A new project

I started some research last night on what I suspect will be a very long term project. Last year I decided (after finding an amazing book on the subject) that I was finally going to venture into the area of period dollhouses. By that I mean a dollhouse based on period architecture and furnishings, and not a dollhouse that might have existed in the SCA period of study.

 

I have a couple of books on medieval English townhouses (mainly in London) and my ultimate goal is to build a model based on these houses. But before I do a lot, a great deal of research is in order, as well as the development of a new set of skills in making small objects.  I’m going to need a very good understanding of period architecture, layouts, furnishings, styles, etc. And though I could spend a lot of money buying pre-made miniatures, I’m hoping that I will be able to develop the ability to make at least some of them on my own. This last hope could be just that – a hope – as I am not the most clever person with my fingers, especially when it comes to small items. We’ll see.

 

After looking through some resources last night, I think that using the inventories of houses made after death (and required in England after 1529, I believe) will be a great way to guide me in furnishing and decorating my dream house. And of course, I would like to make it appropriate for someone of my status, which seems to be tending towards the merchant class – I really need to get that nailed down. I might be flexible on that point, though.

 

But before I make a house, I intend to get my feet wet by making a room box, which is also a more portable project that could be taken to demos. I had originally thought that I would make a kitchen, as it’s a very interesting room, and something that I’m interested in. I have to admit, though, that the thought of making lots of little pieces of food from Sculpy is a bit intimidating. Plus, I’m not sure that a kitchen is as architecturally as interesting as a hall or parlor. I’m still debating it in my head. And in the meantime, my mom bought me a very cheap little dollhouse (the type with a handle on top) for me to use in practicing techniques like putting in floors and roofs, painting walls, staining furniture, etc. 

I suspect this is going to be yet another expensive hobby....