Looking really wonderful, James....makes me want to take the Missus out for sushi tonight.
You might consider miniature rag rolling with blue paper towel. Not sure where you are in the world but they're referred to as shop towels here in the State and made by Scott. Considerably heavier than kitchen paper towels and do not fall apart when moistened. I go through them by the case in my studio.
Read up on "rag rolling" a faux-finish on walls and I think you will find you can use the same method, but in miniature. If you're using acrylics, as I'm sure you know, add retarder to extend the open time on the paint.
If I were doing it, I believe I'd use oils because they will allow you a lot more flexibility while working with the paint. Add a bit of Oil Paint Medium which will increase the viscosity of the paint without making it runny. There are many varieties but I use W&N Artist's Painting Medium. One note: this will tend to make the oils glossy, but, if you'll be using any sort of pin washes over the oils, this will just help that process. I'd also add a drop of Japan drier to speed up the drying time. As long as you've laid down a good barrier coat of acrylic, you can play with the oils and wipe them off if you don't like the effect you're trying to achieve.
As with everyone else, I'm sure looking forward to following the rest of this build.
Cheers from NYC,
Michael
