Here are the participants in the Create Year Long Challenge (CYLC2025).
Participants are in alphabetical order by last name. Participants with a last name starting with D-K are on this page.
Participants with a last name starting with A-C can be found here.
Participants with a last name starting with L-P can be found here.
Participants with a last name starting with Q-Z can be found here.
Completed projects can be found here.
From Dia Crissey-Baum:
Well, I enjoyed the CYLC for the most part last year, but I only got two of the six projects I picked out done last year. So, this year I’m going to simplify a little. I’ve got a bunch of Roundtable kits that have just been sitting around for a ling time, so those are on my list. The other thing is a stump house or fairy house I started last year. I’m the projects person for our mini club (Atlanta Miniature Society) and we thought we’d do some kind of fairy house, and this was my demo piece to show everyone how to make a house with concrete and fabric. Then we got distracted planning our retreat and haven’t done anything else with our fairy houses. I’ve got a little of the interior done but it has a long way to go. Hopefully this year will be a better year than last year and I’ll have plenty of time for minis!
__________________________________
March Update:
I can't believe this is all I've gotten done since January, but as far as the CYLC goes, it's all I could find.
Anyway, here are two kits from the big pile of roundtables I've accumulated over the past few years. (I have been making some minis, just not for the CYLC 🙂)
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Lynn Culbreath:
This is a rehab that will be all white. I’ll put the red shutters back on and new floors. It was originally a dollhouse for my granddaughter, but I built her a more modern house so she can leave mine alone (not working!) 😊 This one will become mine.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From JoAnne Cutting:
Given my incomplete results for the last two years, I'm downgrading my expectations for 2025. I have boxes of unopened kits that have been set aside "until I get time." Well, I'm retired and life seems to be settling down some so Now is The Time. My goal is to finish six kits, chosen at random from the two boxes I grabbed this week. If I complete more, that'll be terrific, but since I've already proven my slow-as-a-sloth progress, I don't want to set the bar too high. Maybe the third time will be the charm! Ever in hope!
__________________________________
March Update:
Success!!! I have met my goal for the quarter by completing two kits from my stash. Both are newer kits from the top of the pile: Castle Crafts Dantessa Chair and The Banshee Keen's Little Lending Library Kit that I think came from the Cape Cod Convention. I have no idea what I'm going to do with either one but they're done. It's a good feeling.
__________________________________
June Update:
It's been a busy Spring, with travel and life commitments, but I'm determined to stick with this challenge no matter what. I started this flower kit in April in Florida and finished it in June in Massachusetts. So I'm halfway to my six-kit goal right on schedule. Plus I'm working on #4 now, waiting for paint to dry as i write this. Accomplishment feels good.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Diana DeWalt:
I'm submitting my John Wesley project to be completed this year. It's been sitting in this state for quite some time. I need a push.
__________________________________
March Update:
Well not a whole lot done, sort of sidetracked by a few other projects. Put roof together including electrical. I need to furnish upstairs before it goes on. Staircases and railing pieces are stained and ready. I did electrify the back of downstairs staircase. Also painted and put together porch pieces. The next step needs to furnish the inside so all these extraneous pieces can be put on.
__________________________________
June Update:
Playing around making furniture and deciding what I want where in John Wesley.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Crystal Dezenosky:
I mainly work in 1:48 scale but realized I miss working in 1:12 so I bought this Beachside Bungalow on Facebook Marketplace and I have decided that will be my year long challenge. It is still in the box, never been opened. I am hoping that by the end of the year it will be built, painted, lit, decorated and furnished. Hopefully if I have time left over, I will put it on a base and landscape it as well. Looking forward to seeing if I have what it takes to get it all done in a year. Normally in the past it takes me many years to complete something like this.
__________________________________
March Update:
Well 3 months down and not a lot of progress made. I’ve had so many other commitments that all I have done is open the box and make sure all the pieces are there! Hopefully I can get more done in the next few months.
__________________________________
June Update:
6 months in and finally making some progress. I’ve got everything painted inside and out and most of the house built.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Meg Dietrich:
For several months (years), I have been collecting items to go in a 1770s cold storage pantry. The idea came to me while reading Diana Gabaldon's books in the "Outlander" series. Her descriptions are so well researched that I can visualize the room. So in 2025, I intend to put my accumulated stuff in the right room and have a finished cold pantry to enjoy.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Carolyn Eiche:
For this year's CYLC I've decided to finish up 10-13 unfinished projects.
Some are partially built, some need their finishing accessories or furniture built, landscaping done. A couple others are 90-95% finished and just need that final thing done to complete it entirely. All were put aside at some point to start something new because I hit a roadblock on finishing. In no particular order:
1) Debbie Young Around the World spice shop
2) True2Scale Garden Arbor
3) Robin Betterley's Briarwood kit
4) Robin Betterley's 1/144" Cafe
5) Pet shop made from Debbie Young kit, I kitbashed
6) 2023 NAME DAY project
7) 2023 Camp Make-A-Mini Shepherd's hut
8) Mini Cousins Hot Dog Stand
9) 2024 Camp Make-A-Mini building
10) May room from Robin Betterley's 2023 club project
Not pictured, but hope to finish off:
Landscaping of the Bed and Breakfast from 2024 National and my Pink Lemonade house. 2021 Camp Make-A-Mini Cabin finishing touches.
__________________________________
March Update:
So far this year I have completed 4 of my 12 listed Challenge projects. I completed the last room from the Betterley’s 2023 Secret Spaces cabinet. I've also completed my Mini Cousins pop-up Hot Dog Stand, 2023's NAME Day project, and Debbie Young's Spice Traders shop from the Around the World in 8 Days online Houseparty.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Kim Fitzsimmons:
I truly enjoyed the 2024 challenge. The logical step is to now take my Stephen King house structure and complete/furnish the interior … BUT I need to step back and do something else this year. I’m going OPPOSITE! 1:48 scale has fascinated me. I purchased a beach house kit that I want to do in the colors of Key West cottages. No dark and dreary vampire room. Bright colors inside and out. A bit quirky just like the wee artist that lives in it.
__________________________________
March Update:
My project is a 1:48 scale beach house that I intend to display as a an art gallery. I’ll admit, not loving this scale so far. I had to dig it out of the cupboard in order to photograph. I’ll finish it because I’m not a quitter, but it’s not bringing me joy at the moment.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Beverly Fleming:
I'm going to try & finish Sweet Rose house w/Debbie.
__________________________________
March Update:
I didn't get much done this quarter. I've been working on Sweet Rose.
__________________________________
June Update:
Didn't get much done this quarter just exterior windows. Hope to get more done next time.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Natalia Frank:
Entry 1: Christmas Cottage. I put this cottage together last year. This year, I would like to concentrate on finishing the interior of it with the Christmas theme in mind.
Entry 2: Crow's Nest Resort. The goal is to keep working on the interiors of the resort building.
__________________________________
March Update:
Entry 1. Christmas Cottage. All this time I was overthinking on floors and walls and finally decided to choose red wood planks/sheets for the floor and combination of wooden planks and white wallpaper for the walls.
Entry 2. Crow's Nest Resort. Collected furniture, floor, and wallpaper for the doctor's bedroom.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Julie French:
I’d like to attempt to complete my RBM calendar from 2022, again, since I failed in 2023 and 2024 😂🤦🏻♀️ I have 6.5 months left to finish from the calendar kits.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Sheila Froendt:
I would like to join the 2025 Create Challenge. I have a one-quarter scale whimsical house (for fairies, of course) that I have yet to begin. I also have several kits for furnishing the house as well as a large box of landscaping materials/accessories for a whimsical yard. It is a big project and this contest is just the motivation I need to get it completed in 2025. This will be fun! I look forward to submitting my progress each quarter.
__________________________________
March Update:
I stated this kit mid-January and have been so obsessed with it that I am nearly finished. I have lots of landscaping and a few more finishing touches on the inside.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Carol Gambrill:
For the 2025 Challenge I'll finish redecorating my inch scale dollhouse. In 2024, I started the latest round of changes*. This year I'll focus on the basement, primary suite, living room and kitchen. (* I bought this house in 1995 ish and first finished decorating it in 1999. I love tweaking it.)
__________________________________
March Update:
Changing the "story" of this dollhouse is giving me the opportunity to use kits in my stash and to mix styles. I constructed the Mission style bed from a Daisy House kit and used leftover walnut for the flooring of the closet. The Victorian wallpaper in the closet area will be attached once I decide what to use on the back wall ... the barn doors are a possibility ... or I'll assemble my NAME day hutch ... from 2010. Kitchen and bathroom - I'm still deciding on the wallpaper, flooring and layout. Decisions!! Decisions!!
__________________________________
June Update:
I'm making incremental progress. The living room is packed with memories. I won the Bespaq desk in a contest years ago. The white table is a paperweight I bought in Italy. The artwork is a postcard and the tiny elephant statues are from everywhere. LOL. I'm still selecting tiles for the kitchen and bathroom and planning the decor for the closet. Sigh.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Karen Gates:
This dollhouse has unfortunately been in storage for 20 years, so my Create Year Long Challenge is for 2025 is to repair the porch, roof, chimney (the bricks are on sideways 😝), outdated wiring, flooring … oh my goodness it needs a lot of work. I am looking forward to putting this wonderful gift from my then 6 year old son back together.
__________________________________
March Update:
I am not as far along as I hoped but I am enjoying the process. As you can see from one of the pictures, the painting crew has left their ladder and paint supplies on the tarp for the next days work.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Jean Gibson:
Here are 20-plus projects that I am going to be working on for this 2025 challenge. Large projects include a baby house along with a tiny baby house and Noah's Arc. Also, there are some theaters, cuckoo clocks, some new items, and some catchup ones as well. Good luck to all!
__________________________________
March Update:
Here are my first challenge pieces of 2025. The two large cuckoo clocks are 1/12th scale. The smallest one is 1/4 scale, and was a very challenging kit to complete.
__________________________________
June Update:
I did finish three items on my list and am sending a picture of them now. Maybe I can add to it before the end of June. If you would rather I didn't send twice, please let me know, and I can save them for next time.
"Three 144 scale kits: Spring Theater, Children's Theater, and Castle Theater. There is a wheel on the back that rotates the little round "stage".
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Laura Goerzen:
My challenge is to complete the structure, trim, and wallpaper of this RGT Allison Jr. dollhouse so that it is playable for my daughter. I also hope to finish it with enough flexibility so that I can change and add to it when she's done playing with it. The topping on the cake of this challenge would be to have an official spot for the dollhouse in our house other than our guest room floor!
__________________________________
March Update:
Slow and steady. In the last three months I've painted, wallpapered, and assembled the third floor of my Allison Jr. Dollhouse.
__________________________________
June Update:
My Allison Jr. is almost done! Just some shingles and final pieces of trim to go. And my daughter has already moved in.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Bonnie Helterhoff:
This is small building I started long ago. I have decided to use the Autumn Pantry I found on Pinterest as my inspiration. My building is a different shape but I think having the porch area will lend itself well to this concept. I suspect I will be repainting as the red just isn’t right.
__________________________________
March Update:
This quarter I repainted the shop building and antiqued it. Stained shingles and shingled the roofs for the porch. Need to stain more shingles to be able to finish the main roof. Found new paper for the inside and built a shelving unit. Have a good start on a checkout and bakery case. Cut some beams. Haven't attached the inside paper or beams as I am debating on adding lights.
__________________________________
June Update:
WOW! What a month! I made the decision to change the building for my Autumn Market... My original inspiration was found on pinterest and was a crowded country store look and the building I began with was just too big to create the right look. I had played a major part in creating this building for my clubs Fun day project and decided it would work much better. And once I got into working on it I couldn't stop! So after a few very intensive weeks- it's done!!! Ta da!!! The only things that I remember going out to buy is the lettering on the sign. The jelly jars were a class I taught recently. I sell the candle jars so had a lot. Made the many many sunflowers!! I use coffee filters painted and punched; cut the leaves by hand as I didn't have the right punch and used rough sandpaper for the middle of the flower.
This one was really fun and now I still have half a year to tackle something else!!
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Eileen Herrstrom:
I will build and furnish a conservatory as an adjunct to the 1” scale dollhouse I completed in 2024. This will be a replacement for the greenhouse attached to my dollhouse that I lost to a fire in 2023 (left). I rescued most of the accessories and will reuse them in the new building (right).
__________________________________
March Update:
I have assembled the basic structure of the conservatory and given all pieces the first coat of paint.
__________________________________
June Update:
I’ve not made as much progress as I had hoped, but neither have I ceased completely. The roof needs only to have the acrylic shell glued to the wooden support structure. The walls and window frames are ready for the second coat of paint.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Lisa Holm:
Going to attempt to commit to this idea. First picture is of a 3 story San Francisco house (where I stopped when the electricity got challenging, but I’m better at soldering now) and the second picture is project number 2, finishing the 2023(?) Betterley secret calendar….
__________________________________
March Update:
For the Betterley calendar one (March and April).
__________________________________
June Update:
Betterley secret calendar - May and June completed.
San Francisco house - I think I took more apart than I put together, but first floor completely redone so I can move on to second floor…(and outside repainted again!)
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Kristie Horrell:
I am going to complete the Sweet Rose House and the Warm Wishes kit.
__________________________________
March Update:
This is how far I have completed. I have a long ways to go.
__________________________________
June Update:
I have not made any progress. I hoping to make some progress by the end of September.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Carol Johnson:
For 2025 my goal is to finish the following projects: Birdhouse Bluff, Montana Homestead, Creekside Cottage, 2023 Secret Spaces, Camp Make A Mini, Stump house, Carpathian Cottage, Pickett Hill, and Debbie Young's three Shepherds Huts. It will be a fun year! 💕
__________________________________
March Update:
So far for the 2025 Year Long Challenge I completed the June through December 2023 Secret Spaces so that project is finished. I also have the Camp Make-A-Mini Shepherds Huts The Middling and The Pocket Size built and just have a few furnishings to complete each of them. This yearly challenge is a wonderful way to keep projects on track and be completed.
__________________________________
June Update:
I have nothing new to report and no updated photos since the March update.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Laura Johnson:
This is my new challenge. I have assembled most of the structure. it is the B & B Thursday Night Project (by Debbie Young) from the 2025 convention.
__________________________________
March Update:
I am not very far along. Hope to have a lot more done next time! Thanks for doing this.
__________________________________
June Update:
Here is a picture of my B&B.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Shirley Kerasiotis:
My ambition is to build Birdhouse Bluff, make all the furniture and landscape the base but I will be very happy if I can at least get the house built. Attached is a photo showing all the kits and parts for Birdhouse Bluff.
__________________________________
March Update:
I decided to start the base first (backwards, I know). I have completed the shed with lighting and started on the picket fencing.
__________________________________
June Update:
So I thought I would be further along but real life has a way of creeping in.
I do have the house painted, the floors and stairs stained and now I'm ready to start assembling the house.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Casey Kildow:
My plan is to use the kit, specifically the Sweet Shop model that’s included in it, and build/modify it into Honeydukes (candy store from Harry Potter). So I will be adding in extra things not included in the kit.
__________________________________
March Update:
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Kathy Koons:
2024 was incredibly difficult for my family due to health problems and losses. Christmas is the one season that always gives me joy, even in 2024, when we couldn't decorate. So, I've decided to make 2025 a year of joy, by completing the Christmas kits in the photo. It turns out that there are far more True2Scale micro gingerbread kits in my stash than I expected, too.
__________________________________
March Update:
Thanks to a total knee replacement in January, I had time to divert myself with these minis. When I was in less pain, the Sweet Rose project kept me from making more headway toward my goal. But, that's almost finished and I can get back to the Challenge.
__________________________________
June Update:
I did not realize what a Christmas market stall kick I've been on this quarter. The stalls are from Jane Harrop, an unknown maker, Robin Betterley and Mini Cousins.
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
From Debra Kuckuck:
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 a set of three pastry domes. I organized my miscellaneous minis by calendar month. I’m going to continue my 2024 CYLC as I try to make as many sets of domed vignettes as I can, with the plan to change them monthly.
The second photo shows my set of domes for May, from last year’s challenge.
__________________________________
March Update:
Withdrew March 2025.
__________________________________
June Update:
__________________________________
September Update:
__________________________________
Final Update:
