I'm super far behind and not really on topic either, but I'm posting my current build on this thread for some help and advice with the current lesson - MOOve Your Grass. I have been working on this build for a VERY long time now (several months) and it's still a complete WIP :roll: I'm very slow when it comes to this sort of thing.
After reading through and following part 1 of lesson 13 I realized that part of my problem was that the main floor of the main house on this lot was 20 steps above street level :oops: I used the CFE cheat to lower it to about 16 steps (though it's not perfect like Taryn's and because I'm redoing it that seems extremely difficult to change).
The main feature of this build is the Tractor. The pieces alternate between bridges and solid ground. It also goes around the house. I realize now, that it would have been ideal if the tractor was 1/4th below street level and the house was 3/4th above street level, but the tractor is ~ street level and the house is ~16 steps above.
The tractor actually circles the house. I built the main floor of the house exactly one full floor above the tractor so that when the tractor is in use, Sims can still enter and exit the building without problem.
It's on a gigantic lot (64x64) and when I'm done, I would really like to share
My main issue (aside from all the decorating nuances) is the landscaping and such. Everything is very organic, and I don't want to lose that, but need a bit more organisation and focal points. I've tried to just smooth the ground out, but it's just not quite right. I don't want to just put steps all around the lot either, as Sims will completely ignore them and walk around :roll:
Here are some pics
Lot Overview
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Comments
The other thing that stood out was the terrain paint that looks like stones set in grass. I think a little goes a long way with that one. Maybe instead of whole sections of that paint, turn the hilly areas into grass, smooth them with the terrain softening tool and use the stone paver paint with just narrow pathways here and there. I think this will help it look less busy.
I love the grasses you've used. I think you have made a very clever lot and you are not as disorganized as you thought. Maybe just edit a bit more. Nothing else really jumped out at me as anything I could offer advice on. You have already come a long way with this lot. I like it a lot!
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/817478/hello-come-and-introduce-yourself
http://tinyurl.com/OneRoomOneWeek
http://tinyurl.com/rosemow
My Showcase thread https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/948861/rosemow-s-rooms-showcase
I was going for a pink and red palate, but I did always think there was something funny about the plants. I assumed it was the layout, but it must just be the color. Thanks for the advice
I was considering getting rid of the stepping stone paint entirely and using the pastel cobblestone paint instead. I will try your method first and see if it helps The grass is actually the standard grass that came with Roaring Heights. EA did not provide it as a usable terrain paint so it's just what was there, and I'm unable to really blend it with my changes like I usually would.
These are very kind words! Thank you so much! I've been working on this lot for so long that I might just only be able to see the faults and not the good. Once I make changes I will post new pictures
That's so sweet of you to say! The area with the hot tub is actually my favorite. You always have the nicest things to say of everyone's builds You might just be the kindest person on this site :P
Instead of painting over the terrain, just erase it. It will revert back to original color. in the paint section...see the eraser? It's under the paintbrush. I have seen on the forums that many people didn't realize there is an eraser!
And for me, it's not the plant layout...it's definitely the color. They are tricky reds...the new red pansies are so deep, and the poppies are so punchy-orange red.
There are two red roses in base game though that are a much easier red to work with. Try them for your reds. I do think the purples and lavender would compliment the color and the style too.
I do think you are right about Rosemow too. she really is just the kindest person!
PS I agree with you both about Rosemow. In my mind she's sort of the angel of the Sims 3 Forums.
The Claw Machine Diaries Challenge
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind
I agree with Taryn about the pops of red flowers. I didn't really think the pansies were that bad; but the poppies seem out of place. Poppies are wild flowers (though you can get them in seed packs) and they do not seem to mesh well with the look of your farm.
Other than that, awesome!!
I'm loving all the details, there are so many things to look at all around, my eyes just wander from picture to picture and back again, discovering new things every time.
I can't wait to see more as you finish the build!
It's a little upscale for a farm, but I think it's turned out beautifully. I'll be creating a showcase thread to include pictures from the interior.
It is very nice!
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/817478/hello-come-and-introduce-yourself
http://tinyurl.com/OneRoomOneWeek
http://tinyurl.com/rosemow
My Showcase thread https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/948861/rosemow-s-rooms-showcase