Saturday, July 14, 2018

New Project! And Yet The Old Ones Remain...



It's been a busy spring!  I was tied up with Miss Kitty's school, so minis took a back seat.  BUT, as I am not one to take on too many projects at once (cue the laugh track), I decided to start this years Charity Build!  It's not needed until April 2019, but I like to plan ahead.

Last years Ikea house was a lot of work.  While I love 1:12 scale, it ends up being large and time consuming.  So, I went hunting for a kit to save me time and space.  After all, not everyone wants to bid on a large dollhouse, so something smaller has mass appeal.

On Ebay, the "caravan kit" aka a camper/trailer depending on where you live in the world, isn't quite 1:24, definitely isn't 1:12, so its more like 1:16 scale.  What is important to know, is that Calico Critters (aka Sylvanian Family) can fit!  



The shell of the trailer is pre-built, which I was not expecting!  The best part of this deal is that its made really, really well for a $60 CDN kit (direct from China with free shipping).  It's solid wood and all the pieces fit if you just chose to use it as is.  Could I leave it as is? No.  That minty sorbet green was a bit much and didn't have mass appeal.

I went to my trusty CIL melamine kitchen cabinet paint.  The body is a soft grey and the trim is my go to off white.  I stayed away from bold and gendered colours as it allows it blend into a family home and ensures any child would like to play with it.


I used Krylon's stainless steel finish paint on all the window and door trim.  I then painted and applied the corrugated paper to the exterior.  The floor is a thick, textured faux wood paper that I applied with wallpaper paste and sealed with matte Mod Podge.

I started the interior and have mostly finished the furniture.  Working smaller is a bit of a pain in the ass with all the little bits to fiddle with!

The plan is to mount it on a board covered in grass and have an outdoor scene to go along with the trailer.  It does come with wheels and a hitch for the exterior.  The electrical it came with is a bit sketchy to say the least, so I think I will wire it myself with LEDs and build a "storage" box on the outside the trailer to hide the wires and battery pack.

And In Other News.....


I have also restarted my mid century build.  Recall me mentioning the peeling Houseworks wood floor sheets?  Well, here it is! (see below).  It was glued down, and all that was applied was a thin layer of satin varnish.  It was fine for a while, but slowly started to give.  I attempted to pry and glue the problem areas, but it was too tough.  I just flipped it over and started again (&%*#$!!!! floor).  

Anyhoo, I now have it glued down and have started painting the walls, paper, etc. to move ahead when the trailer is done.







13 comments :

  1. WOW !!!!! I love how you have made the color of the caravan better, I can not wait to see the interior. Good, great job !

    ReplyDelete
  2. The caravan looks gorgeous! I love the greenery against the pale color.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The trailer looks like a great project for the auction, and I know you'll make it extra special with your fabulous and stylish Kat touch! I can see many bidders who'll want to give the kids a fun summer camping experience, minus all the mosquitoes!
    I wonder what made the flooring start to peel up? It's so disappointing when something like that happens and we have to repair or start all over. But, I am sure you are going to make it even more wonderful this time, and I am excited to see the progress posts!
    Hope you're having a great summer with Kitty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jodi! I have already heard rumblings via Instagram of a few bidders to come!

      No clue what caused the floor to peel other then Houseworks didn't add enough glue. This time I have left it pressed flat until I can seal it to be sure it doesn't do something terrible again!

      Delete
  4. I think that this caravan kit and what you've accomplished with it thus far, is Perfectly ADORABLE!
    I believe that you're right about the size being easier and more manageable for not only you but the winning bidder. It's size makes it versatile enough to fit just about anywhere albeit on a side table or as a shelf display for either a grown up or a child!
    It is a GREAT choice for the school raffle and it appears that you are already well ahead of the game, so Way to Go Kat! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Elizabeth! I try to make design it as if I were the one that would win it. Because Lord knows I spend enough time playing with it and tinkering for fun before I part ways with it

      Delete
  5. That caravan is already a beauty! :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cannot believe this is what you started with! You really transformed it! And I think the green ferns out front was the cutest touch.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really like your new decorative designs! it's beautiful so much and good idea on site.

    ดูหนัง

    ReplyDelete