, you're such a great artist! Have a relaxing, fun and sunny holiday! Big hugs xxx

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  32. Gran trabajo Giac! Me encanta el color elegido, felicidades por esos 800 amigos, estoy de sorteo, te espero!!

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  33. It is just overwhelming - the construction and detail of your piece reminds us of the sort of work that went into the full scale versions. Hard for ordinary mortals to imagine. It clearly holds no fear for you. Wonderful work. The Brighton Pavilion will just blow you away even the kitchens are stunning.... as for the banqueting room .... over the top is an understatement. Have a wonderful and inspiring time. Hope the weather is kind to you. Marilyn

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  34. Incredible! Have a wonderful holiday!

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  35. Totally amazing, every little detail
    is so perfect, so beautiful.
    And i wish you a great holiday
    Hugs and love/AM

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  36. It is coming along nicely. I especially like the little arched niche. Looking forward to see what you come up with for the floor? Have a great holiday.

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  37. Your ballroom is amazing! I like the details and colors.

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  38. Hi Giac, I do love the way the ballroom is taking shape. And the inspiration is really inspirtional.:D
    Every time I see your rooms I think I should try to make such elegant room myself, well it may not be as elegant as yours but I will try one day. :)
    Have a great trip!
    Big hug,
    Ewa

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  39. Thanks for giving me a big grin with this "That's all I've done"-part... ;O) You've been very busy and I can hardly imagine all the measuring and testing it took to create this beautiful ceiling. It's very elegant and yet cheerful - I can hardly await to see the next steps and the columns. Have a great trip to Europe and come back with many new impressions and full of ideas!

    Hugs
    Birgit

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  40. Hi Giac! This ballroom looks very elegant and wealthy. I love all the changes in depth, it brings so much life to the space. You've already done a lot of work, but I can't wait to see more of this gorgeous ballroom :D! Your source of inspiration is awesome.
    I wish Jo and you a fantastic, nice journey, see you later ;)!
    Hugs, Ilona

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  41. Impresionante trabajo Giac, una maravilla todos y cada uno de los detalles que has colocado. Tienes manos mágicas.
    Espero que disfrutes mucho de tus vacaciones.

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  42. Bonjour Giac,
    C'est absolument passionnant de suivre l'avancée de tes travaux. Cette pièce va être magnifique. Merci beaucoup pour toutes les photos des différentes étapes.
    A bientôt

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  43. Impresionante el trabajo que has realizado, las escayolas te han quedado muy finas y armoniosas ;el color azul muy delicado, estoy expectante de ver el resultado final. Felices vacaciones:-)

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  44. Il falloir inventer des adjectifs, pour le final ;) ;)
    Giac, vous faites un travail minutieux, beau et incroyable !
    Cette pièce déjà très belle va (très certainement) nous éblouir une fois terminée.
    Bonnes vacances ! Joce

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  45. Buenos días Giac!!! Decirte que está quedando espectacular, me dejas siempre sin palabras!! Qué maravilla esos cambios de profundidad, y las tonalidades elegidas son muy elegantes!! Me encanta todo lo que he visto hasta ahora y expectante por lo que me queda por ver!! Un abrazo muy fuerte!!

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  46. Wow, what a great work! So much thinking ahead, i can see that this isn't your first room. It's already looking very well.
    Enjoy your holiday :-)

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  47. The ballroom looks wonderful! You are so.... I don't even have a words!!

    Have a great holiday! I hope you'll find lots of new ideas.
    Big hug!
    Tiina

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  48. You are really an amazing miniaturist and artist. Enjoy your cruise! I'm sure you will love the Royal Pavilion and Brighton.
    Geneviève

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  49. Che dire Giac? Sei bravissimo, di una perfezione unica, quanto lavoro meticoloso, è stupenda la sala da ballo, chissà come sarà quando sarà arredata? Sicuramente una meraviglia. Ti auguro una bellissima vacanza!!!!!!! Baci
    Emi

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  50. Giac this looks fantastic, so realistic! Using the illustration board really created an amazing look, and I'm very impressed with how meticulous you are with your calculations and layouts. Your work is perfect and beautiful. Georgian architecture and interiors make me swoon and you're creating a masterpiece here.

    Have a great trip!! Oh my goodness, Brighton...please do share pictures with us when you return! Safe journey.

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  51. Giac, another fantastic room. Your creativity and ability are astounding. Enjoy your vacation, I am so jealous. I would love to be able to return to Barcelona. Don't forget to visit the miniature stores! (I heard one of the three stores has closed, unfortunately).

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  52. Terrific! your work is truly stunning and I love the room which ispired you.
    Enjoy your cruise and I laready know that you'll love thae Pavillion , it's just like a drunk man dream made true and it's a sight to behold.
    Un abbraccio, Rosanna

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  53. Hi Giac,
    Fantastic work! It looks like you've made some amazing progress. Your attention to detail is incredible. Have a wonderful vacation! :)
    Hugs
    Farrah

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  54. Wow this is really looking great! I can't stop looking :) This is really going to be and already is, a beautiful ballroom---

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  55. Bonjour Giac,
    C'est vraiment magnifique, comme toujours. Quel travail délicat et raffiné. J'aime beaucoup le style bleu Wedgwood. J'ai hâte de voir la suite. passez de bonne vacances sur la péninsule Ibérique.
    A très vite,

    Vincent

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  56. You're a very hard worker Giac! Wonderful outcome!
    And thank you for the detailed explanation of the work phases, you have eyes for small and important things.
    Have a lovely trip, I hope the weather is on your side, and you guys enjoy yourselves.
    Happy Autumn!
    Uraru

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  57. Dear Giac, I am always amazed at your precision and your patience! I don't have the patience to even do a cut-out, it will definitely come out crooked! I have no talent or creativity that's why I love to watch the things you do, your work is astonishing!

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  58. Giac , you do such fantastic work !! I simply am too impatient to do this (blushing and sitting under table :-) ) .
    Keep going!
    Cheers,
    Elly

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  59. Oh Giac, you do inspire with your fabulous wonders. I just think this wonderous build should be placed in a display at some point as your work is so intiricate and fine! The color and trim look so elegant, your inspiration piece is reflected perfectly in your build.

    I hope you and Jo have a fantastic holiday!

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  60. Wow it looks fabulous, what a great ballroom!
    Hope you have a great holiday with lots of inspiration for more great mini's!
    groetjes van Marijke

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  61. Precioso.. maravilloso.... no tengo palabras para tus trabajos, son increíbles, te admiro.... me quedo asombrada con cada entrada... eres un fuera de serie haciendo miniaturas y todo lo que te propongas.
    Un abrazo
    Maite

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  62. What a hell of a job, but so nicely detailed, I like it.
    loves from Emma

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  63. Giac, this is amazing work! this will be (already is!) the most beautiful miniature ballroom. I’m at a loss for words to express my fascination!!

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  64. Impressionante a riqueza dos detalhes.Voce é um artista meu amigo.beijos.

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  65. I am new to your blog and have to say how amazing your work is. I am a big fan of architecture and I love all the plaster work you are putting in the ballroom. Victorian is one of my favorite styles and I am also building a Victorian dollhouse in half-inch scale. I've never worked in this scale before so it has been a challenge . Check out my blog at cdmachen.blogspot.com. Your work is very inspirational and I look forward to seeing more. Hope you have a great week!!!

    Chris

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  66. Fantastico trabajo Giac. Es una obra maestra hecha con todo detalle...Me encanta el color que has elegido y estoy deseando ver mas...¡felicidades! Un beso

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  67. This is stunning Giac...love the colour. The detail you always put in your work is amazing. Enjoy your holiday! Celia

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  68. ¡Oh, Giac! ¡Que salón de baile tan maravilloso! Trabajas con tanta minuciosidad y perfección que todo te queda espectacular.
    Un trabajo increible.
    Un abrazo

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  69. Wow Giac, your ballroom is gorgeous, you are so talented. My dollshouse is quite basic but I hope to pick up some tips from you :-) Hope you have a great holiday x

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  70. Giac, was fuer ein tolles Werk, ich bin begeistert, es ist großartig, du bist so talentiert und hast einen Blick fuer das Wesentliche, super schoen geworden!!!

    Hugs

    Uschi

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  71. Un bel salone ...ricco di tanti particolari.
    Un abbraccio caro Giac

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  72. Yo me quedo sin palabras cuando veo las maravillas que haces.

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  73. Your ballroom is looking beautiful! I love the colors! Your work is wonderful!
    Deri

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  74. Your ballroom is looking beautiful! I love the colors! Your work is wonderful!
    Deri

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  75. Too bad the cruise doesn't come down here to Sicily! We now have many cruise ships arriving in our port, but they are mostly Mediterranean cruises.

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  76. The ballroom is stunning so far! I love the color and the details. WOW!
    I hope your cruise was fantastic.

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  77. Wow, Giac, great work, beautiful!!!!!!!!! You are so talented!!!!! :-) Absolut fabulous, wonderful!!!

    Hugs

    Uschi

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  78. Giac eres un genio minucioso para tu creatividad y trabajo...Me gustaria ser pequeña por mtos y poder disfrutar de ese bellisimo salón de baile

    Gracias por compartir
    Con cariño Victoria

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  79. This is just stunning! The sky blue is so delicate and pretty and the medallions on the ceiling and all the trim work is exquisite!

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  80. This is so beautiful!
    Amazing work and the details is fantastic!
    Hugs Titti

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  81. Not sure how I missed this post, Giac, but I'm glad I found it now. Everything looks gorgeous, as usual. Your inspiration photo is so inspirational! I love the light coming through the windows--wow! xo Jennifer

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  82. Oh Wow Look at all I have Missed - Absolutely Amazing Work Dear Giac <3

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  83. Wish you a wonderful
    december
    Hugs and love/AM

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  84. Es hermoso, increíble trabajo. ....espectacular.
    Un beso Giac

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  85. Je découvre ton blog, Giac... et je suis émerveillée par ton magnifique travail!!!

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