Talented Miniaturists

I have three customers this month who have won competitions with a little help from my lighting products.  One used red Nano LEDs in a magic trick to win the World Championships and another has won the Best Large Miniature in a Warhammer 40K competition in Norway using LED lights and a servo to turn the tank turret and then there's the miniaturist I'm going to feature in this blog post who has won 1st prize in the Hungarian Dolls House and Miniatures contest for her stunning Cape Cod Living room.

Orsi of Orsi's Miniatures is probably familiar name to many of you and has blown me away on numerous occasions with her stunning miniature creations.

I first worked with her to provide lighting for a recreation in miniature of Sherlock Homes's kitchen and since then we've worked on a few projects together but the latest is noteworthy in that it won her the 1st prize and a lovely trophy.  So without further ado I'll show you the pictures!

Orsi's Miniatures Cape Cod Living Room. 

Stunning isn't it!  

The overall lighting is provided by LED spotlights in the ceiling.  There is another LED in the table lamp and hanging lights, warm white nano LEDs light up the bookshelves and a flickering fire kit provides a realistic glow in the fireplace.

Orsi's Miniatures - Flickering Fire and Nano LEDs in the bookshelves

Orsi's Miniatures - Nano LEDs light up the bookshelves

The Nano LEDs are typically used for smaller scales but here you can see just how effective they can be in 1/12th scale for lighting up smaller areas like these bookshelves.  The Nano LEDs are just 1.5mm long but give off an incredible amount of light and with their tiny size they are easily concealed.

Orsi's Miniatures - Miniature or real??

The attention to detail throughout this wonderful miniature is testament to Orsi's skill and vision.  I am delighted that my lighting helped bring this room to life.

Jennifer, 

Tutorial - Miniature Trees, Bushes & Topiary

Following on from my last tutorial on curved fencing (click here if you missed it) I am now going to look at making trees and bushes from Seamoss and topiary ball trees.  This tutorial is applicable to all scales if sizes are adapted to suit.

Seamoss Trees & Bushes

Seamoss Tree in 1/48th Scale

Seamoss is a natural plant material that is very useful for making trees in 1/48th or railways scales and also bushes in 1/48th, 1/24th. 1/12th scales.

It naturally forms branching structures so it's a bit easier to use than wire where you have to shape it yourself but is fairly fragile so care must be taken when handling.  If branches break off you can glue them back on with tacky glue or superglue.

Step 1:  Seamoss has little leaves on it which need to be gently removed with tweazers.  You can also remove or reattach any broken branches and shape as required.  Trimmings can be used for bushes and small plants.  If you want a thicker trunk you can add a bit of air dry clay or even pieces of masking tape to the lower truck before painting.

Seamoss with leaves removed and trimmings kept

Step 2:  Seamoss is naturally a yellow colour so it's best to first spray it brown with spray paint.  I have used a mid brown by Humbrol.

Spray painting the sea moss

Painted Seamoss Tree

Step 3: Add scatters.  I have chosen to use fine scatters in a mix of light and dark green.  The dark green is applied first and goes on the underside of the branches to add depth and shadow.  The light green goes on to the upper side and branch tips to show fresh growth.

First give a good coat of hairspray which enables the scatter to 'stick' to the seamoss.  Any cheap hairspray is fine or you can use artists matt spray sealer.

Sprinkle on the scatters.  I recommend doing this over a tub /container so you can keep the rest to reuse.

It's a good idea to use an old paintbrush to carefully remove scatter stuck to the truck or branches where it doesn't look natural.

Once you are happy spray the tree with spray adhesive and then another coat of hairspray to help the scatter stick.  Spray adhesive is quite good for seamoss because it's more fragile so doesn't risk breaking any branches etc.
The alternative is a mix of 4 parts water to 1 part PVA and a drop of washing up liquid in a clean garden or household sprayer but I find you struggle to get a fine enough mist for the seamoss.

If there's any bits where scatter hasn't stuck you can dip into PVA glue and apply scatter that way.

Leave to dry.  Once dry it should be pretty robust as the glue helps firm up the structure.

Tip: Seamoss can also be used for larger trees if you break down the pieces and use the smaller pieces as finer branches on a wire tree or other model tree framework.

Bushes:  Bushes are done in the same way but you can also use a brightly coloured scatter to suggest flowers.
In this example I've use a fine green scatter with yellow through it.

Seamoss Bush

Seamoss Flowering Bushes

Materials Required:
Links provided where I sell the item

Seamoss
Scatters in dark and light green
Hairspray or artists matt sealer
Spray adhesive or PVA glue (thinned)
Tweezers
Brown matt spray paint



Topiary Ball Trees

Topiary ball trees can be made for any scale.  Just select the appropriate size polystyrene ball.  Here I've made 1/12th scale ones using 20mm balls (25mm would also be suitable) and 1/48th scale ones using 10mm balls.

1/12th Scale Topiary Ball Tree

Step1: Glue a cocktail stick into the hole of the polystyrene ball - leave loose for 1/48th scale as we will replace with wire at the end and leave to dry.

Step 2: Paint the polystyrene balls brown using acrylic paint.  I used DecoArt crafters acrylic in chocolate.  Leave to dry.

Polystyrene balls painted brown

Step 3: Spread PVA or tacky glue over the ball, trying to get as even as possible.  It can be thinned slightly if required but you don't want it running off!

1/12th scale ball with glue

1/48th scale ball with glue

Step 4: Mix together two tones of green scatter.  A dark and light green works nicely in a medium/course grade for 1/12th scale and a fine grade for 1/48th scale.

The dark green is the older growth and the light green represents the fresh growth.

Sprinkle over the glue covering all areas.  It's best not to touch the ball as the scatter will stick to your finger rather than press to the ball.  You can add more glue and scatter afterwards as required.

Mix of fine scatter for the 1/48th scale ball

Applying scatter to the 1/48th scale ball

Spray with hairspray to help hold the scatter and then leave to dry.  I find a bit of polystyrene is good to stick them into or you could use blue tack or similar.

You should end up with something like this:

1/48th Topiary Ball Tree - after scatter

Once dry you can add additional scatter with drops of glue in any bare patches.

For the 1/48th scale topiary ball trees I used some florists wire twisted together for the trunk.

1/48th Topiary Ball Trees

I still need to get a pot for each of these!

Materials Required:
Links provided where I sell the items

Polystyrene balls (I have these, just need to update the website so please ask if you'd like some)
Green scatters
PVA glue
Cocktail stick or paper covered florists wire
Brown acrylic paint
Hairspray or artists matt sealer


I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial and find it of use.  More tutorials coming soon.

Jennifer,

Tutorial - Curved Fencing

Following on from the launch of my landscaping materials last week I thought I'd do a quick tutorial on how easy it is to bend it to create curved fencing.

If you want to create that unique look not possible with standard plastic or wood fencing then this is the tutorial for you!

The wood pulp board used for the fencing is a very versatile and unique product.  It doesn't separate into layers like matt board or cardboard and comes in various thicknesses.  It's also suitable for laser cutting meaning it's easy to create intricate designs that don't break the bank.

One of the killer features of this board is it's ability to be curved and then retain that curve once dry.  I've already used it successfully on a previous collaboration with Quernus Crafts for Christmas.

Curved Fencing Example

So without further ado...

Tutorial:

Step 1:  Find a suitable sized container that has the right sized diameter for the curve you want to make.

Step 2:  Take your piece of fencing and using your fingers, dampen both sides with water.  It shouldn't be dripping, don't run it under the tap, just enough to dampen the surface.  Shake off any excess.

Step 3:  Starting at one end, carefully bend the fence around the container, working your way around and then hold in place with an elastic band.  I used the top off a ear bud tub that I use for holding paint etc.

Dampened fence curved round container and held with elastic band

Step 4:  Set aside and leave to dry.  Should only take an hour.

Step 5:  Take off the elastic band and you should have a curved fence.

Dry and curved fencing

Step 6:  Paint in the colour of your choice.  I used Decoart Crafters Acrylic and one coat of black was enough.  White may need 2 coats.  You can leave it natural or stain for a wood effect if you wish.

Painted curved Fence

Painted curved Fence

Step 7:  Glue in position using PVA glue.  Wood glue or tacky glue are best.  There is flexibility in the fence so you can tweak the curve a little if you need to.

Fence posts and a gate are provided so panels can be joined together at corners.

And that's it!  Simples!

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial,

Jennifer,

New arrivals... Landscaping Materials

I can't believe how quickly the months are flying by.  It's May already and summer is nearly here.  

With the onset of spring and the welcome fresh new growth after the winter I have been hard at work behind the scenes putting together my new range of landscaping materials specially selected for their suitability for 1/48th scale and smaller.  You can read about these below along with some 'How To' tips to help you get started.

Click here for : Landscaping Materials

New Landscaping Materials

Above is a photo showing a few of the new products along with one of my house base kits which are ideal for using along with the landscaping materials.

These specifically selected premium materials have been chosen for their suitability for use in 1/48th scale and are provided in handy packs to suit 1-2 projects depending on size.

I have designed my own set of laser cut fencing which are cut from a special wood pulp board which doesn't split at the edges but can be easily cut with a craft knife and painted with standard acrylic paint.  It also has a very unique property that allows the fencing to be bent to shape.  Just dampen the fence both sides and curve round an object and leave to dry.  Once dry it will hold the curve permanently and can then be glued to your layout.

Other materials include a range of scatters for trees, bushes, hedges, flowers, paths and sand for beach scenes.

Selection of ground materials for paths, earth and grass.

Hedges are pretty easy to make or you can choose our pre-made formal hedge.

Pre-made formal hedging

Trees
I have in stock two types of tree making materials.  For those who are more experienced you can buy a length of tree making wire which can be separated and twisted to form the shape of any style of tree you like.  The wire structure can either be simply sprayed brown with spray paint or covered with air dry clay or Milliput to form a thicker truck and branches and then painted.

The other option is a Seamoss tree which is a natural material which has a very realistic tree structure.  This can be used as is for a winter tree or scatters can be added to make a 'leafed' tree.  Simply spray with spray adhesive and dip or sprinkle the scatter over the top and leave to dry.  You can add blossom or fresh growth by dipping ends of branches in PVA glue and adding light green scatter for fresh growth or coloured scatters for blossom.

Seamoss can also be used in small piece for shrubs and bushes.  It is quite delicate as it is a natural material so should be handled gently.

Seamoss Tree only £1.75
Tree Making wire only £1.15

Hedges
I have two hedge materials in stock.  The first makes informal or formal hedges and uses rubberised coir as the base structure.  These are pre-cut and painted and ready for you to add your chosen scatter materials to.
The other hedges are formal hedges with a foam core.  These are pre-made and ready to go.

Hedge kit
Formal hedges

How to make a hedge:
The hedge kit comes with 4 pieces of pre-painted 'hedge', 6" long, 1" high and 1/2" wide, perfect for 1/48th scale.

Start by mixing up a scenic spray glue in a clean garden or household sprayer with 1 part PVA to 4 parts water and a drop of washing up liquid to help flow.  (Spray clean water through nozzle after each use)
Cover the hedge with your chosen scatter colour(s) and then spray throughly with the scenic glue.  
Spray with hairspray or artists fixative (use a ventilated area) and leave to dry for 24 hours.

You should then have a robust, flexible hedge which can be trimmed to make a formal hedge.
The rubberised coir can also be teased out before adding scatter to make a wild countryside type hedge.

Hedge pack of 4 just £4.99
Formal hedge pack of 6 just £5.25

Click here for : Landscaping Materials

Jennifer, 

New Products - Bases for smaller scale kits

It's a familiar situation for many of us...You've built your house kit and added some lighting to really bring it to life but what do you do with the wires and the battery box?

Well, the solution is often to make a base for the kit so you can hide the battery underneath and perhaps also add a garden or other landscaping but what if you could buy a base that was specially designed and had a concealed drawer to hide the wiring with an easily accessible on/off switch?

Ta da!

Assembled and landscaped small base kit for BlueBell Cottage

I have designed a couple of sizes of base kits that suit most 1/48th scale house kits or several smaller kits.  These are lasercut from 3mm ply and even have a concealed magnetic system so bases can be joined together to make a street scene.

Bases can be joined to form a street scene

They are designed to be used with any lighting kit but if you already have or are buying one of my lighting kits then I provide an extension wire with micro plug connectors so the lighting kit can be plugged into the extension and then the battery and switch neatly fit in the drawer.  The switch snaps into the hole in the front of the base for easy switching on and off of your lights.

Large base kit 

Large base kit with drawer open

I have assembled some landscaping materials including kits to make hedging & shrubs, realistic grass and I've also designed a picket style fence with gate.  These are not yet on the website but please contact me if you are interested.  These materials are often sold in large quantities for model railways so I will supply smaller kits, with instructions so you have enough to do one or two bases and don't get left with a mountain of stuff you don't need!

The bases are available here: Bases for smaller scale kits and prices range from £12.99 - £16.25 (discounts for buying more than one)

Best wishes,

Jennifer,

Kit Review: 1/48th Christmas Market Stall

Most of you will know by now that I am specialising in lighting dolls houses and scale models with LEDs, especially smaller scale kits either for 1/48th & 1/144th dolls house kits or other smaller scale models.

Last week Jane Harrop asked me to design a kit for her new Christmas Continental Market Stall.  She wanted a warm white LED to be powered by a coin cell battery which would be hidden on the back of the stall.

I got a kit to make up so I could design and demonstrate the lighting and so in return I am reviewing the kit.

The kit was smaller than I imagined when I first thought of a market stall.  I think I'm still getting used to the concept of 1/48th scale being so small having worked in 1/12th scale for so long!

The kit came in a lovely brown envelope with a picture of the finished market stall on the front and I also had along with it a few small brown envelopes containing a selection of 'gifts' to sell in the stall including tiny Christmas trees, 3D trees, little houses and gingerbread houses.

On emptying the contents of the kit onto my workspace I had the following parts.  The shell of the market stall is etched with lines to emulate the wooden boards and all the pieces are precision cut on a laser cutter.  There wasn't much of a burnt smell with this kit as there can be with some and the edges were a nice rich brown rather than burnt black so no sanding was needed.

The market stall kit components

 The kit is comprehensive in it's contents.  You get everything you need including sandpaper.  The only items I had to provide was glue and wood stain.  You can stain, paint or leave the stall natural.  I chose to use some Light Oak stain I had which matched the colour of the edges of the wood nicely.

The instructions are very easy to follow and colour photos show the various stages so this kit is easy to assemble.  The sandpaper provided is called 'Abranet' and it's a bit of a revolution in sandpaper because it's full of holes so instead of the dust clogging the sandpaper and going all over your wood, it instead falls through the holes to the paper underneath leaving your wood basically dust free and you can wrap up and throw away the paper afterward.  Brilliant!
There's plenty of life left in the sandpaper afterwards for future projects too being of the new type which is long lasting.

After a quick sand of the pieces I used a bit of paper towel to apply my wood stain, giving a light coat as suggested in the instructions to prevent warping.  My kit was fine and you don't need much to add a nice colour to the wood.

Assembling the kit was pretty straightforward.  All the pieces fitted together well.  The only sanding required was to the door frame which was slightly long (as noted in the instructions).  For that I glued the wood pieces into the doorway and once dry, placed the door in position and used an emery board (nail file) to remove the excess wood from the bottom.  Just a few strokes and it was done.

The stained and assembled market stall kit

The assembled roof and shelves

If you are going to light the market stall there is an additional roof strut provided which has a hole in it for the LED and wire to fit through (see photo).

I tried hinging my stall shutter by using a bit of paper.  It was mostly successful but has a tendancy to not open fully, hiding some of the interior.

The sanding and fixing of the shutter was the only photo I found unclear as it looked like it was fixed at 90 degrees but the instructions suggested a chamfer was to be added and I wasn't sure why.

Once the market stall was assembled I made up the shelves.  There are 3 shelves for the walls and also a  table for the display of your Christmas goods.

I had to sand the ends of the table slightly so that it would fit inside the stall, again using an emery board to keep the end square.

The shelf brackets are tiny but spares are provided.

Some of the gifts to sell in your market stall

The final task was to make up the gifts for inside the stall.  The tiny houses were easy and I left them natural and just glued them onto the shelves.  The little trees are somewhat fiddly and a pair of tweezers is essential but with a little patience they're not that difficult to do.  I stained them while still in the wood piece and then put them together.

3D trees

The 3D trees are delightful.  Such amazing detail given how small they are ( the photo makes them look bigger than they are and I should really have taken this with a ruler against them!).

Again, I stained them first and then popped them out one by one so the pieces didn't get mixed up and assembled them using tweezers.

The final step was to glue the decorations onto the shelves and table and then glue the shelves into the stall.  I did have to think about the arrangement as some of the single trees are quite tall and so don't really fit on the shelves so you need to pick and choose which you want to use.  I chose not to use the gingerbread houses as I was running short of time but these would fit on better.  The 3D trees are smaller and so they work well.

 It only took 2-3 hours to make and the light really does make such a difference.

So, here it is... the completed market stall with gifts and tiny nano LED light!

The completed market stall with gifts and light

The back of the stall showing my lighting kit containing coin cell battery holder and on/off switch.  I glued these on with superglue.  Just a couple of spots on the holder and one on the switch is enough.

The back of the stall with the battery and on/off switch

If you love the kit and wish to purchase one Jane has them on her website and will also have them at the York and Kensington fairs.

If you want to light the kit you can buy the lighting kit shown here from me by going to my website.

I hope you have enjoyed the review.

Jennifer,

Christmas is just around the corner....

Sorry for my absence the last couple of weeks.  It suddenly got very busy here and I was also away one weekend visiting my sister.

To put things back on track it'll probably be a bit of a bumper post!

As some of you may well have noticed I now have my Christmas products listed on my website.  To expand on last years range I have added 2 smaller sleighs so you can now buy one for most scales of dolls house ie 1/48th, 1/24th & 1/12th.  They are also very suitable just as a gift, table centerpiece or general Christmas decoration.

They are all available as laser cut kits which keeps the postage cost down and gives you a fun project for a winters evening!

First up is the tiny and very cute 1/48th scale set.  The sleigh is just 2" long and it all fits inside a small matchbox, including the instructions!  Who could resist such a delightful little package?

1/48th Kit inside a small matchbox

1/48th Reindeer & Sleigh Kit

At only £4.99 it's the perfect gift for yourself or a friend.

Buy now!


Next up is the slightly larger 1/24th scale kit.  The sleigh is 4.5" long and the larger size allows for a bit more detail in the sleigh.

1/24th Reindeer & sleigh kit

1/24th Reindeer kit

1/24th sleigh kit

This set is only £8.99 for both sleigh and reindeer.

Buy now!

Finally we have the 1/12th scale sleigh and Rudolph which are available both as a complete set and individually.

1/12th Rudolph & Sleigh painted kit 

1/12th Rudolph & Sleigh kit 

This set is only £14.99 or you can also purchase the sleigh and Rudolph individually.
Sleigh only £12.99
Rudolph only £5.99


The last couple of days I've been busy packing up all the different kits into boxes in preparation for the Country Living fairs at Glasgow and Harrogate at the end of this month.

I'm not going personally but I have collaborated with Kirsten Miller of Quernus Crafts who bought some custom made painted sleighs and reindeer for her Santa mice and these will be for sale at the fairs.

She is also selling my kits at the fairs so it's a good opportunity to do your Christmas shopping if you're local to either of these events.

Country Living Fair Glasgow - 21st-24th November
Country Living Fair Harrogate - 28th-1st December

Until next time...

Jennifer,