Finishing the shadow box!

Yesterday I worked on my shadow box some more, painting the window, making curtains and painting the papier mache. 

I took my dremel type tool with a steel polishing brush to the soft wood of the window frame and distressed it.  It was so much easier and quicker than sanding  I did the same with some wood that I had cut for the shelf that would go over the top of the window.  I saw Nikki make these a while ago and loved them so much I wanted to try it out here.

Then I painted it all green, aged it again and put on some washes of dirty green and brown here and there to really muddy it up. 

While I was using my paints I used a wash of sandstone to get rid of the white of the papier mache and some dirty green on the ceiling and in the corners. 

I made some curtains using a fabric I had by simply gluing a hem at the top for the curtain pole to go through. Then fraying the bottom. 

The masking tape is there because I discovered that my spray starch, or more accurately the solvent in it caused my PVA hem to come apart.  I spray starched the curtains and pinned them into place on a cork board.  This is the first time I have done this and it was remarkably easy.  

Then I leaded the acetate that came with the window.  I cut 1mm lead strips from a self adhesive roll I had bought from Romney miniatures. Then I stuck it to the acetate following a grid I had drawn onto graph paper. (Thanks for this recent tip Janice)

Finally I put it all together and varnished the shelves, window seat and floor as they were looking a bit dull.

And here it is.

I really love how it has worked out.  Now I just have to fill it.....