Hello every one, in my recent search for some nice furniture for our Dollhouse I came across this package of 5 The House of Miniatures kits for $14.95, yes thats right $14.95 for the 5 of them, of course I had to pay for postage but all in all it was cheep enough and I thought I could have a play whilst I waited for my other ready assembled furniture to come.
Clearly I am a complete kit nOOb because some how I didn't imagine they would come in quite SO many pieces, I don't know what I was expecting but my son and I laughed when I opened the first package. Oh well, they will certainly keep me out of trouble while I wait for my wallpaper to come. Yes Elga, I can hear you giggling, what am I worried about?? You measure, cut, turn all your pieces before you so much as put them together.....I hate reading instructions.....what was I thinking????
Oh well, start with the easy one first, the little candle stand is looking good at the moment. Any tips on putting them together successfully would be greatly received.
Happy minis every one!!
ML Fi xx
I think you can put the pieces together and have fun in the meantime, even if the instructions are not so fun. Seems like a good buy!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Lil in Sweden
Hi Lil,
Deleteyes, I think I'm being a bit silly, I am actually itching to get to them!
Fi X
Dear Fiona, it's my lunchtime right now so my boss can't complain that I quickly peek at your blog! O, my hands start itching when I see all your purchases for I love kits (but just like you; I hate reading the included instructions; so boring and often even incomprehensible). Please show us the results when you are finished, I am so curious to know! Wishing you lots of fun with it. xxx Liduina
ReplyDeleteHi Liduina,
DeleteNothing like a sneaky comment durning lunch time....; )
I know, I think it's being a visual learner, one of the kits actually had instructions with photos and it looked much easier. I will however follow the instructions as the others say and hope for the best!
ML Fi xx
Thanks for good giggle, Fi ;-)
ReplyDeleteAdvice?, I have build a few of these, hmm, the one you don't want to hear, read the instructions, I normally read step one, do it and carry on to the next step, it usually makes more sense if I have already done the previous step.
I like to use thinned stain and do it in more than one layer until I get the desired depth of color, it is probably a good idea to stain first and then glue it together, stain doesn't take over glue spots. Be careful with the sanding, the wood is soft and sands easy, I use small wooden blocks with sandpaper attached with double sided tape for sanding big flat areas. those big wide nail polishing emery boards are wonderful for final sanding. I use one layer of Danish oil as a finish with a layer of beeswax on top of that.
If you have any questions please e-mail me, there is an e-mail button on my blog. Enjoy building your kits, they are fun to put together.
Hi Elga,
DeleteGiggle.....
Start with step one then proceed to step two.... excellent advice, you know I think my problem is impatience but I will put my Elga cap on and take it step by step with attention to detail.
Thanks for those tips, I might have been tempted to glue first and I will go with the Danish oil then bees wax.
Just the Lady in need advice from!
ML Fi xx
Hi Fi! If you are equipped with small clamps and a jig, you're all set! It will make putting these little pieces together so much easier!
ReplyDeleteDon't laugh....the jig is up!!!
DeleteI don't know what a jig is but I guess I'm going to find out. LOL!!!
ML Fi xx
Hi Fi, I know what you mean! I have a bunch of mini flower kits. What was I thinking?! I hope that ultimately you have fun with these kits. And like you said, they'll keep you out of trouble. ;-) xo Jennifer
ReplyDeleteHaHa, you know I think I should almost video the process, it will certainly be good for a laugh!!
DeleteXXX
Hey Fi, haha poor you! ;) Well i must admitte i would be something that would happen to me because i also didn't know these kits came in so many pieces. Great miniatures by the way! Looking forward to see the end result. hug AM
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we are on a similar learning curb but you seem to be doing it a lot faster than me!!
DeleteHugs, Fi xx
Hi Honey
ReplyDeletesorry I'm late - again! It's driving me mad that I cant respond at work!!! What else am I there for?!?
I did chuckle when I saw the million tiny pieces! You poor thing. As long s you dont get them mixed up...
You just need a rainy day and a lot of Tea - come here!!
I can't wait to see what kind of finish you'll give them.
lots of love
Si -x-
You know my lovely, I don't even think your late!! Don't forget I post at night, go to bed then your all here when I wake up!!
DeleteHaha, how i wish I could be in your neck of the woods!! It is currently about 35 degrees and we haven't had rain in over a month...oh I tell a lie, the heavens opened this morning but it lasted about three minutes then stopped, now it's stinking hot!!
Any way, I get your point, a nice quite weekend is what I need!
ML Fi xx
Kits are soooo much fun....you will have a great time, just stay organized!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
DeleteWell lets hope I have fun, I have to admit to being inspired by you and what you do with kits. I'll just get my system going and hope for the best.
ML Fi xx
Hi Fi
ReplyDeleteWhat a BARGAIN!
Kits are a great way to furnish a house, but do need a little care. Here are my top ten tips!! ;o)
Tip 1. Use the parts guide and check all the pieces are there, and which bits go where (no heavy reading required for this bit!).
Tip 2. Like Elga says, use a thinned stain and coat lightly.
Tip 3. Stain all the pieces before gluing anything together, or you will find any stray glue spots wont take the stain, which is a lesson I learnt very early on through trial and error!
Tip 4. Sand lightly! Like Elga says again, it's very soft wood, and thats great when putting detail into the legs, but not so good if you want a straight edge.
Tip 5. use tiny clamps, pegs, elastic bands or similar to hold pieces together while glueing. Go easy on the glue too. wipe away excess glue quickly.
Tip 6. mark where you will need to drill for drawer handles before glueing in place. I find it's generally better to drill the holes after glueing so you can check levels. Check for fit when making drawers, I didn't on my first kit and some drawers wouldn't ever open again when pushed into place.
Tip 7. Take your time, enjoy the process of creating something for your dolls' house that will look quite good, and is generally better than mass produced stuff.
Tip 8. Don't worry if things go a bit wrong, mistakes can often be covered up/painted over!! ;)
Tip 9. If you're using a polish to finish, make sure it won't take the stain off!!
Tip 10. Sit back and admire what you've done, have a glass of wine and relax when it's all finished!
Looks like you've got some lovely pieces there, you have the makings of a nice bedroom with the four poster, does the fabric look any good?
Andy xxx
You are such a darling writing you top ten tips, I will follow them impeccably!! Some very important ones I wouldn't have thought of like the drilling holes in the draws after and the stain polish taking the stain off. The best tip is number ten.....I hope I get to that one!!
DeleteYou know there is no fabric in the bed box, I wasn't expecting there to be but what I didn't expect was string and holes so you can thread your own mattress support, there was a piece of foam for the mattress but I might use my own method for that.
ML Fi xxx
Hi Fi!
DeleteYes number 10 is the most important!
Rope was often used to support the mattress on old beds, which would need to be tightened up frequently. It's where the saying 'sleep tight' comes from, I'll leave the part about bed bugs to your imagination! ;o)
The great thing about these little kits are that they come with history of the particular piece and they did say explain about the rope in the bed one. You are so clever Andy!!
DeleteML F xx
I have a collection of those kits. The stare at me when I go in the back room of my studio. Maybe if you show your sucess step by step I wont be afraid to start one of them. LOL
ReplyDeleteHaha, I will do my best, but be prepared I could put you off for life!!
ReplyDeleteFi x
Oh, Andy gave you really good tips too that I forgot to mention, isn't it nice to have a personal team of advisers ;-)
ReplyDeleteA metal glue jig with magnets is an excellent tool for gluing all the square parts like drawers together, here is a link to one, but hopefully you can find one closer to home.
http://www.micromark.com/magnetic-gluing-jig-10-1and4-inch-square,7038.html
I just checked it out and i should be able to get one here. My brother actually made me a jig but I didn't know what it was called until today. That makes me a double nOOb!!
DeleteI feel so lucky to have my own personal advisers, you have all just saved me hours of messing around!!
Big Hugs,
Fi xxx
Bargain Fi! I too have a House of Miniatures kit that looks at me every time I open my drawer with all the wood in it! lol...good luck! xx
ReplyDeleteHi Jazzi,
Deletewhat a bargain....maybe some one else had big ideas like me and decided against it....; )
Hugs, Fi xx
I love the furniture in kit, Fiona! They look adorable! If you don't feel like building them, you can send them to me, I do it you happy!
ReplyDeleteA big hug!
Hi Pedrete,
ReplyDeleteyou are such a DARLING in big capital letters!!
Big Hugs,
Fi xxx
Dear Fi, probably I shouldn't comment, because I am the other nOOb! I have never made furniture from kits :DD so I can not offer you any help. So far I made my own furniture many years ago, but when I take a look at it now, I think I'll have to start over again ;) Glad to read Jay and you at least had fun seeing the parts, keep the fun and good luck with assembling the furniture :D!
ReplyDeleteML Ilona XXX
Yes but you can make milking machines so I imagine kits wouldn't be a problem for you!
DeleteHappy valentines day my dear...; )
Oh I almost forget: HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, Fi!!!!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Ooooh, I feel kinda bad , now, for steering you towards the kits! Sorry!
ReplyDeleteDont feel bad!! You know I bought some Bespaq too, I just saw these and they were cheep so I thought I'd have a go!!
ReplyDeleteIt will be kind of funny.
XX
Hi Fi,
ReplyDeletethis is so me! I have a stash of these kits that I have been collecting for a while, but the only one I have made with any success was the fire screen - probably the easiest! I get tempted by the outside of the box, and look at horror at the insides...all those anonymous bits of wood!
You were very lucky finding them at this price, and I'm sure you'll get along fine,
Jonquil
Ooooh, that worries me Jonquil, your so talented and you haven't had much success, then I don't think I'll have much luck either....
ReplyDeleteML Fi xx
Such a good selection at a great price. My tip is - Lego is good for keeping things square!
ReplyDeleteYou're going to have a lot of fun with these - I'm jealous!
Hello! I've bought these me too!!! Your blog and works are amazing!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my blog if you want: www.littlegeorgianera.blogspot.it