This is a view looking up at the roof brackets and one of the small windows. I replaced the window glass with a silver mesh (for reasons I won’t yet say because I don’t want to give away the element of surprise). I wanted more substantial brackets under the roof eave, so I created my own from scratch and then stained them the same color as the rest of the woodwork. So far so good. Soon, I’ll be adding a bit of age to the exterior and interior with a soft brown wash.

This is the foundation of my project. It’s made from Creative Paperclay and I sculpted it to look like old stone. The lines in the clay are simply made with a toothpick. I now wait for the clay to air dry and will then paint it in shades of gray and brown.

This is the inside ceiling of my project. The chandelier wouldn’t sit still so unfortunately, it’s a bit blurry. I added my own balsa wood timbers to the existing kit framing to add a bit more rustic dimension. Also added were some basswood strips that were aged with shingle dye.

This is the marble floor in my project. It’s made from 2″ square gray marble Earth Tiles. They are self-adhesive and stick right to the MDF. I used quick dry spackle for the grout.

This is just going to be a written entry without a photo for now. I’m about 70% done with my project and it’s coming along even better than I had hoped. The interior and exterior faux plaster finish has been completely finished and painted, the door and windows inserted, and the roof shingled. I’ve created some rustic timbers to cover the existing roof connectors to give an overall look of age. My next step for the weekend is to stain and attach all the little exterior brackets. Also completed is the marble tile floor and it really lends an aged, yet elegant look to the interior. With the smaller, upper story windows, I replaced the glass inserts with a silver mesh. Why I did this I cannot disclose at the moment, but you will see once the project is finished. A contest entry cannot be revealed until the last moment, you see. I have a good friend of mine sculpting the inhabitant of my entry and I’m also working on the interior decoration of the project. Pictures must be hung and other adornments put in place. Soon, I will post some “segmented” pictures for all to see; without giving away too much of the project before it’s time.