When one first begins to be acquainted with the world of miniature collectibles, it may seem a bit difficult to determine a starting point. If you have a creative side, then you may think about crafting miniatures yourself. For many though, the joy of miniatures is fully encapsulated in collecting the work of other artisans and using them to create specific dollhouse designs that fit well within the décor of your room or home. If you find yourself in this latter category, here are some suggestions that may be helpful as you get started.
The first step in starting a new miniature dollhouse is determining what you want to accomplish with your rooms. What type of ambiance are you aiming for? Do you have pieces of furniture already that you can use as a base to build on? Are these pieces styled similarly? Do the pieces reflect a certain time period or type of home? Will the piece fit well inside a collection of like items? How big do you want your display to be one room or a whole house with multiple floors? Setting goals about how elaborate you want your dollhouse to be and what type of miniature collectibles will fit with it is important.
Of course, if you are planning to make your own miniatures then you can create whatever pieces you need to fit in your display. If, however, you are not a miniature artist, then you can use the answers to these questions as a rough copy of a shopping list. You now know specifically what to keep your eyes open for as you peruse trade shows and craft fairs.
Scale is important to understand before you start shopping for new pieces for your collection. Miniature furniture and items are constructed based on a sizing scale, and paying attention to scale means that the pieces in a room or display are of the same proportion. You don't want to have an oversized armchair paired with a tiny tot table! 1:12 is an example of scale. The numbers mean that one-inch of your miniature display equals 12 inches in real life. The 1:12 scale is the most popular with dollhouse aficionados, but finer collections may use scales of 1:24 or 1:144. Preserving the same scale throughout your display is important to avoid an awkward look and bringing reality down to tiny size.
As with any hobby, miniature collectibles cover a wide range of values. It is a very good idea to determine a budget for your collection before you begin. You may choose to spend your money on just a few high quality pieces and to build you miniature collection slowly. Others will choose to buy less expensive pieces, but more of them and thus build their collection quickly. How you choose to build your collection is entirely up to you. No matter what your approach, you will soon find that you have gathered the information that you need to begin making intelligent and well thought out additions to your miniature collectibles.
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Set of 100-Barack Obama 2008 Collectible Novelty Bills Sale Price: $19.99 Average Rating:   |
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A certain collectible political item for years to come. Our Barack Obama 2008 Novelty Dollar Bills will be the talk of the town. A great Obama collectible. It is the same size as real US currency. Printed on the front and back... |
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Solid Brass Vintage Style Police Whistle Raised Star Sale Price: $14.99 |
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SOLID BRASS-NOT PLATED STURDY BRASS RING ATTACHED 2 " LONG 3/4 " WIDE SOUNDS GREAT! ANTIQUE FINISH |
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Michael Jackson Keychain 2x1" Collectible #17 Signature Sale Price: $0.99 Average Rating: |
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Michael Jackson Keychain 2x1" Collectible #17 Signature |
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Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2010: America's Bestselling and Most Up to Date Antiques Annual - 42nd Edition (Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List) List Price: $27.95 Sale Price: $12.47 Used From: $12.21 Average Rating:  |
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America's leading authority on antiques and collectibles presents the latest, most up-to-date edition of the biggest and best-organized price guide, with 100 percent, all new, actual prices in 700 categories! Now in its 42nd edition, Kovels' is the only guide that lists actual prices collected from the previous year's sales... |
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Avatar Na'vi Leonopteryx Collectible Figure List Price: $26.99 Sale Price: $24.99 Average Rating:  |
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Boasting a 20-inch wingspan and featuring multiple points of articulation, the Leonopteryx creature figure will seat one action figure (not included). This works with most other 3 3/4" - 4 1/4" figures(sold separately)... |
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Al Pacino Scarface $Million Dollar$ Novelty Bill Collectible Sale Price: $1.49 |
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Al Pacino Scarface $Million Dollar$ Novelty Bill Collectible. These bills are the same size and feel of real money. They are finely detaileds and colorful on both front and back with high quality printing... |
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Celtic Ashtray Smoke Collectible Tribal Decoration Statue Figurine Sale Price: $15.99 |
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This gorgeous Celtic Ashtray Smoke Collectible Tribal Decoration Statue Figurine has the finest details and highest quality you will find anywhere! Our team prides ourselves on finding the best prices without reducing quality, and in this Celtic Collection, we have definitely done just that! The craftsmanship of this lovely Celtic Ashtray Smoke Collectible Tribal Decoration Statue Figurine is truly remarkable... |
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EMTEC Kooky Collectible Series 2 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (PeaceTOO) List Price: $15.24 Sale Price: $12.95 Average Rating: |
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EMTEC Kooky USB Drives feature a range of fun and unique personalities. Based on the popular character pens known as Kooky Klickers, each Kooky USB Drive is named, numbered and marked with a holographic sticker to affirm its authenticity... |
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BABE RUTH 24K GOLD PLATED COLLECTIBLE COIN Sale Price: $5.00 |
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24k Gold Plated Commemorative Babe Ruth Collectible Coin Lifetime Statistics Coin Great Collector's Item Original Retail price $19.95 each This item has been masterfully minted. It is a unique piece that is sure to impress anyone who sees it... |
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Michael Jackson Keychain 2x1" Collectible # 006 - King of Pop Tribute Sale Price: $0.99 |
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Michael Jackson Keychain 2x1" Collectible # 006 - King of Pop Tribute |
