How I plan my Miniature Projects: The Captain's Quarters

[@sabrinamcewen1981]

Had to double back to the beginning of this Epic Adventure & re-watch this wonderful Masterpiece unfold!!😊 I super love your work, your channel and your kindness. Congrats on your completion of the Captain's Quarters! Can't wait to visit the Miniatures Museum & see it. Many Blessings to you😊

[@paulaneary7877]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those miniature ships!

[@debbralehrman5957]

I am glad you did this. I have something in mind for a friend but I have never done anything like this. You showing your process is a help. Thanks

[@patriciablue2739]

He needs a trunk. Some swords, a musket, a captains hat, a cat, a keg, a musical instrument and journal! LOVE your process SO fun!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great ideas Patricia!! I will have to start looking for a good looking cat... I don't trust myself to make decent looking animals lol!

[@aubreystalcup5452]

The Dawn Treader from the Narnia chronicles!!

[@HMNotorious]

I'm just now discovering my inner crafter at 55 yrs old. Your videos are wonderful! Thank you.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That's wonderful! Happy creating!

[@LadyartAngelaCook-Lykes]

I love your process. It's the process I use as well. Don't forget your port hole in the lower level. And adding railings to the shelves will help the look of sturdy space for items to not fall as the ship rocks at sea. In some cases the captain's bed doubles as storage or a secret compartment. I can't wait to see what's next

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! Yes the portholes def add a lot to the bottom floor so thanks for the reminder ;) Thank you for the suggestions❤❤

[@christinenalle8810]

This double story ship design has just solved my problem in designing my “The Borrowers” house in cardboard. Borrowers live under the the floorboards and in the walls of Big- people houses and utilize items they “borrow” in their trips upstairs. Their decor is among and around the pipes, wiring and foundations of their world. I can’t wait! Of course, some of their treasures are “Borrowed” from the dollhouse in the Nursery upstairs in the original home. I have got to write this down, and make a model first, Yes!

[@leoniejazz7962]

Can you post a walkthrough for us?

[@Kosmofire]

The Captains Quarters has really taken us on an amazing adventure Ara! Thank you 😊 I wasn’t apart of your channel or community 2 years ago so I’m catching up! I love watching the creative process

[@mariakelley8410]

I wish you could find a tiny ship in a bottle to put on display. And like many others have said, you need some rolled up maps stored in a barrel or something. I was also thrilled when you pulled out the little book made by Victoria DarkSquirrel. She has been a dear friend of mine for years and I have several of her pieces which I treasure. At the moment she is no longer making minis but who knows what the future will bring. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Isn't she amazing?? And her miniatures are gorgeous! I am so honored to have some of her art work. Thank you for the suggestions!

[@rachaelkasper5445]

This is a step I've not done before. I'll have to try it. I've usually just run by the seat of my pants, trial and error (lots of trials and errors LOL). For a ship, I'd suggest little lips on horizontal surfaces to prevent things from sliding off, also securing things to shelves and tables (lamps), and if the lower level was a mini-library, a bar of some kind halfway up would prevent the books from falling off the shelves. Often, the Captain's bed was stationary but movable in some way (kind of how a cradle functions) to accommodate the rocking of the ship. Just ideas from ships I've toured. I can't wait to see how this progresses! This is exciting!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I love those ideas, esp the lips on the side of surfaces to keep items from falling off. Great suggestion! I love adding knick knacks so it will definitely be needed lol! Keep the ideas coming!

[@lorrkay3482]

Loving this idea. He'll need a roll up map on his desk, a sextant, a globe, some souvenirs he's picked up in his travels - like a mask, spears etc. Grog, Captain's log, ships manifest.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great ideas! I love all of them❤❤

[@Chattycrafter2580]

The sail boat reminds me of the poem The owl and the pussycat. They went to sea in a pea green boat. I’m catching up with all your videos and I’m enjoying every moment. Thank you.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Paula! I am so glad you are enjoying it!💖💖

[@bronwynplagemann5400]

Omg that plate is so cool!!

[@miagothful]

Yes! I vote for this theme.I agree that he needs. a trunk and a globe. But wonder if a globe on the floor would be better. Maybe from a deobottle. And a parrot .A tiny bottleship would be cool. The corkscrew is very modern. Maybe one with wooden handel. I've done a spiral staircaise a couple off times ,so I realy looking forward to YOUR project. If your intrested in a smart staircase, so let me know.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for the suggesions and you're probably right about the cork screw. I will defintely have to do some research. I will have to remember you have sprial staircase knowledge! Thank you ;)

[@954victoria]

I love your thought processes! When I build a dollhouse from scratch, I start out with a floor plan of the size I want it to be. I use inexpensive poster board , I draw in the rooms , windows and doors. I do this for each floor I intend the house to have. My favorite building supplies are mat board, 1/16 in strip wood and scrap cardboard. Believe it or not cardboard is much stronger than we give it credit for and will last many years if properly treated. The creative process is very messy and works well for me. I love the side view of the ship, that gives the viewer the feeling that this takes place on a ship. You will want to make the floors come apart for easy access to the various compartments. All the accessories will come later once you decide on the interior structure. This will also be a good time to experiment with battery lights. Fairy lights would work well as you can hide the lights and wiring in the beams and between the floors and you can hide the battery pack inside the base for the ship. Great start and looking forward to seeing your work progress. I know it will be great

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I love hearing about your process Victoria! What a great idea to draw your floor plan in the correct dimensions. That would really help hash everything out! And you are right... I will definitely have to add lights because the space is so cramped. It will be fun to experiment with!

[@KerriGilpin]

I think doing a cardboard test run is super helpful to flesh out ideas and see how everything fits together!

[@PossumLady8262]

This is going to be such a great upcoming series! You can incorporate so many marine items...hanging lamps from the rafters, a old ship's figurehead tucked in the corner, a worn flag, perhaps a small nail keg filled with rolled charts near the map table!! I really...really like where you placed the row of windows!

[@PossumLady8262]

Don't forget the swords and flint pistols!! He'd have a couple strewned about... just in case of pirates... lol!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Such great ideas! Thank you... I need to start a list and start doing my research 😄 I am excited to get started!

[@sydleigh7206]

I just started this series on your channel (yes I am binge watching all of your videos) I LOVE the circular/rounded bookshelves!!! That is so genius!

[@X45896]

I am as excited to see what you do inside the ship as outside. I think some weathered boards and gilding around the windows would look so cool. Maybe some gloss mod podge could give the effect of ocean spray on the glass. Hmm. Where is the ship? What's the weather like where it is? So excited to see what you do!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great questions John! And I have no idea yet lol. If you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them. I think I will def have to pick a location and time period before getting too far in. I like the mod podge idea too!

[@seibervideo]

This is inspirational. I have an idea for a project, but haven’t attempted anything like it before. This will give me a great idea for how to get started. Thanks!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I really love the planning stage so I hope you enjoy it as well!

[@deloresdavis1299]

I like your thought process. The time, decade, will determine so much. Also port of origin, what flag are they sailing under, or are they Pirates. Again, "The story" is very important! There's so many great suggestions given it won't be an easy decision. What ever you decide will be exciting. However as it is "his quarters" he will need a bed! Due to limited space they usually did most things in the one space, sleep, eat, study maps, plan, meetings,etc. So Ara, "What's the Story?"

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Delores! There are a lot of factors aren't there?? lol I definitely have my research a head of me! I will share more of the details as we move forward and build ;)

[@sarahlongshore2605]

Yes. What Patricia Blue said. And usually the windows are slanting in from the top instead of outward. This is going to be amazing! !!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Sarah! I definitely have my research cut out for me lol! ;)

[@karenk5917]

Thanks so much! It definitely helps to build a model. I just did that with a stairway.

[@stonespebbles6061]

Eek I just went to Hobby Lobby and got so many goodies! My first project: abandoned police station office. Just one room. Got some great ideas! I'm so grateful for your videos!

[@marilynpowell6881]

Hi Ara, great new project!! You could have some treasure chests with treasure spilling out. Can't wait to see what you do xx

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Definitely! Love that idea ;) Thanks Marilyn!!

[@GWest5068]

In a captain's quarters would have maps laid out all over...and that thingie to navigate the ship...I've seen a LOT of pirates movies and have never seen a two floor quaters...very interesting how your going to fill the space up...tfs

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh yes lots of maps for sure ;) I am imagining that he took over the floor beneath him and made it into his display room.. we'll see what happens lol. Thank you ;)

[@crazykitten4845]

Oohhh yes I'd LOVE to see that kings tomb

[@andeeheslin9010]

A very good video on stratigizing your project. The little dogish statue looks a lot like two carvings of dragon-dogs my parents purchased when the military sent my dad to Japan. I always loved and was fascinated by them. I would wait until I was the only one in the house and get them down to study the carving smoothness. One of them had a ball in its mouth that was somehow carved in there and yet was separate. It would roll around freely in its mouth. As a little girl in the 70's, I was in awe and I knew they were well treasured by my parents so I was always very careful with them. :)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

What a cool memory! I wonder if there is a meaning behind whether they hold something in their jaws or not. I always think of them as dragon-dogs ;)

[@heathertaylor-willockx3632]

Ara, sorry I didn't comment before. I watched, but didn't get a chance to finish right away. And of course, now I've forgotten half of what I was going to say. Thank you for showing this. I'm going though my own planning process now for a half scale vintage trailer. You process gave me several ideas I hadn't thought of, including going through my minis and making a mock up. I did go look though my minis and found several picture frames I'm going to turn into windows. Speaking of windows, I love the bay of windows you have going here. It looks even better after seeing the mock up. You can really tell they will come out well. As for items to display, Charles Darwin collected all kinds of bones, stones, creatures, and artifacts when he did his 5 year journey on the Beagle. I imagine a number of other sailors might have done the same thing. Just trying to come up with a suggestion you haven't seen in the comments yet. This is going to be awesome!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad you enjoyed the process and it was helpful to you! I love looking through my stash for ideas... sometimes it causes new ideas to form because I want to include a specific piece. Great ideas for the project! Thank you Heather💖💖

[@badinika5058]

This looks so much like my process, how fun to watch! Will absolutely try to see the rest of the process ^_^ Cheers and thanks for sharing

[@chrissy24-7]

Really enjoy seeing this process and especially sifting thru your stash for inspiration!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Chrissy! So glad you enjoyed it💖

[@kimberlymason7080]

love it! great job!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Kimberly!

[@kathykondolf7433]

Welcome back can't wait to see all the goodies your putting in the roomd

[@dmmomma]

Going back to the beginning of the project to watch your progression. I do the same thing on my post where I draw it out and think through it. Such an inspiration Ara. Thank you!

[@jillianmcclennan576]

Great! Thank you, I find creative process so fascinating ... the three handled vase/urn made me think it could be a spittoon :)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh yea it does look like that! Thanks Jillian! I am glad you enjoyed it💖

[@deniseh78]

Your process is genius. Definitely helpful tips and tricks. Building the rough draft is my favorite. The visual is amazing. You get a view of what works and what might not. This must make things so much easier. I can't wait to see this come to fruition. Love it. Thanks for sharing with us. 😍

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the video and I am so glad you guys are as excited as I am!

[@d2parrotperson]

I love the mock-up! It's just awesome! Could you use some binoculars, or will you use a spyglass instead? I have a pair of brass binoculars, and a pair of smaller black ones I would happily send to you which ever you can use. I will have to go through my vintage brass bits and see if something else would go into a ship. He will have to have a compass and a sextant. Can't have him getting lost at see! I would think some rum jugs would also be awesome. He needs a pocket watch probably, and maybe a wall map? Also captain's had specific Captain's Desks for their ships, an ink well and quill pens. Okay, I don't want to inundate you with ideas - lol. Let me know if you could use the binoculars though.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for the awesome suggestions and also for the sweet offer! I will have to keep that in mind as I do my planning going forward ;) I will have to look up what a sextant is as its been suggested several times lol!

[@aliciamurray3435]

Those are some amazing ideas. I love your process. I am not sure if you know where you want to place the 2 matching lamps but I think they would look really great outside the captains door. Before you enter into his quarters.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Good idea Alicia! I am not sure how much of the outside I will show but I will keep that in mind. It would make the door look more important ;)

[@gailpearson9447]

In your first box of accessories there was what looked like a writing slope. That would be perfect for that style of ship. He would also need a sea chest for all of his belongings. I think it would look great if the roof of the cabin was the quarterdeck and the rear decorative and the ships name embellished.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

All great ideas Gail! I will have to look back into that box and see what you were looking at ;) And there will definitely have to be a few chests!!

[@sherry2836]

I recently found your channel and now I'm hooked! I had to sell my 1" scale Victorian dollhouse many years ago as miniature can be quite an expensive hobby, as you know. But I couldn't help myself! lol So glad I found people with the same habit. I look forward to all your vids. You are a sweet creative girl with a lovely voice and nice manicure!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Welcome to the channel Sherry!! I am so glad you found me :) It can be expensive but its so fun to build things for yourself... that definitely helps with the cost! Ps... I dont always have a nice manicure... its a rarity lol

[@Annejuli]

I'm really excited to see this project come together. I love the shape you've come up with for the room, it's obvious just from the empty room that it is part of a ship and that's before you've added anything. It's fascinating to see inside your mind a little. You do so much more planning than I do, I feel lazy now lol

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Annejuli! It definitely depends on the project on how much planning I do. I just keep planning until I feel like I have enough grasp on the project to start building. This one was particularly weirdly shaped so it took a bit more time ;)

[@gramdeb54]

It will be fun to watch this progression. You have inspired me to try an idea I have been mulling over for some time.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

How fun Debbie! I am so glad you enjoyed the video 😄

[@anastasiasholeinthehollerc8697]

You already have a pitcher but you need a bowl for bathing and bathing acoutriments (i.e. straight razor, soap and brush cup for shaving, etc.). Also, you'll need a chamber pot for those times you dont feel like hanging your butt over the edge on the poop deck, lol. Im just as excited as everyone else is and it will be so fun to see how you incorporate the time travel aspect. Thank you for all your time and effort bringing us these videos, they are so helpful and fun.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Hahaha! your comment made me laugh.... yes a chamber pot is a great idea so I can avoid the poop deck scene! 😄😉 Thank you for the suggestions and I am so glad you are enjoying the videos!💖

[@marcellab.9549]

This was such an useful and interesting video! I’m Just planning my next project, and as a beginner in miniature making seeing how an expert approachs to it was a game changer! Thank for your passionate work here in the channel, I fully admire your style!

[@veray1038]

Love your process! TFS! You need a sextant and a telescope/ spy glass. Looking forward to your next video on this project.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Vera! Great ideas!!❤

[@soonerlater3119]

I'm so excited to watch you build this new project, I know it will be awesome. I also use the 1cm=1ft for sketching my projects. Inches just take up too much space in a sketch book. I just started a steampunk kitchen/dining room box and I need to be able to draw a lot of detail. I love your videos.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! Seems like using the 1cm=1ft idea was more prevalent than I thought!! I will have to use it more ;) I hope to do a steam punk project some day. The style is so fun!!

[@nusratjamia7953]

You are amazing and I love everything about you and videos. You are very creative 💕💕🤩🤩🤩🥀🤩🤩💕💕🤩💓💓💕💓

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Tanner Tanner :) I appreciate that so much!

[@nusratjamia7953]

@@BentleyHouseMinis you are welcome. I responded back to you as soon I saw your message 😍🥰 😍

[@lilydarling4541]

this is going to look amazing when its done!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Lily Darling!

[@Lunareon]

This is such an awesome project! Thank you for sharing your design process. I can totally relate to the "taking various items and materials out of neatly organized storage containers to see if anything sparks inspiration" -part.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you!! It also reminds me to use what I have before spending money on other items lol!

[@helenehenkel]

This is a great way to plan a project. To get more ideas on ships & captain quarters watch the last episode of Outlander, lots of ship scenes. I'm looking forward to your video on making a miniature ship.

[@Wolfkins1972]

Also the Movie Master and Commander with Russel Crowe good movie he plays a Navy captain but shows a lot of the ship. Or of course Pirates of the Caribbean 👍

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for the movie suggestions! I may have to have a ship movie marathon one weekend to store up ideas 😉

[@laurensaurusflex7235]

Thank you for doing a video on your planning process! Something I haven’t seen before and it’s so helpful as I’m planning my first project from scratch.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad it was helpful for you! Best of luck on your project!😃

[@kathleenlee2591]

Yay! I voted for the Captain's den!!! So happy you are going to do this!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am excited too! Thanks Kathleen!

[@jennycorey8968]

This is going to be so much fun to watch. I already want to move in to that cozy space. Thanks for giving us a little peek into how that brilliant mind of yours works.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thanks Jenny! I am excited to get started 😄

[@Wolfkins1972]

You picked some great pieces for this project👍😀 You need a bottle of Rum 👍😁 pirate captains always have a jug of Rum 😁just FYI most ships wouldn't have a lot of loose stuff sitting around due to the motion of the ocean and ship moving, stuff would be sliding around and break,but they would have paper weights to hold down their maps to tables to look over when they needed. The great thing with miniatures is it can be a fantasy version of what ever you like and doesn't always have to be the way it would normally look. Just have fun with it 👍

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

So true!! I think it would be fun to incorporate some kind of tiny nails that looks like he's nailed everything down... or straps maybe. It could be a fun concept to play around with ;) Thanks for the great ideas!

[@eirika2001]

Thanks for this video - love your mini storage idea :D

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Janet ;)

[@robbiecrafter]

This is going to be fun! I recently read a romance novel about a 1600"s ship's captain (please don't judge me!). The captain needs nautical maps, both open and rolled. Also, some nautical instruments like the a sextant, astrolabe, etc. For the ceiling, I would only include the rafters and leave the space between clear (plexiglass?). That would give light to the room. I think that the claustrophobic aspect would still be apparent..

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for the suggestions! And I love the idea of the plexiglass to let in light... I will have to keep that idea in mind as I go forward ;)... It would be cool to see water and suds across it because that would be the deck.

[@Thicketworks]

It was so generous of you to share your planning process, Ara. I found it fascinating, and learned so much. Thank you! xoxo

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I thought it might be interesting. Starting can be the most intimidating part sometimes. Thank you for watching my friend!!❤❤

[@darnelleechols8556]

I enjoyed being taken through your thought process. Very interesting. Thanks for the inspiring insight. Looking forward to seeing this project come to life. P.S. Loved the link to Carol's Minis.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Darnelle! I am so glad you enjoyed the video :) Isn't Carol wonderful??

[@DollFairyCrafter]

I usually just rough sketch everything too when working on big projects. I can't wait to see this finished! Already can tell it's going to be good. I love the ship from "Treasure Planet" best movie EVER.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much! I will have to find that movie and watch it! I have a rather long "ship movie" watch list and I am not sad about it lol!!

[@guyjohnl]

It looks great so far, the planning and modelling definitely helps. As an added touch at the end you could put a railing and aft deck on top forming the roof. Looking forward to more of your wonderful and creative videos. 👍🏼💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you John! I like the idea of seeing the railing on the top. I just have to figure out how much of the out boat I want to see. It will be an interesting puzzle!

[@Branskipants]

I’m excited to see the finished project!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! It will be a while ;)

[@deannawilmoth2768]

Ara you have such a great image a nation I love all your videos

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Deanna! I appreciate it!

[@ashley-annmcclatchie8831]

Thank you so much for this, sketching things out would really help sort out a million ideas I usually have. The Captain's Quarters looks so fun & you could definitely pack it with a lot of features as pirates were quite the hoarders! LOL, He definitely needs a birdcage with a parrot & maybe his own private stash of rum & gold coins. Could you please in the future do a tutorial on making 12th scale room boxes? That would be awesome!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad you found it helpful! And I love the bird suggestion... I don't think anyone has said that yet ;) This project will actually be a 12th scale room box... just a weirdly shaped one lol

[@creativewithdolls7115]

Love this video! I want to create a space for my dolls, but I have so many ideas that I never know where to start... but of course it's not with building stuff, but to sketch it out first! Thank you!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad you found this helpful! I feel the same... I have so many ideas that I have to tame them on paper first lol!

[@sloanemeyer1606]

Love this! I hope you will keep the 'rough idea' mock up so you can do a quick side-by-side shot at the end of the project. ❤ I'm excited to see how this progresses!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That's a really cool idea... I will try to remember that ;) It could even show how the ideas might change...

[@pennymerideth3650]

I wish I could sketch as well as you do! My pre-planning sketches look like a child drew them. LOL Can't wait to see this project unfold. I see this one being way more intricate than the Coffee House.

[@Wolfkins1972]

Hint: Try using graph paper That's what I use cause I had the same issue 👍

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes it will definitely be a whole different beast from the coffee shop lol. The nice thing about planning sketches is that no one has to see them.... unless you run a youtube channel and want to share 😉 As long as they make sense to you it doesnt matter what they look like 😄

[@ImperialKneazle]

Absolutely fascinating to watch you plan everything. Your attention to detail even in this early stage is amazing. You hinted that the materials used are going to be a bit of an investment - does this mean you're going to use something other than foam core for the main structure? Can't wait to see the next stage :-)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I will still probably use foam board for the majority of of the build but I may need something stronger since its 2 stories. It wont be insanely expensive... just more expensive that free boxes from the mail lol. Thank you😄

[@sandihj]

A Viking ship would be awesome.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Hmm... They would be fun to research too!!

[@michellebrady3621]

Along with the treasure chest, muskets, and swords. How a couple kegs of Rum and whiskey.🍸😉

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great idea! We will be quite full of rum for sure!

[@vanessahawarden9028]

Captain’s log; ie open book on desk with written records of compass/sexton bearings? Destinations, dates and weather records! Also nautical charts (different to maps) spread out on a table? Vanessa x

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh that's a great suggestion! Thank you💖

[@nerdgrl0730]

What about some of the mystical creatures of the sea like a mermaid? Lockness monster? Maybe things he’s found and/or hunted. Much like a traditional hunter would have a lions head? Too dark and twisty?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I for sure will have to include a mermaid or siren somewhere ;) All ideas are welcome here... sometimes the dark ones are fun lol

[@saudeempontos]

Hi! I liked to see the criation process! In my case, I find difficult to keep the correct proportions. Sometimes, I have to start all over again. If I have used the cardboard to check its proportion first, I wouldn't have wasted good material with it. So, thank you for this tip! And, if I may, I would like to give you two suggestions: to use one of your jars along with a bowl (for water) and a treasure map!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Patricia and I am so glad the process will be helpful to you :) And great suggestion for the bowl.... they would need that to wash... if they indeed decide to wash lol

[@saudeempontos]

Oh my gosh, indeed! LOL Don't forget the idea of the treasure map (if they will be pirates, of course!) :D

[@heslop10]

Love seeing stuff like this really helps, I’d love if you did this for the whole project

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you :) I plan to show everything that I can in the making of this project!

[@lindag1632]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents - Maybe the oval frame would be too frilly or late for the times, but looks like something a sailor or captain may have carved in his off-time, so a wood-tone would be appropriate. Since the captain collects and makes model ships, how about a model of a little Chinese junk, (boat). Minis of these are sometimes seen at flea markets. A hunting type knife- (an all purpose tool for land and sea). Does the captain need a bunk or a washtub? Rolled up maps on desk, wall, and/or in bookcase; 'ship's log' written on a book cover, a bible, I plate or bowl with a couple oranges to combat scurvy, OK maybe too specific - lol. I do recall that many of the captain's instruments were designed to sway with the ship, rather than fall over every time there was a storm at sea or a rough wave. Probably (again) too specific for a land-locked display, or came from a later era. Thanks for sharing your planning process, so helpful, and lots of fun to imagine.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! Several of them are things I hadn't thought of yet! I will have to look into the junk boats... they sound interesting!

[@SweetheartLovesArt]

Are you adding a detailed deck to the top? I think that would be really cool! It would help to finish off the outside as well. I love this so far Ara (longtime viewer first time commenter). Can’t wait to see it come together. I have a project to start in mind and you’re inspiring me to get it going!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving this lovely comment! I am not sure exactly how I want the outside to be yet. I have a lot of decisions to make before the project can start the building part... hopefully soon!

[@clairecheney]

You should do the ship from The Goonies, One Eyed Willy's ship

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh my its been so many years since I have seen that movie! I will have to watch again! ;)

[@bronwynplagemann5400]

That is such a cool idea!

[@karaokeprincezz]

You should check out The Lady Washington. She is the one that played The Interceptor in Pirates of the Caribbean.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I definitely will. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@dianabizet4264]

Thanks for the instruction❤️very helpful Scrimshaw on whalebone would be characteristic of a captains quarters❤️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Diana! I will have to research in to that! ;)

[@shirleymiller9267]

Thanks for sharing your design process-super helpful! Maybe utilize the space on the lower area that I think, is a support, as a built-in with glass fronts?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes those will be used for the ship displays (I think I know which part you are talking about). I am not sure if they will have glass fronts or not but they will definitely look fancy ;) I hope!

[@amberlong3942]

Chronicles of Narnia Dawn Treader!

[@pambrandon4186]

The room below could be the officer's mess (dining hall). Everything on the shelves should have little railings. The captain needs a telescope. I didn't vote in the poll because I couldn't decide but the name of this theme made me think of the "Ghost and Mrs. Muir" with the captain being a crotchety old character.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great ideas Pam! He will def need a telescope 😮 Someone else suggested that movie to me too so I will have to give it a watch!

[@anniemoon350]

The Dawn Treader, from Voyage of The Dawn Treader, by C.S. Lewis. I need to figure out one for my doll house.

[@TinyTreasures5755]

Really cool tfs.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Carmen!

[@sandihj]

A tiny nitpick (but what is making miniatures but a series of tiny nitpicks). A corkscrew is a great idea, but the winged one was not invented until 1930. The captain’s corkscrew, assuming an 18th or 19th century setting, would have been a t-shaped one, simply a handle with the screw part at a right angle. It would be super easy to make, though.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for sharing that info!! That's what I love about reading through my comments... so educational. I will have to pick a decade and research from there but those are the details of love to think through ;) Much appreciated!

[@wendywomyncakes2380]

So looking foward to this. I'm thinking though the wine opener is too modern of an item but not sure what they used back then?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes I think you are right ;) I will have to do some hard research on all the items to make sure they fit. The 80's and 90's were easier for me to wrap my head around lol!

[@wendywomyncakes2380]

@@BentleyHouseMinis I hear ya 😊..I know it's gonna be great though 😎!!!

[@garysscaryfaeries3046]

I just look a picture then build it. That is how I have built all my mini torture devices and my fairy play ground equipment. My brain does not allow me to plan.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That's a great ability to have!

[@marykayryan7891]

I don't know much about ships, but I'm thinking that there wouldn't be too many moveable nardos like candle sticks and vases and the like given the constant movement of the ship and storms and such. Just a thought.

[@d2parrotperson]

They would have them permanently affixed to the table top if they used them. They also may have needed loose ones to carry over to the map to help them to see on gloomy days, and dark nights, and for their Captain's Desk for writing.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You are probably right about that. It will definitely take some more research on my part! It would be fun to make a bunch of stuff look like it is nailed down lol!

[@karenwatts-edwards6933]

@@BentleyHouseMinis In the same vein- metal plates. They were probably pewter in the period but that has lead. Bad for the brain, lol

[@hollyingraham3980]

No, barring modern cruise ships, which may have anything on board including pool tables, ships do not have spiral staircases. They don't have staircases. They have ladders, which are steep so that you can cover the vertical distance with little horizontal distance. But they are rarely vertical. Even if you think it looks like a staircase, it's a ladder. Vessels have their own terminology. They do not have windows. Across the stern they may have lights, which to a lubber look like windows. You do not have beds, you have bunks or racks. If the captain's cabin is at the stern, it is likely to have part of the mechanism for steering and controlling the rudder go thru it. Also, in the period you appear to be modeling, the aft cannon will be mounted here and covered in canvas. Merchantmen had fewer guns than naval vessels, but they had to defend themselves. Also consider that the beams should be massive and the hull thick to resist smaller calibre hits. A ship is a machine for braving wind, wave, and cannonfire, not a floating house.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for all the information regarding ships! That will be helpful moving forward for some of the details and research. In later episodes of this project I mention turning this into a more 'fantasy' style project so I can be freer with the details. But all this info is still good to keep tucked away for reference ;)

[@richardsteele6469]

If you go to warartisan.com/ you can find printable free models in paper you can build yourself. This is a site for people where they can learn the basics of battleship table top gaming and make some models for free to help them get started. A few models are free others are for a fee. As far as candles and lanterns on a tall masted wooden sailing ship, they hang from the walls and ceiling by chains to prevent the flame from being overturned and starting a fire. The cabin may have been heated with a hanging brazier as well, filled with heated stones or brick from the cooking brazier. Heavy furniture is secured to the floor so as the ship moves on the waves the furniture won't crush the occupants in the room if a storm comes up. A ships brandy and wine decanters are generally crystal with wide bases to prevent tipping of the expensive liquids the captain and his officers would enjoy. (Search for Ships decanters.) No wine bottle opener because everything would be refilled by the cabin boy only when the captain was present. The decanters would be displayed on a tilt top table with a lip to prevent sliding off. The decanters and books would be stored in a locked bookshelf or cabinet to prevent them falling onto the floor. Only the captain and maybe the first mate would have a key. Ships chests would be wide at the bottom and narrow at the top to also prevent tipping. If I think of anything else I'll send an additional note. The spiral stair case I saw a cleaver tutorial of someone using the carved wooden pieces of an Asian fan to make it. I don't remember how long ago I saw it or I would include the address. Got to go can some tomatoes now.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

What a great source of information Richard! Thank you for the link and for all the ideas! I will definitely be back to reread your comment a few times as I plan!💖💖

[@elenaknighton7094]

Don't forget the globe! Every image I googled seems to have some sort of globe...to see where he is going (I guess) 😉

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I have a small one but I think he will need a larger one... and with some kind of old world map on it! Fun idea!

[@gaylevalle-blake7929]

I suggest "The Mayflower" or "Old Ironsides" both historically important to US history

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great suggestions! Thank you!

[@debbieboring3422]

What time frame are you looking at for the captain to be from? 17,18, or 19 century so we can suggest what ships he could have collected.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I will have to probably make that decision soon with a little more research and I will let you guys know ;)

[@debbieboring3422]

@@BentleyHouseMinis okie dokie. I had put that in before you said you didn't have a year yet. Sorry I should have deleted it.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

No worries Debbie ;) It's a good question!

[@TheRavenLilian]

You said you were going to try to make a mini ship yourself. If it doesn't work out well you could always use the parts from it as a "work in progress" that the captain is building.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That's a great idea... I can make my failures into his work in progress lol ;)

[@little_tish8452]

What material do you make the walls and floor of model out of?

[@joannecarroll5504]

As explorers were also invaders, he'll need some ornamental cannons & other weaponry collected from his travels. Re ships: As you already have Sir Francis Drake's famous Golden Hind, suggest the last surviving tea clipper & fastest of its time, the Cutty Sark; Captain Cook's Endeavour (note correct English spelling); Lord Nelson's Victory; the Beagle, made famous by passenger Charles Darwin; Captain Bligh's Bounty (well it *was* his until the mutiny); & apparently your people like to think fondly of the Mayflower & Columbus' 3 ships, Nina, Pinta & Santa Maria.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for all the ship suggestions and I will have to look them all up to see which one I dare try to make lol! And I LOVE suggestion of cannons! I already have a few of them for the Addamses. I laughed out loud at "your people" haha. I dont think very highly of Columbus... turns out they left out how horrible he was during history in school!

[@joannecarroll5504]

​@@BentleyHouseMinis Ara, I only discovered yesterday (thanks to Adam Ruins Everything) after I wrote that , that Columbus was not a genius as we were taught, but a moron & a butcher, motivated by greed. I imagine that ALL of the celebrated explorers & adventurers were equally not-very-nice, because all lands they stuck their flags in & claimed to have discovered were already populated by indigenous peoples - who subsequently suffered at their hands. Our 200 yr history like yours, was fiction written by settlers (the indigenous people only had a rich oral history passed down over 70,000 yrs). We too, were taught a history in school which conveniently left out all of the govt sanctioned racism, kidnapping, theft, genocide & rape that our country was built on. It wouldn't happen nowadays, because we live in more enlightened times, with better-informed leaders ... or not.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am glad to know its not just our country that did that... or sad to know it I guess! I imagine the history books will always be skewed a bit by the opinions of those who write them. Too bad as I hear we should be learning from history so we can avoid repeating it!

[@susangruhlke8782]

The Flying Dutchman

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes! Great one👍

[@Shari_A._]

Any advice for those of us who can't draw a straight line, even with a ruler? I tried to sketch something, and wow.. it was awful.. haha I don't think I can even do a simple box. Your idea sketches are amazing.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes! Use some graph paper. It will help you keep things a little straighter and you can use the square to represent a certain measurement so you don't have to do as much sketch guess work. You can also cut out bits of graph paper that are roughly the size of items you know you want in the project and move them around until you are happy with the layout ;) Hope that helps!

[@Shari_A._]

@@BentleyHouseMinis It does, actually. Thank you!!

[@dragonLION01e]

It would be cool if you did the hole ship😅

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That would be awesome.... but end up a HUGE project! lol!

[@dolfinmagikpro]

Suggestion for ship ... The Mary Celeste en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Celeste

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great suggestion! Thank you!