Miniature Furniture Update

"Faux Marble"

One of the arguments against collecting, creating, and building miniatures as a hobby is the cost. True, I have seen miniature houses and furniture costing well into the hundreds even thousands of dollars. But, with a “little” skill and a lot of “patience”, I have found that expensive looking miniatures can be created for very little cost.

The very first thing you need is a “can do” attitude. Next, I suggest “do a little research”. I have found You Tube videos to be invaluable. Most of my searches begin with “how to make miniature _____”. If I don’t find a tutorial specific to miniatures, my next search is for a life size example.  Of course, internet key word searches are another valuable source. After reading and looking at pictures, I suggest trying out a few of the techniques – combining and practicing until you develop a methodology that works for you.

Faux Marble (Tips and Suggestions):

·      An inexpensive piece of miniature furniture.

Often, miniature furniture can be found in dollar stores. I keep an eye out for inexpensive “dollhouse furniture lots” on Ebay. This is a piece from a dollar store.

·      Hobby paint: at least two colors (one for the base and one for the marble veins).

I used four colors for my veins: tan, brown, dark grey and a dark green metallic

·      With a brush, paint your piece with at least two coats of the base color. Allow each coat to dry, and rub with a piece of fine sand paper in between coats. Be sure to wipe away the fine dust before you paint the next coat.

·      Draw the veins with the point of a round toothpick. Extend some of the veins over the sides of the piece. If using more than one color for the veins, do not wait for the veins to dry before adding the next color. Keep adding and reworking until you like the finished piece.

When completing this step, it is recommended that you have a picture of marble in front of you. I worked in the kitchen and attempted to replicate the vein patterns visible in the granite counter top.

·      Painting Techniques:

o   Use a toothpick for long narrow veins.

o   Use a small paint brush and “flick” on spots of paint.

o   Wad a small piece of paper towel and blot some of the base color “over the veins”.

·      When the veins have dried add at least two coats of high gloss varnish or ModPodge. Lightly sand between coats of varnish and be sure to wipe away all dust before adding the next coat.

·      The beauty of this process is that you can keep working and starting over until you like the finished piece. 

                                        "Just a Little Paint" 

Sometimes just a little paint greatly improves the look of a well used piece of dollhouse furniture. This is the before and after pictures of an "Ebay Lot"  used, damaged, and kinda ugly piece of furniture. It has found a new home in the hallway of my Stone Cottage. Updated pictures on the way. 

Before

After

Remember step one: Can Do Attitude - Happy Mini-ing!

Miniature Stain Glass Tutorial

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been of the mind set to add to my blog.  During the Spring I was fortunately able to attend a “Miniature Stain Glass” workshop by Barbara Sabia. My in-class project received a “When you get home, play around . . .” response from Mrs. Sabia.  Being a dedicated diy crafter, that is exactly what I have done. Recently, I shared a picture of some practice pieces with a friend who’s many hobbies include creating full scale stain glass. She was interested in the materials and steps required to complete stain glass in miniature. Instead of sending her a very lengthy e-mail, I’ve attempted to share, in this tutorial, what I have learned.  With a cautionary notice that I am still “playing around”, here goes:

Materials Needed:

·       Plex-glass, acrylic panel, (While you are playing/practicing I recommend the hard plastic that is free when you purchase package items. It’s rigid but can easily be cut to size with household scissors.)

·       Lead Tape (aka golf tape)

·       Glass Paint (I prefer Gallery Glass Brand)

·       Round Tooth picks or skewers

·       Fine point cutting tool

·       Straight edge (I prefer a metal ruler with a cork bottom)

·       Cutting mat

·       Stain Glass Pattern (find images on internet, in books, or design your own)

·       Tape (paper tape if you have it on hand)

·       Sheet of white paper (printer paper works fine)

·       Light Box (If you don’t have one, use the sheet of white paper.)

·       Marker, spoon handle (Anything that is firm and can be used to tap the underside of your project. Tapping helps the paint to even out and is useful for bursting paint bubbles.)

·       Paper towel for cleaning painting tool before changing colors.

Method:

Part One: Copying and Leading the Design

1.      Work in an area with good light.

2.      Tape acrylic panel over stain glass template. (I saw this quilt block on the internet and decided the simple lines would look nice in stain glass.)

3.      Lay out a length of golf tape on cutting mat,

a.      use the straight edge to control the width of the cut

b.      using the cutting tool, cut very thin strips of lead tape. Getting a supply of consistently thin strips really does take practice. That’s why I suggest doing your first projects on container plastic. The cheaper the practice, the better.

4.      On the acrylic, cover (copy) the lines of the stain glass pattern. Try not to touch the glue side of the tape; excess handling will cause it to lose its tackiness.

5.      Use a toothpick or the rounded bottom of a pen to smooth out and firmly adhere the golf tape to the acrylic.

6.      When the stain glass pattern has been completely reproduced, remove the acrylic panel from the pattern.

a.      Place the panel completed side down on a white sheet of paper.

b.      Secure the reversed panel to the white paper with tape.

c.       Using your reproduced lines, outline the stain glass template pattern on the opposite side of the acrylic panel.      

Part Two: Coloring the Design

This is where the fun starts. You can copy the color scheme of your template or be totally creative and create your own.

1.      Decide on your color scheme. Important – do not shake the paints. Shaking produces unwanted bubbles.

2.      Choose the best looking side of the acrylic panel and place on light box. If you do not have a light box, place your design on a sheet of white paper.

3.      Using the toothpick/skewer, dip the tip into the paint and tap the color into the design section.

4.      Slowly fill each section with color.

5.      Start coloring in the center of the design and work out to the edge.

6.      As you complete a section, use your tapping tool (spoon handle) tap your design under the wet paint to remove unwanted bubbles and to even out the paint.

7.      Lay the painted piece on a flat surface and allow time to dry. As the paint dry, it become translucent.  (I usually let mine dry overnight.)

                    

     Enjoy.