Once you receive your kit, you'll be surprised by what’s inside. When you open the box, you'll find baggies filled with fabric trims, beads, jewelry/sewing findings, wires, floral sprigs, fabric swatches, and paper printouts. And of course, the instructions — written in Chinese. Yes, these kits are made in China, primarily by manufacturers like 'Flever' and 'Rolife' but there are many others. In addition to room boxes, they also create shadow boxes, dollhouses, and miniature themed structures in various scales, all using similar assembly techniques.
Initially, I was skeptical when I first heard about these kits and saw their prices. I thought they would be low quality and not very impressive. I expected cheap plastic items that might be fun toys but nothing more. However, when I saw a finished kit in person, I was amazed. These kits are fantastic!
Initially, I was skeptical when I first heard about these kits and saw their prices. I thought they would be low quality and not very impressive. I expected cheap plastic items that might be fun toys but nothing more. However, when I saw a finished kit in person, I was amazed. These kits are fantastic!
They are full of realistic details, and the components are comparable to those found at specialty miniature retailers. The techniques used to create these miniatures are similar to those taught in expensive miniature workshops. Given the low price of these kits compared to traditional miniatures, I assumed there had to be a catch. When I received my first kit, I discovered that the catch is that you have to make everything yourself — nothing is pre-made. This means you won't recognize any items in the baggies as miniatures until you assemble them.
To get an idea of what to expect, you can check out my DIY dollhouse assembly blog.
Important Kit Information
All items need to be cut to size using centimeters instead of inches. Some kits include paper templates for easier cutting, while others do not. The kits feature mixed scales; some furniture may fit half-inch scale dollhouses while accessories might be closer to one-inch scale. Although everything looks correctly scaled when assembled, it's wise to keep this in mind if you plan to integrate these items into an existing dollhouse.
Although these kits are marketed for kids, they are actually better suited for those with prior experience in miniatures. They require patience and some skill to navigate effectively. However, once you get used to them, they are not as difficult as they seem.
Be sure to read the kit's listing carefully before purchasing. Some kits include extras like music boxes or miniature cars, while others do not. The photos may not accurately represent what you will receive, so ensure the kit includes everything you want before ordering. It’s also a good idea to take a screenshot of the listing for reference if you need to dispute your purchase through PayPal or Amazon.
Preparation Tips
To prepare for assembly, create a dedicated workspace. For specific tips on setting up your work area for these kits, refer to my recommendations here. You will need various materials for assembly:
You can view examples of what is included in these kits here. Additionally, visit a craft store to stock up on jewelry wire, thin fabric trim, metallic scrapbook paper, clear scrapbook paper, beads, fabric swatches, and other materials that will complement your kit. Most items included in these kits can easily be found in the sewing, jewelry, and floral sections of craft stores or Walmart.
Finally, if you want to add more detail to your kits, consider using miniature accessories as embellishments. You can slice polymer clay cane slices for added realism for food items and/or incorporate rugs or flowers into your room boxes as well.
Important Kit Information
All items need to be cut to size using centimeters instead of inches. Some kits include paper templates for easier cutting, while others do not. The kits feature mixed scales; some furniture may fit half-inch scale dollhouses while accessories might be closer to one-inch scale. Although everything looks correctly scaled when assembled, it's wise to keep this in mind if you plan to integrate these items into an existing dollhouse.
Although these kits are marketed for kids, they are actually better suited for those with prior experience in miniatures. They require patience and some skill to navigate effectively. However, once you get used to them, they are not as difficult as they seem.
Be sure to read the kit's listing carefully before purchasing. Some kits include extras like music boxes or miniature cars, while others do not. The photos may not accurately represent what you will receive, so ensure the kit includes everything you want before ordering. It’s also a good idea to take a screenshot of the listing for reference if you need to dispute your purchase through PayPal or Amazon.
Preparation Tips
To prepare for assembly, create a dedicated workspace. For specific tips on setting up your work area for these kits, refer to my recommendations here. You will need various materials for assembly:
- Scissors (both small and medium-sized)
- Tweezers (different styles)
- Aleene's Tacky Glue (main adhesive)
- Hot Melt Glue (for fabric)
- Jewelry glue or any glue that adheres metal (for attaching beads)
- Testors Liquid Cement (for acrylic dust covers)
- Glue stick (for wallpaper and flooring)
- Temporary adhesive glue dots
- Fine-tip glue bottle
- Ruler (with centimeters)
- Small binder clamps
- Cutting mat
- Craft knife (with extra blades)
- Utility knife/box cutter
- Miter box (for straight cuts)
- Nail clipper (for cutting wire)
- Fine-tip brush (for cleaning up glue)
- Electrical tape (for joining wires)
- Clear packing tape (for securing wires)
You can view examples of what is included in these kits here. Additionally, visit a craft store to stock up on jewelry wire, thin fabric trim, metallic scrapbook paper, clear scrapbook paper, beads, fabric swatches, and other materials that will complement your kit. Most items included in these kits can easily be found in the sewing, jewelry, and floral sections of craft stores or Walmart.
Finally, if you want to add more detail to your kits, consider using miniature accessories as embellishments. You can slice polymer clay cane slices for added realism for food items and/or incorporate rugs or flowers into your room boxes as well.
Here is a list of room boxes I have worked on to help you understand the assembly process.
The Cake Shop Room Box
The Pink Bedroom Room Box
The Autumn Room Box
The Star Coffee Bar (Starbucks) Room Box
The Chocolatier Shop Room Box
