Hi everyone! I'm finally back from my hiatus with a little update. Since mid-September I've been busy designing, measuring, and learning new tools for this project. It's been a lot of math, sketches and computer puzzle piece designs... until now! Here's a look at what I've got so far.After months of being less then interested working on my miniature project I decided that enough was enough and I made the decision to jump into something new. I came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth trying to make a project work again which I no longer had a spark or passion for.
Learning to use the laser cutter has been on my list for sometime and was the perfect challenge to go forward. As I've mentioned before I have access to a laser cutter at my local library which is crazy incredible! The library doesn't offer much instruction or teaching so everything was self taught. It's taken some time but I'm in a place now where I can simply design my files and pieces at home, reserve a time (it gets pretty booked up!), and bring in my materials - done!
I am so pleased with my progress, it's turning out better then I imagined. Everything is finally square and to scale! (Seriously! Once you laser cut you can't go back!) The windows fit the scene just as I wanted, and above all I finally feel like my special pieces like the fridge are in a proper setting to really shine.
Thanks for coming to visit!
-Kristine
Me encanta. Un trabajo estupendo
ReplyDeleteOh my word Kristine, I am so impressed. It love the look - so clean, modern and stylish. I'm really pleased you approve of the laser cutter. Not just because I use one but if anyone has the chance, it's a great way to experiment a try something new. So diggin' the high-rise pad
ReplyDelete*applauds*
=0D
Aww thanks so much Pepper! It's definitely turning into some sort of penthouse now haha! Why not?
DeleteI think of you when I go into reserve my spot with the laser cutter, you actually have your very own! And it's so addicting! Seeing all the cool stuff you've been able to make is part of the reason I knew I had to learn to use it. I'm going to try the 3D printer next so we'll see how that goes. :)
Hi, an awesome result! I love what you made with this laser cutter! I also look forward to read about your experiences with the 3D printer.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think it might be awhile before I finally figure out the 3D printer! It's much more complicated designing the files for sure. But some day.... :)
DeleteIncredible! It all came together very well. I love that fridge in there too!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I think the fridge has to be the most favourite miniature that I own. I'm so happy it has a proper place now.
DeleteThat's awesome!
ReplyDeleteI want to learn how to use a laser cutter (hell, even learning how to use the Pazzles machine I bought six months ago would be a good start) but it never quite makes it to the top of my list...
:) I googled Pazzles machine and it looks like one of the machines I had been looking at myself. They look really cool! I have a die cutter that you manually roll but the electric machine would open up so many more designs. I wish they could cut 1/16 basswood, could you imagine?! I hope you find a way to learn it. I'm sure it will be like me and you wish you had done it earlier ;)
DeleteOn a related note, I was reading a local (Australian) blog this evening and thought I should make sure you 'meet' each other: http://tinydistinction.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/its-been-while-since-i-posted-but-now.html
DeleteThanks for the introduction! Wow, the details on that project are something else! I have never cut anything so small so it's really an inspiration. Thanks again for thinking of me :)
DeleteI'm impressed by the progress you've made, Kristine, you've done amazing work. All looks so beautiful and it's a great design, just like you said: it's like a penthouse :)!
ReplyDeleteI live in a small village, so absolutely no laser cutters available. Ah well, I think it ever will be, but I just have to wait a bit longer ;)! It seems to me a great opportunity to develop yourself with new techniques.....so, we'll see.
Ilona
Thank you for your kind words Ilona!
DeleteI understand, I was really surprised when I found I had a cutter in my area available! Total surprise! I'm sure they will become more popular as time goes on. :)
What a great thing to be able to use a local laser cutter. Your design looks AWESOME! It's so modern and clean. Please do blog about using the laser cutter and making the designs. I've been thinking of getting one for some time. I would love to see more!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I'm really looking forward to adding the final modern touches like lighting and flooring soon.
DeleteI'll write about my laser cutting process for sure! I was so lost when I started but it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be. There are some free applications on the web to use and like I mentioned above you can always send off your files for cutting and have them shipped to you. Beware it's sooo addictive! I can just imagine how cool the designs you would make with your style!
I love your kitchen cabinets and the color. I am catching up on what you are doing. Love your style.
ReplyDeleteAnita (fabulouslyflawedminiatures.blogspot.com)
Thank you Anita :) It took a long time to get the colour right I didn't want something too dark. I really appreciate you noticing :D I've taken a quick look at your blog and love love love the items in your shop! Your tutus and blankets are gorgeous! I'll be following your work from now on :) so beautiful!
DeleteYour kitchen is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Fabiola! :D
DeleteWow this is beautiful. I am working in 1:48th scale now and this would mean very clean (accurate) lines. Please write about you experience with Ponoko as I have been too scared to give it a try lol x
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra, I can only imagine how tempting using a laser cutter would be in that scale! I have trouble when things are 1:12 as is ;) Ponoko was super easy and fast and they were really nice to work with too. I will write about it for sure :)
DeleteSo amazingly wonderful Kristine! Your creations here are stunning, the modern lines and pieces are perfectly designed!
ReplyDeleteI also love the stride the lazercutting and 3d printing is making, I hope someday us mini hobbiests will be able to have a print shop that does all these wonderful designs at home!
I look forward to your progress as a mini cutter aficionado!
Hugs~J
Absolutely amazing kitchen!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristine, Thanks for following my blog. This project is really cool. Isn't it great how much these technologies can improve our projects! I know I was thrilled when I discovered I could laser cut stuff myself. The possibilities are really endless.
ReplyDeleteLove that kitchen! You made a great work!
ReplyDeleteThis modern kitchen...I love. Great work!
ReplyDeleteLove LOVE your modern kitchen! Especially the refrigerators! Those are just great. And I am so impressed that you made them. Can't wait to see what else you make!
ReplyDeleteSo Chic!
ReplyDeleteWow! I just discovered your blog...terrific...keep it up. Love it.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes,
Doris Nathanson
minimodernistas
Is it bad that I want to steal your kitchen and run, run, run? :) Beautiful design and work.
ReplyDeleteThanks again everyone! I'm hoping to post another update very soon! December is just flying by and I'm up to my ears in making Christmas cards lol
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredible kitchen. Where on earth did you find the fridge?
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, The fridge is by Elf Miniatures and is a commercial double fridge/ chiller (you can find it at elfminiatures. co. uk under kitchens>appliances). It has to be my most favourite miniature that I own actually. There is also a single version and a under cabinet one too. :)
DeleteWOWEEEEEE! This kitchen looks so HIGH END that it should be featured in a Design Magazine like Canadian House and Home! Truly your skills with the laser are Super-duper! Keep up the Great Work Kristine. You got a great future ahead of you kid! :D
ReplyDeleteelizabeth
Love your blog! I am interested in laser cutting as well and looking at purchasing my own. Do you now own your own laser cutting machine and what brand is the one you use? Unfortunately, here in Australia laser machines are very expensive. Thanks Angie
ReplyDeleteHi Angie, thanks for stopping by. I started out using an online laser cutting service (Ponoko .com) and then eventually started cutting myself. I'm very fortunate because my local library offers a Makers Space with two Epilog Helix laser cutting machines. They are very very expensive like $25,000+, something well beyond my means if this wasn't available! Thankfully I only have to buy materials for my projects and work within the time slots offered by my library so it's a very good deal. I do know other miniaturists who have bought laser cutter machines on eBay... but I don't know much more about that. Those eBay machines can be tricky if something goes wrong. I think they cost $3,000+.
DeleteMy suggestion would be to:
1) See if there are any "maker spaces" in your community (often paired up with small electronics and 3D printers for hobbyists)
2) Ponoko.com is actually optimized for domestic shipping to AUS and NZ (as well as the US). I had great success with them! I actually used them to cut part of this kitchen. Super easy and they offer great materials, quick shipping times...
3) If you are going to source out your cutting, invest in a electronic paper cutter machine like a Cricut or Silhouette brand machine to prototype at home. They are only a couple hundred dollars. These are great for cutting paper, leather, thin sheet plastic, etc. The idea is that you can cut out your design to get a look and feel for the piece before you have it cut in wood or whatever by another service. Honestly this will save you so much time and money! I will often cut out my pieces on the laser cutter only to bring it home and realize my math was wrong!! I've learned cutting out the exact same files in paper on my Silhouette Portrait machine at home is good practice. I talk about that in this post http://www.paperdollminiatures.com/2017/06/laser-cut-sofa-chairs.html.
Maybe you will be able to achieve a lot of projects just with this machine alone?
I hope this helps you out. Please feel free to contact me for more help! I can always give you the names of other miniaturists who do own machines too so you can reach out to them. All the best!
This look great! May I ask what laser cutter did you buy?
ReplyDeleteHi, I actually don't actually own a laser cutter. My local library has two Epilog brand ones, a Helix 60 and 45 I think? I am able to go and use it a couple times a month. Unfortunately I don't know much about buying them, I'm just very lucky to have one for public use in my area!
DeleteAlso please see the comment above yours, I offer extra detail in finding a laser cutting service :)
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