How to Make a Miniature Nest

Bird's nests come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

If your dollhouse includes an outdoor area, or if you're creating a decorative miniature tree display, making the tree branches look properly lived-in is essential for achieving the right look. A good means of achieving this is with a tiny bird's nest, which will add a touch of whimsy and realism at the same time. A miniature nest requires relatively little money or expertise to build, but it will bring a realistic touch of detail to your display.

Things You'll Need

• Brown raffia
• White craft glue
• Small down feathers

Instructions

1. Shred some raffia into small, thin strips using scissors. Make these pieces as close to the thickness of sewing thread as you can.

2. Cut the thin raffia strips into inch-long lengths. Make about 1 1/2 teaspoon of shredded paper and assemble it in a pile. Mix up and tangle the pile with your fingertips; you want the raffia to be rough and irregular.

3. Set aside about a quarter of the shredded raffia mass.

4. Mix the remaining raffia pieces with ¼ teaspoon of white glue in the palm of your hand. Massage the glue gently into the raffia pieces, coating them.

5. Roll the mixture into a ball between your fingers. Press a fingertip into the center of the ball to form a cup shape. Press the cup to flatten it slightly, forming a nest shape.

6. Wash the glue from your hands.

7. Press the remaining, dry raffia pieces to stick around the outside of the nest.

8. Trim some tiny pieces of fluff from the sides of the down feathers using the scissors. Press these to stick to the inside of the nest.

9. Let the nest dry for about one hour, or until firm.

References

• "The Big-Ass Book of Crafts;" Mark Montano and Auxy Espinoza; 2008