Monday, 19th July 2010

It’s marvellous what a difference a roof makes....

Saturday and Sunday nights were very productive and what a difference it has made to Storybook Cottage! First the chimney looks so much better painted. The instructions for the Cottage don’t say whether or not to let the PaperClay dry first, but mine was totally dry by the time I did it, and I don’t know whether that makes a difference. The first wash of dirty black and brown didn’t take and I had to make it a bit more concentrated than the instructions said. But after that it went like a dream. And I am particularly pleased with the results.

While it was drying I finished preparing the shingles and then started shingling the roof. This is a lengthy process and carried on over to Saturday night as well, but by the time we had finished watching ‘Midsomer Murders’ it was done vbg. That’s our ritual on Saturday night, and it finishes quite late.


And what a difference it makes with the shingles done – it really brings this beauty to life!  I notice that I've ended up going to the golden brown colour again, even though I started off with the duller burnt umber grey-brown colours recommended.  Not sure my choice was the best for such an old house with it's sagging roof vbg.  But I like it.  And it seems to go better with the colours of the eave trims and the plaster than the other colour did.

And here are some more views. First, showing the side of the main wing:

And here is the view of the rear:

I say the same about every project I do, and that’s a good thing I think: I really love this cottage! It has character, it presents a bit of a challenge to build but is so rewarding to do, it teaches me new skills and is so lovely when it is done. I really look forward to doing each next step.