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Creative => Customs Gallery => Dioramas & Buildings => Topic started by: Emma.J on June 04, 2011, 21:04:43

Title: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Emma.J on June 04, 2011, 21:04:43: :wave: As some of you may be aware I liked to do the odd custom Victorian Mansion. I recently put a poll up asking about what people would like to see in their dream house. I was hoping for a discusion on what people like, their fantasies and general wish lists. Thankyou everyone who voted.

What I ended up with was some very nice comments instead about my work. A very big thank you to all, it's these kind comments that keep me going. So on that note I have to admit I'm kind of fishing for more nice things :-[ But I don't mind criticism either please fell free to always point out the bad as well as the good. >:D

I managed to dodge the rain this afternoon to take some preliminary shots of my current project Houghton Hall for my blog and I couldn't help but share them. I'm just so excited that after more than 2 months solid work she's almost done :woohoo: So please bare in mind she's not finished yet.
This is the real Houghton Hall

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8KIGpPC-wOs/TdF9wT9TpFI/AAAAAAAABwU/DYJ0u4d14Fg/s400/Houghton_Hall_20080720-2.jpg)

This is my version

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OXjnQdGRges/Tep6eEyKUkI/AAAAAAAACBU/bNrInaT94Z4/s800/SDC12130.JPG)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mts_EvtSrfQ/Teqbj3NmALI/AAAAAAAACCo/PyRdGUCtJYQ/s800/SDC12163.JPG)

When she's finished I'll do a proper post with all the pictures on but I just wanted to show off a bit- sorry!
The house isn't exactly like the original I've got more windows to the front and I've had to add a dome in the middle but I hope you can see what I tried to base her on.

Oh and the reason for the dome is my favourite room - the hallway.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bdwEpANob6U/Tep6gxaDzLI/AAAAAAAACBo/Ukk0Y4CWNvs/s400/SDC12167.JPG)
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Playmoholics on June 04, 2011, 21:16:48: :clap: :clap: :clap: That is amazingly, wonderfully beautiful!!! I love the colors you chose. :clap: :clap: :clap:
When can I move in??? :lol:
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Hadoque on June 04, 2011, 21:18:24: I... just fell off my chair!!
:(o): :(o): :(o): :(o): :(o): :(o):
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: tonguello on June 04, 2011, 21:29:12: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg:
Speechles.....

That house is AMAZING and the hall is the best room I've ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :love: :love: :love: :love: :love:
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Wolf Knight on June 04, 2011, 21:49:10: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg:

Amazing creation yet again Emma!!! I love the use of the roman arena section!!! It ties very nice with the whole structure! and the steck castle parts for a basement!!!
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Emma.J on June 04, 2011, 21:56:47: :love: Thanks guys!

Here's a couple more shots of the hall. I've still got to redo the portico outside but most of the inside is done.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-msEqD_WXnao/Tep6keo1MCI/AAAAAAAACCI/-kCryLn5Tas/s800/SDC12001.JPG)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-haF9zaPo8WM/Tep6iK2wplI/AAAAAAAACB0/brx_zYXQSFA/s400/SDC12184.JPG)
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Lindama on June 04, 2011, 23:02:02: :inlove: OMG..that is amazing Emma! Is it all playmo?
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: bonniebeth on June 04, 2011, 23:08:33: Emma, you have completely outdone yourself!!! Your creations are always amazing, but this is just unbelievable!!! :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: The hallway is fantastic! And the outside is simply gorgeous. I can't WAIT to see the finished product!
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: skypurr on June 04, 2011, 23:10:34: That is wonderful Emma, I'm not surprised that you can't wait to show us :) :clap: :clap: :clap: :wow: :wow: :wow: :clap: :clap: :clap:
I do love the use of steck for the basement and the steps. :inlove:
Like Linda, I would love to know which parts you used - some I can't recognise!
Will you tell us how you made it?
The hall is amazing too, I love the colours you have chosen.

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Emma.J on June 04, 2011, 23:29:08: Quote from: Lindama on June 04, 2011, 23:02:02
:inlove: OMG..that is amazing Emma! Is it all playmo?

Hi Lindama,
it's 95% playmobil the only non PM parts are the tall columns and the roof railings simply as I couldn't get the parts from PM.

Quote from: skypurr on June 04, 2011, 23:10:34
That is wonderful Emma, I'm not surprised that you can't wait to show us :) :clap: :clap: :clap: :wow: :wow: :wow: :clap: :clap: :clap:
I do love the use of steck for the basement and the steps. :inlove:
Like Linda, I would love to know which parts you used - some I can't recognise!
Will you tell us how you made it?
The hall is amazing too, I love the colours you have chosen.

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)

I'll put another post up later when it's all done but in the meantime if you'd like to see more check out my blog to see how it's been made.

http://emma-j1066.blogspot.com/p/houghton-hall.html (http://emma-j1066.blogspot.com/p/houghton-hall.html)
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: bonniebeth on June 05, 2011, 00:00:44: :omg: :omg: :omg: The kitchen is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Bill Blackhurst on June 05, 2011, 00:09:14: Brilliant creation, Emma! :wow: The beauty of it is astounding! :clap:
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Hadoque on June 05, 2011, 00:11:52: The building itself, the out- and inside architecture, the decorations, the furniture, ... :o
This is SUPREME ULTIMATE CRAFT(WO)MANSHIP!! :rock:
And the rate at which you create so many beautiful customization-projects is also astonishing, other people would easily work years on it!

:wow: :wow: :wow:
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: WarriorOfToys on June 05, 2011, 00:19:14: Um, um, um... 8}

HOLY MOLEY AND A SIDE OF FRENCH TOAST!

Well I don't know what else to say! :P
Magnificent Emma!!!! MAG-NIF-I-CENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Elric on June 05, 2011, 00:27:26: Amazing!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: basilsdad on June 05, 2011, 00:33:50: Splendid job, Emma! I want to move in myself! ;D
Joe
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: playmo1989 on June 05, 2011, 03:40:08: WOW WOW WOW!!!! :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow:

can we have more pictures of the rest of the rooms?
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: kaethe on June 05, 2011, 03:51:34: Emma
I just spent the last hour looking at your blog about Houghton Hall and I have the same reaction as Hadoque, I just fell off of my chair in awe. I love how you shared the construction sequence, and the standard playmobil furnishings and then the Emma-ized furnishings. I absolutely love the grand hall, the staircase, the balconies, your color selections for the rooms. I read with interest your dismantling of the interiors to put up new wall coverings, the dumbwaiter, everything. I love the kitchen as well, the stone enclosed ovens, the laundry room, and the wine cellar. Wow, just think of the parties that could happen in that mansion. I can also imagine a bride on the staircase. Looking forward to more photos. Just out of curiosity, how do you seem to have this seemingly endless supply of mansion pieces and Victorian klickies?

kaethe
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: playmovictorian on June 05, 2011, 08:51:11: Dearest Emma :wave:

This has to be the most stunning, grand and exquisite building I have ever seen in Playmobil customs :love:

The proportions are perfect and everything speaks of old times elegance and splendour !

This is truly breathtaking !

Karim :)
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: highlandcattle on June 05, 2011, 11:29:03: :omg: Amazing! Although I prefer to keep parts original, if your going to customize this is how to do it :hatoff:
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Emma.J on June 05, 2011, 15:05:02: Quote from: kaethe on June 05, 2011, 03:51:34
Emma
I just spent the last hour looking at your blog about Houghton Hall and I have the same reaction as Hadoque, I just fell off of my chair in awe. I love how you shared the construction sequence, and the standard playmobil furnishings and then the Emma-ized furnishings. I absolutely love the grand hall, the staircase, the balconies, your color selections for the rooms. I read with interest your dismantling of the interiors to put up new wall coverings, the dumbwaiter, everything. I love the kitchen as well, the stone enclosed ovens, the laundry room, and the wine cellar. Wow, just think of the parties that could happen in that mansion. I can also imagine a bride on the staircase. Looking forward to more photos. Just out of curiosity, how do you seem to have this seemingly endless supply of mansion pieces and Victorian klickies?

kaethe

Thanks Kaethe, I'm glad some ones enjoyed reading about it. I don't normally bother writing about how I do things. It can be very time consuming writing the blog and taking loads of pictures, I don't know how Karim does it.

Usually I just show the end result but I'm not sure if people realise how much work can go into building a house. I know many of the forum members will, as they build their own but casual visitors might not. I always new this would be a big project and I wanted people to understand how much had gone into it, so my very first online diary as it were.

As to a seemingly endless supply of Mansions, I don't have any, I think I've got one dismantled one in my shed. I have to buy parts as I need them often my projects are held up while I wait for a spares order or finding cheep bits on ebay. I've had to wait for an order to finish the roof on this hall as well as ship parts for my second Spanish galleon.

For example I've had a commission to do a Victorian one story restaurant. As it's a unique build I'll have to buy a house to use for the parts, then when I've got those and sorted out the basic construction I work out whats needed inside. Then it's back to Playmobil for a spares order or hunt around on ebay to buy all the furnishings.

I have a few bits and spares but honestly everyone would be very disappointed to see my playmobil collection as I have very little. My favourite custom figures, a few medieval buildings, some ships and a jungle etc.
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Bill Blackhurst on June 05, 2011, 15:09:46: Thank you for sharing this interesting creation background, Emma! As my mother used to say, cobbler's children are usually the ones without new shoes! ;)
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: bonniebeth on June 05, 2011, 15:16:49: That is very true! You are more artist than collector, Emma. I'm glad your share your wonderful creations with the world!
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: kaethe on June 05, 2011, 15:31:57: Quote from: Emma.J on June 05, 2011, 15:05:02
As to a seemingly endless supply of Mansions, I don't have any, I think I've got one dismantled one in my shed. I have to buy parts as I need them often my projects are held up while I wait for a spares order or finding cheep bits on ebay. I've had to wait for an order to finish the roof on this hall as well as ship parts for my second Spanish galleon.
I have a few bits and spares but honestly everyone would be very disappointed to see my playmobil collection as I have very little. My favourite custom figures, a few medieval buildings, some ships and a jungle etc.

Wow, Emma, so in addition to hours customizing, you spend hours hunting for pieces as well. Again, thank you for sharing the process, I found it fascinating, as I do not do anything so complex. One more question, would you be willing to share how you install the lighting here or on your blog, or is that a secret?

kaethe
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Emma.J on June 05, 2011, 15:36:05: Yes I love to set up diarames and my customisation became an extension of that. I just love to build blame lots of lego as a kid!

As to lights that's no problem I thought I'd mentioned it on the blog but I'll go into more detail later, either tonight or tomorrow, I'm just working on the portico at the moment.
:wave:
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: specialist on June 05, 2011, 15:49:16: Is this really from this world?

Words - whatever language you might use - are not enough.
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: WarriorOfToys on June 05, 2011, 16:37:40: Emma, I
have been struggling trying to think of a way to make a Victorian house
using the pieces currently available from Playmobil.
Your Houghton Hall has given me an idea that will solve part of my problem,
Thank you so much! :wow:
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Tiermann on June 05, 2011, 17:03:33: Exquisite, fantastic, beautiful...
I love that main hall. The cutwork dome is brilliant. Off to look over the blog entries
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: playmofire on June 05, 2011, 18:11:38: Well, what can be said, Emma? It surpasses all you've ever done before, and that was quite incredible. Words fail me!

??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: tenni on June 05, 2011, 20:48:30: :o

Thanks so much for sharing the pictures here and your blog site. Truly a magnificent mansion. I especially love the kitchen! The detail throughout the building is simply amazing.
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: Nickers on June 05, 2011, 22:53:01: Oh my gosh! This is absolutely stunning and amazing! Really, there are no words to do it justice! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the dome and the way the light comes through. I can't even put to words. So beautiful. I can't imagine the hours you've spent so far.

You really are a master at your craft and I can't wait to see this one finished. :inlove: :inlove: :inlove:
Title: Re: Houghton Hall - Early photos as I couldn't wait any longer.
Post by: el jefe on June 06, 2011, 12:35:57: Absolutely stunning! Can't wait to see the finished product. :wave: