When I started this blog it was, in the main, to chart the progress of my large property Netherton. That was the "Stately" part. I also wanted to show smaller projects so that when my other blogs featuring my other properties had reached their natural end, I could continue with the "Small".
The Edinburgh Emporium is one of those "Small" projects.
Some time ago I was given the opportunity of decorating a little shop. Just a one room shop but with a fancy door and a laser-etched sign. It is available from here:
Smaller Homes
(small Shop Box) and measures 13 inches (340mm) wide by 13 inches (340mm) deep by 9 inches (230mm) high.
Initially I had decided this shop was going to be an Emporium - akin to a grocer's shop I remembered from my childhood. (Old fashioned even then - the shop that is, not me!). Dry goods on one side, cold meats, etc on the other, pillars and a black and white check floor. Unfortunately, I was so small when going to this shop, that's all I could remember of it! That meant it was back to the drawing board for a new approach.
I struggled with quite a few ideas until a friend came up with the idea of a Scottish shop. Not the horrific tat that no self-respecting Scot would be seen dead with, no plastic piper dolls in Highland kit, no green fluffy Loch Ness monsters, (although the keyrings can produce some quite interesting items for the mini world!) but a more refined establishment selling goods of quality!
Anyway, the first thing I thought I'd do is add a bit of interest.
The arch is a left-over window frame from Hambleton Hall and I'm using foamboard to create additional walls. I love that stuff!
I thought a step up would be quite interesting and I also liked the idea of "wrought iron" railings so I played with them for a bit.
A shelving unit was needed for display purposes so I had a go at making one as it had to be custom fit and a few steps were added.
The counter with the "marble" top was purchased as a plain wood unit and waxed and I changed the arch for a narrower one.
It was then papered with lining paper and painted a buttery yellow. The floor is created from my all-time favourite iron on flooring and waxed with brush on, buff off wax and the archway created along with a little one to the right. There will be lighting in those two spaces.
A plaid curtain is added...........I'm not sure yet what this space will be used for but I'll think of something!
I also need to tidy up the edges of the little arch.
