If you’re looking for a quick and beginner-friendly dollhouse project, this miniature plant stand is a fun one to make. It only uses a handful of popsicle sticks, wooden dowels, and a little glue, but the finished piece looks surprisingly stylish. It’s perfect for displaying tiny potted plants, books, candles, or other miniature decorations in a modern dollhouse.
Just a quick tutorial today, and this is all you need:
Jumbo popsicle sticks
4 mm wooden dowels ( like bamboo skewers)
Craft knife or hobby saw
Cutting mat
Ruler
Pencil
Wood glue or strong craft glue
Sandpaper (optional)
Step-by-step tutorial
Step 1: Make the Three Shelves
Start by making the three shelves for your miniature plant stand.
Using a ruler and pencil, mark a jumbo popsicle stick into 3 cm sections. Cut out nine pieces measuring 3 × 1 cm.
Arrange three of the pieces side by side to form a 3 × 3 cm square. Apply a small amount of glue along the long edges and press the pieces together.
To reinforce the shelf, glue 2 extra 3 × 1 cm pieces across the back. This will hold the three planks firmly together while keeping the front looking like individual boards.
Repeat the process until you have three identical shelves, then allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Tip: Keep the planks as close together as possible while the glue dries. If needed, lightly sand the edges afterward for a cleaner finish.
Step 2: Build the Lower Frame
Start by cutting the following dowels:
4 pieces measuring 6.5 cm
2 pieces measuring 6 cm
2 pieces measuring 4 cm
Begin by gluing the two 6.5 cm dowels and the two 4 cm dowels together to create a rectangular base. They sit on top of each other, not next to each other.
Next, glue one of the 3 × 3 cm shelves onto the right side of the frame, positioning it flush with the outside edge as shown in the photos.
Now glue two 6 cm dowels vertically onto these shelves. These will support the upper shelves.
Finally, glue 2, 4 cm dowel vertically into the back left corner of the base.
Allow the glue to dry before continuing to the next step, checking that all 4 upright dowels are straight and perpendicular to the base.
Tip: It’s easier to let the rectangular frame set for a few minutes before attaching the vertical supports. This keeps everything square and prevents the frame from shifting while the glue is still wet.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Shelves
Cut the following bamboo dowels:
2 pieces measuring 3.5 cm
2 pieces measuring 3 cm
Glue two 3.5 cm dowels horizontally between the two taller right-hand uprights. This creates the support for the middle shelf.
Next, glue one of the remaining 3 × 3 cm shelf panels onto the left side, resting on the horizontal support and the angled upright, as shown in the photos.
Now glue the two 3 cm dowels vertically to those shelves on the left side of the structure. These will support the top shelf. Make sure that these 4 are all at the same height.
Finally, position the last 3 × 3 cm shelf panel on top of the four uprights and glue it into place. Make sure all shelves sit level before the glue sets.
Tip: Dry-fit the final shelf before adding glue. If one upright is slightly taller than the others, lightly sand it first so the top shelf sits perfectly flat.
