When it comes to making minis, it’s not just about the skills – it’s about having the right tools.
And here’s the good news: you don’t need a million of them to make something beautiful. Just a few trusty essentials and a little creative spark.
Over the years, I’ve tested (and tossed) a lot of supplies. Now, I’ve got a solid lineup of favorites. Things I actually use, love, and keep within arm’s reach at all times – no matter what I’m working on.
I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 go-to’s below and a few might even surprise you.
You’ll also find links to all of them for your convenience. Just click the underlined names to take a closer look on Amazon.
Cutting Tools
#1: X-Acto Knife Clean cuts, crisp edges, total control – an absolute classic for a reason. I used to believe I needed a box cutter to get the job done and couldn’t fathom that this little knife could yield great results for what I was trying to achieve. But I was so wrong. Keep your blades sharp and swap often for best results.
#2: Miter Shears My new favorite. I bought a pair years ago and it didn’t perform as well as I hoped. Recently I stumbled upon a similar pair, but with a different style of blade. This one was more like a box cutter blade than a knife blade. Total game changer. This is the key to perfect angles in wood trim, baseboards, and molding. They cut like butter and make my mini creations look professional.
#3: Cork-Back Ruler Prevents slipping, saves your fingertips, and gives you better precision. Simple but essential.
#4: Self-Healing Cutting Mat Not really sure how the magic of this mat works, but it does. I’ve had the same mats for years and they’re still in great shape. They save my worksurfaces from damage and extend the life of my blades. Plus, the grid lines give me a quick guide for straight right angles (something I still struggle with at times).
Adhesives and Assembly Helpers
#5: Wood Glue My go-to, even if I’m not gluing wood. Wood glue has a lower moisture content which prevents warping and why it’s ideal for wood surfaces. But that’s also what makes it great when gluing paper and fabric as well. It’s got a strong hold, but isn’t instant which allows some wiggle room when fitting things together. Unfortunately, it doesn’t dry clear (that would make it perfection though!) so keep that in mind and be sure to clean up any messy spots in visible areas.
#6: Double-Sided Tape Great for keeping small things in place while painting or while doing dry-fit mock ups.
#7: LEGO Bricks I use them as corner jigs to ensure my right angles are actually, well, right. They’re fun and functional. And I got them in my favorite colors, of course.
Surfaces and Finishing Essentials
#8: Watercolor Paper This paper is made to absorb moisture and the thick textured surface gives me that little extra strength when I need it. When I’m creating a wood floor and I want it to be removable afterwards (like if there is electrical underneath that I might need to access in the future as in the Tiny House) I use this as a substrate to build my floor on. I have also printed directly on it from my ink jet printer and created artwork. It is definitely more versatile than just paper for watercolors.
#9: Wax Paper Place it under your work to prevent glue or paint problems. I like to wrap it around a scrap piece of wood so I can have a steady surface to work on and the ability to move it out of the way while it is drying without disturbing anything.
#10: Sandpaper (Fine Grit) Smooths edges, preps wood, and makes tiny pieces look polished and pro. I always keep a few grits on hand. I also like to wrap this around small pieces of marble and create my own sanding blocks.
And there you have it! The 10 things no workshop should be without.
Remember, you don’t need all the tools. Just a few good ones that are fun to use – and a willingness to start. Choose what speaks to you or what your tiny toolbox might be lacking.
Play a little. Experiment a lot.
If there’s something in your workshop that you always reach for that I didn’t include, hit reply and tell me. I’m always down for discovering a new favorite.
Until next time – keep your tools close and your imagination sharp,
Small Talk You'll Actually Enjoy
Design tips, dollhouse inspo, and a little dose of play – straight to your inbox. Whether you’re dreaming up a mini masterpiece, renovating your real home, or just need a creative spark, the Small Talk Newsletter is your weekly reminder that even the smallest things can bring the biggest joy.
Subscribe now and make a little room for yourself.
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The Top 10 Tools and Supplies Every Miniaturist Should Own
When it comes to making minis, it’s not just about the skills – it’s about having the right tools.
And here’s the good news: you don’t need a million of them to make something beautiful. Just a few trusty essentials and a little creative spark.
Over the years, I’ve tested (and tossed) a lot of supplies. Now, I’ve got a solid lineup of favorites. Things I actually use, love, and keep within arm’s reach at all times – no matter what I’m working on.
I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 go-to’s below and a few might even surprise you.
You’ll also find links to all of them for your convenience. Just click the underlined names to take a closer look on Amazon.
Cutting Tools
#1: X-Acto Knife
Clean cuts, crisp edges, total control – an absolute classic for a reason. I used to believe I needed a box cutter to get the job done and couldn’t fathom that this little knife could yield great results for what I was trying to achieve. But I was so wrong. Keep your blades sharp and swap often for best results.
#2: Miter Shears
My new favorite. I bought a pair years ago and it didn’t perform as well as I hoped. Recently I stumbled upon a similar pair, but with a different style of blade. This one was more like a box cutter blade than a knife blade. Total game changer. This is the key to perfect angles in wood trim, baseboards, and molding. They cut like butter and make my mini creations look professional.
#3: Cork-Back Ruler
Prevents slipping, saves your fingertips, and gives you better precision. Simple but essential.
#4: Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Not really sure how the magic of this mat works, but it does. I’ve had the same mats for years and they’re still in great shape. They save my worksurfaces from damage and extend the life of my blades. Plus, the grid lines give me a quick guide for straight right angles (something I still struggle with at times).
Adhesives and Assembly Helpers
#5: Wood Glue
My go-to, even if I’m not gluing wood. Wood glue has a lower moisture content which prevents warping and why it’s ideal for wood surfaces. But that’s also what makes it great when gluing paper and fabric as well. It’s got a strong hold, but isn’t instant which allows some wiggle room when fitting things together. Unfortunately, it doesn’t dry clear (that would make it perfection though!) so keep that in mind and be sure to clean up any messy spots in visible areas.
#6: Double-Sided Tape
Great for keeping small things in place while painting or while doing dry-fit mock ups.
#7: LEGO Bricks
I use them as corner jigs to ensure my right angles are actually, well, right. They’re fun and functional. And I got them in my favorite colors, of course.
Surfaces and Finishing Essentials
#8: Watercolor Paper
This paper is made to absorb moisture and the thick textured surface gives me that little extra strength when I need it. When I’m creating a wood floor and I want it to be removable afterwards (like if there is electrical underneath that I might need to access in the future as in the Tiny House) I use this as a substrate to build my floor on. I have also printed directly on it from my ink jet printer and created artwork. It is definitely more versatile than just paper for watercolors.
#9: Wax Paper
Place it under your work to prevent glue or paint problems. I like to wrap it around a scrap piece of wood so I can have a steady surface to work on and the ability to move it out of the way while it is drying without disturbing anything.
#10: Sandpaper (Fine Grit)
Smooths edges, preps wood, and makes tiny pieces look polished and pro. I always keep a few grits on hand. I also like to wrap this around small pieces of marble and create my own sanding blocks.
And there you have it! The 10 things no workshop should be without.
Remember, you don’t need all the tools. Just a few good ones that are fun to use – and a willingness to start. Choose what speaks to you or what your tiny toolbox might be lacking.
Play a little. Experiment a lot.
If there’s something in your workshop that you always reach for that I didn’t include, hit reply and tell me. I’m always down for discovering a new favorite.
Until next time – keep your tools close and your imagination sharp,
Small Talk You'll Actually Enjoy
Design tips, dollhouse inspo, and a little dose of play – straight to your inbox. Whether you’re dreaming up a mini masterpiece, renovating your real home, or just need a creative spark, the Small Talk Newsletter is your weekly reminder that even the smallest things can bring the biggest joy.
Subscribe now and make a little room for yourself.