You can work with popsicle sticks, egg cartons, polymer clay, or foam board, or even real stones (well, that is in the back of my head, I’ve never actually seen anyone doing this lol): there’s a method for everyone.
Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best YouTube tutorials to guide you step by step in making a DIY miniature fireplace using materials you likely already have at home.
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1. A Simple and Stylish Popsicle Stick Fireplace by “Everything Very Small” (yeah, that’s me lol)
This is my own tutorial, featured on my YouTube channel, where I focus on creating miniatures using everyday materials and even repurposing waste materials!
This is a beginner-friendly tutorial that only uses popsicle sticks to create a simple yet stylish miniature wooden fireplace. If you’re looking for an easy project that requires minimal tools, this is the first one to try!
Materials Used:
Popsicle sticks (for the structure)
Crafting glue or wood glue (for secure assembly)
Crafting knife (for precise cuts)
Pencil & metal ruler (for accurate measurements)
Sandpaper (for smoothing edges)
Paper tape (for extra hold)
Just follow along with the step-by-step instructions in the video, and you’ll have a beautiful wooden fireplace in no time!
2. Creating a Modern Miniature Fireplace with Foam Board by Kat
Kat’s tutorial is perfect for those who love a modern and realistic look. What makes this tutorial stand out is the clever use of foam board and layered textures to create a sleek, professional finish that mimics a full-sized fireplace.
Materials Used:
Foam board (or cardboard as an alternative)
Regular paper glue (for assembling layers)
Thin coarse material (self-adhesive) for creating bricks
Rachel from Mic Drop Miniatures showcases an eco-friendly and budget-friendly technique by using egg cartons to mimic bricks!
This method creates a highly textured, rustic look, but it may be less durable than foam board or polymer clay, making it best suited for decorative miniatures rather than high-traffic dollhouse pieces.
Materials Used:
Egg cartons (or drink holders from fast-food places)
Gorilla Glue or white craft glue
Paint brushes (for applying paint and glue)
Pastels or acrylic paint (to color the bricks)
Scissors or hands (for ripping egg carton pieces into brick shapes)
Grout (for realistic texture)
Mod Podge or spray acrylic sealer (to protect the paint before applying grout)
Baby wipes or a damp cloth (for cleaning excess grout)
This affordable and fun project results in a fireplace with a rough stone-like texture, perfect for cozy and rustic miniature settings.
Final Thoughts: Which Miniature Fireplace Method is Right for You?
If you’re a beginner, the popsicle stick method is the easiest to start with.
For those who enjoy detailed sculpting, the polymer clay approach offers precision and realism.
The egg carton technique is a great middle-ground, providing texture without the complexity of clay work.
No matter which method you choose, these tutorials prove that you can build beautiful miniatures using everyday materials!
Have you tried making a miniature fireplace before? Let me know which tutorial is your favorite, and feel free to share your own results in the comment section below or on my new Facebook group! 😊
