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.

Chair Details, Part Two...

Continuing from yesterday's instructions, here we go again.

The first thing I did today was make a jig for the legs of the chair. In order to get them all the same, I took a small block of pine and drew a line 1 1/4" down from one edge. Then I pounded a large nail, the diameter that I wanted the bottom of the chair legs to be, into the wood just above the line.

It's not very scientific, but it works for me. I cut the wires just by eye to the length that I needed. They can be trimmed more later.

Probably about 3 to 3 1/2" would do it.

Then I wrapped the center of the wire around the nail and bent the ends flat over the edge of the wood block.

This next photo looks a bit messy. I did clean up the glue after I took it.

I cut two pieces of cardboard from a box that I had on hand. I used the bend in the box for the bend that I needed in the seat base.

I cut two of these. You have to do it to match your chair, so I just gave you some general measurements for mine. The widest part of the front is 1 1/8" wide. The depth to the fold was 3/4" and the flap was 1/2".

After the glue dries, you can manipulate the legs more and clean things up. I made the legs flair out more than they are in this photo.


Here is a photo of the chair with the base glued underneath. I have it clamped together for drying.

I cut a cardboard form for the seat. This was also cut from the bend in the box. I wanted a "contour" seat.

Here you can see the back and front view. I got the bend by putting two layers of thin batting on the front seat part and then covering the whole top surface with a third that went up the back bend.

Then I covered the whole thing with fabric, easing the corners into place without any folds. I am not sure why this photo turned out so small. Hopefully I will get large enough by poking....

Here's the finished chair. Please note that Zar has learned his lesson. If he sits on the sofa, there is still room for Tessie to sit there, if she so wishes, without zapping him into the next county.

Please ignore the overturned furniture in the kitchen. I think that is left over from the last time that Zar sat somewhere that he wasn't supposed to sit.

See you tomorrow.

Chair Details....Part One...

Last night I started another one of the chairs. This will be the official tutorial for them. Please give credit where credit is due on this one if you make it. It is an original. Thanks.

You will need a suitable bottle, extra hold, non aerosol, hairspray, needlepoint canvas(I used #14 for this one.) 26 gage annealed black steel wire and # 20 gage annealed black steel wire. You can get these at a hardware store. You will also need some light weight cardboard, Aleene's Fast Grab glue, spray paint in the color of your choice and lots of patience...

Tools will be Scissors, pencil, ruler, clips and wire cutters.

OK....The first step is finding the right bottle. I used a 1 liter Listerine bottle. Any bottle that is a good "seat" shape would work.

You have to look at this one sideways. The side of the bottle is the bottom of the seat and the bottom is the back of the seat.

I thoroughly saturated the canvas with water and then started stretching it around the bottom of the bottle, trying not to waste too much. What is left over can be wet again and made into baskets, so there really isn't much waste.

It takes a little time to stretch the canvas tight and work all of the creases to the outside of the rubber band. It can be done. Just keep at it. I found it much easier the second time. Keep in mind the grain of the canvas. My first chair was a bit off and even though it is straight, it looks a little tilted. I did the second one on the diagonal. It is harder to line up, but I think that this one turned out better.

After you get it smooth, spray it with extra hold hairspray. Let it dry thoroughly. I do it overnight.

After it is dry, measure up 1 1/2" from the side of the bottle and mark the arm. Measure 3" up and mark across the bottom for the top of the back.

Draw gentle curves at the corners. Ease the rubber band off and then the canvas. Be gentle.

Now, hold your tongue in the right place and start cutting. After you have cut out the shape that you marked.

I did some extra trimming here and there to get a shape that really pleased me.

Next, cut a piece of #26 wire that will more than fit around the edge of the chair. Starting at the center back, put a line of Fast Grab around the edge. Lay the wire about 1/16" away from the edge, following the contours of the chair. Now roll the edge with the glue on it around the wire and clamp. Do this all the way around, being careful not to pull the chair out of shape.

Have Tessie keep handing you clips, so that you won't have to stop the process in the middle.....Oops. I guess you will have to find someone where you are to do that job. Tessie says she can't possibly leave the new chairs unattended. Zar......

Now.....Sit back and relax. The glue has to dry. The chair will have to be spray painted the color of choice.

I have to go out for a while now.....Tomorrow I will give details on how to do the rest of the chair.....

See you then.