Blog entry
DIY Project: Tissue Boxes
This year I'm starting a new line of Diorama Downloads. These will be basic patterns with instructions that you can use to make accessories for your playscale scenes.
The first of these is Tissue Boxes. The download has patterns for both square and rectangular options.Just download and print out the pattern and follow the instructions. Use scrapbook paper that matches the color scheme of your dioramas and dollhouse rooms. See the images below for the stages of creating the sample at the right.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
DIY Project: Lighted Bar Frig
When I decided to make a bar diorama, I purchased Gloria Happy Hour playsets to customize. This included a lighted bar frig under the back drinks storage rack. The original base was printed cardboard. To make it more useful, I inserted the bottom part of the separate wine cellar. This left a space that would hold a 4 x 2 inch area.
I started searching for something that would fit but wasn't as tall as the wine cellar so I could add a light feature. The finished product is at the right. Below are the steps to its creation.
DIY Project: Bunkbeds
The bunk beds I originally purchased for my boys’ bedroom diorama ended up being too big, and none of the options I found online were suitable. So I decided to make it myself.
Materials: clear tacky glue, mini wooden pallets, large and small popsicle sticks, square dowels, I got most pieces from the craft aisle at Dollar Tree and the woodworking department at Hobby Lobby. Tools: jumbo binder clips for holding parts in place while drying; emery board for sanding cut edges; Exacto blade, scissors, and small saw for cutting the wood when needed; ruler and pencil.
DIY Project: Window Shade
Add realistic non-working window shades to your diorama windows. You will need a sheet of paper with a width or length longer than the height of your window, a plastic drinking straw, scissors, ruler, pencil, and glue or adhesive tape. I prefer scrapbook paper to add a splash of color that coordinates with my project.
These instructions include a pull but can easily be made without. For the pull cord, you’ll need heavy sewing thread, embroidery floss, or other thin cord, a sewing needle, and beads of your choice.
DIY Project: Candle and Stand
Have you heard of the product Airborne? It’s basically a tablet you drop in water and drink once it has dissolved as an extra boost to your immune system when traveling. I’ve used it or a generic version for years. On a recent trip, I used up a tube and was about to toss it when I gave the lid a second look and saw ... a candle!
The plastic coil that cushioned the tablets makes a decorative cage and can be painted (see photo 3 below). The core looks like a white column candle. All that's missing is the flame.
Kitchen Little Remodel - No Painting!
Kitchen Little Remodel - No Painting!
My playscale kitchen has been a pink and white color scheme for ages. When I decided to redecorate, I considered removing the Kitchen Little Deluxe Kitchen Center. But I couldn't find any playsets with drawers and cabinets. Check out what I did to remodel it without changing anything permanently, some steps might work for your other remodel projects.
Wireless Lighting
March 2022
Wireless Lighting
If you're like me you love dioramas with working lights and wish there were easy ways to add them to your own. Over the years, I've tried different options: battery-operated and blug-in Christmas lights, Christmas village string lights, even battery tea lights. But this recent discovery is my favorite so far.
Star-Spangled LED Push Lights
