Sunday, January 10, 2016

The Lakehouse: How a Project Begins

Many times I'm asked how I put all the designs together for a house. First, I make a Pinterest Board: 
 
You can put anything that catches your eye on this board.Sometimes I even go a totally different way then the first idea I had.  Before deciding on The Lakehouse I wanted to do a more modern structure. But after putting all these photos together on a board , it became clear to me that a different project was emerging.
Next, make a list of everything you want and need for this project. I also order things I will need like the lights http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/mi.html.
Then I do a little gathering of some of the things I have to see an actual representation of the project. Seeing these items in front of me keeps me focused.
My next step is to cut out my walls.  I buy sheets of birch plywood at Michael's craft store:
I draw out my floor plan on what will be the floor. This way I can see if the layout works and if my furniture will fit.
I'm off to cut this out. I use a scroll saw now.  It's about a $70-$80 investment for a cheap one. I bought the Ryobi 16" variable speed scroll saw. What I like about it: it's easy to make straight cuts. What I don't like about it: making interior cuts (like inside a window where you can't come in from an outside edge) is a pain. You have to fiddle with a screw in a tiny place to get the blade off. And I have very slim fingers and it's still not easy. If you spend the $700-$800 on a scroll saw I hear that is not a problem and the saw blade easily pops in and out. 
I hope 2016 is treating all of you well. Great things are ahead. Believe it and know it.  I'm so happy you came over and spent a little time with me!
hugs♥,

26 comments:

  1. Ese montoncito de cosas ya se ve precioso :)... Espero tu próxima entrada para verlo todo en su lugar :)
    Feliz año nuevo!

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  2. Hi Caroline, I have enjoyed catching up with you this afternoon and seeing what you have been doing lately. I have made it a 2016 goal to do a better job leaving comments and posting on my blog. I am glad that 2015 came to an end. I will be watching the progress on your new project. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend shirley

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  3. Gracias por tus tus explicaciones, las sierras son unas herramientas interesantes para nuestros proyectos.
    Ha sido un placer pasar un rato de visita en tu blog.
    Un abrazo
    Maite

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  4. I wouldn't even know where to being designing and cutting out a dollhouse by myself! It's hard enough doing the pre-cut ones:( I can't wait to see this one, I know it will be amazing like everything you do!

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  5. It's always interesting to see how other people work, great ideas, thánks for sharing.It seems to be a fantastic project.

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  6. ¡Hola Carolina! Me ha parecido muy interesante recopilar todas las ideas en Pinterest, así como el proceso de desarrollo. Me encantará ver pronto como queda.

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  7. I am laughing with you, Caroline, because I have the cheap ryobi also. And u r right! Cutting out windows or shapes is a right ol' pain. Can't wait to c lake house! ; D cheers luvvy.

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  8. Thank you for sharing your process. It's very cool to see how you work!

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  9. Caroline,es interesante ver como llevas a cabo tus proyectos!! De acuerdo contigo en las sierras,claro que encontrar la que nos satisfaga totalmente es difícil,pero una buena inversión siempre es acertado!!
    Besos.

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  10. Nice idea to make a moodboard. Thank you for showing us how you start a project.

    Kind regards Xandra

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  11. Thank you for all the wonderful tips that you so generously give. I am looking forward to seeing this new project.
    Hugs Maria

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  12. Oh no love for us old caveman hand cutters?? ;)

    Yeah I got some kind of cutting device downstairs in the basement, had big plans for it once.

    I will just stare at your goodies and sigh.

    Happy new year!

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  13. Hi Caroline, how wonderful for us that you're happy to share your thoughts and ideas and where they come from... it's interesting to me that your creations are part planned and part what happens as you go along...it's the same when l paint, and for my son when he writes...maybe all creativity comes from the same place and it's just how we channel it that makes each artwork "ours". Wishing you a beautiful week:-)

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  14. How interesting to see how you start a new project!
    The title of this new project makes me want to see more.
    Geneviève

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  15. Always exciting and interesting to see how a work of art begins!
    Only the best are able to see the whole project from the start, from a few details ... You are great, and I admire you infinitely :-)
    Love,
    Flora

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  16. Such helpful tips! Love the idea of putting together a Pinterest board and gathering all your materials in front of you to visualize before actually starting. So simple and makes total sense. :)

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  17. As pessoas entram em nossa vida por acaso, mas não é por acaso que elas permanecem.
    Obrigada querida pela presença amável!


    Beijos Marie.

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  18. Hello Caroline, thank you for sharing how you go about a new house. What you have assembled already has got my interest and I look forward to seeing how the lakehouse comes along. I know it will be beautiful!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  19. I, too, want to see more. After concentrating on Christmas, I took look at the Blue Farm House last night. I have level 3 to finish. What a mess. I'll look to for inspiration, for I am always excited to see what you are working on.

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  20. Thank you for your wonderful advice and new project looks great. a hug, Marisa

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  21. Hi! I saw your work on Pinterest and just had to come here1 I too am a miniaturist. I don't do my buildings from scratch; I buy the bare-bones kits from Hobby Builders Supply (miniatures.com), and then I go from there. Your work is so beautiful. That little girl who still lives inside of me still loves all things miniature!

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  22. Thank you so much for all these tutorials and tips. You are so kind to help those of us who want to try building our own dollhouses! I love your blog so much and look forward to each new post.

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  23. What a great idea to make a Pinterest board of ideas! I think I will be "stealing" that idea. May help me get motivated and organized!

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  24. It's wonderful how you share your creative process. This approach can be used for big house rooms too! I always love reading your blog and seeing your beautiful creations.

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  25. Het is zo lief dat je een kijkje achter jou schermen laat nemen en ik denk dat je zo een heel goed overzicht hebt wat je kan doen super Caroline lieve groetjes Daniëlle

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