Friday, November 1, 2013

Wiltshire Cottage - The Westville Kit

I've been working on commissions lately that are gifts. So I don't want to blog about them just yet and blow the surprise for the recipients.  But I did start another project!  It's the Westville  kit.  I'm going to turn it into an old world English cottage. 
I put most of the house together.  It's 2 story plus an attic.
My first project is the stairs.  I wanted something very old looking.  I started by giving the stairs 2 coats of cream latex paint.  These were pretty thick coats. I want a look of many, many years of layered paints.  Then instead of varnishing the wood for the top treads, I painted them a mix of brown and black.  This looks much more vintage then having a varnished wood.  Then I glossed each tread.
I'm always looking for that lived-in feeling.  So my paint jobs can't be perfect. There has to be scuff marks and uneven paint application. Old and worn!
I hope everyone has a wonderful time creating!

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29 comments:

  1. FabiolaNovember 1, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    I like your new project. I can't wait to see more.
    Greetings, Faby

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  2. elizabeth sNovember 1, 2013 at 11:01 AM

    Hello Caroline! I am so excited to see the process of this build. I am impressed that you BEGAN with the stairs, whereas I have left mine to the end. Everyone, has their own system don't they? I know that you follow Sam's "Days of our Little Lives" blog and so you might already know that she also has a converted a Westville Kit. I find information of what others have done to be useful and I hope that you do too! I have a Willowcrest kit pending and have been collecting images through Pinterest as references.
    Meanwhile, I am Really looking forward watching you work your Cinderella Magic on this Cute little house! It has always been a great favorite of mine and I LOVE your Individual and Unique Style! :D

    elizabeth

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  3. MarisaNovember 1, 2013 at 11:51 AM

    Hi Caroline
    I love your new project! the stairs are awesome... I love how you shabby up your projects :)

    Hugs
    Marisa

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  4. RuthNovember 1, 2013 at 12:11 PM

    I'll enjoy watching this project develop. I love watching your creativity fly Caroline! I have about 5 different projects in my head right now, that's pretty normal for me!
    XOXO
    Ruth

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  5. Yolanda MoránNovember 1, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    Estoy deseando verla terminada, seguro que haces una maravilla de casa.
    Un abrazo.
    Yolanda

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  6. Eloisa November 1, 2013 at 1:31 PM

    A mí tambien me gustan las cosas vividas, y tú sabes darle siempre ese toque.
    Espero con impaciencia el resto.
    Saludos.

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  7. IlonaNovember 1, 2013 at 1:47 PM

    Hi Caroline, your work is always gorgeous, so I bet that this kit will become gorgeous too! Love what you did on the stairs :D!
    Hugs, Ilona

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  8. 12CreateNovember 1, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    I look forward to seeing how you put your individual stamp on this kit.

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  9. AuntLouNovember 1, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    Nice beginning! :)

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  10. minwksNovember 1, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    Hi Caroline, it will be great to follow your project. You approach things with such enthusiasm and breakneck speed. It's wonderful to see the amazing results.
    Regards Janine

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  11. PlushpussycatNovember 1, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    Hi Caroline, Great to hear from you! I'm really excited to see more on this house. What you've already shown looks fantastic, as usual. xo Jennifer

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  12. Norma BennettNovember 2, 2013 at 3:11 AM

    Looking forward to seeing this develop, I'm sure it's going to be absolutely gorgeous

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  13. Nellie's Cozy PlaceNovember 2, 2013 at 5:21 AM

    HI Caroline,
    Love how your staircase turned out. Looks really great,
    and looking forward to how this new cottage comes out.
    I am sure it will be a fun addition............
    Hope all is well with you and Lizzie girl.
    Blessings, Nellie

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  14. Maria IrelandNovember 2, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    Yay great we get to see you do magic on another wonderful house :)))) The stairs look fantastic. Looking forward to more.
    Hugs Maria

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  15. ShirleyNovember 2, 2013 at 8:34 AM

    Good Morning Caroline, I came to see what you have been up to lately. I love the furniture and I will be anxious to watch your latest house come alive. They are always awesome. I have been trying to catch up with friends this morning. Have a wonderful weekend Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend.

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  16. miniacollectionNovember 2, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    It is a great project I'm looking forward to seeing more.
    Geneviève

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  17. VictoriaNovember 2, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    Is this one more of a full size dollhouse? It looks big! My dad built me a dollhouse when I was little but he never got to finish it because he and my mom split up. He asked me to send it to him a few years ago so he could finish it but my mom threw it away:( Boooo:( So one of these days, I'll have to start one from scratch!

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  18. Danielle v/d HorstNovember 2, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    I like your so creative in coming up with things and also perform wonderful hugs Danielle

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  19. maribelNovember 2, 2013 at 1:03 PM

    Me encanta tu nuevo proyecto, seguro que te quedará estupendo.

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  20. AnonymousNovember 2, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Oh love the old worn cottage idea. it's going to be gorgeous, can't wait to see the finished result.
    And sweetie, I was so touched by your comment. I feel so blessed to have you as a friend. Have a lovely weekend :)

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  21. UnknownNovember 2, 2013 at 4:01 PM

    Mi piace il tuo nuovo progetto e anch'io sono d'accordo sul fatto che gli oggetti devono apparire vissuti.
    Un caro saluto, Manu

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  22. DeniNovember 2, 2013 at 5:54 PM

    Sounds interesting Caroline! Look forward to see what you come up with! I haven't started my cottage yet! Maybe not till after Christmas now, I'm into the Christmas sewing right now! then my village will have to be put up and decorations time is passing too fast for me right now!

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  23. SuzeNovember 3, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    I'm so excited to see your progress! Love the stairs!

    Hugs,
    Susan

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  24. UnknownNovember 4, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    Hallo Caroline,
    het ziet er weer belovend uit.
    ik kan niet wachten tot het klaar is.
    Groetjes Marja

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  25. Lady FanaberiaNovember 4, 2013 at 11:18 PM

    Great little house and so beautiful stairs :)

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  26. AscensionNovember 5, 2013 at 7:33 AM

    Hola Caroline
    Me encanta tu nuevo pryecto, seguro que te va a quedar fantastico.
    Me pasare para ver los avances.
    besitos ascension

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  27. TerriNovember 12, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    I love opening a new doll house kit! So full of promise! You are going to create a masterpiece, I just know it. I am going to keep up with your process : )
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  28. PILAR6373November 13, 2013 at 3:44 AM

    Me encanta el estilo de esa casa,seguro que la convertirás en algo fantástico!!!!
    Besos.

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  29. Words and PicturesNovember 17, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Love those glossy treads... that's a delightful Greenleaf design.
    Alison x

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