I have another free pattern for you to download so you make the project. You can find the file here. In the download there are 3 files: a PDF for hand-cutting of the pieces, a PNG to use with your electronic cutting machine and a text file with handy hints and tips (and the sizing information) to use the PNG.
As with most of these projects I cut all the pieces from medium weight white card-stock, the kind used to make cards and such. This is way more economical than having to purchase a bunch of colors and in my experience the paint colors are a lot more stable than the paper colors. I rarely get noticeable fading with the painted projects.
You are free to use the pattern as many times as you wish and even to sell the finished project. But, please don’t give away or sell my patterns. I spend a lot of time creating them and the only compensation I get is from people watching the videos and checking out the blog post. I really want to keep offering these for free so please if someone else wants to make one send them to the video and blog so they can get their own copy of the pattern.
This project is assembled a bit differently than some of our other projects. I had to try a couple of different ways of doing this to find the easiest. The first step is to take two of the circle pieces and make marks to find the center of them. Make sure your lines are at a right angle of each other. We will use these lines to help us line up other pieces later.
For assembly we will need a form to work on. I am using an empty glue stick that I keep for this purpose. It is about ¾” in diameter and I have some parchment paper wrapped around it so projects don’t stick. You can use anything that is round and the same diameter. Just be sure to wrap it in something that glue won’t stick to. For this project you will also need either 2 rubber bands or 2 of the elastic hair ties.
Now glue one of the plain circles and one of the ones with the lines on it, making sure the lines are visible. Now wrap the piece over the form you are using. Lining up one of the lines lengthwise with the form and use the elastic bands to hold it in place. Set it aside to allow the glue to start setting up. We won’t need it completely dry for the next step but set enough that the pieces you just glued won’t slide around.
This is also a good time to glue the 3 rectangle pieces into a single unit and set aside. You will need that later and it will be best for the glue to be dry when you use it.
Once the glue has set add glue to one of the long skinny strips, just a note these are cut longer than you will need. That way you can trim to fit your log holder. Add a line of glue on top of the line on the circle wrapped around the form and add the strip to the glue starting and ending at the bottom and trimming as needed. This is now the handle of the log holder. Once in place glue the other 2 circles together again being sure to have the lines visible. Add glue to the plain side and carefully add it the outside of the log holder. This will cover the handle, holding it in place and add more strength to the finished piece. Use the lines to help you line it up with the first layer and slip the elastic bands over the ends to hold in place. Make sure everything is lined up the way you want it. Just a note the bottom ends will line up but the top edge by the handle will not line up completely, this is by design and is meant to look give some detail to the finished piece. Allow this glue to dry completely before we move to the next step.
Once the glue is dried completely carefully slide the log holder off the form. Once off add some glue to the bottom and using the line drawn add the rectangle until to the bottom to act as a foot for the log holder. Once you are happy with placement set it aside to again dry completely.
Now we get to start the painting process. I do prefer to add a “handle” whenever I am painting something small. This time I used some poster tack and attached a craft-stick temporally to act as the handle. Then use some black craft-paint and paint the areas that you can. You will most likely need at least 2 coats since we are putting black over white. Pay close attention to the edges and anywhere the units join up. Look from all angles for white spots and cover them as well as you can. Allow to the paint to dry.
Once
the paint is dry give the piece a coat of a mat clear finish, working
in stages to cover the entire piece and allow to dry.
One the clear finish dries it is time to add the optional firewood to the log holder. I cut mine from a small branch I found on one of my walks a while back. If you do this be sure to bake it off in the oven for long enough to kill any bugs that might be present and to dry the wood out. I do this immediately when I bring any branches in so any bugs that might have taken up residence don’t move into my home.
Use some glue to adhere the “firewood” in place and allow to dry.
Once the glue dries your log holder is ready to display in the dollhouse next to your fireplace or wood stove.
I think Mrs. Doll is looking very comfortable in that chair by the fireplace don’t you?
As always I do want to sincerely thank all of you for watching my videos and reading my blog posts. It means so much to me that you are supporting me in this way. If I could ask you all to do just a bit more by subscribing to the channel and liking the videos and leaving comments. Those help more than you can imagine. Also if you could pass the links on to your friends I would appreciate it so much.
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