The house is done. I need to clean up a few more details which are more evident on the photos than in real life. The house will get a new name but I haven't thought of it yet - Gothic Halloween House is too generic.
Well, I say the house is done, but I had to split the fence in the back because I didn't have one piece that would go all along the back so I am going to add a wonky gate. I wanted the seam to be in the middle rather than on one of the sides. The tombstones lean forward a little bit. I will inundate them with some more glue and gently straighten them. I keep finding little corners where the cardboard is not painted. I may add more yellow on the outside of the fence to look like dried grass. And then there is a little extra decorating - polymer clay pumpkins need to be made as well as a willow tree and an owl. But the house structure is done.
As I said in my last post, I am very happy with house because the house matched my inner vision which is rare. Every once in a while what you make is BETTER than you envision, mostly it's not quite there, but this one matched what I hoped it would be which really pleases me.
I often share my houses to various online challenges if the theme fits and I have just squeaked in on the latest deadline for Frilly and Funkie's most recent challenge - "Put On Your Inking Cap". This challenge refers to using various inks, paints, sprays, stains rather than a pre-printed design on paper in your projects. I think this little house fits nicely - no pre-printed scrapbook paper here. I had already added the previous Slate house, but I am adding this one with 9 hours to go for a month long challenge. Squeaking in, for sure.
The view below shows how the tombstones lean forward a little bit.
Back of the house. You can't really see the gap in the fencing too well here. The fence lines on the back don't line up straight because I cover my base with paper mache which often gets lumpy.
Sara Barker
Yippee, Lucy! Congratulations on winning the random draw at Frilly and Funkie! Your house is sooo deserving! Have fun shopping, Lucky girl!
Lucy
Thank you, Kathy. I really appreciate your comments.
Sara Barker
Love every detail on this, Lucy! The stairs probably have to be my favorite part. Reminds me of the concrete steps leading up to the family memorial plots in our fantastic Oakdale cemetery here in Wilmington (It's actually a tourist attraction!) Your siding, shingles and headstones all just make me squeal with delight! Hugs!
Kathy/NorthCarolina
The details here have left me gobsmacked! It's so perfectly Gothic! I can almost feel the wind whipping about and leaves scuttling down the walkway. Magnificent work! Thanks for sharing with us at the Frilly and Funkie "Put on Your Inking Cap" Challenge!
Redanne
You really have done an amazing job on this one Lucy, I think it is my new favourite. I just love the base you created, the chimney looks so realistic and I love the crackled boards on the house... I just love it all! Brilliant job! Anne xx
Lucy
The steps are actually easy to make. I just cut each layer a little larger. I start with the top layer so I can be sure the house has enough space to sit. Then cover it all with paper mache. These are my favorite windows. They are from Tim Holtz' Village Manor die. I use the windows much more than I use the house part of the die.
Laney
Hi Lucy! This house is fantastic - I just love the windows and the really tall roof over the front door. The fence and the steps up to the front door look so perfectly worn and faded. Nice job!