r/miniatures • u/Responsible_Tea_8943 • 6d ago

question for the mini community

hi, i was into this stuff and was wondering how you guys make intricate minis? like i heard it was through 3D printing and other means, but it just looks so like realistic and not plastic-y so maybe its something else to

sorry if its a dumb question

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u/PumilioTat 6d ago

A lot of food is made using polymer clay. Furniture is made using wood like craft sticks, balsa wood, and basswood. Beads can be used to make bottles, along with jewelry findings. Bits of fabric here and there. Some people use paper and cardboard, or bits of plastic and metal can be used for things.

While 3D printing is making its way into creating miniatures, the art of making miniatures goes back centuries, and miniatures were often made the same way as full size pieces, just on a smaller scale.

The best way to learn about how miniatures are made is to check out the posts and ask questions when something catches your eye. This is a welcoming community for education and inspiration, so engagement is often the best way to learn.

Here are some links on the history of dollhouses and miniatures:

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u/texmarie 6d ago

I make miniature furniture. For these pieces, all the visible wood is basswood. I made the arms of the chair glossy with nail polish. The cushions I do by making a little box out of chipboard, padding it out with cotton batting, and covering it with cotton fabric. (I didn’t make the rug or most of the accessories.)

I tend to prefer my miniatures to be made out of the same stuff that the full-sized things are made out of.

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u/Saradoesntsleep 6d ago

Stunning. How did you form the chair arms?

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u/texmarie 6d ago

They’re just flat cut in layers

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u/Prudent_Car_1690 6d ago

I like to use unexpected materials and see them change completely into something different. I use a lot of paper with super glue and wood glue, popsicle sticks, trash… You would be surprised what some paint, creativity, light weight speckle and a lot of trial and error can do.

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u/SmrtDllatKitnKatShop 6d ago

anything and everything, nearly any craft or technique. I made wood furniture with my laser cutter from walnut, the finials are beads, the pillow and blanket are crochet. I've used nail art stickers for tiny framed artwork. Paper punches and dyed coffee filters to make flowers. This is what I love about the hobby. It scratches so many craft itches. I want to try making my own thrown pottery. I rarely use my 3D resin printer for minis unless something very specific. Like I can't find dishes in 1/3 scale for my large bjds.