I was quite young when I started collecting toys. With all those dolls, accessories, and miniatures available in stores, I just can't help but buy stuff which I think were nice for my collection. However, when I went to college, I was forced to stick to a personal budget since I was away from home most of the time. That was when I realized how much money I have put to waste buying stuff I didn't really need or things that I could most definitely make on my own like these miniature boxes for my dolls. Some collectors pay for more than a dollar for just a piece of miniature boxes like these but when I discovered how much more I can save by just making them, I was quite thrilled.

     I started out by scanning empty boxes of cereals at home and then I made layouts with MS Paint for the extra folded portions. Re-sizing them were difficult though since doll sizes are quite tricky but in the end, I was quite satisfied with my work. I have tried printing them on photo paper and card board paper but the quality would also depend on your printer.

     Below are some FREE Miniature Printable Templates which I have made and some which I got from friends in the U.S. Feel free to copy and use them for your next doll diorama projects. I'll be posting more printable stuff on my site every now and then so stay tuned. ☺

          In a house, people often accumulate a lot of furniture through time. One of which would be shelves. Of course, the family always need storage space for all their stuff and grandma's old book shelf is not quite fit for the house's modern feel.

          Instead of purchasing a new shelf that costs serious money, why not bring that bookshelf to life? A few buckets of paint would definitely cost way cheaper than buying a new bookshelf. You may also try it out with your folks and make it a fun and productive family bonding.

          Below is a simple step-by-step guide on how to bring that bookshelf to life. ☺



Things you need:
     * a bookshelf of course
     * coarse sandpaper
     * fine sandpaper
     * wiping cloth
     * painter's tape or scotch tape
     * paint brush
     * black paint (white would also work)
     * paint with different colors

Procedure:
     1. Use the coarse sandpaper to remove the old paint or varnish of the bookshelf.
     2. With the fine sandpaper, smooth out the bookshelf's wooden surface.
     3. Wipe off all the small particles sanded out from it.
     4. Place painter's tape or scotch tape around the mouth of the shelf's cubicles.
     5. Paint the cubicles with any color of paint that you like.
     6. Let the paint dry completely.
     7. Remove the painter's tape/ scotch tape.
     8. Place painter's tape/ scotch tape on the inside mouth of the cubicles.
     9. Paint the outer portion of the shelf.
     10. Let the paint dry completely, and you're done!