Chapter 77b - The Stair Bannisters to the Second Floor Landing, Installation of the Stairs, The Stone Lantern

Tōrō lamp inspiration

March 2nd - 6th 2014

These are the remaining pieces to the kit that I had already previously opened to make the shōji.
Once I saw the remaining pieces, I admit I was a bit stressed.  This is where I make the final pieces to install the bannisters and the stairs from the first floor to the second floor.  I really do not want to do this yet so it’s highly unlikely that I will.  For the reason that the fitting stresses me out and also because I’d prefer to install the two hinged porch extensions onto their relative rooms by just taking the whole floor off and drilling and installing things from my work table.  It’s easier and more stable than trying to balance the porches into position using the below porches as support.  So, these stair pieces were constructed just like the others and put aside awaiting their day of installation when the entire floor is actually in place.

The two bannisters drying.  Then they'll be added to the stairway storage box!

More mossy tōrō inspiration.

In this chapter, there was also a stone lantern or a tōrō to assemble.  I have never seen one of these inside a house and the instruction have you placing it on the second floor landing - but who am I to question it.  In any case, I am planning a small garden on the left side of the house so I would prefer to put the lantern there.  Obviously, it’s still too early to decorate the garden (since I still have lots of large sections of house to install) and I wouldn’t want to ruin my tōrō during roof and floor installations so I’ll build it now and put it away for when the garden is ready to be decorated.

I gathered some visual images of stone lanterns and the ones I liked the most were the moss covered ones.  A lantern that looks like it’s seen many years outside guiding you through the garden path.  So, that was my idea - to paint the lantern to simulate aged stone, then cover it in moss.
I painted first an undercoat of blue grey.  Then I applied a little wax to the areas that I wanted to have show up after.  I then painted a coat of dark grey, let it dry and then sanded away in areas.  The undercoat showed up since it had been protected with the wax. I then got my stencil brush and used some white to touch up the lantern.  The added white gave a rough look of stone - not just solid grey.  Then I added a bit of grey green in areas that I intended to add my “moss”.

Blue grey stone and painted foil (yellow)

Waxing up the areas that I want to show thru.

Overpainted dark grey with blue grey areas showing thru.

Added white with a stencil brush.

I had found for €1 a little round piece of mixed synthetic moss.  I suppose you could use it to make a faery garden or something but I saw the potential to use it in the landscaping, which I will eventually. (Side note: stores like Michael’s or craft stores in general do not exist here in Italy. We end up trying to find our craft stuff from many sources including garden centers and home furnishing places.  Some Lowe’s type stores do have aisles where they sell paints and some craft stuff - mostly for stenciling or simple projects but nothing like a true craft store. No dollhouse or miniature or jewelry or scrap booking etc. So it’s a constant scavenger hunt for materials!)  Anyway, I cut up a few pieces of the moss and glued them onto the lantern.

Mossy mat that I found in a home decorating store.

Added mossy bits and static grass.

I then added some of my static grass leftovers and waited till it was dry.  I then was able to trim the grass and mossy bits down close to the lantern to simulate moss instead of grass.  I filled in some more areas and touched it up a bit then added a foil (leftover from my fire LED kit) that I had painted a bit yellow to the inside of the lamp.  Then I closed it off on the top.  As a last touch, I glued a little bit of fine sand to areas of the lamp then used my finger to blend it into the wood.  It gave the stone an additional roughness that I liked plus it highlighted the green tones I had lightly brushed on.   I like it.  It’s quite small and will look nice in the garden.

Close up of the lantern top.

Finished tōrō

Chapter 76b - The Walls and Floor to the Right Side Porch

February 26th - 2nd March 2014

This chapter is the support pieces and flooring to the right side porch which connects to the shōji I had already constructed in a previous chapter.  So, I had to paint the porch pieces (both external and internal) before proceeding with the construction.  I decided to use red on one wall to match up with the room wall with red in it.  I had already imagined which scroll I was going to hang on that wall anyway so it was just a matter of figuring out which piece was the one that fit on the right side of the porch.  As usual, painting and waiting for paint to dry is never fun.  But once done, I started on constructing the porch.

Painting and drying....BOOORING!

 I also had to make the “wood floor” which I’ve done previously so I won’t explain how here again.  Suffice to say that I did make the boards broader (7mm instead of 5mm) also because I had already made them broader in the other porch too.  I figured the landings would have finer boards, but the porches would be a little more “rustic”.  Anyway, it was easier to paint them too since I have a 4mm flat brush which fits perfectly into the board widths for painting differing colors of brown.  That done I could now proceed in assembling the porch.

7mm boards ready for varnishing.

As usual, there were some fitting issues but overall I managed to compensate and fit everything in where it needed to go.  Some areas do show gaps.  I’m not sure why this side was such a lousy fit.  I’m a bit of a perfectionist but not to the point of ruining my fun so I just pretty much left the gaps as is.  I don’t think they will compromise the stability of the porch anyway. At least I hope not. 

Gluing and clamping the sides.

The one red wall on the porch. The floor "fitted".

The weird gap.  I have no idea why this piece was so reluctant to fit.

 The next step will be fitting the last two shōji, the outside windows and the roof.  Should the spaces not be stable enough for that work, it will show (when the whole thing just comes apart! haha!).

Finished porch. Just needs the last shōji, external windows and the roof.

Intermediate Work: The Kotatsu Table

Inspiration for the Kotatsu Table

 January 29th - February 24th 2014

I had seen on the internet a table / heating set up which, if research is accurate, is pretty common and still used in Japan.  It is a kotatsu table.  This table has some kind of heating element attached to the underside.  A comforter is placed on the floor, then the table, then another heavier comforter is placed over the table creating a kind of tent for the lower extremities.  Then, another table is placed on top of that comforter.  In theory, the heating of the lower extremities would radiate upwards through the clothing keeping the table occupants fairly warm.  Today where most people no longer wear robes or kimonos at the table, I am not so sure about the efficiency of the heating system but surely it is a wonderful way to sit around a table with friends and enjoy the comfort of communal heating.  From what I understand, originally it was heated from a small clay pot in the floor of the room which was then covered by another and managed to effectively heat the room or at least under the table.  I did come across a version of this which I am going to try altho I wonder what kind of gasses will fill up a room with this method.  In any case, I really liked the look of the table and decided to make one for the red Buddha room. 

The electric heater for under the table

My original idea for the heater was to make one out of some extra parts but I really had nothing that could suffice for the grill work on the electric heater.  So, I opted for making a printie.  I mean in the end, it’s not like the underside of the table is going to be visible.  So I found a nice closeup of a heater.  I then cropped it a bit and reworked it and made a tiny printie to fit under the table.  The sides are black and the grill work repeats on one side so I had to find a small piece of cardboard to act as a backing and to be able to fold the sides over onto it.  It’s pretty small but it’s still pretty effective.  I just used double sided tape and a drop of glue to attach it to the table.

Using the above pic, I created a printie for under the table.

Folded, then glued to a small piece of cardboard.

Ready to attach to the table.

The underside of the table now with its heater. I didn't bother with an electric chord.

The next part was working on the comforters.  Obviously I was going to have to sew this one.  The other ones are pretty much hidden or laying over the bed but this one has to have somewhat weighted sides.  When I found pictures, most all of them had some kind of quilted look filling around the outer edge.  So, after choosing my fabric, I needed to make the bottom comforter first.  This one really didn’t need any stitching as it was just going to lay on the floor.  I had some nice leftover material that would be heavy enough to sit flat on the floor without using too much glue or tape or whatever.  The fabric was pretty tightly woven so it did pose a few challenges in that I ended up having to hand sew an edge after turning it right side out.  No biggie.
The big problem was the actual comforter and the material.  This is very light weight cotton fabric and had a tendency to snag during sewing.  I also had to come up with a way to simulate the stuffing and give the look of draping to the comforter.  In my other comforter, it just lays across the futon and I used fine grains of sand to weigh the edges.  Here it just wasn’t really an option so, after some net research, I did find a few tutorials that suggested using tin foil inside the comforter.  I couldn’t figure out the best method in attaching the foil and the little bit of batting until, many days later, I stumbled across someone who suggested using a glue stick and sticking the foil on the wrong side of the fabric.  Genius.  It was just the thing i needed to release me from my sewer’s block.  (I had been thinking hard about this for well over two weeks plus I got ill in between so I kept putting this off for well over 10 days.)  Anyway, once I figured a way to hold the foil inside while turning it right side out, the trick was done.  I was so relieved! Honestly I used to sew a lot (for myself and others - even making bridal dresses) and like all my hobbies, I overdosed on it and can’t stand sewing anymore.  So, I was glad this was DONE!

Working with the fine cotton fabric. Applying glue stick on the wrong side.

Sewing the foil onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Final sewing phase. Adding some internal stitching to make the comforter show more quilting.

The foil inside the cover allows you to form any shape.  Then you can just smooth it out again.

Once the comforter was done I could turn my attention back to the table.  Underneath had the printie heater so I just needed to cut the top table.  I used a piece of balsa wood that I had on hand, then printed out some wood grain laminate looking stuff.  I wanted it to be similar to an old formica fake wood table top.  I glued that onto the balsa wood after trimming the sides with some dark brown paint.  Once the glue was set, I could actually attach the tables together.  I used double sided tape on the bottom table, fixed it onto the comforter (centering it as much as possible), then using more double sided tape I attached the table top.  I then placed the chairs and could form the comforter with the tinfoil on the inside fairly easily.  Last step was to put a few things on the table for the “foto shoot”.

Finished top table with printed wood grain on glossy paper.

Double sided tape on this table and the underside of the top table to fix in place.

Finished kotatsu!

I think it came out pretty successful!  Food looks yummy too.  I’m hungry.

Some yummy ramen and dumplings for dinner!

MiniaturItalia 10th Edition Milano 8-9th February 2014

Miniatur Puppenwelt Wengen

This is the second year I have attended the MiniaturItalia fair in Milano.  Last year I did go and my husband and I made a weekend of it so we decided to do the same this year as well. 
I really didn’t make a ton of purchases last year but since this year I am pretty well along on the Japanese project I had some very clear ideas about what I needed and didn’t.  I also have been surfing the net and seeing the prices that are out there and felt that some of the artisans at the show really did deserve the prices they were asking.  I mean if I cannot make something as well or as beautiful as an artisan, why shouldn’t I make an exception and purchase their work? I cannot really afford a lot of objects but each one is pretty much the make or break detail that is needed in my own piece of art.  So, this time I was a little more open with the wallet even if I am still laid off at work.  What the hell.  You never know when the next opportunity may present itself.

Miniatur Puppenwelt Wengen was the first table I hit as it was in fact the first table when I walked in the first room.  They had a nice selection of some resin vases as well as a beagle dog.  I cannot resist beagle dogs.  Anyway, I am gathering materials for my second project (once the ryokan is finished) which is a normal 1/12 scale so I decided to get a few unique little things.  I liked the block vases with the Florentine giglio on them.  I also liked the little terracotta pot with the mold growing on it.  And of course the dog who will be part of the diorama.  I also splurged on the stove.  It is really quite lovely and will fit into the tea room area.  I’m going to have to finish it differently but it’s just too cute to pass up.  I ended up spending around €40.00 here.

Miniatur Puppenwelt Wengen

Angie Scarr

My next stop was at Angie Scarr’s table which is usually impossible to approach.  I hit it just right tho.  I was looking for some fish and she did have a few that I will be able to use in the irori firepit - final details - to finish that room.  I also got a nice slab of salmon for the kitchen block.  She didn’t have any of her books left but did inform me that she will be offering ebooks on her site (yay!) for download.  Her stuff is still pricey but you cannot deny that these fish are super realistic.  The pic of the salmon doesn’t do it justice. I spent around €14.00 there.





I wandered round a bit in this room but the objects were not what I needed so I went into the main hall.  We did our voting then I made a direct line to Elisabeth Causeret’s table.  I bought some ceramics from her last year but this year she had outdone herself. There were so many exciting little things! The teapots and tea warmers! I couldn’t resist making some serious little purchases here.  I think my favorite is the decorated jug with the little wooden spigot.  I also managed to find more bowls and tumblers for the ryokan.  The 1/20 scale makes it difficult to find pottery for the table settings.  Elisabeth’s tumblers and bowls are prefect! I even like the grey rustic looking tumblers - they look Japanese in manufacture! I spent around €48.00 here too. 

Elisabeth Causeret

I had seen some bonsai trees last year and thought it was an excessive purchase.  I did end up getting a 1/12 tree from another site but it’s just ridiculously too big (yet I will be able to use it in the other project) so I broke down and got a bonsai from Manuela Ferraresi.  I was looking for the kind of bonsai that drops down over the edge of a table but also had to be deep green - like a pine of some sort.  Well, she had one.  I took that plus a small table decoration with tiny plants. She packaged up the tree in her own little bonsai carrier - the cutiest damn thing!! - with such love and attention.  Definitely one of my favorite purchases.  They had tables for the bonsai as well as small scrolls but those are things I am sure I can make.  The bonsai and the little decoration cost me €27.00 total. 

Emaniraresulfare - Manuela Ferraresi

Emaniraresulfare

 As I was leaving the bonsai table, there was a table with baskets.  I had never seen such perfect little baskets! Usually the string or twine or thread most use still looks like normal thread or twine.  These did not.  Genziana Bellé Miniature makes baskets of all types and all scales that look to scale! They truly look like the reed used in actual baskets.  What’s more, in chatting with her, she is someone who likes a challenge.  She made a baguette basket in a 1/144 scale that was perfect! I am looking for a baguette basket that looks like a cornucopia and she had never heard of it so immediately was asking me to send her a pic so she could give it a try.  That’s what’s great about this hobby.  If it becomes just a business - making the same things over and over - there’s no more challenge or fun in it.  I just may have her make me my baguette basket!

My last two stops for purchases was to be an English miniaturist but she wasn’t there this year.  Instead I bought a small pub toy from Jane Harrop.  You would think the UK tables would bring lots more pub stuff (although I did find an Italian table with limited pub like objects) but perhaps they had sold out by the time I got around to them.  I then moved around to a table with lots of small metal stamped grills.  No one had a round grill.  I have been trying to figure out a way to make a small table kettle heater for the ryokan but I need to find a grill cover.  I just may have to make it.  But I did find a few little objects at Le mini di Pierluigi .  I picked up a grill for another hibachi which I will make for the back garden and a trivet which I can use as a grill perhaps if I make my tabletop heater from fimo or something.  Always ideas.

Le mini di Pierluigi

So the show was nice.  There seemed to be a few less tables and less people but I got there right after lunch on Saturday and usually there are lots more people in the afternoon.  The voting for the roomboxes and the dollhouse was very limited this year. But perhaps the theme wasn’t popular for the box and I can appreciate the fear of having to bring your precious dollhouse into a large setting like that.  I can’t imagine entering my ryokan and leaving it there for two days! I’d be terrified people would steal stuff from it or break something! So bringing a full house is understandably a risk hence there were only two houses to vote on.  Anyway, all of them were very nice!

My husband and I then enjoyed our weekend in Milan.  We had pouring rain all evening but we still managed to get to the zone of Navigli which has all kinds of canals.  There were tons of shops and little clubs.  We hit a few for cocktails, then spritz, then a burger.  It’s easy to get around with the metro.  Had it not rained so much it would have been funner.  The next day we met up for lunch (by chance!) with my work colleague who was going to the show again (she had gone in the morning and was going back) and we exchanged info about our purchases.  Anyway, it was a good weekend.  Too bad that two days after I got home I came down with a fever and am now being treated for bronchial pneumonia.  Never had that in my life.  WTF.  I don’t think it was the rain tho.  Just metro, train and bumping into sick people.  Shit happens as they say. 

Chapter 76a / 77a Partial - The Windows and Shōji to the Right Porch, The Kadomatsu

December 27th - 26th January 2013

The past month has been very busy and somewhat stressful.  I am still laid off.  I am not very motivated to do much of anything at all.  Yet today, 26th January, I woke up with the realization that technically, I am already 50 years old and I haven’t got all that much time left to complete all the projects I have started.  What will happen to them once I am gone I do not know.  But dammit, I owe it to myself to finish them.  So, onwards!!!

I had decided to jump into some of the future chapters to pull out the pieces to make the windows and the shōji for the porch.  I just didn’t feel like painting up more pieces during the holiday weekend leading up to New Year’s so just wanted to do something less challenging and more satisfying.  I actually enjoy installing the windows and shōji.  That was pretty easy and finally I actually got to use the shōji paper I had purchased at my favorite Florentine shop Ajisai.  The paper is gorgeous.  The watermark will make such a difference once the lights are installed.  I only wish I had this paper when I had done the other porches.  Well, the last two will have the actual correct paper!

Shōji window frames.

The shōji paper. You can see the watermark.

Shōji paper in place.

Fixing the first two of four shōji.

I installed the two (out of four) shōji doors and then moved on to the porch windows.  The upper wall area was a total pain to fit (as usual) and only after finishing one window did I realize I was going to have to drastically sand down this piece.  So, at some point after the New Year, I did just that.  Note that I have lots of manual problems when I am working.  I had cut myself badly whilst preparing the New Year’s dinner (nearly taking off the tip of my left index finger) and ended up having to bandage it for over two weeks.  I had just taken off the bandages and was working on sanding down the piece to the window on the porch and of course, the dremel sander slipped and I took off a big chunk of the same finger’s knuckle.  Bleeding again.  The disadvantage of having MS is that often I cannot gauge the actual time/space continuum and end up thinking a knife or tool is a few centimeters or millimeters from where it actually is.  Hence the chopping off of bits of my fingers.  The advantage is that there is a lot less pain involved (reduced sensation) once the cutting has happened.  Which can also be bad since until I see blood, I have no idea that I’ve cut myself.  Anyway..... working along with my dremel and bleeding off a knuckle, I did manage to sand down the piece sufficiently to fit in the windows which, once sized correctly, slid into place.  Done.

The upper small wall area was the one that needed sanding.

Finished windows and half of the shōji.

Over the holidays, I got a FaceBook notification from an association that I have been following.  It’s the Lailiac Association for Japanese expats here in Italy.  Every year they have a wonderful weekend expo of all things Japanese.  Anyway, they had  posted a few pictures of kadomatsu (or matsukado) which are New Year’s decorations.  They are supposed to be in pairs but I’ll make one this year and one next year.  Hopefully the house will be complete by then.  I cut off a branch from my pine tree and let the needles dry out.  Then I could construct my decoration.

Another example of the Kadomatsu

And example of a Kadomatsu

 I used a perfume bottle top and wrapped it with a little double sided tape.  I then wrapped some raffia vertically and tied it off.  I put some florists’ green foam inside and then cut a green straw in three heights which is doubling for my bamboo.  I painted the inside with a little buttermilk to simulate the inside of the bamboo.  I then bound some of my pine needles and found some other greenery to use and stuck it into the base.  The last bit was some red berry like decoration.  I had some white berry bits and just painted them red.

The perfume bottle top. Adding some raffia.

Adding a little green foam inside to hold the florals

The wrapped vase.

Painting the inside of a green straw

The pine needle bunches

Painting the white berries red.

Taken from a simple explaination:
“The central portion of the kadomatsu is formed from three large bamboo shoots, ... Similar to several traditions of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), the shoots are set at different heights and represent heaven, humanity, and earth with heaven being the highest and earth being the lowest. Some kadomatsu place the humanity and earth shoots at the same height.”

Wishing everyone a very healthy and happy 2014.

My kadomatsu outside in the front entrance. Happy 2014!