Stained Glass Mini Window - Part 2

Here are my windows painted and taped to a light. They turned out about how I hoped so,

I proceeded with the clear coat that gives the rippled glass look. You can see the effect on the half-round picture more clearly.  I also sanded the excess off half-round to fit the door frame. The edges on the round are for glue and will not be visible once installed.

Since I felt they turned out well, I had no excuse not to proceed with cutting opening on the house.  Hang on this is going to get a little scary.

I drew the outline.

Next, drilled several leader holes to make sawing easier.  

I thought about backing out and fixing this 

with spackle and paint, but only briefly.

There was no turning back at this point. 

(don't worry about that tapewire, I pulled most of that last year and upgraded to round wire)

Oh dear, I lost a few small bits of siding. 

I kind of expected more to go honestly and those are easily replaced.

 Looks  just like any real size renovation mess.

1/4 inch rotary sanding band made quick work of cleaning up the edges and getting the opening size right.

exterior

interior

TA DAH - Dry fit perfection!

I didn't even hurt myself! That's the really impressive part in my opinion.

Stained Glass Mini Windows

I found a pattern I like at Free-stained glass.com and so begins my attempt to make a pair of matching leaded windows. 

I used a clear acrylic sheet for the glass. It's a bit under an 1/8 inch thick on an 8 x 10 sheet.  I drew my window outline on the peel-off protective sheet, scored around the shape a few times with a utility knife and then popped it off.  I occasionally got a jagged edge, but that was easily sanded.

I used Casey's method with the lead tape, as she says a lot of miniaturist use this method. I learned it from her so that's who I'm crediting with a good tutorial (here). The tape can probably be found at local sporting goods shops.  I found it at Amazon for under five bucks.

A sharp blade and good metal ruler are a must.  It took a couple of minutes to get the hang of working with positioning and cutting .  Honestly though, not much went to waste and it was kind of fun to do.

Fitting the pane to the top of the door was the easy part, cutting the hole in the wall is what is scaring me silly.  I've never really "bashed" before and overall I think a 3 inch by 1.5 inch opening is pretty tame...still, wish me luck!

My glass paints have been sitting around for quite some time. I thought it was wise to test them vs. sharpies for the colors and look once dried. So far I think the glass paints are winning.  Guess they hold up well over the years!

All the lead strips are down. I want the gem glue 100% dry before painting starts. Those are finger/toe nail gems on the round. 

You can find all kinds of nail art wheels. I can think of so many ways to use these for dollhouse minis and I admit it; I went crazy got almost every shape I could find.  These are 2mm to 3mm size.  My 6 inch lady has been sitting quietly for years while I finish this house. I figured I could at least fill up her jewelry box for move in day!

Side Project

Surprise, I got sidetracked!  These are my very first attempts at quilling paper mini bowls.  They were very easy to make. I think the tiny one is not going to work, it just feels like the rim is too wide, but I learned a lot already and have plans for more "pottery" projects with this stuff. I followed Kris' instructions at 1 inch minis.  If you've never visited her site...you're in for a treat.  (btw, the super glue is just to show size).

Back to the main course, I realized I never did add pictures of the dormers being in. Here they are along with the tower start. 

I toned the shingles darker again, as I felt the different shades were still too stark. This will meld better once all the trim and shutters are on. 

You can see my makeshift fix for the window opening problem should work out fine.

I'm toying with the idea of jazzing up this window with a faux stained glass insert.  Maybe this and the half round space above the BH door to match?  I see so many people add stained to this house and I really like the outcome.  Not sure about painting the silk screened one or making one from scratch.

The single windows are at the point where I need to dry fit and cut as need.  I intend to make a trip for some rotary tool pieces soon.  We got hit with some snow last night and I like to wait for the roads to be clear before making non-essential trips.

I think it might be wise to get them all ready to go, then set them aside while I install the baseboards and crown. It could be tough to get that up without the handy openings on the front and sides of rooms. 

Third floor interior window trims are in,

as well as the recessed third floor fireplace trim and mantle.

The 11 year old girl who has been waiting 20 *plus*cough* years for this house is starting to get giddy.  Then I CRUSH her hopes and dreams by telling her how many hours of finalizing paint touch-ups are to come.