In Miniature Style II
Christine Verstraete
Cover layouts and formatting: Laura Shinn
Front Cover Photo Collage: C. Verstraete
ISBN:
Published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing
http://www.writers-exchange.com
Writers Exchange E-Publishing
PO Box 372
ATHERTON QLD 4883
In Miniature Style II
Christine Verstraete
Smashwords Edition
Writers Exchange E-Publishing
Projects By:
Top row: Dress set, Kathi Mendenhall; Rose, Shelly Norris; Room, Leon Pascucci.
Bottom row: Hydrangea, C. Verstraete; Bedroom, Mary Ann Bresnahan; Lady doll, Bonnie Glazier.
Back Cover:
Food, C. Verstraete; Paint can, Fern Rouleau; Porch, Lori Rosemann
Copyright 2011 C. Verstraete/CAP
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the author, except for brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews.
Photos Copyright by author except where noted.
Projects and photos used by permission of and are Copyright by creators:
Copyright Earl Beese
Copyright Mary Ann Bresnahan
Copyright Dana Burton
Copyright Bonnie Glazier
Copyright Kathi R. Mendenhall
Copyright Shelly Norris
Copyright Leon Pascucci
Copyright Lori Rosemann
Copyright Fern Rouleau
Copyright Edward W. Silvers, Sr.
Copyright Lucie Winsky
Table of Contents
Chapter 1a – Contents, Features & Projects
Chapter 4 - Tudor and Medieval Style
Chapter 5 - Going Green in Style
Chapter 9 - Flowers and Decorations
Chapter 12 - Miniature Doll Clothing & Accessories
Chapter 13 - Additional Patterns
Contents - Features:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Victorian Style
Mary Ann BRESNAHAN makes what’s old, new and beautiful again
Chapter 2: Designing Style
Leon PASCUCCI and author Christine VERSTRAETE talk design and color
Chapter 3: Country Style
The imaginative world of miniaturists Curt and Lori ROSEMANN
Chapter 4: Tudor and Medieval Style
Travel back in time to Ed and Mary SILVERS’ Tudor castle
Chapter 5: Going Green in Style
The fun, unique creations of Fern ROULEAU
Chapter 6: Dressing in Style
Artistic miniature doll creations by:
Bonnie GLAZIER, Kathi MENDENHALL and Lucie WINSKY
Projects:
Chapter 7: Structures
Build your own Country porch scene – Lori Rosemann
Construct an outdoor privy or shed – Earl Beese
Learn olde-world finishing techniques – Christine Verstraete
Design a Mexican-style front porch – Christine Verstraete
Chapter 8: Furnishings
Create shelves stocked with cigar boxes – Mary Ann Bresnahan
Construct a Tudor chair – Lori Rosemann
Make a coordinating Tudor table – Lori Rosemann
Build and decorate a Halloween room screen – Christine Verstraete
Chapter 9: Flowers and Decorations
Make some fun, frugal flowers and pots– Lori Rosemann
Make easy Hydrangeas and a “punny” plant – Christine Verstraete
Plant a pair of pants! – Fern Rouleau
Build an L-shaped potting table – Christine Verstraete
Create some “enamel” roses – Shelly Norris
Chapter 10: Foods and Stuff
Create a homemade Hibachi grill - Christine Verstraete
Construct a simple table-top display – Christine Verstraete
Cook BBQ faves: burgers, hot dogs and potato salad – Christine Verstraete
Make simple peanut butter and jelly jars – Christine Verstraete
Chapter 11: Soft Goods
Crochet a hand-made baby’s afghan – Mary Ann Bresnahan
Create a comfy wing chair – Christine Verstraete
Make an elegant pair of curtains – Leon Pascucci
Cover the floors: art “Bunka” rugs – Christine Verstraete
Make a half-scale couch – Christine Verstraete
Chapter 12: Miniature Doll Clothing & Accessories
Create a flippy, fun hanger dress, hat and purse - Kathi Mendenhall
Dress and wig a beautiful display bust - Bonnie Glazier
Create a delightful child’s dress – Lucie Winsky
Make an easy pair of Bunka slippers & tote bag – Christine Verstraete
Fashion a China doll dress & matching handbag – Bonnie Glazier
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.
Parlor from “The Dogcatcher’s House”
(Photo: C. Verstraete)
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:
Quarter, half & 1-inch scale chairs,
from author’s collection.
(Photo: C. Verstraete)
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.
Scene in a rubber ducky. Duck is 9” long.
(Photo: F. Rouleau) - Read about Fern in Chapter 5.
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!
Half Scale “Candy Box Room”
(Photo: C. Verstraete)
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.
“Raggedy Ann Room” by author
(Photo: C. Verstraete)
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.
Suggested Tools and Materials:
You can make most of the projects in this book with a few standard tools: paints, glues, hobby woods, a razor knife, an X-Acto blade and a ruler.
If you plan on being involved in miniatures for some time, you’ll find that a tool kit comes in handy. For ease of display and organization, a good choice is a large, plastic fishing tackle box with fold-out trays, or a plastic case that allows easy access and organization.
Following is a list of supplies and tools most miniaturists use on a regular basis:
Adhesives: Tacky Glue; white glue; yellow woodworking glue; Quick Grab (Quick Grip); super-type glues; Velverette (white); Weld-bond glue; gel or paste wallpaper glue; double-stick tape; masking tape.
Bases: Styrofoam™ for holding flower stems in progress; foam-core and Gatorboard for garden bases, making furniture or small buildings. Picture framing mat board can also be used for walls or furniture.
Cutting tools: X-Acto knife and new blades; razor knife; self-healing cutting pad; sharp scissors; small paper and embroidery size scissors.
Flower-making tools: Tweezers and hemostats with locking handles; light and dark green florist tape; green cloth-covered wire; thin gauged wire. Wire available in floral shops, or with the floral craft supplies section.
Check the crafts section or a railroad supplies shop for materials to make realistic-looking dirt and grass. These include: black dirt or black ballast; green grass; green and assorted color foam for bushes, trees and flowerpot filler. Some people also use a fake grass carpet or Astroturf for their dollhouse lawn. Dried tea also makes a great plant topper.
A stylus tool with a metal or plastic ball on each end (small on one end; medium on the other end) is used for creasing and curling flower petals. A large-eyed needle can be used in a pinch, but the stylus is a good, inexpensive investment.
Measuring and marking tools: cork-backed ruler; sharp pencils; T-square; small portable tape measure and rulers. The FigRule (with scale measurements on each side) is also helpful.
Painting materials: Acrylic paint in desired colors. Oil paints can be used for certain projects, as well. Other items include Gesso base coat; crackle and sand-based products for adding texture; plus various sized paintbrushes.
Sanding tools: Emery boards, different grades of sandpaper, paper bags.
Sealing and finishing products: Matte and gloss Mod Podge decoupage finish; water-based and oil varnish; Tung oil.
Stains: Minwax brand or other brand wood stain or stain pens. Gel and water-based stains also provide a nice finish and an easier clean-up.
Victorian Style
Featured Miniaturist: Mary Ann BRESNAHAN
Bedroom in radio cabinet
Mary Ann Bresnahan excels at overlooking the obvious.
When this enterprising miniaturist finds something that’s a little beat-up, or maybe slightly old and grungy-looking, she never dismisses it as mere “junk”. Instead, she sees a jewel with great potential.
In her hands, items as diverse as an old radio cabinet, a wine box, and even an abandoned clock case find new lives as charmingly decorated miniature settings. She feels the package is as important as the contents. A plain box won’t do.
“I just think a regular box is boring,” says this mother of two. “It doesn’t have any personality to it. It’s harder to look at that and come up with an idea to make.”
When she saw an old clock case, sans the clock, sitting in a second-hand store, she didn’t hesitate. The case was darkened with age. The finish was dried out and mottled with spots, but with a price of only five dollars, she thought she’d found a bargain.
That doesn’t mean that inspiration – pardon the pun - struck at once. “The clock idea didn’t come to me right away,” she says.
But faster than you can say Hickory Dickory Dock, she realized that a clock case could be turned into the perfect miniature clock shop. Mary Ann enjoys the challenge that comes with starting from scratch, as she says, “I make as much as I can myself.”
This time those skills were necessary. Given the case’s interior dimensions, the shelves and a tiny counter were all hand-made and custom fit into the cramped interior. Next, she rewired some lights, then reworked several small clock and watch faces. Her hand-made FIMO brand clay flowers, the hanging sign, and the small clock statue give the case’s exterior an old Victorian feel.
Her other projects are equally enchanting and unique. Even something as simple as a plain cigar box is an inspiration, although in this case, family ties played a role. Her great-grandfather Joseph Rousar worked as a cigar maker in her hometown. Open Mary Ann’s embellished cigar box, and nestled inside is a tiny cigar shop and general store. The store, which combines a mix of both half-inch and one-inch-scale items, holds almost everything you’d expect to find in the typical general store except in a much smaller space.
With careful measuring and positioning, she was even able to expand the store to include front floor space. By using the back of the lid as the floor, she set up the checker game and barrel seats around the obligatory potbelly stove. Her meticulousness assured that the items could be glued down and would fit inside perfectly when the lid is closed.
Her talent for giving old things new purpose extends to real-life furnishings, as well. Open the lid of the 8-inch-long picnic basket and you’ll find a “secret garden” inside. Recently, she decided to take one of her early projects, a hollow pumpkin she’d used as a bakery, and change it to a more “suitable” theme – a home for “Peter Pumpkin Eater.”
Peter Pumpkin Eater’s home
The cakes and foods she made with her then 10-year-old daughter, Sarah, who’s now 30, are part of a revamped bakery set in a vintage tin bread box below.
She also knew not to say no when her cousin offered her an old radio cabinet that had seen better days. Outside, the cabinet got a second lease on life with a fresh coat of blue paint topped by a crackled finish.
Open the front doors, and a delightful Victorian house is revealed. The cabinet house is actually the first project Mary Ann tackled, but far from her last. After six years of work, she’s understandably proud of the results. Of course, these days she’s had to take the rooms apart to find the source of that miniaturist’s curse – a short in the lighting.
Some of her original ideas include incorporating the back grill into the living room by painting it, then draping a piece of fabric on the back; and using life-sized wood moldings for decorative trim on the walls. For a unique way to highlight the bed without using a headboard, she draped a coordinating color lace valance over a curtain rod hung on the wall.
While she’s the first to admit, “I didn’t need another house,” she couldn’t resist buying the Tudor-style Harrison, which, lucky for her, was already finished on the outside. She is thinking of donating the house once it’s done so others can enjoy it.
“I’m planning a Christmas bed and breakfast,” she says. “Now I’m excited as Christmas is coming. This is my big project for the winter.”
That’s the fun, she says, the planning and decorating. A true do-it-yourselfer, Mary Ann says she enjoys the hands-on approach since it gives her projects a look all their own. “I’ll try anything once,” she says.
But she also has another reason for preferring to make things herself, especially when she has a certain item in mind that she wants to buy: “The more I make myself, the more I can justify spending,” she says with a laugh. (Photos: M. Bresnahan)