Dollhouse Blogs

Sunday 20 December 2015

Holiday wishes and library progress!

Hello everyone,

Happy holidays!
 
The week before Christmas is always a little hectic, so I wanted to take a minute and wish you all the a very merry Christmas and a happy New year, or any other holiday you celebrate!
 
 
May you be surrounded with people you love and who love you...



and may you always have enough of everything you need and your heart desires


Happiness, health, love, prosperity and comfort to all!
 
Questions:
 
I was asked 2 questions  last time I posted. Firstly, I studied interior design which is where I learned about space planning. As for the rest, most of my miniature techniques were self thought through reading books, blogs and watching a few videos.
 
Secondly, I rarely listen to music when I work on my minis. I can't stay still when music is playing. However, I do have a collection of dvds that I put on as background noise: Royal Upstairs Downstairs, Treasure houses of Britain, Miss Marple with Joan Hickson, Waiting for God, The Uninvited and Rebecca. 

Progress:

2 weeks ago I posted about the progress on the library. Since then I have been cutting out the wall panneling for the rest of second floor of the new wing.


The picture above is the wall paneling for the staircase behind the earl's office.


The staircase will lead to the new winter parlor and the banquet hall on the third floor.


The steps are 4 inches wide strips of MDF 5/8 inches high. I used a 3/4 inch spacer to get each step the same depth and glued the pieces with carpenter's glue and drops of gel super glue.


The door was a gift from Ray. It is a false door case, but I carefully cut out the door from the frame. The frame will be finished to look like stone and the door will be walnut. I will glue the door in place and you will just get a glimpse of a sink. This will give the illusion of a bathroom for guests. I have another bathroom on the third floor, but this way I will have one private and one for the public.

It took me a good day to measure and plan the staircase and paneling. Enjoy these pictures because once everything is glued down you will only be able to see this room through the doorway of the earl's office.


I decided to make the panel above the door a transom so as to see a bit more of the room and the staircase landing. The only other view will be from the library door.

The pictures above were my final dry run just to make sure I had cut out every single piece that needs to be faux walnut finished. I had planned to paint everything today, let it dry for a week, and assemble everything during the holiday break. I forgot one little, itty bitty detail....the lumber strips I which also need to be finished to look like walnut. This morning I took out my lumber and calculated everything I need to finish the rooms... and I was shocked!


Every single one of these pieces, including the staircase and door, with 2 coats of  water based paint and faux finished with oil paints. These are doorframes, baseboards, chair rails, crown molding, window mullions, panel detail... I have no idea why I did not realize there would be this much. It looks like my holiday will be spent painting instead of assembling.

And that is all for now my friends. Happy holidays from myself, Jo and Ozzy in real life...
 

 
 
 

 
 and from the earl and countess in mini life


Big hugs
Giac

 









68 comments:

  1. Che spettacolo...aspettavo un tuo post! Anche l'albero di Natale in miniatura.
    Auguri di Buon Natale caro Giac...bacioni !

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  2. I love love love love your new works!
    And Happy Christmas, i hope its joyful and relaxing! :)
    Here in Finland its seems that in this year is not so wintery: so little snow and its getting wet so perhaps it all smelts away. Lets enjoy the season!

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  3. Giac,thank you for your kind words, I hope al your wishes will come through. Good luck with the painting, I hope you have room to let it dry...

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  4. What s GORGEOUS house this is Giac. I love everything you have done.
    Merry Christmas to you and Jo. Wishing you a very happy healthy 2016

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  5. Merry Christmas to you dear Giac, Jo and Ozzy, and may you and all your loved ones have an amazing new year, full of happiness and a good health! And also happy painting in the holiday :-)! Big hugs, Linda xxx

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  6. Feliz Navidad y feliz 2016 para ti y los tuyos, Giac! Con todo mi cariño :) Tu trabajo simplemente maravilloso, viendolo se me corta la respiración, jaaaa! Impactante! Hermoso!Una pieza de colección que siempre será una obra de arte! No mires hacia abajo, solo avanza!!! :) Un abrazo!

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  7. Como siempre, un trabajo impresionante y espectacular.
    Felices fiestas también para tí y tus seres queridos.
    Un gran abrazo.

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  8. Merry Christmas and hugs all of you!

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  9. I love to see what you're working on and can't wait to see more. I thought I'm the only one watching Agatha Christie's Poirot while working on miniatures, it's so funny that you mention Miss Marple. I will need to get some of those too! Merry Christmas to you and a happy 2016!

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  10. Hi Giac,

    Nog heel VEEL schilderwerk te doen als
    ik het allemaal zo zie op de foto's.
    Prachtig ook om de constructie's te bekijken
    van het geheel en de trappen, zo MOOI.

    Ik wil jou, Jo en Ozzy een geweldig harmonieus
    Kerstfeest toewensen, en alle goeds voor
    2016, met veel creativiteit en vooral gezondheid.

    x
    xxx
    xxxxx
    xxxxxxx
    xxxxxxxxx
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    ||
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    ♫•*¨*•.¸¸ Merry * Christmas ¸¸.•*¨*•♫




    *J*O*Y*E*U*X* *N*O*E*L*

    Liefs
    Josephine

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  11. That looks like a lot of work indeed. Thanks for letting us have a peek at what is ahead! Happy holidays to you, Jo and Ozzy!
    Hugs,
    Gee

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  12. That looks like a lot of work indeed. Thanks for letting us have a peek at what is ahead! Happy holidays to you, Jo and Ozzy!
    Hugs,
    Gee

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  13. Beautiful Giac! The glasses and decanter on the table and the desserts on the sidetable look like just the ticket for a couple tired after a day of decorating the tree, shopping for and wrapping gifts, making last minute preparations for a Christmas feast... I think they've earnt it! You will have much work ahead with all that painting! I hope you also have a nice full decanter and sweet treats.

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  14. Hello Giac,
    beautiful interiors!! thank you for the sharing
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    Magda

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  15. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2016 to you Giac, Jo and Ozzy.
    Your new work is wonderful. Beautiful Christmas tree in real and mini life.

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  16. Merry Christmas to you Giac and family, and all the best for the coming year. Your work is always amazing to see.

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  17. Even with the busy real life stuff going on, you still managed to do a lot on the new extension. It looks so good, full of promise! That is a big pile of wood you have to stain, but if anyone can do it, it's you!
    Have a wonderful Christmas Giac and my very best wishes for 2016!

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  18. Dear Giac Merry Christmas to you and your family! I hope you will have a wonderful time. All the best for the coming year 2016.
    The progress in the house i faboulus and I see forward for the next year and follow your fantastic work!
    Big hugs
    Titti at Ekeborg

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  19. Have a very Merry Christmas! It is always joy to see your works this time is no exception!
    Big hug

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  20. Es impresionante el trabajo que estas realizando. Me encanta ver esa estructura y como va creciendo.
    ¡Feliz Navidad! ¡Qué pases unos días estupendo en buena compañía!

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  21. Seguro que en estas vacaciones la pintura estará terminada, con mis mejores deseos para estas fiestas, besos:-)

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  22. Hello, Giac. This is an interesting post, containing much varied detail. I enjoyed learning about some of your DVD preferences; I'm also a fan of Joan Hickson's Miss Marple and Rebecca. I re-read and re-watch time and again.
    Your new wing is progressing beautifully. The transom over the door is a great idea, and the staircase looks perfect. I have to build one myself next month........ YIKES!
    I was shocked, too, when I saw that great mound of boards that you have to paint. Yikes again! But I know you'll get 'er done, and done flawlessly.
    I wish you and Jo and Ozzy a Merry Christmas. And I wish you Happy Painting. And painting. And painting.........
    Marjorie

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  23. Hello Giac
    So my guess were rihgt;) I was thinking that you are interior designer or architect. It really shows in your works. Very cozy and every details are linkin together making breathtaking rooms.
    ...and i also have a backround about interior desing:)...and i have to ask...you speak finnish so well, where have you learn it?

    Happy holidays for you and greetins for very very rainy Finland...Hopefully will get some snow for christmas.

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  24. Your pictures this time really do show some of the magnitude of your Manor House project. Very impressive indeed. Wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and look very forward to follow your progress in the New Year. Pam in Norway xx

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  25. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and the very best New Year =0)X

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  26. Your house is so amazing... Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

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  27. Your house looks gorgeous so far, Giac, and yes, there is a lot of painting waiting on you ;)!
    Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2016 to you and Jo!
    Hugs, Ilona

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  28. Happy Holidays to you to! Thank you for sharing your work!
    It is such an inspiration :)
    Holiday greetings from Sweden/ Josefin

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  29. Le salon du comte et de la comtesse décoré pour Noël est une merveille! Quel est l'animal couché devant la cheminée? On ne le voit pas très bien.
    Bonne fête de Noël à vous Giac et aux vôtres et bonne fin d'année.

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  30. *Joyeux Noël* et très belle fin d'année
    Pour vous et ceux que vous aimez Giac !
    Votre maison est toujours plus jolie.
    Amicalement.joce

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  31. Though not very active on Blogspot myself I still love to look at your posts and your work, Giac. It is simply amazing! Wishing you a happy Christmas and 2016.

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  32. Do you get visitors over Christmas? Maybe you can invent a new party game - who paints the most strips with walnut stain in let's say one hour gets a gingerbread heart... okay, okay... I was just thinking out loud... *grin* But now serious... as usual you amazed me with your newest progress, all the effort which will hardly be seen anymore when everything's done - and still you're putting the same care and love in every detail... Thank you for your lovely wishes - the same to you: A very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year to you and yours. And thanks for the beautiful pictures!

    Hugs
    Birgit

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  33. Merry Christmas and a happy New year!

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  34. Soooo Coooool! :) Have a fantastic Christmas both at home and in miniature.

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  35. Hola Giac ! soy Azucena , no tengo blog pero mis buenas amigas Victoriacm y Zulueta me han recomendado que visitara el tuyo y la verdad que me pasado mucho rato y bueno viendo tus trabajos . Te felicito y te deseo un muy feliz navidad y mejor año nuevo . Un fuerte abrazo

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  36. OLá Giac !!
    que maravilhoso vir aqui e ver tantas coisas tão lindas e perfeitas !!
    sempre maravilhoso seu trabalho !!
    também lhe desejo um Natal cheio de paz e amor, com a paz que Nosso Senhor nos traz !!
    um grande abraço e feliz 2016 !!!
    :o)

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  37. Dear Giac, May I quote you? "It took me a good day to measure and plan the stair and paneling."
    Giac, I take weeks of contemplation and anxious attempts to plan, cut and recut! No wonder you are making such amazing progress!
    Loved the Christmas views of home and hearth! I do enjoy peeking into the mini Christmas postings.
    All the best for Christmas and a happy and healthy 2016!
    Looking forward to seeing the mini mountain of trim processed.
    Regards Janine

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  38. Tu trabajo siempre me deja asombrada y maravillada. Y un poquito envidiosa de tus dotes artísticas.
    Te deseo una muy feliz Navidad, para ti y los tuyos, y que el año próximo venga cargado de bendiciones.
    Un abrazo

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  39. Hi Giac! Merry Christmas to you and all your Family!
    The Hall in the Manor looks so lovely all decorated for Christmas with the fire in that beautiful hearth and the tea table set... I will be over later for tea! LOL!
    And the work you have set yourself for that "invisible" hallway is one of the things I admire about your work... you go for the spacial realism... and it Always pays off! If you have the room... flaunt it! I think this "expansion" is going to set a whole new tone for Dewell Manor! I can't wait to see the results and I'm glad you will have time to work on it over the Holidays. (If I get my Christmas Card done I will have some time for minis too!) Your work is always an inspiration to me!

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  40. His magnificent work in progress. Merry Christmas to you and your family! a hug, Marisa

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  41. Hi Giac!
    Happy holidays to you, Jo and Ozzy. May you get all your painting done and have wonderful time with those you love.
    Big Hugs,
    X

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  42. Hi Giac!,
    I wish all of the same to you plus some!
    It looks like you know a lot about construction too! It is exciting to see your work in progress! You have a wonderful way of putting warmth into a room both large and mini.

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  43. Hi Giac,
    As usual I am speechless. Your artistry and workmanship -- you give us so much to learn from what you do -- and your explanations are so helpful!!
    Merry Christmas to you, Jo, and Ozzy, and a very happy new year. It is a pleasure to know you all these years--good friends are precious.
    Hugs and much love,
    Judith, Andrew, and all my little people

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  44. Una magnífica felicitación de Navidad,es ver tu casa tan bellamente adornada!!!!
    Los progresos,son impresionantes,espero que te alcance la pintura para todo!!!!
    Feliz Navidad para ti,jo y Ozzy,que el nuevo año cumpla todas vuestras expectativas,ser felices!!!!
    Besos.

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  45. Hi Giac, thanks for your beautiful wishes, I wish them all for you, Jo, Ozzy and your loved ones too! The 'Christmasroom' in your manor is wonderful, such a nice ambiance and light and it looks so real!! Oh my, that's a LOT of wood to paint and stain, aiaiai.. I do get the miscalculating of things like that in enthousiasm and optimism ;). But it will be amazing as always! Big Christmashug, Monique

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  46. Ahh Giac, your sentiments are welcomed and I wish for you and your family to be happy and loved for this season as well!

    Your real life decorations as well as the small are so classy and beautiful! I hope you are inspired in this new year to come as you are inspiring!

    Best wishes happy holidays!
    ~J

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  47. Yes that's a lot of wood! It's coming along very nicely. Very inspiring. Happy holiday season to you and yours---

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  48. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! Your work is fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

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  49. Hi Giac,
    At first I thought the top photo was real! Amazing, just amazing. You have such a gift. I love your real Christmas decorations as well and I'm assuming Ozzy is the white dog asleep on the couch? He reminds me so much of our beloved Juliet (American Bulldog) that passed away last year, but who used to always snuggle on the couch. Merry Christmas to you, Jo and Ozzy. Wishing you all an abundance of Christmas blessing this year. :) xoxo

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  50. Merry christmas to you and your
    family, wish you all the best. And
    so nice photos from the manor.
    Christmashug ♥
    AnnaMaria

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  51. Merry Christmas Giac, your such a wonderful and positive support in our mini community, thank you!! Love the staircase and paneling you have created,it's going to be beautiful!! Have a wonderful and joyous New Year.

    Merry Christmas, Jenn

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  52. A very Christmas to you and yours!!!
    Geneviève

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  53. Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you and Jo!
    All the best
    Vivian

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  54. Hi Giac !
    It all looks so real - I was hoping to see a little Christmas scene inside the house and my wish came true! Fabulous ^_^
    Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas season with a touch of pixie dust of course !
    Luv Carolyn.

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  55. It's going to look so lovely!!! May Befana bring you loads and loads of wonderful miniatures to fill it with and may the New Year bring nothing but happiness, love, good health, luck and prosperity. Love, Rosa

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  56. Merry Christmas Giac to you and your family and wishing you happy holidays and good health and happiness for 2016.
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  57. Dear Giac,
    I commented earlier. I also wanted to say that you are appreciated also for all your supportive comments in our mini world.
    All the best .J.r

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  58. Hola Giac!! Tus trabajos como siempre son espectaculares, bellísimos, tu sentido de la decoración y del espacio es magnifico. Que tengas unas Felices Fiestas y para el proximo año os deseo a ti y a toda tu familia mucha felicidad!! Un beso!!

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  59. Incroyable travail !!!

    Dear Giac,
    this is almost unbelievable, what you create. Breathtaking work, so great to look at. So great to see all those tiny details...Chapeau !!!

    ♫♪♫ Happy New Year !!!♫♪♫

    Pipi

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  60. Que preciosidades que obras de arte.
    Felices fiestas y Feliz Año nuevo.
    Un abrazo
    Maite

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  61. Un trabajo perfecto como siempre, Giac...¡Feliz Año 2016! Un beso

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  62. No quería limitarme al habitual “Feliz Año Nuevo” para una persona tan importante como tú… Así que aprovecho para darte las gracias por cada momento del 2015 que me has hecho sonreír.

    Con cariño Victoria

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  63. My dear friend, what can I say? Even I, I'm bored of my own inertia, so I can imagine what they think of it my friends! But I could not go out of your Manor, to see the progress (fabulous) and to wish you and your family a splendid New Year :-)
    I also love the Christmas atmosphere of your real home: you breathe love, as always :-)
    Love from Italy,
    Flora

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  64. My best wishes for you and your family in the New Year, It's a perfect work,as always, and your home looks very confortable and beautiful with Christmas decoration! A big hug!

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  65. Un seul mot: Splendide!!!
    。❊ 。❊ 。 ❊ BONNE ANNEE GIAC 。❊ 。❊ 。 ❊

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  66. what details!
    great arrangements!
    I love your work, staying for longer!
    Happy new year!
    M.Arta
    Best regards

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  67. I'm your observer number 800 !!!!

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