Dollhouse Miniature Front Porch part 6

Watch the video here.

This week we are going to add the roofing to the front porch. I am using my favorite material for roofing, simple sand paper. This week I am using 100 grit from the dollar store. It is really important that you do spray paint/seal the sandpaper before you use it but that is really all there is to do.

I love how this looks like a modern day roof and is so easy and economical to use. I usually paint mine black because I prefer how it sets off the whatever color I have used on my siding but a quick drive around the neighborhood would give you a lot of color ideas.

Here is a picture of the markings I did on the back of the pages. I have come up with the color system to make it easy for me to keep straight what lines I cut and how far. You can use any 3 colors of marker to do the same thing.

The lines on the roof start 1” up from the bottom edge and then are ½” apart all the way to the top.

After the marking and cutting are done it is just a simple job to glue the strips to the roof being sure to offset the shingles like on a real roof.

Why I use the stuff I do

I wanted to take a few moments to talk to all of you about something I get asked about a lot. Pretty regularly I get messages or comments on videos questioning why I use things like foam core, paper board, etc. I will say some of those messages have actually been on the mean/rude side although most are very polite and just wondering.

Really the reason is super simple. Dollhouse miniatures are my passion. I love the hobby so much and I want to share that love with as many people as possible. I go out of my way to come up with projects that are as approachable as possible on a regular basis. That being said I also offer some projects that are more advanced and take some skill to complete. But especially with the building projects I want everyone to have a chance at doing them and being able to afford them.

With the current project, the front porch. I could have used wood instead of foam core. Then only those with access and the skills to use power tools could have done the project. Also the cost would have been much higher, especially since I am using the foam core from the dollar store. I have very little money invested in the project but I am still very happy with how it is coming along.

It is up to you if you want to make things like the door from the inexpensive materials I used or do you want to hop on over to the mini store and spend around $20 for your door. Do you want to take some inexpensive strip wood and some plexiglass to make a window or again spend your money on one from the store (again probably around $20)

If you have the skills and the access to power tools you could be making the porch project from wood. I figure those that can will figure that part out on their own though.

Personally I love to create, it is something that I actually need to do to feel like myself. I love to make things and the thrill of taking something inexpensive and turning it into something spectacular is really enjoyable for me. Even when things don't turn out exactly like I planned I still enjoy the process. I hope that you all do too.

Also I know that a lot of my viewers don't have a local miniature store to pick up things at. They either have to rely on the normal craft store or order online.

So I am going to continue to use recycled boxes and I am going to continue to re-purpose things that are easy to find in normal craft stores and the dollar store so that as many people as possible can enjoy this wonderful hobby.