How to Make Miniature Furniture

Miniature dollhouse furniture and accessories are popular among collectors and hobbyists alike. Not only are they fun to make, but they can yield high profits. Here's how to make them.

Things You'll Need

• X-Acto Knife Kit Carpenter's square Razor saw Scissors (one large, one small pair) Tweezers Small needle nose pliers Wooden coffee stirrers Tongue depressors Skinny sticks Basswood sheets Pillow stuffing Cotton Various cloth Sewing Kit Super glue Tacky glue Assorted paint brushes Stain Paint

Instructions

How to Make Miniature Furniture

1. 

   Have all the basic supplies you will need handy and easily accessible.

2. 

   The standard scale for miniature dollhouse furniture is 1:12. This means that 1 inch in miniature equals a foot in real life. Adhering to the 1:12 scale is essential for accurate reproduction.

3. Cut the pieces you'll need for your miniature furniture using a paper pattern. Use an X-Acto knife to cut smaller pieces, or a razor saw to cut any piece thicker than 1/16th of an inch.

4. Glue your pieces together. You'll want to find a glue that dries in 10 to 15 seconds. This will give you enough time to work the pieces of your furniture together before the glue sets. Make sure the glue you choose creates a strong bond.

5. 

   Use a standard sewing kit to make your blankets, quilts, covers and pillow cases. Use cotton or pillow stuffing for mattresses and pillows. Keep a selection of tiny appliques on hand to use for detail decoration. It's best to use 22-count Hardanger fabric or 28-count Evenweave for your miniature linens. Use a single strand of embroidery floss to thread.

6. 

   Stain and paint your miniature furniture in the same way you would life-sized furniture. Have tiny brushes on hand for detail work. Use good-quality, age-resistant wood stain and paint to ensure your creations are passed from generation to generation.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Art of Dollhouse Miniatures