Chapter 1: VICTORIAN STYLE

Chapter 2: DESIGNING STYLE

Chapter 3: COUNTRY STYLE

Chapter 4: TUDOR AND MEDIEVAL STYLE

Chapter 6: DRESSING IN STYLE

Chapter 7: STRUCTURES

Chapter 8: FURNISHINGS

Chapter 9: FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS

Chapter 10: FOODS AND STUFF

Chapter 11: SOFT GOODS

Chapter 12: MINIATURE DOLL CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Additional Patterns in last section

Who can forget that first glimpse into a world where a chair fits into the palm of a hand, or where a realistic replica of nature's beauty is contained in a flowerpot no bigger than a thumbnail?

There is something almost magical about viewing everyday items and settings that are reduced in size, but not in quality.

For most people, that fascination with all things small often begins with a childhood dollhouse, or is sparked by a glimpse at the breathtaking contents of one of the superb museum collections found in the United States.

Other collectors come to this Lilliputian world surprised to learn that yes, it's perfectly acceptable to engage in small-scale fantasies. And while the term dollhouse often conjures up images of childhood playthings, be assured that there is nothing the least bit childish about collecting and constructing what collectors prefer to call miniature homes.

Like many collectors, my introduction to miniatures was via a metal dollhouse with lithographed walls and the plain plastic furnishings manufactured in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Decades later, I bought an inexpensive dollhouse kit, and not long after, discovered a wealth of realistic, detailed furnishings and building components. A regular schedule of local shows devoted to miniatures, and an ever-expanding list of irresistible, hand-made items and accessories available to collectors sealed my fate. I was hooked.

My interest in building and finishing miniatures hasn't abated in more than two decades of collecting. To my delight, I've also learned over the years that I'm not the only one who looks at almost everything around me in terms of its relation to miniatures!

Today, both male and female collectors of all ages and backgrounds enjoy a certain satisfaction and creative fulfillment in translating their own tastes, interests, and personal history or dreams into miniature reality.

If you're one of those people, the goal of this book is to spark your creativity by offering a glimpse into some unique miniature homes and rooms made by several talented miniaturists. They also share some tips, construction techniques and decorating ideas, plus a selection of original, how-to projects designed to help you create the miniature project of your dreams.

As miniatures collecting can be such a wide-ranging hobby incorporating everything from building techniques, to interior and exterior design, electricity, furnishings, landscaping and more, I realize that it's impossible to satisfy the interests and abilities of everyone.

But within these pages, my hope is that both long-time miniaturists and novices of varying skill levels will find a project or technique that will satisfy their urge to create something new in miniature or try their hand at something different.

Some of the projects or techniques presented here may seem easy to some crafters and daunting to others, but they are presented with one idea – to have fun!

Whether you're a master craftsman, somewhat experienced, or are completely new to the hobby, I invite you to happily experiment. Enjoy the thrill of making something totally your own, from start to finish.

Building in miniature allows you to create life as you see it... life as it was... or even life as you wished it would be. Don't be surprised at how comfortable your miniature structure begins to feel as you work on it day by day. You might even find yourself wishing you could pack up and move right in!

In miniature, at least, you can open a new shop or move into a new home without the stress of packing, unpacking, or the expense of a big mortgage. If only real life were that uncomplicated!

The Basics:

Unsure about where to start? The first step is to find a scale in which you feel comfortable working. Many collectors prefer the standard one-inch scale (one inch = one foot; for example, a 6-foot-tall man is 6-inches high). Smaller scales, half-inch (6" = 1') and especially quarter scale (equal to HO railroad scale) or even 144th scale ("dollhouse for a dollhouse" size) have become increasingly popular. These are great sizes for those short on space who may be interested in slightly more challenging projects.

No matter what, choose a scale that matches your abilities and patience level. Working in miniature should be fun and satisfying, not aggravating and frustrating. You might admire the detail found in a quarter scale piece of furniture, but that doesn't mean you'd enjoy making it! Go at your own pace. Not everyone feels comfortable at first – and sometimes ever! – with the smaller scales.

Choosing a Structure:

Whether you decide to construct a whole house, a simple vignette setting or a roombox depends on how much time you want to spend on a project, your display space, and the amount of money you can invest.

Real-life limitations may force you to scale down your desire to construct a 10-room villa in miniature, but that doesn't mean you have to totally abandon your dream.

Some miniaturists find their inspiration in packages and containers that originally had different uses or were made with a limited shelf life in mind.

Miniaturists, it seems, are the ultimate recyclers. They enjoy creating nicely detailed, unique scenes in unusual settings that often include some sight gags and plays on words. So, you might have a mini picnic in a real picnic basket, a scale bird hatched from a real egg, or a rubber ducky scene outside the bathtub.

Other miniaturists have set scenes in everything from scientific instruments, to empty tins, old radio cabinets, empty bleach bottles, food containers, and more. You name it! When you learn to think small, the possibilities are endless!

Don't be afraid to scout yard and garage sales for their miniature possibilities. When I saw a small, wall-hung bookshelf/cabinet at a garage sale for $3, I never hesitated. It turned out to be the perfect size container for a rooftop garden and barbecue scene to hang on my family room wall. A wood candy box from a friend (above) made a perfect half-scale room.

Other miniaturists begin with a basic square or rectangular wood box or boxes made from Gatorboard, a processed-type board; or Foam-Core, a board made of a hard, foam-like material covered with a light paper that can be cut with a razor knife.

The Art of Illusion:

Collecting miniatures is by no means an inexpensive hobby, so the construction and decoration of your miniature building or room depends on your skill level and the size of your wallet. Many miniaturists not only enjoy the challenge, but also the satisfaction and cost savings that comes from making their own miniatures out of some surprising materials.

The key to successfully creating a detailed miniature room or building is to think like a magician: learn to fool the eye. Paint washes can give the appearance of age or decline. Everyday items like pieces of wire become miniature drink stirrers. Life-sized wooden coffee stirrers make good picture frames, window trim or general strip molding. Empty plastic bottle tops or jelly and butter containers from restaurants have become staples for their myriad uses.

If you've found yourself digging in the garbage, picking something up off the street, or imagining a new use for some cast-off item, don't despair. You're not alone (and you're not losing your sanity!) Welcome to the club. You're a miniaturist!

With that word of warning, make sure you have a box or two handy. We're all packrats! Once you train your eye to see the possibilities, you'll be surprised at what you find.

Planning and Themes:

For peace of mind, it's best to start your project with a specific theme. You'll find that planning a room or house around a particular wallpaper pattern, a color, item, or era, will make the project go together much easier. By deciding on a theme as a basis, be it a specific style of furniture, a certain food or color, or even a book, a certain movie, era, or period of time – you get the idea - then you can begin collecting items specifically for your project.

While not everyone agrees on their use, if you decide to use dolls in your room or setting, you'll have to decide on their wardrobes to fit a certain era or time period. You might also want to decorate a room or house based on an imaginary person's likes, dislikes, habits, lifestyle, etc. All provide a base on which to build your project. My favorite Raggedy Ann room centers on color, theme, and the dolls.

For instance, a life-long love of dogs and a picture of an antique dollhouse inspired me to create "The Dogcatcher's House." The house, which is faced outside with the tiniest size fish tank gravel I could find, is home to a retired dogcatcher who offers solace and shelter to unwanted dogs. At last count, the house had about 100 dogs (and counting.)

The house started out pretty shabby and sparse as you'd expect with so many four-footed inhabitants. But like in real life, I tired of the décor and redecorated. The slightly improved surroundings, except for the holes in the furniture and the broken windows, are easily explained. I say that the dogcatcher received funding from a wealthy lady friend, allowing him to spruce things up a little. And the dogs are behaving themselves. Well, for now, anyway.

Whether you're creating a real-life setting, replicating a historic structure, or building something totally from your imagination, you'll find it helpful to study actual buildings, read about architecture, and learn about different furniture styles.

Don't feel limited to what you see, or think you need to spend hours doing research, however, unless you want. Miniature rooms and houses can be as realistic, or as fanciful, as you like.

Using different materials like beads for a curtain fringe, or gluing strings of fake pearls around the edges of a ceiling design as I did in a Victorian room box, can add glamour, as well as a unique decorative touch.

No matter what type of room or structure you create in miniature, there is only one rule: do it your way. Have fun! Let your own personality and decorating tastes shine through.