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Working on the attic trunk roombox a few weeks ago inspired me to add more clutter, and I placed an order for several Jane Harrop kits. To justify the shipping cost, I ordered several other kits that I’ll tuck away for a someday project (and hopefully be able to find when the time comes), but here’s what I ordered for the attic: birdcages, suitcases, a croquet set, and a sled.
These are nice kits with thorough instructions. They come with sandpaper, and the birdcage kit even came with a silver Sharpie. The cages are made out of thin laser-cut card.
This kit is super simple to assemble. You just color the card, sand and buff it to dirty it up a bit, and then fold it into shape and glow.
I used a gold Sharpie for the second birdcage.
Next I put together the sled. This comes with a guide for assembling the pieces, complete with thin strips of double-stick tape to hold the pieces in place while you glue them.
I decided to leave off the tongue-in-cheek Speed Limit sign so I can put it elsewhere in the attic. My dad used to have (maybe still does?) some road signs in his basement workshop that fascinated me as a kid — how did they end up in our basement?! (Really, Dad, how did they end up in our basement…?) The Speed Limit sign reminds me of those.
[UPDATE: Here are those signs! My dad commented below on their origin.]
The suitcases are also made from thin cardstock, but this kit didn’t come with a marker. The instructions recommend a Promarker. While searching for a store that carried those, I came across a similar brand named Copics, which are sold at Michaels. When I got to Michaels I found Artist’s Loft Sketch Markers for a few dollars less.
The kit comes with two pairs of suitcases, so I got two different colors.
I like the look of these! While I was trying to hunt down the right type of marker, I wondered if it would really make a difference or if I should just use whatever I had on hand, but these do have a mottled leather look.
Here are the finished suitcases. I added a coat of matte varnish that wasn’t called for in the instructions, which makes the colored cardstock even more leather-like. The clasps were already colored silver, or I might have done one set in gold or bronze.
Finally, here’s the croquet set.
Neatly painting the stripes on the stake was the hardest part. Also, I followed the picture in the kit, but I just googled “croquet stake” and it looks like the stripes should have been farther up on the stakes.
Eh, whatever. You can barely see it inside the box. I could make another one out of a toothpick, though.
These kits were fun, quick projects to do on a weekend. I haven’t been able to work on minis the past few weeks, but I’ll get back to the Turret House soon.
Emily is a freelance writer, miniaturist, and adventure game enthusiast.
Love the attic! I like Jane’s kits. Was lucky to see her at a show a couple years ago. I’ll have to get that birdhouse and suitcases. I know what you mean about finding them later. haa! I try to keep unfinished kits in a plastic drawer container now – in one place. (So far, so good!)
Looks great. The pictures load fine on my (slow) computer. I love Jane Harrop’s kits. They go together perfectly and everything is included.
INCREDIBLE! The pictures look like a photos of a human-scale attic! Beautiful detail and amazing work!
No misdemeanors or felonies were committed (by me) in the acquisition of those signs. Some from garage/yard sales, found in a ditch or left over from construction or first use. (The cardboard dog clean-up sign was a temporary until permanent signs were installed.) They now serve well as dividers in a wine rack. I’ll send you a photo. ;->
Thanks, I added the photo to the post. I think Danger: Men Working Above was my favorite, but seeing them now, I’m partial to the One Way sign.
Great projects! I love the cages, love all of it! The attics is looking awesome.
They look fun in the attic setting! I like Jane Harrop’s work, both kits and DIY instructions — I had a lot of fun with her mid-century dining table and chairs!