subject: A Brief Look At Creating Miniatures For Victorian Dollhouses [print this page] 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.
For people who really enjoy a challenge and want to make their dollhouse completely unique, adding life to each room is a great adventure. Finding designs of the period that are in miniature and creating furnishings, rugs, etc., from the period patterns is great fun.
The level of detail that you want to expand your efforts to is totally dependent upon your level of interest. Some people make all the parts and pieces in their homes function as the real thing does. You can make a tea kettle that will pour steam out of the spout when it is sitting on the stove. You can make a fireplace with logs that look like they are aflame. Wiring sconces, oil lamps, and chandeliers is very easy once you get the right tools to create the look.
There are some very creative ways to animate children's toys in that room and some people put miniatures in the miniature. Imagine a miniature dollhouse that is an exact replica of your miniature dollhouse sitting on your miniature table. The only limitation for any miniature is your imagination.
Joining groups that share your love for creating miniatures will be very beneficial and fun. The groups, blogs, and forums have activities, workshops, and training that you will enjoy attending. There are multiple opportunities to learn different techniques and tips. When a miniature is needed that you cannot create, someone in the group will be able to assist with a contact or the piece you are looking for.
