Here are the participants in Create's Year Long Challenge (CYLC2024) who have COMPLETED their project.
Participants are in alphabetical order by last name.
Progress for participants who are still working on their projects can be found here (A to L) and here (M to Z).
From Barb Antol:
For this year’s CYLC, I’m planning to complete a series of book-themed mini projects. The main one will be True2Scale’s 1:48 scale Joie de Vivre kit, which I’ve been wanting to do for some time. I’m also planning some smaller book-themed projects, including the 1:48 reading nook kit from Seaside Miniatures, a British Phone-booth lending library (inside a nightlight) and a 1:12 scale window reading nook from CoolKatzCraft. If I have extra time, I always have some Betterley and Petworth book kits in my stash. It’s going to be a busy year!
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Final Update:
Here’s a photo of my 2024 Year Long Challenge project, which I once again completed much earlier than expected 😊 The 1:48 scale Joie de Vivre Bookshop kit was one I had on my to-do list for over 5 years. I did think it would take much longer to complete, but once I got started, I couldn’t wait to finish. It’s certainly a very unique kit and I’m happy with how it turned out. I also had time to complete another smaller project on my list. I used a British phone booth nightlight to create a little 1:12 scale lending library filled with banned books. Now, on to more book-themed mini projects!
June Update:
Even though I completed my main project for this year’s challenge in March, I’m continuing to work on other related projects throughout the rest of the year. My theme this year is libraries and books. My main project was the Joie De Vivre bookshop. Here are some of the other smaller projects I completed since March. The top three are 1:12 scale: Library Book Nook from Blackthorn Miniatures, Little Book Houses from Robin Betterley, and a library scene in a clock case. The bottom three are 1:48 scale: Library in an Altoid tin, Reading Nook from Seaside Miniatures, and a mini book nook from Petworth Miniatures. I had such fun building all these kits. I have a few more planned for 3Q2024.
September Update:
This little collage show the book-themed minis I completed during the 3rd quarter. Most were 1:48 scale, but one was 1:144 and another 1:12 scale. Quite a variety 😁All were fun and I’ve made a good dent in my stash of book-themed kits. Hoping to do a few more in 4th quarter.
From Cassidy Beeman:
My 2024 challenge will be to complete the interior of my half scale farmhouse. I make all of the furniture by hand and hope to tackle a canopy bed, dresser, double sink vanity, shower, toilet, kids’ art table, sofa, island, kitchen unit, stove, and fridge this year. Looking forward to the challenge!
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March Update:
I was able to complete the top floor of my half scale farmhouse. This floor is a kids’ room with a cozy window seat. I really enjoyed making the beds with the scalloped detail and designing the art/activity table. My youngest daughter made me the very tiny a-frame dollhouse by the pink bed for my birthday and it’s the perfect addition to the room. I hope to complete another floor at the end of Q2.
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June Update:
I completed another floor of the half scale farmhouse. The master bedroom and bathroom are finished! My little one also moved in a Sylvanian husky family into the house. The kids are enjoying their new art table, the babies are sleeping in their bassinets, and dad is checking out the new bathroom. Mom is downstairs so my goal for next quarter is to complete the kitchen. 😊
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September Update:
Although I made a lot of progress on the first floor of the half scale farmhouse, the kitchen is still under construction. I was able to make a lot of the pieces but still need to finish the backsplash, put up the cabinet and hood, and make an island. Luckily I have the fall to get that accomplished!
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Final Update:
My half scale farmhouse is complete! I was able to get all of the crown molding in and my daughter helped set up the tree, presents, and husky family for the holidays. This was my largest dollhouse kit so far and took me 2 years to complete!
From Jessica Boyd:
My goal is to put back together this small dollhouse and decorate it. The theme of the house is going to be the TV show F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
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March Update:
I have worked on painting some of the walls! I made the perfect purple F.R.I.E.N.D.S. color and got that on the walls for Monica’s apartment. I have the wall painted for Central Park! It’s not a whole lot done but it’s a start!
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June Update:
have not put much work into the Renovation of the actual dollhouse this quarter BUT I did buy the perfect “Chicken and Duck” for my FRIENDS theme house for Joey & Chandler’s apartment!!!
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Final Update:
I’M DONE!!!
I used the 30th Anniversary of the premier of the show FRIENDS (Sunday September 22nd) as a deadline to get the house done. The left side of the house is Central Perk. The other side is Monica & Rachel’s apartment on the bottom and the Chandler & Joey’s apartment on the top. I am very happy with it.
From Jackie Browder:
The project that I chose for last year's challenge (a 15 room Victorian Farmhouse) was a little too challenging! For this year's challenge, I will be learning how to make display cases, and will be making a display case and base for last year's Victorian Farmhouse. I will also add the outdoor landscaping and a few extra finishing pieces, like the lattice work under the house.
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March Update:
For the first quarter, I made a display case for last year's Victorian Farmhouse. I made it from precut 12 inch squares of clear plastic, and 1/2 inch strips of basswood. Getting all the dimensions cut and square was challenging! I painted it white to match the house. Since there is empty vertical space inside, I am going to consider adding the tree that was in the painting.
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June Update:
For this quarter, I focused on landscaping the front yard. The tree was quite a project! I made it from wire, paper, and paint. It had to match the tree in the painting!
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Final July Update:
This is my 3rd quarter update for the Year Long Project Challenge, and notification that I am now finished with this year's challenge. The outdoor landscaping, display case, and little things are now finished for this year! This quarter I finished the base by adding a white trim, did the backyard landscaping (mostly grass, dirt, and weeds), and added a few random doors and trims that were missing. I also decided to add a lean-to on the back of the house to give me a larger kitchen. Although my YLP Challenge is finished for this year, I intend to continue working on the indoor furnishings.
From Brenda Colby:
My goal for 2024 is to fully furnish and decorate the Charleston House which was built for the 2023 Year-Long Challenge!
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March Update:
The cupola and garden areas of the Charleston House are mostly finished. My goal for June is to put the finishing touches on the garden area and to complete decorating the next floor down.
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June Update:
The front of the Charleston House is finished, both landscaping and porches, and appears ready for company. The occupants are hosting a party in the top garden which now has accessories, including a delicious croquembouche and a stocked bar. Three floors to go before December 31!
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September Update:
I have completed another floor in my Charleston house. Only two floors to go before the final December update!
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Final Update:
I have completed my 2024 CYLC by decorating the Charleston house that I built in 2023! To see the completed exterior, please see the June update.
From Debbie Colombo:
My goal for 2024 is to complete the structure.
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March Update:
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Final Update:
My finished project.
From Carolyn Eiche:
I want to complete the Joie de Vivre structure.
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March Update:
Woo hoo! Got my Joie de Vivre building finished! Now I'm going to be ambitious and finish all the furnishings.
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June Update:
I have my Joie de Vivre building about 85% finished. I still have to make a few pieces of furniture, plants, and some accessories.
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Final July Update:
Finished Joie de Vivre tonight. Totally, completely done.
From Barbara Engel:
This is a quarter scale Michelle Miniatures kit I have had for awhile. It probably will not take long to finish putting together the roombox but it will take me forever to make all of the tiny little hats and accessories I want to put in it.
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March Update:
The little hat shop has been renamed and repainted. It is now titled Glitz and Giggles Boutique. I have also made some matching furniture for the shop. It doesn't look like much progress but the next challenge is making more hats. And since it is a boutique I can put other items in like perfumes and jewelry.
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Final Update:
This small project was started by a friend. I have completed it and it will be donated to the NAME Raffle at our Retreat Into Miniatures in October.
From Diane Fisher:
I loved doing last year’s challenge. This year, I plan to do the Stewart’s kit, Birdhouse Bluff, (with furnishings kits by the Betterleys). I am enclosing the kits received already. The house kit and more furnishings will arrive by February.
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March Update:
I am working on Birdhouse Bluff by the Stewarts. I am loving it. I have completed the interior and much of the base. Next, I will accessorize the base, then work on furnishings and hooking up wiring. Ruth has done a fabulous job on instructions and Zooms. Don has outdone himself, along with Ruth, on design.
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Final Update:
It’s finished. It was designed by Ruth and Dan Stewart. It was a wonderful and hypnotic project. And it’s finished!!! The fisherman and the birdwatcher lady are from Sally Manwell, the little girl is from Julie Stevens, and the dog is from Barb Meyers.
From Kim Fitzsimmons:
I recently purchased a new in box RGT Newport kit from FB Market Place. My intention is to make this a Stephen King themed house with several items in the house that are nods to his novels and movies based on his books. I intent to complete the structure, including wiring for lights this year. I would love to say it will be completely furnished, but we know that projects are never truly finished.
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March Update:
I have completed the basic shell, given it a coat of paint, and have shingled the house. Lots of work still needed on the exterior, both in construction and detailed finishes. I regularly update a detailed TO DO list and the exterior will keep me busy for quite some time. I have wired the house and purchased most fixtures, but that is all that has been accomplished in the interior. Although not difficult, I forgot how tedious and fiddly brads could be.
Work outside this photo includes making gallery photos, most from King movies and collecting items for the house itself. The clear shoeboxes in the background contain items intended for specific rooms. Mistakes were made along the way, but have managed to correct or find other solutions for all of them. I’m finding that modifying the kit has consequences as each part is made a specific fit. Overall, I’m pleased with my progress and it is starting to look like my inspiration photos.
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June Update:
I finished the exterior, aged the house with a water-downed paint wash. It will need a bit more, but that will come at the end. I have wired the house and have installed lights on the top floors. I finished the roof top and have started to make floors. So much work is being done outside of the house at the moment. I continue to keep a running list of to do items. One big setback of shorted electric caused me to rip out the finish in the tower room. I hope to pick up in the upcoming months.
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September Update:
It’s starting to come together. Electric is done. I changed quite a bit and eliminated some lights that were just too fiddly to get in. Still 24 bulbs throughout so plenty of light. Floors and walls are complete. Now onto doors and trim. Staining, varnish and install should keep me busy for some time. I’m confident that the structure will be finished by year end.
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Final Update:
My Stephen King house is assembled. Everything in the kit is assembled with the exception of the stairs. Those will go in later as much to do in the interior and the stairs will get in the way.
Still lots to do. It needs a lot of aging in the structure. Windows and raw edges need trim (not included in kit). I have an idea/to do list that will keep me working on this house for months, not to mention boxes of items for the interior.
I accomplished what I set out to do this year.
From Ruth Goodger:
This is Debbie Young’s English Cottage. Needs furnishings and landscaping. Endust and microfiber already improved its appearance!
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March Update:
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June Update:
It is difficult to place items in these small rooms after they have been built!
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Final Update:
Finished project. English cottage.
From Julie Johnson:
I will be working on the outside. Big plans!
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March Update:
Thanks for the sweet note and gift I received today! Quite a nice surprise. I am submitting my progress pictures. I’ve been working on the front porch.
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June Update:
My entry has moved back where it came from. Not much completed with the move involved. But here is my update since I doubt there will be any progress for awhile. lol
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September Update:
I’ve been working on the front porch. Couldn’t resist setting up the kitchen tho!
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Final Update:
I am submitting my 4th quarter photos. I’m still not finished, a long way from it, haha. It’s taking years but I am enjoying the process.
From Doreen Lindsay:
I have decided to make Debbie Young’s Pink Lemonade house and 1/4” Bungalow Vignette for the 2024 Year Long Challenge.
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March Update:
A couple more things to add to the shelves, pillows and pets and the 1/4” Bungalow is done. Now working on Pink Lemonade.
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June Update:
I have finished my Pink Lemonade house completing my year long challenge. Now working on Visions of Sugarplums which is my third house this year.
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Final Update:
Finished my third house ... Visions of Sugarplums ... completing my year long challenge.
From Sally Lonn:
I can't find project 4 but it is in the closet somewhere. All are one inch except number 4.
Box number 1, unfinished Whitledge-Burgess class kitchen
Box number 2, unfinished Carl Bronsdon, 1900's pastry shop
Box number 3, unfinished Carl Bronsdon Tea shop
Box number 4, (when I find it) Debbie Young Caribbean House 1/4 scale
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March Update:
Out of town again and another partial fall of sorts, I couldn't finish because it was so hard to get teacups. And they just arrived. I've been in therapy since Jan. Now another MRI, so I will mail you a picture of what I have started.
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June Update:
We are almost out of here for Denver for Gabi's Bat Mitzvah and she begged me to finish this for her in March, and I promised to bring it. This is a labor of love. The puzzle on the table spells out her name, the artwork on the wall on the left is hers from about 4-6 years old. There are treasures to love for sure, especially her love for Unicorns. I've made some kits and collected toys for some time. This was a gift from the convention in Louisville, I think. It has been repainted with many, many coats and would you believe I have the quarter scale one too!
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September Update:
I have been home for almost 8 weeks with this knee replacement. So I can't get out just yet and know I need a base for my House of Holidays. I had such fun decorating the trees and the shop is only 1.5 inches deep. The shelves are loaded. This is a donation to my club and our yearly Christmas Centerpiece.
The Candy Shop box was given to our club, oh what to do in a small space? The shelf unit just fit and a square frame fit on the outside. I filled most of the jars and made all of the candy bars. Tough working with photo paper. The doll is by Fern Vasi and dressed in a workshop by me.
There you have it....I've worked hard. Back to my tea shop now.
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Final Update:
I love Carl Brondson's shop so much. Mine house a few of my many collected teapots and some lovely teacups. I still think it could use some green plants...but we will see.
My House of Holidays is mounted and finished at last. This will be a centerpiece at our Christmas party and will be a raffle item at our show in March. I had such fun working on this and can now say I am finished. The narrow shop was designed by Desiree Hall and finished by me.
My holiday gift to a surprise winner is this lovely 8.5 inch tree, lit and the base is decorated with many tiny toys that I collected over the years. Many are wood. The tree has tiny bows, candy canes, tiny ornaments that I made, and jewelry pieces. Each time I looked, it needed more....so I can say it is really loaded.
From Carla McIntyre:
Since I was able to finish a long planned project that kept getting pushed down the to do list last year, I’m up for the 2024 challenge! My project this year is to complete my “museum” display. I’m starting with 2 four-sided display boxes from Hobby Builders bought many years ago. Each corner will be finished to display a different collection from my stash. A sewing room, a European kitchen using Reuter Porcelain, and a man’s workshop are some of my plans. I will also remove one panel to display a Chinese style dining room that was from my mother’s stash. I’ve started gathering pieces that will be in each display but, it’s also become a bit catch-all as you can see.
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March Update:
Not making a whole lot of progress yet but, my State Day project is ready for display on April 13th and my centerpiece is almost complete! Once State Day is over, I’ll be working full steam ahead on this project.
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June Update:
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September Update:
This quarter was a challenge. With out of town company for 4 weeks and being out of town for almost 6 weeks and moving my Dad in with us from Pittsburgh I had very limited time to mini. I did make some progress though! I’ve got a long way to go in the last quarter but, I’m going to get this done! Here is the progress I was able to make on my four kitchens.
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Final Update:
I’m so excited to say (after a super crappy year) that I have completed my CYLC project for 2024! I started with 2, 18 inch boxes from Hobby Builders that divide in up to 4 display areas. The first box I did as kitchens- a Christmas Hallmark ornament kitchen, a display of Reutter Porcelain I collected over many years, an ME inspired display and my interpretation of a Brooke Tucker kit given to me by a friend. The second box I divided into just 2 sections. One side has a workshop and the other side is a sewing room.
I added a second challenge to my project - to only use supplies in my stash, and not buy anything. My only fail was the Felix clock in the ME inspired kitchen, it just was too perfect not to “acquire”.
Even though I say this project is complete, I’m not saying finished because I KNOW there are things in my stash that will find homes in the kitchens, sewing room and workshop that haven’t come to the surface yet.
From Linda Napier:
I was hoping to start the Adoorable shop last year after finishing the other project. Well, it's still in the box. I hope to complete it this year.
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March Update:
Progress this quarter was staining all the pieces and laying the floors.
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June Update:
Here is my photo for the end of the second quarter. Of course, I wish it was further along, but I'm happy I'm making progress.
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September Update:
I was distracted with Camp Make-A-Mini this quarter, but did make some progress.
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Final Update:
Adoorables from a kit by Debbie Young. I really like how it turned out and hope this gives you some incentive to make yours.
From Marlene Prickett:
I am using a 7-shelf corner bookshelf to create a 6 apartment complex titled: Froxbury Mansions Phase II. So far I have assembled the bookshelf …
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Final Update:
I have finished my challenge!! The project was called Froxbury Mansions Phase II but I have changed it to “FAWLTY TOWERS” as it is rather quirky! There are six apartments for elderly people … a place to display most of the wonderful furniture that has been languishing in boxes and drawers! I still have a few details to add but the overall structure is complete and the new residents are moved in with most of their furniture. I will post more pictures on the NAME Facebook page.
From Connie Sauve:
Kringle’s Tree Farm started when my friend Don Silva, gave me the wood shack who made it from scratch. I happened to have the acrylic cover already, so I had the base made to fit the cover, which dictated the size of the project. I fell in love with the MacKenzie-Childs colorful truck and bought one on eBay. The truck fit in great with the shack and I decided to turn the scene into a Christmas tree lot. The shack will be selling Christmas items, there will be a split-rail fence around the whole scene with a gate. There will be a family buying their Christmas tree from tree lot. There will be lots of snow and lights, creating an iconic American Christmas scene.
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March Update:
“Kringle’s Tree Farm” is coming along great so far! I made the split rail fence from old wood stakes I found in the desert. The snow has been started by laying down the first layer of styrofoam. The sales shack is in place and also the truck. I made the pine tree display shelf from scratch, which still needs to painted and finished.
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June Update:
I accomplished a few new things for my YLC, “Kringle’s Tree Farm” project. I added more snow to the base and also super fine white glitter to make it sparkle. I also made a four-sided tree shelf from scratch that will add additional display space for Christmas decorations for sale. The split-rail fence and gate are also now finished. I had a bit of a setback with the Christmas tree lights I want to swag from the top of candy-striped poles that will be positioned around the tree lot. The white lights I had planned on using looked orange instead of white, so I will have to rethink the lights. Right now I’m testing the height of the poles (they will be shorter) and the red striping. The project is coming along, although a bit slower than I would like. Hopefully the next deadline I will have much more finished!
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September Update:
I made a lot of progress this quarter on my “Kringle’s Tree Farm” project. Snow was added to the truck, market stall roof and fence. The candy cane striping (automotive car pin-striping tape) was also added to all the poles. I wired the market stall so the interior lights up. Plus filled the stall and tree shelf with all kinds of Christmas items to sell. I made a stovepipe for the stove inside the stall.
I have a few more things I still need to add to complete the scene. l have five figures to make, Kringle the proprietor and the family members that are shopping for their Christmas tree. Plus the sign over the gate and on the truck doors. Finally stringing the Christmas lights around the scene at the top of all the poles. This has been a really fun project so far!
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Final Update:
I was able to finish my “Kringle’s Tree Farm” project for the CYLC. It was a lot of work, but I love how it turned out!
From Helen Sparks:
This year I hope to finish decorating the inside of the 1/2" scale Colonial and also assemble Kiki's Magic Emporium (a gift from my grandkids).
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March Update:
Still gathering furniture appliances and accessories!
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June Update:
Bathroom is finished and bedroom just needs a window treatment. Other rooms are still “in progress”.
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September Update:
I finished the living room and a computer area in the upstairs hall!
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Final Update:
I finished my house! The final two rooms are the kitchen and tv/game room pictured. Didn’t start Kiki’s Magic Emporium because I was not sure I even wanted to do it any more.
From Barb Striethorst:
OK, I'll bite and try to finish my not completed 2023 Year Long Challenge "Loonie Toonie PLUS" store in 2024!!
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March Update:
I have made progress! The toys are installed in the shelving unit that I almost finished last year. All the candy is in the cash counter front shelves. The Christmas display is finished. I may just get this project completed in 2024.
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June Update:
The card rack is populated with general occasion cards, boxes and 'bags of bows'. There is a box with rolls of kraft and general occasion wrapping paper. I made a 'pegboard' with shopping bags to mount behind the cash register. More pinatas and a disco ball (Christmas ornament) join the previous sunflower pinata.
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Final Update:
My Loonie Toonie Plus store is done! I may still make additional seasonal displays to change out, but the box is done. I entered it as a display at our club show and sale Sep 15, and it won 3rd place.
From Cat Wingler:
I plan to take the year to build, furnish and decorate, plus inhabitants, the Fairy Tale Book Nook by Debbie Young as a street of Christmas shops.
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March Update:
I have assembled the building fronts and since this is to be a street of Christmas shops, I changed the color choices. Then I added the timbers. Next is the doors and windows and the trim for the doors and windows, and hopefully the roofs.
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June Update:
This quarters plan is doing the doors and windows and trim pieces for the doors and windows, adding the roof pieces and shingling all the roofs. I made some adjustments to the original colors after I dry fit all the pieces. I put the base colors on the roof, and will add snow later. I did the cobblestones on the floor and did the base colors on the cobblestones. Next is building the box and doing the electrical.
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September Update:
I did the electrical work before I glued the box together. I’ve glued in all the buildings. I still need to make some decisions about the box exterior just as soon as I decide whether or not I want it permanently open or closed. Next I’ll make the shop signs and then add the snow so scene will be ready to decorate for Christmas.
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Final Update:
The Book Nook is finally finished. The last quarter plan was to make the signs, do the Christmas decorations and the snow, make the people and finish the outside. First, I had to decide, whether to display it opened full or closed into the book shape. I opted for open so I could see inside better.
I hung the garlands, made of painted pipe cleaners, and added the bows made of paper. I did some highlights on the roofs and then added snow. Finally, I made Santa, his sleigh, 10 elves, and Mrs. Claus to populate the scene.
From Sandra Whipple:
I plan to complete my half-scale cottage by adding a second floor, roof, electricity, furnishings and landscaping.
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March Update:
I have added a second floor, roof, and electricity.
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June Update:
I have completed the exterior of my half-scale cottage. Next is furnishing and landscaping.
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September Update:
I finished the interior of my half scale cottage and worked on the landscaping.
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Final Update:
Done at last! This project was our club challenge in 2024. I chose to do a half scale English cottage and garden. I enjoyed doing the thatched roof from balsa wood and doing the stucco with exposed brick. Perhaps my favorite part was making the rock garden surrounding the cottage.
