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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.

  1. Collecting Miniatures
  2. Useful Terms
  3. Tools For Miniatures
  4. Materials for Miniatures
  5. Beginners Projects and Simple Displays
  6. Miniatures Community
  1. Collectible Miniatures
  2. Dollhouse Miniatures
  3. Gaming Miniatures
  4. Living Miniatures
  5. Scale Miniatures
  6. Vehicle Miniatures

Collecting Miniatures

Assortment of miniature collectibles

Should you build, buy or trade items to make a miniature collection? What's the best way to showcase what you have?

Useful Terms

Sample Wedgewood Backstamp

Every hobby has its own terminology. These starting points make understanding discussions easier.

Tools For Miniatures

Photo showing basic tools for a miniaturist

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.

Materials for Miniatures

Materials for Making Miniature Tadpoles in a Jar

Miniatures aren't always what they seem. These basic materials can be used in many ways to create tiny items.

Beginners Projects and Simple Displays

Working Miniature Bear Lamp

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.

Miniatures Community

participants at a dollhouse club show

Miniatures attract friendly, creative, people who love making and displaying tiny things. Find some and join in the fun.

Collectible Miniatures

French Dinky Toy airplanes in their original gift box with a bright yellow background

You only need three items to qualify them as a collection. Start with some of these popular collectibles.

Dollhouse Miniatures

one quarter scale dollhouse farmhouse

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.

Gaming Miniatures

A charging toy soldier in highland dress races across in front of a medical tent.

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.

Living Miniatures

Miniature blue iris reticulata 'harmony'

Miniature plants and animals are increasingly becoming part of our crowded worlds. Refine your nurturing skills with some of these.

Scale Miniatures

Model Float Plane coming in to land on a model railroad scene.

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.

Vehicle Miniatures

1:43 scale die cast model of a 1963 corvette grand sport

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.

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