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!