How to Make a Miniature Waterfall for Your Dollhouse

Miniature waterfalls are one of those details that can bring a dollhouse garden or diorama scene to life. I’ve experimented with a few different techniques over time—some more successful than others—and wanted to put together a practical list of methods that work well in 1:12 scale.

Table of Contents

Whether you’re making a peaceful garden scene or a whimsical fairy corner, here’s a look at five approachable ways to make your own tiny waterfall, plus a short section at the end with links to shops that sell ready-made options in case you prefer to buy one.

1. Hot Glue Waterfall

This is one of the simplest methods and ideal if you’re working with basic materials. I’ve done this myself for a small backyard scene.

Use a strip of clear plastic or even tape as a temporary guide between two “rock” levels
Run lines of hot glue down the strip to simulate the falling water
Use a toothpick while the glue is warm to add ripples or whitewater splashes
Once cooled, peel off the guide and glue the waterfall into your scene

You can even swirl hot glue onto a base to simulate the pond surface.

YouTube example:
Easy DIY Hot Glue Waterfall by Decor Time (very beginner-friendly)

2. Clear Silicone (caulk) for a waterfall

If you’re after a textured, flexible waterfall—perfect for biomes, terrariums, or decorative dollhouse gardens—using clear acrylic or silicone caulk is a solid choice.

Lay down a strip of wax paper or peel-off plastic as a temporary work surface
Apply multiple straight strips of DAP Crystal Clear Acrylic Caulk side by side
Use a toothpick to draw vertical grooves while the caulk is wet, creating the illusion of falling water
Let it fully cure, then carefully peel the caulk sheet off the backing
Attach it to a bent clear plastic strip (like from a bottle or blister pack) to hold your desired waterfall shape
Glue the assembled piece into your scene and use a touch of white paint on the grooves to mimic foamy highlights

YouTube example:
Acrylic Caulk Water Effects – Jon Addison from Rafe Xemt demonstrates forming textured waterfalls with clear caulk strips

3. Epoxy Resin for Pools and small waterfalls

If you’re aiming for a realistic water surface—like a pond or stream at the base of your waterfall—a clear two-part epoxy resin is hard to beat.

Steps

Seal your area with tape, clay, or glue to prevent leaks. Or just use a glass surface like in the video below.
Mix the resin according to package instructions and pour in thin layers if needed
Use a toothpick or small torch to remove bubbles
Tint the resin slightly with blue or green, or paint the base beforehand for depth

You can pair this resin pool with hot glue or silicone for the falling water—it gives a convincing contrast.

4. Polyfiber Waterfall with Scenic Products

Luke Towan’s method combines structure, fiber, and scenic materials to produce a highly realistic, layered waterfall effect. This approach works great for those comfortable working with modeling terrain and resin.

Start by building your diorama base with XPS foam and shaping the terrain with a hot wire cutter
Strengthen the terrain using a sculpting modeling mix or plaster to give it a durable surface and embed rock molds
Paint the entire surface using layered washes and dry brushing to mimic natural stone and soil tones
Use aluminum florist wire to shape the path of the waterfall from the top to the bottom level
Apply tacky glue to the wire and attach teased-out polyfiber (pillow stuffing) along the wire frame to simulate flowing water
Drizzle Woodland Scenics Realistic Water over the polyfiber to give it a wet, flowing look
Sprinkle Woodland Scenics snowflakes across the fiber to create volume and texture, especially where the waterfall hits the bottom
Blend the top and bottom of the waterfall with ripples effects and additional gloss Mod Podge for transition and shine
Add fine mist effects using light polyfiber teased around the base to simulate water spray

This method allows you to create a full waterfall scene, from terrain to texture, with lots of control and realism.

YouTube video:

5. Tissue Paper and Glue (for Subtle Effects)

This method works well for gentle trickles or slow-flowing falls and is beginner‑friendly:

Tear toilet paper or tissue into strips and apply over your base area.

Brush on a mixture of PVA/water (about 2:1 ratio) to soak into the layers.

Shape ripples or drips while wet.

Let it dry fully and seal with gloss varnish, Mod Podge, or clear glue.

Example video:

Bonus: Where to Buy Miniature Waterfalls on Etsy

If you’d rather not make one yourself, there are some great artists selling ready-made waterfalls that suit 1:12 scale dollhouses. Here’s a quick list:

MelodyJaneDollHouse – Resin waterfall with koi pond, UK-based, ~$76

LindseyNicoleMinis – Handmade koi pond with waterfall, polymer clay fish

LivingLittleStudio – Compact waterfall in blue/turquoise resin

Always check dimensions and whether the item is ready to ship or made to order. Most of the shops above offer one-of-a-kind pieces that can sell out quickly.

My Final Conclusion

I hope these ideas give you a few ways to approach your own waterfall scene. Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried another method—I’m always curious how other miniaturists solve these types of projects!

I wish you happy crafting!

Kind regards,

Lizzy