Great job! How about a spider web made from white thread or hair net. You need a mouse nest somewhere, they would have used the stuffing from the chair as well as newspaper bits. Hornets nest would look nice hanging on that tree.
Great ideas Karen! A mouse nest would look great in the boxes under the counter top I am sure. I will have to look up reference photos as I don't think I have ever seen a mouse nest. I like the hornets nest on the tree idea too! And definitely on the spider webs but they will have to be last as they are so delicate!
Very cute Ara! Definitely giving me some ideas. Instead of wildlife, I'm thinking just evidence of wildlife, like nests and webs and holes. Maybe a few bugs. In general, you are more likely to see evidence of wildlife than the wildlife itself. Plus, it makes the whole thing seem even more abandoned!
That's a great point! And it keeps me from having to make animals... I have no animal making skills and I would be afraid to have a really fake-looking animal inside of a realistic scene. Thanks so much!
Fabulous nesting tutorial, Ara! I will definitely be using a similar technique to add nests to The Secret Garden! Thank you for all that you do for us, girl. 💗
Very well done. I love the effects to make the nest look used. I'm not a bird expert - but I do know from the ones we have in our garden that if the pair are successful they will keep returning to the nest each year to raise another brood. As you're looking to add seasonal eggs, you might want to add a touch of green as the outside of the nest can be covered in moss and/or perhaps a few live weeds /plants which would spring up if the birds have been using seeds - that happens a lot if you have a bird feeder in your garden. Ladybirds are also very tiny red/black dots that could potentially start to hibernate in nooks and crannies in groups, spider webs as others have said, but also snails and slugs ? Thank you for continuing to share, you're a pleasure to watch xx
Thank you for all the suggestions. I really love the idea of adding some green to the nest. I hate when it's only brown and black because you can see much detail in that - a bit of green would be perfect. Love the creature suggestions too!
Parchment paper is the gold standard for things not sticking to it. It's got a very thin layer of silicone sprayed on it, so absolutely nothing (aside from more silicone) will stick to it, and it can go in the oven, making it fantastic for polymer clay work!
I actually was looking for my parchment paper before I started this project and couldn't find it lol! That's when I grabbed this baggie and just went for it. But yes parchment paper is a much better choice ;)
Impressive! I bet there is much more wildlife in the rest of the cafe as well. Maybe some mice or even cats living in that chair. I hope you make some more animals in the future
I love your work! You add so much detail to make everything look so perfect ! Just a thought,…. perhaps to swap out the whole eggs for some broken shells so the nest would also appear abandoned??
Been binging on this series all weekend, and wondered when you made the clock. Love it! My BFF in elementary school had this clock in her play room (so fancy) in the 70s, so apropos on the time frame. I have enjoyed many of your projects, but this one is my personal fav
The teeny bird's nest is adorable. Makes me want to try it. The yuk-ing up was gross, but I love your little abandoned coffee shop. It's a joy watching it come to life.
you would be amazed at how many things you can make with dry Baby Wipes. Think of dry baby wipes as fabric that is glue-able, paint-able, in some cases stretch-able. You can use this medium like newspaper paper mache'. It's flexible while wet with glue but drys stiff. For most projects I use wal-mart's Parents Choice turquoise (has a lattice pattern but no characters & pattern paints out most times) and Targets Up & Up yellow (no pattern at all and it stretches- this is great for bending around curves w/o creases (like panty hose!) and for covering Styrofoam, easy to get a torn edge for blending). think of this medium like paper too, do you remember those paper beads this works for molding objects like that. I've made a lot of things by sandwiching several layers together with watered down tacky glue to get a stiff fatter sheet. I made 25 doll sized hats using a measuring spoon (to stretch the baby wipe over it to make the dome of the hat) and baby wipes & tacky glue, that's all. to make the brim thicker just layer sheets together with watered down glue & a butter knife or bone folder let dry well then cut out. it's cheap too!
How interesting! Thank you for the tip. I used baby wipes for random things here and there and always end up with a few dried out at the bottom of the pack by the time I am done. I will start saving them for experimenting!!
Love it! You did a great job. As a 2 parrot owner, much of my life includes bird poo! LOL My nails pretty much look like yours on any given day, so no worries. As for wildlife, nothing is quite as nosy as a possum, or squirrels when it comes to buildings or digging through old furniture.....just a thought.
Lol thank you! So it sounds like you know the reality of the poo 😂 Thank you for the suggestions as well!! We have some nosey squirrels around here too🐭
acrylic paint tip: to make matte paint glossy or thicker (to cover a hole etc) at tacky glue. To make metallic matte add a matte paint to it (it will cancel out the shinny metallic) but to add two colors of metallic together they both have to be metallic (i use a lot of pearl white or white pearl). If you are going to paint over something that has been glued, there is a chance you could get spidering/crackle when the paint drys. I answer to this is to add tacky glue (even just a little) and you have a lot lower chance of getting spidering, it will adhere better too. make sure to mix well.
i just want to say that i really love your creativity!!! I am a miniature builder myself but so far i only used kits from Rolife of Cutebee or any other brand. The fact that you make everything yourself and you come up with these amazing ideas is fantastic to see! :) Thanks that you let us watch along :) keep it up :)
painting miniatures you need detail, painting with a brush doesn't always cut it. A sewing needle or leather needle works really good for painting if you make your own handle and you can even contour it. Use dry Baby Wipes cut in strips and tacky glue. (think paper mache'). start by treading one tiny strip through the eye of the needle (this is to keep the needle from spinning & moving while your holding is). the rest of the pieces are the width of you what you desire for your handle. butter tacky glue onto the baby wipe and make a thick as you like. It's a messy job and when it's half dry contour it to how you want to hold it (like a pencil) then let dry over night or longer. on my finish product after fully dried I used painters tape to protect surface & add color. (tips- needle needs to be fully incapacitated in handle, wrap tightly from beginning to end)
You are right about the bird poo. Hummingbirds in their nests stick their hineys over the edge and let loose. You can see it on hummingbird watching videos. It's kind of funny. This whole coffee house is just as amazing as all your miniatures are. I don't make miniatures but I'm thinking I might want to try one. I will be stealing ideas from you as you are the queen of miniatures making.
The parents could have abandoned the nest, or been killed. It's been abandoned enough the food hasn't been looted, could be a repeat disaster event that killed the parents. Or, the cat became alive and ate them... Oh! Another suggestion - make the other eyeball and have it lying around the floor! Goldfinches lay as late at early fall apparently, and even later with very warm summers. Their nests are also very fluffy and wooly, like yours is!
Ara, this nest s super cute! The broken glue soaked threads is such a great idea!!!! Felix is adorably and sufficiently pooed! I will begin embroidering this quote on a pillow immediately! Hahaha! I think you did such a great job spreading poo everywhere! Every video I am so amazed at your talent! You inspire me and make me want to make miniatures so I can spread poo EVERYWHERE!!! Hahaha!! Thank you so much for sharing your videos! I do enjoy them so much!!
Oh my gosh Leslie.... hahaha I will laugh so hard if you actually embroider that on a pillow! LOL! I am glad I can be so inspiration in the poo department :D As always, your comment made me smile this morning! Hugs!
Hi Ara, I just want to share something I found with you, I'm posting it here because when I found them I thought of your abandoned coffee shop and your skeleton family house as well as the cake shop I'm hoping to make, they're called 'Cabochons' and I found them on ebay. They are ment for jewellery etc but can be used as miniature food etc. Just a thought, cheers Naomi
I know this is way to late to comment but why not crack the eggs like the were eaten by another creature and the shells left over. And I have been bringing your abandoned coffe house and I'm in love with all your techniques Thank you so much for sharing all your great ideas!
Yay! Welcome to the channel!! I love suggestions and I try to answer questions as much as I can so feel free to comment and ask away! Thanks for subbing!
Barbara Ness Well, yes, but I don't embroider, either. It depends on what you use it for. I use it for lucet braiding which embroidery floss is pretty useless for (I've tried.)
Great idea!! Someone also suggested a wasp nest... I will have to look up the two types of nests and see which one to make... but I think something like that will be awesome in the tree! Thanks Linda!
In answer to your question on what bird lays eggs in the fall...I have checked my bird books and on line..there are none. they could be still born eggs thoe.
Great job! How about a spider web made from white thread or hair net. You need a mouse nest somewhere, they would have used the stuffing from the chair as well as newspaper bits. Hornets nest would look nice hanging on that tree.
Great ideas Karen! A mouse nest would look great in the boxes under the counter top I am sure. I will have to look up reference photos as I don't think I have ever seen a mouse nest. I like the hornets nest on the tree idea too! And definitely on the spider webs but they will have to be last as they are so delicate!
Spider webs can be made out of used dryer sheets!
@@BentleyHouseMinis 🇫🇷👍👍👍👍
Very cute Ara! Definitely giving me some ideas. Instead of wildlife, I'm thinking just evidence of wildlife, like nests and webs and holes. Maybe a few bugs. In general, you are more likely to see evidence of wildlife than the wildlife itself. Plus, it makes the whole thing seem even more abandoned!
That's a great point! And it keeps me from having to make animals... I have no animal making skills and I would be afraid to have a really fake-looking animal inside of a realistic scene. Thanks so much!
Fabulous nesting tutorial, Ara! I will definitely be using a similar technique to add nests to The Secret Garden! Thank you for all that you do for us, girl. 💗
Oh that would be a great place to put a nest! Thank you so much Heather!! Hugs!
Hurrah for the bird poo! That's excellent realism ❤
maybe have Hatched
Cracked egg shells...
That's a great idea too! Thanks!
Very well done. I love the effects to make the nest look used. I'm not a bird expert - but I do know from the ones we have in our garden that if the pair are successful they will keep returning to the nest each year to raise another brood. As you're looking to add seasonal eggs, you might want to add a touch of green as the outside of the nest can be covered in moss and/or perhaps a few live weeds /plants which would spring up if the birds have been using seeds - that happens a lot if you have a bird feeder in your garden. Ladybirds are also very tiny red/black dots that could potentially start to hibernate in nooks and crannies in groups, spider webs as others have said, but also snails and slugs ? Thank you for continuing to share, you're a pleasure to watch xx
Thank you for all the suggestions. I really love the idea of adding some green to the nest. I hate when it's only brown and black because you can see much detail in that - a bit of green would be perfect. Love the creature suggestions too!
How real it looks...great job...you could do some mice or rats...raccoons...snake...worms...tfs
Thank you Gloria!! Great ideas!!... I snake is one I hadn't thought of before!
cool. The Felix clock goes here so well
Ayra Bentley 2019-"You gotta include a little poop" 😂
haha :) hopefully that won't be a true statement on all of my projects!! Lol!
@@BentleyHouseMinis lol!! Right!! 😂
Parchment paper is the gold standard for things not sticking to it. It's got a very thin layer of silicone sprayed on it, so absolutely nothing (aside from more silicone) will stick to it, and it can go in the oven, making it fantastic for polymer clay work!
I actually was looking for my parchment paper before I started this project and couldn't find it lol! That's when I grabbed this baggie and just went for it. But yes parchment paper is a much better choice ;)
I made a tiny bird house with a nest and a few real feathers! Your tutorial helped❤
Impressive! I bet there is much more wildlife in the rest of the cafe as well. Maybe some mice or even cats living in that chair. I hope you make some more animals in the future
Thanks Dani!! I love the idea of something living in the chair... and that makes a lot of sense too!
I love your work! You add so much detail to make everything look so perfect !
Just a thought,…. perhaps to swap out the whole eggs for some broken shells so the nest would also appear abandoned??
Been binging on this series all weekend, and wondered when you made the clock. Love it! My BFF in elementary school had this clock in her play room (so fancy) in the 70s, so apropos on the time frame.
I have enjoyed many of your projects, but this one is my personal fav
I want to have a real one someday in my kitchen! They are just the most fun clock I think lol!
ohhhh my gosh, I love love love the birds nest, adorable....you're amazing, thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it!
The teeny bird's nest is adorable. Makes me want to try it. The yuk-ing up was gross, but I love your little abandoned coffee shop. It's a joy watching it come to life.
Thank you so much Darnelle! Thankfully we all know it's just paint (thank goodness too... bird mess is the worst!)
you would be amazed at how many things you can make with dry Baby Wipes. Think of dry baby wipes as fabric that is glue-able, paint-able, in some cases stretch-able. You can use this medium like newspaper paper mache'. It's flexible while wet with glue but drys stiff. For most projects I use wal-mart's Parents Choice turquoise (has a lattice pattern but no characters & pattern paints out most times) and Targets Up & Up yellow (no pattern at all and it stretches- this is great for bending around curves w/o creases (like panty hose!) and for covering Styrofoam, easy to get a torn edge for blending). think of this medium like paper too, do you remember those paper beads this works for molding objects like that. I've made a lot of things by sandwiching several layers together with watered down tacky glue to get a stiff fatter sheet. I made 25 doll sized hats using a measuring spoon (to stretch the baby wipe over it to make the dome of the hat) and baby wipes & tacky glue, that's all. to make the brim thicker just layer sheets together with watered down glue & a butter knife or bone folder let dry well then cut out. it's cheap too!
How interesting! Thank you for the tip. I used baby wipes for random things here and there and always end up with a few dried out at the bottom of the pack by the time I am done. I will start saving them for experimenting!!
Love it! You did a great job. As a 2 parrot owner, much of my life includes bird poo! LOL My nails pretty much look like yours on any given day, so no worries. As for wildlife, nothing is quite as nosy as a possum, or squirrels when it comes to buildings or digging through old furniture.....just a thought.
Lol thank you! So it sounds like you know the reality of the poo 😂 Thank you for the suggestions as well!! We have some nosey squirrels around here too🐭
acrylic paint tip: to make matte paint glossy or thicker (to cover a hole etc) at tacky glue. To make metallic matte add a matte paint to it (it will cancel out the shinny metallic) but to add two colors of metallic together they both have to be metallic (i use a lot of pearl white or white pearl). If you are going to paint over something that has been glued, there is a chance you could get spidering/crackle when the paint drys. I answer to this is to add tacky glue (even just a little) and you have a lot lower chance of getting spidering, it will adhere better too. make sure to mix well.
Great tip! Thank you!
I always love your videos. When you make fun of yourself, it gives me a laugh every time,
Lol! I am glad to hear that... life is more fun when you don't take it too seriously 😉
All of it looks really great and realistic. 🥰
Thank you Barbara!!
So cute. Gives me lots of ideas where I could include a little nest.
Glad it was helpful!!!
i just want to say that i really love your creativity!!! I am a miniature builder myself but so far i only used kits from Rolife of Cutebee or any other brand. The fact that you make everything yourself and you come up with these amazing ideas is fantastic to see! :) Thanks that you let us watch along :) keep it up :)
painting miniatures you need detail, painting with a brush doesn't always cut it. A sewing needle or leather needle works really good for painting if you make your own handle and you can even contour it. Use dry Baby Wipes cut in strips and tacky glue. (think paper mache'). start by treading one tiny strip through the eye of the needle (this is to keep the needle from spinning & moving while your holding is). the rest of the pieces are the width of you what you desire for your handle. butter tacky glue onto the baby wipe and make a thick as you like. It's a messy job and when it's half dry contour it to how you want to hold it (like a pencil) then let dry over night or longer. on my finish product after fully dried I used painters tape to protect surface & add color. (tips- needle needs to be fully incapacitated in handle, wrap tightly from beginning to end)
You are right about the bird poo. Hummingbirds in their nests stick their hineys over the edge and let loose. You can see it on hummingbird watching videos. It's kind of funny.
This whole coffee house is just as amazing as all your miniatures are. I don't make miniatures but I'm thinking I might want to try one. I will be stealing ideas from you as you are the queen of miniatures making.
See, now I want to start a new project so I can put a bird's nest in it. Amazing work!
Oh I am sure a birds nest could go just about anywhere! ;) Maybe even a current project??
What a clever idea...it looks adorable. 😍
Thank you Karin!
I love the result! What about som craked eggs in the nest, as if it also was abandoned?
Great idea! Sounds like super delicate polymer clay work 🤔
I love this. I'm glad you did this tutorial on the bird nest. I had done some using yarn because I needed some tiny ones.tfs ❤ Rhonda
Thank you Rhonda!! I am glad it could be helpful!
Oh my goodness. I so love this project. And yes. Birds are a hot mess. Lol.
Thank you Heather!! Yes they are ;) Lol!
Great job Ara I love it.
Thank you so much Lucy!!
The quote!! I love it! You could add a some feathers or down to the nest or counters. What about a mouse hole? Maybe with a trap outside it?
Lol! Great Ideas!! I especially like the idea of a mouse trap! Thanks Cyndi!
I love it!!!!! God, I miss watching your live videos. Roo much work!!!!! Big hug Ara!
Thank you Mariza! My summer stream schedule will be here soon so hopefully you can join the live streams then!!
The parents could have abandoned the nest, or been killed. It's been abandoned enough the food hasn't been looted, could be a repeat disaster event that killed the parents. Or, the cat became alive and ate them...
Oh! Another suggestion - make the other eyeball and have it lying around the floor!
Goldfinches lay as late at early fall apparently, and even later with very warm summers. Their nests are also very fluffy and wooly, like yours is!
Thanks so much Yanna!! Your suggestion for the eye is hilarious! I should def do that! I will definitely be looking into goldfinches ;)
I am in love with this project!!
Thank you so much Ariana!
Very cute!! 😊💖
Thank you!
Could you use a matt version of the white glue, so that you don't have to paint over it to hide the shine?
Ara, this nest s super cute! The broken glue soaked threads is such a great idea!!!! Felix is adorably and sufficiently pooed! I will begin embroidering this quote on a pillow immediately! Hahaha! I think you did such a great job spreading poo everywhere! Every video I am so amazed at your talent! You inspire me and make me want to make miniatures so I can spread poo EVERYWHERE!!! Hahaha!! Thank you so much for sharing your videos! I do enjoy them so much!!
Oh my gosh Leslie.... hahaha I will laugh so hard if you actually embroider that on a pillow! LOL! I am glad I can be so inspiration in the poo department :D As always, your comment made me smile this morning! Hugs!
Hi Ara, I just want to share something I found with you, I'm posting it here because when I found them I thought of your abandoned coffee shop and your skeleton family house as well as the cake shop I'm hoping to make, they're called 'Cabochons' and I found them on ebay. They are ment for jewellery etc but can be used as miniature food etc. Just a thought, cheers Naomi
Wow thanks for sharing! I just looked them up and there are so many options. Great key word to know for searching other than "miniature'. Thanks!!
Very very nice
I know this is way to late to comment but why not crack the eggs like the were eaten by another creature and the shells left over. And I have been bringing your abandoned coffe house and I'm in love with all your techniques Thank you so much for sharing all your great ideas!
Thank you so much! It's never too late to add a suggestion because it can always be used in the future ;)
New subbie here!!!!! I love miniatures!!!! I'm diving in, thanks for all your videos!!!!
Yay! Welcome to the channel!! I love suggestions and I try to answer questions as much as I can so feel free to comment and ask away! Thanks for subbing!
why don't u do cup tutorial miniture
Blimey I'm still finding vids of yours I haven't watched I'm trying to get them all lol
Broken eggs. Like they are already gone. Bird poo! Yep. Hilarious jaha
Yes I am thinking that is the answer! Thanks Carissa!
Bentley House Minis alright! That would be cool.
That so cute and soooooooooo tiny 😹😹😹
Thank you!!❤
1:51 That looks to be standard embroidery floss which has six strands to it.
Looked like perle cotton to me; embroidery floss never has a twist and isn't made to separate. I use perle cotton a lot on a lucet.
Hambeast delicioso Oh, ok. I’ve never used that before. Do you like it better than regular embroidery floss?
Barbara Ness Well, yes, but I don't embroider, either. It depends on what you use it for. I use it for lucet braiding which embroidery floss is pretty useless for (I've tried.)
How about adding a beehive hanging from the tree?
Great idea!! Someone also suggested a wasp nest... I will have to look up the two types of nests and see which one to make... but I think something like that will be awesome in the tree! Thanks Linda!
It could be an abandoned birds nest where the birds have been predated but the eggs have been left in the nest maybe 😉
So true... that would match with the theme of the shop anyway. Thanks so much!
girl, your nails look great compared to mine! haha
Lol! We should just call our nails "artwork' ;)
How about hiding an Opossum or having him peak out from the wall?😁
Haha that would be cute!
In answer to your question on what bird lays eggs in the fall...I have checked my bird books and on line..there are none. they could be still born eggs thoe.
Very true Greta but how sad! Thanks for the info :)
Just go for some broken eggs for the abandoned bird nest
Good suggestion! I am definitely thinking that may be the way to go ;)
How about having some eggs that are broken open because the chicks hatched?
Great idea and that may be the way I go! PS I got your package this morning from the post office! Thank you so much for donating!!
They could be the blue egg that were abandoned too
Love the addition of the nest
Thank you!!
No most birds don’t have shiny nest except bower bird they use bits of colorful and shiny things when they’re trying to attract a mate
Interesting! Sounds like a fun nest!
On the contrary! I bet there would be bits of shiny plastic in birds nests these days :/
Maybe a shed snake skin.
Hello 👍👍👍👍👍🌹
Hi Elaine! Happy Friday to you!
How about mice and mice droppings
Good idea!
A few mice would be good, after all they nest in old buildings.
Yes I will def have to do some mice! Thanks!!
Oml bird poo 🤣
😆
Mice nest... maybe a stray cat area..
Great ideas! Thanks!
Instead of doing full eggs just to a couple of eggshells and feathers so it looks abandoned too.
Fantastic idea! I don't know why I hadn't thought of egg shells... its weird that I destroy everything else but leave the eggs intact lol!!
Hahaha right!
Broken eggs, like the nest was raided.
How about a mouse and a rat. Don't forget a tiny hole in the for mouse house.
Great idea!! Maybe I could have a little tail showing from the hole!??
it turned out perfectly gross with the bird poo lol
hahaha thanks!!! When I decided to make the nest I just knew there had to be poo ;)
Rats would be in there. Or maybe raccoons
Raccoons would be fun for sure because they would spread trash everywhere!! Thanks!
U could have put rat poo in their haha
😄
There should be t-shirts....you want realization, you need poop!
lol! maybe one day there will be!