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Monday, November 8, 2010

No Strings Attached....

The balalaika is finished....Except for strings. I am going to have to see if I can find some mono filament nylon at one of the bead stores or maybe fishing line....I am not sure that either has it this small. This may be a problem. It is as fine as my hair!

The original has the strings stretched tight enough that when you use the attached pick to strum, you actually get a nice plinking sound.

I am not sure if I am going to be able to duplicate that part.

I did fair on the rest. Next time I will give it a coat of varnish before I start the decorative painting. The fine tipped pen that I used fuzzed out a bit.

Tessie is pleased and has temporarily fudged by putting a spell on the instrument so that it "plays" without strings.

After I finished the balalaika, I decided it was time to glue the stove addition to the cottage.

Tessie and Zar decided to celebrate. Any excuse for a party. Zar drifted in with a jug that I suspect is filled with vodka, in honor of the occasion.

They are settled in the cottage singing and drinking and waiting for the glue to dry.

Meanwhile the real world is crowding in and I have gone back to Monday cleaning and laundry.

I would much rather be working on the cottage, but I don't like being buried up to my neck in dirty dishes. So....First things first. Back to work.

See you tomorrow.

11 comments:

miniacollection said...

I love you balaika, even if it has no strings yet. Your Russian house is really an interesting project.
Geneviève

Debbie said...

Casey, what a wonderful job you made of the balalaika, it looks as good as the original. You certainly have more then one string to your bow, if you pardon the pun..LOL xxx

Wendie-kins said...

is there no end to your talents? this is a fantastic job youve done! I had to LOL at Debbies pun :o)

Glenda said...

Your balalaika is excellent!
There is a very fine filament thread called something like 'invisible sewing thread' which can be used in a sewing machine, it may help.

Kathi said...

I'm standing on my chair, waving my arms in the air and yelling "woot woot, applause, whoo-hoo and way to go Casey!"

Unknown said...

Muy bien dar a Tessie la balalaika. Ahora estará tranquila un poco.
¡Increible!
Besos Clara

Caseymini said...

Glenda, I will look into the thread. Thanks.

And thanks to all of you for the great comments!

Debbie, ....I am groaning over that comment and laughing at the same time!LOL

Lucille said...

Such beautiful work, Casey. It's just perfect! April should be so happy.

Lucille

iseecerulean said...

You did a fabulous job on the balalaika, it's practically identical to the original. Well done!

Lady Jane said...

A fine instrument your balaika!!! I really like your designs. Great tip from Glenda!Get your magnifiers out lol, it is that fine. Sulky makes a 100% polyester thread.

Minnie Kitchen said...

so delicate!!!love it :)