Thursday 4 June 2015

A Meter MADE!

As most of you are aware, I have been working furiously for the past 2 months trying to get
#43 Green Dolphin Street 
ready for the West Coast Miniature Show which happens this Sunday.  
I have re-worked the exterior of the house since you last saw it and in the process I decided that I wanted to add a gas meter to the exterior kitchen wall, after I saw how cool it looked when
Brae "Otterine" blog
 installed one outside the kitchen of her 
"Haunted Heritage" doll's house. 
After looking for an English style gas meter, and getting very frustrated with not finding what I thought I needed, I gave up and went for what I could see outside my own back door.
It just so happened that while standing in line at the dollar store I spied these mini lip gloss novelty pots shaped like ice-cream pops.

They had a demo opened and on display in the store so that you could see how it worked and for me the shape was PERFECT! 


I tried out the gloss when I got home and it was  the typical greasy goop that teenagers enjoy wearing but I didn't even bother  scooping it out.
Using a pair of heavy duty pliers I nipped off  half of the plastic stick

 I sealed the edges with Quick Grip glue, gloss and all. 

I saved a top from a McDonald's coffee cup for this project

The spout cover would become the dial component after I trimmed it down



A trial fit.... hmmmm?
(you know this kinda looks like the beginnings of a bathroom scale doesn't it?) 

 moving right along...
I tried to use a plastic zip tie as part of the project but it didn't work in the end and I had to remove it later AFTER the entire meter was painted.
* more on that later....*
Meanwhile the photo below is what I started with.


I added eyelets and crimp beads to the exterior of the meter.  It was slow going as the glue would stick for a little while and then detach with too much handling.
Trying to find the RIGHT adhesive was very challenging.



I added various bits and bobs trying to get
"The Look"
using my own gas meter as a photo reference.
It only had to get close to looking like a meter.

When I needed a pipe for the meter, I recalled what 
Doug at "Miniature Endeavors" blog
used for a project in his 
STEAMPUNK MANOR 
and incorporated sections of plastic-coated wire stems from artificial flowers.  It solved the problem of both sturdiness as well as allowed for bending an elbow into the 2 connections. 


To make the round flow valve, I used the two circles from the McDonald's coffee cup which I trimmed and then glued together.




This is where I decided to stop and spray paint.


It was at this stage that my problems began.  I had spray painted the meter with a white gloss enamel base.  After the 2nd coat, I got too impatient and before the 2nd coat had
 COMPLETELY DRIED
I sprayed on a gloss grey acrylic paint which didn't sit well on top of the still tacky enamel. It started to react to the enamel undercoat by LOOSENING EVERYTHING I had glued on.  The hard plastic zip tie would not stay put, no matter what kind of glue I used.  Eventually I gave up and replaced the zip tie with a flat rubber band.  It worked so much better but by then everything had to be re-glued and re-sprayed, and waiting for paint to dry is not very much fun!
(Showing the old rubber band that I replaced the zip tie with)


Okay,.....
 so I forgot to take photos of how I did the dial but that was 
a total FAIL too. 
Here is what happened and why it didn't work. 
 I used paper correction fluid which was my first mistake. It dried stringy and lumpy. To try and fix it I used white nail enamel.  It was better but the correction fluid made the nail enamel unstable.  I waited a day for it to dry but when I went to draw the dials it caved inward.  
ARRRRGH!!!!!!
><

well, so much for that!
 I am NOT happy about the face of this meter but it is what it is. 
I'm too frustrated with this project by now and the time is too short.  I used Glossy Accents over the surface of the dial plate which dries clear and simulates glass when fully cured.
I then had to "anchor" it into the landscape. 
It had to be glued only to the house and not to the ground so that if I needed to lift the cottage off of the garden base, I wouldn't tear the meter up and out.  
AND
Because I left the lip gloss inside the case
( another wrong move in hind-sight),
 the meter was way too heavy for the faux pipes to support its weight.  I gave it an assist by gluing black furniture sponge pads, cut to shape to fit the back of the meter, which was then glued to the side of the house.
Now that I am reviewing the photos, I think that I will add a horizontal gas pipe, for more visual balance because to me it still looks unfinished.



Hello, little bunny!

Ahh YES!,
that's much better! 

AND
while waiting for the paint to dry,
I gave the rabbit some whiskers 

....and Bob's your uncle!

elizabeth




92 comments:

  1. Goodness gracious Elizabeth, it is hard to believe that you omagined a gas metre when u looked at the lollipop lip gloss container even as I read your post I knew no good could come of leaving the Vaseline in the container. I could imagine it on a hot day seeping into the landscaping.
    Another great detail. I cannot wait to see all the other surprises at the West Coast Miniature Show.
    Great job and tutorial.
    Hugs Janine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HAH! This is what comes from being too lazy to get rid of the goo! YES!... I should have taken the "Vaseline" out because the weight was an issue right from the start. I don't think that it will get too hot to melt though,... not in my house which is always more chilly than hot. :))
      Glad that you've enjoyed this tutorial Janine, and I will see you at the show on Sunday! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  2. wow! just about a genius like you.
    Hugs :0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there Monica! I Wish that I WAS a genius, but Thank you very much! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  3. What an ingenious collage of elements to create the meter and other related parts. Simply brilliant!

    I can relate to being impatient waiting for paint to dry. I usually use Humbol oil paint for small projects. I have to take the piece I am working on and put it in a different room so I don't start playing with it before it is dry. Hands off I tell myself. hahaha I always fiddle with it too soon anyway and mess up the paint.

    I love your meter! I so wish I lived close enough to see your GORGEOUS house and garden!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Catherine! Thank You for enjoying this post! But this is what comes of having "Meter-envy" with a Healthy dose of my IMPATIENCE thrown in! :))
      I had the piece in the garage when I painted it but I didn't let it cure long enough. I Wish that I Had left it alone, but it was the LAST THING to be added to the exterior and I wanted to get the garden finished.
      I shall be posting photos of the entire garden next week. Many changes have been made to it since you last saw it which I hope you will still enjoy. :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  4. Мы все сумасшедшие! Это меня радует. Я постоянно собираю разные трубочки, коробочки. А вдруг это пригодится!!! :) :) :)
    Привет Элизабет! Я обожаю ваши изыскания! Это так увлекательно и интересно! Вы заинтересовали даже маленького зайчика. Он увидел ваш индустриальный проект , и сразу стал взрослый. У него выросли усы!:) :) :).
    Я очень хочу увидеть ваш окончательный вид дома. Я знаю, что вас ждет большой успех! Ваш дом самый лучший!
    Татьяна

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heeheehee! I never thought of the bunny growing a mustache to become an Adult Rabbit! :)) You are so funny Tatiana!
      And, YES we ARE ALL CRAZY!!!!! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  5. Elizabeth! You are a Genius!!!! WONDERFUL!!! Claudia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Claudia, and Thank you Very Much :))
      That dial plate will continue to bug me, but I am far too timid to try and change it now... Darn it all !
      But I am still very happy that you have enjoyed this posting! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  6. thank you for the explanations, it's realistic
    the rabbit is to cute

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Claudia! I think that it certainly looks "Realistic" enough to pass. The zoom lens of the camera shows up every rough edge but when you are looking only with the naked eye; it does the job! :))
      The rabbit was another "find" from the dollar store. Just prior to Easter, they were sold as a package with 6 different poses. This one I painted with acrylics and used bristles from a cheap paint brush for the whiskers. I AM rather proud of this little guy, so Thank you! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  7. Hello Lady Elizabeth,
    Your genius just amazes me. It is a real talent to be able to see miniatures in everyday items, and you are a master. You may not be happy with the dial, but it looks wonderful and very realistic in the pictures. Using the McDonalds cover was such a terrific idea. The finish is perfect as well. I also must say that your bunny and his whiskers enchant me! Excellent work Elizabeth!
    Big hug,
    Giac
    N.B. You are in my thoughts

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sir Giac! No I am NOT happy with the dial and after the pressure of getting ready for the show is over, I may get up enough courage to attempt to change it out, but it will have to do for the time being. It looks more believable in person too, but the photos showed me that I needed to add the pipe extension which Proves that one should ALWAYS TAKE PHOTOS to get a more accurate view of whatever is before you. Wouldn't you agree my friend? :))
      A Big Hug back and also a Thank You for the personal note you sent. I really appreciate your caring and your concern

      elizabeth

      Delete
  8. Wow wow wow! Amazing. It looks a million times better then the a store bought one because it looks like it fits the vintage of the house. I hope you had a licensed gas fitter install it! Lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi There Kat! hahhah.... I took a lesson from YOU and tried to hook up the gas myself!:)) However, having made this one; the second one WILL be better!
      But you make a good point about it looking VINTAGE... HIP HIP HOORAY!

      elizabeth :D

      Delete
  9. Hi Elizabeth. I am always in stunned, amazed and in awe at how you can see potential in ordinary things. I would have seen a plastic ice cream thingy and that's it. You have a super power!! It looks fantastic!! Always a joy to see your projects. Carriexx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carrie! heeheehee Too much praise will turn my head, don't ya know?!!!
      But I Thank You Very Much! :)) I have a one track mind when I'm determined to "divide and conquer" and making this meter has been bugging me for weeks. It is not as good as it should be, but better than I thought it might be. :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  10. Your ingenuity knows no bounds! Can't wait to see it. Lucky me! Maybe if I give you a hug, some of your genius will rub off on me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HELLO LINDA!!! It is such a treat to see your smiling face again. :)) I am so looking forward to our planned get-together once you are back in town again! I received your nautical card in the mail, Thank You! :)) I am going to be able to use the cat dish in my next project, the HBS kit. I have more to tell but I shall save it for when next we meet.
      "All for ONE and ONE for All!

      elizabeth :D

      Delete
  11. SO creative and innovative! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Christopher! Thank You Very Much! :)) It was good to put some of the bits and pieces that are in my collection, to good use, as I have wanted to try making a meter for some time now. :))
      At last it is over!

      elizabeth

      Delete
  12. It's incredible how you managed to make miniatures with ordinary things. The result is really wonderful and perfect among the grass. I love the rabbit's whiskers. YOu really have an eye for details, I would never have thought of making a gas meter, but it makes the scene even more real.
    Geneviève

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Genevieve! :)) I can't say that I would have thought of making a gas meter either, except that I LOVED what I saw how cool it looked when Brae included one for her Haunted Heritage house. Camouflaging it amongst the grasses made it less conspicuous and the rabbit made it playful. The rabbit whiskers were snipped from a cheap paint brush. Now he looks more like a rabbit and less like a mule!

      elizabeth

      Delete
  13. So realistic! I don't know how in the world you saw a meter from this! But then again you are you! lol I would have never thought to use that lip gloss container!

    Had I purchased it I would still be walking around with greasy lips and no meter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahahahaha!!! Greasy lips INDEED!!! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  14. I hear your frustrations, I'm also very impatient waiting for paint to dry, Despite your set backs you have created a wonderful meter from bits of nothing and for that I congratulate you. It really looks the part.
    Jayne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Jane! So long as it "looks the part" I will be content! :))
      Messing up the dial plate still bugs me, but constructing this meter it was like watching my Favorite Cooking show "CHOPPED" where time is strictly limited and the 4 chefs have got to HUSTLE to get their culinary creations, cooked, presented and on the plate before a panel of judges, regardless of what they may have otherwise wished to have achieved.
      I LOVE watching "Chopped" - it's a Gas! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  15. I'm speechless! Your gas meter looks real.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there Faby! I am so Pleased that you like the results! It was a Messy but a Fun project to do. And now that it is finished, I can move on.... but boy oh boy, what a ride! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  16. Gorgeous results, Elizabeth! It looks so realistic! I'm high-fiving you right now! xo Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jennifer! I shall Take your HIGH-FIVE on the BACK SIDE and give you a DOWN LOW with an ELBOW, too! heeheehee !!!

      elizabeth

      Delete
  17. If anyone ever suggested that we were not dedicated to the miniature cause I would direct them to your site. I would have thrown a tantrum long before the second coat of paint so kudos for being so patient/stubborn. Ingenious use of everyday items and the result is excellent. It looks aged and used - as it should be =0)

    ReplyDelete
  18. hank You Pepper for all that you have said. I know that I AM NOT patient so I will gladly settle for "STUBBORN" because THAT's the Truth!!!!!! :))
    If I didn't already know that the end results of the meter would have to be aged and used, I might have thrown those tantrums you speak of. However, with every paint smudge, as aggravating as they were, they could be used to further the end result. And so, in light of All of the Great Britons of the world - I decided to "KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON". :D

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hahaha, I had to laugh hard whilst reading your comical blog post :D! Elisabeth, you're a genius that's for sure! It's so inventive to make a meter this way, like you did it and just leave the lip gloss inside the cap ;O!!!
    I love it that you're so stubborn to go on with a job, just like until you're satisfied with the result.....I would do that too :)! But after all of the hard work I must say: your meter is wonderful and it looks very lifelike! Thanks for the clear and wonderful tutorial!!
    Hugs, Ilona

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ilona! I hope that I don't live to regret that mistake of leaving the lipgloss inside the tub, but I can look at it this way- future generations may think of it as a miniature "time capsule", showing what we (their ancestors) used for fossil fuel.
      hahahhah!!!!

      elizabeth :D

      Delete
  20. I'm amazed at the brilliant way you make something from a lot of nothings and it turns out perfect! The gas meter looks so real - and the best part is that all the "found" elements can't even be found in the finished product. So it's definitely more than the sum of its parts! Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marjorie! I appreciate your comment about it being more than the sum of its parts! It Fascinates me how a coating of paint can unify all of the disparate pieces and turn them into a whole composition. It is THAT process that I find the most intriguing and keeps me trying. :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  21. Thanks for this perfect tuto.

    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You for taking the time to comment Dakota! And I am so pleased that you have enjoyed it! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  22. Impresionante, yo creo que ha quedado fantástico.
    Muchas gracias por el paso a paso

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Eloisa! I am very happy that you like this tutorial and all of the steps which I out-lined. If I could add any more advice, it would be to REMOVE THE GLOSS! The weight is such an important factor in the end. :))

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  24. Has derrochado imaginación con el uso de esos elementos para realizar el contador. Muy ingenioso.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Isabel! I have more imagination than cash so this seemed like a good way to go! So Thank You! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  25. Oh my word - the meter (and the setting) is absolutely brilliant!! Fantastic1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Robin! Thank you for your enjoyment of the meter as well as the setting! I hope to have a posting up for everyone next week, so that you can see the entire wrap around garden.
      Stay tuned! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  26. Dear Elizabeth, this surely has to be another one of your EPIC achievements in Creativity!!! I am always in awe of the "sources" for your "parts".... Lip gloss container?.... McDonald's Coffee cup lid???? Dead rubber band???? You are just Amazing! And your Fearlessness with slathering on the layers to "join" all the pieces.... I just am in Awe!!! But the end product is worth the effort.... you have created an amazing gas meter! (How many of us ever go and look at those meters...?) I know I have said this before, and I will say it again...You are an Inspiration to me!!! I am always thinking "what would Elizabeth make this from?" whenever I need to try something different! Your level of realism always makes me want to try harder to "get it right"!!!
    Good luck with the Show this weekend! Have Fun and come home with lots of Treasures!
    Oh, and the whiskers on the bunny are just the perfect touch!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello my dear Betsy! I would have to agree that the entire process did indeed feel EPIC! I HATE waiting for paint to dry, but I am very glad that I did what I had set out to do, regardless of the wasted time, and the many mistakes along the way. Until I saw how effective Brae's meter looked with the Haunted Heritage, I never gave meters much of a thought either. But I am very pleased that you have been "Inspired" by this project Betsy, because I have to say that You in turn, certainly Inspire Me!!! :))
      As for the show,..... I am sooooo NOT READY YET! :((
      I have got to get re-focused and get organized for it. As Fatima says....
      "Only 2 more SLEEPS!!!!" :O

      elizabeth

      Delete
    2. p.s. Mr. Rabbit says to say Thank You for admiring his new mustache! :D

      Delete
  27. Even with all the mishaps, your genius shines through. What a great trash to treasure piece. There will be time to fine tune it later. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhhhh Brae! I must THANK YOU for setting the ball in motion! You Always raise the bar when it comes to what you do! :D As to fine tuning it later, YES! The 2nd one will have to be Better as it sure couldn't get much worse! :D hahhahah
      Thanks again for providing the Inspiration for this project!

      elizabeth

      Delete
  28. une parfaite réussite ce compteur à gaz !
    Regarder un étui (amusant) de gloss et imaginer un compteur à gaz, c'est super étonnant, enfin pour moi ;)
    Vite, toujours trop vite, là, je me reconnais !
    Cette maison et son jardin sont d'un grand réalisme ! Encore bravo Elizabeth !
    Bisous. Joce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Joce! :D But was only because the gas meter had been on my mind for such a long time, that I saw the potential in the lip gloss container. I tend to have a one track mind when it comes to solving my many mini problems. It was just by putting stuff on, taking it off, and generally playing around with the findings that the meter began to emerge.
      What a relief however, to Finally be able to move on to the next project! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  29. Hi Elizabeth!
    you did fantastic gas meter! I admire your inventiveness. And the rabbit looks better with whiskers :-)
    warm hugs
    Magda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Magda! I have been thinking about you and your violin project and how that was progressing? I shall be paying you a visit soon to see, but meanwhile I Thank You for enjoying my gas meter project, as well as Mr. Rabbits new mustachio!

      And he is very proud of it too!!! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
    2. Oh, do you really remember? how nice! yes, my violin is nearly finished.
      But, I do several things at the same time ( and I still furnish our new flat). I'm making pictures to my new post, so I hope back soon :-) big hugs!!

      Delete
  30. Te ha quedado genial el contador!!! de un realismo fantástico,le da muchísima veracidad al conjunto de la casa,enhorabuena!!!!
    Besos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pilar! I Thank You Very Much for saying that this gas meter gives a "Truth" to this cottage project. That makes me Very Happy to hear! Because that is exactly the effect of what I was striving for! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  31. Genius is decidedly the word. How you see what you see in everyday objects amazes me - oh for one tenth of your talent. Just astounding stuff. Give yourself a big pat on the back. Enjoy the show - I am at one in York in the UK same weekend.Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  32. Elizabeth please remove this if you think its inapproriate - I have found a 1/12th gas meter here in the UK for anyone who wants one.... email me mormson@gmail.com Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Marilyn for not only your lovely comment but also for the information about the miniature UK gas meter that you have found. I only wish that I had known about it prior to making mine so that I could have used it as a guide rather than my Canadian Version! :D
      I hope that you will enjoy YOUR show in York this weekend. It is so peculiar that I am always more Fascinated by the shows overseas than I am on this continent and yet I know that many Europeans love to attend the North American shows whenever they can.
      I suppose the "Grass", will always look greener on the other side.....
      Hope you have oodles of FUN, Em!

      elizabeth

      Delete
    2. I am super lucky to do both sides of the pond and love both lots of dollhousing equally but differently if you see what I mean. US shows are huge and some last for days and there are tons of workshops and stuff - great stuff but then the English shows have the 'right' style for English houses. Our homes went down two very different paths from Victorian onwards - hence different gas meters! Just have to say again how beautiful your work is and how clever your 'eye' is. marilyn

      Delete
  33. Welcome to Lade E's miniature studio... Today we are going to create a gas meter. You're going to need: Lip gloss, coffee, rubber band, paint, a very good amount of creativity and a good dose of genius! ;O) Really, this is awesome... and not only the way you did it and how it turned out... but also because you did it at all. Your eye for details to achieve such a high level of realism is stunning.

    Greetings
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh My Birgit! You'll have me blushing under all of this praise!!! :))) hahahaha
      What can I say other than it was a journey that had a happy ending in spite of all of the setbacks along the way. This cottage project is nearly done and I did want to have it finished the way I had planned. Which was why I had to wrestle this meter into submission!
      I am so pleased that you are enjoying the final results, THANK YOU! :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  34. I always love when people is so ingenious. And adding a gas meter to your garden will only make everything look more realistic. I love the fact that you had a vision (the gas meter) and you accomplished it by modifying a lip gloss container. As a first try it looks great and after all problems you kind of love it even more!! As you said, maybe just fix the actual meter but otherwise really nice and super ingenious. Using the McDonald's cup to take those parts.....so smart!!! Well done Elizabeth!!! And well done that you didn't give up even with all the issues! I love that you put wiskers to the bunny while waiting....clearly you can't stay put but need to create, create and create!!! Hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Simona! What a great compliment Thank You! This was a challenge for me to get the gas meter made and installed before the show this Sunday. I didn't want to NOT DO IT, and so the struggle HAD to be won! :))
    I am Very Pleased that you are enjoying the final results of the meter installation as well as the bunny's new whiskers! :))

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck for the show Elizabeth!!! Everybody will be shocked by the realism of everything. I will never forget I once thought that was your real garden.......

      Delete
  36. Hi Elizabeth
    This is unreal! Your attention to detail is superb. I have trouble and a lot of impatience when waiting for glue to set or paint to dry....many a spot of bother I get myself into because of it!! I now have to literally leave or I will mess LOL
    The meter is amazing and in a wonderful setting. Mr Bunny is gorgeous, whiskers and all!!
    All the best
    Vivian

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Elizabeth! Watching paint dry is my FAVORITE activity. Yes, it must be, since I do it so much.

    I love your gas meter! As others have said, your genius is unsurpassed when it comes to turning trash into treasure. I really think you hit a home run on this one...It is truly cool. I get not being happy with things in the end...that is the story of my life! Your "not good enough" result will grow on you...mine usually do...and if it doesn't you are the miniature "god" for 43 Green Dolphin Street, so you can wave your hand and make it better, right!?

    Hey Thanks for the callout! It was fun to see my blog name in lights..er...red lights...hmmm...maybe not?. :0) Glad you were able to put the fake grass stem idea to work...those are going to be stock items for me...I am noticing my "stash" is growing much larger than it should... ... .... I think I need a new house.

    All the best!

    Doug

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh yeah...I hope your debut at the West Coast mini show goes great! I wish I could come up, but it wasn't in the cards this year.

    Enjoy the show!

    Doug

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Doug, Thank You for your comical comment! It is always such a pleasure to hear from you! There is usually something that I am not quite satisfied with in nearly every project that I undertake,so I am use to turning a blind eye! hahaha
    Your plastic stem idea was a lifesaver and so I was pleased to be able to give credit where credit was due! :))
    The show this Sunday is stressing me out and I am feeling the pressure.
    Because I'M NOT READY! :(

    But Thank you for your good wishes

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love what you do with bits and bobs! You have sparked my creativity this morning, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kelli! Thank You for saying that I have sparked your creativity because for me, that is what it is all about and precisely how I got inspired to make this gas meter in the first place. Thus, I am Very Happy to be able to Pay it Forward! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  41. Oh Elizabeth! You always amaze me with your mad mini scientist skills but this little gadget is my favorite by far!

    It look so amazing, how did you see all these little components that were to become this amazing finished peace??? Whatever errors you might have made, seem happy ones to me. The glass looks to be fogged over and aged well..

    I am sitting here looking about the bits and bobs around me trying to imagine what they would become under some paint...its going to take me a bit more training to see how your do in small ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Madam Fanaticus! :D Honestly, I hadn't a clue how I was going to make this meter prior to beginning on it but once I found the lip gloss base everything else kinda fell into place. I have so much stuff hanging about that I knew that Something would present itself once I actually got started on it. The biggest headache was finding the right glue to adhere the variety of surfaces and materials.
      But I wouldn't ever worry about YOUR imagination Jane, as it is always FANTASTICUS! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  42. Hi Elizabeth! Your blog post is so funny. I laughted sweetly when reading it. It is a challenge to make great creations quickly if you are impatient. I know it very well and it is fun to note similar features in You to some extent.
    Your meter is perfect :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sirkka! I am Very Happy that you enjoyed this post and I am glad that it gave you a chuckle. :)) You are so right and I know that slowing down will make a HUGE difference in the end product. Perhaps if I had given myself more time to experiment than I did....... Ah me.... NEXT TIME, I promise I WILL slow down! :D
      Meanwhile, I am Delighted that you like the gas meter.... Thank You Sirkka! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  43. What a fabulous idea! And to just find the perfect shape for the base takes a good eye. I love the way it looks with the bunny :) the scale is right on. Hope you are all prepared for the show tomorrow! Have fun :D

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hello Kristine! :D I AM NOT prepared for the show AT ALL!!!! I have been so distracted with life that it is once again coming down to the wire! It will be what it will be though and once I am there I am sure that all of the stress leading up to it will be replaced with adrenaline and the time will fly by!
    It was a challenge trying to get this meter project solved and then completed before the show. So many little things take vast amounts of time and focus, wouldn't you agree, Kristine? The bunny is quite curious about the meter but it makes a great hiding place from the cat which has been looking for him.

    But THAT'S another story for later...... :D

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  45. you certainly are the queen of seeing the mini possibilities in almost anything life size and making it so... :)
    Good Luck with the show!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Q! It was a blessing and a curse trying to get this project completed in time for the show. It is frustrating to want something done to call the project "complete" and then not be able to find the components or have them stay together. It turned out all right in the end however and now onto the HBS DENISE KIT! Hooray!!!!

      elizabeth

      Delete
  46. It looks incredible, your imagination knows NO bounds when it comes to seeing possibilities in random stuff. And, in a good way, I'm glad you had some 'challenges' along the way cos it proves you're human and that there is still some hope for us lesser mortals after all if only we could develop our inventiveness skills to your level :) Congrats on Best in Show!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Norma! I am so glad that you like it! I was pleased to not only get it made but also to find so much enthusiasm around the making of the gas meter, which has surprised me! I am relieved to say that this house is now FINISHED! And I did indeed win Best in Show and against some Very Stiff Competition with Janine's French House. Fatima says that the results were Very Close. It is hard to be in competition with one of your Best Friends though, and I am still feel a bit shy about it, but Thank You Very Much for your good wishes!

      elizabeth :D

      Delete
    2. CONGRATULATIONS MY DEAR FRIEND for the BEST IN SHOW award at the West Coast Dollhouse Miniature Show. The work you put into the Arthur paid off as I knew it would. My only problem and I know a dilemma for you as well, was to go head to head with our Bestie Janine and her amazing French House. The show attendees had a very tough decision to make as they were different but each had its own special character and details. And what a tremendous joy it was for me to walk by them and tell them that those works of art belonged to my friends. Needless to say , I could not vote. Thank you and Janine for taking the show to a higher level than it has seen in many many years in the 12th scale category! AWESOME!

      Delete
  47. Brilliant!! Truly truly brilliant and congrats on your 'best in show'. Recognition for many hours of creative labour is a lovely reward. Blessings, Sherri-Lee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why Thank You Sherri-Lee! :)) It was such an honor and What a Show!!!! It was such a great pleasure to have participated and also to have been able to get this gas meter project finished and out of the way. Now it is on to the HBS Denise kit, but you are RIGHT, it WAS a "Lovely Reward" :))

      elizabeth

      Delete
  48. Say WHAT???? Unbelievable! I'm so sorry I did not know you had posted this. Immersed in the Show stuff I was not looking around and could not possibly imagine that you would have had the time to do anything to the Arthur as you too, were getting ready for the show. Then you take this amazing house and plunk it with a finishing touch! OMG! IT is ridiculously awesome! How did I miss it? A million apologies! This meter is phenomenal! What a great way to close off this chapter. Such a lot of work and it paid off.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hey There Fatima! :D This was a last minute project that I felt I HAD to make and of course it took me far longer than anticipated so it was really down to the wire in the end. I am so glad that you are liking the gas meter because I felt that it IS the FINISHING TOUCH, and now it truly is FINISHED!!!!! :D
    A TERRIFIC 2015 MINIATURE SHOW, FATIMA and CONGRATULATIONS on a Job Well Done!!!!! :D

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  50. What a faboulous and funny post ! Congrats for this new award too.
    Luli

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Luli! I am glad that you have enjoyed this post and I Thank you Very Much for all of your Good Wishes! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete

DO OVERS! a Glencroft Living room redecoration

    Back in April of 2022, I made up a storyline for my Glencroft renovations, which went something like this...   "After due considera...