Transforming Craft Items

Builder Sam here again.

While I was adding the external staircase to the bakery, I noticed there was an empty space underneath that could be turned into a storage room.

I raided my children's craft supplies and found the following items; craft sticks, plastic tubing, craft foam, paper fasteners, pony beads, glitter, dollar store wedding favors (silver goblets), and printouts.

And all these miscellaneous items were transformed into this!

 They are not perfect, but good enough for items that will only be partially seen.

I remembered reading an article by Joann Swanson a few years ago, about using plastic tubing to make "jars". I tried it and it did work! I just want to send out a big thank you to all the artists out there who willingly share their ideas.

(Yes, the white craft glue will dry clear! It was used to keep the little bits of foam inside the jars.)

 The door and window allow you to see into the storage room.

Anybody else have a messy workspace?

That's all,
Sam

Bakery progress- part 4

Mr Crumble fell in love with some shelving units he saw in a book by Jean Nisbett titled Doll's House Shops, Cafes and Restaurants.
After searching the internet, Mr Crumble was unable to find or purchase the same shelving, so he had something similar built from Balsa wood for his bakery.

 He was quite adamant that there should be plenty of adjustable shelving to accommodate the various items he will bake.

 All they need now is to be stained and filled with baked items!

Cheerio,
Isabelle

Bakery Progress - part 3

Mr Crumble invited me over to see the recent renovations to the bakery.

I must say, the exterior has changed quite a bit since I saw it last and is looking quite good. What a difference shingles and trim make! I also love the new windows.

There are only a few more things to be completed before the fixtures are installed.

Mr Crumble gave me an outline of how the bakery will be laid out and talked about the various shelving units that are currently being built.

From his descriptions I could clearly see myself coming here often for baked goods.

Looks like the bakery is very close to being finished.

I told Mr Crumble to keep up the good work and that I can hardly wait until opening day!

Cheerio,
Isabelle

Bakery Progress - part 2

Another update on the bakery.

Mr Crumble met with the builder to decide on the exterior facade.  Here is a mock up version of what it will eventually look like.

The interior has been wallpapered, and now the baseboards and crown molding are ready to go in.

 Looks a lot better than it did before!

I have come to realize that cats are very lazy creatures. Nova and Kovu are Sam's cats. They are supposed to be overseeing the renovations but it seems all they do is sleep ON the job! Here they are snoozing in the bakery's attic. Maybe they are testing the upper floor strength?

Here is Nova in one of those rare moments when he is actually performing his job!

Originally there was only going to be two dormers, but Mr Crumble thought that he might like to have three to allow more light into the attic.

The lower level has been finished with hardwood flooring, and the final exterior painting has been completed.

Now we are just waiting for trim, windows and shingles to be installed. I am just as excited as Mr Crumble about the bakery's progress. I can almost smell the lovely aromas of freshly baked bread!

Cheerio,
Isabelle

Bakery Progress - part 1

Lots of changes have been happening with Mr Crumble's bakery.

 There were many rooms that were too small, so the walls have been removed.

Mr Crumble wanted all new windows as well. A few of the openings were enlarged so that bigger windows could be installed.

Originally this was an open back dollhouse and it has now been converted into a front opening one. The attic was also bumped out to make more room and siding was applied to the exterior. 

 The staircase was moved to the outside of the building to maximize the interior space.

What a difference primer makes! New interior walls were installed and now it is ready for the next step.

I will keep you updated on the changes that will take place.

Cheerio,
Isabelle

Mr Crumble's Bakery

I had a meeting today with Mr Crumble. He would like to find an old building and convert it into a bakery and cooking school. He is passionate about food and wants to teach others about the joys of baking.
We looked through the inventory of available properties, and found a few old farmhouses that might suit his needs.

One particular house made him do a double take. It is a solid wooden house that has an interesting history.  It was built a long time ago by a family who lived on an apple orchard. After the orchard was closed and the land was sold off to developers, the house was moved here to Oak Leaf Forest. It has been hidden away and vacant for a long time.

Like most of the homes here, it will require renovating. But as Mr Crumble says, he will be able to really customize it for his particular needs.

We signed all the papers, and now Mr Crumble is the new owner of this property. Stay tuned for the renovation project to begin!

Cheerio,
Isabelle