Ashcroft Hall

Hi all

Since I last posted a blog I have not done an awful lot with the Hall. I have concentrated on researching my family tree which is my other big hobby.

However I have painted and fixed all the window arches in white. The contrast with the Almond White walls is subtle and very nice. I have also painted all the balconies black. The reason it has taken soooo long to paint these pieces is the need for fine sanding inbetween coats to get a nice smooth finish. Not good enough to leave without sanding.

Unfortunately I missed the NEC Miniatura exhibition in Birmingham due to the snow. Such a shame as I wanted to get my ceiling mouldings. However I will probably go the kensington show in May.

I was sat by an electrician at dinner the other evening and he suggests that I research using fibre optic lighting . If this is successful.Then I may try my hand at making chandeliers. Seems a bit ambitious but game for trying.

Slow progress with Ashcroft Hall

Had a bit of a break from Ashcroft hall this weekend. I am still painting the outside of the house. It is a huge task. All bits need to be painted and lightly sanded twice or you will have a roughing finish on the edges. I am now painting the balconies black. There are lots of tiny holes in the wood so painting with cotton buds.................not easy.
I only have the inside window arches to paint and then I can fit the windows.

Anyhow back to enjoy being spoiled on Mothers Day.

Frustrating start to Ashcroft Hall

It was suggested when I bought the dolls house that it would not need sanding,except perhaps a little on the ends and edges of wood. However this is not the case. I have sanded,painted and sanded again all the windows and door edges. A huge and laborious task. I am in the middle of putting on another light paint where needed. All the inside of the window pains are rough. Not something I can skip.

Also I am trying to source a horse drawn carriage, miniature size without luck so far. Can anyone advise please.

Starting Ashcroft Hall

I have spent the last week deciding on what theme and what colours generally to use for the Hall. As I have a large tub of Almond White emulsion left over from painting my own hallway I decided it would make a nice neutral colour for the outside of Ashcroft Hall. Not as stark as white. So far so good. However I do find this job tedious as the Hall is so big!

The frames of the windows will be white and the balconies and front door will be black.

I have chosen the theme of an edwardian wedding. My 6 year old grandaughter particularly wants this theme! She wants the bride to be a princess,so I have promised that the bride will have a tiara!!

I thought a wedding would be nice as I can make garlands of flowers in stairs and balconies etc.

Whilst I am painting the house Abbie (grandaughter) is playing with my other completed houses and also looking through a big picture book of costumes and choosing the clothes for my people. It is soon nice to have her with me as an interested onlooker.

Here is the picture of the very start of my project.

Taken me two days to get this far! All the windows need doing again. Light sanding is necessary after the first coat. Oh well.

As you can see Abbie is busy designing her own dolls clothes!