... I love the Process involved in the act of Creating, of just about anything... it almost thrills me more than the finished work itself... these photos show some of the steps involved in bringing the front of a structureto life...
... click photos to see larger view, if you like...
... the casing and the very old doors (1870, I believe) were hung... the black space surrounding them is covered by heavy tarpaper...
... an overhang has already been mounted across the top covered with white aluminum flashing...
John is beginning the side Pilasters.. building them out so they have depth...
Layers of wood are measured and cut... nail heads being sunk here...
...sturdy attractive bases for the pilasters... the door is still being held closed by a stick.. can't do everything at once... soon...
Then he works his way up to do multiple layers at the top of each side...
... building them out using extra pieces underneath... making each section progressively larger... and not letting any of our scrap wood go to waste...
...attaching the flashing to the top corner
I like it so far...
A little sketch of what we might do to the top of each window on the doors...
.. nailing on the wide dentils under the header... the remaining header space is filled with flat cedar... each board cut on the bevel so any water from storms will drain away ... and not lay and rot the wood.
...three narrow but deep wooden strips were placed in the main header butting up to a raised box that holds the light fixture... the box helps project the light out further over the doorway...
We beveled the sides of recycled boards to create the look of raised panels under the side and front windows..
to compliment the panels John put on the front doors...
... we added small triangles to finish off the front pilasters...
...top and bottom...
... when certain design elements are repeated, it helps tie it all together...
...and hopefully adds a bit of whimsy and fun...
...starting to paint the top row of triangles that runs along the top of the wall... so it looks like little flags... I am using Olympic Solid Color White Stain... stain doesn't peel... low maintenance!
... the details of the built-up surround makes lovely shadows when the light is at certain angles and levels during different parts of the day......
... finished painting the flags...
...and just started the window trim... I want them to look as one unit ... and be reminiscent of the older architecture of the village...
...detail...
...the windows are done and they have really come to life
I never painted the eave shingles .. as well, I am not painting the sides of the weathered patinated shingles.. I like them that way ... the front shingles are being left to weather to a silver gray... won't take long in this salt air...
oh....... I was very reluctant to start this part... the first few swipes with the paintbrush just made me cringe... but it is hard to paint with your eyes shut...
... no turning back now...
.. ok.. I did it... it's ok... It's Fresh.. I like it... I think it presents the doors quite well... and makes you feel a little special walking through them... like you went somewhere, even if it was only in and out... sort of like a child climbing into a cupboard...
...attached the cast iron bell with ribbons that were hiding in the back of a drawer... from Laura Secord Chocolate boxes that John had given me a few years ago...
...... we put the light back in its place and made sure it worked...
... all done...
These are the same steps taken by us, a few years back, when we created the front door entrance for our home, just up the road Door #4
..Other old doors we had fun with when we built our house..... Door #1... Door #2... Door #3 ...
39 comments:
A beautiful and very inviting space! Lovely detail. I like the flag-like trim and that you stained them, whimsical and fun! Good luck with the interior... I wonder how that is coming? Oh, and as I was looking at the "before" photos, I see you have a little Jotul wood stove - and if I remember correctly, that's how you heat your house... I heat my house with a Jotul Oslow 500 and LOVE it. Very efficient.
Happy renovating!
I am breathless just reading about your process.
I am completely with you about not wanting to put that first brushstroke on the warm glowing wood. The detail in the triangular shingle, like step pyramids, is amazing. John really is a craftsman extraordinary!
If only, if only I could still fly.... oh well at least my thoughts still can.
Mr. Grim keeps lurking near by . . . I can't even prune a rosebush and walking a short distance at snail's pace is an achievement. Ah well, we have enough painters and artists in the family here to take over the studio that was meant for me and that in all probability will be finished too late.
Don't worry, I have been ready for the journey for years and will take to it like a duck to water once it comes.
Wow ! My hat is off to both of you... it's beautiful ! Love all the details that you so carefully planned and executed... with an abundance of creativity and honed skills... a pleasure to read through this entire account... hope there will be a good housewarming, or gallery-warming party to christen it !
I agree with you the act of creating is more satisfying but there comes a time when it is done.
You have given me such a good idea for a door I have been working on and off (more off than on) for over a year now. Maybe I'll get back to work on it.
Entering that door would be special. I had not thought about it before but there are doors that give that feeling. I need to pay more attention.
Oh, Gwen! It is fabulous ... I love it. And I am especially charmed by the repetitive use of the triangles.
A door you just have to step through - I am in awe, really, takes my breath away. To see the stages of this creation and the craft skills involved is a treat. I loath painting wood also, has to be sometimes - alongside the beauty of glass in my opinion, grain and texture can be enhanced by it though which I think you've achieved.
A sight to behold!!! You are both such clever talented people, I'm in awe. I love, love, love the weathered doors. Are you bowled over with delight?
Your studio looks amazing, you are talented people. I know you will have hours of pleasure working in such a fine studio.
What a transformation! I love what the both of you are doing...looking forward to the unveiling of the inside.
It's beautiful and perfect. Old and new/fresh. Who designed it?
That is one stunning entrance (bad pun!). It has character.
Wow, it's stunning. I love it. The front doors look amazing.
lovely 'tutorial' of your hard work and craftsmanship! It's a magical place!
You have created a stunningly beautiful and original space. I am in awe at your creativity and perseverance.
An incredible transformation, and one that really shows how much work, care and thought that has gone into this labour of love. I would love to have you build a house for me! (Dream on, says my bank balance....)
Oh, I like this sooo much!!
Oh my Gwen! How blessed you guys are! It's beautiful. So wonderful you were able to draw up the plans yourselves and work from them. John is a great worker isn't he?! Stunning! I'd live inside that! :-)
I envy your talent! This is absolutely wonderful.
simply wonderful, very well done!
Rachel that would be so much fun to create a house for a fellow blogger..
Hi Sheri, most of the time we are working by the seat of our pants.. no, really it was fun to see what we could make of the old structure...we weren't worrying about making mistakes so that was a relief......
Thank you Gail, Pamela, and Valerie... there is another old structure down the street but I don't think I can talk John into attempting it.. he misses painting.
I wish you lived down my road Qwen....thats all i can say... how utterly marvelous!
wishing you well with all the future happenings at this wonderful place!
How incredibly artistic...not surprising though. You have done such an incredible job with this, right down to each exquisite detail. I bet it's the talk of the town...I can't wait...can't wait...to see it in person.
The attention to DETAIL you all give to a project is unbelievable and the end result....phenomenal. I am so impatient when I work! Thank God there are creative souls like you and your husband that will do these things so others can enjoy....thank you.
That is quite the magnificent entrance! So much attention to fine detailing has really paid off. The white accents add drama and panache, and I think they will be really beautiful when the whole place takes on the weathered patina of the side walls. I love your comment about a small child going in and out of a cupboard (whole realms of magic there!). I'm really looking forward to walking through those doors myself in the not-too distant future.
PS. I mean your studio doors, not cupboard doors (I'm a bit too big).
How beautiful, is the studio also going to be a shop open to the public? That would be a lovely tourist attraction for your area. A beautiful building with beautiful artwork. So inspiring!
Well, I wouldn't be able to walk past. I would have to go in.
Beautiful work.
Hi Gwen, yeah a post! I treasure them. I love the triangle detailing,it certainly does add whimsy. And your antique windows and doors are as always beautiful. Now i have something to dream about,and to think it is your studio! Lucky hard working ducks!
I am so many things--amazed, enthralled, impressed, envious, and inspired. But mostly I am happy for you and thrilled at your accomplishment. John is an amazing Renaissance Man. He can build the 'cathedral' and paint its' murals, too!
This is GORGEOUS.
What an inviting space you two have created! Wishing you lots of inspiring days ahead.
What a special place. Thanks for showing us the step by step. It must be beyond satisfying to see your creation go from an idea to a real building! Impressive!!
It is a beautiful studio, an inspiring place. Really love the care and thought that has gone into this building with the eye catching details. Best wishes for its completion.
Nice to find your comment.
What an amazing door - your husband is very talented! Now I want to see the inside of the studio. . . . I envy your "simple" life there in Canada.
Spectacular!
Wow... simply, Wow.
I have missed so much here. Your beautiful studio and your garden in the fog... it is all so much like a house out of a fairy tale... have a wonderful week! roxanne
It's just gorgeous, Gwen. Such pleasing proportions and such fine workmanship. When can I move in?
Absolutely stunning.
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