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
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 Collection
- Check the Condition of a Miniature
- Before You Repair
- Money Saving Tips for Collectors
- Displays - Choose a Theme and Story Line
- Displays - Plan Location and Scope
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
- 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
- Make Simple Texturing Tools From Polymer Clay
- Task Lighting and Magnification
- 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
- Materials for Model Buildings and Doll's Houses
- Should You Use Baltic Birch Plywood or MDF to Build a Dollhouse?
- Should You Use Acrylic Paint
- Acrylic Mediums to Add Texture
- Using Polymer Clay
- Working with Paper Miniatures and Dolls House Printables
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 Beginners Projects
- Printable Projects
- Halloween Projects
- Christmas Projects
- Seasonal Projects
- Needlework Projects
- Easy Build Dolls House
- Make a Bookend for a Display
- Make a 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.
- Photos from Miniature Shows
- Community Forum
- Submit Photos to the Miniatures Site
- Submit a Tip or Technique
Types of Miniatures
Find the miniature you want to collect or model. From living plants and animals to trains and dolls house miniatures there is a wide range.
Featured Miniature Artisans
Work from some of the best miniaturists in the world.
- Jill Bennetts Exceptional Dolls
- Lucy Maloney's Designer Dogs
- Kerri Pajutee's Miniature Animals
- Josephine Parnell's Bears
- Angela Gagliardi's Italian Specialties
Exhibits From Miniature Shows
Miniature exhibits from dollhouse and railroad shows showcase what talented miniaturists are making now.
