Don: Stop here. Do Not Read This Post.
Gosh, I love the fact that I can go upstairs to the office/studio, shouting to Don as I go up the stairs, “Keep out!” and then shut the door, turn on some music, and play with the Top Secret Project. That’s precisely what I did yesterday.
Although this particular addition was put together a few days ago.
It was a frustrating day to take pictures, so this is the best of the bunch. Well, there’s another one that might be a tad clearer. Anyway, I made this counter top. I had envisioned tucking that mini refrigerator under something and this is what I came up with. It couldn’t be simpler. Simple, my friends, is my particular skill set. It’s made out of mat board. The microwave sits on top, along with a box of Pepperidge Farm cookies and a canister. I’ve ordered an espresso maker that will also sit on top of the counter and a retro looking stool, so that the guy that uses this space can sit at the counter if he has a desire to.
Musicians have to take breaks, you know.
I’m sure there will be other snacks on the counter and in the fridge. And some mugs for coffee.
I almost tossed this little countertop because the end result wasn’t what I had envisioned. But I’ve changed my mind for the time being.
Excuse the blue painters tape, but I’ve been painting some areas that needed paint and I’m also painting the deck outside the sliding doors.
There are several things coming in the mail, some of them from across the ocean, so it will take a while for them to get here. Oh, the excitement of anticipation!
I moved the stereo over to the lounge area. Most of the time, I have no patience with trying to get the perfect picture, as you can see by the evidence of Don’s guitar stand just beyond the sliding doors and the fact that it is gray and rainy out there and I had to use artificial light so the edges of everything are slightly blurred. It is what it is.
Basically, I just wanted to show you the stereo.
I also cleaned the windows in the TSP. The clock is ticking on this project and I have more coaching to do on Anastasia as well as a couple of days on another production. Chop, chop, Claudia!
Today, more painting – I’m taking advantage of Don being in and out of the house today and also of the fact that I can’t do anything outside because of the rain.
Thank goodness for the rain! We have been in an unusually dry period here – there have been No Burn warnings for weeks. The humidity has been very low. So, the fact that the wildfire took off like it did is no surprise. Thankfully, this rain today should greatly aid the firefighters up on the Ridge.
We took a drive yesterday and could see the tall plumes of smoke coming off the mountain ridge. You could smell the fire everywhere, including here at the cottage.
Praying it will be extinguished today.
Happy Tuesday.
Doris says
Claudia, I think the studio suite is looking very nice. It is fun for me to see it coming together. Enjoy your day.
Claudia says
Thank you, Doris!
Linda @ A La Carte says
I love the TSP!! I can’t wait to see Don’s reaction. I never did go out yesterday but got lots and lots done around the house and felt very satisfied with myself. This depression seems to be lifting and I’m so thankful for that.
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
I’m so happy to hear that, my friend. xo
Nancy in PA says
I love seeing the evolution of the studio. It’s looking very inviting. The kitchenette is perfect.
I had a very similar kitchen set-up, early in my career. (Didn’t we all?)
Would something like this work as a “glass” roof?
https://www.stencilease.com/db/display.asp?input=3442
Claudia says
It might work. Not sure. I’ll check it our. And yes, I had a kitchen just about the size in my first studio apartment.
Wendy T says
Glad the rains arrived to help extinguish that wild fire. We’re expecting rains this week too, but I doubt there will be a lot. Oh well, at least it’ll be another day without having to use my water. Love the details of TSP. I think the counter is fine…a musician won’t necessarily put in anything fancier….a place to hold the coffee, cookies and other snacks. As you say, for now…..
Claudia says
Until I have some sort of brilliant solution, it will work.
Kathy says
The studio is really looking good!
Claudia says
Thank you, Kathy!
Barbara W. says
That proved to be a good solution – the counter looks very modern and streamlined. Does mini Don happen to like Pringles?
We’ve had several forest fires nearby already this year. I dread waking up to that haze, knowing what it is.
Claudia says
Hmmmm….I don’t know!
Your contributions are a big part of the TSP, Barbara!
I hate the fires for the terrible damage that is done and I, of course, worry about the wildlife.
Donnamae says
I think most of us had a kitchen like that one at one time or another….it’s perfect for the TSP! Glad you are getting rain to put out the fires! ;)
Claudia says
It’s really coming down hard at the moment, thank goodness. I hope the fire is being extinguished, Donnamae.
Betsy says
Love how the TSP is coming along Claudia. Your imagination is astounding to me. I would never be able to come up with the ideas you do. I hope the fires are soon out. Last Summer’s wildfires here in Washington were awful and the worst I can remember so I can sympathize with you.
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
I’m hoping the rain has extinguished them or, at the very least, has brought them under control. Thanks, Betsy.
elizabeth s says
Hi Claudia! I think that your coffee corner with the fridge is exactly right for the studio and your table looks like one from Ikea! Placing the stereo over by the sofa is also a good choice because that is where you want it when you and Don are just chillin’ and sippin a cup of java whilst listening to Beatles music around the cosy fire. What could be more perfect! :D
elizabeth
Claudia says
Exactly! Now to figure out the roof situation because I really like all the light that streams in when it’s roof-less. Any thoughts, Elizabeth?
Judy Ainsworth says
I have what I think is terrific idea, for the curved roof on TSP, how about Corrigated Steele,………….. laid VERTICAL? Sometimes I think I’m too smart for my own good! Judy A-
Ha ha ha!
Claudia says
You are smart – I thought about that long ago, but I want to keep the light coming in – I’ve thought about using it on the two outside edges of the roof from beam to edge and leaving the center of the roof open. Not sure yet what to do!
Sharon Carstens says
Claudia,
The TSP is the cutest thing I have ever seen. I love the furniture and especially the accessories. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Good job!
Sharon in Dallas
Claudia says
Thank you, Sharon!
Nancy Blue Moon says
We had a rather loud thunderstorm here this afternoon..I do hope your rain helped to put the fire out…
Claudia says
I do, too, though I can still smell smoke this morning, Nancy.
Betsy Rogers says
Hi Claudia! I have found your blog from other dollhouse sites… I am a miniatures freak and love to see what you are doing with both your “properties”! The roof being curved is a real challenge, even for experienced “builders”. I know plexiglass is “bendy” and I think it comes in different thicknesses. I bought some once wanting to use it to make clear “covers” on the open roofs of my dollhouses… but never figured out how to cut it! Railroad model sites are great resources for all sorts of materials and tricks of the trade….. those guys have been making minis for a long time and know their stuff! Also, art supply places that supply picture framing materials might have good plexiglass for small projects. Or they might have clear acrylic sheets that could be used like a large “skylight” over the room… partly covered in roofing and partly a “window”. I follow several blogs where the bloggers built that kit for the contest last year, and more than one of them used plexiglass on the curved wall… Brae of Otterine.com blog and Blake of A Bohemian Bazaar blog are the two that come to mind.
Anyway, Sorry for rambling on so long here!
And thank goodness for the rain! There are fires all over the region recently.
Claudia says
I remember Brae’s project. Looks like I should go back and read her posts on it. I’m not familiar with A Bohemiam Bazaar and I’m always thrilled to get to know another blog (including yours). Thanks so much for the advice, Betsy!
Betsy Rogers says
Hi Claudia… me again, I forgot to leave you my blog info in case you wanted to have a look!
aboutmydollhouses.blogspot.com should get you there!
Claudia says
I will pop on over, Betsy!
Monica says
This is so realistic. I love it & more importantly, Don is going to LOVE it.
I hope you had a better day than yesterday. Anniversaries of such loss are
always tough. Your Mom sounds like a wonderful woman. You are lucky.
xo Monica
Claudia says
I must admit, I’m getting excited about showing it to Don on his birthday, Monica. Thank you for your kind words.
Susie says
Claudia, That is the cutest room. I love the sign by the microwave(cute) The guitar and Beatles pictures..amazing. I hope the rain helps the firefighters get that fire completely out. Be safe. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie
Claudia says
Thanks so much, Susie!
Sheila says
The TSP Is such fun! I want to go hang out in that Eames chair and listen to the Beatles. I do think you need one, too.
Like where you went with the kitchen area. Can’t wait to see the espresso machine.
Claudia says
It’s on its way, Sheila.