BluKatKraft: DIY miniatures

1:12 scale miniature "glass" art made with plastic and glass seed beads

DIY Dollhouse Miniatures: Modern "Glass" Art Tutorial

I am designing a modern dollhouse loft.... or now maybe some miniature shipping container pods... I have been wanting to do some modern minis for years! I started with some of the accessories and furniture first; that was years ago and I haven't done any miniature work since! These "glass" bowls are perfect for a modern dollhouse, plus they are fun to make!

I love the look of Dale Chihuly style glass art along with pottery, sculptures and my modern paintings. Someday I will build a lighted glass shelving unit to display my miniature "glass"art.

Materials and tools needed:

Plastic produce containers like those rectangular ones for herbs or spinach
Colored Sharpies
Foil
Scissors
Seed beads
Krylon clear acrylic spray
Super glue
Tacky glue
Toothpick

Step one: Cut out ovals or circles of various sizes from plastic produce containers. Using permanent markers draw circular patterns. You can smear patterns with a toothpick or blot with a paper towel; be creative. Note the plastic will shrink a bit.

Step two: Place one piece on crinkled foil (the crinkles make it easier to pick up the plastic) and place in preheated 275F oven for 45 seconds to one minute.

Step three: Quickly remove from oven and shape with fingers by cupping the plastic in the foil ( it will be cool enough). If it hardens before you get the desired shape, place back in oven with foil pinched around to hold its shape for about 30 more seconds. You can rework the plastic for a total of about 3 minutes before the plastic will start turning white which creates interesting effects.

Step Four: Touch up with markers if necessary and spray with Krylon Acrylic Gloss. Super glue any pieces together and glue glass seed beads inside using tacky glue.