Get Started With Miniatures
By Lesley Shepherd, About.com Guide to Miniatures
Miniatures are fun. These starting points will help you begin or improve a collection, as well as learn techniques to make miniature masterpieces of your own. Tools, tips, and techniques for all types of miniatures can be explored here.
- Collecting Miniatures
- Useful Terms
- Tools For Miniatures
- Materials for Miniatures
- Beginners Projects and Simple Displays
- Miniatures Community
- Collectible Miniatures
- Dollhouse Miniatures
- Gaming Miniatures
- Living Miniatures
- Scale Miniatures
- Vehicle Miniatures
Collecting Miniatures
Should you build, buy or trade items to make a miniature collection? What's the best way to showcase what you have?
- What is a Miniature?
- Miniature Collecting 101
- How to Find Information About Your Miniatures
- How to Document a Miniature Collection
- Check the Condition of a Miniature
- Before You Repair Your Miniatures
- Money Saving Tips for Miniature Collectors
- Display Miniatures - Choosing a Theme and a Story Line
- Display Miniatures - Planning the Location and Scope of a Display
Useful Terms
Every hobby has its own terminology. These starting points make understanding discussions easier.
- What is Playscale?
- What Are Living Miniatures?
- Tab and Slot Dollhouse Construction
- Scale Creep in Miniatures
- Bookboard - Paperboard - Binder's Board
- What is a Dwarf?
Tools For Miniatures
Although many specialized tools are available, most miniaturists get by with standard craft or household items. It's surprising how little you need in order to create a miniature masterpiece.
- Miniaturist's Toolkit - The Basics
- Modeling and Sculpting Tools
- Task Lighting and Magnification
- Keep Glue Bottles Upside Down
- Make Simple Texturing Tools From Polymer Clay
- Easy Cutter Stripwood Cutter Review
- Keep Paper Punches Running Smoothly
Materials for Miniatures
Miniatures aren't always what they seem. These basic materials can be used in many ways to create tiny items.
- Materials for Miniatures
- Gatorfoam Board for Building Miniature Displays
- Luan/Lauan Plywood for Doll's Houses
- Should You Use Acrylic Paint
- Should You Use Baltic Birch Plywood or MDF to Build a Dollhouse?
Beginners Projects and Simple Displays
Even if you are all thumbs you can make these projects. Some are made with paper and your computer printer, others might require a few specialized supplies.
- Gallery of Miniature Projects for Beginners
- Printable Miniature Projects
- Seasonal Miniature Projects
- Start Knitting in Miniature
- Make a Simple Miniature Display in a Box
- Make a Bookend to Display Miniatures
- Make a Miniature Cabin Front Porch Display Shelf in 1:12 Scale
Miniatures Community
Miniatures attract friendly, creative, people who love making and displaying tiny things. Find some and join in the fun.
- Attend a Miniature Show
- Find a Miniature Club
- Miniature Needlework Societies
- About Miniatures Community Gallery
- About Miniatures Community Forum
- Submit Photos to the Miniatures Site
- Submit a Miniature Tip or Technique
Collectible Miniatures
You only need three items to qualify them as a collection. Start with some of these popular collectibles.
- Collecting Breyer Model Horses
- Gallery of Collectible Miniature Baskets
- Gallery of Collectible Miniature Teapots and Dolls' House Teasets
Dollhouse Miniatures
With or without dolls, collecting miniatures that mirror our lives is popular. Periods, scales and styles vary. Find the ones you prefer to start your own world.
- Starting a Collection of Dolls' House Miniatures
- Dolls' House Plan Sources
- Deciding Between A Front or Back Opening Dolls' House
- How To Choose an Electrical System For A Dolls House
- Introduction to Quarter Scale (1:48) Dolls' Houses
- Make Miniature Dolls and Figures
- How to Choose a Dolls House Doll
- Make a Dolls' House Record Book
- Dolls' House Needlework Kits
- Chrysnbon 1:12 Scale Dollhouse Furniture Kits
- Daisy House 1:12 and 1:24 Scale Furniture Kits
Gaming Miniatures
Tabletop wars, explorations, and naval battles past, present and future involve many skills. Techniques translate across miniature interests, and gaming miniatures can involve the entire family.
- An Introduction to Wargaming Miniatures
- Beginner's Guide to Painting a Metal Miniature
- Pirates of the Spanish Main - Miniature Naval Strategy Game
- Collectible Scale Buildings from the Model Building Authority
Living Miniatures
Miniature plants and animals are increasingly becoming part of our crowded worlds. Refine your nurturing skills with some of these.
- Miniature and Dwarf Fruit Trees
- How to Identify Miniature Flowering Bulbs
- How to Plant Miniature Flowering Bulbs
- Kordana Miniature Roses
Scale Miniatures
If you want your miniature to fit in with others, you need to know it's scale. Railroads, cars, soldiers, dollhouses, Christmas villages and many others are available in different sizes. Learn which scale is right for you.
- The Importance of Scale In Miniatures
- Model Boat Scales
- What Are Garden Railroads?
- Tiny Accessories for 1:144 and N scale
- Buildings Worth Modelling - Corrugated Iron Buildings
- Collectible Scale Buildings from the Miniature Building Authority
- What Can You Find At A Model Railroad Show?
Vehicle Miniatures
With everything from toys to working historic models and modern race replicas, vehicle miniatures are a wide field for builders and collectors. In or out of scale you can find collectibles or accessories for your next display scene.
