Mini Club
We meet at the Pioneer Center in Oregon City on the 3rd Wednesday each month. Here we are learning how to make miniature baskets.
If you are looking for like minded people to share ideas and work on projects with check out our club.
MINI 101: On this page you will find a list of the basic (and not so basic) needs for your tool box. scroll down.\/
MINI 101: On this page you will find a list of the basic (and not so basic) needs for your tool box. scroll down.\/
Tool
Here I talk about the basics of being a miniaturist or mini enthusiast. If you are ever in a position to take a class do it. There is no better way to learn skills and tips than from an expert. Some of the classes can be very expensive but not all and if you can afford one what you come away with is priceless.
When classes are offered often there will be requirements - Basic skills, basic tool box and often special tools or items for this particicular class. Below I try to explain these terms.
Basic skills- Most teachers are willing to work with students who are not highly skilled but willing to learn.
1. To be able to handle tools with confidence.
2. Cut accurately with an x-acto knife.
3. Read ruler marks.
4. Have a basic understanding of glues and how to use them.
5. Know how to paint smoothly.
Scale is the most often item discussed.
"I don't know what scale my house is."
Second is tools
"What tools do I need to build a kit?"
When classes are offered often there will be requirements - Basic skills, basic tool box and often special tools or items for this particicular class. Below I try to explain these terms.
Basic skills- Most teachers are willing to work with students who are not highly skilled but willing to learn.
1. To be able to handle tools with confidence.
2. Cut accurately with an x-acto knife.
3. Read ruler marks.
4. Have a basic understanding of glues and how to use them.
5. Know how to paint smoothly.
Scale is the most often item discussed.
"I don't know what scale my house is."
Second is tools
"What tools do I need to build a kit?"
Stocking Your Workbench or Basic Tool Kit. This is a list of suggested items that you will need in your work area or to include in your basic tool box. This is just a suggestion and you may find other items useful or necessary for specific projects. If you take a class the teacher will expect you to bring the basic tools with you. Any tool box will do. Many miniaturists use a tackle box and there are boxes available in the craft stores that you might find useful.
VERY BASIC
X-acto knife with # 11 blades, Self-healing mat, Scissors for paper and fabric, Miter box with fine tooth blade, emery board, medium/fine sandpaper, small cutting board, 6” ruler, 12” cork back ruler, Masking tape, “scotch” tape, white glue, old plastic card* (credit type for spreading glue), tweezers, Q-tips, toothpicks, Small clamps/ clothespins, rubber bands, small paintbrushes, 1” foam brush, wax paper, pliers; regular and needle nose, Small screwdriver, and small hammer.
MORE DETAIL
Small T-square, manicure scissors, steel wool (0000), wire cutters, wood glue, cement for plastic, mono-jet glue gun, T-pins, pins, needle, & thread.
OTHER TOOLS Note book and pencil, damp cloth for messy hands (baby wipes are great for this), small plastic bags, rubber gloves, pin vise drill, and drill bits, Dremel power tool, table saw, work light with extension cord, small containers (pill or film canisters) are very helpful for holding things like Q-tips and toothpicks. They also come in handy for holding water for you paint brush or for mixing paints and glue.
VERY BASIC
X-acto knife with # 11 blades, Self-healing mat, Scissors for paper and fabric, Miter box with fine tooth blade, emery board, medium/fine sandpaper, small cutting board, 6” ruler, 12” cork back ruler, Masking tape, “scotch” tape, white glue, old plastic card* (credit type for spreading glue), tweezers, Q-tips, toothpicks, Small clamps/ clothespins, rubber bands, small paintbrushes, 1” foam brush, wax paper, pliers; regular and needle nose, Small screwdriver, and small hammer.
MORE DETAIL
Small T-square, manicure scissors, steel wool (0000), wire cutters, wood glue, cement for plastic, mono-jet glue gun, T-pins, pins, needle, & thread.
OTHER TOOLS Note book and pencil, damp cloth for messy hands (baby wipes are great for this), small plastic bags, rubber gloves, pin vise drill, and drill bits, Dremel power tool, table saw, work light with extension cord, small containers (pill or film canisters) are very helpful for holding things like Q-tips and toothpicks. They also come in handy for holding water for you paint brush or for mixing paints and glue.