your miniature eden

Step one
Sand the window frames and table with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and to allow the paint to grip. Wipe off sanding dust.

Step two
For the table, apply two coats of Resene paint. You can use Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen or Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss for a higher sheen finish (prime first with Resene Quick Dry). Allow dry time between each coat. Allow the second coat to dry.

Step three
Cut the 65mm x 18mm radiata board into three equal sizes (the length of your windows). Using 65mm screws, screw one piece to the bottom of one of the side windows, first drilling pilot holes, and positioning the board so the overhang is on the inside of the glasshouse. (You will screw this board into the table to hold the glasshouse in place.) Repeat for your second window – also a side window – positioning a radiata board at the base, with the overhang on the inside.

Step four
For the back window, cut an indent at each end of the board to allow the side panels to slot together. The indent will match the width of the panel, 65mm. As our back window is slightly shorter than our side windows, there is a small overhang at each end. Fix the board with screws to the base of the window, with the overhang on the inside.

Step five
Apply masking tape to the inside of each window to protect the glass, then paint the window frames of all five windows in Resene Bilbao, allowing dry time between coats. Allow the second coat to dry.

Step six
Place the two side windows on their sides and position the back window on top to form a box shape. Drill pilot holes then, using three 65mm screws for each side (depending on the thickness of the window frames, you may need longer screws), screw the back window to the side windows.

Step seven
Turn the glasshouse right side up. Position the ‘door’ in place and, using a pencil, mark where the hinges will go. Drill pilot holes then screw the hinges in place, using 35mm screws.

Step eight
Attach the knob to the front of the door.

Step nine
Measure the width of the glasshouse and cut your offcut timber to the same width. Place it on top of the glasshouse at the front, just behind the door, and mark where the sides of the windows end.

Step ten
Cut an indent about 20mm deep and the width of the side windows, so that the timber drops about 20mm into the glasshouse. Drill pilot holes, then screw in place, at either end, with 75mm screws. Drill one screw in from the top and one from the side, on either side. This board acts as both a brace for the box frame and elevated support for the ceiling window. Apply two coats of Resene Bilbao, allowing dry time between coats.

Step eleven
Place the last window on top of the glasshouse. Drill pilot holes at each corner and screw into place with 75mm screws. Remove the masking tape from the windows and touch up the paint if necessary.

Step twelve
Place the glasshouse onto the table and screw in place at the base using 50mm screws, two for each side and back.