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.
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March Update:
Assembly begins!
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June Update:
I’ve decided which kits to keep and which to let go! I’m working in assembly line fashion to finish all the Christmas gift book kits first - which are my favorite by the way!
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September Update:
Seems the Christmas books may be all I get finished!
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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.
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March Update:
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June Update:
I'm sharing an small update. My sister has been visiting from Argentina after 6 years without seeing each other, but here it is a little bit of progress.
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September Update:
I just started the Carl and Ellie's house kit. I'm glad that I joined this challenge because I may have never started the kit otherwise. It is a house I love and I feel intimidated by it.
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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!!!
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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.
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June Update:
I have worked on the exterior of the office. I have painted the walls and trim. I have added the foundation. I think it’s coming along nicely. Still lots to do.
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September Update:
I have finished the door and entrance. Completed decorating the inside. The only thing left to do is some type of roof. I’m not sure what I will do for that as of today but I will come so with something.
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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.
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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.
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June Update:
My June update looks super sad from this view. But my daughter has our entire house torn apart for painting, lol. But ... I have decided on dimensions, what the design will be. I have the carousel shell done and am working on the frame to add a top. I picked out the landscaping. I couldn't bring out anything more to show -- i didn't want to risk damaging anything. The glow-up for September will look incredible, though 😂
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September Update:
Im having an issue blocking my Fantasyland shops. The original boards were too heavy and not quite to size. So instead I am working on the parade route (added) and the Main Street parade route.
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Final Update:
From Alice Barber
I want to finish Debbie Young’s Halloween Gothic House and work on the furnishings.
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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.
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June Update:
The structure is completed except for a few little details. I’ll be working on the furnishings for the next quarter.
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September Update:
For this quarter I worked on the furnishings of my Halloween year long project.
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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".
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March Update:
Got some work done, but much more to do.....
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June Update:
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September Update:
Boy, do I have a lot to do ....
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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.
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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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!
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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:
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.
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March Update:
Miss Ivy 1/4 inch house - kit by BJ Miniatures.
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June Update:
I have finished the porch and balcony. I am now working on the furniture.
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September Update:
I have been having problems. I kept losing pieces. Then I broke one of the sides for the chair. I did finish the piano and several tables for downstairs. So I have sent you this as is.
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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.
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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.
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June Update:
I have completed the April and May room kits and papered the outside of June. These last 2 were challenging. I hope the next are a couple of easy ones! (Who am I kidding? They all have challenges!)
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September Update:
I have finished the June, July and almost finished the August room. June was a lot of work but I’m very pleased with it. July was a nice break in 1/12 scale and August has been easy ... a good thing because September has 2 rooms!!
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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.
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March Update:
Waiting for glue to dry and 3rd coat of white paint on 3D printed pieces.
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June Update:
I think I am ready to start the assembly and start the box inserts.
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September Update:
I have almost finished the book outside just have to add the edges. I am currently working on all the little bits that will go inside the 3 small boxes. As you can see I was test fitting the boxes but decided it would be easier to decorate the hutch, table and the one with the tree before putting them in the book.
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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!
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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:
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!
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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!
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June Update:
I spent most of the past few months working on landscaping, which in this case means a coral reef made from air-dry clays, beads, and sequins. The base of the scene is an 8x12 wooden paint surface, with 1.5" sides. I have covered the sides with coral and will landscape the top after I assemble everything. I have had some success with the lights, and I hope my next update will have a video of everything working at the same time!
I made more clothes and accessories for the shop upstairs, including a wedding dress on a form for the balcony. The wedding dress is crepe paper and tiny rhinestones. The moto jacket is digitally printed on fabric and assembled with glue.
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September Update:
I’ve been frantically trying to get this thing ready for the Good Sam show in a few weeks, so I don’t have any good progress pics of the building today. Here are a few items I’ve made for the store stock. I’m especially pleased with my aluminum Christmas tree, which has a a light wheel. There is a color-changing LED inside the wheel fixture, and a few more color-changing LEDs hidden inside the tree, so the effect is pretty realistic. I love my full-size aluminum trees so I’m glad to have them in my shop. I also made some vintage boxed Halloween costumes and a ballerina music box. I pulled out some old pieces I made a few years ago, a Pac-Man table and a jukebox, but I’m not sure if they will get to stay or not. The rain lamp in that pic is newly built, I’m pretty pleased with it although the scale isn’t perfect.
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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.
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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!
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June Update:
I've finished building all of the walls, and now am working on insulation, drywall, and doors for each of the rooms. I'm hoping to get three rooms finished next quarter! I also discovered that the metal from soda cans is excellent for building 1:24 air ducts, so I've made some good progress on building those. Thanks again for running this challenge!
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September Update:
I made very little progress this quarter, so I've got my work cut out for me over the next few months. Hopefully I can keep focused (and also find a better method to prevent my 'drywall' from buckling)!
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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!
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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!
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June Update:
I’ve been busy making kits for my Charleston Single by Debbie Young. Lots and lots of kits. And there are more to come (on their way from Canada) but this house is almost looking lived-in!
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September Update:
I have gotten some things finished, but not what I set out to do in December. Can I use those things instead? It’s the Camp Make-A-Mini studio.
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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.
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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!
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June Update:
Snowflake Dollhouse progress report: measure twice, cut once is a great maxim. For me, though, it's more like measure three or four times, cut once, measure again, trim, try to fit, sand, try again, sand, fit, glue, putty gap that wasn't there before, sand, sigh, paint and hope the paint covers the repairs. Repeat for next piece. Then I have a Really Good Idea about what to do in the staircase and spend another chunk of time trying to figure out how and what I need to do it, before I realize that I don't have One Important Part and go back to the original task. No wonder progress is so slow!
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September Update:
I have visible progress this time on the Snowflake Chateau! All the baseboards are done. The windows on the first floor had to be hand-made from scratch since those parts have all gone missing from my workshop. I'm particularly proud of the window seat in the blue room. It only took three separate builds to get it to fit and I learned a lot in the process. Two more windows to go and I can start to think about the decor.
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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.
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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.
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June Update:
I am moving right along and have half of the kits completed and we are halfway through the year. I hope I can keep up the pace. This is where I am so far and it has been fun. I would never have gotten this far without the challenge.
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September Update:
It has a busy summer with Camp Make-A-Mini and being a NAME Day cutter, I have been up to my ears and only been able to finish one more room in my "Secret Spaces". This is a winter scene for cozy hot chocolate and resting after a long day in the snow. I have started a small room furnishings behind the glass door and hope to finish the remaining 4 rooms by year end. We will see if I make it!
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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.
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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:
From Bev Fleming:
I'm hoping to finish the traveling village in 2024.
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March Update:
Here's #8 of Traveling Village, inside accessories almost finished.
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June Update:
#8 almost done
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September Update:
finally got something done on #9 of traveling village
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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.
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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.
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June Update:
Woohoo! I completed all the furniture and itty bitty accessories for the inside of my Pickett Pond! The rest of the challenge year I'll work on the landscaping and a couple of kits that go on the outside ie boats, signs, chairs.
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September Update:
I was able to complete many of the furniture kits during the second quarter. This quarter I was "distracted" by the Camp Make-A-Mini project and family summer events. Sooooo. This picture is of the Camp Make-A-Mini furniture that I could, possibly, also use in my Pickett Pond scene :)
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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.
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March Update:
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June Update:
Here are 11 new houses designed by Volker Arnold that I finished for the challenge. The tallest one measures 1 3/4 inch. The smallest one is 1/4 inch tall. The first one is called a crooked house and the one with the red roof is a little wonky, too. There are so many little houses that are fun and challenging.
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September Update:
These are mostly 450-scale houses except for the 2000-scale and 4000-scale churches on the bottom row. The green house on the right is a 288-scale house that opens.
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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.
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March Update:
Here is my quarterly update on my 1/2” Real Good Lighthouse.
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June Update:
Not a lot of progress but it is free standing now and work has been done on the floors!! Hopefully lots more next quarter.
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September Update:
Moving along on my lighthouse and discover some very important next step pieces are missing!!! Two roof, and 2 foundation pieces which are all beveled MDF. So there will be a slight delay while I find some wonderful person to cut me some new ones. Hopefully it won’t take longer and I can finish by Christmas!
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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.
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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.
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June Update:
Jarrell Shed walls, table with some of the things that will be on the shelves.
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September Update:
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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!
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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!)
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June Update:
I knew I had the pieces to a lighthouse in a closet and pulled enough out to enter into the challenge. I realized once I had it out that what I thought was RGT was Greenleaf that apparently had been stored in my garage at one point. Not only am I missing a bunch of pieces, but the wood is so dried out that it won't even glue properly.... I've tried to work with it but it's simply not fun and I'm tired of beating myself up trying to make it work. I quit.
Editor note: We are accepting a midyear change. Sometimes circumstances are beyond our control!
I believe this is the Fairfield -- it’s a half scale house I began and set aside. I had hoped to do a building I’ve been wanting to copy for literally decades but of course now that there is an opportunity I can’t find the papers. So perhaps it is meant to be that I finish this instead.
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September Update:
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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.
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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.
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June Update:
I have completely repainted the exterior of my dollhouse, as shown by the before and after pictures. The damaged wallpaper has been stripped from two rooms and replaced with new. Finally and most excitingly, this house is now wired for electricity; it’s my first time using round wire instead of tapewire because the wallpaper was already in place. I still have to hide the wires.
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September Update:
I salvaged almost all these furnishings from my old dollhouse after the fire. I did have to make another cross-stitched bedspread and Lord’s Prayer, sew more throw pillows and repaint the white bookcase. However, the needlepoint rugs and chair cushion washed clean, as shown. All the frames and their pictures or diplomas are new, as well as the books in the bedroom. The other books remain darkened by soot; I may redo them later. Among the furniture, only the bed and the mirror top on the vanity were purchased for specifically for the Hug House.
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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! 😊 ❤
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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!
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June Update:
I still have the base and the landscaping to complete on my Carpathian Cottage. 😊
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September Update:
I have started on the base and landscaping for the Carpathian Cottage.
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Final Update:
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:
From Laura Johnson:
I plan to make the interior a jewelry shop this year.
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March Update:
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June Update:
Here is a picture of shelves on one side of my jewelry shop. I have been busy making jewelry.
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September Update:
Jewelry on the shelves. Chair cushions covered. Chest ready to marbleize the top.
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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.
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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.
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June Update:
I've been very busy and made a lot, however the only complete thing is the rabbits house. (photo) Really enjoyed furnishing this. (Though the kitchen furniture is purchased, and the bathroom furniture is remodeled dollar store furniture.) Love the "finished" feeling! They also have lights and so does the full size playhouse. The lights appear bluer in the photo than they actually are. A lot of remodeling on the left side of the tree, including all the "bark" texture and 2x dollhouse fronts and 2x secret spaces fronts precise fitting.
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September Update:
So excited by my progress this quarter, even though it's huge ... Not miniature at all! But the outsides of 4 of the dollhouses have been given their own "personalities" and just await finer details. The front of the three bears home is almost complete.
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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!
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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!
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June Update:
Various other projects have made this farmhouse dollhouse project a back burner project for this most recent update. I did manage to get the windows and shutters and front door painted and put on the house. Started work on the faux metal roof by adding thin wood strips. Did not make any further progress on interior. After the convention, I should have much more time to get this project buttoned up and planning on doing all the decorating in the fourth quarter.
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September Update:
Finally got back to the dollhouse after a bit on the back burner thanks to wonderful projects for and from Convention. I used iron-on birch wood veneer strips for the porch and decided to leave off the railing as I thought it updated the look. The main 2 floors are fully floored and wallpapered. The attic is an undecided just yet. I am happy with how the roof turned out. I am awaiting “tile” and kitchen cabinets from an online order to complete the shower in the bathroom and get a start on the kitchen. I plan on finishing strong with furnishings and accessories just in time to welcome guests for the holidays!
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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!
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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!
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June Update:
I am on track! I completed the April, May, and June kits from Robin Betterley's 2023 Secret Spaces. You can also see the year-to-date progress in the picture of the outside of the whole project.
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September Update:
These are the July, August, and September kits for the Robin Betterley Miniatures Secret Spaces 2023 calendar club. They are "Seaside Memories", "A Little Bath", and "Hidden Secrets". I'm thrilled to have kept on track in spite of many family health challenges.
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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.
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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
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June Update:
Ugh, I’m so bummed that life didn’t allow for crafting this past quarter. I’m very hopeful that next quarter will be a different story!
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September Update:
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS. I did petitpoint the pillow on 40 count silk gauze. And the tray and book in the first dome, plus all the pieces in the last dome, were made in our “All Things Lavender” Create class in June.
SPRINGTIME IN PARIS. I made all the food in classes by Carl Bronsdon. The wine bottle is still full of real French wine, from a trip to France 40 years ago!
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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! 😂😂😂
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March Update:
I decided to do the Crystal Cat and the Green Man (on the left) and the Warped Web (R). Coming along nicely!
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June Update:
Finished the outside of The Crystal Cat and The Green Man. Not much done on the Warped Web.
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September Update:
Worked on some furniture but structures are still the same.
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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!
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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!"
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June Update:
I'm moving right along with the calendar and am about ready to start Nick's cottage, back half, proper. All the furniture is now complete.
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September Update:
I finished one of my CYLC! I completed the entire #RBM 2023 calendar! I enjoyed making this project. Every room has its own featured technique. It's been creative and, when finished, just beautiful. A favorite part of this project is in the very last room, May's Refresh in the lower right-hand corner behind the window. My RL cat Saturn tries everything possible to obtain the snake plant in my house. I've added him to the scene -- about to jump onto the plant.
I'll continue working on Nick's Cottage, back half, in the hope it'll be completed by Dec 31. All the furniture is completed.
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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
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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:
