Saturday 8 August 2015

IF... I were a carpenter....Land's End and the #HBS kit


The ad read as follows:

CARPENTER WANTED
 - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

"residential carpenter required immediately for
homeowner with little cash to spend but offering a chance of a lifetime to anyone interested in adding this opportunity to their resume.  Don't let this chance pass you by!
(Only serious wannabe's need apply." )

 

I couldn't believe my luck!!!
I fit all of the requirements to a "T"
so I answered the ad post haste, and as it turned out, I was the ONLY ONE who did.  So, I guess  you might say, that I got the job by default.
This however, was the opportunity I had been waiting for.
 I NEVER WAS A CARPENTER, not even now after having done the work; as my story will certainly prove.

The lady that placed the advertisement and whom I would be working for, had already collected most of the materials, including a craft knife, lots of glue, and a vague idea of what she thought she wanted me to build.
The job was to construct and install 2 windows, a counter for her kitchen, as well as do some plumbing work which I also knew very little about but no matter!  She was paying me next to nothing to learn on the job,  and she was willing to take whatever skills I could offer.

Below you can see what I had to work with; a whole lot of scraps. The TOP photo of the yellow kitchen is what she said she wanted.
"No Way!?; I CAN'T DO THAT!!!!"  and I told her as much, but would she listen???   
So where should I begin?
I know -
from the very beginning right, after I answered her advertisement...
***



When I arrived at her cottage, which she calls
LAND'S END,  the homeowner directed me towards a room currently  under construction.
"Do you see that wall directly in front of us?" she asked as she pointed her finger towards it,
" I would like you to make and install 2 windows in it so that I can look out towards the Atlantic ocean when I am in the kitchen.  I also would like a large stainless steel sink, stainless countertop, an overhead light and of course, a full length counter as well as some tile work to follow later on; do you think that you can manage all of that?"
She looked at me skeptically as I stared at the empty wall ahead
"Sure!" I said confidently, "no problem.  When would you like me to start?"
"How about right now" and she directed me to that load of junk piled high in yet another unfinished room and then left me to it.
GULP!
 Just what have I gotten myself into? I wondered as 

I began sifting through the rubble searching for a craft knife. 

Once I located it, the first thing that I did was to cut the openings for her 2 windows.  I must admit, it took me a couple of good tries before I finally got them cut straight enough to pass her inspection.  Oh! and did I forget to mention that she was constantly looking over my shoulder the entire time I was working on them?  ><
"why doesn't she bug off and leave me alone?"  I grumbled angrily to myself,
but since she wasn't going anywhere, I soon learned to ignore her 
as I got on with the job. 
After I'd cut out the window openings, I started right away on the counter unit, centering the large sink that she told me she wanted,  as well as where she said she wished it to be positioned.
Then all of a sudden, she up and changed her mind about the sink!
" I've changed my mind about the sink!" she said
"What?... Why don't you want this sink?" I asked
"Because I Don't!  I can plainly see that it's not going to be big enough to wash my stock pots, so I shall have to go and get a different sink for you instead.  You sir, can carry on with your building whilst I go find one in my stash."
"You have a stash of sinks?"
"Oh Yes!" she replied saucily, "Doesn't everybody?"
 (ha ha!)

"I'll go fetch one and I'll be right back!"
And off she went. 
I continued to work on the counter unit as she went in search of the sink replacement.  
I braced the interior of the unit with heavy cardstock to keep the counter stable and so it wouldn't wobble with constant use, however I only got so far before I had to stop working and wait.   She still hadn't returned with a replacement sink which I would require before I could complete the rest of the counter top.  When at long last. she finally showed up again, she was lugging a HUGE stainless steel laundry tub in her arms.
"I'm so sorry I took so long", she said as she struggled beneath its weight, " I needed to spray paint it, and it required 2 undercoats of mat black spray paint and then I had to give it a couple more coats of chrome spray paint as well.  Handle it very gently please, because the paint hasn't fully cured and I don't want it marred so,
 Do BE CARFUL WITH IT!"
 I did try to be careful, although apparently I wasn't careful enough because the paint somehow managed to get scarred inside that huge tub anyway and that really made her mad!   Which resulted in even MORE close surveillance as, I measured and cut the opening for the sink.  That lady was busy scowling furiously at me the entire time.  After I was done cutting the opening for the sink, she hoisted that big sink up into her arms, all by herself, and lugged it back out to her garage, muttering under her breath something about "incompetence" 
which sounded like it might be directed at me) 
And so once again, I was left to myself.
 


After a brief bit, I actually began to get my stride.  I framed out the sink opening, added the wood trim and installed the drawers. 

I must say, that I was doing a better job than I had thought I was capable of, having not much real experience in building stuff, as you already know.   
When the lady finally returned to the kitchen, she looked carefully at the cabinet and said that she was "satisfied" with my progress.  Not jumping up and down with happiness, mind you, but "satisfied" and after patting me on the back, she dismissed me and allowed me go home and told me to come back tomorrow.
***
The following day I returned bright and early and was given my new assignment.
"Today I need you to make the work surface for the kitchen unit if you don't mind.  And I have purchased the materials for you to do so."
She presented me with a large sheet of metallic card which she told me she had recently picked up from Michael's craft store for a reasonable price. 

It was actually really pretty and I told her so too!
She smiled as if to say "of course it is 'Pretty', what else could it be?" but to her credit, she kept her thoughts to herself and continued along another line of inquiry.
"So how are you going to apply this material to the counter top, hmmm?"
This, I thought, was a Very Good Question.
I would have to think about it for a minute and I did.
At last I had a solution.
" I propose that I make a separate counter top that I can fit over the existing one that I made yesterday.  When the sink is ready to be installed, we can then sandwich it in between the 2 pieces."

"BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT I ASKED YOU!

I want to know how you plan on applying the metallic card to the counter surface; Capish?"

"oh yeah,... ( hee hee), well I think that I shall cut out the pattern from the the shape of the counter larger than the actual surface then I can fold over the edges and adhere everything with Quick Grip glue to make it look clean and even.  How about that?" I ended with a flourish.
"Sound's like a plan," she said.  "So you'd better get busy!"
"Right!" I said, so here is what I did.
I used the counter top as a template and drew the shape on the backside of the metallic sheet.
I left a margin of approximately 1/4 inch and drew score lines so that I would be able to make a clean fold over the edge of the counter.
Below you can see the process a bit clearer.


I lightly scored the lines using the craft knife that she provided for the job.

I used a ruler as a guide to make a straight fold

It looked like this when I was done with the first part of the job.

I glued the counter top onto the metallic sheet using the Quick Grip and then used the glue on the flaps as well and pressed it all down until it was set.

It came out pretty clean and I was Impressed with myself when all was said and done.
The lady had me try out the metal drain board which she had never even mentioned until now.
"Yes, I think that will do quite well" she nodded.  And for the first time since I started this job, I actually began to feel some approval from her.
I think that perhaps, I am learning to be A CARPENTER after all!

"Well, lady" I said I guess I'm just about done, I reckon."
"What are you talking about?" she snapped back.
"Aren't you forgetting that the ad specified that you are to do some plumbing as well?"
 ( "Oh yah, ... the plumbing" )
So here is what she gave me.  She told me that she had salvaged these taps from a unit that she found at the thrift store that she frequents.  They were missing a handle and they were the wrong color for this kitchen reno.
I needed to repair and refinish and install them as she directed.
To repair them I began by scavenging around again, in her junk pile and eventually I found 2 old bathroom taps that appeared to be the correct shape for the handles she wanted.  I snipped off the handle from its base, and turned the base portion upside down to enable it to fit properly into the faucet unit.  I filed the rough edges with a metal file until they were smooth.
To refinish them I painted the entire fixture with a product she said would work but I had never used before.  It was something called Revlon Matte Top Coat.  When it was dry, she gave me another nail varnish that she said she had used on some lights for her living room.  When I was finished with the faucet it looked like bronze metal.  I rather liked the look of it. 


Meanwhile, whilst I was busy with the faucet, the lady was actually doing some refinishing on her own.  She was reworking a light fixture that she had chosen for the kitchen once the windows  were completely framed in.
She gave it a try out with the taps to see if she was happy with it.   Just before I left for home, I asked her about the origins of the metal drain board, and if she had found that at the thrift store too?
" No, I found that in the garbage", she proclaimed.
"It just so happens that I was getting ready to enjoy a can of kippered herring," she explained,  "and as I was rinsing out the can, getting ready to throw it away, I happened to look again at the ribbing on the inside of it and
Voila!  There was my drain board!
"Huh?" I said, as I scratched my head 
"Here, let me show you!" and she showed me another empty can, in order to demonstrate what she meant.

"Empty herring tin"

"Heavy duty metal cutters"

"Equals a Drain board, get it?"
"Whoooooa!! I exclaimed in awe and I must admit that I was pretty impressed!  "That must have saved you quite a bit of money!"
"Yes it did" she said proudly
"Now off you go and I'll see you tomorrow, okay? she actually smiled at me as she showed me the door to bid me goodbye.
***
The Next day I was in for a surprise.
" I stayed up all night" she told me, " and I was able to get the cabinet unit completely painted so that you can move onto the installation of the drawer pulls.  I have decided that I would like these on the drawer fronts!" and she pulled out a big box of ...
UTILITY STAPLES!




Alright, I'll admit that I wasn't very confident about this part.  It sounds easy when you are talking about doing it but to actually do the work, is a scary bit of business ESPECIALLY if you aren't very skilled in measuring which as she already knew, I wasn't.  I would be drilling into a finished piece of work and if the pulls were even a wee bit out of alignment it would stick out like a sore thumb.  I hesitated about beginning but she would have none of it.
"Better get started" she ordered, and then stood there watching.
Well I did it! and yes there were some mistakes in the process too, but she didn't freak out on me like I thought she might, since I found a method which allowed me to make lining up the holes in a more efficient way.
So at last that was completed and together we brought out that huge sink from her garage and I installed it; sandwiched between the 2 layers as I told you about earlier.



Then she insisted on trying out the light fixture again.
And she was pleased!
"If you are able to get the faucet installed today then I can let you go home early" she told me so I agreed to give it a go! 

Using a push pin I marked the spots to begin drilling.

Recalling a demonstration that I had seen some time ago on Ms. Mini lover's youtube channel, I used a cup hook to drill a larger  hole in which to accept the sink faucet. 


It's a whole lot easier to drill using this method but the hole still wasn't quite wide enough.


As a result I still had to use a small screw driver to make the hole bigger. 


It didn't take very long to do at all and so here are the final results! 
I see that there is a bit of a gap between the counter and the cabinetry that will soon need to be filled, but the lady told me that I could take care of that later.  
However, she quickly added that she was "Very Happy" with my work considering that I had no previous experience.


" Why Thank You Very Much!" I said to her.  "I'm much obliged, mam!" this said with a big grin on my face.  
" I sure hope you're not too upset about me using up the last of your Quick Grip?" 




"Oh don't worry about that!" she replied. "I just bought 2 more tubes for the next time you come back!  There is still another project I want you to do for me next week."


"Oh yah? ... and what might that be?" I asked
"Why making me a stove and an oven, of course!" she said looking at me from out of the corners of her eyes.
"Whaaaat?!!!" 
"Now Don't look so worried" she said reassuringly as she was walking me out of the house,  
"No Experience Necessary remember?, so I'll see you again next week!" 
"Good bye! Good bye!" she said with a wave and a smile.  
Then she turned away and closed the door behind me.

                                                                                     ***

to be continued...

elizabeth


86 comments:

  1. O.M.G.! I am so proud of you for taking a chance! It is people like you who raise the bar to encourage people like me to push for excellence !
    The story was fun and engaging! And the kitchen is awesome! I would have never thought of using metal!

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  2. Hi Grandmommy! Thank You for you VERY Encouraging words! This is the first time I have made something this big and this modern, from scratch, so it was a bit of a gamble. It is not Professional by any means but I since I didn't think that I could do it in the first place, I AM rather stoked that I actually accomplished IT all by myself. And it is a Very Good Feeling, I must say! :))

    elizabeth

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  3. What a lovely story! and the kitchen is coming on nicely - especially the counter top is remarkable, you found super solutions there :-)

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    1. Hi Marion! I so glad that you enjoyed this story; it was a fun one to tell! The kitchen has and continues to be, challenging but I am Delighted that you like it. So Thank You to a REAL carpenter, from one who is Not! :))

      elizabeth

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  4. Elizabeth, you are hilarious. I think your cutomer had very exacting standards but you pulled it off beautifully. Hope she gave you a huge tip for such wonderful work =0) You've done a brilliant job of the kitchen =0)

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    1. Hi Pepper! You know the customer is always right, but I don't think I would trust the judgement of someone so willing to settle for this much inexperience.
      And as to the " Huge Tip" I received,... it was an entire bag of microwave popcorn, seeing as how much I like to work for food. :)

      elizabeth

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  5. What a delightful read! The kitchen looks great.

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    1. Hi Keli! So Glad that you like the progress of the kitchen as well as enjoying the story! And although it came to a rather abrupt end, it isn't quite over yet! :D

      elizabeth

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  6. This looks fantastic!!! :D That counter paper is wonderful. Well done!

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    1. Hi Brae! Thank You! I am Stoked about the effect of the paper on the counter too! It was a good investment, and it is gratifying that I was able to fit something so industrial and contemporary into this very casual and traditional environment! :))

      elizabeth

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  7. I think you should ask for a raise! The kitchen looks fabulous and I'm thinking that the woman who hired you lucked out. Seriously, I love it. Love the countertops and the metal sink and the drawer pulls and the whole darn thing.

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    1. Hi Claudia and Welcome! :)) I think that I surprised even myself in building this unit. Every step of the way, was trial and error, doing, undoing, then doing it all over again. I am Very Happy that you like the results and Thank You for your Generous compliments! :D

      elizabeth

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  8. Good Grief, Elizabeth! Your abilities boggle and overwhelm my mind. The kitchen cabinets and sink are fabulous, and your ingenuity in crafting the faucets, the drainboard, and the door pulls amazes me. I'll hire you on anytime! By the way, if for some reason you can't succeed as a carpenter, you can always turn to writing. You presented such an entertaining story; I can hardly wait for the next installment. (I feel as though I'm gushing praise, but I can't help it!)
    Marjorie

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    1. Hello Marjorie! Thank You for all of your compliments and what a great joy and pleasure it is for me to write for such an Appreciative Audience! :D But as to the skills of this hit and miss carpenter, maybe you should pause and reconsider that offer more carefully! hahaha
      As for now, I feel the "worst" ( the sink and counter) is far behind me
      ( Hooray! ) and what a sense of relief! Much like what you felt during your struggles with your French Farmhouse dove cote; worth all the angst in the end :D

      elizabeth

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  9. A fun story! The kitchen looks amazing.

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    1. Hello Faby! Thank you Very Much for enjoying the story! I had lots of Fun writing it and now that the kitchen unit is almost finished, I can get to work on the rest of the appliances, and that story will then complete this tale!

      elizabeth

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  10. It is just incredible how you see the potential in such ordinary 1: 1 scale objects. I think that lady hired the perfect carpenter for the job. Yes, I agree you need to ask for a raise. ;-)

    It is going to be beautiful Elizabeth. I love it.

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    1. Hi Catherine! What a Lovely Compliment, Thank You Very Much! :D I have miles to go as a carpenter, I know, but as a collector of junk, my talents know No Limits! :))
      Next up:- the stove which is Good because I WORK for FOOD! :D

      elizabeth

      elizabeth

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  11. Fantastic! This kitchen looks amazing!

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    1. Hi Cyd! Thank you Very Much and I am so glad that you like it! :D However, I have just come from visiting your HBS house and I am telling EVERYONE that your hideaway pool is simply SPECTACULAR!!
      And I am in AWE!

      elizabeth

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  12. Preciosa cocina y la historia de como ha sido hecha me ha encantado.

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    1. Hi Eloisa! I am So Glad that you have enjoyed the story of how this cabinet was born, Thank You! :D It was Great Fun for me to not only write the story but to build it, and I am still surprised that it actually worked! :D

      elizabeth

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  13. Well done you!! I loved the story too, I was completely taken in at the beginning! The photographs are so helpful too, thank you for putting in so much time and thought. A really inspiring post for those of us who struggle with all things carpentry!

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    Replies
    1. Thank You Janice! :D I am ALWAYS struggling with construction whether it is a big project or a small one. I'm just not very good at it. So I sure hope that by seeing how that even if you as "Building Impaired " as I am, to give it the old college try anyway. I surprised myself in the end; and THAT doesn't happen very often! :D

      elizabeth

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  14. Wow! You've made my evening!! I've loved every word, and every picture and am in awe of your carpentry and plumbing skills. Can't wait for the next installment.

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    1. Why Thank You Very Much for such a Lovely Compliment Robin! :D I enjoyed writing the story far more than I enjoyed the actual building but I feel I DID learn a thing or two in the process, and as a result it doesn't feel AS scary as I had made it out to be in my head.
      The next installment will be about the stove. I have already tried twice and Failed both times so will it be the Third Time Lucky ?
      Stay tuned :D

      elizabeth

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  15. You're a good carpenter !

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    1. Hi Claude! :D Thank you for saying so, but I think that I still have a LONG way to go before I even get to "good". Yet it makes me Very Happy that you think so, Thank You! :D

      elizabeth

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  16. You are a hoot. I agree that you could easily be a writer. You have so many talents. Love everything about the sink and counter. I'm sure your employer will have something for the stove in her stash and she will love the results. Glad she lets you go in the evenings!

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    1. Hahahahha! Hi Linda! :D I enjoyed writing this little tale and it really makes me happy that so many have enjoyed it, so much! :))
      I have an idea rolling about inside my head regarding the stove and I am anxiously wondering if it will work. I have already tried twice to make a stove but I had to give it up because neither one of them were going to fit once the cabinet was installed so there is Plenty of scrap in the stash, to chose from! :))

      elizabeth

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  17. Fun story and great work! Thanks for sharing! xo Jennifer

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    1. Hi Jennifer! I Thank You Very Much and it was indeed my Pleasure to share my story with you! :D

      elizabeth

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  18. un de plus ... un texte savoureux !
    Chaque message ajouté à ton blog, Elizabeth est un joyeux moment passé à le lire (même traduit).
    Je sois te féliciter pour tes "incompétences" ( hum, hum !) elles mènent à une TOTALE REUSSITE, ces dernières créations le prouvent, c'est superbement réalisé !
    A bientôt. Bises. Joce

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  19. Good Evening Joce! I got such a chuckle from you comment and so I must respond by saying how Pleased I am that you have enjoyed my " INCOMPETENCE" ! hahaha
    I think that I was just as surprised as everyone else that the cabinet was a "Success" however there is still more "building" waiting in the wings. So Thank You Joce, for enjoying the story and for you cute comment, too! :D

    elizabeth

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  20. Hello Lady Elizabeth,
    I could have told you that you'd be able to do it! The cabinetry looks beautiful. Excellent use of the space and I really love the staples for handles...they are the perfect scale! The countertops looks really lovely and every surface and finish is working really well with the feel of the cottage. the 2 windows are just perfect! How wonderful to have such a great view. Once again your painting skills are top notch and the faucets are beautiful...perfect for that great sink. I can't wait to see more!
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Good Evening Sir Giac! :)) Thank You for your Very Generous compliments Giac and also for mentioning "The View"! I am so excited because TODAY, I found a piece of art at the thrift store, of the sand, the tide coming in swirling against the rocks on the shore, an unimpeded horizon line of the sea, and the sun either rising or setting, almost like a storm was brewing off in the distance. I was Over the moon when I found it on the shelf because it is the PERFECT VIEW from the LAND'S END kitchen window and I can hardly wait to show you!
      Big Hugs Back :D

      elizabeth

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  21. You were just the right person for the job! I loved the story and I really enjoyed seeing all the work you did. The silver on the countertop looks really niffty. I love the stand-mixer on top too ;) I love what you did to the faucet as well, the colour fits perfectly. Can't wait to hear about your next visit :)

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    1. Hi Kristine! Thank You for your Lovely Words of Encouragement! I think that you recognize the stand-mixer as one that I Won through your Giveaway. :D I LOVE it in this room and I am looking forward to serving up your hamburger and fries soon too! :))

      elizabeth

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  22. What a wonderful way to tell us your progress... I've enjoyed your story a lot... See, I would NEVER apply to such an ad being suspicious about the customer - but you really did a good job. Well, maybe it's because of this song... If I were a carpenter - we all know how it goes on... and you were a lady. Yes, there was a lady needed - great job, Lady E.!

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    1. Greetings Birgit! :D I feel the same as you do and I would NEVER hire any old bloke with no credentials Either.... ah, er, maybe I should amend that and say instead - "Anymore !" :( In Real Life I DID hire some drifter to do a job which later I regretted as I had to redo what I had already paid him for... A waste of time and money but a lesson learned!
      And I believe that I was able to learn something from this mini experience too! :D

      Lady E heeheehee!

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  23. Well, Obviously your hired the Right builder!!! LOL! Not only is she Fearless... and Inventive... she is willing to keep coming back after the first day full of shocking alterations to the plans!!! You are just AWESOME, Elizabeth, when it comes to re-purposing stuff!!! And I have spent the weekend saying to myself "must go buy some bronze nail polish...!" Seriously! And then there is the Vision you are working towards... you know so clearly what you want and are willing to go to great lengths to achieve it! I really admire that! Anybody else would have used the first sink as is! So far you have me enthralled with this project and I can't wait to see what you will invent next!
    btw: I meant to send you an email.... did I send you one about pancakes and poppies?

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  24. Hello My Dear Betsy! :D Thank You for enjoying this project and for your Very Encouraging Words! :))
    I must correct you though because I am Full of Fear every single time I start a new project.
    AND, I NEVER KNOW what I want.
    However,... I ALWAYS know what I DON'T want.
    So it is through a process of elimination of the DON'TS, that I finally find the DO'S, But only after the DON'TS have all been disposed of.
    ( Hey! Are you as confused as I am, about what I just said ? ) :/
    Any hoosie...
    If you are on the prowl for Bronze nail polish, check out REVLON because they not only had the bronze #100 "Enthrall" but also the Perfect Silver #041 called "Sterling" and of course #790 "Matte Top Coat", which can be applied to plastic and metal and makes a great base for the other enamels to adhere to or used alone to flatten the shine. I try to buy mine at Wal-mart because they always have a good selection to chose from.
    And "YES" I did get your email re: pancakes and poppies,... so lets talk! :D

    elizabeth

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  25. I loved the story and great work! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Good Evening Gilay and Thank You Very Much for enjoying this story because I certainly enjoyed writing it! :D
      I should have part 2 on-line by Saturday..... Hopefully and so,
      Stay tuned :D

      elizabeth :D

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  26. I enjoyed reading your adventures so much! I love that you used this concept of a hired person, Elizabeth, but the no experience thing made me grin. You have accomplished so much and everything is so well built. I love that sink and the taps. I very much look forward to your building of the stove. I hope you're getting well paid for doing all this work, Elizabeth!

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  27. Good Evening Lucille! :)) Thank you for enjoying my adventures Dear Lady because I had Bags of Fun composing it for everyone. :D
    I have an image of a stove still in my head but I must complete the exterior wall First before I can tackle that challenging appliance.
    I LOVE the taps too, and Thank You Lucille! They were rescued from a thrift store Barbie kitchen and were a STEAL!!!! :)) It is those Little things that end up making such a difference and that faucet and taps were worth the $ 4.99 that I had to lay out for them; .. a Very Good Find! :D

    elizabeth

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  28. Hi Elizabeth :-) beautiful kitchen! fantastic idea for the countertops, love this sink strainer stopper :-) awesome work!
    big hugs
    Magda

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    Replies
    1. Good Morning Magda and Thank You! :)) Getting this far has been quite the journey and there is still a long way to go, but getting this unit built was a First for me. I have been steadily up-grading it for the past few days so the next time you see it,... well,... I'll save That surprise for later :D

      elizabeth

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    2. Sounds great, I'm very curious, and surprises are the best :-)
      Have a beautiful Sunday!

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  29. I love the way you transform the ordinary to the extraordinary - fish cans for example! First the eye, then the inspiration, then the skill. This was a two bag popcorn job for sure - you were 'robbed'. Marilyn

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    1. Hello Marilyn! :)) Yes indeed, it is now very difficult to dispose of ANY THING, anymore. hahaha!!! And I do believe that you are Absolutely right and that I shall INSIST on a second bag of popcorn next time! Robbed once - shame on her, Robbed twice?.... more butter please!

      elizabeth

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  30. Oh Elizabeth, you are one funny lady - and SUPER talented, all that and no experience? Are you sure?! And I will never complain about my husbands penchant for tinned fish of various varieties, not now that I know what treasure lies in the can! Thank you so much for a wonderful post, as usual, entertaining and inspiring... oh, and if you want to do a swap of embroidery for Land's End, just let me know!

    Jonquil

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  31. Hello Jonquil! :)) Unfortunately, that "No Experience Necessary" still holds true. I make mad stabs at construction but it's simply not my forte'. I am learning though. Yet I find it is difficult when one is as impatient as I am and I want to rush through the tough parts to get to the stuff that I really like to do. :/
    However, the addition of the tin can to the counter was, I felt, an effect that made the entire counter more believable, so Than You!
    And might I also add that your husband will greatly benefit from your renewed enthusiasm for canned fish! :D

    elizabeth
    p.s. Loved your latest post on your blog; and what an Enormous TALENT you have with a needle! Again, I'm in AWE :D

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  32. You always have such clever ideas for everything! I just love that sink!
    Hannah

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    1. Hi Hannah! Thank You for loving the sink! I think that it turned out to look very much like the sink I have in my Real House in that I also have a converted Laundry Sink in my kitchen. Art, imitates LIfe!:D

      elizabeth

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  33. wow, that old battle axe is such a slave driver! if I were you I'd poo in her potty and forget to flush....let the old harpy deal with that :) of course I love your work but you poor thing you really need to stop answering those nutty ad's..start your own tv show like rehab addict.

    Hugs
    Marisa ;)

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    Replies
    1. Oh Dear Marisa! Do you really think so? heehee !! But YOUR revenge will have to wait since she doesn't have a bathroom. :O
      A t.v. show of my own called "Rehab Addict" may give people the wrong idea wouldn't you agree? But what about "Carpenter Conundrum" or "Bungalow Blues" instead? :))

      elizabeth

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  34. YES...INDEED! You are a carpenter and a lady! I'm home now, but had friends from Alberta drop in. Today I was extremely and pleasantly surprised to see this post. Unexpected! Elizabeth I absolutely love all that you have done. Ingenious door pulls!
    Stainless steel counter tops, love love!. Then you added the drip board from a fish can? Amazing! Love the faucets and the light you have added! This kitchen is superb!
    But most of all....I absolutely love your creative writing. It is no wonder where Elliott gets his talent.
    Thank you for your inspiration as always!
    fats

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  35. Welcome Home Fatima!!!:D It is lovely to have you Home From the Sea. once again, my friend! :D
    I know that you are already busy getting ready to SELL for the ON-LINE Miniature Show, Aug 20th to 23rd and I am looking forward to seeing all of the goodies that you, as well as many other vendors will be offering. Good Luck with that! :D
    Meanwhile, Thank You for your encouraging words about progress at Land's End. There is still much work to do and every step of the way has be CHALLENGING. Not one single thing has gone smoothly since I've started this project.... NOT ONE!
    Yet I press on. :) But it makes me Very Happy that you have enjoyed my story Fats;
    which for me is a greatly treasured compliment!

    elizabeth :D

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  36. Staples! Brilliant!!! Looks so awesome. You did an outstanding job as always.
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

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  37. Thanks Caroline! :D Glad that you like it! :D

    elizabeth

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  38. I'm so glad I took the time to catch up on blog posts! This is a wonderful story, so engaging and the kitchen is very impressive. You've done a fantastic job!

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    1. Hi Irene! You will not believe it, but I had been thinking about you last week, so I am really happy to hear that you decided to catch up again because you have been missed! :))
      The kitchen has been rather slow going since I posted this, but as of today, I am biting the bullet and making yet another attempt towards progress.
      Meanwhile I am Very pleased that you enjoyed the story. It WILL be continued, but "when".... ah that's the rub? :D

      elizabeth

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  39. Well, as usual, I am tardy to the party... but what a GREAT post! You are not only creative and impressive when it comes to the miniatures themselves, you HAVE to win the prize for creative writing too! What a hoot! You had me grinning like a fool while reading your post.

    You have done so well with the kitchen that I believe I am going to have to hire you for a project or two! You WAY outstripped your original picture! The final product is enchanting...much much better than that old tawdry 60's kitchen you started with! :0) See, you just have too much style to create such a thing...and you are much to feisty to let anyone cramp your style too! A smashing success in my book!

    Doug

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  40. Hey there Doug! Better late than never, I always say, and well worth the wait at that! :D
    Thank You for all of your generous enthusiasm! :))
    I've always enjoyed writing and I can be equally as obsessive about composing these posts as I am about making the miniatures, so I truly appreciate it when both are well received. :))
    It is funny Doug, but initially, I had plans to build that 60's kitchen for this cottage, which is why I showed the box lid. I changed my mind for several reasons but the main one being that it was easier to build the fittings from matt board, as there was a lot less sanding, and since I am the lazy sort of "wanna be carpenter"; the less work for me, the better!

    elizabeth

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  41. Dear Elizabeth,
    Here is another sailor "safe home from the sea " after a month on the water.
    You have made such wonderful progress on Lands End and as always taken us on the ride with you with your creative use of everyday bits and pieces. Fancy using the baby bottles for the light shades. Truly inspired,
    I can read that you are feeling more confident in using matt board - are you using foam board too?
    Hope there will be enough room for the windows and trim as well as the light fixture above the sink.
    Looking forward to your next post and catching up. We have visitors staying till17 th.
    Canada geese beginning to muster in the before heading south. Enjoy every day.
    Talk soon.
    Janine

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    1. Welcome Home Sailor!!!:D I hope that you have recovered your land legs as you and "Mr. B" settle again into your beloved "Becalmed Cottage". :))
      Thank You Janine for your gift of the baby bottles and I am "De-Lighted" that you like the lamp glass that I made with them. I'm pleased because they worked out better than I had hoped, since not much else has. After I wrote this post, I've made and rejected Countless fittings for the kitchen and wasted an entire 2 weeks, not to mention lots of materials, so confidence level is rather low at the moment. However, I've found that using the matt board is far easier than cutting wood and less expensive in the long run, given my countless mistakes.
      Your observation regarding the window trims and the light fixture was right on the money. I had anticipated and factored those concerns into the equation prior to cutting the window openings and there was just enough room visually as well as physically, to accomodate both.:))

      I can well imagine that watching flocks of geese over and around Boundary Bay, are a wondrous sight to behold. Whenever I see Canada Geese in flight it brings to mind the PBS documentary "Winged Migration", which was such a fascinating production. :)) And I find God's always Amazing in both His vast creation and in allowing us to enjoy it every day.

      Welcome back my friend and talk SOON!

      elizabeth :D

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  42. Oh my! I had a great laugh, and a smile on my face as I read this post. Love it. You are so entertaining as your tell your stories.
    Can I hire you? I have a few kitchens that need building /renovating, etc. Thank goodness you took on this project. The yellow kitchen, had it been built as per the box, would have been quite hideous! You have given it the magic Studio E touch!
    Simply brilliant! Looking forward to the next installment.
    Hugs,
    Sam

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    Replies
    1. Hahahaha! I think that you could do MUCH BETTER than hire someone so unqualified for the job as I've been, Sam, but have you forgotten
      your "Mega-BRO A-TEAM"!? Now there's the muscle you should be looking for! :D
      Thank You for your compliment though, and I am Very Happy that you like the results of the kitchen thus far. The next installment is not far behind, so stay tuned Sam, as a few surprises are in store.:))

      elizabeth

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  43. Ahhh!!! Came looking for a new post...you know....just in case as I seem to miss them when you first put them out and I find a lovely surprise. Welcome back Janine. What a lovely place to meet you after we were both away. You can always count on a lovely surprise by Elizabeth. By visitors do you mean "Canada Geese"? Or your company from back home? I'm thinking the latter.... ;D
    Talk to both soon for a Miniteers meeting.

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  44. You are definitely a carpenter, well I already knew it... I'm always in awe of what you manage to create. I can't wait to see how you're going to complete your kitchen. You also achieved a great and funny story telling us about the working on your project. By the way, if you can see the ocean from the kitchen (and maybe from other rooms) I want to live there.
    Geneviève

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    1. Hi Genevieve! Get ready to move in because not only can you see the ocean from the kitchen window, but because there is nothing in between but rocks and beach and water, the view is a never ending horizon line of both sea and sky! :D

      elizabeth

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  45. Oh my Gosh .kitchen is amazing !!! This all beautiful details... I love it

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  46. Hi Niele! I am So Glad that you are enjoying the development of the kitchen at Land's End. You will see quite a number of new changes by the next post and I hope that you will like those too! :D

    elizabeth

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  47. This is my first time here.The kitchen looks really amazing.I'm enchanted.This is a great story and I'm looking forward to your next post.

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  48. Welcome Ana and Thank You Very Much! :D I have already posted the continuation of this story in which the carpenter and I get most of the kitchen completed. I hope that you will enjoy the conclusion to this story, just as much! :D

    elizabeth

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  49. I'm delighted with his work.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Happy Sunday
    Hug, Nnada.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nnada! I will pass on your Words of Praise to the carpenter! He will be quite pleased to receive them since I put him through his paces! :D But do look ahead to the following post to see what he (and I), did next! :D

      elizabeth

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  50. Thank you so much Elizabeth. Great work (as always). But this time the story made me smile the whole time from one ear to the other.
    Damn! Now I can't get the song out of my mind....

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    Replies
    1. Hi Andrea! I am DELIGHTED that you have enjoyed both this story and its sequel, Thank You!!! :D I had a lot of fun writing them both and what gives me the greater pleasure is when others find them amusing too! :D

      elizabeth

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  51. That first picture had me do a double take! I thought it was a real, life sized room there! It looks so cozy and I love the little kitty on the sofa. That kitchen is coming along nicely and looks like any mini gourmet chef will enjoy spending time in there! Can't wait to see what comes next. You inspire me Elizabeth! Wish I had the time to create minis like I used to. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank You Very Much Lindsey! :))
      Well do I remember what it was like when my two children were babies and how I was itching after a while, to get back into my hobby again, but cherish your time with your new baby because it is gone in a flash, and you can never recapture it.
      Meanwhile, I am glad to see you and that you are still keeping in touch via the blogs. :D

      elizabeth

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  52. It's always so much fun to hang out here, E. And so much to learn too. Last year I built a sink and table top too. Nothing as "precision engineering" as yours ..haha.

    Thank you E, for popping by my place for a spot of tea. It is good to be back and see everyone still working, still passionate and ever still so creative.

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    1. Hi Sans! It is so good to see you back in the saddle again. I know that a lot of time has gone by, but I saw that you have also been just as busy on your side of the ocean too! :D
      I would have to say though, that there may be some engineering here, yet sadly not the precision, because I only graduated from the school of "GOOD ENOUGH", which was in fact, good enough for me! :D

      elizabeth
      ps Your spot of tea was delicious, and I'll take a second cup! :D

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DO OVERS! a Glencroft Living room redecoration

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