Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Victorian Architecture: Running Trim and Gable Gingerbread

Photo by Scott Miller

A white Victorian house in the snow is such a pretty sight, like lace on a wedding gown.


Relaxing with the February 1989 issue of Victoria last week, I was fully enchanted by the photo of this snow queen.
It reminded me of my plans for my studio’s plain gables.



I’m going to cut gable gingerbread and running trim out of scrap plywood in the spring.   The Victoria feature explained how the invention of the jig type of scroll saw in mills enabled craftsmen to create architectural gingerbread, but you can do this with a hand-held reciprocating scroll saw at home.   I’ll show you how I do it when it’s warm out again.


I went looking for inspiration in the Catskills and found it everywhere.

Old architecture books and the web will yield even more designs.  
It’s going to be hard to pick just one style!














Good sources for ideas on the web include Vintage Woodworks, and Victorian Woodshop, whom I've bought from in the past and can personally recommend.



As cute as I think my studio is,
next winter it will really be special with ‘white lace’.


Until next time, stay shabby!