Miniature Chapel Ornament

 Hey Mini Friends!  Once again, I am in love!  With one of my creations!  I made a little Chapel to go on my Bird Themed Christmas Tree.  It was a little tedious at times because I wanted the siding and shingles to be a little more size appropriate.  But it turned out wonderful and I cannot wait to see it on my tree!  I can't wait to see all of them on my tree.  I think I am up to 11 houses so far and am working on another one.  I also have about one dozen clay birds, which there will be more, and five papier mache eggs that are not really cooperating with me just yet.  BUT!  Here we go on the Chapel!

Isn't she divine?!?!  I believe this is the largest one so far.  She is five inches long by 7 inches tall by three inches wide.  I began by taking ZERO pictures of the pieces being cut out of chipboard.  I usually just wing it in this process anyway.  So, we start with making the "stained glass" windows.  In addition to the chipboard outsides, I also cut out matching pieces of cardboard from cracker boxes to sandwich the stained glass.  The stained glass is made from plastic packaging, black acrylic paint, washable markers and gloss mod podge.

I think the stained glass took three coats to get the color I wanted.

By the way, these little clips are amazing.  You can find them on Amazon HERE.

I covered the inside walls with a thin layer of joint compound.

I tore out roses and florals from my favorite napkins and mod podged them to the inside walls.

I water/paint-stained skinny popsicle sticks for the flooring.

For the altar table I used pre-made very small spindles that I cut down.  I also used the same spindles for the candles on the altar.

And what else does a tiny Chapel need??  Pews of course!  I just cut out shapes from chipboard and tried to make them all the same.  These ornaments are so small that I question my sanity at times lol.  Not to mention my hands hurting.

I did add a tiny piece of black thread for the candle wicks. (not pictured)

As per usual, I took no pictures of making the siding.  But, I used cracker boxes and painted the inside of the cardboard black.  Then, I brushed on the thinnest layer of school glue and while wet painted on the white paint.  I wanted the crackles to be very tight.

I wasn't sure if I was going to add a belfry.  And I thought this one was too big and almost made a smaller one.  But, I ended up trusting the process and used this one.  It does have a tiny bell hanging inside.

Of course, everything on the bird tree has to have birds or eggs somewhere.  So, I made tiny clay pigeons to live in the belfry.

For the roof, I used sandpaper that I painted black.  I cut strips and then cut many snips to make the shingles.  Talk about making my hands hurt!

I couldn't decide on the door whether to use the arched doors or not.  They seemed way too tall.  So, I made a stained-glass piece and made regular sized doors.

The steps are just three pieces of chipboard that I pressed with a small clay tool to look like stones.  The gravel is decorative sand, and the grass is just pieces of green twine.

The pigeons in the belfry.  Also, you can kind of see the bell here too.

What a joy to make!!

I think she turned out wonderful!  What do you think??

I seriously cannot wait until it is time to decorate this tree!

Thank you for stopping by!!!

XOXO ~Laurie 

Miniature Trunks and Cases Tutorial

Hello Mini Friends!! Today I am sharing a quick mini build that has been so much fun!  I actually made two yesterday without taking many pics at all. So, this morning I decided to make two more and pic the process just for you, my sweeties!!

I saw a different technique on Pinterest of using crumpled up and painted wax paper to give something a leather, weathered look.  I really like it too and will be using it in the future.  

First, I did just that.  I crumpled up some wax paper and flattened it back out.  Then, I painted it using two different colors for each piece.  One regular color and one shiny color.  I did this step first so the paint could dry while I cut out my trunks.

Next, I chose to use my favorite chipboard and cut out two sides and the bottom from it.  For the sides I used a granola bar box because I knew I needed to curve the piece and this would work best.  I used a button for my arch on the smaller one and a paint bottle for the wider one.

I did have to hold the arched pieces down until the glue adhered.

Then it was on to covering them with the painted wax paper.  I used school glue and smeared it onto the board the pressed the wax paper down.  After I trimmed the top piece, I glued on the sides.

I used more cardboard from the granola bar box and cut thin strips.  Then, I painted them.  

These will be the straps.

I also used a scrap piece of chipboard as my guide for the opening.  I used an ink pen to gently press the lines, so they look like they could open.

I did have to slightly curve the strap pieces and glued them down.

And here I am... taking old jewelry apart again, lol!

I used my brown ink pad to go around the edges and also used an old brush with a little ink to create depth down the sides of the straps.

This pic shows one strap without the ink and one with.  I think it makes a big difference.

I did go over and lightly blotch the color of the straps all over and then 

I gave them both a finishing coat of matte Mod Podge and they're done! 

Are they perfect?? NO!  And I wouldn't want them to be!  It's more fun to just roll with the process and wait to see what the finished product looks like.

Thanks for stopping by today! 

I hope you try one of these and if you do, please let me know!  I'd love to see it!

XOXO ~Laurie