minikelli Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Okay have to share with everyone... Have been looking at my options of a splurge for me. Figured that I'd been ogling a kit for the last two weeks but didn't know the maker, and it didn't have instructions so was iffy in regards to if I wanted to tackle such a project. Price was great, but the no instructions rather scared me.. We're talking about a kit that just as a kit w/o glue or flooring, paper, etc weighs about as much as I do. Plus when built, and I'm confident I would have to add wheels or a base of sorts to it to be able to move it -- well, it'll be a bit taller than me. Kind of daunting to say the least, but oh so exciting as well! Anyways, had decided to wait and see if I could find out who the maker was and see if I could possibly find instructions to the building of it. This also gave me time to wait for the SF kit to be announced so I could decide where to sink my budget... So SF or the Walmer Bay Mansion kit? Bay Mansion won out for me, as yesterday I heard back from a Walmer representative that they saved copies of the blue prints and instructions for all of their houses, and they are being kind enough to send me a copy for this kit! That sealed the deal for me at least as to what one I'm going to get, rather thinking that this house will be I guess my opus of sorts. The dream house you didn't dare to think you'd be able to afford, but could dream about when you let the guards down... Now for why I said I'd lost my mind. Not only do I have that behemoth of a kit on the way -- but tomorrow I'm going to pick up the RGT Playscale Victorian Townhome(also as tall as me), and I also have a 1/2 scale lighthouse being delivered sometime next week. The Townhome I started another thread on a while ago, because I'm going to attempt to change it to a 1:12 scale building, have been thinking of making it into an apartment building or a brownstone but won't know til I see it tomorrow(just know it's going to take a good bit of bashing to change it about), then the lighthouse which from what I've read from folks who have made these they go together fairly quick(this is good b/c it needs to be done by July), this will be the one I start work on immediately as it will be my littlest niece's birthday present. It will be doubling as a night light for the little squirt for now. I got to thinking though, somehow I've gone from a few months ago thinking that the Harrison would be the biggest house I'd ever get my hands on -- to looking and realizing it's now going to be one of my smallest. lol What did I get myself into when I started that Laurel? That's right a wonderful dh addiction that has stretched my mind and make me realize how much is possible when you think outside the box! I'm loving this hobby more and more, not just for the building and decorating which I find to be so pleasurable to lose myself too -- but also all the wonderful people! I'm loving it and just wanted to share not only my fantabulously fun news, but also my thanks and appreciation to each and every member of this forum and the Greenleaf staff for allowing someone such as myself to really start feeling like I've found my niche! I love this hobby, but love so much the family that's been created here! Good luck to all that are participating in the Fling this year, can't wait to see/hear all the wonderous things you guys have in store for us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jo Med Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Congrats Kelli on all your wonderful buys. You will have a fun year or so coming up - maybe longer to finish all of them. Spring Fling 2012 maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 Thanks Jo! in actuality the Townhouse is free(makes it even better) the lighthouse though was a nice price at less than half the original price on ebay. The Bay Mansion I have Kelly to thank for posting on the ebay/craigslist thread a wk or so back. Found out it has 15 rooms, and it just excites me beyond reason as to the possibilities! lol I'm thinking SF 2015... maybe? lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbnmini Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!! What a wonderful thing, to find that "dream house"! Have a great time in all your mini work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparklepuppies Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Yay you! Congrats on the great find, love it when that happens. It's such a great feeling, especially when it's a dream house. I found a Beaumont on CL a while back for $20, love that house, and I can't wait to get started on it (and find a place to put it...). And I agree wholeheartedly about the great people here and our wonderful hobby (addiction). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLyn M. Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Good luck on all these upcoming projects.....but if they turn out as good as your Laurel did...you have nothing to worry about!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerriMagic Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Whoa, what a find! J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrchob Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I loved reading your post! Your excitement was popping out all over. Neat. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoalaSam Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Congratulations, this IS going to be a fun mini year for you! Well said about this little community, I feel the same way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gee Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Congratulations!! you are going to have so much fun with all this!! and i agree, your enthousiasm pops off the screen.... but no one will blame you for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share Posted March 23, 2011 Thanks everyone! I feel like I've an aura glowing around me right now for as hyped as I am! lol But, first I need to get at least a couple of projects taken care of first.. Would like to get my Petite Dreams house done for the family I'm giving it too. Sounds like there's at least one or two little girls whom are having some adjustment issues with their parents separation, and their grandma thinks it may help her to work through some of that with them. Seven all together however whom will get to play with it. My Tiffani is really pretty good and close to having the construction aspect done, just need to finish with the spackle and thatch -- don't know if I'm going to keep this one or donate it... Odd that because I looked around and inquired with the heads of the county for the local kids and animal groups in regards to donating for their organizations, and was told due to new red tape they no longer accept donations of any sort other than cash? I remember a decade ago when 4-H would gather up donated items and auction them at the fair to raise money for the kids, but not even they will not do anything like that anymore. Red Tape -- rather stinks when you want to share your fun to make others' lives better... I'll figure something out though. Have also realized that I think I'm going to have to in all likelihood get rid of some furniture to accommodate the larger houses, or at least move it to other rooms/storage area. Will be picking up the RGT Playscale Victorian Town House later today and I think that will help me to visualize how to set up an area for them... Probably one of the reasons why up til now I've not considered keeping them, so much as getting them constructed and decorated to be given away or donated... Hmm, decisions decisions... Who really needs an extra dresser or cabinet space anyway? lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin1056 Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 how exciting!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted March 24, 2011 Author Share Posted March 24, 2011 Ahhh, went to pick up the RGT Townhouse yesterday... Ended up a wee bit irked at being made to wait over half the day for the woman to get back so I could get it. One of those reasons I had specifically made sure we were both clear when we were to meet to get the house, as it was she decided to go to a pool and have a day of fun! Don't get me wrong if I had that option too, I'm sure I would've loved too, but not when I'd given my word to just leave a person hanging. Was not happy, but on the bright side was finally able to pick up the house. Also, have gotten confirmation that both the lighthouse kit and Bay Mansion kit will be mailed on Monday -- still really excited, with tons of ideas! I do have a question though for anyone else who has rehabbed houses that were previously electrified. The Townhouse used to have chandeliers, floor lamps, ceiling fans, carriage lamps, etc -- and each and every one of those along with every window and the door were pulled out/and or destroyed by the woman's son. Wondering if I aught to just re-wire completely since I'm going to be moving the floors and what-not as is? Or if anyone thinks there's a chance any of the existing tapewire may be salvageable? Thanks again everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 The kid pulled it all out? IMO I'd start over... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted March 24, 2011 Author Share Posted March 24, 2011 Holly, he didn't just pull all the lights -- he destroyed them. Wanted to cry when she was telling me, then while I'm taking the top roof part off to put it in the car he reaches in to start pulling off pieces of trim! I put the roof down looked at him and calmly asked if he minded handing me the piece he'd just ripped off so that there would still be matching pieces when it was all put back together. Looked at me and said something like "I just thought it would be fun to break something else." At this point I'm sure there was smoke coming out of my ears! So glad I got it out of that place... just saddening the entire experience really. Bright side though, in that the house itself other than windows and door really doesn't look as rough as I was expecting. Since I'll be taking the windows and door out anyways, not a big concern. I love the fact that there's a drawer built into the bottom as well. Maybe I'll stay more organized while working on it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Bratty kids and dhs start my red flags rising... Yes, I'd just gently take the house apart (I confess to a couple of ungentle moments with the Laurel, but Mildred has been very nice about coming apart) and rebuild it, re-electrify it (if that's what you want) and totally erase the memory of the brat attack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted March 26, 2011 Author Share Posted March 26, 2011 Okay, had to update -- on Monday both the halfscale light house for my littlest nieces birthday in July, and the Bay Mansion kit will be put in the post to me! Feel like what I'd expect to waiting for a prom date(never did that so don't really know lol) -- excited, nervy, and completely hyped up! This will be one build when I start y'all will be seeing pictures galore I'm sure. lol :hug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 Had to update -- the lighthouse got here on Friday, and the Bay Mansion boxes got here today! The first box is nearly as tall as me, only off by about 6 inches or so... My problem at the moment seems to be in the matter of where I'm going to fit it til I get to work on it. Not sure it'll all fit under the bed! lol Soooo EXCITED!!! :wub: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefanib123 Posted April 10, 2011 Share Posted April 10, 2011 Minikelli, you sound so happy! I am working on my first doll house ever, it's a Tiffani also. I've been looking at your gallery,and I see you added a room. I've been thinking of doing that, also. I already made the upstairs a bit taller and the whole house wider, so I may as well add it, LOL. Is there any chance you can post some updated pics of it? There's not a lot of Tiffani pics out there, I guess since its an older one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted April 10, 2011 Author Share Posted April 10, 2011 Stephanie, I'd be glad to take some updated pics -- may be a day or so. I'll try and get them in the gallery and pm you when I've done so. :yes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted April 10, 2011 Share Posted April 10, 2011 Stephanie, I'd be glad to take some updated pics -- may be a day or so. I'll try and get them in the gallery and pm you when I've done so. :yes:Or you could also post here about it and let us all look... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefanib123 Posted April 10, 2011 Share Posted April 10, 2011 Thank you so much, Kelli! I can't wait to see them, I bet its beautiful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houseofchis Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 Hi Kelli, I'm new to the Greenleaf community. While poking around the forums, I learned you've acquired a Walmer Bay Mansion. Congratulations! This is my dream house also! I bought a pre-assembled, unfinished floor model in 1982 from a hobby shop that was going out of business. When I saw it, I had to have it. It's a huge project. I pretty much got the outside finished, but over the years, life, jobs, and my other hobbies/interests have occupied my time and slowed down progress. I'm hoping to get back into this project over the next few months. I'd love to stay in touch with you and perhaps share our progress, photos, etc. together - what do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted October 13, 2011 Author Share Posted October 13, 2011 Glad I saw this! lol I haven't started it as yet, other than to go through the parts list and realize that it sadly is missing a few pieces. Though from what I can tell I aught to be able to buy the ornamental stuff easy enough, as well as replicate some of the other pieces that I've found aren't there that are on the parts list(hopefully.) Would love to see pictures of what yours looks like though, as I've only found two other sites on the internet that have pics of these houses -- and mine sadly doesn't have any instructions(probably why I find it daunting to look at even one of the three boxes that house the parts!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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