LEARN TO SEE. LEARN TO DESIGN. LEARN TO CREATE
Free miniature design ideas, techniques, and inspiration.
I'm so glad you're here.
One of my greatest joys has always been sharing the little things I've learned along the way. Here you'll find a growing collection of practical tips, design ideas, creative ideas, and behind-the-scenes techniques from my studio. Some are simple, some might surprise you, but I hope every one of them helps you see new possibilities in your own miniature world.
Don't Discard it...Transform it!
Painted and Refreshed…A Transformation
I’m sure at some time you’ll find a tired, or faded piece of Upholstered miniature furniture and think…’this looks so old!’ Think about transforming it with paint! It’s my favourite ‘makeover trick’. And a great way to colour coordinate your decor too!Directions:
Use bottled acrylics or chalk paint, apply with a flat brush to avoid ridges.
-Apply first layer on a damp surface. Lightly mist with water, (gives better adhesion and prevents peeling)
-Thin the first acrylic coat (add a bit of water) to achieve the consistency of milk. Paint the damp chair. - Dry well.
- Lightly sand with fine sandpaper to remove nubbies. Remove sanding dust.- Apply second coat at full strength to achieve good coverage. - Dry well.
- Lightly sand again, only if necessary.
- Third application is optional.
- Varnish with either matte or gloss as desired.
These were old fabric, I had primed them with white gesso. Painted them blue for the Harbour Light Cottage Dollhouse project.
Know the Difference...Its a good start.
Two Brushes
For most dollhouse crafting these two will become trusted favourites.
Master these and you'll have a solid foundation for tackling countless miniature projects with confidence.
Tip - Always clean your brushes with soap and water, lay flat to dry. Reshape your bristles after cleaning.
LED Micro - Mini Lights
Glowing Fire Place Insert
Wrap a string of LED micro mini lights around a small bundle of logs. the battery pack can be hidden behind fireplace. Paint glowing lights with translucent amber coloured acrylics. Paint logs here and there with black acrylic to emulate burned coals. Optional touch - Use glue from glue gun to create tiny flames - pain
Use Texture Medium to create Vines and Flowers
Transform Tired Furniture
Dress up old wooden furniture with texture medium applied through a fine pointed nozzle. When dry, spray paint in white or in your choice of base colour. Decorate using delicate washes of subtle colour. There are several videos illustrating my technique via the link below.
Need Japanese Fish Floats?
- Clear hollow glass globes found on Temu.
- Acrylic paint, thinned with Mod Podge. Swirl paint inside globe. Dry well.
- Crochet Doily
- Cut tiny pieces of doily, dip the doily in Mod Podge, stretch tightly to cover the globe and sew in place with a quick stitch or two.
- Set aside to dry.
- You're done!
Use Button as Bottle Caps
Make Pretty Vanity Bottles
Vintage buttons make beautiful bottle caps. Especially if they are embellished with gold, silver or filigree work. Fill bottles with micro beads and glue the buttons on for security against spilling.
Packing Foam, Toilet Paper & Glue
Making Realistic Rocks
Texture Techniques - Creating Realism
With three simple supplies, toilet paper, Mod Podge and some packing foam. You too can create these realistic rocks and beach area. Also great application for landscaping your dollhouse gardens too.
Black or White Spray Paint
Old and Dated Brass Miniatures - Get New Life
Spray Paint to the Rescue
Dated brass miniatures get a second chance when freshened up with black spray paint. Its amazing how this simple update changes their usefulness. Add fresh cushions, or plants, and voila! New life!
The Roof sets the stage for the House
Design Tip - Roof Options
Roof Choices
Every dollhouse roof doesn't have to be stained shingles. Think about colour, pattern, design and style. So many options can change the entire look of your house.
False Ceiling - Battery Lights
No Electricity? - Try This
This false ceiling was created with a sheet of foam core board, a string of LED mini lights , clear buttons and wooden rings. If you'd like to see the full process, the link below will take you to my youtube video tutorial. Enjoy.