(Photo: Americana lunch tin, J. Swanson, DIY blog)
I'm still slowly working on finishing trim and painting the Lavender Cottage roof, (cutting/painting side trim - boring, boring) and also started a small Halloween-inspired project. (More on that to come.)
For now, I thought I'd share some great miniature ideas and sites you may be unaware of, and for me to save them again as well. * See last post: miniature finds.
And hey, I'll be on topic for once. Here's a neat July 4th-inspired project, a nice Americana Peddlers Cart and this cute lunch tin (above) from the late Joann Swanson's DIY Blog.
For years in the '80s and '90s, we all enjoyed and were inspired each month by the detailed, creative how to's she did in the old Nutshell News magazines. She has a great blog with some of her DIY projects. Check it out! If you're never made your own furniture, there's a certain satisfaction in figuring something out and making it yourself. Try it!
Some other inspiration from Joann:
* Here's her Halloween Peddlers Cart and Witch's Kitchen. Getting in a Halloween mood since places are now advertising "Summerween." Michael's already has its Lemax SpookyTown items in. Have to get there yet.
A tip: The blog's been up quite a while, but I'd still copy what you like as you never know when blogs and sites just disappear. But there is also the Way Back Machine - Internet Archive where you can still find some old sites.
(Paper-covered armchair. 1 Inch Minis by Kris.)
* Another detailed site with some great patterns and ideas is 1inchminisbyKris. She has a range of patterns, so be sure to rummage around. Most are 1-inch-scale, but don't forget if you're into half-scale like I am, simply print the patterns at 50% which usually works just fine.
* Some patterns: Make a vintage fridge. * Shabby Chic bed and mattress.
* I also use mat board to make furniture as it is easy to cut and sturdy once painted. Here's a cute vintage style hutch - kitchen cabinet to make.
* Gothic window and flowerpot patterns. Manila folder or light card (cereal box packaging or index cards) are great to make flowerpots from.
* Cute idea. Peacock chair. I have one of these someone made in a previous half-scale swap using cross-stich fabric. Have to find it, but I think mine uses a round block base. I set it aside to eventually use in the future Raggedy Ann House. Would make a nice garden chair - or how about a black Morticia-like chair for Halloween? (Yes, it always comes back to that. ha!)
* Make a vintage-style, comfy upholstered chair. Have wanted to try something like this style in half-scale. Another style: stuffed armchair covered with paper.
There are tons more there, so dig around. I only included a few that I might make at some point and saved the patterns for my use.
* Emily Morganti also makes incredible half-scale dollhouses and has some great ideas like kitbashing a baby closet and chest of drawers to make a built-in linen closet. Be sure to check out her other houses and projects there, too. Here's the cabinet inserted in her bathroom wall (and above.) You'd never know it didn't come with the house or wasn't a commercial product! Great job and always an inspiration!
* Okay, that's it for now. Will share more minis soon. Thanks again for visiting! *
