Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Dollhouse Miniature Primitive Bench Tutorial

At the end of my dollhouse beds, I like to add a little bench. It's such a fast project with lots of character. Here's a tutorial to show you how I make a dollhouse miniature primitive style bench.
I use  1/16 thick bass wood.  I get mine at Hobby Lobby:  http://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Wood-Crafting/Unfinished-Wood/1/1/16%22-x-4%22-x-24%22-4%22-Wide-Basswood-Sheets/p/29804
The top of the bench is 1" x 2 1/2". The legs are 3/4" x 1 3/8". There are also 2 trim pieces that are 1/4" x 2 1/2".
 For the legs, cut out a triangle at the bottom of each leg. My triangle is 1/2" tall with a 5/16" base. This leaves 1/4" on each side of the triangle.  I use a small box cutter/craft knife.
We'll need to cut off a triangle at the end of the trims. I measured 1/4" from the edge and marked a line from this point to the corner. Cut off. Do this for all 4 ends of the two trims.
Sand all the edges of all your pieces. We want rounded edges so the piece can look like some old bench from a hundred years ago.
Glue the 2 legs to the top of the bench about 1/8" from the edge. I used Aleene's Tacky Glue(a white all purpose glue).
Glue the trims onto the top and edge of the legs.  Let dry completely.
I love to use a aged wash so the wood still shows through the color. You need brown and black paint and water for this. I use one drop of black, 2 drops of brown and about 12 drops of water. 
Easy right? You can adjust the height and size and use it as a bench for the kitchen table. It can be a small table. It's very versatile and quick to make. Thanks so much for joining me!
hugs♥,

16 comments:

  1. Muy sencilla y muy bonita. Gracias por las explicaciones.

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  2. Hallo Cinderella,
    danke für deine Mühe und fürs zeigen.
    Bänke sind schnell gemacht uns sehen immer gut aus.
    Liebe Grüße
    Skiddi

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  3. Thank you Caroline for another wonderful tutorial.
    This is something I am going to try out very soon. I love the aged look.
    Hugs, Drora

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  4. Thank you so much Caroline for the wonderful tutorial. Your bench looks fantastic and something I will try.
    Hugs Maria

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  5. Perfect tutorial, Caroline. I might just give it a try with a little project I'm working on at the moment for one of my daughters :)
    All the best
    Vivian

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  6. I have that bench in my guest bedroom. It came from my husband's grandma's house. I don't remember exactly where she had it, but those old handmade benches come in handy. I am thinking that the Bellingham Farmhouse may need one. Your tutorial is perfect.

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  7. Weer heel leuk bedacht Caroline enig lieve groetjes Danielle

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  8. Queda precioso!!! Gracias!!!! ♥

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  9. Your little bench is fantastic Caroline and it looks wonderful at the end of the bed...l love how you've explained each step with such clear instructions and pictures to match. Did you make all the little books underneath the bench as well....you're just so clever!

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  10. What a lovely little bench! It does add a nice touch of character to the bedroom. The wash you put on it looks great and is the perfect finishing touch!

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  11. YOu're so right, a bench adds a very nice touch. You made a gorgeous scene with it.
    Geneviève

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  12. You're so thoughtful and generous to share your mini-making processes with us! I never would've thought it was a mix of black and brown paint to come up with that patina, brilliant idea! Everything you do amazes and inspires me!

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  13. Oh!! Its so sweet little bench!! Thanks for sharing these perfect tutorial
    GIVEAWAY on my blog

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  14. The bench is so cute and you made it look so easy to make. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

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