Mini painting

[rachelmanija]

I'm currently working on learning to make book nooks, moss gardens, and other tiny-scale projects.

I ordered some 3D printed 1:64 scale figures from Etsy, and have been practicing painting them.

First try, with random sample figures.

Second try; Sheriff Crow and Becky in progress.

I can tell already that the big thing I need to obtain is a free-standing magnifying glass. I am in desperate need of a new glasses prescription and probably can't get one for at least six months. Thanks covid!

Any tips or favorite tip sites for miniature crafts?

Comments

[gumbie_cat]

Oh, thank you! I was trying to remember what these were called!

I have no resources to suggest, I just want an excuse to make tiny needlepoint samplers without acquiring an entire dollshouse.

[rachelmanija]

Ahhh! I love that.

[helen_keeble]

There are about a bajillion YouTube channels on wargame miniature painting, which may be of use! Games Workshop has a ton of tutorials (I think their channel is called Warhammer TV?)

If you’re using acrylic paint, I found a wet palette to be a game changer in terms of keeping a nice thin consistency. There are YouTube videos on how to construct one (it’s dead simple - just uses kitchen towel, a shallow plastic box, and some grease proof/baking paper)

You might find some interesting videos of you search for wargame terrain making - it’s a whole subset of the hobby.

[helen_keeble]

Also, Amazon has tons of miniature dollhouse scene kits, where you have to construct and paint everything from scratch, eg:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolife-Miniature-Dollhouse-Creative-Gifts-Doras/dp/B08HGVF8DR

[rachelmanija]

You're such an enabler.

Thanks for the tips! I'm definitely trying the wet palette. Do you do Warhammer painting?

[helen_keeble]

I used to do Warhammer miniatures, and I still dabble in painting (when my board games happen to include cool minis).

I don't know what paint you're using, but I find Army Painter brand to be a good budget option (they do nice brushes too) - I'm particularly fond of their washes/shades range for quick easy shadows. Vallejo paints are VERY good (especially for metallics) though a bit pricier. Don't know how readily available they are in the US though.

[silverflight8]

This is such an awesome idea. I love tiny scale things.

[telophase]

If you have enough bandwidth to watch YouTube, check out Black Magic Crafts. He's ostensibly creating terrain for tabletop gaming, but it's all fantastic fantasy and SF miniature stuff and watching him makes me want to do it. I just can't afford the time for another hobby. XD

[oracne]

I love love love looking at tiny things.

batwrangler has done some dioramas.

[akamarykate]

Depending on how far you go into miniature-making, I will say generally that any tool that you're wondering if it will be worth it--is probably worth it. The right tools (and glue) make a huge difference in how projects turn out. Tacky glue and silicone glue are my two favorites. And if you're doing any cutting, get a comfortable craft knife, a cutting mat, and LOTS of blades. The moment a blade starts to feel the least bit dull, change it. You will be so much happier with your results if you do.

[lilacsigil]

Yes, this for the blade changing! I'm not doing miniature anything anymore because my hands can't take it, but when I was I bought a scalpel handle and a big packet of blades from a medical supply store and they've lasted forever. And the smaller you're working the more you need that sharp tip!

[sabotabby]

I'm just learning how to paint miniatures and I have a friend I text for advice. Probably not very useful for you, but yours look amazing!

[anna_wing]

Sites about shadow box art?

[em_h]

Aw, Sherrif Crow and Becky, I miss them! Must re-read those books.