Wednesday 3 June 2015

Fox Manor

The Attic - The School Room





Hello everyone,

I hope you are all well.  It came to my attention when I put up my last post that my replies to your comments were not being received.  I get notified through my google email when someone posts a comment on my blog.  I have always replied to people that way.  It seems now, that my replies to you were not being received.  I have been so upset, to think that you think I am rude not replying to you!
Please, please know that each and every comment that anyone made on my blog was always replied to.  I so appreciate each and every one who takes the time to comment on my wee blog so I will be replying to you all through the blog from now on.

Now.....

This is the last room in Fox Manor to be decorated....all together  now, aww....:(

The School Room had, I think, been the hardest room for me to 'see' for quite some time.  But once I decided what I wanted to do, things started to come together really well!

I had initially envisaged a cold, harsh, and quite a dark room, but I wasn't really happy with that scenario.  I'm not naturally a dark person!

My other attic rooms are quite cheery and bright for the wee ones of the Manor, and I couldn't quite get my head around the fact that the children would be stepping out of their lovely Playroom and Night Nursery to end up in a cold and stark School Room.

To that end, I have produced this........

 
 


Well, I have decided that my School Room had originally been used as a bedroom for a couple of maids and had also been a storage area during it's lifetime too!  Hence, the different wallpapers used to decorate the room over the years are still in place. LOL.  Any leftover wallpaper used to decorate the Manor was not wasted, but used in here!  The Manor has been completely revamped since, but not this little room.  It still 'tells' the story of the Manor in times gone by!  So when the children arrived, the maids were shipped out into the converted outhouses on the Estate and the attic floor was then used for the benefit of the children!  How's that for a background story!! :)

The children's governess is a forward thinking young lady, who loves teaching and believes in bringing out the best in her young pupils; she actually loves the room but thinks a brighter and more vibrant décor would be a more appropriate surrounding for education.  The Lady of the house, can't quite understand the governess' need to brighten up the room, and, as yet, hasn't actually decided whether to spend the money on re-doing that attic room or not!

My own maternal grandmother in RL was a governess to Prince Borghese's children in Italy, or possibly France, I believe, away back at the turn of the last century, and I have always thought of her as being a young adventurous woman out in the world teaching and loving it - but it's also so sad that I know very little else about her during that time!

A view of the blackboard, pointer and duster.

The wallpaper on the left wall with the door is a gorgeous paper by Susan Bembridge Designs called Paxton House - Morning Room.  It has a dark beige background with garlands in a faded black/grey.  I have made a wooden plank wainscot here by staining the planks, skirting and dado with walnut dye and then painting over the top with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Cream.  I rubbed some of the paint off and age-waxed the lot to give it a multi-tonal, slightly dirty effect - the first time I aged anything in my Manor I have to add!

The right-hand sloping wall is decorated with Les Chinoiseries paper in Manila Rose.  It has warm apricot/pink tones with little birds....lovely.

A view of two of the walls!

The chimney breast mirrors the one in The Playroom, in that it goes out through the roof.  It is also made in the same way.  I made the hearth from black mountboard and scored it to resemble slabs of slate.  I've done this before and it's very effective, I think.  I love this little fireplace even though it's quite plain.

The back wall....the other sloping wall, has a row of storage units in the attic eaves - harking back to earlier times in Fox Manor.  My governess loves them as she can store so many more books there and still have the room looking reasonably tidy!  The units have been painted with Farrow & Ball 'Green Smoke' and lined with 'old newspapers'.  The wall above has been decorated with Les Chinoiseries paper called 'Bourges', a lovely floral stripe in beige and apricot tones.

The cupboards are lined in newspapers....as you do!

A view of the cupboard doors in the making and the wainscoting.

The gap to the right holds some wiring.  The rest are in the cupboards.

I initially had this idea of a row of cupboards along the back wall as you see them, then I changed my mind to make a false wall at the back with larger cupboard doors - but the little row of cupboards eventually won!  With this in mind, I should have just made a little set of units and slid them in...... but, me being me, I had started the basic framework for the false wall, had it very well glued in, couldn't remove it, so I had to work around it!  Ah well! 

I should have spent even more time staring at the empty room instead of running ram-stam into starting it!  Lesson learned!!


To the right-hand side of the unit I have papered thick, stiff cardboard on both sides to fill the empty space.  In here I have more wiring running through, but I have put a tiny little brass knob at the top of this so I can lift the piece out if need be!


I love these little units.  They're not perfect, but I think they suit the space so well!

I took a big chance in using three different wallpapers in here; I really wanted to try it, but I am delighted with the effect.  It's just how I envisioned the space.  Sometimes I find it hard enough choosing one paper for a room, never mind three!  Well, I spent ages swapping papers about, choosing, then changing my mind again.  But I love the three I finally went for. :)

When I showed my husband, 'the joiner', my finished room, he looked, and said nothing, and I just knew he was looking at the crooked doors and the finish of the little units; so he had to be gently reminded that this room was an attic and the furniture here would not have been so finely and precisely finished off - the way it should be done.....apparently!! :)

The flooring is the same as the rest of the rooms in the attic.  Just plain plank flooring with a walnut stain and wax.

This gives the whole attic space a unity.

Again, I have opted not to put up a ceiling rose.  I personally feel that such an extravagance would not have been permitted in the attic!


I would love this desk area myself!

There is a hanging oil lamp in this room.....modernisation hasn't got this far up the Manor yet!  But I'm not surprised, sure they haven't even redecorated in here for years :)   I also have a lamp on the governess' desk along with some other little items I have picked up along the way :)  I don't know if you can make them out - photography is not my strong point - but on the desk there is a tiny little ink pen with a brass nib, a brass inkwell along with a carafe and glass for water, a little brass school bell with a clapper and a fabulous ink blotter.  I made the vase of flowers there as well.  There is a gorgeous little brass lamp on the unit at the back.  The wood and brass clock works!




The stack of leather books, the dictionary, the diary and tied bundle of notes on the desk are all handmade by Nicole from PetiteUniques.  Nicole has a wonderful shop on Etsy.  Here's the link www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PetiteUniques it's really worth a visit!

Both lamps in the room can be unplugged as I have all the wiring hidden in the unit.

The McQueenie Double Desk Kit.

 
The desk is unfinished here while the seat has had a coat of wax.

I have made the children's double desk from a McQueenie Miniatures kit and I found it to be so straightforward to do.  I just gave it a light coat of wax when assembled.  It's lovely, and it comes complete with little inkwells. 


The children's slates were gifts from Art of Mini...they have some amazing items.


The wall blackboard in its raw state - made by my own fair hands!

The blackboard, pointer and duster with a walnut finish.
 
In situ....

I made the blackboard behind the governess' desk.  It truly is a blackboard.  I painted a piece of wood with blackboard paint and it turned out really well.  I 'framed' the blackboard with timber, and altered a piece of ceiling coving for the curved base so I can place the chalk, duster and pointer there.  I stained the lot with a walnut varnish.  I am delighted with the way they all turned out :)

The pointer was made from a cocktail stick with one end cut off and sanded; and the duster was a piece of wood with a piece of thick grey cardboard attached.  It looks just like the ones I remember at school!

I still have to experiment a little with an effective method for chalk writing on my blackboard and the little slates for the children.  I want to put a little more life into the room and I think that may do the trick!  So any suggestions for what to use to get fine white writing would be greatly appreciated!!



Lights on!

Lights off!
 
On taking a picture of the three attic rooms together, it seems that the Schoolroom, is, in fact, dark.  Even with the lights on lol.  But I assure you that it's not as bad as it looks in the photos :)

This floor has been completed fairly quickly once I got started.  I have enjoyed it, all the tramping up and down the little steps I have, was all right once I got going.  Still, I was very much aware that one wrong move from me would be a disaster!  I have no balance nor a head for heights!  Such a brilliant combination lol!  No.  I don't go skiing!!!!

So there we have it folks!  My Manor is, basically finished! :)  :(  Yes, I don't know how I feel.

Anyway, I still have loads to do to 'fill' it up.

I also have to start to knuckle down and think about how I want the outside to look.

Next time, I will put up a post showing the whole Manor.  It will be the first reveal for me too.  As you have probably noticed; as I finish a floor I cover it up to protect it from the workings of the next.  As a result, I haven't actually seen it with all the rooms visible at once with all the lighting on!

Now that I'm writing this, I'm getting quite excited about seeing it myself!  LOL

Until the next time, all the best and take care of yourselves.

Vivian

PS  I have just reached 80 followers!!  Yippee.....  If I ever make it to 100, I will do something very special!

32 comments:

  1. I love that there is very different wallpaper in each room. Looking at all them at once they really look individual. It is obvious that you thought the details out well. Great work!

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    1. Hello Grandmommy,
      Yes, I think the papers work well together even though they are very different.....and each wall is very different too. A chance that actually paid off!
      Thank you for looking.
      All the best
      Vivian

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  2. Hi Vivian! I agree with the Grandmommy that the different wallpapers in the school room gets a big LOVE from me too! I think it is a very charming touch for this converted attic room. The utility cupboard is another great addition and the color is Perfect! The blackboard really tells the story well. I haven't tried this but I think that I saw that a white paint pen makes a good chalk substitute. Try googling how to paint on chalkboard to see if there is a tutorial on line. Meanwhile... WELL DONE!!!! :D

    elizabeth

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    1. Hi Elizabeth,
      I'm delighted that my wallpapers are a 'hit'. I really wanted to do something different for me and my Manor. Seeing as this was the last room, I thought I'd just go for it.
      All the best and thank you for looking!
      Vivian

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  3. Hi Vivian, The schoolroom is brilliantLove the aging under the blackboard. The different papers are a stroke of genius and the narrow wall cupboard and accessories add to the atmosphere.
    It looks wonderful.
    Could you use a white out pen to draw on the chalk board?
    In my children's room I have a chalk-board look. On the computer I reduced two grandchildren's drawings and reversed them so they were white lettering/ drawing on black. then printed and cut them to fit the door panels.
    The children are happy their work is included in the mini house .
    Looking forward to seeing the interior in its entirety.

    great post. Thank you.
    Regards Janine

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    1. Hi Janine,
      I have had great ideas for my 'chalk' dilemma, so I'll be trying out everyone's ideas to see what suits! I'm so glad you enjoyed this room.....that's what our miniatures are all about! Thank you for looking.
      All the best
      Vivian

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  4. Hello Vivian,
    How very odd. I feel sad, happy and jealous all at once. Sad because this wonderful project has come to an end, happy because you did such an amazing job, and jealous because I am nowhere near knowing the feeling of being finished.
    It is an absolutely wonderful room. Such a great use of the space. I love...LOVE the built in cabinets. Even though this space is a school room (I hated school) it is so charming and welcoming. I love it! Bravo Vivian. I think, if the manor is done, you should start work on the family's other houses...country house, London townhouse, house by the sea... :)
    Big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Hello Giac,
      Please don't be jealous that you are nowhere near the end of your Manor....I want yours to last forever, so I can keep looking at your amazing work. I call that being selfish on my part LOL! I am delighted with how the cabinets turned out, as they were my first real furniture that I made, they look exactly how I imagined.....and that doesn't happen that often :) Please don't tempt me to think about another Fox project just yet....or I'll never complete the outside of this one!
      All the best and take care,
      Vivian

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  5. Hi Vivian
    Once again I love what you have done in the school room. The different wallpapers gives the room a feeling of it being multi-purpose over the years. I love your little cupboards at the back and the colour is great, I love the colour green. I also really like the blackboard you have made. On one hand you could say it's sad that you have finished all the decorating, and on the other, it is also great that you can add more furnishing and decorations. Is a dolls house ever finished?
    Can't wait to see the big reveal.
    Jayne

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    1. Hello Jayne
      I'm so glad you like the mish-mash of the décor in the Schoolroom! I did think long and hard to try to have each wall looking different to the next, yet still look ok all together. You are right, I am looking forward to filling up my house and maybe trying my hand at making more things for it myself!
      All the best and thank you for looking,
      Vivian

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  6. Hi Vivian! The school room is gorgeous and including all of the sorts of wallpapers, it even looks more lifelike ;)! I love the doors of the build in cabinets, the color is warm and gorgeous, it has a fantastic effect. The blackboard is another wonderful job of you and if one can even write on it with a piece of miniature chalk.....that would be completely wow!
    The entire attic looks perfect this way, great work (as usual ;O)!
    Congratulations on your 80 followers :D!
    Kind regards, Ilona

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    1. Hi Ilona
      I hope you are well! I'm glad you like the different wallpapers, I really love the colour scheme in this room, even though it is a mixture of colour! I am still working on my 'chalk' problem, but I have been given some great ideas to try out. I can't believe my wee blog has 80 followers, that's astounding!!
      All the best and take care of yourself, and thank you for looking!
      Vivian

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  7. I love your school room. The different wallpapers is a fantastic idea and works great. The built -in cabinets are fantastic. Your blackboard is amazing and reminds me of the ones we had in school. Fantastic job I am looking forward to seeing the whole house.
    Hugs Maria

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    1. Hi Maria
      I'm delighted that you love the wee room! It was really something different for me to try out in my Manor but I'm very happy with how it turned out. :)
      All the best and thank you for looking!
      Vivian

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  8. Me gusta como has diseñado esta habitación-escuela. Has hecho un buen trabajo con los armarios y la pizarra. Me encanta los detalles que has puesto en el escritorio de la institrutriz.

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  9. Hi Isabel, I am so glad you enjoyed the Schoolroom, and thank you for looking!
    All the best
    Vivian

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  10. It looks great Vivian. I love that Bourges wallpaper - definitely one of my favourites but I found it hard to match fabrics and colours. I really love your built-in cupboards, the colour is perfect. And also the panelling on the left wall looks amazing with the antiquing. A great room. I'd suggest a white pencil for the chalk board, sharpened to a really fine point. Maybe one of the softer watercolour ones?

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    1. Hi Shannon
      Yes, I have a few things I am going to try with regard to my 'chalk' writing! I absolutely love the Bourges paper too! It has a bit of a story behind it as well. Before I knew about buying Les Chinoiseries paper directly from Carmen, I ordered the Bourges from another online retailer as I had fallen in love with it. I intended it to go into my housekeeper's bedroom in the basement. Time passed and I couldn't wait any longer so I papered her room in another paper! So I intended to use Bourges then for my stairwells and halls! Three months passed before I got my paper, by which time I had abandoned the idea of having stairs in my Manor......so this beautiful paper was delegated to the attic LOL! I still think it looks lovely there though!
      All the best and thank you for looking!
      Vivian

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  11. Vivian, I am totally in love with this schoolroom. You may have noticed I like a bit of a eclectic treatment, so this is totally up my alley. I am still impressed by your wonderful use of color and pattern. You've really created the story you made up...it appears to be pulled together from a number of sources, just like an attic space would be, but your little decorator has a real style....I mean it when I say this really speaks to me...

    I look forward to seeing how you treat the outside of the manor, and how you handle the furnishings...You've done such perfect job with the basics, I cannot wait to see how you set it all off.

    Sorry I am so late arriving! Somehow you slipped in a post and I didn't see it! Better late than never I guess!

    Enjoy finishing off the outside! :0)

    Doug

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    1. Hello Doug,
      Of all of my blog friends, I thought that you would really connect with this room - I'm so glad it works for you! Never worry about a late reply, it is always welcome no matter what :)
      All the best and thank you for stopping by!
      Vivian

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  12. Oh Vivian! I'm not sure how I feel either, now you have finished the bulk of the interior! I love the school room, so much atmosp and the little cupboard is perfect. What an interesting story about your great grandmother. You should get onto Ancestry. Com and research it.
    I can't wait to see how you tackle the exterior of the manor but I'm sure it will be a triumph.
    Well done on an amazing job.
    Love
    Si
    Ps lovely saying hi in the week x

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    1. Hi Si, it was so lovely to talk to you as well my friend! I feel with my schoolroom I went out of my comfort zone, but I loved decorating it! I have to really think about the outside as it is really going to be the first thing that will be seen. Anyway, I shall give it a go.....
      All the best and take care of yourself....don't leave it too long until we talk again!!!
      Vivian

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  13. The school room turned out just Beautifully in spite of your worries! I Love the cupboards at the back and the different wallpapers do add a great deal of old fashioned charm to the space! You have done a great job with the accessories and I think the children might even enjoy their lessons! Maybe a globe and some maps are needed too! What a great way to finish your Manor! I do look forward to seeing more, and I am very glad you were so mindful of the steps!

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    1. Hi Betsy,
      You are quite right! I still need a lot more books, a globe, maps and, as Irene reminded me......an apple for the teacher's desk! Unfortunately, the steps won't be put away just yet as I'll have to get to the roof for finishing off! Ah, well...
      All the best and thank you for looking.
      Vivian

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  14. LOVE!!! It's amazing. I absolutely adore the fact that you used all those different wallpapers. The effect is spot on! Your cupboards are gorgeous too. This room feels so right. Fantastic work!
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

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    1. Thank you so much Caroline. I have achieved what I set out to do - which makes me a very happy!!
      All the best and thank you for taking the time to look!
      Vivian

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  15. As always, Vivian, I love your work! I love the details and the fact that you went "wild and crazy" with three different wallpapers! Thank you for the inspiration!
    Hugs Josefin

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    1. Aw thank you Josefin. I still find it hard to think I inspire anyone.....but it's a lovely thought! Thank you again!!!
      All the best and take care of yourself.
      Vivian

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  16. Replies
    1. Thank you very much for looking!!
      All the best
      Vivian

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  17. Hi Mummy, again you never fail to impress. It looks absolutely stunning. And I especially love the 'S' and 'C' on the boards. It's nice to know you haven't forgotten little old me. Cant wait to see more xxxx

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    1. Lovely to 'see' you visiting my wee blog. How could I forget you..... You may be in Australia, but you are always in my heart. XXX

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