Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated

One of my coworkers commissioned me to make a roombox for her husband. He belongs to the Greek fraternity, Omega Psi Phi-or affectionately called "The Ques." Infamous for their purple and gold colors (namely, the gold boots they "stomp the yard" in), as well as making the bulldog an ever-but-so popular mascot. She also told me that her husband is not only a Fire Department Chief, but he's also a Pastor. Now, how could I possibly incorporate that all into a single roombox? Gabriel knew exactly how, "He needs to have an office or a study for the business side of his personality. And, don't forget to put a bible in the office. Pastors study, you know."
So, taking Gabriel's tidbit of advice, I set out to create a roombox that would capture everything about my coworker's husband. The final design was most pleasing and delivered to my coworker for their anniversary. (She wanted to give him a gift that was unique. I'd say this was definitely a unique gift.)

I placed pictures of two of the four Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.'s founders on the walls of the office/study and adorned the bookshelf with a picture of my coworker and her husband. As for the other room, I placed a pool table in the center of the room. On the pool table, was the Omega shield. (That was my first time trying to utilize Photoshop for a miniature transfer. I mean, I've made pictures before, but never tried putting the picture on an iron-on transfer.) Lastly, I found a bulldog that could guard the "men only" territory of the roombox.

It's Been A While...

Well, Gabriel and I have been very busy. So busy, in fact, we've forgotten to blog. Xmas is fastly approaching (only 4 days away) and we still haven't finished the Apple Blossom for the children at the hospital. I got side-tracked and focused on the Foxhall Manor. Remember, the Apple Blossom is supposed to be the first house being donated to a child at the Northern Virginia Children's Hospital (Oncology Unit). I decided to change the layout of the house-which ofcourse caused some structural problems. (If I had did a dry-fit first, I would have known that you can't change the direction of the tower without needing new pieces for the roof to fit properly!) No worries, though Gabriel reminded me that I knew a GREAT Amish carpenter who could probably make the pieces that I needed for the roof to go on properly. Boy was she ever right! Mr. Ben Kurtz (B.K.'s Furniture, in Charlotte Hall, Maryland) was able to make me a few pieces to go on the roof. Now, my Apple Blossom is successfully turned! Gabriel thought it would be a good idea if I showed you what I was talking about when I say, "I turned the Apple Blossom a different way." So, the picture in the top left corner is how Real Good Toys (RGT) actually designed the kit to look once it was put together.

I really like this house because it's sturdy and all of the trim work is smooth (not much sanding needed), allowing me to paint right away! I forgot to mention, the colors of this house are inspired by the sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. Their colors are Crimson and Cream. I've built two Alpha Kappa Alpha-inspired houses and wanted to do something different. I'm pretty impressed with how the colors came out.

I still have lots to do on the inside, but I'm hoping to have this house completed by the end of December.

Wish me luck.