Thank You

Post by **sjleeds** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 11:43 am

Hey All,

Writing stuff like this really isn't my strong suit. Forgive me if it sounds clinical.

I decided to to get into the hobby recently, a few weeks ago after seeing some old photos of my Grandmother's Christmas Trees. Feeling nostalgic I set out to purchase some houses on the eBay then found this and a few other websites about building your own and couldn't resist. That being said, Thank you, Howard and Paul for the resources you've made available here and other places. I'm here as a result of that kindness and building the houses with my 12 yeard old son, Eliott.

Short term goals - Rework of of under the tree train layout. Replace the battered old plastic houses with handmade putz houses. Rework the tracks for two vintage Tyco Trolleys. I had those as a kid too.

Long term goals - Add to the village a little each year. Create a Halloween village for next year. I want to return the pattern and graphics kindness. I'll be creating and sharing patterns for vintage houses using QCAD. I know my way around CAD programs from my previous occupation. and my son will be doing the graphics stuff. Currently he's working on some ideas in Adobe Illustrator for printable flatties that you'll be able to glue onto cardboard cutouts.

General info. Stuff - Grew up in South Jersey and have been living in Las Vegas since 1991. 48 years old. I.T. Director for Canyon Ridge Christian Church. I've worked there since 2003. Married to Theresa since 1993 and we two boys - Ethan and Eliott. They're 15 and 12. Eliott is the artist/basketball player and Ethan is the music major. Jazz Studies, Bass Trombone.

I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you and looking forward to do more than lurking. Blessings.

Steven and Eliott

: cat_and_work_surface.jpg (91.51 KiB) Viewed 33690 times

: Work Space; work_surface_putz_houses.jpg (125.26 KiB) Viewed 33690 times

: WIP's - I believe these are Howard's patterns too.; blue_putz_house.jpg (87.57 KiB) Viewed 33690 times

: Eliott hard at work; artist_at_work.jpg (201.33 KiB) Viewed 33690 times

: My son Eliott; my_son_eliott.jpg (99.97 KiB) Viewed 33690 times

: My first finished piece. I believe the pattern was designed by Howard. I don't have it in front of me.; my_first_piece.jpg (168.29 KiB) Viewed 33690 times

Post by **paulrace** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 1:44 pm

Thanks for posting these, Steve, they look great!

BurghGal · Post by **BurghGal** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 3:26 pm

Great stuff! Howard and Paul are such talents along with the other folks who share their patterns and creations. This is a friendly place.

I look forward to seeing more of your creations. What file formats will your patterns be in? I've used Illustrator to make some SVGs, but have never used a CAD system.

Post by **sjleeds** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 3:30 pm

paulrace wrote:Thanks for posting these, Steve, they look great!

You're welcome and Thank you. Looking forward to having some fun here.

Post by **sjleeds** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 3:43 pm

BurghGal wrote:Great stuff! Howard and Paul are such talents along with the other folks who share their patterns and creations. This is a friendly place.

I look forward to seeing more of your creations. What file formats will your patterns be in? I've used Illustrator to make some SVGs, but have never used a CAD system.

I'll export the drawings to pdf's that will be printable on standard 8.5x11 sheets. I've taken to transferring the patterns using carbon paper. I'm not sure how everyone else does it but, I'm building with a 12 year old and that way worked well.

I've done two patterns so far. I'm planning on building them once I get what I have started finished. They're pretty basic outlines modeled after kit homes that were sold by Sears in the 30's and 40's. The plan was to build them to be sure they're ok and then add the dimensions and notations etc. I'd attach them but I do want to be sure what's on paper actually looks good and works before I do.

Post by **Lynn** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 4:35 pm

Welcome!! So glad you joined, and it's really nice your son is joining in on the fun!

Post by **Lee** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 8:12 pm

Welcome! I wish my workspace was as tidy as yours!

Post by **DCrowe** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 8:44 pm

Thank YOU, Steven, for sharing this hobby with your son. That is so important to keeping it going. May you and your family (felines included) enjoy making cardboard structures for many years. And please keep posting pics.

Post by **sjleeds** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 10:24 am

Lee wrote:Welcome! I wish my workspace was as tidy as yours!

My work space right now is the dining room table. I promised my wife I'd keep it tidy and pack it up when we're not working on them during the week. It all stays out during the weekend though. One of my other hobbies is crocheting blankets, I have a harder time keeping that one neat and away...

Post by **Lucy** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 11:18 am

Steven and Eliott,
So nice to have you on the forum. I enjoyed reading your profile. I laughed when you said the dining table was your workspace only because my entire kitchen, dining room, living room became my workspace. But I don't have to share my space with any humans - only 3 fat cats. They love to invade your space, don't they?

Your houses are so nice. We look forward to seeing your projects.

Lucy