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Wednesday, January 5, 2011

What's That For???

See the silver square box on my sign? It seems that every time someone goes into my workroom, they invariably ask, "What's that for?"

It is simply a tin box that is also a magnet. It was a container for a gift of some kind. I don't remember what. Maybe a watch that Walter got last year.

Anyway, it is Wednesday and I was looking for a quick project when I spotted the box.

Since I am tired of explaining it, I have decided that it needs a self explanatory purpose.

It is 3 1/2" square and 1 1/8" deep. Seems to be a good size for a 1/2" scale vignette.

I dug out a small scrap of foam core, one piece of kitchen wallpaper, a piece of floor type paper.


All of the tools I needed were a metal ruler, pencil, Exacto knife, and a glue stick.

I cut a piece of the wallpaper the exact size of the back and glued it right to the tin with the glue stick. That way I can remove it easily if I tire of the scene.

Then cut two side walls 3 1/2" by 1 1/8" and curved the ends to match the curve of the box corners. I wrapped these to match the back wall, lining up the border.

I then cut a ceiling piece and a floor piece and wrapped them also. I made them just snug enough that they would wedge between the side walls and hold. No need for glue that way.

I wedged them in place and went fishing in my box of 1/2" scale furniture. I found a few different pieces that fit, but I was looking for fast.

This was not only fast, almost instantaneous. I found a magnet that was a 20s gas stove with coffee pot and soup pot attached.

The nice thing about this is, the magnet on the stove holds it in place and the magnet on the back of the box sticks it to my metal sign. How cool is that? Don't forget to poke the photos for a closer look.

All I did to complete the scene was nab a couple of extra cats from my English cottage bag.

Now nobody but Tessie will ask, "What's that for?" Actually she didn't ask that. She asked, "Who's that for?"

When I answered that it was for me, she immediately lost all interest and zapped herself away.

I haven't seen her since. I think that she is in "snit mode".

I am off to Wednesday Witches' mini meeting soon.

See you tomorrow.

7 comments:

Irene said...

I think it's marvellous how you create these lovely pieces in such a short time - it's just great!

Drora's minimundo said...

I love these quick projects and the way one miniature can be displayed with no need to build a whole scene around it.

Elga said...

Oh, I love it Casey and it will make a wonderful gift too, even for non-miniature people, perfect for a fridge magnet.

Kathi said...

Great project! You are so clever!

Lucille said...

Very sweet project, Casey. You really do have the magic touch!

marlies said...

How cute that is and so easy to make, you are very clever. It would be a nice gift!
* marlies

Cheryl said...

Smartie pants!!! What a great idea!