spottedcat83 Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 The Buttercup has arrived at the shop. Hopefully I'll make a trip to the big city on Saturday and pick it up. They I can open the box, stare at the pieces, and cry a bit... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamBates Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 I'm building a Buttercup too, my first house. Mine came a few weeks ago but I haven't found space to work on it yet. I have about a million questions though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roxxie Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 The buttercup is my first Greenleaf house. I started it a couple months ago but got a bit frustrated with it and put it back in the box. I think I am about ready to tackle it again. Its a cute little house I really would like to build it. Good luck and share your progress! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted November 5, 2010 Author Share Posted November 5, 2010 Yep! I'm going to try to get my digital camera hooked up to the online computer now and then. So how many pieces are in the box? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamBates Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 There are nine sheets in the box. I kinda wish the instructions were just a little clearer about the names of the different pieces though. I'm still on the first step and wondering if I should prime both sides of the wood if I'm putting on wallpaper, and if I can prime one side at a time without the wood getting warped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted November 6, 2010 Author Share Posted November 6, 2010 Good heavens. I never even thought of warping from priming only one side. I would take a guess and say you should prime both sides, because the wallpaper paste might react differently to unfinished wood. It may soak in. But those who have done dollhouses would be better to answer that, and the warping question as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbytsdy Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 Hi folks, I just finished building the Buttercup (check out my gallery and blog) and the only issues I had were getting the front entry side pieces mixed up during dry-fit (and having to cut new slots for them, but I covered it all up with trim anyway so no biggie), and the 2nd floor bowing a bit (probably should have soaked it and clamped to dry flat). I didn't prime both sides of the walls, just the interior for the wallpaper-- I sided and painted my exteriors. It was a fun little build, a nice break from the Willowcrest, though it took me longer than I had thought because I kept thinking of more things to do... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfire Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 If you are going to wallpaper, I suggest you prime the surface first. Two reasons, it will seal the wood and keep resin from staining the paper, and if you decide to "remodel" later it makes the stripping of the old easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted November 7, 2010 Author Share Posted November 7, 2010 I fetched the Buttercup today, and I now have it home. I haven't taken it out of the box, though. I'm kinda tired and I don't suppose it's a good idea to start playing with the pieces without being rested and in a good mood. The Dollhouse Cottage, where I got it, is fun. They have all kinds of stuff, and of course, I spent too much. Yep. No surprise there. But I had to get a rug. And I really wanted to get a little table and chair set, even though they're the plastic ones you paint. And the dozen little blank books will look nice somewhere. So yeah. Next up: Taking the house out of the box. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLyn M. Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 Wow, I never even thought about priming on both sides when I did my Hogwart's Post for Sring Fling '10.I had tested the cement-like stuff I used on a piece of wood first and let it dry to see if it would warp.It didn't so I did the big building all in the cement.It's still good looking today.But I guess I should be more careful...putting on a Primer wouldn't have hurt either way.Sometimes my ignorance makes me shudder!! B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamBates Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 Actually I decided to just get it over with and try it, and I am getting a little bit of bowing on one piece. The right side of the house is turning up on one corner and the second floor is curved. It might have something to do with the fact that I only primed one side at a time. I'm not sure, but I'm keeping those two pieces under some books to see if they straighten out. I updated my blog (link in sig) with the mistakes I have made so far. Lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted November 7, 2010 Author Share Posted November 7, 2010 Hmm. That's two of you who have mentioned bowing of the second floor. Methinks this could be a problem I should keep an eye out for! Goodness. Who'd have thought there could be such a problem? B) It seems good miniaturists are engineers, woodworkers, and interior decorators all in one. What have I gotten myself in for?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roxxie Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 Yep mine warped and bowed and that is one reason I stuck it back in the box. I even laid the pieces flat on the floor with heavy books to weigh them down but they are warped no doubt about it. I primed both sides but my method is more like sealing the wood with acylic spray. I don't think the spray contributes to the warping, it was the paint on the outside walls that did it. I have something a little unorthodox planned if I decide to get it out again and try to fix it up. I also cut off some of the tabs since they don't line up right anyway. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparklepuppies Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 Hmm. That's two of you who have mentioned bowing of the second floor. Methinks this could be a problem I should keep an eye out for! Goodness. Who'd have thought there could be such a problem? B) I've built 2 Buttercups, and didn't have any problems with warping, or with tabs on either. I stained both my floors, and from what I remember, I didn't paint the other side at all until it was built. It seems good miniaturists are engineers, woodworkers, and interior decorators all in one. What have I gotten myself in for?? Yep, sounds about right! But it'll be lots of fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerriMagic Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Sometimes pieces will warp if you put on a LOT of paint at one time..the more liquid that has to seep into the wood, the more your wood will warp. I know it's a pitb but if you brush on several coats of lightly applied paint, there will be less tendency to warp. Yes I know, it's hard to be patient and do multiple coats of paint. But it really will help save you from pulling your hair out because everything gets all bowed. Think of it as therapy..remember Mr. Myagi in Karate Kid? He had the kid wash the floors in a slow, rythmic way, hehehee..the old guy had the right idea.. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamBates Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Managed to straighten them out by putting some heavy manufacturer directories on top of them yesterday. However, I did just put on some wallpaper so it's possible I'll go down there this morning to a disaster. Luckily, I have an ally in my dad who knows some stuff about wood and he's coming to look at what I have, and possibly show me how I'm supposed to use clamps. I wonder if slicing up wallpaper would be less nerve-wracking if I did it on top of a self-healing mat. I'm scared to find out what's under the 7 layers of newspaper on top of my desk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted November 10, 2010 Author Share Posted November 10, 2010 I wonder if slicing up wallpaper would be less nerve-wracking if I did it on top of a self-healing mat. I'm scared to find out what's under the 7 layers of newspaper on top of my desk. Better get yourself a self-healing mat. You'll sleep better at night. Okay, maybe not sleep better, but hey, you'll know you're safe to cut with abandon, as long as you don't go off the edge! I saw something (and bought it) at Target. I don't know if it will work. But it's small electric battery run Christmas lights. They're too big, really, for the house, but they're battery-run! And I want a Christmas tree in the house. They also had these cute little trees that were about the right size, but they lit up by plugging them into a USB drive. How about that? Perfect for the desk! Not quite so perfect for the mini house, unless one happens to include a USB drive in the little house. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamBates Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Last night I discovered that the first floor is missing the tab that goes under the door. I probably wouldn't have noticed until it was too late, if my dad hadn't pointed it out. Check to make sure all the tabs are there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted November 12, 2010 Author Share Posted November 12, 2010 I shall keep an eye out for missing tabs. I am now finding myself eying paperclay. How is that stuff? Does it last? Is it acidic? I'm thinking for the rocks on the outside of my Buttercup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 If I'm going to decorate as I build I go ahead and prime the insides and until I know how to finish the exterior I'll put a coat of clear sanding sealer on it when the primer's dry; and this is to prevent possible warping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted November 19, 2010 Author Share Posted November 19, 2010 Talk about a slow start! I haven't even opened the box. My mom's been in the hospital this week, and I literally have not had the time to even think about it. But she's home again. I'm her main caregiver, so it's a little hard right now; she's lost what little strength she had because they didn't get her up while she was in the hospital, but I think I can get back on track. Hopefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollhousegirlkat Posted November 21, 2010 Share Posted November 21, 2010 I am first time logging on, so hello to all. It is so funny I was just looking at Buttercup to purchase and now I stumbled upon this blog. I am buying it now as my first house to build! Nice to meet everyone. I am sure I won't tackle it till after holidays but I will read up on it and report back once I get going! Happy Thanksgiving. Kat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted November 22, 2010 Share Posted November 22, 2010 Kathleen, be sure to introduce yourself to everyone in the Newcomers' Forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted December 4, 2010 Author Share Posted December 4, 2010 Enough procrastination. I'm going to take it out of the box today and at least try dry fitting it together. :thumb: I am determined. Honestly, I think I need somebody to fire me out of a cannon sometimes just to get me going! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottedcat83 Posted December 4, 2010 Author Share Posted December 4, 2010 Okay, it's out of the box. The directions don't mention that you need to keep a table knife handy for those pieces that just don't want to let loose! But they put in a little piece of sandpaper, so I will forgive them. :thumb: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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