DIY Network

Miniature House Renovation Rehab an old miniature into a new masterpiece From "B. Original" episode DBOR-116

Many of us dream about buying a run-down home and restoring it to glory—why not take the plunge with a miniature first? An old dollhouse from a yard sale or thrift store can be the start of a miniature masterpiece with restoration tips from Michele Beschen. The B. Original host shows how to bring new life and high style to a well-loved (and hard-used) dollhouse.

Turn a dated fixer-upper...

into a fun new miniature.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Miniature Restoration Tips

• Give texture to walls by applying lightweight drywall compound. Use a flat putty knife or other flat tool to experiment with different patterns and textures.

• Resurface the roof by covering it with pebbles. Paint the roof a dark base color, then glue on pebbles using clear silicone caulk (figure A). Once caulk is dry, spray with glossy polyurethane for a shiny coat.

• Make a bed from a block of wood, using a sponge as a mattress and a washcloth as bedding (figure B). Glue on window frames as headboards and footboards.

• Carve couches out of rigid packing foam with a serrated knife. Cover with batting and stretchy fabric and glue into place; use blunt toothpicks for the legs.

• Fashion a retro barrel chair from the lid from a can of spray paint. Trim and shape the lid with tin snips; cover with batting and faux fur fabric.

• Bend 18-gauge wire to create the legs for a director’s-style kitchen chair.

• Decorate an old jewelry box with miniature tiles and a small strip of wood to form a fireplace (figure C). Ring boxes transform easily into retro record players.

• You can supplement your homemade furniture with a few cheap pieces from discount stores, painted and embellished to make them your own (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D