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 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:
I have completed my year long project of turning the dollhouse into an Optometry Office. My daughter will be displaying in her office. I enjoyed working on this project and making sure I stayed on track by meeting the quarterly deadlines. 😀
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 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:
I finished Overboard, my 1:24 undersea thrift shop for mermaids, in time for the Good Sam Show in October! It is covered in rhinestones inside and out, because mermaid architecture is different from ours. The roof is covered in mother of pearl tiles. The shop sits on a coral reef made of wired beads and air-dry clay. The LED neon marquee’s lights are on a microcontroller, as are the moving blue “water” lights underneath the base. The merchandise is mostly things that have floated down from the surface. Don’t overthink that part, especially the boxes of Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments which wouldn’t survive underwater.
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:
Well, I didn't finish everything. But I did finish my Charleston Single by Debbie Young. I'm quite happy with the way the Charleston Single came out. Some ghosts came to live among the dusty attic in the attic, and one of Ruth Stewart's pirate kitties caused some typical cat trouble in the kitchen. I went through my stash and found lots of accessories, but that made me realize I really should organize it. Maybe that'll be what I do next year.
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 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:
I have finished the last of my challenge projects for this year. Whew. I love this challenge and hope it is to be continued next year. It works!
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 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:
The walls and floor are finished. The furnishings, except one standing shelf unit, are finished. I still have to put all the details in --- load the shelves and furniture with bottles and jars and cans and tools.
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 Pam McDonald:
For 2024, I plan to furnish and landscape the quarter scale Visalian house that I built as my 2023 challenge.
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March Update:
Here is one side of the house with the rooms completed - I just need to add some houseplants I am working on.
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June Update:
I have furnished the remaining rooms in my Visalian house -- 2nd bedroom, 2nd attic, hallway, and living room. I am hoping to complete the landscaping in the next quarter.
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September Update:
I didn’t get much done on my challenge over the summer, but I did make a start on the landscaping. I made two hanging fuchsias for the porch (kit by sdk) and have started collecting together materials for the garden and making flowers. I also ordered pieces for a case and will put it together as soon as the special glue I need arrives. Hopefully the next quarter will be much more productive.
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Final Update:
My challenge this year was to furnish and landscape the Victorian house I built for last year’s challenge (house kit by Debbie Young). Pictures of the furnished rooms were posted earlier in the year. The landscaping is now complete with the exception of a picket fence that was caught in our month long postal strike.
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.
Samantha Murray
Rinse and repeat. I’m continuing my challenge from last year with the Advent Calendar. 7 buildings down, 18 to go. IT WILL BE FINISHED THIS YEAR!!!
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March Update:
I have 9 buildings designed so far and an idea of how it will all go together. Gotta step up my game!
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June Update:
Progress has been slower than I hoped with real job and show prep getting in the way. Really hoping to jump in and get this finished in the next six months.
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September Update:
Checking in but nothing has been accomplished this quarter due to “Real Job”, Dallas miniature show, and new puppy getting in the way.
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Final Update:
Sadly due to many factors, some beyond my control such as my hard drive becoming corrupted and losing a lot of data, including some of my advent calendar files, I did not finish my year long project. I’ll get the files recreated and keep working on it. Next year I’m doing something just for me.
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 Marjorie Parker:
This poor Laser Dollhouse Designs Jazmine 1/2 scale has languished for years in a coat closet. Because I started it with no skills and made a number of mistakes, I doubt I can fully restore it. Yet it deserves to be finished and inhabited by its Victorian family. I am doing hybrid battery lighting with round wire and have never ever done shingles.
I am also tickled by all the fellow challengees working on Joie de Vivre. I have one to finish too, and would not let myself buy any furniture until it was done. Maybe that will be my CYLC for 2025. One word to you, don’t get all hung up on all the custom paint mixes… unless you want to, of course….
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March Update:
Eeek! The March CYLC is due! I forgot! I have been working on the True2Scale lamps for my Club’s 1/48 scale project instead.
So earlier, I took my Jasmine 1/24 apart and tried to untangle the wiring. I did learn that 9 Volt batteries are not necessarily compatible with all ancient 1/24 scale 12 volt lamps that I have acquired and “inherited”. Who knew? Two of the lamps failed, one battery got super-hot and some wires needed to be re-spliced. It was far easier to get the fireplace going with a reliable Evan Designs LED fire kit.
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June Update:
In this quarter of CYLC I learned that larger scales really are unforgiving. I also learned that tabs won’t fit into paint-filled slots, nor into paint-warped wood. Actually, I already knew - just had to remember - painfully! I tried out two new products for me - extra large rubber bands to use as clamps, and model-railroading’s Just Plug’s Light Block Kit. I am sure the putty in the light block kit would work even better in more patient and skillful hands than mine. It would be a great product for miniaturists in thinner strips and lighter colors. Yes, the porch roof was deliberately cut to hide the electronics underneath. Yesterday, it was deliberately snapped into three pieces because I neglected to re-familiarize myself with the directions since 2016 for order of assembly.
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September Update:
What I did in the preceding quarter of CYLC ‘24 was two kinds of shingles and a little bit on the lighting and a little bit on the front door. Shingles on turrets and dormers is not for the faint-hearted! Hoping to wrap it up in the last quarter and finish! Thanks again for extending the deadline.
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Final Update:
At long last, my Laser Dollhouse Designs 1/2 scale Jasmine is finished. I am not happy with it (my lack of expertise - it’s a wonderful kit!); but it was a work in progress since 2015. Now my treasured dolls can move in. The best part is when I took it to a Club meeting to work on in November and the four year-old grandson of a prospective new member played with it, very gently. He was fascinated with the fireplace, which I forgot to light in these photos.
The experiences I gained were: wallpapering and flooring; 1/2 scale lighting using round wire and 9-volt battery adapters; shingling; and buying way more furniture than could fit! Of course, it needs a lot more doo-dads and hanging plants. I would have preferred wicker furniture in the sunroom, and the one Bespaq piece outshines the TownSquare pieces - but even so, I went way over budget.
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 Carin Shapiro:
I will be working on installing electrical, moulding, walls, and floors in this house. Of course, there are a few other projects going on at the same time, namely a flower shop, completion of a house in my VT house, and electrical repairs on a roombox. Enough to keep me out of trouble!
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March Update:
Although my house is still a wreck, I did prime it, installed the tape wire, bought most of the wallpaper, redid the cupolas (50 cents each from a NAME garage sale), cut openings for a few new windows. I think my work will be more visibly obvious next quarter.
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June Update:
I am making slow but steady progress, with the typical electrical obstacles I have in all of my houses. In the next quarter I hope to have the rest of the wallpaper. Electrical and flooring installed.
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September Update:
Not really sure if I am going to finish this in 3 months. I have lost my motivation and am working on so many other projects at the same time. We'll see.
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Final Update:
I am just about completed. This was a bare shell to start. I installed electricity, took down walls to create a great room and completed trim work (except in one bathroom). I still have to install 3 staircases, but I am very happy with the tremendous work I completed on this massive project.
From Susan Skinner:
I would like to complete my project from the 2023 CYLC.
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March Update:
I've been tackling the trim and all the miter cuts a bit more and laid the floor on 1/4 of the upstairs. Its been very tricky doing the first back room but after I get the second back room floor laid the front two will be easy.
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June Update:
This last quarter was busy for me with non mini things so I didn't get as much done as I'd hoped but I did get more of the upstairs flooring done. One room left! Hoping to finish laying it tonight so I can stain it with the nice weather this week.
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September Update:
I finished and stained all the upstairs floors made the andirons for both upstairs fireplaces and wired 1 of them. I also ordered and received fireplace wiring kits for the other three fireplaces in the house. It's all coming along nicely.
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Final Update:
I am so happy to say I finished the challenge this year! It took me two years and 2 challenges to renovate the whole interior of this family dollhouse that was passed to me from my aunt and namesake. The floors and walls are finished and all the fireplaces working. Now the doll family can start choosing and building the furniture to move in this next year. The year long challenge was just what I needed to get this completed.
From Kirsten Smolensky:
I want to finish Santa’s house which started as a $20 flea market find 4 years ago. It’s been stripped and partially electrified, but I want to finish it this year before Christmas.
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March Update:
Created kitchen cabinets and added lighting to fridge and over faux window. Created TV from scratch. Created mail sorting center from scratch. Still a long way to go!!
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June Update:
I had a rough quarter! The electric stopped working thanks to some loose sodder spots so I had to rip out some wallpaper etc and start over. Once that was fixed, I focused on Santa’s mailroom including the Santa tracker. Recently I started the workshop, building the first bench. Hope to get it at least presentable for conference!!
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September Update:
It’s coming along well! I now have the basics done and I’m working on finishing some kits and more mini details. I’ve spent the most time on the workshop and gift wrapping room.
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Final Update:
So, I still have some small projects I want to do, but the house itself is finished and electrified, so I'm pleased with my progress. The basics are done!! Yeah!! This was lots of fun, and I'm hoping to work on another project next year! Thank you so much for running this project/experience!
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 Julia Tchikine:
This year, I want to finish a roombox that I started a few months ago. It is a bathroom (see the bottom image), and I am trying to make most of the accessories and pieces by hand. I have completed some of it, but I would love to have all the accessories and furnishings completed by the end of the year, and maybe even get started on the exterior.
I would also like to finish a roombox that I started recently (see the top image), but haven't made much progress on.
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March Update:
I got a surprising amount of work done these past few months! I finished painting all of the walls, built a roof, made some furniture, and glued in the wood floor. I hope that the next few months are as productive as these have been!
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June Update:
I finally finished the bedroom and all the furniture! I might still make a shelf above the bed, but we'll have to see. I hope that I can get a lot of work done these next few months!
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September Update:
The first roombox was finished last quarter, so I worked on the bathroom furnishings for the second roombox this quarter. I made a bathtub and high tank toilet, along with a few other bits and pieces. All the furniture has to be made by hand because it is a funny scale, too small to be 1:12 but too large to be 1:24. Can't wait to finish this up (hopefully!) next quarter!
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Final Update:
I'm so pleased to get both of these roomboxes done, and thus complete the challenge! I hope to rejoin again next year if this runs again; it's been such fun!
From Barbara Thornton-Hill:
This is a series of projects I need to finish. 6-1/2 book boxes to fill from 2020, 6 suitcases to fill from 2021 and 13 or 14 kits from the 50th Anniversary to put together. I’d love to finish these projects. I had to move in the summer of 2023 and had to drop out with minimal progress so I'm reusing my 2023 Challenge for this year.
The goal is to get my craft room in order by the end of 2024. This is my before collage.
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March Update:
CYLC’24 #1.
CYLC ’24. #2. WORK ROOM PROGRESS:
SAD BUT TRUE
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June Update:
Update goal 1: 2 more done. Now I have 8/22 finished.
Update goal 2: Slowly but surely
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September Update:
Here’s one more of my kits finished. Betterley suitcase from November 2021.
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Final Update:
Well, of course I did not finish my year long goals. However, I did finish my Grinch Room and almost the Camp Makamini (at least the building anyway)
From Marcie Van Deren:
I am going to try to finish three (3!!) projects. They have hung around way too long.
1. The 2009 AZ State Day RV ... Needs refurbishing and a landscaped base with the dust cover.
2. Lace Shop ... Inside shop walls and floor are done. Furniture is started. Piles of lace to be turned into everything a lace shop should contain.
3. The Thrifted Living Room ... Nothing is started. Have to build the room box. I have been collecting for it for a long time.
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March Update:
This has been an excellent challenge. I am further along in these three projects that I would have thought possible! The Thrift store is out of the box and put together. The trailer base just needs the hookups now. The lace shop has been painted on the outside and most everything has been made for the inside. I just need to paint the trim and put in the lights. Thank you for the encouragement!
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June Update:
This challenge has been so good for me! The camper scene is almost finished. I am just deciding if I need long grass around the boulders!
The Thrifted Living Room has become a thrift store called Treasures
The lace shop is waiting on the wiring from Evan Designs. But the trim has been painted and the ceiling done except for the lights. All the goodies inside are ready to place!
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September Update:
1. Was supposed to be a thrift type store, but it has been suggested that it would be a great soda fountain, so I don’t know…
2. A bookstore kit that I starred during Covid, but I finished in August
3. Rv scene is just about finished. I’m just adding the grass around the boulders.
4. Small kit for small grandchild.
5. Tiny Altoids tin kit that’s been sitting around for 5 years or so.
6. Lace shop was finished 8/12/24 and entered in the NW MT fair on the same day.
I have enjoyed this challenge! It’s making me finish projects! Thank you, NAME!
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Final Update:
The Thrifted Living room has now become a soda fountain. I will have to obtain furnishings for it. First step to get photos of soda fountains.
The camp trailer on the RV pad just needs the grass around the boulders finished.
The Lace shop was finished in August. I found the original photos and plans. Dated 2014! It hung around way too long! Thank you for the challenge to get it finished. I am so enjoying it!
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.
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 Tammy Witthaus:
The big project that I want to complete is Petalstone both inside and outside.
My 2nd project to complete is my 1/2 scale Fairy B&B. This started as a class at 2016 Chicago International called Game of Stones that I modified. I need to complete the electrical, finish the top, complete the stone work, and the stream/water.
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March Update:
Petalstone - 1st floor basics and kitchen complete. On to the ceiling and building 2nd floor.
Added more fairies. Completed lighting, top, and added more stone work. Now trying to find a background scene picture for the top and add more water.
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June Update:
Petalstone: I have the 2nd floor just about done and bathroom furnished! Too bad it’s difficult to see after all that work. Next on to the conservatory, 3rd floor, etc.
No further progress on my 1/2” scale fairy B&B. I still need to find the perfect background and get it printed.
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September Update:
1/2" scale Fairy B&B - finished! I finally found the perfect background and at the last minute decided to add lights in the water.
Petalstone - I was able to complete building (conservatory still to come), 2nd floor railing, finished all lighting, bathroom, master bedroom, and shingled. Besides conservatory, I still need to complete siding, furnishing remainder of the rooms, and landscaping.
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Final Update:
Petalstone - completed all of the rooms that I had bought kits for. Now comes the hard part of furnishing the remainder of the rooms which will be my 2025 CYLC!
From Stephanie Yue:
I would like to give the 2024 Challenge a try. This is a picture of Robin Betterley’s Secret Cabinet monthly kits for 2023. I also have her 2022 kits but think maybe I can handle 2023 better.
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March Update:
I chose the biggest kit and completed the cabinet today. I have the door done, but I won’t install it until I complete 2 rooms: April and May that go behind the door. Having a deadline motivated me. I’m having fun.
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June Update:
Here is my progress on the cabinet drawers. I hope to finish the bottom middle box before the end of June.
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September Update:
I didn’t do much during the 3rd quarter. Finished up the last quarter’s but and completed 1 for this quarter.
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Final Update:
I really needed this challenge to get me to finish the Secret Spaces kit. I’d like to thank NAME for sponsoring it.
