Create Year Long Challenge 2023 - M to Z
Participants are in alphabetical order by last name. Participants with a last name starting with M-Z are on this page.
Participants with a last name starting with A-L can be found here.
Pam McDonald
For 2024, I plan to furnish and landscape the quarter scale Visalian house that I built as my 2023 challenge.
March
Here is one side of the house with the rooms completed -- I just need to add some houseplants I am working on.
June
I have furnished the remaining rooms in my Visalian house -- 2nd bedroom, 2nd attic, hallway, and living room. I am hoping to complete the landscaping in the next quarter.
September
I didn’t get much done on my challenge over the summer, but I did make a start on the landscaping. I made two hanging fuchsias for the porch (kit by sdk) and have started collecting together materials for the garden and making flowers. I also ordered pieces for a case and will put it together as soon as the special glue I need arrives. Hopefully the next quarter will be much more productive.
Final Update
My challenge this year was to furnish and landscape the Victorian house I built for last year’s challenge (house kit by Debbie Young). Pictures of the furnished rooms were posted earlier in the year. The landscaping is now complete with the exception of a picket fence that was caught in our month long postal strike.
Carla McIntyre
Since I was able to finish a long planned project that kept getting pushed down the to do list last year, I’m up for the 2024 challenge! My project this year is to complete my “museum” display. I’m starting with 2 four-sided display boxes from Hobby Builders bought many years ago. Each corner will be finished to display a different collection from my stash. A sewing room, a European kitchen using Reuter Porcelain, and a man’s workshop are some of my plans. I will also remove one panel to display a Chinese style dining room that was from my mother’s stash. I’ve started gathering pieces that will be in each display but, it’s also become a bit catch-all as you can see.
March
Not making a whole lot of progress yet but, my State Day project is ready for display on April 13th and my centerpiece is almost complete! Once State Day is over, I’ll be working full steam ahead on this project.
June
September
This quarter was a challenge. With out of town company for 4 weeks and being out of town for almost 6 weeks and moving my Dad in with us from Pittsburgh I had very limited time to mini. I did make some progress though! I’ve got a long way to go in the last quarter but, I’m going to get this done! Here is the progress I was able to make on my four kitchens.
Final Update
I’m so excited to say (after a super crappy year) that I have completed my CYLC project for 2024! I started with 2, 18 inch boxes from Hobby Builders that divide in up to 4 display areas. The first box I did as kitchens -- a Christmas Hallmark ornament kitchen, a display of Reutter Porcelain I collected over many years, an ME inspired display and my interpretation of a Brooke Tucker kit given to me by a friend. The second box I divided into just 2 sections. One side has a workshop and the other side is a sewing room.
I added a second challenge to my project -- to only use supplies in my stash, and not buy anything. My only fail was the Felix clock in the ME inspired kitchen, it just was too perfect not to “acquire”.
Even though I say this project is complete, I’m not saying finished because I KNOW there are things in my stash that will find homes in the kitchens, sewing room, and workshop that haven’t come to the surface yet.
Ann-Cary McLain
At the recent Quarter Connection Mini Mart I was thrilled to acquire the Charleston Single - a kit I have sought for years. I plan to assemble, electrify, and furnish the house for my CYLC 2024 project.
March
This quarter I laid out and stained two levels of flooring. All clapboard siding was attached and openings cut out. (Blue tape holds outer walls for a trial fit.) I made kitchen, dining room, and some bedroom furniture to help with the electrical plan. Not pictured -- all electrical components and a display box were purchased.
June
With my heavy work schedule this quarter, I tackled smaller tasks on the house -- even if they were out of order. All the windows have been painted and "glass" (mod podge) applied. Doors have been painted (including gold doorknobs). All shutters have been painted. All porch railing units have been painted and assembled. Next quarter I'll tackle the wiring and wallpaper.
September
This quarter I developed an electrical schematics plan and started implementing it as I assembled interior walls and applied wallpaper. Many more pieces of furniture were assembled. The living room is complete, with good progress made on dining room and kitchen. The 2nd floor (pictured in front) is starting to come together. But there is still a lot to be done in the 4th quarter!
Final Update
I pushed up until the very last minute, but I completed this year-long project! This was by far my most complicated 1/4" project to date, esp. the electricity throughout!
Kathy McNeely
I decided to make a painter's studio roombox to display my miniature paintings as I work on them. I've planned a gallery for YEARS, maybe I'll get to it at some point, lol. My roombox kit arrived yesterday.
March
I really underestimated how many bricks and mortar I would need! I just ordered more. I have widened the annex entry in the back and added windows to this part of the build. There us another front room that will be added as well.
June
No June update
September
Coming along, but I don't know if I'll ever brick an entire piece again! Lol
I still need to brick outside, add lighting, then I can add the fun details.
Final Update
It's finished! I've submitted for the miniatures.com "Creatin' Contest", too. The outside is completely bricked, too.
Jan Mickelson
I have selected the Acorn Wood Cottage in half inch scale for this year’s project.
March
I’m not as far along as I thought I would be with my half scale acorn cottage! There was the task of gathering appropriate paint colors and of course brain freeze when I even think about landscaping. Onward!
June
I have made some good progress assembling, painting, and gluing together the Acorn Cottage. The inside has one papered wall -- I may add some beadboard panel part way up the wall. The fireplace is not glued in yet -- need to do aging. The exterior will have a second color of paint so chimney has not been glued on yet but I think it turned out really nice. I'm excited to start on the paperclay trees.
September
Ugh not making much progress at all! I was worried about using paperclay so I have just done a little on that. I worked on the base carving it to shape it some more. I have done nothing on the inside but did make a little bed I might use. I can’t find the bed right now so no picture. If this is like last year the final three months is when I finally get confident enough to finish. It’s going to be beautiful.
Final Update
This is my progress as of December 30. I will continue to work on the trees and landscaping. It is much harder than I thought it would be! I really have enjoyed working on this half inch scale project.
Samantha Murray
Rinse and repeat. I’m continuing my challenge from last year with the Advent Calendar. 7 buildings down, 18 to go. IT WILL BE FINISHED THIS YEAR!!!
March
I have 9 buildings designed so far and an idea of how it will all go together. Gotta step up my game!
June
Progress has been slower than I hoped with real job and show prep getting in the way. Really hoping to jump in and get this finished in the next six months.
September
Checking in but nothing has been accomplished this quarter due to “Real Job”, Dallas miniature show, and new puppy getting in the way.
Final Update
Sadly due to many factors, some beyond my control such as my hard drive becoming corrupted and losing a lot of data, including some of my advent calendar files, I did not finish my year long project. I’ll get the files recreated and keep working on it. Next year, I’m doing something just for me.
Linda Napier
I was hoping to start the Adoorable shop last year after finishing the other project. Well, it's still in the box. I hope to complete it this year.
March
Progress this quarter was staining all the pieces and laying the floors.
June
Here is my photo for the end of the second quarter. Of course, I wish it was further along, but I'm happy I'm making progress.
September
I was distracted with Camp Make-A-Mini this quarter, but did make some progress.
Final Update
Adoorables from a kit by Debbie Young. I really like how it turned out and hope this gives you some incentive to make yours.
Marjorie Parker
This poor Laser Dollhouse Designs Jazmine 1/2 scale has languished for years in a coat closet. Because I started it with no skills and made a number of mistakes, I doubt I can fully restore it. Yet it deserves to be finished and inhabited by its Victorian family. I am doing hybrid battery lighting with round wire and have never ever done shingles.
I am also tickled by all the fellow challengees working on Joie de Vivre. I have one to finish, too, and would not let myself buy any furniture until it was done. Maybe that will be my CYLC for 2025. One word to you, don’t get all hung up on all the custom paint mixes … unless you want to, of course ….
March
Eeek! The March CYLC is due! I forgot! I have been working on the True2Scale lamps for my Club’s 1/48 scale project instead. So earlier, I took my Jasmine 1/24 apart and tried to untangle the wiring. I did learn that 9 Volt batteries are not necessarily compatible with all ancient 1/24 scale 12 volt lamps that I have acquired and “inherited”. Who knew? Two of the lamps failed, one battery got super-hot and some wires needed to be re-spliced. It was far easier to get the fireplace going with a reliable Evan Designs LED fire kit.
June
In this quarter of CYLC, I learned that larger scales really are unforgiving. I also learned that tabs won’t fit into paint-filled slots, nor into paint-warped wood. Actually, I already knew -- just had to remember -- painfully! I tried out two new products for me -- extra large rubber bands to use as clamps, and model-railroading’s Just Plug’s Light Block Kit. I am sure the putty in the light block kit would work even better in more patient and skillful hands than mine. It would be a great product for miniaturists in thinner strips and lighter colors. Yes, the porch roof was deliberately cut to hide the electronics underneath. Yesterday, it was deliberately snapped into three pieces because I neglected to re-familiarize myself with the directions since 2016 for order of assembly.
September
What I did in the preceding quarter of CYLC ‘24 was two kinds of shingles and a little bit on the lighting and a little bit on the front door. Shingles on turrets and dormers is not for the faint-hearted! Hoping to wrap it up in the last quarter and finish! Thanks again for extending the deadline.
Final Update
At long last, my Laser Dollhouse Designs 1/2 scale Jasmine is finished. I am not happy with it (my lack of expertise -- it’s a wonderful kit!); but it was a work in progress since 2015. Now my treasured dolls can move in. The best part is when I took it to a Club meeting to work on in November and the four year-old grandson of a prospective new member played with it, very gently. He was fascinated with the fireplace, which I forgot to light in these photos.
The experiences I gained were: wallpapering and flooring; 1/2 scale lighting using round wire and 9-volt battery adapters; shingling; and buying way more furniture than could fit! Of course, it needs a lot more doo-dads and hanging plants. I would have preferred wicker furniture in the sunroom, and the one Bespaq piece outshines the TownSquare pieces -- but even so, I went way over budget.
Alician Pearce
My main goal for 2024: I want to get the basic structure done on my book shop. If I get done early with that, then I will work on the kits for the insides ... that will be a bonus ...
March
I have had a crazy first part of the year ... this is all that I was able to get done.
June
I did not get much done on the structure, but I did get most of the lighting in, and also got some of the furniture assembled.
September
Not much got done this quarter, as I had a ton to do getting ready for Convention and NAME day. I did get the wiring for the fireplaces done and some furniture.
Final Update
I did not get last year's challenge finished. Life got in the way, and the last 3 months, I have not had any time at all to work on it. So, this will also be my year long challenge for 2025 .... LOL!!!
Melody Petlock
My goal for the 2024 NAME year long challenge is to make some progress on this display cabinet dollhouse I built about 7 years ago. I at least want to finish whatever is needed for the dolls to move in. (Flooring, baseboards, door frames, strip lighting, stairs, and any "built ins".) I call this dollhouse the Dutch House. It is the home of a Sea Captain and his very creative wife (M'Lady). The house is in some warm Dutch colony so a lot of the furnishings are white wicker. They have been many places so have decorated their house with things collected on their travels.
The photos are a rough image that was the best I could find of the basic kit (Real Good Toys 20+ room showcase) and the current "secret shame" state of the house. M'Lady is not amused!
March
The first step was clearing out all the things stuffed in the dollhouse over time. Over these months I have painted, cut and glued a lot of doorframes and baseboards. I also worked on hallway doors -- false entrances, exits. I made 2 cheap fireplaces super fancy and upscaled a couple of shelf units. I botched hallway floors so am waiting for new lovely blue tiles. I am enjoying making progress ... thanks to this motivating year-long challenge!
June
In the second quarter I figured out and installed a lot of trim and finished all of the flooring. It's becoming a challenge to focus on architecture, walls, floors, windows, stairs and trims. I keep wanting to work on furniture and fill shelves!
September
I am seeing some progress.
Final Update
This display house is almost where I wanted it to be at this point. There are only a few bits of wire to conceal, baseboards to glue down, and draped windows to make before it is completely move in-ready. The dolls and I are so grateful for this challenge. Having accountability really moved my project forward!
Cheryl Polito
I am going to continue working on my log cabin and think I will take the advice of working on it every day from a certain time so by December 31, 2024 I will have it finished inside and out.
March
June
One side of roof is on and some ceilings done. I brought it up to the RV park but will have to take it home since it is too humid and even though it is covered and wrapped in a sheet and tarp things are not liking the moisture. I hope to finish the last two floors and ceilings so I can add the logs to the outside. Hopefully next check in I will be working on furniture.
September
I haven’t been able to work on it as much as I would like because we are living in our RV while my hubby works out of state. I actually got my log cabin with me a few weeks ago and have worked as much as I can. I again moved walls, added and subtracted from flooring, and all but a little in the kitchen has been finished. While waiting on paint in the kitchen to dry I started working on measuring logs. I am allowed to work in the rec hall of our RV park but don’t want to cut the wood inside since it would make a huge mess.
Final Update
I haven’t had as many chances as I thought I would but here is what I have done so far. Will be working on it when I am at my house to finish it.
Marlene Prickett
I am using a 7-shelf corner bookshelf to create a 6 apartment complex titled: Froxbury Mansions Phase II. So far I have assembled the bookshelf …
Final Update
I have finished my challenge!! The project was called Froxbury Mansions Phase II but I have changed it to “FAWLTY TOWERS” as it is rather quirky! There are six apartments for elderly people … a place to display most of the wonderful furniture that has been languishing in boxes and drawers! I still have a few details to add but the overall structure is complete and the new residents are moved in with most of their furniture. I will post more pictures on the NAME Facebook page.
Kelle Risoli
I really want to try and get this completed. Fantasy Cottage revised into a Gothic Chamber.
March
I have made some modifications to the size and the material that will be used. So far I have created the prototype and the patterns I'll use to cut the pieces. Doesn't seem like much but at least it's progress ;-)
June
I was able to get the furniture for the King's Scribe quarters made and prototyped the Rose Window in the curved castle wall (half of an oatmeal box). The furniture is made from cardstock and chipboard cut on my Cricut Maker. Credit for the Gothic Fireplace and the Prie Dieu goes to Thicketworks Studio (Heather Tracy) and the medieval bookcase design is from Spellbound Miniatures (Lisa Sones-Peck). Had a happy accident happen with the bookcase & the Prie Dieu when I sprayed on a light coat of Krylon clear Gloss. Don't know if it was an old can or my spraying technique or spraying in 100 degree temperatures, but the color and the texture it left is perfect! Will have to try to replicate it.
September
Sadly, I have made very little progress this quarter. I do have a pile of “stones” for the castle walls cut out but that’s as far as I’ve gotten. Hopefully more progress next time.
Final Update
I am reluctant to say that I have failed miserably with this year's challenge. The more I worked on it, the more I realized that it just wasn't working the way I wanted. It had gotten so big I was afraid I was going to have to add onto the house, so I have had to rethink the whole thing. I think I'm on the right track now so I will plan to keep at it for the 2025 Challenge.
Connie Sauve
Kringle’s Tree Farm started when my friend Don Silva, gave me the wood shack who made it from scratch. I happened to have the acrylic cover already, so I had the base made to fit the cover, which dictated the size of the project. I fell in love with the MacKenzie-Childs' colorful truck and bought one on eBay. The truck fit in great with the shack and I decided to turn the scene into a Christmas tree lot. The shack will be selling Christmas items, there will be a split-rail fence around the whole scene with a gate. There will be a family buying their Christmas tree from tree lot. There will be lots of snow and lights, creating an iconic American Christmas scene.
March
“Kringle’s Tree Farm” is coming along great so far! I made the split rail fence from old wood stakes I found in the desert. The snow has been started by laying down the first layer of styrofoam. The sales shack is in place and also the truck. I made the pine tree display shelf from scratch, which still needs to painted and finished.
June
I accomplished a few new things for my YLC, “Kringle’s Tree Farm” project. I added more snow to the base and also super fine white glitter to make it sparkle. I also made a four-sided tree shelf from scratch that will add additional display space for Christmas decorations for sale. The split-rail fence and gate are also now finished. I had a bit of a setback with the Christmas tree lights I want to swag from the top of candy-striped poles that will be positioned around the tree lot. The white lights I had planned on using looked orange instead of white, so I will have to rethink the lights. Right now I’m testing the height of the poles (they will be shorter) and the red striping. The project is coming along, although a bit slower than I would like. Hopefully the next deadline I will have much more finished!
September
I made a lot of progress this quarter on my “Kringle’s Tree Farm” project. Snow was added to the truck, market stall roof and fence. The candy cane striping (automotive car pin-striping tape) was also added to all the poles. I wired the market stall so the interior lights up. Plus filled the stall and tree shelf with all kinds of Christmas items to sell. I made a stovepipe for the stove inside the stall.
I have a few more things I still need to add to complete the scene. l have five figures to make, Kringle the proprietor and the family members that are shopping for their Christmas tree. Plus the sign over the gate and on the truck doors. Finally stringing the Christmas lights around the scene at the top of all the poles. This has been a really fun project so far!
Final Update
I was able to finish my “Kringle’s Tree Farm” project for the CYLC. It was a lot of work, but I love how it turned out!
Carin Shapiro
I will be working on installing electrical, moulding, walls, and floors in this house. Of course, there are a few other projects going on at the same time, namely a flower shop, completion of a house in my VT house, and electrical repairs on a roombox. Enough to keep me out of trouble!
March
Although my house is still a wreck, I did prime it, installed the tape wire, bought most of the wallpaper, redid the cupolas (50 cents each from a NAME garage sale), cut openings for a few new windows. I think my work will be more visibly obvious next quarter.
June
I am making slow but steady progress, with the typical electrical obstacles I have in all of my houses. In the next quarter I hope to have the rest of the wallpaper. Electrical and flooring installed.
September
Not really sure if I am going to finish this in 3 months. I have lost my motivation and am working on so many other projects at the same time. We'll see.
Final Update
I am just about completed. This was a bare shell to start. I installed electricity, took down walls to create a great room and completed trim work (except in one bathroom). I still have to install 3 staircases, but I am very happy with the tremendous work I completed on this massive project.
Susan Skinner
I would like to complete my project from the 2023 CYLC.
March
I've been tackling the trim and all the miter cuts a bit more and laid the floor on 1/4 of the upstairs. Its been very tricky doing the first back room but after I get the second back room floor laid the front two will be easy.
June
This last quarter was busy for me with non mini things so I didn't get as much done as I'd hoped but I did get more of the upstairs flooring done. One room left! Hoping to finish laying it tonight so I can stain it with the nice weather this week.
September
I finished and stained all the upstairs floors made the andirons for both upstairs fireplaces and wired 1 of them. I also ordered and received fireplace wiring kits for the other three fireplaces in the house. It's all coming along nicely.
Final Update
I am so happy to say I finished the challenge this year! It took me two years and 2 challenges to renovate the whole interior of this family dollhouse that was passed to me from my aunt and namesake. The floors and walls are finished and all the fireplaces working. Now the doll family can start choosing and building the furniture to move in this next year. The year long challenge was just what I needed to get this completed.
Kirsten Smolensky
I want to finish Santa’s house which started as a $20 flea market find 4 years ago. It’s been stripped and partially electrified, but I want to finish it this year before Christmas.
March
Created kitchen cabinets and added lighting to fridge and over faux window. Created TV from scratch. Created mail sorting center from scratch. Still a long way to go!!
June
I had a rough quarter! The electric stopped working thanks to some loose sodder spots so I had to rip out some wallpaper etc. and start over. Once that was fixed, I focused on Santa’s mailroom including the Santa tracker. Recently I started the workshop, building the first bench. Hope to get it at least presentable for conference!!
September
It’s coming along well! I now have the basics done and I’m working on finishing some kits and more mini details. I’ve spent the most time on the workshop and gift wrapping room.
Final Update
So, I still have some small projects I want to do, but the house itself is finished and electrified, so I'm pleased with my progress. The basics are done!! Yeah!! This was lots of fun, and I'm hoping to work on another project next year! Thank you so much for running this project/experience!
Helen Sparks
This year I hope to finish decorating the inside of the 1/2" scale Colonial and also assemble Kiki's Magic Emporium (a gift from my grandkids).
March
Still gathering furniture appliances and accessories!
June
Bathroom is finished and bedroom just needs a window treatment. Other rooms are still “in progress”.
September
I finished the living room and a computer area in the upstairs hall!
Final Update
I finished my house! The final two rooms are the kitchen and tv/game room pictured. Didn’t start Kiki’s Magic Emporium because I was not sure I even wanted to do it any more.
Barb Striethorst
OK, I'll bite and try to finish my not completed 2023 Year Long Challenge "Loonie Toonie PLUS" store in 2024!!
March
I have made progress! The toys are installed in the shelving unit that I almost finished last year. All the candy is in the cash counter front shelves. The Christmas display is finished. I may just get this project completed in 2024.
June
The card rack is populated with general occasion cards, boxes and 'bags of bows'. There is a box with rolls of kraft and general occasion wrapping paper. I made a 'pegboard' with shopping bags to mount behind the cash register. More pinatas and a disco ball (Christmas ornament) join the previous sunflower pinata.
Final Update
My Loonie Toonie Plus store is done! I may still make additional seasonal displays to change out, but the box is done. I entered it as a display at our club show and sale Sep 15, and it won 3rd place.
Jodi St. Pierre
This is my childhood dollhouse, at least 50 years old. It was stored in an old garage and evidently provided a home for a furry family. I thought it had been destroyed and thrown away due to flood damage. My son surprised me Christmas Day! It was packed behind some old boxes and he recently found it (and cleaned it out). I'm going to try to save what I can, including furniture, carpet, and that awesome green velvet wallpaper!
March
The 50 year old dollhouse needed a complete rehab, including a warped board needing replacement. I took it completely apart to sand and repair (it looked so sad as a stack of boards). Carpet and wallpaper were removed. Doors and windows enlarged to scale. Stairs and interior doorways added.
It is now back together and solid. By June, I hope to have all windows and door frames installed, and MAYBE walls and cleaned carpet. Collage pics show progress, before/after.
June
Did a little this quarter. The walls were originally particle board. Paint or wallpaper would have shown the roughness. Made "skins" for walls and ceiling out of very thin wood. Put together a parquet floor design for the kitchen. Made a spiral staircase for the attic. Next projects are getting everything glued down, and then paint/wallpaper ... maybe even reinstalling most of the original carpet (don't worry -- it has been cleaned).
September
Life challenges slowed down my 3rd quarter, but I did a lot of planning. Also bought some furnishing items and a vintage kit for the Living room.
Final Update
I didn't get as far as I would have liked, but all the structural parts are ready. This 50+ year old dollhouse spent the last 30-ish years in the back corner of a garage (not climate controlled). It was in use as a nursery for a squirrel family for a few seasons, and also suffered some water damage ... and the effects of time. I was able to save most of the basic structure, except 1 board (the area of the squirrel nursery). It was made of old particle board, so I skimmed all the walls with veneer. The ceiling have been covered in wallpaper that looks like the old popcorn ceilings. Added "to scale" windows and doors and new columns on the front (3 were missing). The original carpets were cleaned (10 times), except the kitchen. I pieced together a parquet floor pattern, and will use original carpet piece for a rug.
For 2025, I hope to finish all the decorating and furnish inside and out!
Julie Stuckmeyer
I started this castle in the summer of 2020 and got this far in a few months ... and it has sat on my shelf ever since!! My goal is to finish it "Hogwarts-style" as a companion to my Wandlyn Way Street of Shops (Petworth Studios' "Street of Shops for North American Wizards").
And, because I'm a glutton for punishment (or I like to really challenge myself -- we'll go with that!) I'm also going to finish my Joie de Vivre ... inside and outside!
March
My castle progress amounted to a lot of lighting work and a little landscaping. For Joie de Vivre, I completed the structure.
June
I finished my Joie de Vivre but have made no progress on my castle. Hopefully I can get back to that in the second half of the year!
September
I've made a lot of progress on my castle but I still have loads to do in the next three months!
Final Update
I can't believe I finished in time! Technically, I still have to put a couple of telescopes on the "Astronomy Tower" but they are on their way to me so I can't do them. Still if you had asked me last week, I would have said the odds of me finishing by the deadline were "slim and none". Whew! Nothing like a deadline to help complete miniature projects!!!
Fran Sussman
This year I’ve gotten smarter. I’m going to commit to finishing something that is already started. This is a Georgian Babyhouse I took in a class with Geoff Wonnacott in 2018. I’ve been lighting and gradually filling it ever since. Only three rooms left, covering the edges, and attaching the doors. This is the year I plan to finish it. Hmmm … will I make it?
March
One more room done, only 2 to go. The bedroom (top right) was challenging! Lots of experimenting to make curtains and a dust ruffle. But it will be so much easier next time I have to do it. On to the gentlemen’s study next!
June
This wasn’t a good quarter for the Babyhouse. But I have given thought and collected a few items for the next room. I vow to finish it by December 31!!
September
So I’ve been struggling — for two quarters now — with what to do with the last two rooms of this Georgian Babyhouse. I had planned a study and a music room but neither seemed to be gelling in my head. On September 29 — literally — I got the idea of making the upper room a nursery/playroom. Duh. This gives me a chance to use all kinds of children’s furniture and toy kits I have!! The room will be chock full — a bed with a rail, a shelf of toys, a dollhouse, and all kinds of toys. Oh yes, a dresser. Maybe there will be room for a rocking chair. The lower room will be a drawing room so I’ll have an opportunity to scratch build and upholster period-appropriate furniture. I’m psyched now to find the time!!! Thank you to NAME for this challenge — sometimes deadlines spark ideas. December 31st … here I come!
Final Update
I still have two more rooms to fill.
Julia Tchikine
This year, I want to finish a roombox that I started a few months ago. It is a bathroom (see the bottom image), and I am trying to make most of the accessories and pieces by hand. I have completed some of it, but I would love to have all the accessories and furnishings completed by the end of the year, and maybe even get started on the exterior.
I would also like to finish a roombox that I started recently (see the top image), but haven't made much progress on.
March
I got a surprising amount of work done these past few months! I finished painting all of the walls, built a roof, made some furniture, and glued in the wood floor. I hope that the next few months are as productive as these have been!
June
I finally finished the bedroom and all the furniture! I might still make a shelf above the bed, but we'll have to see. I hope that I can get a lot of work done these next few months!
September
The first roombox was finished last quarter, so I worked on the bathroom furnishings for the second roombox this quarter. I made a bathtub and high tank toilet, along with a few other bits and pieces. All the furniture has to be made by hand because it is a funny scale, too small to be 1:12 but too large to be 1:24. Can't wait to finish this up (hopefully!) next quarter!
Final Update
I'm so pleased to get both of these roomboxes done, and thus complete the challenge! I hope to rejoin again next year if this runs again; it's been such fun!
Barbara Thornton-Hill
This is a series of projects I need to finish. 6-1/2 book boxes to fill from 2020, 6 suitcases to fill from 2021 and 13 or 14 kits from the 50th Anniversary to put together. I’d love to finish these projects. I had to move in the summer of 2023 and had to drop out with minimal progress so I'm reusing my 2023 Challenge for this year.
The goal is to get my craft room in order by the end of 2024. This is my before collage.
March
CYLC’24 #1.
CYLC ’24. #2. WORK ROOM PROGRESS:
SAD BUT TRUE
June
Update goal 1: 2 more done. Now I have 8/22 finished.
Update goal 2: Slowly but surely
September
Here’s one more of my kits finished. Betterley suitcase from November 2021.
Final Update
Well, of course I did not finish my year long goals. However, I did finish my Grinch Room and almost the Camp Makamini (at least the building anyway)
Terry Unnold
I really hesitated about jumping in on this challenge again, so I dithered about it until the bitter end. I’ve had this plastic monster for years, ever since I told miniature shop owner, Eileen Godfrey, that I had always wanted one. They were advertised in Nutshell News, I think in the eighties, but I had never seen one in a shop anywhere. Eileen thought there was a good reason for that since she thought it was a plastic monstrosity that she would never sell. She had acquired it in an estate from another shop that wasn’t able to sell it. She happily consigned it to the trunk of my car as a gift. It has really small rooms but there’s a very elegant version of it at the Museum of Miniatures in Carmel, Indiana to inspire me. Also nudging me on are my 1/12 scale Barbies who have seen the movie and want their own house this year!
March
Not much to report this quarter. I managed to clear out the house that will be my Homage to Barbie” and bring it to my workbench. Then I located the bits and pieces that I think will go into the house and asked Barbie and Ken what they thought. Barbie is happy with the tub but they are still thinking about that painting. Next quarter, I need to get the ceiling lights to work and decide on walls and floors. How much pink??? The Barbie in the tub is a Hallmark Barbie head on an articulated body and I will continue to maim more dolls so that they are more poseable.
June
Very little to report this quarter. I had hoped to finish the entire patio, but, as you can see, the Kens are holding things up. They got their barbecue delivered and now they can’t agree on where to put it! Barbie is not happy ...
September
Sadly no progress this month. A new fireplace has arrived, but still dealing with lighting issues.
Final Update
Well 2024 was definitely a bust for doing much with my project so I’m going to have to roll it over again into 2025 and hopefully have a better year health and family wise to work on it!
Marcie Van Deren
I am going to try to finish three (3!!) projects. They have hung around way too long.
1. The 2009 AZ State Day RV ... Needs refurbishing and a landscaped base with the dust cover.
2. Lace Shop ... Inside shop walls and floor are done. Furniture is started. Piles of lace to be turned into everything a lace shop should contain.
3. The Thrifted Living Room ... Nothing is started. Have to build the room box. I have been collecting for it for a long time.
March
This has been an excellent challenge. I am further along in these three projects that I would have thought possible! The Thrift store is out of the box and put together. The trailer base just needs the hookups now. The lace shop has been painted on the outside and most everything has been made for the inside. I just need to paint the trim and put in the lights. Thank you for the encouragement!
June
This challenge has been so good for me! The camper scene is almost finished. I am just deciding if I need long grass around the boulders!
The Thrifted Living Room has become a thrift store called Treasures
The lace shop is waiting on the wiring from Evan Designs. But the trim has been painted and the ceiling done except for the lights. All the goodies inside are ready to place!
September
1. Was supposed to be a thrift type store, but it has been suggested that it would be a great soda fountain, so I don’t know…
2. A bookstore kit that I started during Covid, but I finished in August
3. RV scene is just about finished. I’m just adding the grass around the boulders.
4. Small kit for small grandchild.
5. Tiny Altoids tin kit that’s been sitting around for 5 years or so.
6. Lace shop was finished 8/12/24 and entered in the NW MT fair on the same day.
I have enjoyed this challenge! It’s making me finish projects! Thank you, NAME!
Final Update
The Thrifted Living room has now become a soda fountain. I will have to obtain furnishings for it. First step to get photos of soda fountains.
The camp trailer on the RV pad just needs the grass around the boulders finished.
The Lace shop was finished in August. I found the original photos and plans. Dated 2014! It hung around way too long! Thank you for the challenge to get it finished. I am so enjoying it!
Denise Voelker
This mess is going to be the Neverwas, which after a year has been nicknamed Never-maybe.
March
Windows are in and 2nd floor is attached to the 1st floor.
June
Well the building is done, although I need to move the front set of wheels. This summer I will work on electric and furniture.
September
Furnished and electrified!
Final Update
Sliding in for home -- I diligently worked all year on this project and then in September we moved out of state. That’s okay because the boxes are marked! Imagine my surprise when I opened my Neverwas box and couldn’t find my figurines and other key pieces! After unpacking several more boxes, all was found.
Sandra Whipple
I plan to complete my half-scale cottage by adding a second floor, roof, electricity, furnishings, and landscaping.
March
I have added a second floor, roof, and electricity.
June
I have completed the exterior of my half-scale cottage. Next is furnishing and landscaping.
September
I finished the interior of my half scale cottage and worked on the landscaping.
Final Update
Done at last! This project was our club challenge in 2024. I chose to do a half scale English cottage and garden. I enjoyed doing the thatched roof from balsa wood and doing the stucco with exposed brick. Perhaps my favorite part was making the rock garden surrounding the cottage.
Cat Wingler
I plan to take the year to build, furnish and decorate, plus inhabitants, the Fairy Tale Book Nook by Debbie Young as a street of Christmas shops.
March
I have assembled the building fronts and since this is to be a street of Christmas shops, I changed the color choices. Then I added the timbers. Next is the doors and windows and the trim for the doors and windows, and hopefully the roofs.
June
This quarters plan is doing the doors and windows and trim pieces for the doors and windows, adding the roof pieces and shingling all the roofs. I made some adjustments to the original colors after I dry fit all the pieces. I put the base colors on the roof, and will add snow later. I did the cobblestones on the floor and did the base colors on the cobblestones. Next is building the box and doing the electrical.
September
I did the electrical work before I glued the box together. I’ve glued in all the buildings. I still need to make some decisions about the box exterior just as soon as I decide whether or not I want it permanently open or closed. Next I’ll make the shop signs and then add the snow so scene will be ready to decorate for Christmas.
Final Update
The Book Nook is finally finished. The last quarter plan was to make the signs, do the Christmas decorations and the snow, make the people and finish the outside. First, I had to decide, whether to display it opened full or closed into the book shape. I opted for open so I could see inside better.
I hung the garlands, made of painted pipe cleaners, and added the bows made of paper. I did some highlights on the roofs and then added snow. Finally, I made Santa, his sleigh, 10 elves, and Mrs. Claus to populate the scene.
Tammy Witthaus
The big project that I want to complete is Petalstone both inside and outside.
My 2nd project to complete is my 1/2 scale Fairy B&B. This started as a class at 2016 Chicago International called Game of Stones that I modified. I need to complete the electrical, finish the top, complete the stone work, and the stream/water.
March
Petalstone - 1st floor basics and kitchen complete. On to the ceiling and building 2nd floor.
Added more fairies. Completed lighting, top, and added more stone work. Now trying to find a background scene picture for the top and add more water.
June
Petalstone: I have the 2nd floor just about done and bathroom furnished! Too bad it’s difficult to see after all that work. Next on to the conservatory, 3rd floor, etc.
No further progress on my 1/2” scale fairy B&B. I still need to find the perfect background and get it printed.
September
1/2" scale Fairy B&B - finished! I finally found the perfect background and at the last minute decided to add lights in the water.
Petalstone - I was able to complete building (conservatory still to come), 2nd floor railing, finished all lighting, bathroom, master bedroom, and shingled. Besides conservatory, I still need to complete siding, furnishing remainder of the rooms, and landscaping.
Final Update
Petalstone - completed all of the rooms that I had bought kits for. Now comes the hard part of furnishing the remainder of the rooms which will be my 2025 CYLC!
Marty Young
This year I want to complete the build from last year (Debbie Young’s Charleston Single). I also want to complete Birdhouse Bluff (pictured) with the landscaping. Then I want to start the Neverwas. Everything is collected and is in plastic boxes. No need to show pictures of plastic boxes.
March
My year long challenge is to finish the Colonial single etc. but this quarter I got side tracked into finishing my village houses. So here are 4 that I have completed.
June
This quarter I finished 2 of the traveling village houses and the details on the first floor of the Charleston Single. Now off to the second floor and finish more of my houses.
September
This quarter I completed the December traveling village house. The convention slowed my work but it was so much fun! 😃
Final Update
This quarter I finished the December house from The Betterleys. I also finished the balloons for Carl and Ellie’s house. I do not have a picture of the furniture I have been working on for the Charleston single from Debbie Young. I am in California the furniture is in Florida. I forgot to take a picture before traveling.
Stephanie Yue
I would like to give the 2024 Challenge a try. This is a picture of Robin Betterley’s Secret Cabinet monthly kits for 2023. I also have her 2022 kits but think maybe I can handle 2023 better.
March
I chose the biggest kit and completed the cabinet today. I have the door done, but I won’t install it until I complete 2 rooms: April and May that go behind the door. Having a deadline motivated me. I’m having fun.
June
Here is my progress on the cabinet drawers. I hope to finish the bottom middle box before the end of June.
September
I didn’t do much during the 3rd quarter. Finished up the last quarter’s but and completed 1 for this quarter.
Final Update
I really needed this challenge to get me to finish the Secret Spaces kit. I’d like to thank NAME for sponsoring it.
Ellen Yunker
I honestly can’t remember just when I ordered this lamp/roombox but I think it was 2012! Our club chose personalized kits and I think I’m the only one who didn't finish. However, I completed the French knot rug last year so I’m hoping to finish the whole piece in 2024. Thanks to the Create team for offering this incentive!
March
All I’ve done is finish off the edges of my rug, add some trees to my Putz house window display & make 14 poinsettias, finishing 2 pots! I actually made a bunch of poinsettias a couple of years ago but can’t find them, so I bought more kits at the Columbus show in November. I promise I will make more progress by June!
June
I’m cooking’ with gas! At last got the mojo goin’ and I’m decorating the tree, arranging presents, and gluing down the food. Club member Jenni will stop by to wire up my lights and then it’s GO BABY, GO!
September
I finished my mantle scarf so now the fireplace can be glued in. I really hope I will finish this project from 2012 for this year’s challenge!
Final Update
I’m 95% finished which is pretty good for a 12 year-old project. I picked it up from Preston today; he finished the electrical stuff yesterday. Just under the wire! I still have to finish & adjust the roof so it’s flush instead of gapping, & I want a base so the bicycle can fit in front of the house. Then I need to clean up my faux stone chimney a bit. But it’s mostly finished & I’m so happy! Thanks for running this challenge; a deadline can really motivate slackers like me!
Estee Zeitlin
The Year Long Challenge of 2023 propelled my progress which had me complete 4 of 6 rooms, one in each quarter. This year my goal is to continue this same Wesley Inn with the hope of designing the last two bedrooms along with two bathrooms, the hallways, the exterior, and the lighting.
March
Grand Bedroom with private bath
June
Well, it's been a busy 3 months and not much time to work on this project. The bathroom is coming together. After National, I hope to do a marathon run on completing the 2nd floor.
September
Here’s the beginnings of the third floor of the John Wesley Inn by Debbie Young. Quite exciting, I met the owner of this inn in August of this year. She was thrilled to hear details of this project.
Final Update
Completed third floor guest rooms for Wesley Inn.
