Hey! You've found the first part of my Hagrid's Hut walk-through: The Exterior
The completed Hagrid's Hut can be found HERE.
Because I added a number of elements to the Octagon Room Box used to make this project, I wanted to create a rundown of the basic construction. There's a lot to go through, so I've broken it up into three parts: The Exterior, The Roof, and The Interior.
When making this project I alternated working on the inside/outside as glue/paint dried. So don't feel like you have to complete one area before moving on.
Finally, I won't be going into fine details here, but I think these steps will be helpful if you want to create a similar project.
Now, on to the construction!
Start off by painting the base. You're going to be covering this up, but by preparing it now you're going prevent later issues and hide any flubs.
Once dry, cover the bottom of the base with some scrapbook paper. (top image) The reason I do this is because I'll be adding flooring later. I want the two sides of the chipboard to sort of have even 'coatings' or layers. In my experience this drastically reduces the chances of the chipboard warping later.
You also want to paint the funny looking frame that hold the walls in place and provides stability.
Slot your walls into the base and support them with the top funny looking bit. Add masking tape to each 'corner'. The masking tape helps to make the join where the walls meet more seamless when finishing.
Add masking tape to the inside joins too.
I know I want a fireplace inside my hut, so I'm making a chimney outside. I'm simply using layers of corrugated cardboard to create this. I tape the edges and add it to the side of my hut.
My exterior is going to have a stone finish, but I want to create interest by including another texture so I'm giving the chimney a plaster look. Using a pallet knife I smooth drywall compound over the surface. You could alternatively use grout, or acrylic latex caulk. Check out your local hardware store for ideas.
Take your time, and allow your compound to dry. You do not have to make it perfect all at once! Touch up the surface and add layers as you go along.
While Hagrid's Hut was wooden in the Potter books, I'm making a stone surface exterior. Tearing up egg cartons I create my stones. You'll likely want to prepare twice as much as you think you'll need. You can keep all the 'stones' evenly shaped/sized, or create patterns by mixing it up!
I begin adding my stones around the area that the door has been plotted. I'll frame in the door and then work outward applying horizontal lines of 'stonework' working from the bottom to the top. I try to keep things fairly straight as it's easy for things to start lining up wonky. Don't get too caught up in perfection though! A bit of wobble is a-ok.
Another layer on my chimney and the stones are looking dandy!
FYI, I use Aleene's Tacky Glue as it seems to keep things in place as I'm working. I don't have to worry about stones sliding all over the place as they dry.
Next, I take disposable piping bag, put some drywall compound inside, and cut the tiniest bit off the end. I'll use this to squiggle some 'mortar' between the stones. You need VERY LITTLE for this. In the above photo I've probably applied 2xs more than I should have.
With a wet finger, smooth out the plaster/mortar. If things get a bit messy, just use a damp cloth to remove the excess. Don't worry. It's going to look great!
A final coat on that chimney. See! It's coming along.
Once that dries you can try adding a bit more interest to your stonework. Remember that stones and rock have variation in their colouring. Consider trying chalk pastels, light washes of paint, ink, stain... heck, I even used a bit of eyeshadow (beware anything with shimmer) and coffee to stain mine.
If you want to apply a topcoat to the surface, remember that this too might affect the colour. Try a little on some leftover carton to see how it dries before applying to the whole surface.
Now add your door into place. I've used the Rustic Door - 1:12. Rather than creating a door that opens and fiddling with cutting out the wall, I'm using two doors. One doors sits on the exterior wall, the other exactly opposite on the inside.
Now, let's pop over to making the roof to continue...
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You can browse all of the sweet, sweet AlphaStamps items used in this project HERE
Additional items used in it the construction:
• corrugated cardboard
• thin cardboard
• acrylic paint
• glue
• thin cardboard
• acrylic paint
• glue
• acrylic latex silicone
• drywall compound
• twigs and bark
• miscellaneous bits n' pieces
• miscellaneous bits n' pieces
