Clay work finished

This is my second Washtub Cottage. It's name 'Lavender Cottage' is a bit of a clue about the colours that will be used in it. I know it wasn't on my original UFO list for April, and in fact I didn't consider it a UFO because I hadn't even begun it. Then I read on 'Quarter Connection' that a USO (unstarted object) can be classified as a UFO, - so I guess it does come under that heading after all.

On Saturday night I did a lot of glueing and painting - it felt as though it would never end. In truth I think I was avoiding the clay work. But on Sunday night I tackled the clay. I have taken the advice of Sharon Goldsmith (http://bysharonminiatures.com) and sprayed both sides of all pieces that would be done with clay, three coats of acrylic sealer on each side. That was done on Friday so it was thoroughly dry by then.

Here is a photo of the removable front (I've done the sides too of course).

I know it's not the easiest to see properly unpainted, but I can't do that for a couple of days until it is well and truly dry. As you can see it is still very rough. Once it dries it will have a bit of evening-out in the windows and other areas that need it, then I will lightly re-scribe the lines between the 'stones' before I paint it. Meanwhile I might be able to work on the inside a bit more, and get some more furniture ready to go into it.

Caitlyn and Claire couldn't be put off any longer, they have waited long enough, and you must admit it is difficult to get on with life when you don't have anywhere to live so I'd like to have this ready to furnish by the end of the week.

But I also have a surprise that I'm not telling you about yet! Two of them in fact :)