Bash & Modify

Today was the kick off date in modifying our new project - The Christmas House.  But first, we had to go through the "Bashing" process.  I still think this is a squirrely term used to describe the remodeling of a doll house.  Babette tells me it's the process of removing any and all parts that do not fit into the new plans.  It also involves adding the items we want to transform this baby into what she envisions.  Got my fingers crossed I'll be able to reproduce those things inside Babette's head.  Anyone who knows my wife also knows her brain never shuts down; it's like a super freeway buzzing around at lightning speed inside that head of hers!  😆

First on the list was to remove (scrape off) all of the old wooden shingles.  Babette wanted this house to have a more traditional black asphalt type shingle.  Online she noticed how someone took black sandpaper and cut it into strips.  The strips will be notched along 1 side to give them a more realistic look.  For this house, laying the sandpaper over the wooden shingles was not an option.  The roof would have looked too lumpy and not acceptable; therefore, the shingles had to go. 

As expected, in removing the old shingles part of the plywood base was damaged.  That meant yours truly had to apply a top coating to fill in all of these areas so the new asphalt shingles would not look uneven on the roof.  But, before that repair could be made I needed to build the extension to the front porch roof.  This will give a seamless look to the porch roof line  The extension actually turned out to be a relatively easy fix. After making the extension, I also increased the depth of the foundation by another 3/4".  This was to give Babette the space needed so she could make a stone type foundation.  It will also give the depth I need to make the stairs leading up to the front door. 

Next, it was on to the new chimney.  This too was an easy addition.  I took a spare piece of 4"x4" wood from my stash and cut it to the dimensions Babette requested.  Then I added a cap to go around the chimney top plus 2 smoke stacks …. Easy - Peasy!  We still have to add a chimney cap on top; it will be made from plaster.  The tiny string of lights you see coming out from the base of the house will go over to a big tree we plan to have in the front yard.  I cut a grove in the base over to where the tree will be located so the wire can be hidden from view.  It will be covered by some snow and any other goodies Babette plans to use in this part of the yard. 

Then it was on to cutting the support columns for the front porch.  They were cut but not yet glued into position.  We'll need to paint and finish up any work needed on the porch area first so we'll have the room to work.  Finally, the main base support for the house was cut to the same dimensions as the Halloween House.  Trim was also added around the edges to give it a more finished look.  This will allow the house to fit on the same box built earlier, and look proportionate in size in our living room window. 

So, here is where we stand as of day 1.  Next on the list, will be to add board & batten to all sides of the house, and finish up with any extra trim that may be needed to complete the overall design.  Then, we'll paint the house and trim, attach any fake brick and/or tile to the porch floor area, glue the support poles in place, and start the stonework foundation.  Babette also plans to give the chimney a stone looking facade.