Who knew paper could be so versatile in the miniature world? Whether you’re creating delicate flowers or building tiny furniture, miniatures made from paper can be the star of your dollhouse projects!
In this post, we’ll look at some popular techniques like quilling and origami, plus dive into what else you can make—spoiler: it’s a lot more than you’d think!
But first: a little overview of the differences between these three methods, as to avoid confusion!
Technique |
Definition |
Key Features |
Tools Required |
Applications in Miniatures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Origami |
The art of folding paper to create shapes |
Uses only folds, no cutting or glue required |
Just paper and your hands |
Miniature animals, furniture, boxes, and decorative pieces |
Papercraft |
Creating 3D objects by cutting and assembling paper |
Involves cutting, folding, and gluing paper pieces together |
Scissors, glue, cutting tools |
Miniature furniture, buildings, appliances, and accessories |
Kirigami |
A variation of origami that involves both folding and cutting |
Combines folding and cutting for detailed designs |
Scissors, cutting tools (in addition to folding) |
Decorative screens, architectural details, pop-up furniture |
1. Quilling in Miniature: Tiny Paper Twists with Big Impact
Quilling is a fantastic way to add details to your dollhouse scenes, and even create complete pieces, yes indeed!
By first cutting them, followed by rolling and shaping thin strips of paper, you can create beautiful mini flowers, wall art, delicate table decorations, or how about this little office chair that I made from quilling?
This was my first attempt, so forgive me, but this method of using paper for miniatures sure got me interested in doing further quilling projects. The only thing that bothers me is my lack of time hahaha!
The great thing about quilling is that you can experiment with layering, making your designs really ‘pop‘ in 3D.
In my next video, you can see how I also create a dollhouse hyacinth with the quilling method!
Origami: Small Folds, Big Possibilities
Origami isn’t just for paper cranes—it’s perfect for miniatures, too. With just a few folds, you can make all sorts of tiny items for your dollhouse, like storage boxes, baskets, or even furniture.
Imagine a tiny origami chair in a modern dollhouse living room or mini folded boxes sitting on a kitchen shelf.
In my next video below, I have crafted a mini dollhouse fridge with origami. (although there is a little bit of gluing here to glue the inside together with the outside paper)
The little nephew of origami is Kirigami, where you can combine folding with cutting.
Papercraft: Folding Meets Cutting and glueing.
In papercraft, you combine folding with cutting and gluing. This allows you to create not only folded shapes but also intricate designs by adding well-placed cuts to your work.
Unlike origami, where you’re limited to folds, papercraft cutouts add a lot more design freedom.
One of the many examples I have of this is my miniature flower tutorials, where you cut everything into pieces and assemble them again into structures.
You do need some more materials though, like in this video below: a toothpick and paint and scissors.
I also have a mini sofa tutorial, tiny pillows included, and yes, it’s made from paper. You’d be amazed at how sturdy and stylish paper furniture can be with the right folds and structure.
Another great use of paper cutting is for delicate window treatments or decorative accents for shelves. It’s a method that adds that “wow” factor without needing a lot of space or materials.
More Paper-Based Dollhouse Projects You Can Try
Here are some more ideas for dollhouse projects you can make with paper:
- Miniature Wall Art: Use paper cutting or quilling to make tiny framed pieces for your dollhouse walls.
This method is used often in DIY dollhouse kits. - Paper Plants: Besides quilled flowers, you can make hanging plants or paper potted plants in all kinds of shapes and forms.
Most of these are created with the help of printables, like you can find in my blog post on printable plants. - Curtains and Blinds: With the right paper, you can make delicate window treatments that look like fabric.
- Food and Kitchen Accessories: Paper is great for making little boxes, cans, or even fruit and vegetables to fill your miniature kitchen.
Again, this method was used a lot in the ‘vintage’ dollhouse kits, but not so often anymore in the new series by Robotime, for example.
They had their charms if you ask me! - Rugs and Mats: Layer and cut colored paper to make textured rugs or mats for your dollhouse floors.
- Miniature books, for which again, we can use printables for the covers and more!
- Handbags! Video! 🙂
- Obviously: wallpaper!
I have told you everything you need to know about how to wallpaper your dollhouse right here 😉
- And last, but not least, how about paper dolls and paper sceneries? I have checked out and reviewed an online course by Noe Arata on this art form, and it was incredible!
But again, I have no time to craft everything lol!
My Final Conclusion
With some imagination, paper can become one of your go-to materials for almost any part of your dollhouse.
Whether you’re looking to create furniture, decor, or accessories, the versatility of paper means you can easily personalize your projects with these different methods.
Would you like to discuss this topic with me or ask a question, feel free to leave them down below in the comment section!
And I wish you again, happy crafting!
Kind regards,
Lizzy
Hi everyone!
My name is Lizzy, and I am an amateur miniaturist obsessed with everything in the dollhouse and miniature world, ever since I was a teenager.
So far, I have created 2 dollhouse projects, a backyard shed and a miniature treehouse, tons of DIY dollhouse kits, and “hacked” some.
I also created a fairy garden, and lots of small and simple miniature projects on my YouTube channel. (mostly made from trash or everyday items).
I love to write as well about all things happening in the miniature world, hence the reason why I created this blog!
I wish you happy reading and crafting!
Lizzy
