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
I have had this kit for Debbie Young’s Visalian for a very long time. I’m not committing to furnishing or landscaping by the end of the year, although I will try.
March
I’m off to a slow start with my house, but have finally got some of the prep work done. I always spend more time thinking about a project than building it. At least I have chosen an exterior colour and have started choosing/printing wallpaper. I’ve also finally committed to lighting the house (because the siding has to be added before the house is assembled I’ll need to have two battery packs -- one in the attic and one in the foundation). I’ve primed the windows and doors -- look at them all! Aren’t Debbie Young’s kits amazing? And I've assembled the foundations.
June
September
This project is going very slowly - I hope to really speed up in the fall in order to complete the house by Dec 31. The interior finishes are done on the first floor and I think I have finally settled on where to run the wires for lighting. Laying the wood floors was time consuming due to all of the angles in the house and the need to cut around moldings.
Final Update
I finished my quarter inch scale Visalian house with little time to spare. I’m glad I didn’t commit to furnishing and landscaping it – maybe that can be part of my entry for 2024. Thanks to the Create team for organizing the challenge. I don’t think I would ever have finished this house without it.
Carla McIntyre
This is my challenge project. It had been sitting around for way longer than I’ve been doing minis. My Aunt Dot (Moore from Cincinnati) had my grandfather work on these kits when he wasn’t able to get around without oxygen anymore. He built several of these stores. Looks like I have 2 sets of kits here. My plan is to make it look like the ones Grandpa made so many years ago.
March
Here’s my progress pictures for March! Yes, the box is upside down so the glue on the light and beam can dry!
June
I have finished my year long challenge project! Except for the light (LED strip from Amazon) and the signs (Michelle’s Miniatures-she was really great and easy to work with!) everything else I used was in my stash! The store is a tribute to my maternal grandfather, Robert Wardwell. He had severe emphysema. To keep him busy, my aunt (Dot Moore, a member of Cincinnati Miniature Society) had him build some Realife Miniature kits. They decorated the room boxes together. I’m not sure where his room boxes ended up but, some of the kits came to me. Looking at my project reminds me of him sitting at his kitchen table and building the tiny pieces with his great big hands!
Next up on my work table is one of the prototypes for 2024 Carolinas State Day. Watch for information, it’s going to be a great project!
Ann-Cary McLain
Last fall I attended Debbie Colombo's Lunch and Learn - Making a Window Shopping Vignette - and came away with lots of creative ideas. Since then I have continued to just add items to a pile. I want to expand the basic plan into a two-sided window display (one Edwardian, the other more modern) and create a doll to include on the Edwardian side.
March
Created cardboard patterns and made several adjustments before cutting the foam core. Assembled basic structure, printed and installed stucco wallpaper. Located brick wallpaper.
June
I added the brick paper to all sides of the venue and assembled, wigged, and dressed my Edwardian shopper (Dana Burton's "Honey" kit). Next quarter I'll fill the shop windows on both sides with merchandise.
Final Update
I have finished my year-long challenge project! Both the Edwardian and more-modern windows of this 2-sided display are now filled with merchandise for shoppers. The front and back of the box are picture frames. The top has a brick paper-edged clear plastic sheet (removed for photos) to keep out pesky dust.
Kathy McNeely
I am going to join your group in the year long challenge. I will rehab this dollhouse I bought from Facebook marketplace last year. It needs a LOT of work and I haven't touched it since I got it.
March
The girls (April and May) got a slow start on their fixer upper they named "Buttercup Cottage". They have torn out floorboards and carpet. They removed a lot of yucky old wallpaper. In doing so, it was discovered that they need all new wiring which will be the next step once the place is cleaned up. Spring will be here soon, so April started cleaning the siding and prepping it for paint.
June
Lots of grunge work going on during this phase of the Buttercup Cottage rehab. A new base was made to give room for addition and landscaping. Part of the kitchen wall was removed to make an entry to the conservatory addition. Attempts to remove remnants of old landscaping ... it's harder to remove than I expected! Electrical added and stucco walls started. Stone floors have been created too. Hopefully it starts coming together soon!
September
The girls have been busy the past few months. The electrician ran the wiring and they plastered the walls, added floor molding, and got the garden room addition on the house! They added a small bathroom on the second floor, and built some bookshelves in the living room next to the fireplace, too. They love the wallpaper on the back that has tiny birds on it. The stove has been brought in and the hood placed over it. It's very convenient for their pots and pans.
The electrician needs to come back to install the pretty lights they chose. After that the flooring goes in upstairs. Then they can work on painting outside and landscaping. They are hoping to be all moved in for Thanksgiving.
Final Update
I am proud to say I finished my year long project, Buttercup Cottage at 4:45 pm Dec. 29!! I actually made the deadline!
April and May started to move things into the house right before Christmas. They were so excited, they even got a tree! After a long day unpacking more boxes, they are having a simple dinner of Mac n cheese and going straight to bed. They deserve a rest! This has been really fun, thank you for hosting the challenge.
Jan Mickelson
I am building an entire town in half inch scale. The kit I am going to be working on in 2023 is MacGreedy’s emporium. I got this kit recently on Etsy. The pieces all seem to be there. I will definitely change the name. The building itself should not be too hard but the first floor is going to be a grocery store and probably the post office. I can picture shelves full of food, a frozen and refrigerated section, as well as fruits and veggies. I am not sure about the second floor. I would love to do a miniature shop but this is half scale so that may be a real challenge.
March
Yikes. I have been working so much that I have not gotten very much done. I started picking out wallpaper this week so hopefully will see some progress soon. I also assembled some store fixtures, too!
June
It is slow going! I had to adjust some of the tabs and slots for a better fit and also changed my mind on first floor wallpaper and redid it ... luckily before the paste had dried. I decided to use a brick wallpaper on the outside and am very happy with it.
September
The outside is papered and windows and doors installed. I have left windows and doors unpainted and really like the look. I will finish the sidewalk to look like cement. And now on to the interior!
Final Update
I have finished my half inch scale general store that will be in my half inch scale town. This is Meese General store. You may see Mr. Meese at the check out counter. I will be adding little bits over time and of course changing out the window displays they are winter/ Christmas. This has been a super fun challenge. I love to see everyone’s projects.
Grace Mlynowski
I am going to finish Tufty Burrows. It's in the second stage as all the Pringles tubes are cut and painted and glued together.
March
Final Update
I've been inspired and have finished my Tufty Burrows. It's from a starter kit by Petite Properties. All I need now are the critters that will inhabit the home.
Samantha Murray
My year long challenge is to get the kit designed for an advent calendar based on the German Christmas whirl gigs using these as inspiration.
March
It’s been a crazy 3 months but I did manage to get the base structure pieces figured out and design 3 of the houses.
June
Checking in for the challenge but I have not been able to get any work done this quarter. Real work keeps getting in the way.
September
I got all the houses sketched out and have completed the design of the pieces for the base houses. I have completed the design of two houses and the church. Only 21 more houses to go plus Santa’s workshop.
Final Update
Design for the first 5 buildings is finalized. Each building has a footprint of 2" x 2" x 3" and have a door on the side for the gift. There will be 5 layers total, four for the village and Santa's workshop on the very top. Only 20 more individual buildings to design. This is definitely my biggest undertaking yet and while I haven’t finished, I am pleased with the results so far.
Mary Myers
I bought this Seabrook kit a couple of years ago and have been collecting pieces and kits to go in it since then. I probably have enough accessories for three sea shacks; but that’s the way I work. I am anxious to try to get the structure to look old and weathered. I can see the seagulls and smelly fish scattered about in my mind.
March
Here are my progress pictures for my Challenge Project. The structure is up and I love the way it turned out. It still needs a bit of aging, landscaping, hardscaping (the egg carton sidewalks) and some more junk around the perimeter. I broke the metal table but it fits with theme on an old barrel. I loved making the fishing rods. I was in Florida a few weeks ago and collected some shells for the outside and on the shelves. I am going to make some fishing knives and, and, and ... I'm just having too much fun with this project. I have some fly fishing things, but I think that will have to go into another project.
June
Ta da. My shack is up and open. I’ve even got my first dollar pinned to the wall. I’m mostly finished. I need to do some grubbing up things a bit. Some half eaten fish tacos on the table that kind of thing.
September
Between gardening and the Cape Cod convention, I didn’t get much done on my fishing store. But I did add this lovely ship bell and hanger round table kit by Debbie Young. I think it is perfect.
Final Update
I added a back dock/landing/porch. So it is finished enough for now. I tend to add items as I see them at shows, etc, so my projects are rarely ever done. I doubt I’m alone in this and as a matter of fact I see some tweaking I could do even now. Oh please make it stop!!! lol. Such a fun hobby.
Linda Napier
I have had the "Southern Cottage" kit partially done for a while and really need to finish it because I've told myself repeatedly that I can't start the next one until that is finished. So in case it isn't a "big" enough project for the challenge, my photo includes the Adoorable kit. I've only opened the box so far. I'll be very happy if I finish the Cottage and get the Adoorable house kit done in 2023.
March
The lights are in, the ceiling is attached, and the roof started. I also watched the video of the flower cart project since I plan to have hydrangeas in my landscaping. I've never tried alcohol ink on flower petals, so we'll see what happens.
June
I didn't make much progress. I did start making hydrangeas after watching the alcohol inks being used on one of the Create videos. I hadn't tried them before for coloring flowers.
September
Here's is my photo for this quarter. I was hoping I'd be further along, but so far so good.
Final Update
I don't qualify, because I didn't finish my landscaping, but wanted to share my interior photos. The challenge helped me move this project along and if I had put in a couple of days of additional work on this, I could have made it. Thanks for all you do for Create and NAME.
(Editorial Note: You absolutely DO qualify. Progress not perfection.)
Sue Ostheimer
Back in 2009 I did a workshop with Philippa Todd who taught us how to make raw meats and fish using polymer clay. I have been meaning to make a meat and fish market ever since then. I have a Fern Vasi doll from the 'lunch 'n learn" on Create who will be my shop keeper, and 2 years ago I finally made the display cabinet and some shelves. I also cut walls from gatorboard and started to make some boxes and jars of things for the shelves. Then other projects came along and it got put aside. I am getting close to finishing my Tiki Bar and hope to get my market finally finished this year!
March
I’ve completed the counters, shelves, sink, door, (all made with basswood, silver color is Design Master Super Silver 732 spray paint), flooring, window & tile (purchased and stained/painted) and painted the walls and trim. Next: glue walls in place, add a ceiling or plexiglass cover with a ceiling light (LED strip) and make items for sale for the shelves.
June
Walls inside and out finished and glued on, ceiling/roof with glass panel & LED lights finished, Corn/tomatoes/onions/potatoes finished, added items to back prep counter. Need to make some things for sale (bread crumbs, condiments, etc), a shelf for the back wall, & scale for the counter. Also need to add signs to walls. I haven't figured out a front but thinking a plexiglass slide in panel, rather than a store front. The name will probably be "Luca's Prime Meats & Fresh Fish".
September
I am finishing up the trim work and sign, and added some provisions for shelves (need to make some more). Also put up some signs, shelf, and paper towel holder on back wall. I decided to add the boar’s head that we made in the same weekend class when we made the meats and fish, and also added the “Today’s special: BOAR’S HEAD” sign! Luca’s shop will be open in time for the Christmas rush!!
Final Update
Luca's Meat and Fish Shop is open! My CLYL project was modest compared to some of the amazing things that people have submitted - wow!! Well done, everyone! I only had to add few things to complete my shop, the scale on the counter being one of them (simple wood pieces with the display cut out of an online image). Thank you to the Create team for the push!
Marjorie Parker
My entry for CYLC is a 1/12 scale roombox, gifted to me by my parents, years ago. I am relatively new to miniatures and prefer to work in micro scale. I had a considerable amount of help from a dear friend, now sadly departed, for my only other 1/12 scale room, and expect to beg someone for help with this one, too. Wallpapering! Eeek!
My earliest receipt for collecting goodies for this project is dated 12/30/19. That’s how long it has been collecting dust, and how long I have been doing micros instead. A whole wall of boxes of micros fell down as I tried to lug down this heavy room box off the shelf to be photographed.
This project is called “Christmas 1962” and is a mix of memories of my arrival for my first remembered Christmas in the United States (Army brat) and also lots of fantasy - so I can incorporate some fun lighting and gadgets (my very favorite part of minis).
March
So for “Christmas 1962”, I stained the interior and exterior of the vintage 17”x 11.5” room box with gel stain, studied how to do wallpaper (I always fail), and applied the ceiling, wallpaper, and flooring. (Editorial: I think it looks great!)
June
It did not go well for me this quarter. In addition to a ceiling leak in May over much of my miniatures, supplies, and tools, I experienced a lot of frustration in working with 1” scale for my first attempt at ceiling cove, baseboard, and stairs. “Oopsie”. One-inch scale is SO unforgiving of booboos! (Quarter-scale CREATE class Christmas Cart shown for a happier distraction.) The ceiling trim is even worse and I got so mixed up trying to use miter shears. But I loved the shears so much that I bought my own, after borrowing a friend’s. The stairs need a lot of clean-up, too.
September
Due to family illnesses, I just had time to throw together some things for a photograph in my 1/12 scale room box, “Christmas 1962”. Staircase needs repairs and various things need to be glued. The project will be much less ambitious than I had hoped but I still love the Christmas glow.
Final Update
I can’t say I am ever finished. I am really enjoying this “Christmas 1962” room box this Holiday season. So I am going to call it “done”. It has lots of little details that have special meaning for my family. It also has the work of many talented miniaturists, especially Jean Gibson.
As for me, I muddled with wallpaper and making stairs from a kit, and trying to keep everything glued down. Did not succeed in keeping everything glued straight. This has got to be the easiest way to decorate for Christmas and the glass front keeps it safe from the cat. Every time I look at it I am reminded of the first Christmas I can remember.
The mini lighting attracted the attention of a real-life electrician who had come to work in my full-size house. So I gave him as much information as I could. Hopefully we will add another miniaturist.
Debbie Patrick
This year I’m committing to finishing this 1/12” store kit as a Quilt Shop in honor of my mother. She made beautiful quilts which her children and grandchildren received for Christmas or as wedding presents. A friend’s daughter had purchased this kit but never got very far. She gave up after a rough assembly, a coat of paint on the outside and gluing rectangles cut from strip wood to the roof. I’ve had it in a storage closet since 1998 and got it out last year. I first had to take the structure down to the original wood (which required lots of putty and sanding). So far, I’ve added the siding and painted the inside. Now I need to add flooring to the upstairs, install lighting, build cabinets & the kitchenette. Thanks to the wonderful members of the Raleigh & Cary clubs, I have dozens of fabric scraps to put on fabric bolts plus some finished miniature quilts. I have been collecting sewing kits for years in anticipation of making the quilt shop a reality.
March
I am sorry to say that I have not progressed much on my project. I had two other projects that I was determined to complete before turning my attention to the quilt shop full time. Luckily I was able to get back to the quilt shop last week and was able to finish the flooring. I was almost through with the porch railing but I realized that the doors were in such bad shape that they had to go. I’ve removed them and have the molding ready to make new doors. Now that everything else has been moved off the work tables, I expect to make a lot of progress in Q2!
June
I’m very pleased with the progress I’ve made on my Quilt Shop. This kit was from the late 1980s (maybe early 1990s) and had been assembled by a friend who was very new to miniatures. She quickly lost interest and gave the structure to me, at which point it sat in closets & attics for >20 years. Numerous structural problems were encountered as I’ve worked on the building and when I added the roof back onto the house, I found a big one. The roof caused the 2nd floor walls to bow! After a weekend of TLC involving liquid nails and 3 ft long clamps, the roof is stable, and the walls are straight! I still have a lot of things to do before it’s finished but I wanted to stage the rooms for this month’s photos so you could get a feeling of how the finished product will look.
I made the refrigerator & kitchen cabinets with scrap gator board, bass wood, and wood molding. A (very) small powder room was made from gator board and is waiting to be glued in place. I’m eager to finish the structure so I can get all my shelves stocked with the items I’ve collected over the years! During the roof debacle this weekend my husband commented that he was impressed that I had not tossed out this building due to the frustrations I’ve had. Today when looking at it staged, he realized why I’ve kept working on it.
September
I’m very pleased with the progress I’ve made on my Quilt Shop. This kit was from the late 1980s (maybe early 1990s) and had been assembled by a friend who was very new to miniatures. She quickly lost interest and gave the structure to me, at which point it sat in closets & attics for >20 years. Numerous structural problems were encountered as I’ve worked on the building and when I added the roof back onto the house, I found a big one. The roof caused the 2nd floor walls to bow! After a weekend of TLC involving liquid nails and 3 ft long clamps, the roof is stable, and the walls are straight! I still have a lot of things to do before it’s finished but I wanted to stage the rooms for this month’s photos so you could get a feeling of how the finished product will look.
I made the refrigerator & kitchen cabinets with scrap gator board, bass wood, and wood molding. A (very) small powder room was made from gator board and is waiting to be glued in place. I’m eager to finish the structure so I can get all my shelves stocked with the items I’ve collected over the years! During the roof debacle this weekend my husband commented that he was impressed that I had not tossed out this building due to the frustrations I’ve had. Today when looking at it staged, he realized why I’ve kept working on it.
Final Update
I’m very pleased with the project and although I still have a few things to make and add (like rugs), I think it’s in presentable form now. This challenge really pushed me to make a battered up hand-me-down building in to the quilt shop I’ve been wanting to make in honor of my mother.
Kathy Patrick
I have a challenge for this year. I’ve had a dollhouse for over 40 years and the only construction on the bare shell has been a few pieces of lap board siding. My goal after over 40 years it to have this dollhouse mostly, if not completely, finished inside and out. Here is the current state of inside.
March
For 2 months I worked exterior lap board siding, trim, shingles on the peaks, and the porch area. I installed the porch light and running tape wire to it. I painted all of the windows. I began one room in the interior with wallpapering, window trim, and made a chandelier and sconce.
June
This quarter I finished the living room in my dollhouse. I put carpet and some hardwood on the floor, wallpapered, crown molding and baseboard trims, made drapes, and wired the lamps, fireplace, and ceiling fan. I also finished the front porch with railing. I began painting furniture for the dining room, taking the dark brown wood into a cream color, which took about 6 coats of paint. I still need to reupholster the chairs but am waiting to purchase trim for it first. I also began painting the cabinets and dining table for the kitchen, as well as assembly of the refrigerator.
September
The last 3 months didn’t allow much time to work on my project. However, I've nearly completed another room. Painting, wallpapering, flooring, window and door trims, electrifying, and hanging lamps. I painted and reupholstered the dining chairs. I assembled and painted the stairs but will wait to install them when the upstairs is put together. A lot of time was spent putting the next room together (kitchen) with assembly and painting cabinetry. I’m also working on stained glass for the window but didn’t get it done yet.
Final Update
I’m SOOOO happy to finally get out of the kitchen! This one room has given me more grief and problems then I’ve ever encountered on any other project! Only 6 more rooms to go, so I didn’t completely the entire house, which was my projection.
Alician Pearce
I would like to finish Cranberry Cottage. I still need to finish the furniture, fill the house, and do landscaping.
March
I got 3 more kits done on my Cranberry Cottage this quarter.
June
September
Final Update
Chris Peherzewski
I want to make a TEA TIME roombox inside this clock. I got the clock at a lawn sale and cut it down to size using the base and the top only -- not the long part with the pendulum. The inside is all that I have done so far. It has been sitting for 4-5 yrs or so and I want it done.
March
I have the floor and sideboards in now. I am trying different ideas for painting the outside. The door is loose for now. I have a lot of light sanding to do!! I am trying different layouts to see how I want to do the inside. I'm also working on the sign for the door but not sure how i want the lettering to look. It is not glued yet.
June
I am getting more done on my tea Time project! The upper part painted and a light switch added (the kind you use with a turn knob battery operated you can buy at the Dollar Tree.) I have some more things I need to add to the walls too and paint the lower base part.
September
It's been slow going. I had a lot of touch ups to do and decide how to layout the wooden letters
for Tea Time. I painted the base but it needs touching up!! Thank you 3 more months to go!!!!
Final Update
Caryn Pitts
I have always loved miniatures, since my grandmother let us play with her handmade dollhouse when we were children. I have wanted to get into crafting my own for years but never took the time. This year however, one of my goals is to start this new hobby. My husband bought me "Sam's Study" two years ago. I didn't like the finish on some of the pieces, so I never really started on it. I inherited "Happy Corner" from my sister, who started it but decided she wasn't interested. So, I have two projects to complete this year and this challenge is even more motivation to get started!
March
I've made lots of progress and changes so far. I didn't like the color of some of the bookshelves, so I sanded off the paint and stained them. Then I decided to lean toward this room being a library so I added wallpaper that I love and coordinates with the painted bookshelves. Finally, I've been making a lot of tiny books! I want to change the flooring and need to find a desk that fits. I'm loving how it's turning out.
June
Life has certainly gotten in the way this 2nd quarter. My only accomplishment was making the chair. I'm auditioning legs to see what I like because I don't like what is in the kit. Hopefully next quarter will be more productive.
September
I've made lots of books and working on a new ceiling. The white object is half a ping pong ball that will be a chandelier. I'm also auditioning knickknack items for the blue & yellow shelves.
Final Update
Unfortunately, I had no time to work on my project in Q4 so I still have lots to work on in 2024.
Connie Sauve
So many projects and kits to choose from for this year long project! I received these kits for The Merry Peddler by Robin Betterley for Christmas 2022. My plan is to finish all the kits and put the finished wagon on a landscaped winter base, with a woodsy Santa type peddler selling his wares to a few customers. I found the horse on eBay and he was absolutely perfect for this project, so I just had to have him. Merry Christmas to me!
March
I chose Robin Betterley’s “The Merry Peddler” as my year-long project. I had a bit of a slow start, as I was finishing up a project I was previously working on. I was able to finish 2 of the many kits that are included with this project. I finished a set of 3 tiny trees and also a reindeer. The kits are wonderful, and go together beautifully.
June
I was able to finish all the accessory kits that go with The Merry Peddler wagon project I’m making by Robin Betterley. They went together extremely well and were fun to work on. The peddler wagon comes next! Fun challenge!
September
I have now finished the wagon and all the accessories in the wagon. I also painted a bunch of nutcrackers and some of them will be going in the wagon. Next, I will be finishing the landscaping and all the figures that will go in the scene.
Final Update
Here is my finished NAME Create Year-Long Challenge. It’s called “The Merry Peddler”. I made all of the accessory kits and wagon which were from Robin Betterley. Nutcrackers and sled with presents were kits from Janny Warnaar from Art of Mini. I costumed all five figures. I also made the bird feeder from scratch and all the landscaping. The animals are from various artists. The snowy pine trees are from Lemax. This was a wonderful challenge! I enjoyed it very much. It’s a great way to get a larger project finished.
Carin Shapiro
This year I will complete this house that I have been working on for 2 years. I bought it used for $60 and have successfully removed the mouse droppings and cat urine odor ... now it is on to bigger and better things! I still have L-shaped stairs to make, complete a 24 count petitpoint rug, install 24 windows which will be stained inside and painted outside and will need to make curtains, bedding, refurbish an old kitchen, 4 porches, install the house on a special stand with legs and finish making and installing some lights. It is a good thing that I absolutely love doing all of this.
March
For the past 3 months I have finished purchasing the 32 windows I needed and stained and sealed the insides and painted and sealed the outsides. I have also completed making an L shaped staircase out of a straight staircase. I am going to install windows and make some of them leaded stained windows with golfers tape before installing them and then onward to the 4 porches. This is definitely keeping me on track.
June
For this quarter I made 24 leaded glass windows and installed them, I made an L shaped staircase and I dressed 2 of the 4 beds in my house. This challenge is definitely helping to keep me on track.
September
I have made curtains for 4 of the 6 rooms requiring them. I hope to find suitable fabric at the IGMA or Philly show. I also have blocked and started working on the tabby weave and fringe on my petitpoint rug. I have been distracted by the NAME convention and my messy workshop. As usual, I hope to get more organized the next quarter!
Final Update
I'm done!!! I have put so many hours and days into this! The petitpoint is completed, I made 10 wood floors, suffered through mitering wood for corners that were not right angles, and wallpapers for rooms that were not square or rectangular, figured out so many electrical issues, made a staircase that turns a corner, made 4 bedding sets, made 24 sets of curtains, made 14 lights (some on my own, some we rehabbed and some were from Esther Marker). I learned a lot and stayed on track thanks to the challenge. I am not sure if I will take on so much work for a single year again, though. I am exhausted!
Susan Skinner
This is a dollhouse that my grandfather built from Women's Day Magazine plans for my aunt somewhere around 1945. It was passed on to me to finish a few decades ago but not much has been done on it. My plan is to finish the interior walls and flooring this year. I want to make some real progress on it while my Aunt is still alive to see pictures.
March
Real life has been busy but I did make some progress on my big dollhouse project. I got the ceiling beams in, finished wallpapering the downstairs and finished laying and then stained the floor.
June
Second floor walls planned and cut, fireplaces figured out, stair railing chosen. Next, I will paint the walls to prep for wallpapers and paneling, work on the doors, and actually making the second floor fireplaces. Feels good to finally be making progress on this project!
September
The upstairs room divider walls are primed, window frames cut, glued and painted for gentleman's parlour. Wainscoting also cut and first coats on for that room, not glued in yet as I need to wallpaper first. Two identical fireplaces for the bedrooms finished except wiring. And window frames for two front bedrooms cut and glued together waiting for paint and wallpaper.
Final Update
Well I guess I have to admit defeat. I worked feverishly the last few weeks but I did not finish all the walls and floors. I am very happy with how far I did get though so I feel like I accomplished my goal anyway. I will just continue with this dollhouse this next year too as a personal challenge.
Helen Sparks
Here’s my project. A bargain from the Yard Sale in Indianapolis last summer.
March
My “bargain” house didn’t seem like quite such a bargain when I realized that it didn’t include any components! Luckily I had 11 of the 16 windows, one door and the hard-to-find staircase in my stash. It took quite a while to gather the remaining parts, but I did manage to make some progress on basic assembly. Now if I could just decide what paint colors to use ...
June
Thanks to a three-day club “retreat” my house now has all of the windows installed plus most of the wallpaper and flooring. Wahoo!
September
Well, this house kit has defeated me. Nothing seemed to go together well and I found myself stressing over it and doing nothing with miniatures because it was “hanging over my head”. Not how a hobby should make you feel! I am actually going to give it away, not trash it, and I still want to do a house in this color scheme, so I am starting over with the RGT 1/2” scale Colonial. Probably won’t finish it by December, but who knows? (Editorial note: 😭😟)
Final Update
As you know, I trashed my first project and started over. I have company coming who will be staying until after New Year’s, so I won’t have any more time to work before the end of the year. Still, even though I didn’t finish, I am pretty pleased with my progress. I started in September with the Real Good Toys 1/2” Scale Colonial still in the box and have managed to complete the outside and do all the wallpaper and flooring inside. I am now constructing kitchen cabinets. I wouldn’t be this far if it hadn’t been for the challenge!
Barb Striethorst
I started this 1/12 scale dollar store almost 20 years ago. It will be called "A Loonie Or A Toonie" (Canadian $1 and $2 coins). My original plan was, for many items, to use the store to house things until they were required for other projects. I have since moved more to doing 1/48 scale, so my choice will likely be to glue down rather than have movable. There will be one changeable area for seasonal display.
March
June
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September
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Final Update
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Julie Stuckmeyer
I'm going to finish my beach/boardwalk scene this year.
March
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Final Update
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Terry Unnold
While it’s hard to pick out just one of the many, many big projects I want to work on, I finally decided to see if I can finish this “Collectibles Cabinet Shell Kit” from Real Good Toys. It’s a one inch project that I bought in 2015, I think. The kit is a three story shallow house with a stack of three 6”X15” rooms. There will be a parlor, bedroom, and nursery. Only vignettes because the rooms are so small, but for now that’s the plan!
March
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June
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September
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Final Update
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Denise Voelker
This is a project that I started at my 1st workshop ever during the Rochester Houseparty. This is the first house that I ever tried to make myself. Since I have built several houses but never finished this one.
March
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June
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September
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Final Update
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Logan Wilhelm
Here is the project that I am going to work on. It is an antique 1/12 scale dollhouse. I have done a little work by adding flooring, but has been years. I would dearly love to get it done so that I can finally put the 20 years plus of collecting furniture and accoutrement inside and play with it now and then.
March
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June
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September
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Final Update
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Jackie Williams
I plan to finish these three projects: the Thursday Night Project from ‘Come Fly with Me’ and the Bunny and the Heart Ferrero Rocher boxes which I plan to fill with miniature scenes.
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.
Cat Wingler
I want to landscape and furnish my Bavarian project from Unicoi.
March
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June
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September
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Final Update
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Tammy Witthaus
I am going to rehab and finally complete my mom’s ½” scale Elizabeth Anne. The interior is done. In 2015, I re-wired with LEDs (had also removed all siding) and started having connection issues. I just stopped working on it as I became overwhelmed. I left it in somewhat of a mess (rats' nest!). I'm thinking this is a perfect opportunity to get motivated to get this project done once and for all since my mom started this kit over 2 decades ago. Here are the things that need to be done: Lights (approx. 26 interior lights): I need to back track and determine what lights are currently working and for those not working, determine where issue is and attempt to re-wire. I also need to install 2 porch lights, merge all wiring together and solder, and redo any of the interior as a result of fixing any of lights. I also need to put new siding on house again and paint, install most exterior windows, install front and side doors, and build the porch from scratch since I cannot find those pieces.
March
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June
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September
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Final Update
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Estee Zeitlin
March
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June
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September
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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.
