I recently decided to create a replica of Bag End – and wow, was I ever in for a treat! I still can’t believe I had the courage and capability to pull it off. After all this time studying blueprints and maps of Bilbo’s home, things started to fall into place. I felt like the pieces of a puzzle were finally starting to snap together.
When I walked into the empty room that would serve as Bag End’s replica, I felt like I could actually step into the world of The Hobbit. That’s when the building really began in earnest. I set about measuring every cut, every bit of panelling, and every brick laid into Barliman Butterbur’s walls. I felt almost like Bilbo himself as ideas therein spun and coalesced into a reality.
The hard work I was doing really paid off when it was time to start planting the garden! I have to admit, I had some trepidation as I reached to place my first seed – was I really making the world’s most accurate replica? Or was I just a mad hatter who had gone off the deep end?
I needn’t have worried – the piece by piece construction of this replica was coming together quite nicely. And also, more importantly, I was having the time of my life. I couldn’t believe how totally involved I was in this – my mind was totally focused, and full of dedication. I was elated and energized after every day of work, and couldn’t have been more excited to wake up and get back to creating my little corner of Middle-earth!
The thought of painting the walls made me giddy with excitement. After all the hard work I had done, I finally was able to relax, look back with satisfaction, and give it a touch of color. Seeing the place come slowly alive and gradually take form was perhaps the most unbelievable satisfaction I have ever felt.
The final touches were the most magical. All the tiny details and completely necessary objects to complete the scene – it was like watching Bag End emerge from nothingness, an oasis of calm and wondrous beauty!
The time and effort I had put into this project, coupled with the hours I spent researching throughout, were absolutely worth it. Seeing the replica come to life and being a part of it was truly surreal. I can’t wait until I can share this incredible experience with friends and family.
I followed every move the Frodo Baggins made just to create the perfect replica of the bag end. I think Frodo was a genius in many ways, he had a map that showed the exact direction and plan of the building. He did a whole lot of research on the materials to use to bring the bag end to life.
It’s ironic how I had to first start from building a small magically door to the bag end. I thought that this had to be one of the most difficult parts to do, but it turned out to be easier than I thought and believe it or not, it was the most exciting part for me.
Obviously painting is another important part to make the bag end come alive, I had to pay close attention to each color and combinations used by Frodo. It was difficult but that’s when my old knowledge in design courses came to the rescue. Every color had to be finely measured and blended together for the result to be a warm and magical room.
The furniture was also very tricky to include simply because there was no particular style used to build bag end furniture. Every piece was different and I had to really match them with the floor and wall colors. It was a time consuming and difficult task, but the outcome was wondrous.
The styles and materials chosen to furnish the house were very good. It was a blend of simplicity and coziness. I tried to go with the flow that Frodo Baggins created. Every cushion and every piece of wood or glass was placed at the exact spot where it would fit best and bring out the character of the entire bag end.
It was a true miracle to see the bag end come alive in front of my eyes! Now, it didn’t look like a fictional character’s home but like a real Bag End existed and I had the pleasure to visit it. I was also pleased to see the response from my family and friends.
Down the line, I added more and more accessories inspired from the original design. I added a handcrafted fireplace, a grandfather clock with a moving pendulum and a few pieces of art on the wall. Each one of them added a unique element and gave me some satisfaction at the same time.
The details of the little replica that I created astounded me. Not only was my replica of Bag End perfectly designed, but it was also greatly admired by everyone who saw it. After months of hard work and dedication, my Bag End replica was finally complete!
Although I had to pay a lot of attention to the little details, the end result was beyond my wildest expectations. It was nice to finally show people my passion and share my enthusiasm about it. The press that I received, and the praise I got, was a reward for many sleepless nights!
What amazed me the most was the idea that I had turned a dream into a reality. I felt a sense of pride, accomplishment, as well as a sense of immense joy. I had been present at the creation of the most accurate recreation of the Bag End that we have ever seen. And I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the assistance of my friends, family, and fellow travelers.
I felt as though everybody had a part to play in it, from strolls around Hobbiton, to informational talks about the books, and next-level expertise on all things Middle Earth. Seeing everybody’s enthusiasm around my Bag End replica warmed my heart and filled me with pride.
I found solace in the idea that my replica of Bag End traveled more miles, spoke more languages, and inspired more people, than any actual buildings ever could. I was living the dream, and everyone was experiencing it!