Leaky Cauldron......The Bar Counter, Again!!

As I made such a mess up trying to edge the bar I had to buy another rail and start again. Of course I could not find the same one quickly and locally, so I bought TWO lengths just in case.

 I finally managed to edge the counter, mitres are definitely not my strong point, and painted it a glossy dark brown. 

 I have topped the counter with 'slate' tiles. These have been cut out of normal DIY floor tiles that I had left over from a previous project. 

 I am much happier with this finish.

The main problem is the height. It is slightly lower and sits below the shelving that was sized for the other bar counter. I will have to see what it looks like with the rest of the furniture and my good time witches. 

I have also given a home to a very street wise ginger moggie.

 I hope he has come on his own and not brought unwelcome house guests!!

 This disreputable character was made by the very talented Sally of Miss Sally World and I think he is just right for Diagon Alley.

I have been grunging the Leaky Cauldron today....hmmmm, I think I might have been a little it too enthusiastic with the grunge. Will show tomorrow and see what you think. 

How to Make a Lady Swear!!!!!

The bar counter for The Leaky Cauldron has been glaring at me for a while now. It was a basic whitewood piece that I purchased on Ebay. I cut it down to size, removed the plain top and added a thick piece of painted and distressed balsa. The top was supposed to look like a solid wood counter roughened with wear and use.

Ever since I put the top on I have hated it! Balsa wood is fabulous to use but the thicker pieces have a horrible edge that soaks up paint and is resistant to all my very basic tools. I haven't been able to get the colour right and the nasty edge is all I notice every time I put it in place. 

 So, with a hundred and one other tasks to complete, I removed the top and sanded all the glue off.

 My idea was to make a new top with a framing edge. This new edging will hold slate tiles and I can stain it all up nicely. Much cleaner look, nowhere near so dominant.

I found a left over piece of banister rail which proved perfect as I could just slide the top along the pieces of balsa.

Mmmmm.....am I the only one to whom moulding measurements and angles are a complete mystery. I measure, I plan the angle, I cut and I never seem to have the right angle or my lengths are all wrong. So I try again and again. 

 Eventually cutting of little bits at a time I manage quite a decent corner and even get the longer length of the front of the bar sorted.

Gosh, looking good and very chuffed with my carpentry skills I reach for the remainder of my banister rail.......

 ......the whole inch I have left!!! Why, oh why does this always happen! There are am feeling very pleased with myself and I have even saved money by using a left over piece and now I have to buy another piece of rail, travel to the shop and in the meantime forget how I managed to cut and angle the thing!! 

Swear?! I am surprised none of you heard me!!!