Tool-Fest & Watering Can Up Date

I hope it still works after I get the sprinkler head on it. I am waiting for some perforated brass for the nozzle head.


I was starting to find it really annoying that I couldn't work on small metal projects at home. The new work bench I bought last fall looked lonely and much too tidy. :-)

I called Rio Grande and ordered some things. It may not look like much but that isn't what the bill says. A new TX series Foredom flex shaft, It has a much stronger motor that will allow me to carve hardwoods. Then a new dapping block by a British maker, Durston. Oh my, to me it is a thing of great beauty! I love how the punches all neatly fit in the carrying case with the block. There is a high polish in the steels dapped spaces. I also got... two bezel mandrels (for forming) and a bunch of bits and pieces for the flex shaft. Now I have to get a torch. I can buy that here in town. Then... Maybe I will offer a few copper pieces to sell occasionally. Teapots and such.

Metal Problem Solved

Sunday... May 22, 2011
I would have gotten more finished today if I hadn't gotten a major sinus headache. At least the splash guard is soldered on now. It won't take long to finish it.


Please double click on photos.

Saturday May 21, 2011
Now that the galvanized steel "look" has been resolved using the gilders paste. I thought I would tackle the next problem.

Today I think I solved the issue with raised ring lines in the sheet metal. They are actually formed into the sheet now. It looks much better than trying to solder rings on them. So I decided to start making a watering can. Isn't that a great ruler? It has holes in it so your measurement marks are always exactly right.

Gilders Paste... And Its Variety Of Uses

If you are someone that is interested in coloring metals with patinas you may have discovered the additional hazardous shipping charges for chemicals like JAX can be as expensive as the solution it self. I recently paid more just for shipping than for the product.

Happily there are some other options I would like to share with you that have a very nice result. There is a product called Gilders Paste. I have found an Etsy seller who sells 28 different colors! http://www.etsy.com/listing/72156124/gilders-paste-15-oz-tin-available-in-28?ga_ This product can be used on polymer clay, metal, wood and other materials. It has a consistency of shoe polish but it can be thinned with mineral spirits (called white spirits in some countries). You can thin it to a wash if you like. Or use it straight out of the tin.

This product could also be useful in all the popular aging techniques. The metallic colors can be buffed to have a soft shine on so many surfaces. I can think of hundreds of uses for it in 1: 12 scale. The paste comes with a one page brochure with good photos of how it has been used.

I do not plan to use this on sterling silver but I will use it a lot for miniature work in the future. I really like this product. Today I used it on a raw brass finding to bring out the details for a small mirror I needed. First the brass was polished then a wash of black applied and wiped off. In a few days the golden color of the brass will return with a little oxidation. I think it is a good idea to seal your finished piece. I sprayed mine.

Don't forget to click on the photo. ;-)

Beautiful Miniature Books

A wonderful surprise! Flora http://lacasadellebambolediflora.blogspot.com/has made me some beautiful 1: 12 scale books.

Obviously the people that live here have a special interest in dollhouses. They own a Georgian townhouse, so they will fit right into their library.

Thank you so very much Flora. These are all my favorite titles in 1: 1 scale. They are a wonderful addition to my collection. I am thrilled to have them.

Do have a look in Flora's Etsy Shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/scbflr72

Catherine XXX

He's Here!!!

Please double click on the photo for a close up. You don't want to miss it.

Many of you already know I was the very lucky and delighted winner of Patty's "Give Away' baby. http://patty-petit-orphelin.blogspot.com/. I have always admired Patty's absolutely beautiful work but I wasn't prepared to be awe struck.

When I opened the parcel this lovely baby took my breath away. His skin just seems to glow from within, He is beaming with good health and life. He has the most beautiful hands and feet too, with tiny nails on each finger and toe. No detail was excluded under his garments either, I peeked. His cap is not glued in place and he has lovely legs with dimpled knees. ;-) Usually a new mother has months to get ready for a new baby. I found out on Mothers Day, last Sunday. So I still have quite a bit of shopping to do for a baby and to create a proper photo shoot. As soon as I can find or make all the paraphernaliahe needs, I will post another picture

Thank you so much Patty. I love him so much!!! He is perfect!

Lots Of Doll Houses On YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH7ecMYvhfU&feature=related

My friend Sandi sent this link to me tonight. I thought It was just Queen Mary's dollhouse at first. Then I realized there are many more houses to see. I have watched several clips.
Try the whole set of ... The Miniature Thorne Rooms. It is wonderful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0frWc-KtWA&feature=related

It's A Mystery! Happy Mothers Day

It appears someone is planning a special Mothers Day treat for Mum.

I have just cast eight place settings of the Chrysnbon flatware kits in fine silver .999 as apposed to sterling silver .925 Hopefully I won't be polishing these very often because the silver content is so high. I thought the silver would look much nicer with all the blue Stoksay Ware I have collected.



Every year on Mothers Day since I have had Kilmouski, a gift has arrived in the mail. Today these gorgeous hand made soaps scented with English roses. There is always a card signed Happy Mothers Day...Kilmouski.

I have no idea who's credit card he is using but it isn't mine!!! It is a real mystery!!! Thank you Kilmouski!

Happy Mothers Day Everyone!

Delightful Mail Today

Some time ago Marie http://recreationminiature.blogspot.com/ posted a miniature theater on her blog. It was made by Dominique Autin. I absolutely fell in love with it. Which must have been obvious in the comment I left her about it.

Today the mailman brought me a little magic from France. Marie sent me this lovely miniature theater. :-) I think they are fascinating. I love the the images on the theater surround, the colors and the story happening on the stage.

Thank you so very much Marie!!! It is such a charming and special treasure.

Catherine XXX

I have made the photo smaller. I don't want it to be so deceptive in terms of its true size.

And The Winner Is....

I would like to thank everyone that entered the Give Away. I also want to welcome all the new Followers to my blog.

I might have three seconds or three minutes before I loose my connection so I will be brief. I am sorry I cannot take time to post the photos of Mr. Evans (my neighbor) drawing a name for me this morning.

Congratulations Margariet! http://margriets-miniatures.blogspot.com/ Please send me your full name and address to...
catherineronanATXXXX.net Use the AT sign on your keyboard in place of the 'AT' I wrote in my email address. As soon as I can get online again I will retrieve my emails.