Create Year Long Challenge 2025 - 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.
Preble McDaniel
With things I have signed up to do, I know this year is going to be crazy. However, I still plan to finish 2 of the following: Sprinkles Sundae Shop, Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat, Christmas Tree Shop, Camp Make-A-Mini 1, 2, 3, or 4, plus design furniture for my workshop in National, design and make another unnamed workshop. Life with a laser is fun because there are so many possibilities.
March
This year started off good with making minis for myself with working on the Sweet Rose. I got the first floor assembled, wallpapered including the stairs. Although I realized I need to work on the stairs to fit since my second floor is too tight. Sigh. Then I got sidetracked with making things for workshops. My goal for this year is to get at least one project done for myself and then let my new laser take me wherever it leads. On the latter I have definitely done that with my laundry room workshop and others that I can’t show yet.
June
In April, I worked on Sweet Rose, then got busy with making furniture for my roundtable kits for Aug.
In May, I was able to take a few days off and work on my Alice in Wonderland Cat. The table is set now except for cups.
In June, I have been working on my A-frame cabin including getting lighting added.
September
Q3 was busy for me getting ready for the Cincinnati NAME show. I designed kits for roundtables and for my sales table.
For the projects I slated to work on this year, I only finished the Cheshire Cat. The cups were broken and I had to get myself together to add some other ones.
Final Update
Here is my submission for the 2025 Final. This is for my Sprinkles Sundae Shop.
Pam McDonald
For 2025, I hope to finally finish these two small shop buildings from Sue Herber that I bought and built I think about (gasp!) 40 years ago. I began retrofitting lights last year, so that will have to be finished before I tackle furnishing and landscaping. I also plan to finally put together a 1:12th Christmas room I have been planning for many years, once I figure out how to wire the old 12v lights I have for it.
March
I made some progress on my challenge this quarter. I finished adding lights to all of the rooms. This is always difficult when retrofitting a completed structure, but by adding trim strips to the upper peaks and new ceilings to the lower rooms I was able to hide the lights. The wires run down the channels in plastic stir sticks that I painted and used as vertical trim (a trick I learned in the old QC chat group). I am now collecting furniture and accessories for the shops - some purchased, some from kits and some scratch built.
June
I had hoped to accomplish more this quarter, but I was held up finding a case for my buildings and trying to make up my mind about the layout. However I have completed nearly all of the remaining furnishings and hope to install everything and complete the landscaping in the third quarter.
September
I had hoped to complete this project by the end of the third quarter, but my summer was busy and I didn’t accomplish as much as I’d hoped. I finally mounted the buildings to the base and finished connecting the wiring. I have also started to “glue in” the furnishings, something I find essential in this tiny scale. I use Tack-It Over & Over which is a removable glue, provided you are very careful when detaching small items. I still have to finish two shops – lots of accessories left to make – and add a bit of landscaping in the front.
Final Update
I have finished my challenge – once more with only a few days to go. Most of the time was used to fill the ten little rooms. Each shop required LOTS of tiny accessories. I am so happy this is finally completed after having it sit on my shelf unfinished for so many years. I also set up my 1/12th scale Christmas room box. This is an ongoing project as I search for the perfect light fixtures for it. Many thanks to Debbie and the team for running these challenges.
Carla McIntyre
After completing my 2024 challenge (with a lot of family challenges thrown in), I am ready to start 2025. I’m way behind with the Betterley’s 2024 Calendar Club - 7 boxes left to do. This was the first year I didn’t get them done monthly. I want to do the Letters to Santa project (yes, from the Betterley’s) that I preordered before it was available on the website. I have no recollection what year that was! And also from the Betterley’s I have the “Peppermint Twist” market stall and the “A Little Harey” peddler’s cart that have been sitting on the shelf partially finished and waiting for me to unearth them from my pile of UFOs. There are plenty more UFOs but these 4 projects will be my focus this year. And I promise not to buy any more kits unless the Betterley’s or Debbie Young or Ruth Stewart or anyone else comes out with something I absolutely can NOT live without!
March
I made a lot of progress this quarter! Still have to wrap most of the “packages” for the RMB 2024 Calendar Club. All the boxes are built and furnished. Thanks to a friend’s ingenuity, I also be adding lights to each box.
Been able to do a little on the Peppermint Twist this quarter, too. I think the painting is all done, but that may not be quite true. Looking forward to playing with snow on this one!
June
Really excited with the progress I’ve made this quarter! I got the 2024 RB Calendar Club project finished. Took a while to figure out how I wanted to place the boxes and get them lighted (this idea was blatantly copied from a friend!). I was also able to complete the “Dancing Hare and Peppermint Twist” kits also from RB.
Along with these projects I also designed a Fun Day kit for our club and have started working on the 2025 Calendar Club kit from Robin Betterley. Now it’s time to start on the “Letters to Santa” kit also from RB!
September
I’ve been busy with lots of different projects but have had time to get a good start on my fourth project for the challenge. “Letters to Santa” is coming along. Making the toys is a lot of fun and I’ve found a bunch of vintage toys (in my stash!) to add to Santa’s desk. Excited to get this done for the holiday season!
Final Update
I did it! I finished my 4 chosen projects from the “need to finish” stash this year! Plus I designed a Fun Day project for our club and our local sister club. I’ve also been working on the Betterley’s Calendar Club but, let’s not talk about my progress (or lack there of!). Now to decide which of the many remaining unfinished/unstarted (is that a word?) projects will be my 2026 challenge.
Here’s the final project “Letters to Santa”.
Ann-Cary McLain
Swept up in the Bridgerton craze, I plan to make Petite Properties' new Parterre Garden with Orangery for my CYLC 2025. In addition to the structure kits, garden sculptures, urns, and all the paint colors, dolls by Pat Hamilton are patiently waiting.
March
I assembled the garden base and walls, coated all MDF with a builder's bond PVA, and applied "Spackle" to the walls. Next quarter will be scribing the stonework.
June
This quarter the garden walls were sanded, the orangery was started, a rose trellis and bench were assembled, and the topiary hedges were completed.
September
This quarter I scribed the stone walls inside and out in preparation for painting (next quarter) and applied gravel for the garden paths.
Final Update
My Bridgerton-inspired Orangery and Parterre Garden are complete -- and a day ahead of the deadline! I had never done "stone work" and got to try a lot of new painting techniques suggested by Petite Properties for the project. (Dolls by Pat Hamilton)
Samantha Murray
This year I am doing something for myself. I am going to try my best to finish this room box that I began in a workshop with Ray Whitledge. I haven’t touched this for about 12-14 years. It looks like I have collected most everything for it and mostly just need to finish the needlepoint rug and assemble it all together. I just got a new magnifying glass light so I am ready to tackle those tiny stitches!
March
Made some progress on the rug for my room box. The stitches are so dang tiny!
June
A little more than 3/4 of the design is stitched. Will go very quickly once I get to just background and border.
September
I finished my rug and all the wiring is now installed. Just adding all the bits that make it realistic before I finish the outside of the roombox. I still need to fix the round side table’s broken leg.
Final Update
Finished!
Linda Napier
I want to complete the Sweet Rose, inside and out and complete the Yankee Doodle shop.
March
I've spent a lot of time on Sweet Rose. I'm deciding if I like my electric ideas before continuing, so I got some work done on Yankee Doodle.
June
Lately, I've been distracted with another project, but the furnishing kits for the Yankee Doodle are in process. I just need to order a few more things. Sweet Rose is waiting for me.
September
I completed my Yankee Doodle and am very happy with it. Unfortunately for Sweet Rose, I got distracted with the A frame project so it's still waiting for me to get back to it.
Final Update
I am happy to have finished the Sweet Rose cottage. This was the other of the 2 projects I wanted to complete this year.
Angela Neely
This year I want to complete Stonehaven by Robin Betterley.
March
This project has been a joy! I’m working on other projects along the way so I can savor every moment. I’ve completed the table, the interior walls and most of the exterior of the house. I haven’t decided whether I will use the shutters because I love all the stonework and hate to cover it up. Next is shingles and finishing the roof top. I added a little white paint to the fire in the left side but not the right. I really like the way it draws your eye in so I’ll go back and do the right side fire too.
I’m taking my time with the furniture. The pieces have all come together perfectly as usual with Robin’s kits. I’ll continue obsessing over the furniture through the next quarter 😄
June
This project has been going along quickly! It will be completed soon so I have been working on Ravenwood to have something to show for the 3rd and 4th quarters. The shingles and exterior are done and the furniture is moving in. I need to hang the curtains on the front windows as well. Great kit!
Final Update
Stonehaven is complete! It was a joy to put together and even more fun to furnish. I have nearly completed both Olde Crow Apothecary and Ravenwood also by Robin Betterley and will submit them for 4th quarter. I’ve ordered the Christmas house too! 😄
Marjorie Parker
Thank you for another opportunity to participate in CYLC 2025. Like some, I have a lifetime of mini challenges to complete, so I am hoping this is an annual event. Especially because Real Life challenges keep getting in the way of Mini Life challenges. This year I am stepping down again in scale to quarter-scale and keeping it easy, and have been inspired to complete my own True2Scale Joie de Vivre, exterior only. My photo logs tell me I started it on November 10, 2018, and put it away on March 29, 2019; frustrated by all the extra lighting I was trying to add by myself. What it looks like in January 2025, after being packed away for five years.
March
Well, I went backwards instead of forwards. Using glue without clamps is a big mistake, which I will try to fix. I also figured out what I was trying to do with my own wiring and worked on that. It had seemed like a good idea in 2019 but really doesn’t add much in 2025. The base is glued on backwards and upside down - switches are supposed to be on the plain side. One of the switches appears to be glue-frozen and no longer works for the fireplaces. The battery drawer also appears to be glue-frozen and no longer slides out. It all seemed to work ok in February but now in April I will have to take a scalpel to it all. Maybe I will have better news for the next report. More quoins, at least....
June
Managed to check all my lighting and get it to work and added the quoins (decorative exterior trim).
Still struggling with the battery drawer, which is why all the papers are sticking out.
Added decoupage to an otherwise plain side wall. Oops, the balcony sure is crooked.
However, the dollhouse “inhabitant” doesn’t seem to mind.
Next up, complete exterior and interior, start on meager furniture.
Sending more photos than you need, but you can pick your favorites.
This is one of the most beautiful kits I have ever done, designed by one of the best miniaturists out there, but my own talent and experience weren’t quite up to the task.
Still, in person, it’s breathtaking.
Can’t wait for CYLC 2026. Already picked out my project!
September
Did not get much done since June due to many happy detours into the world of DIY:
3-D puzzles, notably the offerings by CuteBee and Tonecheer. Don’t look, or it may start a craze. For those of us in the older set, these puzzles are still miniatures (about 1/2 scale), but provide stunning scenes without any need to plan, design, create, shop (beyond the simple kit), paint, or wallpaper. You could say, then, where’s the fun? But for some of us, it’s all we can handle at the moment. Anyway, my update is that I used quilling paper to soften and unify the exposed edges of my Joie. I also finished the remaining trim for the exterior and interior and base.
Final Update
No, I didn’t finish all my goals; but I am very happy with what I accomplished.
PS. The foam on the side hides one of my major boo boos with the battery door. Pretend it is snow.
Alician Pearce
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!!!
March
Not a lot of progress, but I have gotten some of the furniture done.
June
Here is my progress for my year long challenge. Not much. Have not had time to work on it at all.
September
No update this quarter ........ didn't get anything done.
Final Update
I finally had a chance to work on my CYLC. This year has been a struggle, and I have not had a lot of mini time this year. My project did not get done for the second year in a row, so this will be my 2026 challenge again, and hopefully I will have a bit more time to play minis in 2026.
Melody Petlock
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!
March
My hope was to get the Hartman family of dolls and their helpers moved in through this year. So far I did put in a lot of furniture. I realize what I need to do is fill shelves, hutches, and other furnishings whether with toiletries, books, collections, china or pantry items. My goal was to finish the 4th floor this quarter. Instead it's at the "worse before better" stage. Thanks to this challenge I am making progress. Here are the rose and the blue suites with a lot of shelves and vanities I have bashed and filled during this quarter. I have prepared windows that need to be dressed. I am looking forward to making more progress in Q2.
June
M'Lady is very pleased her blue bedroom suite is finally complete with curtains, Marie Antoinette-inspired accessories, and all the luxury and comfort she expects.
Between the suites, in the hallway to the attic, are shelves full of lovely linen and racks for extra clothing and hats.
Miss Rose's suite is also ready for her. She will be adding more touches as time goes on. She has a collection of seashells and seaside prints to add to the bathroom for example. She is never done!
M'Lady and Miss Rose hope to see big progress in the salons next quarter.
September
I got quite a lot done this quarter, most significantly in the Library of Oddities and the Laundry. I find this challenge so motivating!
Final Update
These challenges have really motivated me to work on this dollhouse. There are only a few finishing touches before I will declare 4 storeys of this house finished except for upgrades. I also need to do something with the top storey!
Here is the picture of the entire house. The other 2 pictures focus where I did the most work this quarter: kitchen, pantry, Butler pantry and music room. I guess I also did a lot on the guest powder room, but I didn't photograph just that.
Anita Pickens
I received this Sam's Club dollhouse from my sister as a Christmas present. This will become my Christmas house. I would love to be entered in this challenge. I will not be using most of the furniture included as it is wood and not the style I'm going for.
March
I still have a lot to do on the front. I included just a corner of my kitchen. I can't decide on what to do about lighting.
June
I feel a little stuck. I have the walls, bulbs/lights for the tree and I'm waiting on a prep table. 😊but I'm enjoying every minute.
September
Slow and steady. 😄
Final Update
Cheryl Polito
Here are the kits I will be working on this year. They are all from the QC Weekend, but I can’t remember the year.
March
Here’s what I’ve got done on my salon. I was babysitting my granddaughter so I didn’t bring everything I needed. I thought I had an X-Acto knife or razor blade and didn’t have either one so I couldn’t cut the paper out the window. This kit went together really well, not finished with it yet obviously.
June
New Par
September
I hope you didn’t pass out I actually got these in a couple of days early. Sorry for all the background stuff but we were moving to a new RV park.
The log cabin was from Cincy and is by Karen Benson. I have two more structures that are kits I need to make and then some other buildings for the houses of the people. My log cabin is owned by the people who own the general store.
Final Update
Here are 5 out of 10 buildings I wanted to complete.
Kelle Risoli
My goal this year is to re-work the Fantasy Cottage (a 2022 E-3 Retreat Project) into a new version I am calling the "King's Scribe" a gothic theme in 1/2". Here is the original Fantasy Cottage that is inspiring the whole project and another reference pic for the finished room.
March
This quarter I have designed my "King's Scribe" project which was inspired by the 2022 E3-Fantasy Cottage. The main display is half-inch scale while the lower level will be quarter-inch. The structure is laser cut and engraved (inside and out) using 1/8" (3mm) birch plywood. Lots of painting ahead as well as the interior and accessories. Hope I can keep up the progress so I can actually finish this year!
June
Here is my June update for the Yearly Challenge, my King's Scribe project. I managed to get the furniture done except dressing the bed. There needs to be more hours in the day and more days in the week :-)
September
I have managed to make some progress on my project. Still need to add the lights (lights are made but there's no wiring in place yet), and fireplace to the main floor and furniture for the lower level (see June update) along with the base and some landscaping.
I want to acknowledge Heather Tracy, Thicketworks for the patterns for the window, the door, and matching surrounds. Reducing her door pattern to half-scale and retaining the detail was definitely a challenge. Tried first using my Cricut Maker but it just didn't produce the results I wanted. Ended up using my xTool S1 laser for them instead.
Here's to hoping that the Holidays will be kind and I can finish this thing.
Final Update
I actually finished my project this year! Woo-Hoo!!
Jeffrey Ritter
Well, I did not realize I could re-initiate by completing what I failed to complete last year. So, I'm in to complete my Vermeer Residence in 2025. 80% complete on structure and 70% or more on interior furnishings. Biggest challenge is hand-painting in 1:48 4 or 5 Vermeer painting in process. With the publication of my work as the cover story in the Gazette this month (which project kept me from finishing Vermeer, I still call 2024 a success.
March
Probably 80% of the furnishings and decor for the nine rooms are completed, final assembly of the structure will be completed in the next week or so, and the detailed 1:48 reproductions of Vermeer's paintings (and the related props in his paintings) will follow. These pics show the layout of the furnishings. Christine McIntyre-Hammon has been helping me learn painting techniques. Great fun.
June
Here is evidence of 2nd quarter progress. Spent May learning sculpture and fresco and gold leaf painting in Florence. Vermeer house now wired and constructed. Starting on studios and roof now.
September
My Vermeer house project has moved quickly and I may have it done before Philly. So enjoying NAME.
Final Update
Well, I am pleased to report the completion of my 2025 annual project. I exhibited the Vermeer house at the Philly Show and was really humbled by the many kind words from people that know their stuff! Definitely worth all of the work.
Now, what will I do in 2026?
Neal Rogness
I plan on doing/completing the following four NAME-related projects throughout 2025:
* Debbie Young’s Sweet Rose QC Cottage kit (including furniture kits and added-in lighting)
* One Star Away A Christmas Story House kit (exterior only but with added-in lighting)
* Quarter scale centerpiece for NAME 2025 It’s a Small World convention in Cincinnati
* Robin Betterley’s Miniatures Ravenwood kit (including interior/furnishings kits)
The bin is holding various supplies that will be used for the NAME convention centerpiece.
March
* Debbie Young’s Sweet Rose QC Cottage kits (finished including all furniture kits, added-in lighting, and landscaping)
* One Star Away A Christmas Story House kit (exterior of house is complete; kit included heavy cardboard walls and some wood trim; I painted, added in additional window treatments and paper shingled the roof; porch lighting completed; more lighting will be added including some snow and icicles)
* Quarter scale centerpiece for NAME 2025 It’s a Small World convention in Cincinnati (98% completed; no supporting pic)
* Robin Betterley’s Miniatures Ravenwood kit (house has been completed; currently working on furniture/furnishings kits; some form of exterior landscaping is also planned)
June
Here is my second quarter update for the Create Year Long Challenge 2025 (with attached pics in support, where appropriate).
* Debbie Young’s Sweet Rose QC Cottage kits (finished including all furniture kits, added-in lighting, and landscaping)
* One Star Away A Christmas Story House kit (exterior of house is complete; kit included heavy cardboard walls and some wood trim; I painted, added in additional window treatments and paper shingled the roof; porch lighting completed; more lighting will be added including some snow and icicles)
* Quarter scale centerpiece for NAME 2025 It’s a Small World convention in Cincinnati (98% completed; no supporting pic)
* Robin Betterley’s Miniatures Ravenwood kit (house has been completed; currently working on furniture/furnishings kits; some form of exterior landscaping is also planned)
September
* One Star Away A Christmas Story House kit: As with the Second Quarter Update, next up will be snow and a few finishing landscaping touches (supporting pic provided in the next update).
* Quarter scale centerpiece for NAME 2025 It’s a Small World convention in Cincinnati: Finished (and a supporting pic is provided)
* Robin Betterley’s Miniatures Ravenwood kit: As was reported with the Second Quarter Update, I continue to spend time working on a landscaping base upon which the house will sit (supporting pic provided in the next update).
NOTE: I’ve spent time finishing up the Aspen Grove kit (Stewart Dollhouse Creations) which I started at the NAME 2025 Convention in Cincinnati; that is the reason for the lack of real progress on the other two projects; stay tuned for the Fourth Quarter Update!
Final Update
* One Star Away A Christmas Story House kit: Finished. This is an exterior-only kit. I added snow and a few landscaping elements along with porch Christmas lights. A supporting pic is provided.
* Quarter scale centerpiece for NAME 2025 It’s a Small World convention in Cincinnati: Finished (as reported in Third Quarter Update)
* Robin Betterley’s Miniatures Ravenwood kit: As reported in prior updates, I continue to spend time working on a landscaping base upon which the house will sit. While progress was made, it is not yet finished - mainly because I devoted time to finishing Debbie Young’s Christmas Card kit which I started in a workshop at the Philly Show in November (supporting pic provided).
All told, I’m happy with the projects I finished in 2025 and with the progress made on others.
Carin Shapiro
This year I will focus on renovation of a vintage dollhouse. It is missing a backwall, I will wallpaper the house and furnish with my existing vintage and antique dollhouse and accessories.
March
This quarter I repaired broken antique furniture, made structural repairs to my antique house, and made progress regarding wall paper. I am most proud of the hand painted tile kitchen floor.
June
This quarter I completed one bedroom, added a brick wall and shelving to the kitchen, and completed the parlor. I also took a lot if time looking for antique dollhouse wallpaper and ultimately found 2 borders to use in the last bedroom and upstairs hallway. I found a local printer who can make me high quality color copies 11x17" for $2 a page and he has helped me out a lot with this project. I have most of the furniture and antique dolls already, so I cannot wait to finish this project so I can put them in their completed house that they have waited approximately years for.
Final Update
I got this one done much earlier that my prior projects as I did not electrify this one! I really enjoyed renovating this antique house, making it into my version of an antique dolls' house. I tried to be as authentic as possible. The furniture and dolls are all antique. I used antique handkerchiefs for curtains, antique tatting made by my great-great grandmother for the kitchen curtain and some rugs, and I manged to track down original antique wallpaper borders for for the left bedroom and upstairs hallway. For more photos, visit my Facebook page.
Melissa Simmons
This will be my first CYLC. I want to make a large craft room for me and my mom, who passed away last year. Crafting was so important to her and always has been to me as well. I've never made a house or room box that wasn't from a kit, so this structure is going to be completely custom-made from foam board. It will also be challenging because I work full-time and I'm in school full-time for my master's degree. I even had dolls custom made to look like me and my mom.
March
I managed to get both sides of the flooring and the wallpaper and bottom trim finished. I decided I wanted a bay window so I cut out one wall and installed that. I've made the curtains and rods (which took 3 attempts!), a whole lot of pattern envelopes with patterns inside them, spools of thread and ribbon, the bookshelf with so many pieces of fabric, the little baskets sitting on the shelves of the bookshelf, the coffee table, the butcher block cutting table with pegboard sides, the little wastebasket complete with some trash in it, the butter cookie tin with sewing supplies, the cross-stitched pillow and framed picture on the wall, and the other 3 throw pillows on the seat of the window. I still have a long way to go and so many pieces to still make to encompass all the different crafts my mom and I enjoyed.
June
I feel like I haven't made very much progress on my craft room. I'm beginning to worry that due to all my work and school obligations, I won't get this room finished by the end of the year. I'm going to keep plugging along and fingers crossed!
I made a bunch of cross-stitch pictures and made frames for them. I've built a workshop bench from looking at a picture of a real-life-sized one, and also made some custom fluorescent lighting to go under the upper cabinets out of EL wire, clear heat shrink tubing, and aluminum tape. I've 3D printed quite a lot of things that will eventually make it into the room after they've been painted and finished.
September
I haven't spent as much time as I should have been on my mini memorial craft room. I always get distracted by new projects. I made about 100 miniature bottles of acrylic, they are each painted a different color and labeled. I made the "acrylic" wall shelves from acetate and super glue. It's coming along, but I definitely need to devote more time to it.
Final Update
Well, sadly, I did not complete the Memorial Craft Room this year. Not only do I make miniatures, but I'm also a full-time nurse and a full-time master's degree student, and both of those responsibilities are seriously getting in the way of my miniature making. I am still very happy with the progress I've made, and this will likely be my project again next year.
Helen Sparks
Looking forward to participating again this year. I have three projects this time. The first is a half scale version of the Ivy Cottage project by Cat Wingler that was in the Miniature Gazette in 2003-04. One of my clubs is doing the project, but we are working at our own pace so some folks have already finished theirs! The second is a simple vignette box project from Small World Miniature Club. There was no theme, although we did get laser cut window, chair and table. We are supposed to display these at our Show at the end of March, so I will be focusing on this one first. My third project is the Old Southern Charm Bed and Breakfast from the last NAME Convention. You can tell from the picture that it will be my biggest challenge!
March
I’m having a productive year so far but the hardest project is yet to come. I finished the Small World Miniature Club vignette box in time for our Show at the end of this month. The birthday table was a Chrysnbon display piece which had everything on it, even tiny mint cups and party blowers! I also finished the basic structure of the Half Scale Ivy Cottage - I just need to fill the cart with flowers and it will be complete. I “cheated” and ordered some premade flowers, but they are taking quite awhile to come from Thailand! (A friend recommended the site, so I’m not worried.😉)
June
I finished my Courtyard with a flower cart, so that one is complete. I have been working diligently on the Bed and Breakfast. Some colorful language along the way as my fingers are just too big for quarter inch! I have the porch roof and posts ready to install but thought I should wait until I finished furnishing the rooms to give myself better access.
September
In spite of being sidetracked by other projects including the Chic Boutique Thursday Night Project from Cincinnati, I did manage to finish decorating the two bedrooms and the sitting area. I have gathered the pieces I need for the kitchen/breakfast room. This has been challenging for me since 1/4” is not my usual scale and I didn’t have a “stash” to draw on. I am lucky to have friends who have shared with me!
Final Update
I am so excited that I finished my Old Southern Charm Bed And Breakfast, the third and final project on my Challenge list for this year. I also almost finished the NAME Day Courtyard and participated in the Winter Swap. Still have plenty of unfinished projects, though …..
Thanks to Create for the inspiration!
Julie Stuckmeyer
I plan to finish Brooke Tucker's Golden Christmas in 1:144 and in 1:24 scales. I already have a 1:48 one and want to have all three scales. If I happen to be more organized than last year (finishing on December 31) I will emulate Barb Antol and switch to other Christmas themed minis.
March
I've done a lot with lighting my 1:24 Golden Christmas and pretty much finished my 1:144 -- I just need to do the exterior of my 1:144 and possibly tie the electric of all three together.
June
I've managed to work on my Half Scale Brooke Tucker Golden Christmas a bit this quarter. I'm waiting to get my lighting stuff from Evans in order to light my Christmas Tree. Progress!!
September
I'm getting very close to finishing my half scale Brooke Tucker Golden Christmas. My 1:144th scale room is finished! I still need a chandelier for the dining room, the coffee table, lights for the living room fireplace mantel, and probably crown molding. I was hoping to not have to do crown molding (because that is one of my least favorite things to do in a house!!) but I suspect I'll need it to cover inevitable gaps. Sigh. Still, assuming I can find a chandelier, I will finish this year so that's good news!
Final Update
I just want it on record that I finished this year ... and over a month before the deadline!!! I absolutely love this room but three scales is ENOUGH! 🙄🤣 Now to catch up on all my other UFOs!!!
Barbara Thornton-Hill
My 2025 submission may be the same as someone else’s. It is to make the Sweet Rose house by Debbie Young and furnish it.
March
From the box to this far!
June
I am in the same place I was in March - see pics from March.
September
Good thing I still have 3 months to finish this shell of a house. So glad I didn’t include the interior and landscaping in my goal for the year.
Final Update
I got so involved with next year’s Convention that, of course, I didn’t finish so my pictures would be the same as last quarter. However, I’m very close to finished, just didn’t completely do it. Now I also have to do the inside furnishings and the landscaping. But first, finish the roof.
Terry Unnold
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! Here’s my inspiration from the Museum of Miniatures in Carmel.
March
It was a busy first quarter working on Sweet Rose and the Cincinnati Convention favors and swaps, but I did manage to complete some furniture for my CYLC. Just two night tables and a dresser for the bedroom and a hanging cabinet and small table for the living room. Still making decisions about walls and floors. Maybe full ”Barbie” hot pink with black, gold and mirror in the bedroom or maybe not …
June
My dollhouse sized Barbie and Ken have discovered online shopping and Miniverse Appliances! Now I need a lot of shelves and cupboards for their kitchen. Wonder what’s in all those other boxes? At least they got a vacuum!
How can I make any progress when they keep buying more stuff for their house?
September
No September Update
Final Update
Ok, not completed again but I have had two recent, major accomplishments. The original ceiling lights on a 5 watt system (the house is from the mid-eighties) are now working and I figured out how to remove the stairs and almost double the floor space on the first and second floors.
So, yes, this is once again my CYLC for 2026 but it’s looking bigger and brighter, tee hee!
Terry “Third Time’s the Charm” Unnold
Donna Vanaselja
I wish to build and complete the Sweet Rose Cottage from Debbie Young and actually finish last year's project of Snow White and the Seven Dwarf's cottage. Thanks for all you do.
March
Thanks to Debbie Young’s 5 zoom classes, my structure is 80% finished. I am working on the rest of the furnishings every day.
June
Though I want to add more, I think my Sweet Rose is finished. This was a joy to put together. Most of the small details were made by me. I purchased kits and 3d printed furniture from QC vendors.
September
Someone has left a basket of apples for Snow. I worked on furnishings for the house and made the 2 hanging lights. Sleepy has found his way upstairs to his bed. I hope to fill more of the spaces and find just the right places for Snow and the other six dwarves.
Final Update
When I started this project, I had so many ideas. After a year, I am still not done, but have a plan. This is where Snow stays while her prince travels the kingdom. Her bedroom is fit for a princess and her dwarves are not far away. I loved making the fireplace and organ. The figures are a bit small but truly need to be in this house.
Marcie Van Deren
I so enjoyed the 2024 challenge! I finished several projects! For 2025, I am going to complete the Bakery - a project from Lisa’s Little Things, a Coffee shop, and the 1/4” Scale Garden Shoppe which was a class in 2019 in Nashville.
March
The Soda Shoppe has not had any work done on it yet. The 1/4 scale Desert Garden shop from 2019 Nashville is at least out of the box. The Bakery Shop has some cakes now. Made in Ruth Stewart’s March 1, Zoom class. I’ll get more done!
June
It has been much harder to work on these this year. But a little at a time! Working on the grass around the rv pad. I just have to finish it. The garden shop in 144th is a continuing project. A little gets done. And the bistro/bakery, well some baked items are being made.
September
The trailer has now been placed on the RV pad and is ready to return for display in our RV park office. The 2019 Nashville 1/4 scale Garden Shop is coming along. I’m making the furnishings and the plants. The other shop is now a candy store called “The Candy Caper”. I’m attending the Spokane Mini Candy store workshop in October.
Final Update
Thank you for a great year! I didn’t get as much done as I hoped, but the RV is finished and waiting for my SIL to build a shelf in the campground office.
The candy shop is in progress. I am making candy.
The 1/4” project is struggling, because I am finding so much disparity in what constitutes quarter inch.
But I have enjoyed these projects!
Sandra Whipple
My project this year is to finish decorating the interior of my half-scale Victorian house. It is unique in that it opens on all sides.
March
I measured and cut flooring for each room in my half-scale house, and I selected furniture for the kitchen and bedroom. I’m still working on the color scheme so I can begin wallpapering.
June
This quarter I have been collecting and preparing furniture for my half scale Victorian dollhouse.
September
I finished installing floors in the remaining rooms. Next I will install wallpaper and paint and refinish furniture.
Final Update
I finished all 12 interior rooms of the half-scale Victorian dollhouse. The exterior was previously done. The house is unique in that it opens in four distinct sections as shown in the photos.
Cat Wingler
I want to finish and furnish my mill from Unicoi. The structure is built and partially landscaped. I want to finish the landscape and furnish the mill as a cider mill and country store.
March
This is my Cider Mill, started several years ago in one of the Unicoi events. I worked on furnishing the shop part of the Mill, using a few items robbed from other projects, as well as a few made especially for the Mill. Since this is a cider mill, there are a lot of apples for sale.
June
This quarter I added more to the store part of the mill and started on the living quarters. I started building the cider press and things for the basement. I still need to finish the living quarters and basement next quarter.
September
I finished the furnishings for the cellar of the Cider Mill. It is where they press the apples so there are barrels on the back wall, a cider press, and barrels of apples. I added a stone fireplace! And a couple of crates. I added a spinning wheel to the living quarters.
Final Update
The Cider Mill is finished. This quarter I finished the outside, mainly adding the merchandise to the outdoor market, apples and jugs of cider. I added the shopkeeper and customer to the store section of the inside and a farmer to the outside.
Tammy Witthaus
1 - I want to complete Petalstone. This is the hard part -- furnishing the remainder of the rooms for which I don't have kits. The conservatory, exterior, and landscaping also needs to be done.
2 - 1" scale Gingerbread Train from Stewart Miniatures - I am cross stitching a gingerbread train and want to put both in a shadowbox.
3 - Ginger Landon Siegel's Teddy Bear Shop - I had started to cut out pieces many moons ago, but need to get back to this project and complete.
4 - Frostie Fashions Paper Tole Kit that I bought a very long time ago that I will be layering and embellishing similar to what Ginger does with her kits.
March
Petalstone - a majority of the interior is complete but still need to add some items here and there. All of the lights are in and work. I have shingled the roof and sided the house. Still need to work on windows, doors, and conservatory.
1" scale Gingerbread Train from Stewart Miniatures - Completed the cross stitch and started working on the gingerbread train.
Completed Ginger Landon Siegel's Teddy Bear Shop
I have started to cut out Frostie Fashions Paper Tole Kit but not pictured as not much to see yet.
June
This quarter I just about finished this Frostie Fashions paper tole kit that I purchased a long time ago. I didn't care for the instructions and wanted to make it my own. I embellished with fabric, glitter snow, wire, embroidery thread, lace, ribbon, flocking, landscaping material, beads, and LEDs. The only thing left is framing.
September
Gingerbread train cross stitch/polymer clay display - I have completed all gingerbread train cars to go with the cross stitch and built a shadowbox with frame. Still need to paint frame, add lights, and put it all together.
Petalstone - Completed conservatory, front doors, front window, and front porch. Still need to finish all other trims, windows, base, and landscaping.
Final Update
Done!
Ellen Yunker
For 2025, I chose a less involved project, as I have some big demands on my time this year. I’m thrilled that our Louisville contemporary art museum, KMAC Museum, is mounting a “Getting Small in Kentucky” exhibit, featuring dollhouse miniatures plus scale models, fantasy builds, and basically anything small! So I’m making an artist’s loft to submit, using the easel, paint box, and stool I made in a Create class with Belinda McWilliams. I’m excited for another completed project!! Thanks, Create team!
March
Okay, barely started, but at least I put on the first coat of paint! This artist’s studio is on the beach - lucky artist! - and I’m looking forward to finishing the inside as well as landscaping the exterior with some fun beachy looks. I’m torn between leaving the roof shakes as is, or trying for a more weathered, silvery finish. We’ll have to see what works best!
June
I got more coats of paint on my artist’s retreat, now called “Sea Glass Studio”, with a shell on the door to identify it. I’ve added porch railings and am making flowers to fill a pot there. Tried stained glass in the dormer but didn’t like it, so more to come on that. I’ve finished one “canvas” and plan many more, as well as more paints and brushes. I’m having a great time and plan to finish it for a local exhibition in November!
Final Update
So my artist’s studio is finished! Sea Glass Studio is complete and I hope to finish another, smaller project for the final 90 days of this year’s challenge! Thanks to the Create team for helping procrastinators like me actually finish projects!
