The Tiny Haunted Library (Part One)
A Miniature Library Upcycle Project
While we wait on the electrical work in the cottage, I have started upcycling a Lori Dollhouse Loft in 1:12 scale. My daughter and I purchased this two years ago at a Kids Exchange sale for $10 or $15.
This house is wildly outside of our architectural taste -very sleek and modern- but it is also very unique. And that makes it special. So when I pulled it from the shelf of obscurity recently, it made sense to upcycle it into something we adore: a cozy library with historic flare.
When finished, my goal is to create a bustling city library with hints of gothic mystery and whimsy. A place where we can imagine spending hours wrapped around a hot cup of coffee and a pile of books.
My first steps were to remove the broken door and fill in the holes where the door hinges used to be. I chose to fill it with cardboard, and will later cover it as part of the wall. In its place, I’ll make a new door.
Next, I used painters tape and more cardboard to cover three of the windows, which were too low for future bookshelves. I sealed the interior edges with calking. This is my first time using calk, and so far it’s excellent! Many online miniaturists rave about it. It’s waterproof and strong.
Any excess spaces will either be filled in by wall Spackle or covered over by a new exterior.
You may have noticed the dark floorboards. I usually make my own out of Popsicle sticks and tongue depressors but I wanted to try these miniature black walnut floor tiles. Expensive? Yes. Beautiful? Absolutely! This was merely a no-stick run to see how many I needed to order. (I’ve estimated four packs of 40 = 160 pieces.)
And what about those weird gray stairs, you might be wondering? The first rule of weird gray stairs is: You do not talk about weird gray stairs. Not until I have a solid plan of attack, anyway. With a midnight furniture pallet and yet-to-be-determined wall color, the gray should definitely evolve.
Lastly, every miniature project needs a sleepy cat for luck. Meet Anka. She is fluffy and magical and has the oversized, lovable heart of a yeti.
Thank you for your interest! Stay tuned for part two of the Tiny Haunted Library upcycle project. Next, we will be making bricks. Lots and lots of them.