One of my favorite things about making miniatures is how you can turn everyday “junk” into something amazing. You don’t need to spend a fortune... just a bit of imagination and a few scraps from around the house! Here are ten of my go-to materials (aka free treasures 😂) that I constantly reach for when building tiny worlds...
1. Old Packaging - don’t toss those boxes and containers just yet! Cardstock from packaging works like thin wood—perfect for furniture, shelves, or even tiny utensils. Clear plastic from blister packs or food containers makes awesome dollhouse windows, picture frame glass, or drinking glasses.
2. Grocery Flyers - those colorful flyers stuffed in your mailbox are full of perfectly scaled images. Cut out little food boxes, makeup packaging, book covers, or even wall art. They’re basically free printables waiting to happen.
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1. Old Packaging - don’t toss those boxes and containers just yet! Cardstock from packaging works like thin wood—perfect for furniture, shelves, or even tiny utensils. Clear plastic from blister packs or food containers makes awesome dollhouse windows, picture frame glass, or drinking glasses.
2. Grocery Flyers - those colorful flyers stuffed in your mailbox are full of perfectly scaled images. Cut out little food boxes, makeup packaging, book covers, or even wall art. They’re basically free printables waiting to happen.
3. Caps - bottle caps from makeup, lotion, or detergent bottles make amazing mini bowls, plates, vases, or storage jars. Just a bit of trimming or paint can completely transform them.
4. Metallic Cardstock - food packaging often hides gorgeous metallic paper on the inside. It looks exactly like metal but is so much easier to cut and glue. Perfect for making appliances, picture frames, or shiny decor.
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5. Broken Jewelry - lost an earring or snapped a necklace? Don’t throw it out! Beads become vases or knobs, chains make perfect curtain tiebacks, bag handles an tiny necklaces, and charms can turn into wall art or tiny accessories.
6. Aluminum Foil - scrunch it up to bulk out clay sculptures, shape it into mini pans or trays, or use it as a lightweight core inside larger builds to keep things sturdy without adding bulk.
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7. Paper Clips - metal clips can be bent into grates, curtain rods, or structural supports for furniture. Plastic-coated ones can become candy canes, handles for mugs, or even funky modern art pieces for your dollhouse walls.
8. Coffee & Coffee Pods - don’t toss those used coffee pods or leftover grounds. Grounds are fantastic for creating realistic soil or sand. Pods themselves can be cut and painted into mini planters, cookware, or even light fixtures.
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9. Old Clothes - old fabric makes perfect miniature pillows, sofas, or doll clothes, buttons can double as tiny plates, picture frames, or even alarm clocks.
10. Straws - plastic or paper straws are super versatile: turn them into mugs, pipes, or even a tiny radiator for an industrial-style dollhouse!
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Using what you already have not only saves money but makes your miniatures even more unique. Plus, there’s something extra satisfying about turning “trash” into a tiny treasure. What’s your favorite household item to repurpose for mini-making?
Ps. You can find a comprehensive list of all my favourite supplies for miniature making here!
6. Aluminum Foil - scrunch it up to bulk out clay sculptures, shape it into mini pans or trays, or use it as a lightweight core inside larger builds to keep things sturdy without adding bulk.
7. Paper Clips - metal clips can be bent into grates, curtain rods, or structural supports for furniture. Plastic-coated ones can become candy canes, handles for mugs, or even funky modern art pieces for your dollhouse walls.
8. Coffee & Coffee Pods - don’t toss those used coffee pods or leftover grounds. Grounds are fantastic for creating realistic soil or sand. Pods themselves can be cut and painted into mini planters, cookware, or even light fixtures.
9. Old Clothes - old fabric makes perfect miniature pillows, sofas, or doll clothes, buttons can double as tiny plates, picture frames, or even alarm clocks.
10. Straws - plastic or paper straws are super versatile: turn them into mugs, pipes, or even a tiny radiator for an industrial-style dollhouse!
Using what you already have not only saves money but makes your miniatures even more unique. Plus, there’s something extra satisfying about turning “trash” into a tiny treasure. What’s your favorite household item to repurpose for mini-making?
Ps. You can find a comprehensive list of all my favourite supplies for miniature making here!