The Sahlberg

NOTE:

This project proved to be extremely challenging and was displayed at the Tom Bishop show in 2018.  It is the only project that has yet to find a home.  It has been displayed at the House of Miniatures Museum in Carmel, Indiana from January through April 2019.  It is Jimmy’s hope that a Museum or some other Public venue may consider finding it a permanent home. 

Jimmy's major project will be a two year project--maybe more.  He introduced only a small portion of it at this years (2017) Tom Bishop Show.  This will be his most challenging project to date and he is hinting that it may be his last.  It has been some time since a project of this size and complexity has been attempted or anything like it having been on display at Tom Bishop’s Show.  The pictures do not give you much as to what the finished project will be.  You will just have to come to next years show.  Chicago International 2018--April 26 through 29th.

I can add that this project is probably the only project of its kind where a group of artisans have come together to offer their talents in cooperation with Jimmy’s design.
     Linda Orleff--Lightning Bug Ltd--custom lighting
     Barbara Sabia--Stain glass artisan
     Frank Crescente--Custom Chandelier’ artisan
     Ron Stetkewicz III--Ron Stetkewics Miniatures--custom brass accessories
     Terry Harville--Terry Harville Miniatures--Custom Lazer work
     Michael Yurkovic--Atomic Miniatures--Artisan
     Steve Goode--Steeve Good & Sons--Wood Moldings
     Carl R Sahlberg--Creative Reproductions 2 Scale--Custom electrical components and wiring plus cabinet maker

The finished project will be a piece of furniture similar to a hutch with glass doors and carved 4” legs and skirt.  The table measures 6’-2” x 2’-1” .  The overall height will be just over 6 foot.  Although a final price has not been calculated----it will be in the 6 figures.

Check out some of the latest pictures of Jimmy’s project.  It is coming along faster than he thought and all eight boxes are basically complete. I keep putting the latest pictures at the top; so you can see where we currently are with this project.  If you want to see the progression scroll all the way to the bottom of the page first and slowly scroll up. .

January 12, 2018:  Things are still coming along as Jimmy has received a couple more pieces for his project.  Jimmy and I traveled to Terry Harville’s home to pick up the circular staircase for the library.  We also delivered the completed main stairways for Terry to cut and assemble the railings to.  Not really sure how Terry makes such a circular spiraling rail---but he said it would not be a problem.  All I know is it is made on a laser cutter and is made-up in three pieces per section.  Below are pictures of that staircase along with one other add-on.

It looks as if I have finally been put in my place!

January 3, 2018:  I finally got the top section of the cabinet assembled and finished.  Maybe one more coat of finish but at least it all went together and fits just right on top of the table.  Getting all of this to Chicago will still be a challenge even knowing that the cabinet is made to knock-down.

December 16: Things have slowed down as we are in a waiting mode for custom features to be made and sent to Jimmy.  We did get another set of balusters which allowed Jimmy to complete the two sets of circular staircases.  All we need now is the railing which will be custom cut for Jimmy by Terry Harville.  Jimmy was also able to complete a portion of the upstairs railing.  The only other item of interest is that the Dollhouse Miniatures published a very nice article on this project.  It just came out so see if you can acquire the January / February 2018 issue.  The article “A Collaboration Masterpiece” begins on page 34. 

November 16:  New arrival.  Jimmy just received the custom brass rail braces from Ron Stetkewics.  This is just one more custom item made exclusively for Jimmy’s project.  Each item we get in really enhances the display that much more.  We still need the rest of Barbara Sabia’s stain glass pieces, a lot more spindles from Michael Yurkovic for the Grand Foyer staircase, the custom railing from Terry Harville (as soon as the stairs and spindles are complete) and a few other items.  I had a fitting yesterday on the top pieces of the cabinet and glass doors; so that is coming along and on schedule.

November 9:  I finally got the completed table over to Jimmy’s home and put the display on top.  Came out rather nice if I do say so myself.  I now need to get the glass doors and side pieces made for the china top.  I hope to have a fitting of the rough framing sometime next week.  Jimmy has been busy working on the staircase.  He has enough spindles to get the first floor set and ready for the railing. Then there are just two more floors to go.  The stairs for the second floor are almost complete but Jimmy has to wait for more spindles before continuing.

October 21st.  I completed the table base for Jimmy’’s  masterpiece.  I will be delivering it tomorrow and then will have to get started on the top half.  When completed we will have three glass doors framing in the three sections of Jimmy’s project.  Any ideas how we can get this completed project to Chicago all in one piece? 

October 16th.  Things keep moving along and a lot has been done in two weeks.    I just completed the engraving of the front skirt of the table.  I hope to finish the table by this weekend.  Then we can start with the upper cabinet.

October 2nd. Latest update with pictures:   Jimmy has completed more than expected.  I believe it is because of the extra help Jimmy has acquired  from a local resident of the neighborhood.  Take a good look at the library as Jimmy decided to fill it with over 2500 books.  The second major addition is in the adding of the front molding pieces.  The entire project is really coming together quite nicely.  A lot of additional lighting has been added too such as the el panels illuminating the stain glass in the library. 

 Look at the difference a little fascia trim does for the overall project.  This project is really starting to take shape. .

Jimmy won’t admit that he has added a new employee to help with his latest project.  I asked if he acquired him for peanuts and he admitted luring his help with animal crackers.  You can see Jimmy has just started to add the front surface molding.

We added some new wall outlets.  These are real sockets that are hardwired in.  I have a small wall plate to go over the socket.  Above and to the right are current shots of the library showing the new chandelier installed.  I keep adding pictures of the library as it seems to catch my eye every time I take pictures.  I am looking forward to when all the brass pieces come in as well as the circular staircase that will be in the back left of the library.

                           OH MY!!!
We just got in the new chandelier for the library.  It will hang in the library from the coffered ceiling.  The light was custom designed and made by Linda Orleff of Lightning Bug Ltd especially for Jimmy’s library.  It has 16 incandescent bi-pin bulbs and will draw just over 1/2 amp of current.  Compare this chandelier with the wall sconces pictured further below.  There are 38 wall sconces as of latest count.

September 11: Check out some of the latest pictures of Jimmy’s project.  It is coming along faster than he thought and all eight boxes are basically complete.  At least all three sections are glued together and ready for the finishing pieces. The stairway is not complete as the spindles have not been completed.  Some of the chandeliers have not been made--the fireplaces are not in and the furniture table and hutch frame haven't even been started (That’s my fault but I am on it.)  Check out what has been done though...