More about windows

For the glass I used a sheet of gelatine. Very easy, very cheap (10 eurocent/glass ^^) and it looks very nice for this kind of window imo. I just glued it with Tacky glue to the already stained frame.

The outer frames, cut, glued and stained :)

First window is done!

I'm going to add a 2 cm sill on the inside.

On to the next windows. I decided to cut the parts for two windows at the same time. Should've known better though; the third window - on the other wall - was just a few mm smaller, so I had to adjust all my frames.

Didn't save me any time, but it would have if I had checked the handy template I've made for the different frames before just cutting the wood (a)

After taping the parts together to keep them as straight as possible, I glued them without removing the tape :)

And then it's time to sand and stain.

So, after a week, the windows for both sidewalls are finished. There will be two smaller windows in the back, and appox. 5-7 in the front, but that's something I'll do at a later stadium ;)
The window tutorial is from Jenn's Mini Worlds.

Also, I have to purchase Balsa wood again soon, since I'm almost out of the 1,5 mm strips. And I'm sure I'll need it sooner then later because now it's time to start with making doors. Oh my ;)
I buy my Balsa at Het Hobbyhuis, who delivers the wood fast and safe.

Preparing the cottage walls for the windows

After I had removed the masking tape that had held the walls together I've been working on the cottage for the last three days.
First I cut out all the openings for the windows and door, so there can be no more changing those plans now, won't there? ;)

Then I gave all the walls a primer coat with Gesso.

I even tried the lighting system from Nalladris to see how easy it is :D It's not nearly as bright in reality though.

After marking the right spots for the fireplaces and the ceiling lights (in the middle of each room) I got the serious tools out ghe ghe
I must be getting used to them already because the 9 holes were drilled in no time. And of course I checked them all.

So yesterday I could finally start with the windows. I'm following this great tutorial from Jenn's Mini Worlds! Because it's such precise work - I'm almost touching the table with my nose while measuring and cutting - I can't do it for more than ten minutes at the time, and even then ...
My whole body ached when I woke up today :')

But one strip of wood (of Balsa) at the time still makes one sash frame.

Even with those itsy bitsy 1,5 mm mullions :)

So, after only one day (a) I could stain the window sash frame.

When the stain will be completely dry, I can insert the glass. Also, there will be a window back frame, an outer frame, inner frame and sill ... oh my :')
But then ... well, then I have to make ten more windows :)

Decisions to make

I probably spent two days researching what kind of windows and doors I want, and especially about the sizes. And I'm trying to get an idea about the furniture for the living room, so I can do some of those in between ;)

Making the house one step at the time isn't the hardest part imo. It's having to make so many choices, again and again. The windows for instance; how large, how far from the floor, what kind of window, open or closed, self made or bought, real glass or plexi, etc etc. And when I've finally decided I have to make all those decicions again about the doors (a)
But for now I just needed to know measurements so I can saw or cut the openings in the walls and start putting the walls together.

I finally found this really great window tutorial, so I'm thinking about doing it this way.

 

 Photo's form Jenn's Mini Worlds. Left: inside frame. Right: outside frame

I don't think I'll be making double-hung windows for the cottage, but I think this simple window will match the style of the Scottish cottages. These are the photo's I'm using as a reference;

Since I'm a total failure at painting and aging, I might just stick with staining :')
Also, I think a dark(er) look/wood will probably give a more cosy/witchy/Weasley-ish look. I'm afraid otherwise it'll end up looking too neat and less old.
But those are decisions for another time, first I have to make the openings for the windows. Oh boy ;)