Here are the participants in Create's Year Long Challenge (CYLC2024).
Participants are in alphabetical order by last name. This is the first half of the alphabet. Participants with a last name starting with A-L are on this page.
Participants with a last name starting with M-Z can be found here.
Completed projects can be found here.
From Suzie Aguilar:
I’m excited to join again this year. Last year was a success! My challenge will be to sort through all the Betterley Secret Book kits I’ve acquired (already done for photo!), decide which ones to keep, complete the ‘keepers’ by year end, and find homes for the rest. There are 50 kits in the photo.
__________________________________
March Update:
Assembly begins!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Maria Florencia Alecci:
I want to have the opportunity to be able to work on minis on a regular basis. To participate in this challenge I decided to choose 3 projects that I have not started yet. Those projects are the Thursday Night Project Kit from Come Fly with Me; The Burrow on Bunny Lane; and 1/4" Carl and Ellie's House.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Marie Arighi:
My year long challenge will be to turn this $10 yard sale find into an Eye Care Office complete with an Optical Department, Exam Room, Receptionist area and an office for the Doctor!!!
__________________________________
March Update:
I have painted the walls and furnished the office. I still need to add a roof, replace the door and add in the decor.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Brandi Bacon:
For 2024 I want to do the rest of my 2023 project. What I want to do is make a base for display -- I am going to display at miniature shows, my local library, and at the classes that I teach for the city. So I want to make a base that will showcase all the Disney shops. I will also FINALLY plan on the landscaping and outside details.
Additionally, I will make a final decision on either how to adapt to keeping the fixtures and items as arrangeable (i.e. using tack instead of glue so they are removable and changeable) and finding a way to display them that way OR committing to gluing fixtures and items down.
This challenge will also help me to finally commit to which items are part of my Disney scene or which are super cool but need to be displayed elsewhere.
__________________________________
March Update:
Most boring update ever ... I am working on scale measurements and placements for Disneyland Fantasy Land buildings. I had to settle on HO scale carousel for King Arthurs Carousel. All the horses will be painted to look like actual carousel horses. Not sure if these wood pieces will be the final version. But it will come in 3 pieces (2 for Fantasyland, one for the offshoot of Fantasy Faire and possibly a 4th of Disney Street). It will be marked off and portable for shows and displays at schools and libraries.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Alice Barber
I want to finish Debbie Young’s Halloween Gothic House and work on the furnishings.
__________________________________
March Update:
For this quarter, I finished the structure of the Gothic house. Because the wallpaper, baseboards, and lighting had to be completed with each additional wall, the basic interior structure has been done. Debbie Young’s kit is so well made that it goes together fairly easily. For next quarter, I hope to work on the exterior ... the front, roofs, shingles, and painting.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Joan Barnes:
This will be my first year doing the Miniature Challenge. I haven't worked on my miniatures, since I relocated from Illinois to New Jersey in 2021. My challenge is to complete (The Potter House, 1:24 scale), first time working in 1:24 scale. I also plan to start on the 1:12 scale (The Abilene House), once I complete the Potter house by September. I purchased the houses in November at the Philadelphia Miniature from "Little Vintage Lane Miniatures". I do not have a picture of the Abilene, because its still in my car, yes, since last November.
__________________________________
March Update:
I signed up to participate in the challenge, but I'm going into surgery tomorrow to take out my right kidney, which has a tumor on it. I plan to continue after I heal, but will not be able to show what I've started, and I actually started on it. (Editorial: Get well soon!)
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Mary Barrett:
This is my first time doing the challenge. I missed the date last year. I am hoping this makes me take time to work on a pet project that I have only put on paper and started with the bones of the tree. The dream is a grove of trees with a series of tents nestled among the branches, one tent to act as a living area, another for cooking, one for sleeping and more to be added, if need be. I am so excited to start working on my "tree house".
__________________________________
March Update:
Got some work done, but much more to do.....
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Kate Beasley:
This a picture of what I will be working for my year long project. It will not be this store but similar. I will be making it all by hand.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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!
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Jene Bondi:
My next project will be my insane asylum, called Twilight House Safe Place for Peculiar People. It will have a waiting room, reception/nurse office, padded cell and a "treatment" room. Maybe even a glimpse into the "cold storage". I've been percolating this idea since 2021.
__________________________________
March Update:
Unfortunately real life and selling at Shelly Online Miniature Show got in my way. Zip was accomplished, but here are my Miniature sales. So some I did some miniatures. My pink chair is under there somewhere.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Cindy Bottasso:
I’d like to complete Robin Betterley’s 2023 calendar club. Of course I’m missing some of the months so I will also be reorganizing my crafting room to find them or recreating new drawers with my own furniture.
__________________________________
March Update:
Oops! I'm falling behind again. I got 2 1/2 months done. These little rooms are really time-consuming but I love learning new things so well worth it.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Barbara Bower:
I plan to try to complete my project from last year. My house needs the front, roof and landscaping.
Also I would to work on my Miss Ivy Cottage by BJ Miniatures.
__________________________________
March Update:
Miss Ivy 1/4 inch house - kit by BJ Miniatures.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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.
__________________________________
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!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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.
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Susan Buffaloe:
I’ve decided to use Robin Betterley’s Secret Spaces 2023 calendar club as my Create Year Long Challenge 2024. I’m very excited to get back to this project. I have found I really enjoy this quarter scale. I’m still wanting on the December kit but will add that to the Challenge when it arrives.
__________________________________
March Update:
This was not a productive quarter. I did manage to open the April secret space kit and read the instructions. I popped out the first items and am ready to start painting.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Mandi Burt:
I am going to try again this year but with a smaller project I bought and want to do but can't seem to get to. I bought it in Chicago (it was sold out & our wires got crossed and it never got sent to me) and didn't even pick it up until Philadelphia! But I really want to do this one. Hopefully this year is going to be calmer for me and I can do miniature projects!!
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Pam Carroll:
This is a kit I have had for a while when an event in the Carolina’s was cancelled. Then the Crowe’s and I were going to have a mini weekend away to do this but we were unable to.
__________________________________
March Update:
Waiting for glue to dry and 3rd coat of white paint on 3D printed pieces.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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!
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Debbie Colombo:
My goal for 2024 is to complete the structure.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Sara Cook:
This is Overboard, a 1/2-scale kit-bashed boutique for mermaids. It is covered in rhinestones and pearls and disco mirrors, and sells things that have fallen off boats. I can answer any questions, except "why are you making that?" because I have no idea.
Photos are from a recent test fitting. I want to complete the main building assembly and wiring (arduino microcontroller) this quarter, and finish the interior furnishings by the end of the year. If I can have it ready in time for the Good Sam show in San Jose in October, all the better!
__________________________________
March Update:
Here are some items I made for the fashion part of the mermaid shop (1/2” scale). The counter is kit bashed. The electronic/lighting portion of the project is having a time out for not behaving well. I may be giving up on the neon sign feature. The building itself is at a tedious state where I’m adding trim to the edges and filling gaps. Onward!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Tai Corraggio:
I'm back again! I'm going to build out the inside of the house this year - walls, ceilings, lighting, etc.
__________________________________
March Update:
In the first quarter, I made a lot of progress on the interior walls. I also attempted building the air ducts, but I haven't figured out the right method yet!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Dia Crissey-Baum:
I’ve decided I’m going to do the CYLC and try to finish a lot of projects I’ve had sitting around for a long time. Here’s my list:
The NAME Day Tiki bar (from 2022)
A bunch of Debbie Young’s kits: The Charleston Single from my first National, 2018 (I think)
The Camp Makamini cabin scene from 2021
The Thursday Night project, the Ice Fishing hut, from National 2022
The Shepherd’s Huts from Camp Make-A-Mini 2023. I didn’t finish one, and I didn’t even start the other.
That’s six things, and most of them just need finishing. Surely I can do this! And since I keep buying Debbie’s (and other people’s too!!!) adorable kits, I’ll probably do this again next year, if you do it! Thanks for lighting the fire!
__________________________________
March Update:
I have finished two of the six projects I picked out for the year! The NAME Day Tiki hut and the first Camp Makamini cabin! Now it’s on to more Camp M. projects and the Charleston Single. Maybe I can slip a few other UFOs in too!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From JoAnne Cutting:
Despite having failed to complete the 2023 Challenge I set for myself, I am determined to complete the project that I was calling the Frozen Donation Dollhouse. I've renamed it the SnowFlake House because most of the wallpaper I ended up using has snowflakes on it. The goal for 2024 is finish all the interior trim (ideally by June) and complete the outdoor landscaping by September. I have so many great plans and visions for it. Hopefully, real life will calm down enough this year to allow me time to carry them out. At least I have this challenge to keep me motivated. So thank you for repeating this challenge this year.
__________________________________
March Update:
It doesn't look like much progress on the Snowflake Chateau but I've lost count of the hours spent on the front door and in completely rebuilding the front windows from scratch. I'm also trying a different method on the trim stonework, which will need more paint and weathering. At least I have established workshop space on the back porch. Now if I can find all the supplies and tools I moved from the front porch last fall, I'll be back in business!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Karen Dickert:
I plan to complete the Joie de Vivre structure, base and furnishings.
__________________________________
March Update:
I’ve had several unforeseen real life issues this quarter so I’m unable to send a first quarter update. I do plan to continue working on Joie de Vivre and hopefully I will finish it by the end of the year but I have no progress pictures for this quarter.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Pam Doran:
I am going to complete my Pickett Hill house and interior. I have all the furniture kits bagged and separated into their rooms and have started some of them. If I can, I will work on the landscaping (bonus).
__________________________________
March Update:
I’ve been working on putting the furniture together. It’s just really satisfying when the pieces of wood all come together and I’m left with a marvelous piece of furniture. I just sit and marvel at it for awhile. 😊 Nothing is painted because that is my sticking point - what colors to use and how to use them - (those suggested or tweaking things just a bit.). I plan on having all the furniture complete and painted/stained by next update. Fingers crossed.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Lori Ebiner:
I'm calling this challenge my "Elephant in the Room Goal". A couple of years ago I purchased a box of miniatures from an estate sale. When I arrived to pick up the one box I found out that it was four boxes plus this huge house! My goodness, as a newbie to mini's this "guy" is a little overwhelming and has sat watching me from the spot I put him ever since bringing him home. My goal is for the first time get him out where I can really look at him....make a plan...and get started! I hope to have this house fixed and painted on the outside. Inside, I'm worried that having it finished will be too much. Hopefully I'll have it cleaned up, and in move in condition. Ok.... I said it... Fingers crossed!
__________________________________
March Update:
I'm happily here to show my progress as of March on "Lily House". (She has a name!) I decided to take her one floor at a time. Far from done on this first level but, I've placed new doors and windows, wallpapered, and am working on the floors and trims. I'm really happy with the new kitchen windows and the French doors in the study. I've placed some furniture just for fun for the photos. I know I'm working a little haphazardly but that's just me.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Carolyn Eiche:
I want to complete the Joie de Vivre structure.
__________________________________
March Update:
Woo hoo! Got my Joie de Vivre building finished! Now I'm going to be ambitious and finish all the furnishings.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Cathy Ellison:
This year I am hoping to complete the quarter scale Raven’s Perch by Petite Properties. It is going to be an abandoned house!
__________________________________
March Update:
My abandoned house is coming along and so much fun! 🤩
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Jean Ellsworth:
My project will be to complete my "MANOR HOUSE MINIATURES" Shop. It is a replica of the shop I owned in the 70's and early 80's. I did not get it completed last year. Hopefully I will finish it this year.
__________________________________
March Update:
I have only worked on 2 small house kits for my dollhouse shop, this quarter. They are not completed. Have been dealing with some health issues and tests. Also waiting on some electrical supplies.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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.
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Stephanie Engeseth:
Thought I would try this challenge and see if I can get it finished. I get more accomplished when I have a schedule to meet. This is the 2023 year long project from the Betterley's and as you can see it is 2024 and not much has been done.
__________________________________
March Update:
I now have finished the large Cabinet that will contain the remaining kits for the year. So I have finished 3 kits so far, I guess I am right on track. These are so much fun to do and the Betterley's have such good instructions. Love Them. Finished Kitchen, Bedroom Alcove, and Cabinet.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Kirsten Enzinger:
Remake 1 horse, roombox on the left will be a craft room for two people. My husband has been after me to finish the garden shed, so this will be a good chance to get that done as well.
__________________________________
March Update:
I’ve worked on the horse. I started by removing the mane and tail, then it’s been sawed, dremeled, carved, and sanded. It needs a little more sanding then it will be ready for primer.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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.
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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.
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Bev Fleming:
I'm hoping to finish the traveling village in 2024.
__________________________________
March Update:
Here's #8 of Traveling Village, inside accessories almost finished.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Natalia Frank:
I followed the Challenge 2023 with a big interest and decided to participate in 2024 Challenge hoping it will help me to finish my projects.
My first project is a room box that I call "Half Way Done". When I saw this structure at $5 at the antique store, I knew it will fit the idea I have been carrying in my mind for a while.
My second project is a retirement resort for dollhouse miniatures enthusiasts. I put the Real Good Toys display showcase together in December 2023 and am ready to start working on it in 2024.
__________________________________
March Update:
I haven't devoted much time to my projects due to being busy preparing for the upcoming shows. I've done some mock up with the furniture for the doctor's bedroom for the project # 1 and ordered some glass to be cut for my project # 2.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Julie French:
I’d like to attempt to complete my RBM calendar from 2022, again, since I failed in 2022 and 2023 😂🤦🏻♀️ I have 6.5 months left to finish from the calendar kits.
__________________________________
March Update:
June is complete! 🙌🏻
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Carol Gambrill:
My 2024 Year Challenge is to assemble the remaining 12 furniture kits for my Pickett Pond. At the end of the challenge I will include a picture of the fully furnished Pickett Pond.
__________________________________
March Update:
This quarter I worked on four kits: Kitchen, Bed, Night tables, and "Under the Stairs" which is a reading nook. My current strategy is to complete the furniture then I'll work on the itty bitty accessories.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Jean Gibson:
Here is the most uninteresting picture of all, but it is something I intend to accomplish. My challenge is to assemble and paint these 30 different little houses in 144th, 288, 450, 1000, 2000, and 4000 scales. There are a lot of new designs along with some older ones plus a Christmas Flyer.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Ruth Goodger:
This is Debbie Young’s English Cottage. Needs furnishings and landscaping. Endust and microfiber already improved its appearance!
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Sherry Graf:
I am so excited to build the 1/2” scale lighthouse! I can’t find the little keeper’s cottage for sale anywhere so will do a scratch build for that.
__________________________________
March Update:
Here is my quarterly update on my 1/2” Real Good Lighthouse.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Catherine Hawkins:
My project is a two-wall interpretation in 1/12th scale of a photograph taken by a friend of a cabin at the Jarrell Plantation in Middle Georgia. This is the walls in progress.
__________________________________
March Update:
Jarrell Shed (based on a photo of the interior of a structure at the Jarrell Plantation in Middle Georgia). The picture shows the walls under construction, the two windows, a table (2 pictures), a ladderback chair, and a barrel. I made a collage since the rules said send one photo.
The wood used is 1/16th inch plywood for the backing of the walls, maple and cherry strips (scrap from a woodworker friend) for the planks that go on the walls, and basswood for everything else except the barrel, which is cardboard and paper.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Bonnie Helterhoff:
Right now this year is looking a bit busy so I’m going for a project that I hope will not be too complex. Years ago I bought this RGT lighthouse - it was cheap and seemed like something I’d like to do. I put together the top piece (not terribly well) and it was all lost in the back of a closet. Not sure I have all of the pieces/no instructions but somewhere I have some furniture that I had intended to use in here. It would be great to actually have this assembled and I adore anything beachy so looking forward to getting this underway!
__________________________________
March Update:
This is turning out to be a bit more if a challenge than expected as I’m missing pieces ... Not a lot of progress yet, but it was a hectic quarter with too many demands on my time. Looking forward to the summer when I should have more time (I hope!)
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Janette Henry:
I'm excited to join this year's challenge! My goal is to convert this Thrift Store gem into the Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion. I plan to complete a minimum of one room per month, however, there are 18 rooms in total plus the exterior of the mansion.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Eileen Herrstrom:
After losing my big dollhouse in a fire, I thought about buying another kit. Lo and behold, a friend has an old dollhouse looking for a new home. My project for the 2024 CYLC will be to clean and renovate this house. I’d like to wire it, but we’ll see.
__________________________________
March Update:
I started my dollhouse renovation with a thorough washing and began removing damaged wallpaper. Top: original state of front porch and its appearance after cleaning. Bottom: peeling wallpaper in living room and mid-removal in bedroom. I’ve decided to refer to this as the Hug House; Hug is the surname of the friend who gave me this house and conveys the coziness I intend for it to show someday.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Kristie Horrell:
I will be working on the Carpathian House and the Lakeside Log Cabin.
__________________________________
March Update:
I have gotten a little farther.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Marcia Hudspeth:
For the Create Year Long Challenge, I'm going to build a 'rooms to go' structure so I have a place to put all my 'homeless' furniture. It will probably take me 3 years!!!
__________________________________
March Update:
Back wall of furniture store.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Carol Johnson:
I have chosen the Carpathian Cottage kit and the interior furnishings for my 2024 Create Year Long Challenge. Looking forward to another fun year of minis! 😊 ❤
__________________________________
March Update:
My Create Year Long Challenge the Carpathian Cottage is almost complete. I have the shingling and landscaping to finish on it. The interior accessories are finished. This is the first time I have ever done lighting in a 1:48 house – it was fun!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Julie Johnson:
I will be working on the outside. Big plans!
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Laura Johnson:
I plan to make the interior a jewelry shop this year.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Tina Kase:
By the end of 2024: 1. Complete the whole of this tree structure, including: (1a) making spaces for future room boxes and secret dioramas. (1b) attach removable (some with child proof locks) or hinged panels to 5 dollhouses and all secret diorama and future roombox spaces. (1c) add tree bark texture and paint. 2. Decorate and furnish the 5 dollhouses with scratch built or modified store bought playable furniture. 3. Complete 4-5 of the other spaces. 4. Add lights in 1 dollhouse.
__________________________________
March Update:
Very happy with progress this first update. Tree structure is complete. Some bits even have bark! Made all the spaces for the future mini rooms with hinged doors. I only made one miniature which was a wizard shop kit. I also made the walls through which the shop will be seen, after its put inside the tree. The "secret" plug that needs to be removed in order to view the hp diorama is also made, but not visible in photo. It's really getting exciting now.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Mindy Kelly:
I am submitting for the year challenge this whole dollhouse build and fully finish by years end. Currently it is still in the box. Good to have accountability and motivation, thanks for organizing!
__________________________________
March Update:
A thousand distractions, two room boxes, and facilitating three workshops put the dollhouse on the back burner a bit. Happy to report the structure is standing, wallpaper is up and color palette is decided. Deciding on wallpaper and palette was the biggest challenge so far as I have only done single room boxes prior to this build. I created a little under the stairs cabinet using my Cricut to cut it out from heavy chipboard. Currently working on light fixtures and the windows and doors as next steps. I am choosing to build the vast majority of the items inside the dollhouse so some of those are also currently in process. Yay for spring and progress!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Katie Kirby:
Pickett Hill will be my project this year. It has been sitting in my workshop for years - ever since it came out. I’ve always thought of doing a Christmas house, and this just might be the theme. I usually do some kit-bashing and may do some on this house. I will make most/all of the furniture. My hands are itching to get started!
__________________________________
March Update:
I could not do anything this quarter - work, illness, etc. Life interferes! I'll try again next quarter.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Kathy Koons:
My CYLC for this year will be to complete Robin Betterley's 2023 calendar club, Secret Spaces. December's kit has not yet arrived, but, as you can see, none of the others have even been started! This has got to be easier for me than the goal I'd set for 2023!
__________________________________
March Update:
I was going to wait until Sunday and see if I could get the April kit from Robin Betterley's Secret Spaces finished, but whom am I kidding? I'm just happy to have the first 3 months of the 12 finished!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Debra Kuckkuck:
I’m so excited that Debbie Colombo and the Create team are willing to do this again this year! Like many long-time miniaturists, I find myself with boxes of random miniatures I bought in my early years, just because I liked them. I also have this set of three pastry domes.
I pulled out all my miscellaneous boxes of minis and organized them by calendar month. This year I’m going to try to make as many sets of three domes as I can, with the plan to change them monthly. The third photo shows one of the domes I’ve finished: an Easter dome showing Easter baskets being made.
__________________________________
March Update:
My first set of monthly domes, just in time for Easter! #1: Dying Easter eggs; #2: Making Easter baskets; #3: Easter egg hunt in the morning
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Sherri Lackey:
Pictured are the 4 kits I need to complete for my Wandlyn Way from Petworth Miniatures. I will complete 2 of these inside and out. You’ll need to wait until March to find out which 2 as I haven’t decided yet. The other 2 are bonus builds or maybe to be done in 2025! 😂😂😂
__________________________________
March Update:
I decided to do the Crystal Cat and the Green Man (on the left) and the Warped Web (R). Coming along nicely!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Lesia Lennex:
I'm encouraged by having finished a tedious and difficult build for the CYLC 2023 -- so I'll take the plunge on another CYLC for 2024. I'm really torn about what to do as I have several projects I'd like to complete. The one that's going to be the most challenging for me is the 2023 Betterley calendar. I've not started any of it! I've wanted to all year and have not had a chance. So this is it. I'll start and finish all the 2023 Betterley calendar. The photo shows 11 of the packages, still mint, and #12 will be along soon in the mail.
Nick's Cottage, the back half, has been sitting untouched in its box -- with all the furniture -- since January 2017. Seeing a theme here? Pickett Pond was purchased in 2017 also. I really would like to build this half of the house. I created the front half at Greenville 2016. I love this house!!! I've attached a photo of the kits. I'll really try to finish all the 2023 calendar AND Nick's Cottage, back half, this year!
__________________________________
March Update:
I've finished the March and September 2023 calendar elements and am in progress with January. I've also finished several of the furniture pieces for the back half of Nick's cottage. It's a great word, "finished!"
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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.
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
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
__________________________________
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.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Teresa Lyter:
By the end of 2024, I hope to have completed two projects: my 1/24 scale Thistlewynd Cottage (on the right in the photo) and my 1/12 scale Sewing Studio for my sister (the pile of wood on the left in the photo).
__________________________________
March Update:
Sadly, I accomplished nothing on my challenge projects. I’m not giving up. Stay tuned for June’s update!
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
