From left to right: Hobbler’s Loft and Daffodil Cottage

When you are in the mood for a quicker one-day-to-weekend project, the 1:76 Low Relief Scale kits from Petite Properties are a perfect choice.

The two houses shown above, together, measure 6″ wide, 1.75″ deep, and 4.25″ high. Often referred to as “Railroad Models” or “00 gauge”, these projects are closed up with flat backs and can be finished quickly, as you only work on the outside. Each has a punch-out hole in the bottom should you want to add lights inside.

Petite Properties has a nice variety of these scale houses, which you can group to create a street scene. You can set them on a windowsill, a shelf, or scatter them around the house as you like. Glued to a base with ground cover, they make great gifts.

I have been making these off and on for a couple of years, saving them for times when I want to sit, just craft, and finish a project in a day or two. I plan to create a winter village street scene with all of them at some point. Once I reach the point of working on the base, I will be adding snow to the rooftops of each house.

Here are five more I have finished so far. I have two more in my stash, shown below, and more that I want to get.

From left to right: Plum Pudding Cottages, Snickleway Emporium, Honeymead House, Snickets End, and Butterwick House.

One thing I often hear when talking to others about this scale is, “Oh my, I could never make something that small”. But once I show them the actual pieces in the kit, they are not so intimidated by the size. As you can see on the left, for the most part, the structure is not flimsy and not as small as you might think. Most of these kits have only a few parts as well.

Most of the trim pieces come connected to a card (white pieces), making it easy to paint them while attached to the card. These pieces can be removed easily from the card with a craft knife once they are dry.

The only special tool I would suggest is a small glue bottle with a fine tip on the end so that you don’t add too much glue to the smaller parts.

I hope this gives you some incentive to take a look at these little kits and maybe try one out for yourself. I think you will find them very rewarding.

Stay tuned to this category as I will be adding more posts in the future with some tips and how-to ideas.

Till next time . . .

Teri

Free Vine Bookshelf SVGDownload

Instructions are included in the zip file.

What is MakerWorld? This is like Bambu’s shop for finding 3D Prints. Most of these prints will be FREE for you to download to your printer and print out. Literally thousands of prints can be found here and are all set for Bambu printers. You can view MakerWorld for free without even owning a printer, making it a great place to visit while waiting on your printer to arrive!

VIP NOTE: I should mention that anything you print that will go inside the AMS or Printer should be printed with PETG filament that will withstand the heat produced by the machine while operating!

Desiccant Boxes

Desiccant boxes are stored inside the AMS Pro2, in the front and back areas. You fill these with Silica Gel beads, which help to control the humidity inside the AMS and the filaments placed inside. You can find a variety of styles; some hold the humidity meter while others do not. NOTE that these need to be printed in PETG filament due to the heat produced by the machine while in operation.

Printer Decorations

As I mentioned in another post, you can find all sorts of decoration ideas for your specific printer in MakerWorld. It’s not only fun but a great way to learn and experience your printer when you first get it. Some are simply decorative, and some are functional. Take a day to pick out a few things and have FUN!

Here is a look at a couple of things I printed right away. These accents were all printed with the Sunlu Matte PETG Sky Blue filament.

These tiny hole covers might seem silly, but I have noticed that tiny pieces of filament can fall down in this area, and these covers can prevent them from falling into the areas, possibly causing an issue for the printer.

Not for decor, but a very useful tool is this bed scraper. The printer comes with a metal scraper, though it’s not recommended as it will ruin the printing plate! This printable scraper has a removable plastic end, so when it becomes dull, you can simply print a replacement!

1. Screen Edge Cover
2. Handle Decor
3. Dust protectors for the bottom of the printer
4. Hot End Fan Cover Options

Here is a link to my collection of other ideas for printer decor items. I continue to add to this collection as I run across things. While I may not print them all, it’s nice to have them in a collection till I have time to look into them further.

Once you create an account in MakerWorld, you can scroll and search through the files, then create a themed collection area where you can save files you like. It’s such a time saver for when you want to print something specific or for a quick gift.

So have fun finding ways to decorate your own printer, and please leave a comment below if you find something to print that you think I might like!!

Till next time . . .

Teri

What extra items should you also purchase with the machine . . .

As with any machines made for crafting, there are always “other items” you normally need to purchase. Some are necessary, and some are more for convenience. One of the first things you will purchase is various colors of filament, which must be kept dry in order to work properly. Filaments should be stored in airtight containers with Silica Gel beads to control the humidity. Humidity meters also stored inside the container help you to know if your filament needs to be dried before use. Wet filament can cause all sorts of issues when trying to print, so these extras are very much a necessity. Buying Silica Gel beads in bulk is a great option, as they change color when they’re no longer working and then can be dried and reused. Wire cutters are needed to clip the end of the filament before loading it into the printer so that it feeds properly. Last but not least, if you want to record timelapse videos of your prints, you will need a USB Flash Drive. You don’t have to have a flash drive, but it is a fun option!

Here is a look at the items you will need to purchase right away when purchasing filament.

I have linked the specific items that I purchased, but you can find many different versions of these items available on Amazon.

Bambu Labs P2S Combo Printer at Best Buy

In last week’s post, I mentioned the type of printer I purchased and the reasons why I chose this specific model. The “combo” option includes the very top portion you see in the photo where filaments are placed and ready to be used. This is called the AMS Pro 2. The AMS feeds the filament into the machine for printing and holds four filaments at a time. It also has the ability to dry filament! If you find your filament is too wet, you can set the machine to dry the filaments for a specific amount of time. This is best done overnight if you intend to print the next day. It can not dry the filament while printing.

I strongly suggest getting the combo option if you purchase this model of printer.

I hope that you are finding these posts on 3D Printing informative and fun. Please feel free to use the comment section below to ask me questions or post your own experience and tips! Your input will help others reading this series!

Next Up . . . What filaments should you buy right away

Till next time . . .

Teri

At the time, or shortly after purchasing your 3D Printer you will want to purchase some filaments to work with. There are several types of filaments availalble for varied uses as well as many different brands. They range from beginner-friendly to industrial engineering materials. What you purchase depends on what you want to do and there are various things to consider before purchasing. Hopefully the following information will help you to decide what works for you.

Types of Filament

I mainly print PLA and PETG for home decor and miniatures. Printed toys are mentioned a lot with these materials, but I question toys for children who may put the items in their mouths. I think better safe than sorry! You need to make your own choice on that subject.

• PLA – This is the easiest filament to use and what most beginners start with. It’s the most popular type of filament sold. It prints at low temperatures with minimal warping, making it ideal for visual models, toys, and decor items. It is safe to print indoors and has little to no smell, depending on how sensitive you are to smells. I am super sensitive and have not noticed any smell when printing with PLA. Note that it is not food safe and is sensitive to heat, so suggested for items placed outdoors in the heat or direct hot sun. You will find more colors of PLA than any other type of filament.
• PETG – Combines the ease of PLA with higher strength, chemical stability, and moisture resistance. It works well for outdoor prints and durable mechanical parts. It has little to no smell and is safe for indoor printing. There is a good variety of colors available in PETG on the market.
• ABS / ASA – Tough, impact-resistant, petroleum-based materials that offer high heat resistance. It is favored for outdoor use due to its superior UV resistance. It requires a higher temperature and an enclosed printer. I don’t suggest this material for indoor printing unless you have a very good ventalation! There will be a smell with this material, and not great for breathing fumes.
• TPU – This is an elastic, rubber-like material used for flexible objects like phone cases, grips, and such. Must have very good ventilation!
• NYLON – An engineering-grade polyamide with high tensile strength, wear resistance, and toughness, ideal for functional gears and mechanical components. It requires high temperatures and strict moisture control. Another material I don’t suggest for indoor printing, and it does require very good ventilation.

Bambu Labs Filament Guide is worth taking a look at!

Brands of Filaments

There are a variety of filament brands on the market today. I suggest that you try several and choose what you like best. Below is my experience with several brands I have used so far.

Bambu Labs Filaments – If you don’t mind the wait for shipping, Bambu Labs filaments can be purchased online, and they frequently have a good sale going on. You can get good discounts based on the number of filaments you purchase. Be aware that they can often be limited in stock. You can also search and find Bambu filaments on Amazon, but the choices can be limited. I have heard that some big-box local stores are now carrying this brand. An advantage of using Bambu filaments is that they contain an RFID code on the spool, allowing the printer to read and set the type of filament in the software.

I have used the following other brands of filaments with the same success as the Bambu Labs filaments and highly suggest that you try them out!

• Polymaker – This is another popular brand that I want to try out but have not purchased any so far. It does get great reviews. They also have discounts based on the amount of purchase. You can also find a good selection of Polymaker filament on Amazon.
• Sunlu – I picked up one filament from Amazon and had a great experience with it. A lot of people seem to like it.
• Hobby Lobby Filament – Stock tends to clear out quickly. They also sell refillable filament spools! It is nice to be able to just run out locally and pick up filament instead of waiting for shipping.
• Michaels Filament – Very limited stock and not a lot of colors. In-store shopping is better than online. I only recently purchased a black PLA from Michaels and have not tried it yet but reports are that it prints well.

NOTE: Some filaments will come on a plastic spool while others might be on a thick cardboard spool. I have used both without any issues. When looking at filaments, you will often see them available on a spool or as a refill. Be sure to read the descriptions and be sure what you are purchasing. As for spools, you can find printable spools in MakerWorld for various filament brands. Some brands sell refillable plastic spools as well.

Specialty Filaments

I have tried out a few specialty filaments such as PLA Marble, PLA Silk, and PLA Wood. Silk has no issues, but I do see it mentioned that with Marble and Wood filaments, the grit in them can wear down the nozzle. It is suggested that if you like to print these a lot, you should invest in the Hardened Steel Nozzle.

Here is a look at printed items with two of these filaments. I do love both of these!

Table and chair legs printed in Hobby Lobby PLA Silk Gold

Tabletop and chair seats printed in Hobby Lobby PLA Marble White

There are a lot of YouTube videos on various filaments. Several channels work with a variety of filaments and show finished projects using the filaments. Get comfy and browse YouTube for some of these channels!

I hope this information gets you a bit informed and started with choosing your first filaments. I will make some update posts as I try out new filaments in the future.

SUBSCRIBE to my newsletter to get email notices of when I add new posts to the blog!!

Till next time . . .

Teri

Here is a look at the machine I purchased and a list of the product features. Read on before clicking the link to see my honest opinions after using it for a few months.

Bambu Labs P2S Combo W/AMS Pro 2

• Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: Seamless control at your fingertips.
• Fully Enclosed Chamber: Engineered for the safe and consistent printing of advanced materials.
• Multi-Color Printing: Unlock limitless creativity with AMS-powered multi-material printing.
• AI-Powered Oversight: Intelligent error detection makes 3D printing simpler and more reliable.
• Integrated Filament Drying: Keep your materials in peak condition with the 2nd-Gen AMS.
• Built on a Legend: The power of the best-selling P1S, completely refined and reimagined.
• Full-Scale Build Volume: A spacious 256 × 256 × 256 mm³ canvas for your biggest ideas.

There were always a few reasons I didn’t want to get into 3D printing, but in the last few years, things have changed. There are two types of printers: resin and filament (FDM), and each has qualities to be considered before purchase. Below are the main qualities to consider when looking for a 3D Printer. The qualities below are the very reason I decided to go with the Bambu Labs P2S, including the affordable price!

• Resin printers use a liquid material, have a strong smell when working, and involve a messy cleanup. I also believe (don’t quote me here) that resin printers – unless there are very expensive ones – print only one color at a time.
• FDM filament printers use plastic that is in the form of a string shape. While some FDM printers can print one color at a time, there are many on the market now that can print multiple colors at the same time. If you look at the image above, you can see four colors/spools of filament inside the box at the top of the printer. This box is called the AMS Pro2 and can feed all four colors into a single print or print any single-color filament into a single print. The P2S also has an external spool holder that comes with the machine, which can be used to add a fifth color. Plus, you can add a second AMS to the machine, giving you nine colors total.

Another point I strongly suggest is to purchase your 3D printer locally at Best Buy, Micro Center, or any big-box store that offers an extended warranty. I purchased my printer from Best Buy with the extended warranty after learning that if anything goes wrong, they will either fix the printer or exchange it with a new one – no problem. Dealing with a local company is far better than trying to deal with emails back and forth in a foreign country!

Once I received my order, with the help of the excellent setup manual and watching a single setup video online, I had the machine running and making my first print in less than 45 minutes! It truly is that easy. Bambu Labs also has Bambu Academy with several FREE courses you can take to learn all about the printer and how it works.

Once your printer is set up, Bambu has a “first print” little boat called a Benchy. It’s a simple push a button, choose your color, print to see how your printer works. Inside MakerWorld, you can find a ton of altered Benchy prints for more fun. Below are two Benchies I printed.

LEFT: printed in a golf PLA. RIGHT: printed in white and black PLA – multicolor print.

Bambu Labs has everything you need to get started, and trust me … you won’t believe how EASY it is to get started!!!

• Bambu Studio: Bambu Studio is an open-source, cutting-edge, feature-rich slicing software. It contains project-based workflows, systematically optimized slicing algorithms, and an easy-to-use graphical interface, bringing users an incredibly smooth printing experience.
• Bambu Handy App: The Bambu Handy app is a one-stop 3D printing service platform designed to offer a convenient, seamless, and enjoyable 3D printing experience. With Bambu Handy, you can control printers anywhere, connect to the MakerWorld models library, and print your favorite designs easily!
• Maker World: Is a fantastic place you can go to get thousands of FREE 3D print designs! You simply pick the item you want to print, download it to the operating software, and get it ready to print. You can visit MakerWorld even without a printer to see the types of prints available!

Do I have to learn a new software program . . .

Another comment I always made when asked about getting a 3D printer was: “I don’t want to spend the time learning another software program”. I wound up eating these words when I helped a friend set up her own printer and discovered just how EASY Bambu software is to use!!! I printed things the same day I set up the printer, even though I’d never used a 3D printer before! It truly is that EASY!

In MakerWorld, most files are set up by the designer, so you just download the file, open it in Bambu Studio, slice the print, and print it. Prints can also be sized up or down as you like and printed in any color of filament you have loaded. And while the Bambu Academy will teach you a lot, you can do this as you like and do not need it to get started printing.

Here is a look at some things I printed in the first few days after setting the printer up . . .

Notice the turquoise parts on the printer and AMS in the photos above? These all come from inside Maker World, are free, and are a fun way to decorate your machine! There are tons of different options to choose from and a great way to get used to using the printer.

Is a 3D printer safe to use in my house . . .

Now, about “smell”, my other concern. There are a lot of different types of filaments to choose from such as PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and Nylon. Each is suited for different uses and strengths. If you use only PLA and PETG, created with safe materials. PLA is plant-based, while PETG is made with the same material used in clear water bottles. They have no smell and are safe for indoor use. That said, you should always consider venting any machine running indoors by opening a window and keeping the air circulating. The other filaments do have strong smells and need better venting setups. For most needs, PLA or PETG will be fine when creating items for decor or general use. PLA is suited for indoor use, with no direct hot sun exposure, while PETG is stronger and can be placed outdoors. When printing parts for the 3D printer, inside or outside, you should use PETG due to it’s tolerence for heat!

Final thoughts . . .

I do not regret my choice to purchase a 3D printer and am so happy I went with a Bambu Labs machine. The machine works like a dream and is so user-friendly for beginners. I have only had one issue with the machine, my fault, and the machine interface walked me through how to fix it! It will also remind you when it’s time to do any upkeep or maintenance on the machine! No big deal, just wiping down the rails and adding grease or lubrication to them. Easy peasy.

I chose the P2S AMS Combo machine after viewing tons of Bambu Labs printer comparison YouTube videos. One, it’s an enclosed printer. Two, it has great reviews, is easy to set up and begin using right away, and the price was affordable. I suggest that you search Bambu Labs P2S videos on YouTube to see how easy setup is. There are hundreds of great videos about these printers and 3D printing online, and tons with tips on using the software (slicer) program.

One thing I will warn you about… You will have so much FUN that you just might want to purchase another printer in the very near future! I know I have already thought about it.

A very important point I want to mention is that if you ask friends who have printers about Resin over FDM, they will most likely say: ” Oh, you can’t get the small details with an FDM printer that you can get with Resin.” In my opinion, that is not 100% true. FDM printers have come a very long way in the past 3-5 years and continue to evolve. I have printed some very tiny, detailed houses and trees that turned out lovely. There are options in the slicer software that you can choose to get better details when needed. This adds additional print time to the project, but it’s worth it. You can also purchase an additional nozzle for finer details.

Last but not least, as with all machines, there are other items you will want to purchase at some point, but you do not need these right away if you get the AMS Pro2 with the machine. I will be making another post about this subject next week.

I will leave you with a look at the most recent thing I printed. This print comes from PA1 Maker, who has tons of FREE fantastic files on his Patreon page. His print files are designed to be printed in parts, without using an AMS. Parts are either snapped together or glued. You can see the parts for the Nutcracker on the left side photo. He also has some offerings on MakerWorld and a few other places. I just had to have this for Halloween!!!

Follow My 3D Printing Journey

Follow my 3D Printing experience, and let’s see what I can make for miniature projects! I will be printing for my own use while I learn more about the printer and the software. Eventually, I will be creating printed miniatures for sale in my shop here and at any shows I attend.

Happy crafting!

Here is my version of the final project.

We have had so much rain, many flooded areas, tons of evacuations, and the flood warnings along with more rain just keep coming. It’s so sad to see what many families have been going thru and I thank God we have been lucky so far other than the way it affects how I can work.

Both the laser cutter and 3D printer machines I use must be vented out a window due to the size of my office. It’s just not healthy to breath and fumes or particles that are released into the air from these machines and I prefer to be safe than sorry (grin). This means that when the weather is bad, raining, or storming, I can not run these machines and will generally find some other project to work on that doesn’t require the use of the machines.

While picking up some filament from Michaels the other day, this little wood kit caught my eye and I decided to give it a try. You will see from the images and info below that I’ve altered it in some ways below to give it more of a miniature build look and I’ve enjoyed the process along the way. I hope that this post inspires some of you to think a bit differently when you see kits like these and will try one while making it your own along the way.

The kit was $39.99, less with a 40% off coupon and includes everything needed to complete the project. The structure is made of decent quality wood parts with plastic for the windows. A very good booklet of clear instructions is also included. They even included glue, tweezers, and a small piece of sandpaper. The kit is close to 1:48 scale in size or smaller.

I began the project by building the structure first on Page 13 of the instructions so that I could see how much I could alter the house. For the most part, the tabs fit but in the base they are a bit tight or do not line up perfectly. I did do a bit of trimming here and there on the tabs.

I did however add tissue to the inside of the windows and door so that the viewer will not be able to see inside the house.

Here you can see the base has been built with the walls simply sitting in place as a test. There are to many issues with trying to add a floor in the center of the structure so I have decided to just alter the exterior and the base.

The kit does not have a place where you can install lights so I cut a section of the back wall out and installed two tea lights. I will use a piece of tape to hold the cut-out piece in place when the project is on display.

I have found that parts fit together well for the most part. I’ve glued the main structure in place and added some purple paint to the shutters and door. Some black soot distressing ink was applied to the chimneys as well.

Here are some accents that I’ve made up and painted with the purple paint pen. There was a printed paper to be glued to the top of the awning but I decided to use paint pens instead for a more realistic look.

In order to add more realism to the project, I used two Sizzix 3D Texture Plates by Tim Holtz to emboss grey and brown cardstock. These were used to cover the ground at the base of the structure and the wood area below/base. Chalk pastels, paint, or distress inks can be used to add varying color to both of these, creating a stone and wooden board look.

NOTE: You can find a list of additional materials I’ve used on the project listed at the end of this post!

Above and at left, you can see how I have aged the stone and wood papers. Additional elements have been added on and around the structure, with several being painted using a purple paint pen.

Looking at the base, you can see that I have added glue to the existing holes. I will be covering this base with other materials and not using the holes at all.

It remains to be seen how many of the little decor items that I will use on the house.

Before working on the base, I’ve used Black Soot Distressing Ink all over the entire structure for aging.

Now it’s time to add ground cover and other elements to bring the project to life! The ground cover was created by applying a layer of quick-dry glue, working in small sections, then sprinkling on various Woodland Scenics materials such as dirt, two colors of fine turf, and tiny rocks. I gave the ground cover about two hours to dry, then spray sealed it with Krylon Matte Sealer. The other elements were either from the kit or things I had in my stash.

A couple of skeletons have taken over maintenance of the shop!

Combine course green turf with glue and a bit of water to create moss that sticks easily to the roof.

This was such a FUN and easy project to build. Perfect for those who might want to get into building miniatures from kits, any crafter wanting something fun for Halloween, and experienced miniaturists who love to bash or alter miniature kits.

When time allows, I am planning on adding a larger base for an outside eating area and a spooky tree. I will update the post when these are done, probably sometime after September 15th.

I hope you found this project interesting and that you are encouraged to try one of these kits out in the future!

Happy mini making, Teri

• ©Teri Hanson/terihansonminiatures.com

• FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY

PREMIERES AT THE T&D INDIANAPOLIS SHOW 9/11-12

Around 5-10 years ago, I created a Craftsman cabin with foamcore and cardstock, which I gave away when we moved from one state to another. I have always loved this style of house and decided this year to recreate it as a wood kit. Unlike the original version (shown below), I have only created one side (section) so far. I do plan to create the additional section in the next few months and release it at the Chicago 2027 show.

My reason for splitting the project into two parts was to make it more affordable for as many as possible and so that I could use the first part as a workshop kit. I also wanted the project to feature a variety of affordable materials so makers could experience using different materials for miniatures.

The project features Glossy Accents, kraft board, embossed cardstock, cardstock, and glossy sticker paper. The workshop may feature a few other additional materials. As a workshop kit, the project can be built and finished in sections, to be glued together later. This allows travelers who fly to shows a way to carry the project home.

1:24 Half Scale Craftsman Cabin kit is cut from 1/8″ and 1/16″ quality wood. The project features several materials such as: glossy accents, embossed cardstock, cardstock, and glossy sticker paper. The floor comes pre-scored as seen below, and the loft can be left out or used as you wish.

FUN project that can be styled with a variety of design styles.

Finished size: 10.5″W, 8.75″D, 9″H

CABIN KIT $65.00

• Finished size: (1:24 half scale) 10.5″W, 9″H, 8.75″D

KIT INCLUDES . . .

• laser-cut wood structure pieces to create the basic structure with scored flooring, loft, railing, ladder, door, windows, inside and outside trim, fireplace, and cabinets.
• plastic for windows
• complete instructions with lots of photos
• images of the original version for alternate project ideas

FURNITURE KIT $25.00

• couch
• 2 end tables
• 2 chairs with foamcore for cushions
• coffee table
• bar/dining table with 2 stools
• single bed
• bed table

Here is a look at the Original Design ©Teri Hanson Miniatures. I will be creating an addition to the cabin kit that includes the second room like the one shown below. This will not be released until the 2027 Chicago show.

Thanks for visiting my website today, and to Newsletter subscribers! Feel free to reach out or leave a comment on this post should you have questions.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Indianapolis show!!!!

Teri

The first thing I purchased was the 39″ dual monitor stand riser with drawers. $39.99 at the time of this post.

The color of the drawers is a bit more on the dirty yellowish color, and not my fave, but I think I can spray paint them with a pretty color at some point.

The stand is made from sturdy wood – probably MDF, and sits nicely without being wobbly.

The next thing I purchased was two of these desk organizers with drawers. $23.74 at the time of this post.

These stack well without shifting and are available in various configurations.

The colors are pretty true to the photo and add some nice color to the room. I think that I will add more of these colors to my craft room in the future.

I did add some of those small adhesive rubber feet to the very bottom drawer, so the entire unit does not slip on the stand. These worked perfectly!.

So now all the tools I use daily are nicely stored at hand, easy to reach for and put away, and my workflow should be more fun!

I still need to find a tray to fit in the middle area to hold the notebooks and guides I use for every project. So far, I have not had much luck because the space, not including the 1-2-3 blocks, is an odd size. I may have to make one somehow. I also want a colorful bucket to hold all the glue instead of that white basket.

I found a Boho-style peel-and-stick wallpaper that I hope will match well with the colors of the storage bins. Wish me luck on that!! I’m expecting it to arrive today.

I thought this was a very fun design, and I’m looking forward to all of the color it will add to the room.

I will be making new inserts for all of the bins on my Dream Box cabinet. Maybe in some other areas, like the cube cabinets as well.

Lastly, someone a while back had asked about the light over my desk . . . it is also on Amazon and can be found HERE. It’s a remote control dimmable LED light with several brightness and color settings. I have truly enjoyed this light and find it bright enough for working on tiny minis.

I hope that you found this post interesting and possibly found something for your own craft room. I will be updating several areas of the room over the next few months when time allows, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive email notices of future posts!

Till next time, happy mini making!

Teri

• Meet Neadeen Masters
• http://www.neadeenmasters.com/
• Facebook Group: Neadeen’s Dollhouses and Miniatures

Harbour Light Cottage – Neadeen Masters

“The Fine Art of Intentional Clutter”

There’s clutter… and then there’s intentional clutter.

And if ever there was a place where this fine art reaches its full, unapologetic glory, it’s a seaside establishment run by a stubborn old Sea Captain who has never thrown a single useful thing away in his entire life.

Welcome to Harbour Light Cottage

Neadeen’s YouTube Channel showing the Harbour Light Cottage can be found HERE

article from Neadeen. . .

• Article and photos reposted with permission of Neadeen Masters
• ©2026 Neadeen Masters

“The ‘Just In Case’ Empire: A Miniaturist’s Confession” by Neadeen

There comes a moment in every miniature enthusiast’s life, usually while elbow-deep in a drawer labeled something like “Tiny Brass Things – Possibly Useful”, when a certain realization quietly tiptoes in and makes itself comfortable: this is no longer a hobby. This is a lifestyle. Possibly a condition. A very organized, beautifully justified condition… but a condition nonetheless.

Because for those of us who live in this world, you know who you are…we know our tribe…there is no such thing as “a few supplies.” What we have are collections. Thoughtfully acquired, deeply meaningful, and absolutely essential items that we are keeping, for very good reasons, “just in case.” Just in case of what, you ask? Well, just in case we suddenly need to build an 1820s seaside apothecary with a back room for herbal tonics and questionable life advice. It happens. One must be prepared.

And so the studio grows. Drawers become bins, bins become boxes, boxes become cabinets, rows of cabinets and cabinets become entire ecosystems. Each one is carefully categorized in a system that makes perfect sense to us and absolutely no one else. We have fabric scraps that are far too small to be useful and far too beautiful to throw away. We have miniature items that are “broken but fixable,” a category with no timeline, no urgency, and no intention of ever being addressed, but very important nonetheless. And then there is that elite, mysterious grouping of objects that defy all explanation. We don’t know what they are, we don’t know where they came from, but we know, deep in our soul, that they are critical to something. Someday.

Naturally, this entire operation is supported by our projects. Not project, (singular) projects. (Plural) There is the current build, of course, the one we are actively working on. Then there is the next build, the one we’re thinking about while working on the current build. Then the backup build, in case we become emotionally overwhelmed by the current build. And finally, the grand, sweeping “someday” masterpiece, a project so ambitious it requires skills we do not yet possess but are fully convinced will arrive suddenly, perhaps at 2:17 in the morning, fueled by determination and a questionable amount of caffeine. To us, this is not chaos. This is delicious vision. This is preparedness. This is having our creative life completely under control.

And then… the children walk in.

Our children, the ‘minimalist generation’, the ones who believe that owning more than two coffee mugs is a slippery slope into emotional instability, step into our studio and immediately stop in the doorway. There is always a pause. A long, cautious scan of the room, as though they have just stumbled upon an ancient civilization and are unsure whether it is safe to proceed. Their eyes move slowly, taking in the shelves, the bins, the drawers, and, inevitably, the barrels. So many barrels.

You can practically hear the thoughts forming.

Why are there so many chairs?

Why are none of them functional?

Is that a loaf of bread?

Why is there a drawer dedicated entirely to doorknobs?

And then, with complete sincerity, comes the question that cuts straight through generations of creativity like a dull butter knife: “What is this for?”

For.

For???

This is for imagination. This is for creativity. This is for the very real and urgent need to have seventeen varieties of miniature fabric on hand in case a fictional Sea Captain suddenly refuses stripes and demands something “less citified” at a moment’s notice. But to them, it is just… stuff. Tiny, confusing, slightly alarming stuff.

And in that moment, right there between the jar of microscopic buttons and the box labeled “IMPORTANT – DO NOT THROW OUT”, a new thought quietly creeps in. A sobering one. What happens to all of this when we cross over?

Because let’s be honest. Our children are not standing there thinking, “What a magnificent artistic legacy.” No. They are quietly doing the math. Can this be sold? Is there a market for tiny barrels? Why are there this many tiny barrels?

You can almost hear the future conversation:

“Hi, yes, we’re clearing out our mother’s studio… yes, she had a lot of… small things… no, not small, like really small…miniature… yes… including an entire fish shop… and 4,000 tiny plants…and…”

And somewhere, in the great beyond, we are absolutely losing our minds, shouting into the void, “Don’t you dare throw out the drawer labeled ‘Odds & Ends’, that’s where the good stuff is!”

Because here’s the truth. Every single piece, every scrap, every bead, every slightly suspicious thrift store find we insisted had “potential”, meant something. Each one was a possibility, a spark, a tiny building block in the creation of entire worlds that existed because we imagined them into being.

So maybe they don’t understand it. That’s alright. Because we do.

And if, in the end, they only keep one thing, just one small piece of this glorious, confusing empire we’ve built, let it be the box labeled “IMPORTANT – DO NOT THROW OUT.” Because yes, it probably contains absolute nonsense… but it also contains at least three things we’ve been looking for since 1998… and quite possibly the entire reason we started this madness in the first place…

interview . . .

• Storybook Farm Cottage – Renovated Pierce Dollhouse by Neadeen Masters

• If you’re interested in how Neadeen created the project shown at left…she did a YouTube video…it’s on her channel by the same name as her Facebook group.

1. How long have you been creating miniatures

• About 12 yrs…My 40 yr career as a professional Artist morphed into minis…

2. What is your favorite scale to work in?

• I only work in 1:12 scale

3. Do you have a favorite theme for creations? What inspires you? 

• I love exploring themes that tell stories…especially those with a vintage vibe.

4. Do you use any 3D printers or laser cutters when creating?                

• No, everything is cut by hand, except with standard electric saws.

5. What is your favorite step when working on a miniature?        

• Planning how I will execute or approach the mini. Thinking about the steps needed.

6. What is your favorite quote that might pertain to mini-making or artistic creation in general?            

•  “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” ― Hans Urs von Balthasar

7. Do you belong to NAME or IGMA, and if so, what is your favorite part about being involved in the group?

•  I do not belong to any organization.

I hope that you enjoyed this little piece on Neadeen and that you will take some time to not only join her Facebook group but also visit her website!

• http://www.neadeenmasters.com/
• Facebook Group: Neadeen’s Dollhouses and Miniatures

Till next time . . . happy mini making!

Teri

Just a quick one today!

We all had such a great time today while creating mini scenes inside the small pocket watches! There were 3-4 watch styles and sizes to choose from, a couple were locket size, several backgrounds, and many different tiny people and animals to choose from.

Everyone made some really cute scenes and had a blast. I can hardly wait to cut a wooden watch stand to display mine! It’s so fun when you can make a mini in an everyday item like the pocket watches. Look around your house and see what you can find to make a mini scene inside.

I came home with extra supplies to make a second watch and will post it here when finished.

UPDATE . . . I made a little holder for the watch!

Happy Mini Making,

Teri

In part 01, we had discussed a few issues, found solutions for the issues, and applied a first layer of paint to the walls on the lower floor. I am beginning this second part by painting all of the lower parts as needed. Since I did not think you wanted to watch me paint a ton of pieces, you will see these painted in the images below.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR PART 2 ON YOUTUBE

Let me say that painting the front staircase unit, the porch rails, and the main entrance roof assembly was not easy! This took several thin layers of paint and most of a day, plus a bit of sanding and some prep work. It can be a patience tester lol.

This morning, after some thought, I’ve decided to turn this into a Santa’s Workshop instead of continuing with the build as intended. With it being 1:48, it’s just too small to replicate the parts of the Hegeler mansion as I would want to. So, below you can see a few changes I’ve made from the photo above in light of the new theme.

I have used red flat back pearls and red bead trim for the accents. Two trees help to hide the area at the bottom of the stairs, where I glued kraft board to hide the gaps. TIP: You will find it easier to attach the bead chain by adding a couple of drops of super glue with the tacky glue to quickly hold it in place while the glue dries.

Texture paste mixed with Stickles glitter glue makes a pretty snow. Use a palette knife to apply the snow texture on the base, steps, and ledges on posts.

Small flat back pearls were used as tree ornaments.

I will be adding the same snow texture to the main base, but first, I need to figure out the flooring, then finish the inside of the walls, and get them glued in place. This is so that I can pile the snow up next to the walls after they are installed.

For the flooring and wallpapers, I’ve used digital papers found at CreativeFabrica – a great place to find these type items! These digital papers will typically be made 12″ x 12″ @ 300 dpi. You want to look for papers that say “seamless pattern” as well. I wound up reducing the flooring from 12″ square down to 3″ square and the wallpapers down to 1.75″ square so that they fit the scale I’m working in. A good way to test this is to reduce the image, then print it on normal printer paper, cut it out, and test it in the room. If the scale looks off, reduce the image size a bit more and reprint, then test. Once you have the size right, copy and paste the image to fill a full 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and print it on good-quality paper. I use either 80lb or 110lb paper in bright white.

If your flooring is not a simple square, like in this build, try this little trick I learned from Ara at Bentley House Minis! Use cheap post-it-notes laying them on the floor to build a template. Use this template to cut your flooring. Make any small adjustments as needed.

There are no doors in the kit for the lower floor inner walls, only door frames, so the flooring can go through the openings in the wall.

Now that the flooring is laid down, I’m beginning to work on the wallpaper. I’ve cut the templates out, measured them against the walls, made any necessary adjustments, and then used the templates to cut the wallpaper. Double-check how the walls connect before gluing your wallpaper! I’m not trying to match the paper from one wall to the other because I will be adding things that will cover those areas later on.

Here’s a look at all of the wallpaper in place. I also found a paper that had a repeating circle motif, which I shrunk down and will use as a rug. I always print rugs onto a canvas-type material you can find HERE. This printable canvas fabric can be used with an inkjet printer and works great for outdoor tablecloths and placemats. I will show the rug later.

A great way to paint windows and doors is by creating a painting board. I’ve used a stiff piece of chipboard with part of a silicone mat glued to it. Tape is laid down in strips and secured at the ends. The silicone mat can be cleaned with a baby wipe or a wet towel, making this painting mat reusable! Always test fit windows to see if any parts can be seen from the inside or outside. If so, you need to paint both sides. If not, you can paint only one side.

One of my favorite purchases in 2025 was the Signo Uniball UM-153 pen in gold and silver. The ink flows like magic, and the finish is amazing. It can be used over stains and paint without any issues. You can see here how I’ve used it to decorate the door.

So, this door had some issues in that it wouldn’t fit into the opening and lay flat. I think it was a couple of globs of glue, so I wound up having to sand the sides of the door unit a lot. It was also difficult to paint the door, as it was previously installed. Again, I wish they had not pre-assembled parts. I could very easily be wrong; it seemed like both the door unit and the door frames were too thick for the scale. I would have preferred that they were the same thickness as the window frames.

Here is a look at the door and frames installed. You be the judge and let me know what you think.

Once all of the windows are in place, it’s time to work on the wall trim. There will be trim at the top and bottom of all walls. In the middle room, there will be a third strip used to create a chair rail effect.

In the bay window area, additional trim will be added to hide the gaps between the pieces that make up the bay window.

Now, at the final stages of the lower floor, I have stippled some of the warm white paint on top of the brick walls to create a mottled style brick. Lightly applied, this adds a subtle change to the bricks.

The final touch will be to add snow texture all around the base, the bottom of the posts, and on the window frame tops and sills. I will have to wait on this part until my order for more texture paste comes in.

Hop on over to Part 3 (live when posted)

WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO FOR PART 2 HERE

I hope you are enjoying the build and that you will stay tuned for part 03 coming soon!

Take care, mini friends,

Teri

Here is a look at the amazing finds I purchased this year . . . if you see something you love, visit the vendor’s website.

As you can see, I went a bit dragon crazy this year lol. Just couldn’t resist these amazing 3D printed ones.

Top: T&D Miniatures had these amazing dragon scale bookcases that I want to place beside the larger dragon archway figure.

Right: This little guy was purchased at the Bishop show, but the vendor did not put a card in the bag. The irridescent colors are amazing on him!

Just some random tiny things. Isn’t the Jack Skeleton jar soooo cute! It’s hard to see, but the dragon book has a glittery finish on it that was very kewl.

The table and chairs kit above is hard to see, but it’s amazingly crafted and has a beautiful finish. I will be sure to show it later after I’ve built the kit1

I could spend the entire day looking at all the amazing kits from Blackthorn Studio!!! The unfinished pieces at the back will be so fun to finish.

One of the new mini-friends I met was so kind and gifted me this set of 3D printed items. Now I just want to make a bathroom diorama lol.

Now for my fave finds . . .

Michael R Miniatures is a MUST VISIT vendor for me at the Bishop show, and his items this year did not disappoint. Just amazing quality and such cute facial expressions.

No idea yet how I will use these, but I may just make a simple room to showcase my collection, as I do plan to add to it each year.

Last but not least . . . let me introduce you to ZELDA!!!! (If you follow my Coven Lighthouse special project, you know.

Isn’t she just perfect as Zelda! Just walking down the aisle at the show and saw her immediately, thinking that is Zelda. I just knew she had to come home with me, and I can hardly wait to add her to the lighthouse.

So that’s everything that came home with me this year. I LOVE every single piece and am looking forward to adding them to my mini projects.

Hope you enjoyed the quick view.

Happy mini making, Teri