Today I started framing the windows and doors that we cut out yesterday. I’ve begun by taking some 1/16th thick basswood that is 1/2 inch wide as my windows are, and using it make the casing. I had been considering using popsicle sticks, but the longest popsicle stick I could find at the craft store wouldn’t fit the lengths of most of my windows. Anyway you can see a progress pic up above. Since this is very small wood I used a crafter’s saw that is basically like a big X-Acto blade with a serrated edge to cut the pieces to size. I made sure that all pieces were cut to size and had a snug fit before I glued them into place. I think it is worth the extra effort to do this to your windows since it makes a nice clean straight edge, hides any errors you made, and also looks more authentic.
Occasionally I would have a little trouble with the wood bowing on me, and what I decided to do was, after gluing, I tied some twine around the area to keep the boards flush the to the wood edges. I think this worked pretty well as the twine was soft enough not to dent the wood like a clamp would and also it would be awfully difficult to get c-clamps in there.
I also came upon one of our boo-boos we made while cutting out the windows. This one was bad enough that I decided to go in and fill in that gap with wood putty before fitting the window with it’s casing. I would say if you have any boo-boos big enough to be bothersome like this one was, I would take the time to fill it in with wood putty or do what you need to do, because all of your effort will show in the end with your final product.
Well, that’s it for today. Tomorrow I have to touch up the arched window a little more, then I shall be puttying and sanding gaps, and basically be prepping the house to be painted at this point. I think we will be attaching the roof and platform box tomorrow as well.