It’s Almost Done…Well, Almost

I’m very proud to report that the Tamarack dollhouse is almost done. I ordered a couple of wallpaper and flooring sheets from the Dollhouse Emporium in the UK a few weeks ago. And as of last night, Mr. US Postman arrived at my door to deliver the package. Score!!!

Tamarack – Interior

Didn’t waste any time after that. I practically stayed up until 3 am this morning installing the wall and floor coverings, as well as a few trims. By early Saturday morning, it was safe to start putting in the furniture.

Am pretty stoked how it turned out. Though I have to admit, I did not enjoy the varnishing and installing the paper wood floors. Not sure if it’s because the paper was relatively thin, but it bubbled and wrinkled the minute you apply glue and varnish. But in the end, managed to install and smooth it out. It looks pretty good — almost like laminate flooring from a distance.

Until I get the trims and final pieces ordered and installed, I’ll have to accept the fact that this house is….95% complete. Thank goodness!!!

If you want to see additional pictures, I started uploading them onto my Picasa account. You can view it here for more details:

The Tamarack – Updates

YAAAY! It’s Done — Well, the outside that is…

The last time I mentioned about my building the Tamarack kit was on October 8th. Fast forward to close to two later…and the exterior is finally complete.

Despite the lack of pictures in the directions, the build was straight forward. So long as items were carefully measured, and installed using a T-Square as a guide, the walls and roof were quickly assembled. The only part I really did not enjoy was applying the shingles on the roof. JC asked me how that went, and I told her it took 1500 pieces to complete the roof. Of that amount, about 150 pieces I had to custom cut with a blade to make it fit at the weird angles.  Sure it looks great in the end, but….shoot, my fingers and wrists are still aching!

BK was impressed when he saw the dollhouse. Though I might ask his dad (who’s a professional carpenter/contractor) for feedback. There’s gotta be a better way to make a roof look seamless (and a better method of installing them). I want to build another kit, but not sure if I’m up for another round of shingles you know?

Finally posted the pics up: what do you think?

Tamarack Dollhouse

I haven’t touched the interior yet — one of the room partitions on the second floor needs another sanding and a coat of paint before I permanently do an installation of sorts.so will see how that goes. Besides, I haven’t decided on the wall colors yet….

 

Seriously Debating About This….

Still working on the Tamarack for Alicia and Marcus, but guess it’s safe to say that I’m close to 75% complete. The main shell is up and the remaining parts need a final sand and coat of paint before I assemble/attach the roof. From there, it should be smooth sailing in terms of decorating the interior. If I can get the Campbells moved in, that’d be awesome – the first family in their new home in my new home. Good lord, that’s confusing.

The last entry I mentioned about upping my search for Trent and George’s new house. I really meant that statement, except that…well, I got distracted with the following:

• Been checking Craigslist for anyone selling/giving away their old dollhouses. But in a listing from someone close to Baltimore, he was selling an assembled Federal dollhouse from Real Good Toys. A three hour drive, a gas station trip, and $65 less = I came home victorious. There’s about 9 rooms in the house, so figured this will suit the Eocháins quite well. 
• Still mourning that the Mini Modern blog will no longer have new posts (*sigh* where am I going to get more inspiration??), I found the Greenleaf online community and joined. There are a lot of dedicated, experienced enthusiasts here when it comes to construction. Ah, this apprentice must learn!

Gloucester Front

 

 

 

 

 

Will have to focus on the second point above because as I explored the forums, a couple of the entries mentioned a dollhouse from Greenleaf/Corona called the Gloucester. So when I did a search…

[insert choirs of angels singing hymns of praise]

Granted, I don’t know much about this kit (or the company that manufactures it), but it’s super cute! And it opens in the front! And…and it’s under $150 (with free shipping)!!

I’m seeing this at work right now, and I’m gonna admit, I’m salivating. I really really like it. Much to the point that I want it. True, each floor only has two rooms. But it’s very European in flavor, and I can easily see Isolde and Avery feeling at home to this arrangement. Plus, the Greenleaf Community site has some neat photos of how it looks when assembled. (See Gallery I and Gallery II for ideas).

Gloucester Inside

 

 

 

 

 

But Crazy Dollhouse Girl, you ask, what about your dollhouses at home? Do you honestly want to incur the wrath of BK of yet another kit taking up space? He’s already upset that you two can’t use the dining room thanks to a half built Tamarack on the table, remember?

Dammit, hate it when Rational Dollhouse girl does that. “Cuz she’s freakin’ right.

Guess I’ll have to wait until I finish the other dollhouses. But unless I find something else, I think this might be “the one” for the Tremaines.

Or mooch my family to have this as a Christmas gift. Maybe.

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The New Neighborhood….

Given that my last post reported the status of the homes, I knew I had to start getting everyone’s homes set up. At least before the year ended. Besides, you have no idea how guilty I feel each night knowing that my dolls are spending another miserable night in their travel rubbermaid container.

Tamarack Dollhouse from Real Good Toys

 

 

 

 

 

So today, I pulled out the kit I won on eBay — the Tamarack Dollhouse by Real Good Toys. They released this model in 1995 and sad to say, RGT no longer produces this model. Which is too bad, since the design is very cute — reminds me of the Craftsman style houses I see in neighborhoods not far from where BK and I now live.

After reading the instructions (yes folks, I do read the manual before I start doing anything), I began constructing the first level. Thank god it was straightforward — the only time consuming part was just painting the exterior parts. Am so happy that now, Home Depot and Lowes sell the sample size of their paints — so now I can buy the colors I want for around $3.00 per 8 oz sample canister. Way cheaper than the paints sold at the miniature shops, and in more colors as well.

Tamarack – View One

 

 

 

 

 

Once the paint dried, sanded, and repainted the parts, I started gluing the walls together before gluing it to the base. I deviated from the manual about assembling the base and decided to glue the constructed walls onto a slab of MDF board I had lying around. It was stable, and sturdy, and best of all, the surfaces were completely smooth — perfect when it’s time to install hardwood flooring (yes folks, the house will have hardwood flooring throughout).

The instructions advised that once the walls were installed to the base, I should go ahead and attach the second floor and begin assembly of the second floor walls/roof. But I might again deviated from that path, and go ahead and start wallpapering the first floor before I install the walls — just to make it easier on myself.

Tamarack – View Two

 

 

 

 

 

BK saw the progress and asked the million dollar question: who’s going to be living in the new house once it’s done? Oddly enough, I’m not sure yet. I might make it the Campbells’ new residence, but then again, I can see Avery and Isolde living here with Selene. Then again, there’s a chance that Selene might get a new sibling soon. So maybe it should go to my resident newly weds for the time being…

 

Arising from the Dead…

…realized it’s been awhile since I posted an entry. Sad to say, between the last post and now, it’s been a whirlwind of drama, stress, and frankly, just plain damn annoyance.

After much deliberation and long endless nights of number crunching, I made the decision to put my studio apartment up for sale. It was becoming too much, and with the economy the way it is, figured this is the best choice in the long run. Luckily BK, my family and friends have been supportive in my decision — which is always a plus. Plus, BK made a good argument that after being together for two years, and enjoying each other’s company — it was high time we got a place for us to live in. Along with five adorable pet rats, his growing collection of model ships, and of course, my dollhouses and miniatures.

So as of August 22nd, I officially moved from my apartment in Maryland, and moved down to Virginia. Alexandria/Old Towne Virginia to be exact. Found a large one bedroom apartment just south of Old Town and it’s within reasonable distance to our creature comforts. Of course, this now means my commute to work has jumped from 15 minutes to an hour. But it’s worth it.

As for the dolls, I have some good news and bad news:

Good News

• The Eocháins, the Tremaines, the Campbells, and the Johnson-Valentine households managed to survive the move, and are safe and sound.
• Their furniture and other belongings, luckily, survived. Many thanks to BK, best friends JC & MC, and others for transporting the rubbermaid containers of their things safely!
• I got last July the miniatures that Doris Nathanson of Mini Modernista send them. I know this is a late message Doris, but – THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! If you’re reading this blog, this is an official edict from me — I am ready to order beginning late October.
• Another cool beans piece of news: Doris is also selling her stuff on eBay as well. Yes — something to look at when I’m bored and work (and furiously contemplating what to cut out of my budget).
• Having a bigger apartment = more space to display the houses. Assuming BK and I finish unpacking the rest of our crap.

Bad News

• The Tremaines, the Campbells, and the Johnson-Valentine families lost their homes. That’s right folks, they moved to their new area sans their houses. I had no choice but to sell the houses to help offset some of the moving costs. Avery and Isolde were luckily understanding, as well as Marcus, Alicia, and George. But Trent’s understandly upset with me since he put some much thought in how their townhouse was to look.
• The Eocháins still do not have a home either.
• Everyone — and their stuff — are still in the rubbermaid containers, currently stashed in the new coat closet. I would have put them in the bedroom, but BK was getting tired of tripping over boxes and containers whenever we had to get up from bed.

Despite the loss of homes, there’s an upshot to all of this (as of last Saturday, that is)

• I found  an assembled  Dixville dollhouse at a local thrift shop in MD. Though it’s fully assembled, it’s missing some partitions. Luckily, the folks at Earth and Tree Miniatures were willing to sell me partitions. Planning to convert this into the townhouses seen in Old Towne for Avery, Isolde, and Selene. Update: Decided to let go of this house and was able to sell it to a super nice lady and miniature fan from Stafford, VA. Thank you Judy!
  
• Depending on how I convert the above dollhouse, planning to purchase another Dixville to make into another townhouse. Which means new dollhouse = new dolls (hope Sandy doesn’t mind me putting new orders…)
• I received the Tamarack Dollhouse kit from Real Good Toys as a housewarming gift/eBay victory to myself. Decided to assign this to the Campbells since it’s similar to the houses I see in the neighborhoods near my new place.
• [As for 10/1/2009] Found on Craigslist a colonial dollhouse kit from Duracraft that’s on sale for $25. Definitely using that for the Johnson-Valentine household. Will post pics once I pick it up.
  Update: Picked up the kit and tried to assemble it. The kit was old, and the parts were not in great condition. With great reluctance, I simply dissembled it and put the parts up for recycling. 😦

That’s basically it. Not sure if anyone’s following my blog, but for those I know who do, thanks for your patience!

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The Campbell Residence

After unpacking some purchases, can safely say that Marcus and Alicia’s house is now open for public viewing. I don’t have the place fully decorated, but the main furniture pieces are in place.

Curious what you all think. I’ll probably be adding/subtracting items as time goes along. But at least, the newly weds have someplace they can call home.

For the rest of the photos, you check them out at this gallery.

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Happy Mother’s Day

Nothing much to write here, except wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. My sister and I sent a bunch of floral arrangements to our Mom and our honorary ‘mothers’ (aunts who have known us through the years).

So to Mom and our honorary ‘mothers’: just want to say thank you for everything you all have done. Am sure there were moments you all wanted to either smack us upside the head or worse whenever we did something ridiculously dumb. Thank you for not opting for that! Hope you all are proud of us!

As for the dolls, the ladies (and honorary ‘Mr. Mom’) of the block decided to spend the day with the following itinerary:

• Part I: A Korean food fest at Yenchon in Annandale, followed by a dessert/snack pick up at Shilla Bakery. Trent and Daphne are die hard fans of their Bingsoo….
• Part II: Spending the day at the Campbell residence watching movies and playing catch-up. A must in their list of movies to watch: Sex and the City (series & movie), 300, Fight Club, Casablanca, Slumdog Millionaire, and Love Actually.
• Part III: Dinner out at Hong Kong Palace in Falls Church. Alicia is dying to try the steamed Chengdu dumplings and dry beef Isolde and Trent kept raving about. Daphne hopes she packed enough Pepto for them all afterwards.

Man, I want their itinerary…the idea of eating Korean, Szechuan and Hunan food is making me hungry….

Girls Day Out I

Girls Day Out II

I Think I’m Going Japanese….

Ever since I resurrected this hobby, I’ve been spending even more time online. Notably eBay since you just don’t know what you’ll find.

Japanese Cabinet

 

 

 

 

 

Take this for example. I was looking for a unique looking dresser and ran into this beauty. A couple of clicks, $15, and a few days later, it arrived (along with a matching shelf unit). It’s a well made piece, though am currently debating whether to apply some stain on it to simulate rosewood or a darker wood grain. Hoping over time, the vendor will have more stuff available. Thoughts of an Asian themed dollhouse or miniature comes unbidden to my mind (I can hear BK groaning at the thought of losing even more space at the apartment).

As you can see, Trent knew he hit the jackpot since George seems to take a keen interest in it. That’s always a good sign, since George would be right at home eating on an antique Louis XIV dining set — or on a bare wooden floor, much to Trent’s exasperation.

 

Trent: What you do think? Isn’t this a great piece for the townhouse?

George: [peers into the drawers] It IS nice…then again, you always pick out great pieces Trent. You know that.

Trent: But it’s from Japan! It’s an antique! Look at the storage space! We can put this in your office or in the bedroom! It’d be a great conversation piece!

George: [opens the sliding cabinet doors] Huh, you’re right — it does have great storage space. This would be great for the kids’ rooms — stow away their toys and books…

Trent: [walks away throwing his arms up in the air and muttering to himself]

 

George Scoping the Cabinet

 

 

 

 

 

While George tries to comfort/calm his partner down, the Campbells come across the same cabinet as well.

 

Marcus: [checks out the sliding doors] Babe, check this out! Man, Trent knows what looks good!

Alicia: Marcus, we’re not getting another storage piece for your electronics! We’re here for a couch!

Marcus: [sticks his head inside the cabinet] But babe, look how much space this has! I can chuck all my sports gear here!  It’d be great!

Alicia: [horrified] Marcus, this is an antique cabinet, not some smelly locker from your high school years! Now get away from there and let’s find our couch okay??

 

Marcus Scoping the Cabinet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designer Bedding? Don’t Think So

Despite having a brutal day at the office, I wanted to work on the dollhouses. But given my brain cells were on strike, I had to do something that didn’t require much logic. Then I remembered that the beds I bought for the Tremaine and Campbell houses were pretty bare. And since shops were selling sheet/comforter sets at around $10 starting, figured this might be the project of choice.

I dug through my craft box (or the bin o’ crap — your pick), and found fabric I bought awhile back from AC Moore, as well as some thick felt and my trusty fabric glue. Thirty minutes later — and with sticky fingers — I managed to create the following creations.

New Bedding

 

 

 

 

 

Tremaine Double Bed

 

 

 

 

 

For the Tremaine’s master bedroom, I wanted to go for something that was very colorful, chic, and practical. Something I know Isolde would opt to purchase for the household.

Immediately thought she’d be the type who’d shop at IKEA for most things — after all, it’s all European style/inspired household goods, so am sure it’s as close to being back to Europe for her and the rest of her family….

[You can’t really see it, but the bed’s from the Ashley collection from Lee’s Line. I scored big on the bed by buying it on Ebay from Spencer Creek Christmas Shoppe – they carry pieces that considered ‘second hand’. Mattresses for both beds I got on eBay as well.]

After I finishing this set, I put it in the Tremaine’s master bedroom, for the couple to try out/assess. Guess they like it, since Avery looks like he’s ready to take a nap, much to Isolde’s amusement. Or maybe he’s thinking of some afternoon nookie with wifey (that’s what BK thought when he saw this photo — the perv).

Isolde & Avery Testing the Bed

 

 

 

 

 

Campbells Double Bed

 

 

 

 

 

As for the other bed, it’s meant for the Campbells. I took the leftover fabric from the dining chairs and decided to use them as bedding. Figured given Alicia’s taste for all things stylish, it’d be up her alley. It turned out really nice against the white wire frame (another discovery from eBay UK). Almost looks like something you’d see at some high end boutique or department stores. Totally Alicia’s cup of tea.

Unfortunately, when I set up the new bed in the Campbell residence, I didn’t expect this reaction from the newlyweds. I’m actually feeling guilty that this transpired.

In pure fashion, I took a picture of what happened. Hopefully they didn’t mind…

 

Alicia: Isn’t this great? I found it at Marimekko in Silver Spring. It looks fantastic on the bed.

Marcus: It looks great, babe, but… [sees the credit card receipt] You spent WHAT on this bedding???

Alicia: But it’s from Marimekko Marcus! And it was on sale!

Marcus: Babe, $250 for bedding isn’t a bargain! Good lord, I just paid off that credit card!

Alicia: Then we just don’t go out to dinner for a few weeks! I wanted this bedding, and I got it! Trust me, you’ll love this! Now, check out what else I got today…

Marcus:  [breaks out in a cold sweat]

The Bedding Surprise

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe I should stock their kitchen with some beer or something strong. Looks like poor Marcus is going to need it later tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Inhabitants

I was initially only going to get one dollhouse — something that would represent my “dream house”. Because seriously, unless BK or me either won the lottery or became CEO of a corporation (that didn’t receive the bailout preferably), there’s no way on #&@#&@# world will I be able to afford a house.

Well, that plan backfired. Thanks to eBay and Craigslist DC, I found myself with THREE dolhouses instead. And none of them was the dreamhouse.

Before I gave myself a heart attack on where I’ll put these houses in my studio apt, BK suggested that I set the houses up like they were in a neighborhood — each house represents a household and a different lifestyle of sorts. Thought that’d be a good idea — at least that lets me keep the houses somehow ;-).

Of course, what’s a dollhouse without its residents right? In true obsession fashion, I present to you the (at the moment) residents of my imaginary neighborhood. Given the characters of my residents, I’ll assume they live somewhere in the DC Metro area…

Tremaines

The Tremaine Household (Avery & Isolde, with daughter Selene and Churchill)

Residents of a refurbished Victorian. The family relocated to the area from London due to Avery’s job transfer at a defense firm. Until further notice, the Tremaines will be remaining in the neighborhood for a good while. Avery works as a mechanical engineer while wife Isolde works as a freelance graphic designer.

While Avery hails from Great Britain, his wife Isolde was born and raised in Cork, Ireland. She and Avery met in Barcelona through a mutual colleague. Two years after their marriage, their only child Selene (now 14) was born in Manchester.

Currently, the family enjoys hosting game nights at their house for their friends. Isolde is tentatively trying her hand in designing a clothing line for children while enjoying outings with her new friend Alicia. Selene, while homesick for England, nonetheless enjoys spending time with her new friends and her new puppy Churchill. Plus, she has become the favorite babysitter of the neighborhood, as well as the object of affection for a particular teenage boy…

While Selene is currently an only child, there’s a possibility of Avery and Isolde considering a new addition to the family….

Johnson-Valentine Family

The Johnson-Valentine Household (Trent & George with twins Ethan and Emily)

Trent Johnson and George Valentine have been together for almost ten years. Both attended college at NYU and took classes together, but they never got to know each other until their senior year. After graduating from college, they maintained a long distance relationship — Trent worked for an interior design firm in Manhattan while George was completing law school in Atlanta. Assuming that George would be moving to DC to pursue a career in the government, Trent decided to move to the nations capital and open his own home furnishings shop along the U Street Corridor. As for George, he graduated with a degree in immigration law and upon completing the DC bar, was hired to work for a think tank group in Dupont Circle.

Despite their busy work schedules, George and Trent wanted to raise a family. After numerous attempts at adoption, they were able to adopt twins Ethan and Emily. With two new additions, George and Trent decided to move the family out of the city and into the suburbs. They purchased an incomplete townhouse in the neighborhood and began renovations to suit the couple’s urban tastes while accommodating the demands of raising six-year-old twins.

Currently, George continues to work in Dupont Circle while Trent splits his time between running his shop and staying home with the kids. Luckily, George’s cousin Alicia and her husband Marcus live nearby, so Trent and George have a backup in case the twins’ favorite babysitter Selene is unavailable!

Marcus & Alicia

The Campbell Household (Marcus & Alicia)

Alicia is George’s cousin, and a long time resident of the DC Metro area. As for Marcus, he originally hailed from Philadelphia but attended college at Virginia Tech, where he and Alicia met (yeah, go Hokies!). After dating for almost six years, they ended up getting married in Annapolis.

Currently, Alicia works as a chemical engineer in the same defense firm as Avery while Marcus works as a developer in the same company as Daphne (see next family entry). Shortly after their wedding, the couple bought a renovated Arts & Crafts house in the neighborhood, next door to the Tremaine family. Alicia was extremely thrilled when she heard George and his partner Trent were moving in the same area with their kids. Marcus was excited at having a bigger place — he can now set up his entertainment system and enjoy the football season in pure style!

While both of them love kids (they love spoiling Ethan and Emily whenever possible), Marcus and Alicia decided to hold off having a family. Which is probably good, since both love to shop and travel extensively. Alicia is a shopaholic, and often drives poor Marcus crazy whenever the credit card statements arrive in the mail. But he loves electronics, so I guess that makes them even…

Daphne, Bryan, Aidan, Madeline

The Eocháin Family (Bryan, Daphne, Aidan, & Madeline)

The Eocháins (pronounced Koh-hain) are the oldest residents in the neighborhood. Though they are currently living in a rented unit until their house is completed*.

[*meaning I haven’t found their house yet, so they’re living on a shelf above my desk until further notice].

Bryan originally hailed from Boston but moved to the DC Metro area after accepting a job offer to work at the Pentagon. Daphne was originally from the Philippines, but moved to the DC area with her family at age seven. Both met through an online dating service, and after an eight year relationship, got married. Now they are the proud parents of Aidan (age 14) and Madeline (or ‘Maddie’, age 5).

Daphne works for a software company as its senior web developer with Marcus. Bryan had quit his job at DoD and opened up his own business as a consultant, which allows him to work from home. Aidan enjoys playing sports and playing the guitar in his band “Plead the Fifth.” While he won’t admit it, he also has a secret crush for the Tremaine’s daughter Selene. As for Maddie, she will start kindergarten in the upcoming school year — her mother is thrilled, though her father is sad at the thought of his little princess growing up so quickly…

The Dogs

Along with the kids, the family also have three dogs — Patton (a black Lab), McArthur (a Golden Retriever), and Eisenhower (a German shepherd).

The Eocháins are close with all the residents of the neighborhood, and are looking forward to throwing a housewarming once their house is completed**

[Assuming the writer of this blog finds their house FAST…]