January 7, 2014

having fun with antiques

it's not how the Oldtique Store is going to look like actually, although I really like the atmosphere of it. So maybe I'll look if I can order more of this scrappaper I used for this setup instead of the wallpaper I have for the actual store... For now it's just to play around with some of the miniatures for the store I collected the past years, giving me an idea of where I'm going.


 
 
I hope to be able to have the construction of the store built this year, which my boyfriend will do for me. The mdf he's had cut to size has been sitting around for more than 3 years already, so it's about time! It just wasn't possible sooner and with the steps I added to the entrance making the store higher - but want to keep the backrooms streetlevel - so it also isn't as easy as simply putting it together.

My minilaptop keeps troubling me. Today I very carefully peeled away the tape that holds it to the base holding my breath not to damage them, or loosen the very fragile soldering the leds came with (happened too many times handeling them before, and then needing replacement because the leds are so tiny and therefore the soldering so specialistic and I wouldn't even think of trying that. So the lights become useless when that occurs) and reconnected the wires by twisting them firmly, as firmly as I could with a tweezer in their awkward positions (not possible to just put them aside to eachother and twist), although I thought I did.

But now - since it can't be in that connection anymore - it seems there's something wrong with it all together, sigh.... They light up, flicker a bit and then go out again. Sometimes it keeps flickering or lights up normally, but never for long (the testlight I always use to be sure it's the lights that don't work when nothing happens, that is connected to the same transformer on the side stays on, so it's not the current itself that's interrupted and I also checked the plug of the wires, they are also connected fine). But a few testrounds later (without having done anything about it, just switch on and of the lights a couple of times more) it suddenly stayed on... I wiggled the wires the screen is connected to, to see if it would hold and it did, lights work. Mmmmm... annoying! I can't figure out if there's something wrong with the wiring/lights or not? And if it's a good idea to just build the frame (closing it with milliput, not being able to access it ever again!). I already thought about at least working with it with the lights on, so I'll immidiately know when it might stop working. To prevent the surprise when nothing can't be done anymore.

It also made me think again about the solution Pepper gave me a while back, since I just want to move on with it, regardless the (high) cost of the tiny leds I've already had (and the ones blown up in the process..) and all the efforts that went into that part so far. But the connection/pins of that solution that are to be connected to the wiring look too big and long, regarding it's measurements (1,7"x3,75"= 4,25x9,4cm). I know I can adjust the light itself (by cutting to the right size and all but one 'plug' can go), but I mean the one plug itself.
www.microstru.com
My laptopscreen is very thin and the edge very narrow and there's hardly any room for anything. That's why the superthin (like a hair) wires from the leds are so great, fits perfectly. Mmmm... I'll let this simmer for a while, and of course I'll be asking my boyfriend if he can be of help again!

18 comments:

  1. If the lights flicker it is almost certain that somewhere, a positive and negative wire is touching. It may just be a slight movement but it is enough to make them go off and then back on again when the wires separate. I have to say you are really brave to make such a tiny light circuit and I really hope you find a solution that works. As for the Antique store, the contents are already looking good. Love that paper. I would definitely visit the store for a rummage =0)

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    1. I guess you must be right about the lights, it makes a whole lot of sense actually. Thanks for your compliments, already looked up where I ordered the paper, webshop is in some big maintenance, but I will go for it as soon as they're done!

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  2. I am sorry to hear you are having wiring problems. I hate things like that. I am afraid I would just have to hand it over to someone else for fear of making things worse.

    I love the photos. I see a Jim Pounder lamp. It is gorgeous. Oddly enough I have been looking at all the ones I can find online today. They are beautiful.

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    1. Hi Catherine, thanks for your support. I know I will solve it somehow and really want to do it myself too. But maybe handing it over would be the more logical way to go. Not that I know anybody to be able to do something with such delicate wiring or trust them with it, but that's not neccessary.

      It is gorgeous, what a funny thing you were looking at them the same day I showed on, they are stunning and I'm very fortunate to have been able to order one a couple of years ago.

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  3. Hi Monique, What fun it is to put things together to see how they will look, no doubt there will be many changes before you are done.
    Love the wallpaper. Good luck with the computer wiring, wish I could help, but alas no talent in that field.
    Regards Janine

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    1. Thanks Janine, it has been fun! This is just a simple corner I once ordered, with the piece of paper just hanging on it and a floor from another setup, as is the mantel. The store itself needs to be built and I don't know where what will go.

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  4. I love the Oldtique shop!! I could browse in there for hours!
    X
    Véronique

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    1. Hi Véronique, thank you so much! Well you would be done very quickly since it's just one small wall in a simple setup corner (the store has yet to be built), but I guess you would want to browse in there once it's done, as I have it pictured in my head, it will be great!

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  5. Hello Monique,
    I am so excited to see work on the store. The picture are great and your accessories are wonderful.
    I am sorry about all the minilaptop problems. I hope you get them figured out soon.
    big hug,
    Giac

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    1. Hi Giac, thank you so much for your support and compliments. I'm sure I will too! Big hug to you too!

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  6. What a great word "Oldtique" is. It's nice to have a little play when working out layouts and you have some lovely things to play with!

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    1. Hi Irene, you are so right, I do have wonderful things to play around with! I feel grateful for having them! Thanks for your comment on the word "Oldtique", so nice to read. I'm still very happy with it, it was the first thing in 2010 when I had decided that I wanted a shop for antiques and old stuff. Then it wasn't a difficult name to find, added 'store' to it, because I always find that so chic et voilá "The Oldtique Store" name was born.

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  7. Hello Monique! I love the look of the store merchandise that you have grouped together so professionally. I love the stages of putting "Olditque" together and your entrance is so unique and makes you want to go in and have a good peek at everything.
    I am sorry that you are still struggling with the mini laptop. Wiring is a royal pain in the "patootie" when dealing with larger pieces, I can only imagine the greater frustration with something as thin as a hair!
    But Never give up, I think that you are steadily moving closer to the finish line. :D

    elizabeth

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    1. Hi there Elizabeth! Thank you so much for all your compliments. The Oldtiquestore has it's first wall yet to be put up, but the entrance in front of a mock up 'store', a simple mdf-corner I use for staging make it come to life already. And I love it too!
      You are so right about wiring, I wasn't to keen on having to do that one day, but now I have a real challenge with this way to thin to handle wiring. Oh well, never afraid of a challenge I guess ;)
      Yep, I do move to the finish line, small step by small step, but one day it will be finished, because a lot of small steps make a great distance too!

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  8. Your oldtique shop is beautiful!!! I like it very much!

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    1. Thank you so much Noelle! It's only just a mock up store wall in a corner I use for staging, but it has a great feel to it doesn't it? I'm so glad you like it, wait until the actual store is built, it will be great! (I hope/think).

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