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Saturday, June 18, 2011

Throwing Rocks!

OK, the rocks on the foundation are essentially done. I may have to go back in and do a bit of touch up here and there, but otherwise, done.

I was starting on the third side when I took the photo of the pallet(aka paper plate). As you can see, I am not at all neat about it. I start out with the original charcoal gray, trail tan, and antique white, red iron oxide and sage green....Rocks are NOT all the same color of gray. Go look at a rock wall if you don't believe me.

Every rock starts out with a base color and then lighter and darker tones are added to each rock. Probably about half have every color in them. I can't explain exactly how I do it. Each time it is different. If you are just starting out, probably your best bet is to start with the darker shades and dry brush lighter shade over the egg carton rocks. I suggest that your lightest color be put on with a very light touch and all of the strokes running in the same direction. This gives the illusion of sunlight.As an after thought, I decided that there should be a way for small creatures to hide under the structure, if the need arises. I went to work with the keyhole saw and cut into the base. It would have been a lot easier if I had thought of it before I stuck it on the house and stuck the egg cartons on it, but it worked.

The dogs seem to like it. Maybe there won't be any room for strange creatures under there....I wouldn't bet on it though.


I am going to have to work on getting some better photos of the rocks. they look all the same shade of gray in this photo....They're not!I stained some of the half timbers with red mahogany and started playing with them on the open side.

Zar and I are both pretty pleased with them so far.

Tessie took one look and of course wants a house with half timbers now....So soon she forgets. Her cottage, that she turned into a millinery shop, is half timbered....The Witch's Warehouse is half timbered...She's part owner of that one. She is not without half timber.

I ran 1/24 scale chair molding around the opening. I have to figure out what I am going to do on the curves....Another thing to add to my list of problems.

I will think about it much later today. April is taking Walter and I to see "Super 8" this morning and then lunch this afternoon. I am out of here for now.

See you tomorrow.

10 comments:

Minka said...

OK. I need a "back story" on why Zar has a trailer on a foundation. Or did I miss something in an earlier posting?

Caseymini said...

Minka, I did mention it earlier, but just in passing. He has no plans for travel, so the rocks. He says this is just temporary, until I finish the Clockwork Cottage. So far, so good.

erika said...

ciao sono Erika e ti scrivo dall'Italia da Firenze ti voglio fare i miei complimenti sei molto brava e anche i tutorial...siamo lontane ma vicine nella grande passione per le miniature.ciao un "mini abbraccio" da Erika

iseecerulean said...

You did a great job on the rocks...I'm looking forward to seeing the trailer finished.

Jollie said...

Your work is progressing fast! It looks great with the rocks :0

have fun at the Super 8!!

Hugs Jollie

gayle said...

At first I thought that plate held some gourmet delight......just couldn't figure out what it was....Gayle

Minka said...

So when the Clockwork Cottage is finished, will this become his studio? I know, if I ask too many questions...I might get myself in trouble! LOL

Caseymini said...

He told me that it might do as a time machine....

Audra said...

Casey - what did you make your rocks from? Is that clay with added lines, then the paint job?

Love the hole in the foundation. Might have to borrow that idea from you!

Caseymini said...

Audra, go back a few days and you will get an idea of how I did the rocks. They are egg cartons too. I am also doing the floor of the roof garden from them....I save every egg carton(tops only) that I can get and use the inside bumpy flat part of the tops.