How can I learn how to make miniatures - like for dollhouses?

Question

I heard about a local woman making incredible miniatures and she charges $100 an hour for her work. I think it would be fun - do you know of any books that teach how?

Answer 1

You don't say if you want to make large items like couches, tables, etc., or if you want to make smaller items.  

Those who are into miniature dollhouses often make things with balsa wood, glue and paint, and/or all kinds of things one could find around the house that can be re-purposed as other things.  There are lots of lessons for making things like that online in dollhouse sites and forums and at the library or bookstore.

But you can also make many different things (including a lot of that furniture) with polymer clay too --a lot of miniaturists use polymer clays as well as other materials, though they often limit their use of it only to miniature foods and perhaps dish and bakeware for some reason.

Polymer clay can also be made to look like many other materials (wood, metal, fabric, skin, stone, jade, pearl, and so much more), plus it can be made any shape/size/texture/coloring etc. you want, so the possibilities are really endless.

If you're interested in all those things, check out these pages at my polymer clay "encyclopedia" site:

                                                

http://glassattic.com/polymer/miniatures...

http://glassattic.com/polymer/houses_str... (......on that page, click on "Candies & More Sweets")

http://glassattic.com/polymer/sculpture....

(......on that page, click specifically on "Flowers & Leaves")

http://glassattic.com/polymer/Faux--many...

http://glassattic.com/polymer/covering.h...

HTH, and have fun!

Diane B.

Answer 2

http://www.doll-house-miniature-club.com...

Answer 3

The internet has a lot to offer, and also don't be afraid to try it, practice will only make you better at it.