Learn to weave linen thread over wire to make a variety of dolls house accessories.
What can you use to build a dolls house? Is there a material children can use to build simple room boxes for a class project? What is gatorfoam?
While cutwork embroidery isn't feasible in small scales, you can mimic the effect somewhat using soft, draping paper and scrapbook embossers. Here are instructions for how to make miniature embossed placemats, doilies and serviettes (napkins) .
The placemat and napkin shown here are made from facial tissue, but tissue paper works as well. Combine this technique with the one to make miniature paper lace if you want an openwork effect.Photo © 2013 Lesley Shepherd
Balsa wood gliders were a key part of my summer. I spent hours flying them across the fields and down the driveway. I made this miniature glider in dollhouse scale to add to a dollhouse child's bedroom. I only wish they would fly like the toy versions!
This tiny glider is made from a surprising material, a wood veneer cheese box. I keep an eye out for these to use for wood plank floors, shingles and other miniatures where fine grain, light weight wood is an asset. You can straighten the wood from a round cheesebox by dampening it and then ironing it with an iron on a cotton or linen setting.
Photo © 2013 Lesley Shepherd
One great thing about dollhouse miniatures is that many can be made with simple handtools and a bit of imagination. That is certainly the case for this drinking glass and egg cup made from the cap of a discarded makeup brush. This project uses just requires cutting and sanding to make two useful miniatures.
The same technique can be used to make dollhouse vases and votive candle holders. Before you throw any useful material away, think about what you might be able to upcycle it into to support your hobby!
Photo © 2013 Lesley Shepherd
On Mother's Day, my children used to bring me breakfast in bed. In honor of that I've made a tiny breakfast tray. If you wish you can give one to your mom as a promise of things to come in full size, or decorate it to represent her favorite pastime and use it with a clothespin doll to decorate a Mother's Day Cake.
If you add a magnet to the back of the tray you can post it on your mom's fridge, to remind her of something good, redeemable when she wants it. Fill the tray with miniature pastries, a pie, or your mom's favorite meal. There are lots of choices on the miniature food list!
Photo © 2013 Lesley Shepherd
