tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32642754481308188822024-03-25T12:22:18.535-07:00pulchinella's cellar miniaturespulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.comBlogger626125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-75720948854897964832024-03-23T09:54:00.000-07:002024-03-23T09:54:26.927-07:00Back Soon!<p>Three years after the event, the Carpenter-in-Chief and I are heading to Switzerland, for a short Rhine cruise to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. That happened during Covid, so no celebration of any kind in person was possible, sadly. The 2 years after the restrictions were listed, the C-in-C was heavily re-involved in Refugee Resettlement programs, as people who had been waiting for travel restrictions were once again able to leave, and we just couldn't take the time at that point.</p><p>But now, it <b>is</b> happening. One fun part for me will be on the Rhine Canal, which in The Netherlands is raised above the level of both the highway and the railway. Both the C-in-C and my older daughter traveled by rail with me below this, much to all our amusement, and now we will be on the upper level.</p><p>There is a snowstorm right now, and we have to drive close to 500 km to get to the airport. Also, there are transportation strike actions going on in Germany, and we have to fly to Basel from Frankfurt. Keep your fingers crossed for us, that there will be no hitches!</p><p>Along the way, I hope to see a couple of wonderful medieval sites; a castle above the Rhine which has never been destroyed, and Colmar in France, full of medieval buildings with pastel paint jobs on the plaster areas between the timbering. If our travel permits, we may fit in a quick visit to the Puppenhaus Museum Basel, but that depends on the planes being on time. They have superb miniatures there.</p><p>There should be stories (of one kind or another!) when I get back....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-58375869121190745552024-02-22T12:42:00.000-08:002024-02-27T14:18:06.125-08:00The Maple Sugaring Scene Is In Its New Home<p> This morning, the diorama was delivered to its new home, Kings Landing Historical Settlement in New Brunswick, Canada. It is currently ensconced in a display case in the Visitor Reception Centre at the site, ready for Maple Sugaring Weekends 2024, on March 9-10 and 16-17. This year marks the Settlement's 50th Anniversary.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglzQs4dh1geEPqaXS8CgP8XuOYaZXrxooxmT-ykbgxx1XITGzfRY9JUcjSYRdb7HrDEQj-SDNtaGlSV4DtKofHsBbo8bcuKU5MVl-0dfa9bg2nlHHMnNuuwDCocHxriaqZ_plXurP-iFbV58y9gIuxzKs6REMrIJWSzCyU8oYuZcPUedBEhodphvGAQSug" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglzQs4dh1geEPqaXS8CgP8XuOYaZXrxooxmT-ykbgxx1XITGzfRY9JUcjSYRdb7HrDEQj-SDNtaGlSV4DtKofHsBbo8bcuKU5MVl-0dfa9bg2nlHHMnNuuwDCocHxriaqZ_plXurP-iFbV58y9gIuxzKs6REMrIJWSzCyU8oYuZcPUedBEhodphvGAQSug" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Here is the overall view of the finished diorama, with the lights on. I'm very pleased with how it turned out, and I think the staff at the Landing are too. I've been a volunteer there now for 18 years, and my family has always enjoyed visiting. This was Marilyn's and my commemoration of the museum's anniversary.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWQ-gfn1TJTO6a_Ts9cqGfnGDvQHjg_hYdqWcl-0gkc591CYlARDuxC2LAGKBxi1W_wrdY_4k1B-QCA0Td7_PbzexeJT4NDoWJdZLOzyhNQ7lfSoOAp69PZXt4ibWB4B-DTCHsgmr2dGDVJnpvTDtXGHMT0ebbmwn5U8t6sxfz1-O1tlJdlqeDySDoQVcK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWQ-gfn1TJTO6a_Ts9cqGfnGDvQHjg_hYdqWcl-0gkc591CYlARDuxC2LAGKBxi1W_wrdY_4k1B-QCA0Td7_PbzexeJT4NDoWJdZLOzyhNQ7lfSoOAp69PZXt4ibWB4B-DTCHsgmr2dGDVJnpvTDtXGHMT0ebbmwn5U8t6sxfz1-O1tlJdlqeDySDoQVcK" width="320" /></a></div><br />The centre left holds the sap vat, with its canvas cover, weighted at the four corners by stones sewn to the fabric. The sap workers have just emptied the sap cans, and are preparing to add the sap to the evaporating pans. The sled is pulled by humans, as this is a family sugar bush operation, not a commercial one, which would use a horse-drawn sled.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh8ytP7YIvxqSjpU7CJVt3gKqslkVhiU7zHFRsUWPi06PsRa3VUE5ocUGIoHGQiMXCEDcMf_pd1ksgYGVTtqTcFM_Sb4djCzekUBuF0a4T83J1lFzP8dL2ze3YxRSmvszx8jDAbZ1HaYeumxnbB3pDP1dOagSJdM8ICf5a3ZAXrY3YuyeAVcwggqbvtZuV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh8ytP7YIvxqSjpU7CJVt3gKqslkVhiU7zHFRsUWPi06PsRa3VUE5ocUGIoHGQiMXCEDcMf_pd1ksgYGVTtqTcFM_Sb4djCzekUBuF0a4T83J1lFzP8dL2ze3YxRSmvszx8jDAbZ1HaYeumxnbB3pDP1dOagSJdM8ICf5a3ZAXrY3YuyeAVcwggqbvtZuV" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Beyond the centre, at the edge of the scene, you see a tree with two sap buckets. Behind it on the snow lies an empty barrel, used to haul water to wash the equipment with, and to make tea for the workers. The large copper cauldron, which is also used to boil down the sap, has been cleaned and is draining against some felled tree trunk sections. Beyond that is the woodpile, and the chopping block with its axe and wedges.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrtVOi8OsV7Lzi7BX9HXy467_m9HsAGF7gxNkg6BxCn8izm9uIaT2ufbXi1S8AbnLQ4XSIN6cCMaeHbPH_OGiC5854dncAhDZFVxcA_Gco4vEsDybEfgJVJws5h3OsiSpbQtEfy6coEQTHslIetFsRQXV-zSirBnKU7vIIsanEa8d5Y5B6XjCFVmD-8B5n" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrtVOi8OsV7Lzi7BX9HXy467_m9HsAGF7gxNkg6BxCn8izm9uIaT2ufbXi1S8AbnLQ4XSIN6cCMaeHbPH_OGiC5854dncAhDZFVxcA_Gco4vEsDybEfgJVJws5h3OsiSpbQtEfy6coEQTHslIetFsRQXV-zSirBnKU7vIIsanEa8d5Y5B6XjCFVmD-8B5n" width="320" /></a></div><br />On the other side, the sap boilers are finishing their tea break, using the chest they employ to haul the necessary tools and equipment into the woods as their table. On the stump is a hydrometer in its case, while the sieve, skimmer and scraper are on top of the rock. The small shovel for the ashes leans against the rock. The fireplace was built of commercial miniature bricks, while the pans, smoke hood and damper are made of faux-finished cardboard.<p></p><p>As mentioned before, Marilyn and I used a series of how-to articles published in Nutshell News in April, June and July of 1992. The author of the articles was Ruth Armstrong, a wonderful metalworker. As we were not metalworkers, we used cardboard and cellulose clay to create the copper and metal sheet items. I enjoy working with faux finishes, and this scene allowed me to indulge that fascination. The only item(s) not made by us were the tea pot (plastic), the two wooden buckets at the back of the scene, and the wooden barrel lying on its side.</p><p>Now I have to tidy my work space, and Marilyn is going to work on inventory for the NB Miniature and Doll Show 2024, to be held in early May. When sugaring off starts, we know Spring won't be that far away....</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-54972568174713731402024-02-17T06:21:00.000-08:002024-02-17T06:21:23.944-08:00Syrup Tank<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU1BJ_du3QZ3rwOfvXwnJ2OcZOonmwhZmZKmK9k6suxLF_I88-ZagTvZOsxLVhsr4QvkhCdRPOJ9i6GPaSAXpowwsDEJTdVtdk01Ub3ITHvxWMH8IBe521wtmElD0-jF7cE6apfh0qb8qG7Hu-NAP7bXlS40-D6REZ96S8yvfVl6o6rDwDB3P_jhRS96fl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU1BJ_du3QZ3rwOfvXwnJ2OcZOonmwhZmZKmK9k6suxLF_I88-ZagTvZOsxLVhsr4QvkhCdRPOJ9i6GPaSAXpowwsDEJTdVtdk01Ub3ITHvxWMH8IBe521wtmElD0-jF7cE6apfh0qb8qG7Hu-NAP7bXlS40-D6REZ96S8yvfVl6o6rDwDB3P_jhRS96fl" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I had intended to make this using some half scale flooring that had been lying around for ages, but couldn't find how to bend really thin wood without damaging it. That meant finding another way to make the syrup tank.<p></p><p>It is made from two layers of cardboard, the kind on the back of writing tablets, and an outer layer of an old (and carefully used!) brown file folder. The inner cardboard was scored to represent barrel staves, as was the outer file folder card. Paint followed on the inside - black under the rim that holds the "sap" - and the sides and cardboard hoops on the outer edge. The liquid is a circle of clear plastic from a report cover, and just sits on the inner rim.</p><p>I still want to make a "canvas" cover for the tank; in a few older illustrations, the tanks have cloth covers that are pulled back when the sap is either being poured in or out. I intend to make a weight for the corners of the canvas cover, as they <i>had</i> to have had something to hold the cover down as they traveled through the woods emptying the sap buckets.</p><p>I'm pleased with tank, although it should have had slightly sloping sides...</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-53666152650727445392024-02-13T12:36:00.000-08:002024-02-13T12:36:06.635-08:00Some More Landscaping<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitiKVBP6cHtRo_Gv0I5Ud7sEHZULQMuTaZt6sr0WhWBRLNsqHYW9JzCbi-Qlxu8ML4c6R1Cyo7126ixLR6I3D-MnCoeILTMo6JegJCOM8diJ2LNpehQbKgcSxK2ueG2FF6paj89MA_CmDJipHNQ3BQTWkg4MZ58Gjk_6jIY-TPFbQMKEUPEmL4CVtz28e-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="638" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitiKVBP6cHtRo_Gv0I5Ud7sEHZULQMuTaZt6sr0WhWBRLNsqHYW9JzCbi-Qlxu8ML4c6R1Cyo7126ixLR6I3D-MnCoeILTMo6JegJCOM8diJ2LNpehQbKgcSxK2ueG2FF6paj89MA_CmDJipHNQ3BQTWkg4MZ58Gjk_6jIY-TPFbQMKEUPEmL4CVtz28e-" width="320" /></a></div><br /> This is the first time I've ever cropped a photo, but you didn't need the window frames or the white plastic table covering! This is more or less how things will be set up, once all the landscaping is in. We "planted" some dead grass, dead bushes and the like, spread some twigs and branches around, and now the next step, hopefully tomorrow, is the slushy path.<p></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-65839140681350571492024-02-11T15:19:00.000-08:002024-02-11T15:19:23.704-08:00Atmosphere Being Added (Before Our Snow Melts!)<p> It was well above freezing today, which meant I had to take advantage of the snow still on the ground to help me paint the snow in the diorama. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiseaRT6JnESLP8lsSglZT6wxbqEI7sYTRxRDuHTAAQyjPbtgA880Fpj7YfynVC1d7cTfsPMBjJ1N3jKg7ikOqwJzKPN3v6zP4Dcsa0rIjM4MNE7fQuS3JRi4kYSi9Pp0AwxkGvyFIbKJvjEkJSCpwM78GoIqMpcde2s-mXjX6JMJBijoKc7QR6kdZCUxft" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiseaRT6JnESLP8lsSglZT6wxbqEI7sYTRxRDuHTAAQyjPbtgA880Fpj7YfynVC1d7cTfsPMBjJ1N3jKg7ikOqwJzKPN3v6zP4Dcsa0rIjM4MNE7fQuS3JRi4kYSi9Pp0AwxkGvyFIbKJvjEkJSCpwM78GoIqMpcde2s-mXjX6JMJBijoKc7QR6kdZCUxft" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is the centre of the diorama, with chips, bark and sawdust added to the chopping block. The snow in the foreground has been painted a bit, but the area of the sleigh road is still unpainted, as that is my co-creator's task. We hope to get together a couple of days in the new week, to get the landscaping finished and then the lighting can be installed, as well as the last finishing details of the exterior of the diorama.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTLNjCLIHUt2kDWYhU5Wai56MIxYL5Cpfsz4qemznV9tnfARzM_j3emSQdVV9l09igernFXvt57zoxK3dPw2akwgxYmbcgV9LF5JC3TusNqWxaRVqcIYbdDkeXoueBUX2ty9lgxrUlFuHLMgUGjFnHLK7P-vu-8txV1q33pkZhqmn6fKM2h4WJglKvy4VB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTLNjCLIHUt2kDWYhU5Wai56MIxYL5Cpfsz4qemznV9tnfARzM_j3emSQdVV9l09igernFXvt57zoxK3dPw2akwgxYmbcgV9LF5JC3TusNqWxaRVqcIYbdDkeXoueBUX2ty9lgxrUlFuHLMgUGjFnHLK7P-vu-8txV1q33pkZhqmn6fKM2h4WJglKvy4VB" width="320" /></a></div><br />As you can see, there is still an unpainted area; this will be partly the path, and partly the mess of melted snow and ash, footprints and meltwater, around the fireplace. This is the right side.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA7dY6ntR5mX1tkfZHP7Aii3GS9wIR8xylFFSe6rzveU2Z5PuJtML5WcGNA0mtXyyN5uLVMiJBMt2QfRBeTo8qunZEALMnoEgj21MPPHjavgkJ9wS4L-91YkOB11CIM_oAt2lxfsfP--CDE6Lmeg9DXmvI0y12D_2l_jrZmOa5MdQP281yZPNjh6NoS9q-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA7dY6ntR5mX1tkfZHP7Aii3GS9wIR8xylFFSe6rzveU2Z5PuJtML5WcGNA0mtXyyN5uLVMiJBMt2QfRBeTo8qunZEALMnoEgj21MPPHjavgkJ9wS4L-91YkOB11CIM_oAt2lxfsfP--CDE6Lmeg9DXmvI0y12D_2l_jrZmOa5MdQP281yZPNjh6NoS9q-" width="320" /></a></div><br />And this is the left side. A little dead grass has been placed here and there, as well as bits of moss near the woodpile, and a few dead maple leaves have been placed near the trunks. Next up, I get to make the messy fireplace area.<p></p><p><br /></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-83227788321228774192024-02-07T13:38:00.000-08:002024-02-07T13:38:10.750-08:00Landscaping in Place, Now We Paint and Decorate<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipjmtXEFQVZHaptEG05Q0OrAMdORo-atDZHbKnGYRxea08eehmJZRjkjwpQ9TG2UZ3uitR3C02z2lsQtl5dkhOr_UXGUgiMeTeUkEwA3vYG9cu31tjlP3n6dLyZ3BQDeE01PqQAysJsaLMf_uyr9OQBFsChN1qw_hVE08zKre67NYXct-95hCjkwvzmFFX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipjmtXEFQVZHaptEG05Q0OrAMdORo-atDZHbKnGYRxea08eehmJZRjkjwpQ9TG2UZ3uitR3C02z2lsQtl5dkhOr_UXGUgiMeTeUkEwA3vYG9cu31tjlP3n6dLyZ3BQDeE01PqQAysJsaLMf_uyr9OQBFsChN1qw_hVE08zKre67NYXct-95hCjkwvzmFFX" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The diorama is currently in my work room, for the painting job to begin. Today I worked alone, as Marilyn has a stomach flu, but we hope to get together on Friday, if the flu is gone. The trees are in place, and they have bits of snow in the angles of the branches. The woodpile is also in place, as are two of the sap buckets, with more to come on the other large trees. <p></p><p>The painting process in a static diorama starts with marrying up the background and the foreground. At this point, the back edges have their first coat of paint, with some faint dry brush accents in the pale mauve found in the background photo. The next step will be to add grey-beige shadows, and try to dry-brush the edge of the foreground to blend into the background. It is far too white right now!</p><p>Marilyn built up the ground with foam chunks which she then covered in crumpled paper, using a glue-type product that brushes on. On the right of the photo is a path, which she gets to mess up with "footprints" and sledge tracks. There will be an ashy, melted, sludgy area around the fireplace, and then we get to dirty that with snow, ice and ashes.</p><p>Once the background is painted, we can begin to place the larger items, gradually working towards the front of the diorama. I knitted a tiny toque today, which may hang on one of the branches of the small tree on the right side. Now I have to go hide the diorama in our guest room overnight, because if I don't, our cat will move right into our tiny forest clearing....</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-19618262171072961452024-02-04T17:48:00.000-08:002024-02-04T17:48:53.329-08:00We Are Working Away<p> Due to health problems and bad weather, we haven't been able to get together much to work on the maple sugaring diorama the last ten days or so; however, we are hoping to get back to work on the final diorama Tuesday and Wednesday, to make up for all the lost time.</p><p>Winter, old age, back problems - well, what can I say!</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-72992668998128041742024-01-22T10:49:00.000-08:002024-01-22T10:49:57.130-08:00OK, That Took Time....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg13g6jz6hlBF_4bKQnJ1_CpoekN-2JELa5Mez5zaQemCk12qyOQbS_5vuVeCjkFowDu919HIE9aTPfu5JCwDER3xFgp2MwN80VVKEbvwRdYIwVfeLLSKhAreiiAyROFbS34boK-LOFUbGr-jprVF-rw4lvpnn9ixa8hq6GXhxhAG49RQVZu9zBjhEnzH1Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg13g6jz6hlBF_4bKQnJ1_CpoekN-2JELa5Mez5zaQemCk12qyOQbS_5vuVeCjkFowDu919HIE9aTPfu5JCwDER3xFgp2MwN80VVKEbvwRdYIwVfeLLSKhAreiiAyROFbS34boK-LOFUbGr-jprVF-rw4lvpnn9ixa8hq6GXhxhAG49RQVZu9zBjhEnzH1Q" width="320" /></a></div><br /> But the copper kettle is done! As mentioned before, the shape was moulded over a small preserving jar, using paper clay. Once dry, it was cut to size and sanded, and then faux painted. The bail handle is made of wire, and is not all that visible when the kettle is placed upside-down over a log to drain, as it will be in the diorama. The "rolled" rim is cotton yarn glued around the edges, and the ears are made of card.<p></p><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXqhvZg71C4UiZDP2SNUpIkLntmyoe0usn57Z5LxwDW_v2iS9KzDb6lGNOQDLWRA0F2hdtvjk72uZ5LCZciY_Sy8tSMMcQlJVWGJqhJILDiZnnOMMyYjQqQBGIFwNkXiJsnWoigZlbmN6JW4accPKonCLsc7ZQt4ge4ilbfq5eUBkoAnVfokA_I4i6mX0i" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXqhvZg71C4UiZDP2SNUpIkLntmyoe0usn57Z5LxwDW_v2iS9KzDb6lGNOQDLWRA0F2hdtvjk72uZ5LCZciY_Sy8tSMMcQlJVWGJqhJILDiZnnOMMyYjQqQBGIFwNkXiJsnWoigZlbmN6JW4accPKonCLsc7ZQt4ge4ilbfq5eUBkoAnVfokA_I4i6mX0i" width="320" /></a></div><br />I am very pleased with it; the original clay was stone gray, which was then sealed all over to take the paint without softening the cellulose clay. Once dry, I painted it with a couple of coats of raw sienna paint, and when that was dry it was dry-brushed, using a mini fan brush, with a brass-colour metallic rather than a pinkish-copper metallic paint, followed by a brushing and wiping with antiquing gel. And when that was dry, the whole thing was given a coat of satin varnish. The effect is of a copper kettle that has seen a rough life out in the woods, but is still being used, dents and all, as well as being kept quite clean by the maple sugaring crew.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are a few more small items to come, but so far I'm happy.</div>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-69334261880392081962024-01-18T12:23:00.000-08:002024-01-18T12:23:12.416-08:00A New Camera, and Some Things to Show<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEU1kAKP5FksWAHULxEeqwLoQ2zew3kwePajNcIDX6JK2-rQcNB5fGKXobv9e7jEqJTcNbj9zbXVFca1YbghVrSXFj6g-tYTjNfpjH2cdzShdb-oymquSmgmKkrDqbRkQl5-NAK72EvtQsBFi_du8oHiBkVoLO-2Aqm2Rl6RaakgJU4_yF2MvZjpYyNSOq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEU1kAKP5FksWAHULxEeqwLoQ2zew3kwePajNcIDX6JK2-rQcNB5fGKXobv9e7jEqJTcNbj9zbXVFca1YbghVrSXFj6g-tYTjNfpjH2cdzShdb-oymquSmgmKkrDqbRkQl5-NAK72EvtQsBFi_du8oHiBkVoLO-2Aqm2Rl6RaakgJU4_yF2MvZjpYyNSOq" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I'm not a woodcarver, but over the weekend I carved a paddle - complete with (cardboard) reinforcement strip on the back, a pair of wedges and an axe for the maple sugaring diorama. I also began work on the large copper kettle which will rest against a stump in the background of the scene, but took the photos with a new-to-me very fancy camera, and my old camera is unable to "read" the pictures I took.<p></p><p>The new camera is a bit of a learning curve, in that it is very slim, apparently has the ability to work with a higher number of pixels, and does not have a port for a cable - apparently, it is WiFi and we have to figure out how to make that work. The photo I took of the freshly-draped paper clay kettle is currently unavailable, but I did take a photo of the dried and trimmed version with my old camera.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcFqpSO5P_uZ4EYZPRO07DI1PmUnSFZEVRIKd7eTSdsmGKS_H_uLz74gqlast3jw_4mF-QJJfykJeydAAbopktPLtd0GEaCxJ-IXtOz1gHA7vR4H28MKKJIMgVR2k6E1PnBoih_mS2HzgJudDxkQ8A0pbd6U8D2B6ipUG1FzBNH40ABBJ7o52JO7Qvh5s0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcFqpSO5P_uZ4EYZPRO07DI1PmUnSFZEVRIKd7eTSdsmGKS_H_uLz74gqlast3jw_4mF-QJJfykJeydAAbopktPLtd0GEaCxJ-IXtOz1gHA7vR4H28MKKJIMgVR2k6E1PnBoih_mS2HzgJudDxkQ8A0pbd6U8D2B6ipUG1FzBNH40ABBJ7o52JO7Qvh5s0" width="320" /></a></div><br />The next step is to seal the inside and outside of the dried paper clay shell, and when that is dry I can faux-finish it to look like worn copper. The inside is unlikely to show in the final project, so I'll use that to test my finishes on. I still have to make the "ears" and the bail handle of the kettle, as well as figure out how to make it look like it has a rolled top. (I used a small preserving jar for the shape.)<p></p><p>Weather permitting, Marilyn and I'll be meeting up tomorrow to work on the scenery; I have some items for that to find/put together as well. Hopefully, there'll be some more photos to show you. If and when I can figure out how to download from the new camera, I'll post a photo of the wet clay draped on its form....</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-41627353702012985412024-01-12T13:08:00.000-08:002024-01-12T13:08:16.755-08:00...And, We're Back in Business<p> Finally, after a busy holiday season and a lot of weather cancellations, as well as health concerns and the like, we're finally back in business on the Maple Sugaring diorama.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5MgHQBkYUr3H5Z_bJWVdQuHI04wivnhkh3MBnwLthfay06cJJuZk4j9Dx0IEMhfWUAVeEeIw2_6OjfkaL_U_gu1gMtHH3sth2mtBXJU7R17TXL57C4JTix1HCvCtyj3fyBkHLH7Iq1BGfSZ62mCruJaf5WKFt_gsZDBzWhXXxplzzHL_Q8Ixnl-UbUYsZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5MgHQBkYUr3H5Z_bJWVdQuHI04wivnhkh3MBnwLthfay06cJJuZk4j9Dx0IEMhfWUAVeEeIw2_6OjfkaL_U_gu1gMtHH3sth2mtBXJU7R17TXL57C4JTix1HCvCtyj3fyBkHLH7Iq1BGfSZ62mCruJaf5WKFt_gsZDBzWhXXxplzzHL_Q8Ixnl-UbUYsZ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The curved background of the diorama has been constructed, and we are working on the actual landscaping of our scene. The major elements are in palace here, and we are about to start the placement of the various trees.The pink foam will be shaped into shallow slopes, to draw the eye of the viewer from the background to the foreground. Marilyn has taken on the landscaping on this project, and we worked together at her house today to begin that process.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJjNEs451lufJxKSFk-kI0WkgdXgBfGL3JqBxkyg_Qc1oBrsnWTRbawIhyr_3NJoCNqcYFSR4fPe_zFMaVcmCM-Xwt4tUjxwu4SAV_QUwDfovgoeqZTYrdE7dqlVfUnHojIjkCCH1vUMgCcYgyfZFkUsEpMQWvQHWZJDN87vvr-fh2VfYmbydM-_st47LR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJjNEs451lufJxKSFk-kI0WkgdXgBfGL3JqBxkyg_Qc1oBrsnWTRbawIhyr_3NJoCNqcYFSR4fPe_zFMaVcmCM-Xwt4tUjxwu4SAV_QUwDfovgoeqZTYrdE7dqlVfUnHojIjkCCH1vUMgCcYgyfZFkUsEpMQWvQHWZJDN87vvr-fh2VfYmbydM-_st47LR" width="320" /></a></div><br />There will be a number of large and small trees, to carry the viewer's eyes into the background, and Marilyn is figuring out placements. The size of the trees will decrease the further they are in the diorama, to create a sense of greater depth than there is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are still a few small pieces, my part of it, to create, and we hope we can get this project done in a month or so, ready for what may be an early maple sugaring season here, thanks to el nino's contribution to the weird weather. However, a storm system is expected to appear here tomorrow and the next day, so heaven only knows what will happen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The display will be on show near the end of March, if everything falls into the schedule we've envisioned for this project. We're going forward again!</div><br /><p></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-76891951409864031582023-12-15T17:43:00.000-08:002023-12-15T17:43:27.293-08:00I'm Working on Christmas Gifts Right Now<p>Usually every year I attempt to make some home-made gifts for my family, and this year is no exception, except that I've gotten very behind at what I'm working on. It's mostly a question of supply availability, which means that I've got several things going on at the same time. I'm knitting, quilting, and there is some sewing and embroidery lurking about for my attention, as well as some knitted decorations that need stuffing.</p><p>We are still working on the Maple Sugaring diorama, but with the busyness at this time of year, things tend to sit around until there is a block of time to actually finish them. </p><p>Stick with me, I promise there is more to come. </p><p>Winter is here, we had snow and then loads of rain. As depressing as that was - there was some localised flooding of low road areas - I keep reminding myself what it would have meant if that rain had come down as snow! There have also been more than the usual number of get-togethers with friends and family this year, which is lovely, but has added to the time things on the go tend to sit unfinished. We have company staying with us for nearly a week over Christmas, which means the house needs some real attention. In my kitchen cupboard is a mug that has a slogan on it "What housework? I'm busy crafting." </p><p>Yes, I<i> am</i>.</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-79351963622190823952023-11-14T09:17:00.000-08:002023-11-14T09:17:41.654-08:00...And a Few More Things<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSvI7kJhAxwvmL9-uZPcJa3ODccfbQQeOk07zepyHXdeAxxmw6PZrRBQI2-tqWc031JKBSYFcwpTvL6xC_F-1s1BuLHj7hSrhAfdw_VgOllZwLQpUO_5GIKZ-4tUwuq7eEjS0df3eIjwK9jrGB4oAOXg8sTYQaEC9M7Sb4cU94Jm0sLWz6nSU1gz2YiRPn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSvI7kJhAxwvmL9-uZPcJa3ODccfbQQeOk07zepyHXdeAxxmw6PZrRBQI2-tqWc031JKBSYFcwpTvL6xC_F-1s1BuLHj7hSrhAfdw_VgOllZwLQpUO_5GIKZ-4tUwuq7eEjS0df3eIjwK9jrGB4oAOXg8sTYQaEC9M7Sb4cU94Jm0sLWz6nSU1gz2YiRPn" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Woodpile, chopping block, borrowed axe, stumps to to sit on, and finally, barely visible, a damper for the fireplace. Now for lids and spiles for the sap cans....<p></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-41504490168772206352023-11-08T17:16:00.001-08:002023-11-08T17:16:04.668-08:00Fatigue and a Carrying Chest<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxZb8slyiw7lhQvdCC-oIZaQYDu1NUCoQ6MeiiPO4B39dCtheYtK2PrD-1o1la1NuQhF2p052Z3zuVfvNfUA4BSZX3pDDgDVR_koiBMJ0vjX18HZtUlV6gwUcO0RDwdxL6p0iR3GhjHIH84ydkSbdNu0XOkMz02mNTj8kNymkEtn6tRW05KjPzi0bieMbR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxZb8slyiw7lhQvdCC-oIZaQYDu1NUCoQ6MeiiPO4B39dCtheYtK2PrD-1o1la1NuQhF2p052Z3zuVfvNfUA4BSZX3pDDgDVR_koiBMJ0vjX18HZtUlV6gwUcO0RDwdxL6p0iR3GhjHIH84ydkSbdNu0XOkMz02mNTj8kNymkEtn6tRW05KjPzi0bieMbR" width="320" /></a></div><br />Yesterday, I had my Covid booster, and I'm feeling very tired, an expected side effect. However, I did manage to finish a six-board chest, painted in barn red, (still needs its rope handles, though!), for my maple sugar workers to carry their gear in. I managed to create a passable sieve, used to remove bark bits etc. from the raw sap, so that is two more items for the diorama.<p></p><p> We've had two overcast days, with rain constantly - although I'm not complaining, as it could have been snow - which means I've not yet been out in the garden to retrieve some firewood branches and tree stumps. They'll be in scale, of course, one large stump for chopping the logs for the fire, and two small ones for the workers to sit on. They can use the chest as a table to hold their tea and meals, as it is several days' work to boil the sap down into syrup. I also need to make lids for the syrup buckets, and then I have to create spiles. </p><p>As I don't work tomorrow, since my bosses at my volunteer job are at a three-day conference, and will try to make some items for the diorama then. Hopefully, I'll be less tired. My first attempt at a tea kettle didn't work out that well, so I'll try that again. The lid ended up being too small to stay on top of the kettle....</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-56220277528912175212023-11-04T17:15:00.002-07:002023-11-04T17:15:18.400-07:00Maple Sugar Buckets, and....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiG6bluRoansAPIperuJiWKFzQjTk2XPJtFJXZgE-QK6kCts7caxzUbrY-dovKOLVoHjIcs5whcoLyK1GdrpqXX0aOm0l4m1n-Y4_1yw_irQ-tnfxWY5T7C2mHPcxLci5WglduZQaMqysQp3u3iWJmYOW8--kEt8lgZAwuFXAo_FQEgw9YF4hSKEhf6aMc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiG6bluRoansAPIperuJiWKFzQjTk2XPJtFJXZgE-QK6kCts7caxzUbrY-dovKOLVoHjIcs5whcoLyK1GdrpqXX0aOm0l4m1n-Y4_1yw_irQ-tnfxWY5T7C2mHPcxLci5WglduZQaMqysQp3u3iWJmYOW8--kEt8lgZAwuFXAo_FQEgw9YF4hSKEhf6aMc" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It took several days, and about 8 applications of sealer, paint coats, and varnish to produce these sap buckets. They are made of recipe card cardboard, and were finished to match the buckets on the trees in the background, which are rather more pale yellow-silvery than the paint job on the fireplace and the evaporating pans. The little scraper is also made of painted card, with a toothpick handle.<p></p><p>On the drawing board are a teakettle, a couple of mugs, and some more necessary tools, as well as a woodpile, among other things. At some point, I have to produce a passable facsimile of a large copper cauldron. Along with the woodpile, the scene needs a couple of stumps, one being used as a chopping block for the wood that goes into the fireplace.</p><p>And the other thing? Well, the third attempt to acquire the 1/8" heart punch is now over; we received it late last week, and it was once again the wrong size, this time measuring 3/8". We've given up and asked for a refund of our purchase price. Now I have to see if any of the dealers I know carry this size of punch, or are able to source one for me. Sigh! I don't know right now if I'll ever be able to get back to the garden corner vignette. However, I haven't given up hope yet.</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-80952910316763548602023-10-30T13:14:00.004-07:002023-10-30T13:15:51.279-07:00It's Too Soon!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijCu5YPUAI4xxi1hYAdsXLKoGSVX_YmygVjT2R6X5RjtX-zn6eP9EEwn7TLHk9rVQ7knoO6zsXDc08lefOf9ggLsPVCtkm8KOnzcBu7avWym1xPDsNWzZQnyYQsPPtU5LIu2mm2pHy5S2kZJnvtCkHF-i6JKKCtKyq67i5VP2Wj9Ja1O1AsngHZrjFg01g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijCu5YPUAI4xxi1hYAdsXLKoGSVX_YmygVjT2R6X5RjtX-zn6eP9EEwn7TLHk9rVQ7knoO6zsXDc08lefOf9ggLsPVCtkm8KOnzcBu7avWym1xPDsNWzZQnyYQsPPtU5LIu2mm2pHy5S2kZJnvtCkHF-i6JKKCtKyq67i5VP2Wj9Ja1O1AsngHZrjFg01g" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Front Garden/Apple Orchard</div><p>This just plain isn't fair! It was 24 degrees Celsius on Saturday, but 5 degrees on Sunday, and this is what arrived in the course of today, Monday. Yes, those are nasturtiums under the snow at the right. There are also still sweet peas blooming, but likely not for much longer!</p><p></p><p>Fortunately, this was forecast, but we try to be hopeful; it didn't work this time. The snow tires went on my car yesterday, just in case, and the snow scraper/brush was already in my car. It'll be cold for the children tomorrow for Hallowe'en. Six months of this stuff is not something I look forward to....<br /> </p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-75669698758630198222023-10-25T15:52:00.001-07:002023-10-25T15:52:38.236-07:00The Directions Aren't Always Correct!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVVh49ryUYcc42ECZUoPbp9O-Tb7_-DW9hKvu5Stwa_6icgfJhXinLxMYVRR7ZHNcwh7qS65IwkNkiy8DCwxZj-CueBRc9OviqtifVS-zvph4NmTNfYdQrS3cOMCoJCU7vDKfcIZBR8zJMGx6BcLASwxCMM9BwoYIiP421mmId_yF_0Eq8TjQaa2skuIH2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVVh49ryUYcc42ECZUoPbp9O-Tb7_-DW9hKvu5Stwa_6icgfJhXinLxMYVRR7ZHNcwh7qS65IwkNkiy8DCwxZj-CueBRc9OviqtifVS-zvph4NmTNfYdQrS3cOMCoJCU7vDKfcIZBR8zJMGx6BcLASwxCMM9BwoYIiP421mmId_yF_0Eq8TjQaa2skuIH2" width="320" /></a></div><br /> As I had mentioned earlier, when I started this project, we're working from a series of articles in Nutshell News published in 1992. I said in my previous post that I'd make another set of evaporating pans, as the first set didn't fit on the sugaring fireplace. Well, the second set was also too long....<p></p><p>Out came my ruler, and after measuring, two or three times, the drawings from which I was supposed to take measurements, the diagrams for the fireplace and the pans did not exactly work out size ways....</p><p>My resolution was to add a row of stones to the end of the fireplace, which made everything fit just right! A bucket is awaiting some more faux painting, and I did manage to make a scoop out of card and a decorative toothpick; all it needs is some painting. I've also got to make a sieve and a wooden paddle scoop, as well as a skimmer. I may have to use heavy aluminum foil for the latter, as it needs holes as well as a shallow, dished profile, but I'll experiment with card at first.</p><p>The sledge is stained, and the Medieval Market offered up one of its large barrels. I kind of want another barrel, though, as well as another pail. My first experiment for the sap bucket didn't work out as well as I'd hoped, so I'll try another approach on Friday. Tomorrow I work.</p><p><br /></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-82099444259684416272023-10-21T14:11:00.003-07:002023-10-21T14:11:54.687-07:00That Part is Done!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBA1XsOMJzpHv6onhsghmIG0Akf4Ml7DEzcmYWoAJKtwG-7JOou0fOCG60mGY3edgJdS1rEiahHIvhGMhZkX-Dn7wM-UU1C-tTvOU9HldAUQsaITac9BZBDdeKTLjg0fk_I5vunTtOaV-F1DKievgm3Ap4fUwlF9sLQa7Tg9i-WFMPoWVZm14JVL04-Pji" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBA1XsOMJzpHv6onhsghmIG0Akf4Ml7DEzcmYWoAJKtwG-7JOou0fOCG60mGY3edgJdS1rEiahHIvhGMhZkX-Dn7wM-UU1C-tTvOU9HldAUQsaITac9BZBDdeKTLjg0fk_I5vunTtOaV-F1DKievgm3Ap4fUwlF9sLQa7Tg9i-WFMPoWVZm14JVL04-Pji" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Today's work is the painting of the sugaring fireplace hood and chimney. It has been faux-painted to look like tin, complete with rivets along the hood seams. The photo can be enlarged by clicking on it.</p><p>Tomorrow the new evaporating pans, and the damper which goes behind the fireplace, to control the flow of air for the fire.</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-89311140030910204122023-10-20T14:28:00.002-07:002023-10-20T14:28:41.120-07:00Made Some Mistakes....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4HGhHzufWpooSkSCOJhvfrrj-zt-FOonVMyy5zCdQ1kptNyGXVXclMUP5EsGqqGT4-hdysWrAEcUWW6b3kfqIlNhIcxBiY-MZQ2QLkh1Q_BLId8bzL_act_m1B_orvxGDEGmrCP_gzjijztdoHaH8uxuLgXuWrlTegf2wwAHTKoeJUuzxKPLOlKdlAV-C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4HGhHzufWpooSkSCOJhvfrrj-zt-FOonVMyy5zCdQ1kptNyGXVXclMUP5EsGqqGT4-hdysWrAEcUWW6b3kfqIlNhIcxBiY-MZQ2QLkh1Q_BLId8bzL_act_m1B_orvxGDEGmrCP_gzjijztdoHaH8uxuLgXuWrlTegf2wwAHTKoeJUuzxKPLOlKdlAV-C" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The handles on the evaporating pans are on the wrong side, which probably means making a couple of new pans. The backdrop is there to give you an idea of what this scene may look like, but keep in mind we're in the early stages yet. I bricked the fireplace on Wednesday, but decided to paint the bricks as I did not like their original colour. As the bricks are a plaster product, the paint had to dry thoroughly; also, I worked at my volunteer job Thursday.</p><p>The stuff on the back of the fireplace is the hood and chimney, made in cardboard, currently being held in place by a drinking straw, so that orange thing will go away! And of course, the whole fireplace hood needs to be painted to look like well-used metal. The sled too needs to be stained, as well as the one bucket, and they all need to be dirtied up, um, that is, aged.</p><p>Tonight I'll put a seal coat on the card, and then I can do the faux metal painting over the weekend. It's an interesting project, for sure, but so many small bits and pieces!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidGokvnlpSoYCpIyydr5HhBwrvG_Hoa_V4OBaRgb4fRoXt1yOBfPlOFz0k-cXbq63na0sEQOXTVcYUZTG8pQtyRplQkQ1UQSJOFQBWOlCneA57bPmNYZkABCetxfDqWnCGQxIWXQ7MzoTce1I0uUTiNbgSRRBjv5XVNUiZKG4BUGXBbvQwvPUaYM5BaXmV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidGokvnlpSoYCpIyydr5HhBwrvG_Hoa_V4OBaRgb4fRoXt1yOBfPlOFz0k-cXbq63na0sEQOXTVcYUZTG8pQtyRplQkQ1UQSJOFQBWOlCneA57bPmNYZkABCetxfDqWnCGQxIWXQ7MzoTce1I0uUTiNbgSRRBjv5XVNUiZKG4BUGXBbvQwvPUaYM5BaXmV" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Among the smallest are the spiles, i.e. the taps, if you like, that are inserted into the tree to allow the sap to drain. The ones above are very old, made of wood, except for the one at the top, but as they are maybe 1 cm or so long in miniature, carving wood that way would be horrible.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbh4GwjXvITJB1-nepjQrIo3s6ZbMSABpK8TkFWmIkAMSWM5OMwpUnTBnO9zeLfaKYDE9Puiw930eAtmibq0H2ILXKNfxUPlvBMQVgm5mGrfQjpAGaglDVin-jLwI9lE1_A80n5t-oMFk29VWQ3Tl9Iv_4rVXHkrZ3ZRrdXsuWPXJdhZb1CyuawlvE4x0g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbh4GwjXvITJB1-nepjQrIo3s6ZbMSABpK8TkFWmIkAMSWM5OMwpUnTBnO9zeLfaKYDE9Puiw930eAtmibq0H2ILXKNfxUPlvBMQVgm5mGrfQjpAGaglDVin-jLwI9lE1_A80n5t-oMFk29VWQ3Tl9Iv_4rVXHkrZ3ZRrdXsuWPXJdhZb1CyuawlvE4x0g" width="320" /></a></div><br />These three are the basic spiles; I will use the type at lower right, more cardboard to paint to look like tin. The narrow end goes into the tree, and the hook is for the sap bucket to hang below. I also have to make quite a few of those, along with their hinged lids that prevent forest debris and perhaps bird droppings from getting into the precious maple sap. Fiddly work, but I'll work a way to do it quickly. I photographed the spiles at my volunteer job; we have a large number of them, so I had the real thing to study!<p></p><p><br /></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-49603316624215203242023-10-16T18:43:00.000-07:002023-10-16T18:43:05.595-07:00I'm Back, But Still Waiting for the Punch....<p>We got back from our visit to western Canada for quick visits with our 3 children and their respective spouses/partners, without getting sick from the rhinovirus hitting that province and the kids (1 just over it, 1 partly through, and 1 at the end of it) or catching Covid from airplanes, and wonder of wonders, no luggage was delayed or lost. We had a good time, and now that I've more or less adjusted to Atlantic time (3hrs earlier than the mountain time we lived with on our vacation), I'm finally sleeping through the night again.</p><p>I achieved a goal from my bucket list; fifty years ago, I worked for the Western Regional Office of Parks Canada, and decided that I'd like to visit all the Rocky Mountain national parks. Well, I visited them many times, except for Waterton-Glacier Peace Park, which straddles the border between Canada and the United States. Usually, I don't post personal photos, but I finally, finally got there! We had traveled through the US portion years earlier, but never to the Canadian part.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ0WU_xQ4r73iDxsMEdc-i4nQbv5P-VEsF0eZGEcyXEHF3BSXoN2NTdmfFMjhle57UNBQO5Uxsvxf8xMEX_oXjs0hrY4IfniButRa2m-swlKtYmdev5y4suhRiMpe3dLXkjN9aqtVTS9zpSw8L5O_6tif6Kp4QzUuheqkSYUnC_x-4kPhfMB1I5UnRL3LZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1179" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ0WU_xQ4r73iDxsMEdc-i4nQbv5P-VEsF0eZGEcyXEHF3BSXoN2NTdmfFMjhle57UNBQO5Uxsvxf8xMEX_oXjs0hrY4IfniButRa2m-swlKtYmdev5y4suhRiMpe3dLXkjN9aqtVTS9zpSw8L5O_6tif6Kp4QzUuheqkSYUnC_x-4kPhfMB1I5UnRL3LZ" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was cold and windy, so I'm huddled into my jacket. The park is within easy travelling distance of my youngest daughter's house, and she was kind enough to take us for a couple of walks there. Bear evidence was everywhere; the trail we'd intended to hike was closed due to a deer carcass</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> - which means a very hungry bear is not far away - and there was a huge pile of bear scat full of berries on the sidewalk on the edge of the parking lot at Red Rock Canyon. This time of year, bears are bad-tempered and are everywhere, and we people have to give them space to fatten themselves up for winter. We passed a "bear jam" - cars parked either side of a narrow access road to view a young black bear eating berries up the hill - and got the heck out of there before some silly stupid tourist got out to get up close for a photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As to the title of this post; we got a message via email that there had been an attempt to deliver the long-awaited punch "mid-month" while we were away, of course, so we tried to track it. The Carpenter-in Chief headed to the post office to see if it was there, but they said the parcel had had a Montreal address. A message to the company with the tracking number informed us today that the package had been unsuccessfully delivered to an address in Montreal, Quebec (a day's drive away), so it seems we were given the wrong tracking number by the dealer. We have informed the dealer of their error, and are awaiting the response. Will I ever get that punch, I wonder?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wednesday it's back to minis....</div><p></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-45964149179379092402023-09-21T12:53:00.006-07:002023-10-07T10:07:19.684-07:00A Couple of Small Things....<p> This week, I actually had some time to do some miniature crafting. The photo below is the start of a pair of evaporating pans, used in the maple sugaring industry prior to mechanization. As the diorama for which these items are being made is static, i.e., the items will be in a sealed room box and safely glued down, I'm using some simple materials and paint to mimic metal, etc.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTEERv_lgeNv7BvzqUgrvUOcxzofilgMvI2hIUDZR0IIhvE2rm4aFtzhADVAommOm5AaLwW2XyiezM07wHs-DU-qXh4zLCWGB8TGFrJB_GSth1Ekcws2ALppWZDMTUrF6_tFBRVxvaAQOU0Z0t18vb6oU_611v2RG9MWyWoXuP6jo1xvuNN5CnAiJp_BpG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTEERv_lgeNv7BvzqUgrvUOcxzofilgMvI2hIUDZR0IIhvE2rm4aFtzhADVAommOm5AaLwW2XyiezM07wHs-DU-qXh4zLCWGB8TGFrJB_GSth1Ekcws2ALppWZDMTUrF6_tFBRVxvaAQOU0Z0t18vb6oU_611v2RG9MWyWoXuP6jo1xvuNN5CnAiJp_BpG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The pans were made of cardboard from the back of a writing tablet, scored, folded, glued and reinforced with finer cardboard tabs. The handles for the pans were made from the wire end of a pair of eye pins, of which I have a lot, shaped around a thin piece of wood, held on with recipe card tabs. The edges of the pans were rounded with some crochet cotton.<p></p><p>And this is what they look like after many coats of paint, reinforced with sealer, and then varnished:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxgtP7OQ21BndghBMY4LuXadFWBl0iwF9DLy6j3vtOTBBZqkun5ppHhgKmm52QvkqNmAn5aVI3j6IHXRjg_ebn0pNSUndVLqhfqhJpdJBammaJGOWoeFRW-mRujuUpfNCbj8wSK3QeGpYsGC_9uNrwcIKKkssdo5L4EuXEYOpldrfFnZVHCnH_BwC8nnpz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxgtP7OQ21BndghBMY4LuXadFWBl0iwF9DLy6j3vtOTBBZqkun5ppHhgKmm52QvkqNmAn5aVI3j6IHXRjg_ebn0pNSUndVLqhfqhJpdJBammaJGOWoeFRW-mRujuUpfNCbj8wSK3QeGpYsGC_9uNrwcIKKkssdo5L4EuXEYOpldrfFnZVHCnH_BwC8nnpz" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I sealed the cardboard first with a multipurpose sealer, then painted it in hippo grey. This was then dry-brushed with lighter grey, a bit of red iron oxide, pewter metallic, and the bases (which sit over the fire) darkened with black. Once all the paint is dry, the pans were given a coat of satin varnish. They now look convincingly like tin pans that have seen a lot of hard use! (I'm looking for amber acetate film, to mimic the maple sap in them.) Did you know it takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup? Hours and hours of evaporating slowly over a wood fire, while being stirred and skimmed....</p><p>The two small items in front are a hydrometer, made of an extra-long bugle bead with a blue glass bead glued and pinned into the end, and its case, made of an off-cut of brass tubing with a handle made from an earring back.</p><p>The pans are sitting on a sledge, which is glued, pinned and ready to paint and age. This would have been used by one or two men pulling it, to bring buckets of fresh maple sap from the trees to the maple syruping fireplace. As maple syrup is harvested in these northern climates around the end of March, the woods are usually still very much covered in snow. Larger sugar bush businesses would have used a dray horse to pull a much larger sled, but this operation is the kind a farmer and his family would likely have had, for producing syrup primarily for their own use.</p><p>I'm off for a visit to my children out west. Marilyn hopes to have the diorama room box done by the time I get back the first week in October, and has found the perfect photo of a maple sugar forest, complete with snow, for the backdrop to our joint diorama project. There are lots more tiny items to be made....</p><p>Now, if I can only figure out how to create a new label for this project, to make the process easier to find! </p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-45745976895891606702023-09-15T13:24:00.000-07:002023-09-15T13:24:07.667-07:00New Group (just 2 of us) Project<p> The proper size heart punch has not as yet arrived, and we'll be heading off for a short vacation shortly, so Marilyn and I decided to get started on our joint winter project, a maple sugaring diorama which we will donate to our local living history museum, Kings Landing Historical Settlement, for use during their Maple Sugaring Weekends end March of each year.</p><p>Marilyn and her chief carpenter are starting on the actual diorama (roombox), while I'm beginning the many pieces needed to flesh out this scene. I've begun with a pair of evaporating pans, and hope to have a photo in the next day or so. We are working with instructions by Ruth Armstrong, published in 3 parts in the summer 1992 issues of Nutshell News. Mrs. Armstrong specialised in metal miniatures, but we are not metal-workers, so we'll be using card, matte board, wood and the like to create our sugaring equipment. </p><p>We are awaiting the landfall of Hurricane Lee, which we all fervently hope will be downgraded to a tropical storm when it hits our shores; however, we are moving everything that could be picked up by heavy winds to a safe, roofed place. We'll likely take the clothesline down too, as the last time we had a really bad storm, a tree came down on it and tore off part of corner cedar siding on our house.</p><p><br /></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-33475038514907394952023-08-24T13:36:00.000-07:002023-08-24T13:36:18.800-07:00Going Ahead....<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhap4SyCnSaThH8Jzu0gGn9L36ShFi5-fEpdO5oeil5N58ajXXIgZlU7FgusCJgXjcAryZ56tIgWVRi8pbi4_lz0yizaXhJYriKyt1YdC_2paYKxPQZ-D4txbc9G2igqJXutjJEXRUJa2oaF5lGwoDCQwIHRNPBm3e8nUVD7GBrEAT9zNCBw3JjKsnJ6pmL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhap4SyCnSaThH8Jzu0gGn9L36ShFi5-fEpdO5oeil5N58ajXXIgZlU7FgusCJgXjcAryZ56tIgWVRi8pbi4_lz0yizaXhJYriKyt1YdC_2paYKxPQZ-D4txbc9G2igqJXutjJEXRUJa2oaF5lGwoDCQwIHRNPBm3e8nUVD7GBrEAT9zNCBw3JjKsnJ6pmL" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>I've begun putting the leaves on the wild rose bush in my garden vignette, starting with the baby leaves on the tips of the branches. Yesterday, we got together for a mini meeting, and that's where this process was started. It's going to take a lot of leaves, and a lot of time, to get it looking full and bushy! </p><p>The punch company is sending me a replacement, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't be too many weeks to get here, as I think I may have to place some of the flowers, buds, rose hips etc. before all the leaves go on.</p><p>An exercise in patience, for sure, and I'm doing my best....</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-41840645247265083032023-08-18T18:23:00.003-07:002023-08-21T05:07:49.464-07:00On-Line Shopping is the Pits!<p> Well, the long-awaited heart punch for the garden corner vignette arrived yesterday, but I need an 1/8" (4 mm) punch, and what arrived was a 5/8" (16 mm) punch. We are now having to arrange the return of that one, and the acquisition of the proper one, but I think we're dealing with another country, and another language, which means it may be weeks and many more dollars before the small punch arrives, if ever....</p><p>Another long wait, therefore, before I can get back to that project. Perhaps I should dig out another unfinished one, and see if I have enough of whatever on hand to complete that instead. However, I will stay hopeful that I will, one day, finish all my unfinished projects!</p><p>It's almost enough to make me give up my hobbies; however, I'd probably lose my mind in that case....</p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-5005890289379424562023-08-15T13:16:00.002-07:002023-08-15T13:16:35.740-07:00I Didn't Know I Had That Many Beads....<p> It is taking longer than expected to sort and decide what to keep and what to give away of my bead and jewelry findings stash! This afternoon I thought I was nearly done, but then I discovered three more boxes of findings and beads, along with a couple of tins of broken jewelry waiting to be fixed. Most of the findings and a fair number of beads will go, with a few kept for cosmetic pots, jars, bottles and vases. It'll be another day or two at least, as sitting hunched over my work table with my magnifying glasses slipping off my nose, tweezers in hand, is very wearing....</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5AL-EKoVmnMHchOUnAzIfA-7-7Y_CE2Kg17Yc8Jd4ThQ0TUk3r9GMf6XxW-liwjMiL_SRT0rD29zGRnG1j0rxm-HnWthJFs1Ds0Z59_an_iAuDIj6PRr75mBRUyCG6Hd_1ducIf5lYFq-tkBk9l5TgOvOr7NX9DFRKQlQQy0HylCsuETdPnGSXp-KkuoS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5AL-EKoVmnMHchOUnAzIfA-7-7Y_CE2Kg17Yc8Jd4ThQ0TUk3r9GMf6XxW-liwjMiL_SRT0rD29zGRnG1j0rxm-HnWthJFs1Ds0Z59_an_iAuDIj6PRr75mBRUyCG6Hd_1ducIf5lYFq-tkBk9l5TgOvOr7NX9DFRKQlQQy0HylCsuETdPnGSXp-KkuoS" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is an overview of the two tables in use for this sorting project. There are beads, boxes and baggies literally everywhere. Believe it or not, I've already emptied five plastic boxes, one of them very large indeed. One of my bead sorting containers is full of jewelry findings and a large assortment of beads, ready for delivery to our local hospice shop.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkAEZFyCMmP3jDL-LLAl1d1DUNCY6JHGgfbUZr_jRbCPxvOmnetmPjQS_s9siM1_xyv35G77Zvss7cDdBCQfFT2GzbHyQz8lu5e-_2gfwiC3U5oAa3L-G1QegAtMa9x_b7GIgRYW8rXgg3VovyY1t2vV49tsH_A4Suq_rt2G6SrLFzmlcHkK0GEZXZef3Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkAEZFyCMmP3jDL-LLAl1d1DUNCY6JHGgfbUZr_jRbCPxvOmnetmPjQS_s9siM1_xyv35G77Zvss7cDdBCQfFT2GzbHyQz8lu5e-_2gfwiC3U5oAa3L-G1QegAtMa9x_b7GIgRYW8rXgg3VovyY1t2vV49tsH_A4Suq_rt2G6SrLFzmlcHkK0GEZXZef3Q" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The two shallow plastic boxes at left are among the ones now empty, having been sorted into one of (currently) 3 boxes; one holds nothing but small beads, while the larger holds various sizes of "useful" beads and a smaller one is currently holding baggies of seed beads I hope will find space of the larger box. While I was at this job, I decided to pull various other boxes and trays of things set aside for mini use. With luck there will be no more than two boxes of these little but useful items at the end of this exercise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to do some real minis now.....</div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264275448130818882.post-36437426164507930682023-08-02T09:57:00.002-07:002023-08-02T09:57:56.361-07:00Still Here, and Waiting....<p>It has been a while since I posted. In the meantime, we went on a short holiday, worked on the Provincial Highland Games, traveled a bit locally with a friend, and tried to bring the household under control. We are about to have another short trip soon, then a visit with our children in late September, and if all goes well, we are having a serious holiday next March/April.</p><p>My garden corner is still waiting for an affordable 1/8" (3 mm) heart punch for the roses, and this is proving to be a very elusive quest indeed! No one in town sells punches any more except for our local Michaels, and they only seem to carry huge ones. There are scrap-booking places, but they don't carry punches. (I guess that hobby is dying out somewhat!), and I don't have any mini friends who do have the size I need.Yesterday I did find one on-line, for $15.98 Cdn, but with shipping and handling it came to close to $40 - I refuse to give in to the new commerce! I will keep looking. I'd even be happy to rent one for an hour or so, if I could find someone who had one....</p><p>There has been some good come of this, though, as I've tidied up a lot of my hobby supplies, and now I need to sort and get rid of any beads I'll never use.</p><p>Hope the sun is shining for you and that it is not too hot.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>pulchinella's cellarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15756949522030010789noreply@blogger.com5