Furniture for miniatures requires smaller dimensions, so I need materials that are harder, easy to shape, and readily available.
If you have advanced tools at your disposal, such as a 3D printer or laser wood cutter, the possibilities are endless. However, I prefer to work with basic tools and common materials, as that’s part of the charm of miniature making.
1.Clay/Resin for small accessories:
Amazon link are below:
- Clay link:https://a.co/d/9apMoGg
- Resin link:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SCJWTQG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
- Silicon mold link:https://a.co/d/ja7757i
When working on a tiny scale, like the 1:24 ratio, creating even smaller furniture poses a unique set of challenges. Unfortunately, 1:24 scale furniture isn’t as widely available as 1:12 scales, so I’ve had to learn to build these items myself.
The first challenge I tackled was miniature food. I watched numerous YouTube videos to learn the art of crafting realistic miniature food, and many skilled artists use clay and resin. I personally tried a few and am pleased with the results.
While I’m not as experienced with resin, I did give it a shot. Resin’s transparent nature makes it ideal for creating ‘glass’ or semi-clear items. Typically, resin is used with silicon molds. Although I haven’t mastered resin yet, I found it fascinating, and you can check out a video from one of my favorite creators below.
Silicon molds aren’t exclusive to resin; I’ve also used them for clay and achieved impressive results. I’ve collected several “silicon decoration pattern molds” for house decoration, but it’s crucial to calculate the size since most molds are too large for 1:24 scales.
2. Balsa wood / hard paper board:
I have a preference for furniture with a wood finish, so I frequently use wood-related materials. Balsa wood and veneer serve as the primary sources for my miniature furniture, and I often reinforce with hard paper board. I’ve included a few tutorials on wood furniture below for your reference.
To achieve different wood colors and looks, I use wood stain. The results are impressive, and you can find a tutorial for reference below.
3. Beads / metal decoration piece:
Amazon link are below:
If you’ve ever worked with DIY kits, you’ll know that small metal pieces, often in the form of beads, are incredibly useful. I’ve transformed these beads into coffee pots, small lamps, and other tiny items per DIY kit hand manual. Wood beads work well for vases/pots, and bead stoppers add a nice touch to corner decorations. Over time, I’ve amassed a collection of beads on my side. lol When ordering beads, be sure to check their size; I once mistakenly ordered larger beads for my 1:24 scales. This is one of the challenges of working with smaller scales.
4. Leverage DIY kits:
Amazon link are below:
If you happen to have materials from a DIY kit, make sure to make the most of them. I’ve personally completed a couple of DIY kits, and there always seems to be some materials left over. I save them for use in my own custom-designed home.
Additionally, I’ve purchased DIY kits that come with special furniture I couldn’t build in the early stages (sometime in 2023, to be precise). It’s amusing – things like a piano, phonograph, coffee machine, and more. Some of these items are crafted from plastic or cut with a laser cutting machine, giving them a finer shape and intricate details.
Moreover, resist the urge to glue all the furniture or accessories right away. With the exception of the DIY kits I’ve built for others, I didn’t glue my furniture to the wall / floor. This allows me to easily move them around or reuse them in another home, even the removable painting and lighting elements. Oh, and here’s a little secret – I haven’t glued wall of my mini house either so I can tear it down for storage. There’s more to that story, and I’ll delve into it in another article.
I understand some may be eager to dive into making miniature furniture right away. Below are a few tutorials for your reference. If you have a specific item in mind, feel free to let me know in the comments. I can share more videos from my previous tutorials.
Sen.Tet 
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