Creepy cellar windows

by brae Email

I've added something creepy (but kinda exciting) to the Heritage.  Click images to enlarge

The egg carton brick foundation is turning out well, but I was glad it was slow going since in the meantime I found this inspiration photo.  :O  Don't go in that house!!!!


I've already shown this picture before while figuring out the layout for the new front steps and gate.  But, I love that creepy cellar window there on the left, too!  So, I decided to add my own creepy cellar windows.  :D

I used Houseworks Circlehead Windows, which mirror the Palladian front door.  I scored a great deal on four of these windows as well as a bunch of turned spindle packs that I'll use for my new staircase idea on the inside.

To set the windows inside the brick, I cut the openings smaller than the outer trim of the windows - using the supplied interior trim pieces as a guide.

I glued the interior trim behind that opening inside the foundation, making the window well a bit deeper.

I marked the top center of the window opening and drew a 1/4" perimeter along the curved edge of the opening to use as a guide for my bricks.

The egg carton bricks I used for this portion of the foundation were 1" long x 1/4" wide.  The standard bricks I've been using are 3/4" long by 1/4" wide, but I use these longer bricks for corners and, in the case of the new arch windows, to line the opening with a decorative brick treatment.  The longer bricks give me plenty to work with even though I end up cutting a portion off during the process.

Holding one end of the brick at the top center position on the perimeter, I folded the brick around the edge and creased it.

I cut off the excess at the interior edge and glued it in place along the opening.

I then added the subsequent bricks to the right and left of the center brick, butting them close along the inner edge.  As an aside, I like using egg cartons from different manufacturers since there are variations in the thickness of the material.  When used together, they give a more realistic appearance, especially on an older building where settling has occurred over time.  :]  As I got near the lower edge, I realized I probably should have started with the bottom of the opening.

So, I stopped just short and finished that portion, lining the bricks vertically starting at the center.  I left them long so I could cut them uniformly at the end.  For the side brick at the lower edge, I cut it to fit around the bottom brick.

To finish off the side bricks, I cut a partial brick to fit.

I finished up the other side and then cut off the bottom vertical bricks with a utility knife.

And, since I really don't want nosy eyes looking into my creepy basement (well, that, and the fact that there really is no creepy basement - just the foundation supports), I blacked out the acrylic inserts with a quick spray of flat black paint.  Flat black paint gives the muted appearance of dirt clinging to the windows and can easily be dirtied up more with acrylic paint washes.  I didn't cover all of the acrylic to maintain a certain transparency since I'm thinking of adding some dim bulbs under the foundation just for added spookiness.  :D  What's going on in that cellar?!!! :O

I still need to age and paint the windows themselves, but this is looking exactly as I had hoped.  Now to conquer the other three.

Note: I tried contacting the original artist for the ghost town photo without success.  If this is your photo and you would like it removed, please contact me.

10 comments

Comment from: Margriet [Visitor]
What a wonderful idea to put cellar windows in!!! It looks really creepy :-) I love your inspiration photo...what a wonderful house!!
08/09/11 @ 23:14
Comment from: Mona [Visitor]
Everything is in the details. This is great work. Thank you for explaining and showing how it's done.
08/10/11 @ 01:42
Comment from: anneke [Visitor]
Those windows look great! and a little creepy too indeed, but in a good way :p
I like that you set them a little deeper into the wall instead of just sticking em onto the wall, it gives more depth and realism and it makes things more interesting and creepy! haha!
Your creepy house project is coming along awesomely! (Is that even English? :s )
08/10/11 @ 03:42
Comment from: Audra [Visitor]
Amazing! I wish I had a house to work on!!
08/10/11 @ 04:28
Comment from: Eliana [Visitor]
I love to follow your work. It's so gratifying to see the details of construction of your house that you post with such care.
Hugs.
08/10/11 @ 05:25
Comment from: Lucille [Visitor]
I think it's brilliant that you set the windows inside the brick. It makes it look more realistic. And it does look creepy! Like if you're trapped in that basement, there's no way out! Help! Help! Somebody help me!
08/10/11 @ 08:17
Comment from: brae [Member] Email
Oh, no! We've got to rescue Lucille!!! 88|

Thank you all so much for your compliments! &#59;D
08/10/11 @ 22:14
Comment from: Jennine [Visitor] Email
Do you mind me asking what tool you used to make such a small interior cut in the wood? I went to Lowe's and came home with three types of little saws and still have no luck with cutting out small windows in my GL kit.

Your work is beautiful as always! I can't wait to see how the creepy lighting under the house turns out (envisioning fog spilling out from under the house while creepy music plays). :)
08/10/11 @ 22:54
Comment from: brae [Member] Email
I used that silver utility knife in the one photo to cut the openings. I first cut along the straight line on the bottom and then made small cuts all along the arch. The wood is old and dry so it cuts pretty easily, but this is the method I've been using for all my builds. I find that small controlled cuts with the utility knife make for a cleaner result. It takes some time but it works well for me. I then sand the edges smooth once the inner shape is punched out.
08/11/11 @ 00:43
Comment from: Sandra from Sydney [Visitor]
Brae, I love the care and attention to detail you are putting into this house. The windows are just lovely - and the idea could be used for any house, spooky or not. Being inset deeper is a great idea! Have you received the photos of the Heartland Hollow staircase that I've sent? If not, could you email me again with your direct email address and I'll re-send them.
Sandie
08/16/11 @ 17:46