otterine

Sprouting foliage! Good thing I chose autumn, so my tree can be sparse.

I'm going to paint the final finish on Jebediah in the coming days, so I've masked the eyes again and applied the final primer coat. I will likely not be adding flocking over the paint after seeing how much handling needs to be done when attaching and, especially, tightening the buckles of the bridle. I know I can get a good approximation of hair on the body with paint, and the mane and tail will no longer be plastic to help drive the realism. I'll be using mohair for the mane and tail.

I need to be able to access the wiring, but there was no room in my tiny post office. I'm building a shed in the back that will allow me to hide the wiring while looking like a planned part of the build.

The pump was an unfinished metal mini from the local shows, and I had the bucket in my stash. I built the platform to hold both pieces.

Krylon Cherry Red gloss spray paint over white primer over grey primer.

A comfortable bench seat. This had to be built with the doors held in place to make sure there was clearance for the sliding doors on either side. I'll make a padded cushion for a softer ride.

In the beginning, postal carriers were photographed with satchels, but I've always liked the look of the sorters inside some mail wagons I've seen, including my inspiration. There wasn't a lot of room, but I was able to add a few cubbyholes. These wouldn't necessarily be reserved as one per household on the route but a way to sort along the way. I added a window lock from my stash of interesting hardware (not sure where I even got them or the manufacturer). The lock bar actually slides, though it doesn't matter much for my non-working window. I'm thinking the hook on the top would hold the window open, maybe? I'll definitely add small hinges to complete the look of my non-operating front window.

Midnight blue with semi-gloss spray sealer.

We have to receive our mail in bulk at the tiny post office, mostly likely by rail. I printed and sewed a simple mailbag design, then stuffed the mailbag with faux letter bundles and wood parcels. Though it's hard to tell in the photo, the fabric is just thin enough that the colors and patterns of the faux mail add to the realism of what's inside.

We have to receive our mail in bulk at the tiny post office, mostly likely by rail. I printed and sewed a simple mailbag design, then stuffed the mailbag with faux letter bundles and wood parcels. Though it's hard to tell in the photo, the fabric is just thin enough that the colors and patterns of the faux mail add to the realism of what's inside.

A sneak peek of the interior trims being put in place. The roof (and ceiling beam) will remain removable. It's a little hard to see, but I used wood flooring sheets to make the ceiling, then painted the surface vintage white.

I made a gate from scrap wood and Tiny Turnings, making it up as I went along. Right now, I have it propped in place with wax. Once I have the final layout, I'll add a stop on the side of the counter to keep the gate from swinging too far. At first, I thought the spindles probably could have been closer together, but in the end, I like that the spindles are sparse. It allows more to be seen through it.

I made a gate from scrap wood and Tiny Turnings, making it up as I went along. Right now, I have it propped in place with wax. Once I have the final layout, I'll add a stop on the side of the counter to keep the gate from swinging too far. At first, I thought the spindles probably could have been closer together, but in the end, I like that the spindles are sparse. It allows more to be seen through it.