This hobby involves a combination of wood crafting of miniatures and the art of acrylic painting.
For me, this interest first surfaced when, as a boy of 16, a forest fire destroyed much of my family's summer community in Maine. As an emotional outlet to the event I constructed some small replicas of burned homes. These were done from memory or from limited photographs. Since 1990 this hobby has been a consuming interest.
Information gathered is graphed at a scale of 4-6 mm/ft. at a convenient size to fit on a shelf. They generally vary in length from 6 in. to 1 ft.. Early models were almost 2-dimensional in that their depth was limited. Many since have been increased in depth by completing the front half of the house up to the highest roof line. At present I am constructing the entire structure so that all measurements appear to be accurate. Most models concentrate on external features only unlike dollhouses . Dollhouses are of a larger scale and include internal features.
The form of the basic building is made from 3/8" craft wood ( pine usually ) and covered with 1/16" basswood. Openings for windows and doors are cut from the basswood prior to gluing of the basswood to the frame. Mouldings of various stripwoods are used for trim where needed. Ells, rooms, and additions are later glued to the frame . The model is glued to a plywood base, a roof added, and appropriately finished. A foundation for landscaping is added using joint compound to create various textures and terrains. The landscape is completed with grasses, trees, bushes, and other natural materials. Many smaller types of details are added such as potted plants, chimneys, lamp posts, railings, outside furniture, and many other objects suitable to the particular miniature. When completed the model is identified on the back, signed, dated, finished with gesso and acrylic paints, and given 2 coats of clear protective ultra violet spray.
Every miniature involves much more detail and explanation than is given here . Since each model is unique in detail this explanation is intended to give a generalized view of the process.
Pictures of miniatures are organized into four categories which can be accessed using a link below. Categories are as follows: