Cottage Tiny House

This shadow box is from Michael's Peppermint Lane Collection. I came across it after Christmas, last year. I immediately knew it would make a perfect base for a tiny house. (Oh, I love tiny houses!) Plus, it was marked 75% off the original $29.99 sales price, so I scooped it up!

Shadow Box from Michael's Peppermint Lane Collection

Side and Back View - Nice Hooks for Hanging

Added a Second Level and Installed Wood Floors

Textured the Walls, Inserted a Door, and a Ladder

Door Knob

Corner View

Textured the Back Wall and Added Ship Lap to the Sides

Ladder Entrance to the Second Level

Completed and Ready to Fill with Accessories

Bakery and Chocolatier Shadow Boxes

I began assembling a couple of shadow boxes during the spring, and I worked on them throughout the summer. Now that I'm finally finished, I plan to give them to a friend for her two children. One box contains a bakery scene for her daughter, and the other box holds a chocolatier counter for her son. I could have kept adding and adding more pieces, but I had to tell myself that it was time to stop! I've included more details below in the captions. Cheers!

I purchased the unfinished shadow boxes from Michael's.

The empty displays before adding accessories.

The completed shadow boxes ready to hang on the wall.

Caeley's Bakery

Brian's Assorted Chocolates

Dollhouse Miniature Kitchen Hutch Makeover

A kind woman I met through Etsy passed along some of her unused miniatures and supplies to me. Among the box of goodies, I found this miniature kitchen hutch and shelf.

I forgot to take some before shots of my own, so I'm including these photos from a listing I found on eBay. The one I had in my possession was scuffed up and the veggie stickers were peeled off, but the hutch itself was still functional and in good shape. 

I removed the stickers and got rid of the doors before I painted it with two coats of chalk paint. Then, I gave it a worn look by scuffing it with sandpaper and dry brushing with acrylic paints. Finally, I sealed it with a matte varnish and added the little storage baskets.

Viola! My new garden hutch!  I can't wait to dress it up with potted plants, seed packets, and gardening tools.

Fall Baking

I was inspired to do a little Fall baking this week, so I made pies, cookies, and salads. The salads aren't quite a seasonal thing, but it was something I wanted to do for a long time. I also carved out a few sets of wooden serving spoons to go with the salad platters. All of these items will be listed in my shop. Get yours before they're gone! Cheers!

Corner Bakery

I'm sharing these old pictures from one of my first miniature projects - a simple corner bakery. They're a source of inspiration to me, so maybe they'll inspire you, too. Take note of the changes in my artistic abilities and photography skills. I used some accessories from eBay, some from furnishings Hobby Builders Supply, and some baked goodies made by me.

The best advice I can give to anyone interested in creating their own miniature bakery is to start small. Bigger is not always better when starting out.  Try assembling a scene or shadow box, then move to a room box or smaller dollhouse. It will save you time, money, and frustration. Cheers!

The History of Small Stuff Studio

My first venture on Etsy was in 2012 when I opened a shop called Ginger Prim Creations. (Odd name, I know.) Crafting items for the shop kept me busy for a few months, but it wasn't something I was passionate about doing. My creativity quickly fizzled out.

GingersLittleHouse (formerly GingerPrimCreations)

One day, I stumbled across miniatures that were made with polymer clay. I was suddenly struck with nostalgia of being a little girl playing with my dollhouse. I was so amazed by the realism and inspired with creativity that I bought a block of polymer clay and gave it a try. I purchased books, watched tutorials, and practiced techniques. A quick name change to Ginger's Little House, and I was officially what I call a "mini-maker".

This sad little citrus layer cake was one of my first miniatures.
I remember being so proud of myself.

In 2016, I went on hiatus, but I missed making miniatures. I decided to abandon the old shop and start fresh with Small Stuff Studio. So here I am, starting a new blog dedicated to showcasing my adventures in mini-making. I look forward to sharing my projects with you.

SmallStuffStudio