dare i say "welcome" to the "witches' lair"...?

Post by **Lucy** » Fri May 20, 2016 12:04 am

Howard,

I have a question about building the witches' lair. At first I glued the long side pieces straight across the building flat along the horizontal part of the roof line. And I was really happy because I knew it would keep my house square (which is a really problem for me as I am a messy and somewhat impatient gluer). Then days later I realized that that would cut off the light to the upper window. So I peeled those supports back. I had already cut the little tiny flaps at the base of the gable off because I thought they were redundant. I am going to score these flaps and glue them to follow the roofline. Is that what you planned with those flaps? I am always trying to learn how to build the houses better.

I am having fun with the witches' lair. I think it is a lovely pattern and design - well, maybe not lovely - scarily cute . Here is a picture of the house in progress. Please pardon the glue stains and rough edges. I just can't seem to do them neatly so I have to compensate with paint and sand.

Thank you for your help.
Lucy

Post by **Lucy** » Fri May 20, 2016 3:17 am

I just came back to say that I realize that you did score those long flaps. Now the next question is - do the roof gable flaps go under the side flaps or on top? One of my biggest problems is getting the roofs to stick at the very top of the gable. I often have a gap there. If the roof gable flaps go under the long side flaps it seems like it would push the roof upward and would make a gap. I guess I answered my own question.

Lucy

Post by **Howard** » Fri May 20, 2016 10:49 am

lucy...

i think you've figured out how the long tabs on the sides are scored and folded...and then glued to the tabs on the edges of the roof...but here's a picture of the assembly...

there is a gap at the top...but that is covered by the one-piece folded roof...then the individual shingles are glued to the one-piece folded roof...

my very best regards...howard...

update on witches' lair project...it's kinda "jinxed"...or "cursed"...but the "spell" will wear off soon...i hope...and i can finish it!...

Post by **Lucy** » Fri May 20, 2016 11:25 am

I sort of did it backwards, but I see how that works. The edges are nice and flat so it won't force the roof up and cause a gap. And those long side flaps will keep the gables from collapsing inward.

I hope the spell is removed soon. I look forward to seeing the witches' lair completed.

Thank you again.
Lucy

Post by **Howard** » Fri May 20, 2016 1:58 pm

lucy...

at least part of the spell has been broken...the "flattie" part...

here she is...a family-friendly witch...lots of colors...after painting, i added two dip coats of Min-Wax brand high gloss clear acrylic polyurethane...yes, i dipped...no brushes...after dipping, i vigorously sling off as much finish as possible and let dry between coats...

the ground cover on the base of the witch is a dukes mixture of lots of stuff...model railroad scenery grass, dirt, dried leaf pieces and sawdust...it's all been run through a small coffee bean blender first...the base will be covered with the same thing...

making slow progress on the rest of the pieces...added a chimney to the house...then changed it twice...the base is finished...

my very best regards...

howard...

Post by **Lynn** » Fri May 20, 2016 5:55 pm

Howard I love her!! Everything about her is perfect she was well worth the wait!! I have not tried my hand at making a flattie but i will be making her that is for sure. Does she have a name?

Dipping her in the polyurethane, I don't think I would trust myself

Post by **Lucy** » Sat May 21, 2016 11:58 pm

Howard,

This is a wonderful, wonderful witch for your current project. I love the sleeves, the buttons on the coat, the red shoes with buttons, the crookery broom, the orange hair and green face, etc. It is wonderful. I will try to do this one, I think. Any mistakes may look intentional.

The dipping in the clear acrylic worked really well. It gives a great shine and looks durable as well. May have to dip some innocuous objects before I dip any masterpiece in the poly.

Lucy

Post by **Laurie** » Sun May 22, 2016 7:46 am

I can't really add anything new to the comments above, but your witch flattie is enchanting. Love the shine and the depth it shows.

Barb · Post by **Barb** » Sun May 22, 2016 11:08 am

Did not know what I was going to do on yet another rainy day.... until this! Howard, she is FABULOUS!

Post by **OKPat** » Mon May 23, 2016 10:14 am

Howard, I am chuckling out loud at your latest creations... the house and lady-of-the-house are both just inspired.
I believe Halloween is becoming the major "holiday" in the US ... we may all have to fall down this rabbit hole.