Life in MiniatureDon't Sweat the Small Stuff!

A person who enjoys a challenge and has an eye for detail will not find a more enjoyable hobby than creating miniatures for Victorian dollhouses. The Victorian dollhouses pose a special challenge for the hobbyist because this was a time when every item and object in a home had a myriad of detail and intricate artwork embedded or inlaid on it. Everything in a dollhouse is created to replicate the full-size pieces found in the home.

Depending on the size of the home you choose, you will want to make plans create your miniatures based on the home's scale. Most manufactured dollhouses use a 1/12" or 1/24" scale. However, a handmade or antique dollhouse can have very different measurements.

The favorite room to decorate is often the kitchen. The kitchen requires the most effort because it is a room filled with objects, figures, and items. When a person starts with a kitchen, they usually have mastered all of the skills required for the rest of the home by the time they are done. There are several resources on the Internet that focus solely on the kitchen because of the diverse challenges that are found in this room.

Doing the research on the fabrics, objects, items, and figures found in traditional Victorian homes will give you a jumping off point with your creativity. You will want the traditional look of the object or item in a very small, 1/24 inch scale. Therefore, you may need to use items that would not normally be used to make those items. It is often very helpful to make a list of the items found in the room you are decorating so that you can compile all of your materials prior to creating the pieces.

Some individuals take their art to the next level and add a tremendous amount of light and animation. You can wire your sconces, chandeliers, and lights in the room. Add lit candles, create a working fireplace with logs that look like they are aglow. Adding a tea kettle with steam spewing from the spout will bring your kitchen alive.

Animating the children's room in the home is another challenge. Some people create a miniature train set that actually works on the floor of the room. Adding animated toys add to the excitement and life of the room. With animation, the only thing holding you back will be your imagination.

Finding groups, blogs, and forums that share your interest in dollhouses will be very helpful. Sharing ideas, asking questions, and learning new methods and techniques is a great way to build a wonderful network of friends as well as learn exciting new tips for bringing your dollhouse to life by creating miniatures that are life-like and real.

For additional information on the fascinating hobby of making miniatures click on the link to seekandlearn.com. For pictures, tips and instructions on how to create various miniatures projects, visit martiesminis.com.