Chapter 115, 116, 117, 118 & 119 - Tiling and Peak Finishing Decoration, Painting the Roof

Remaining areas left to be tiled.

November 12th - 17th 2014

I went back to tiling today.  Cutting, sanding and glueing.  Hardly exciting but needs to be done.  I am working on the back roof of the house now.  Lots of tiny pieces to insert into areas that I hope will be covered effectively later (well, not much later).  Anyway, I had to finish the back roof areas and then also finish off the last three corners of the peaks.  So since I had used some of the tiles previously for the front, I had to open chapter 117 to get more tiles to finish the back and corners.   I finished the last two left corners and while the glue was drying, I pulled out Chapter 116 and 118 which were the pieces to finish the top of the peaks of the left and right side roofs.

Nearly finished tiling.  Just one tiny corner spot left to be done.

Chapters 116 and 118 had these pieces for decorating the roof tops.

First off, I noticed in fact that I had to add a last row of tiles.  This was ok since I still had quite a few tiles to use.  I didn’t add the last row previously since I wasn’t sure if there were large or small filler pieces that would go between the last row of tiles and the top of the peak.  In fact, the space was much too large for the filler.  So I am now adding as I move along pieces to complete the top row of the tiling. 
Once the last row dried in place, I started adding the pieces that would support the upper peak decorative tiling.  It was necessary to use some pieces as filler and glue in place using fairly big globs.  Not only that, for the side peaks I made the mistake of thinking I could glue all the layers together and then place them on the roof.  Wrong.  The pieces are thin and notched to permit you to bend them into place and glue.  But since I had absolutely no way to hold the pieces in place (my little clamps had no where to “hold on” to) I was forced to hold them in place for a while or use big globs of glue and my weights  and just hope that gaps are not so visible from the front of the house.  So again, I lost time waiting for glue to dry.  But at least now I know how to proceed for the rest of the roof.

Two side pieces and the top added.

Creative weighing down to adhere to the curve of the roof.

The next day I finished tiling the last rows and filling gaps where the tiles needed cutting (thereby completing chapters 115 and 117).  I attached the last onigawara (not without difficulty - but I extended a tile in the last row of the right side to accommodate the underside of the onigawara better for attaching) and again waited for glue to dry.  In the meantime, I tested out an area using my black acrylic paint somewhat watered down.  The entire roof will have to be painted black to even out the surface somewhat so I tried an area.  Honestly the layer of black makes a big difference especially considering the amount of dust that accumulated on the tiles while working.  I have dusted them repeatedly but still there is a layer that I can’t remove (unless I wash them - which I am NOT going to do!!!) 

You can see the structure of the pieces to allow some bending.  Not much tho. 

Adding the corner support.  The front of this part of the roof has been painted.

I then attached more gable decorations at the back of the house (using one that came out lousy from the front) and attached some of the angled peak end decorations as well (from chapter 119).  Things are overlapping a bit since I am working while waiting for areas to dry.  Waiting for the front to dry, I finished the last corner to the right front roof, added the corner decoration and painted black under that gable.  Working this way, I moved ahead by rotating jobs.   Some of the things I screwed up on but for some reason the kit came with an abundance of pieces so I just ripped them off and started over. 

You can see the difference betwwen the painted tiles (right) and non.

Anyway, by Monday the 17th I was getting ready to add the last of the edging to cover where the tiles meet in the front.  I finished painting the whole roof and must say now the surface does look nice and even. 

Painting the roof.

Painting complete and adding the final covering pieces.

The final part was just adding the two decorative pieces to the back of the roof to hide the tile junctures, then the back left corner piece.  I had some extra decorative “gable pipes” so I cut them to size and glued them to the front tile cover pieces.  No need to waste extras.  And the roof is fu@king done!!! I cannot believe it!!  And it weighs a ton!

Detail of the corner, gable and juncture areas of the roof.

Finished roof.

Next chapter....attaching the damn thing!!!

Chapter 113 - 114 - 115(partial) - Decoration and Finishing of Right Front and Back Peak, Tiling, Kimono Stand and Accessories

October 30th - November 6th 2014

I had a few days off since I was busy constructing some Halloween decorations for a small party I have every year.  Since it’s really not celebrated in Italy (or celebrating incorrectly - as an excuse for young teens to vandalize and be destructive) I actually enjoy teaching my friend’s kids how to have fun on Halloween without hurting anyone or anything.  So I put some effort into making fun food and decorations.  But I really want to get back to the build of the house otherwise I feel it will just take forever to complete!

Having had a few days off gave me a little more energy and the correct mind set to attack the next few chapters.  First up was some more tiling and the prep work for the peak decorations.  I repeated the same procedure from the last chapter cleaning and recarving the bubble pieces and painting everything.  I then put those pieces aside as I had to tackle the tiling of the right front and back roof areas in front of the peaks.

Bubble piece decorations and gable decor painted.

I started cutting tiles and glueing them in place.  Sanding them was still a messy dusty problem until a friend’s husband suggested I use a vacuum cleaner to suck away the dust while I was sanding.  So, after Halloween, I tried it with my little hand vacuum “The Shark” and it worked pretty well! It reduced the amount of fly away dust even if there was still some depositing on my hands.  I am still wearing a mask obviously but it does cut down on the dust that was covering my work area, computer, printers....
I managed to finish tiling the front roof area under the gable and insert the gable as well.  I also got the top onigawara in place.  So that was good.  So the kit has me moving round to the back peak area and roof but....as usual...I deviated from the procedure.  First because I had a ton of little pieces that could be used in filling the gaps in the center front roof so it just seemed logical to get it out of the way.  So I decided I would. But first....

Finished right front roof and peak decor.

I had been mulling over making a kimono stand.  I had already made a small obi stand so I knew I could figure out a way with the extra scraps of my kit to make one so, I measured the space in the fire pit room and got to making the pieces.  I cut, glued, sanded then painted the stand black.  I then added the little copper embellishments that my friend had traded with me for some oak cleats.  The top and bottom external pieces had to be filled with a little black Fimo and glued in place.  Which I did.  You can see the inspiration in the pic next to the finished stand.  My next step would be to add folded obis or a full kimono to the stand....while tiling, I will consider which.

Working on the kimono stand from scraps.

Shaping the copper decoration for the top and bottom edges.

Finished kimono stand and the inspiration.

I then turned back to tiling the center front of the roof.  I measured out four full pieces and then cut back scrap pieces and was able to finish the front central roof area.  I also cut some small pieces to fit into the areas right under where the peak’s tiles meet the roof.    I did have to open Chapter 115 to get some tiles but since that was upcoming anyway I didn’t mind.  Once that section was tiled, I turned the entire roof around and started on the final back roofing and gable.

Front of the roof with completed tiling.

Remaining tiling to be done to the back of the roof.

While the last tiles were drying, I came back to the kimono stand.  I really wanted to try and make a paper kimono.  I did (by cutting panels and constructing using double sided tape) but overall I really didn’t like it on the stand.  So, I may use it elsewhere in the house as a wall decoration.  But I still needed something for the kimono stand.  So I made some folded paper kimonos.  You really can’t tell what they are but I used kimono pattern origami paper do simulate folded kimonos, an obi and an obijime (a chord used to tie around the obi) and placed them on the stand.  I even decorated the end of one obijime with some metal tips and cut the edges to form tassels.  I then placed the stand in the fire pit room and I must say, it fills the wall perfectly.  I really wanted something that was unique but that wouldn’t block the area where people would be eating etc.  I think it’s a good fit.

Making patterns to cut paper and fabric.

Cutting out some fabric for backing the paper.

Adding the sleeves to the back panel

Finished paper kimono.

Finished kimono stand with "folded" kimonos and obi draped over it.

Kimono stand in situ.

So, back to the tiling... I attached the tiles on the back right side under the peak and off to the right so that when I installed the gable’s tiling it wouldn’t be blocking that area (which happened with the back left installation).  I also had some extra little pieces that I managed to size up and glue to the right side corner of the roof.  So even that bit of roof is done.  Next I installed the decorative sections to the peak - sanding down the pieces and glueing the bubble piece and paper piece #3 etc.  Then I could install the two tiles on top of the gable.  As usual, I had to sand the tops down to match the length then glue them in place - still pretty tricky since the little plastic clamps aren’t well suited to the job.  But while I waited for the glue to dry, I made some little hagoita.
These little rackets were used in a badminton type game back in the 15th-16th century.  They are usually decorated with New Year’s images at court.  Today, the rackets are used during New Year’s and are now covered with kimono fabrics and the figures are rendered 3D.  The antique ones often had images of famous actors so I printed out some images and attached them to some pieces of thin wood.  I decorated the handles with red and black and added all three to the buddha room.  They do look cute.

Cutting out the racket and image to glue onto it.

Wrapping a little black thread round the handle.

Finished hagoita.

Hagoita decorating the wall.

Final phase of tiling was done in the afternoon adding the last tile to the right side of the gable and letting it dry.  I still cannot add the onigawara because I still have to tile the inside of the back roof.  But more of that later.....

Finished and final gable.  Now just to push on with tiling...

Chapter 110 - More Tiling...

October 17 - 20th 2014

First thing again was to set up the tiles in the jig to straighten them out.  So I did that and left them in a few days.  Still, it helps but isn’t really a solution.

This chapter has me cutting and mounting tiles on the curved edges of the front left and back left eaves.  So it was pretty slow going.  I had lots of left over little bits and bobs from previous tiling so it was just a matter of matching up, trimming and sanding the pieces down, heating them, bending them and gluing in place.  Things went well for the front two areas to tile and I finished that fairly quickly without much pain or frustration (breakage or badly matching waves on the tiles).

Clamping tiles in place....waiting for glue to dry.

Finished front roof.  You can just see the split tile on the second row far right.

When I got to the back, it was a different story.  The left side first two rows went in fine.  I then had to put in two full tiles to arrive all the way over to the curved edge.  The first one went in fine but the second piece, no matter which tile I chose to try, the wavy shapes would not match up.  The only solution was to break a tile, sand down the valley of the wave, then continue on with more tiles matching up the waves as much as possible.  I can see where the valley section is shorter but I prefer this small defect than the waves not matching up all the way across the last four inches of roof.  I dug through the wastage pieces and found other tile waves that matched up for the last two small pieces on the far left and the back tile section was done as well. 

Top right is where I cut the tile to match the wave detail better.

Another split at the top right edge.  I'll live with it.

Finished back roof tiling.

I also discovered, during clean up, that the mask I am using is not working very well.  It’s just a regular work mask but even with the metal strip to snug it up around your nose it’s just not doing its job.  I found all kinds of grey dust around my nose and nostrils tonite (I had some particularly heavy sanding to do for the wave matchup sections) and this dust is really nasty.  I’ve even begun to wear a head scarf and tie my hair up or into my sweatshirt.  So, I’m going to go back to my original “ebola” mask.  I know ebola is not a funny subject but we have these medical masks in the house for when my husband gets a cold or some kind of cough.  I have a lousy immune system (years of anti-immune drugs for the MS) and as I had written a few months ago a cold for me can end up as pneumonia.  Anyway, I’m going to try the medical mask and see how much grey dust shows up during my cleaning routine. 

Ebola mask on the left, crappy mask on the right.

Oh....and summer is finally ending in Italy.  We have had very balmy weather until today.  I guess even though many complained of a crappy summer, I actually enjoyed not suffering in 38°C temps for a change.  Just hope that the winter will be less severe than normal too.
And last but not least....the next chapter WILL NOT HAVE TILING!  Oh joy and rapture!!!

Chapter 109 - Still Tiling

October 15th - 17th 2014

I skipped chapter 108 simply because it was just another set of armrests which I can do a little later.  Now that I’ve gotten into a rhythm for the tiling, I didn’t want to interrupt it.

First thing I did was to put a bunch of really bowed pieces into the jig for straightening.  The next day, I started installing the first rows of the the right side roof’s tiling.  Even after heating up the tile a bit, this one broke in three pieces.  It didn’t really matter since the breaks are always very clean and so I glued them in place after taking all the necessary measurements.  But the next tile, which would have to be bowed a bit in the opposite direction, I heated it and stuck it in the jig for a bit.  It did help.  Most helpful was just heating them and holding them in shape while I applied a layer of glue.  Then positioning and clamping or weighting them down.  And waiting.....

Straightening tiles.

Curving a tile.

Holding in place....

...all the way up.  Good thing I found these weights!

I did see pretty quick progress once I found my system.  So the front right was caught up to the same stage as the front left (less one tile which was defective).  I'm noticing spaces at the top which seem excessive but I can't know till I start attaching those sections of the roof.  So, I'll just trust the kit.

Completed chapter 109

And more tiling to come...

Chapter 107 - Laying Tile

October 10th - 15th 2014

Chapter 106 was the last of the lamp shades which I had already done a while ago.  So I am at chapter 107 which is just more tiling.

This chapter is pretty challenging.  I had to find a way to cut the tiles.  It was not a good thing.  These tiles put up a sh!tload of dust during the cutting and since my dremel type tool couldn’t even do the job, I had to find another solution.  What I came up with is carefully using a pair of cutters and fracturing the tiles at the right point, then sanding them down.  It was a total pain to have to work out measuring for the cutting since the tiles are bowed in the other direction and fitting them to the corner upturned angles meant that I had to first heat them with the drier, then bend them somewhat, take the measurements, cut with the cutters, sand and then rebend them again with the drier before gluing them in place.  My goal of finishing by the end of the year has pretty much gone out the window.  I lost a few days work on the house too because I caught a cold (already) and was miserable from Thursday till Sunday afternoon when finally I felt well enough to tackle the tiles.  In any case, I sanded one with the dremel sander and clearly I will need a mask to do this work.  The tediousness is not very conducive to me wanting to work on the tiles.  But as I pushed on, I found a few helpful methods. 
One was using the cutters and cutting away slowly and taking away smaller bits at a time.  This saved me time in power sanding which created way too much dust.






I also found my jewelry jig.  Using the little pegs and heating up the pieces with the drier, I locked them into place and let them cool in that position.  I was hoping that it would save time instead of heating up one at a time and forcing the bow out of them.  As it turned out, it did help somewhat as the pieces didn’t need as much force to hold them in place during gluing. 

Using the jig to flatten out the bowed tiles

Adding the tiles (rebent in the other direction now)

I got on a roll Tuesday afternoon and then Wednesday morning and managed to finish cutting and gluing in the tiles that were available. (I found my first truly defective tile - the waves go in the wrong direction and the thicker edge is on the top instead of the bottom.  I can still probably use the tile for filling.)  I was covered in dust (but the mask works well-but I'm going to wear goggles too from now on) and used my little weights to hold some tiles in place.  I also had to sand down the height of one of the tiles as I noticed that the width was a bit imperfect.  But with the power sander I made quick work of it.  Albeit dusty work.

On a roll...

Chapter 105 - Laying Tile

October 7th - October 10th 2014

Chapter 104 was for making one of the hanging lamps which I already did so now onto 105 which is all tiling.  Since I had a nice break from tiling in my last week’s work, I need to buckle down and get some more tiles on this roof. 

Since each one needs to be matched up somewhat and then clamped into place, the first row is always slow going.  Plus the tiles are so bowed, I have to wait for the glue to set up.  The other difficulty was when I clamped the pieces into place, they were breaking the fragile thin eave wood underneath.  So I then I had to come up with a new way to clamp them without fracturing the wood.  I used some extra bits of wood to distribute the pressure over numerous under eave decoration pieces.  It seemed to work but the damage was already done on one side at least.  But perhaps since we can’t really see the underside of that part of the roof, I can repair it somehow.

Trying to distribute the clamp force and avoid more damage on the eaves

The next day, I knew I had to figure out a way to flatten out these tiles.  I couldn’t keep using clamps and waiting days for stuff to dry.  So I used my hair dryer to heat up some pieces then weight them or clamp them to a straight edge till they cooled back down.  It seemed to work but after a short time, the tiles just rebowed again.  So I had to try and glue them in place before the bowing returned.  Which I did manage in the end.  I finished adding this chapter’s tiling and flipped the roof over - again.

Flattening the tiles after heating them with a hair dryer.

I fixed somewhat the damaged underside (in any case I wasn’t going to be clamping those edges anymore) with some making tape, then reattached the pieces of underside eave that had come unglued (because of flipping the roof and also because each time I move the roof on my work table, these are the points that are getting stressed).  And lastly, since the roof was upside down, I drilled small holes in the six corner beams where the lanterns would eventually be attached.  I figured out a way to get the tiny drill bit into my drill tool (using masking tape to thicken the actual diameter at the bottom where it goes into the bit holder) and drilled angled holes.  I had purchased some “hooks” thru the mini model boat place and with a spot of glue I think they will fit perfectly for hanging the lamps. 

Tiny holes drilled for eventual lantern hanging.

But that’s a bit more ahead.....

This chapter's tiles in place.