Planning out the next 2 years??😬 Studio Vlog

[@wernersgren5157]

Don't forget fireplace tools! A stand with the poker, dust pan, and mini broom might fit nicely to the side of the fireplace.

[@veronica5896]

And a library-ladder, to reach the highest shelfs.

[@Doors2Perception]

Can we all give Mrs. Ara a giant thank you for all the free resources and printouts she’s taken the time and effort to create and then bless us with for free! THANK YOU ❤

[@HellaGood1999]

Thank you.. I soooo appreciate these videos where you show your process in the planning stages.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you, I am so glad to hear that! It's a big part of keeping things running so I am happy to share when I can😊

[@zuitsuit80]

It’s amazing to see how your confidence and skills have grown. We all know how long the Addams Family took you to complete and now you’re about to finish the Beetlejuice House in a couple of years. Great job, Ara! We’re proud of you.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am actually a little afraid to go back and see when I started the Beetlejuice house 😆 But it will definitely be a shorter timeline than the Addams house. Thank you so much😊😊 It's all of you that has kept me going on it!

[@andreavictoriaparadiso47]

Fantastic! You could add the old-time radio to the fireplace room. I love that kit! Exciting news about the Beetlejuice House and the Museum. I knew they'd want it. I love the planning videos and welcome more of everything. You're a gift and a Godsend! 💖

[@melniee2551]

I agree, the fireplace room has an old fashioned vibe, anything retro would be great in there!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thank you Andrea! Oh the radio is a good idea too! It will end up in everyone of my displays at this point lol😆 I am so glad you enjoyed the planning parts. I know you also have to plan out many projects and deadlines and one time too😲😊

[@jenniferw392]

Watching you build the Beetlejuice house brings the world to life, and it’s a joy! ❤

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😊 Thank you! I am looking forward to just getting lost in the foamboard process!

[@Deaanl1]

17:55 100% agree with you. Get the skeleton done and then the motivation for decorating will follow. So excited about seeing the beetljuice house being completed 😊

[@tarab7857]

Love the room box! I would display the desk to a side rather than front and center. I feel like it blocks the fireplace too much. I’d also put the safe near the desk. To create an office vignette. I’d move the chair central with the fire place. I think your idea of a side table would be great! The chest could be used as a coffee table. I also love the idea of a standing globe. There are not many options out there for one. I’ve been looking for one for my dollhouse study. You could also make a kit for fireplace tools as an option. Just a few ideas!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you for your thoughts on moving things around, I can see what you mean about it blocking one of the main features. I will definitely try out a few different layouts!

[@somethinginnocuousindahouse]

I love that you share your dogs, they are so sweet

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you, I wish they were taller or I worked on the ground so you could see them more often lol! They are just too short to make it into the camera frame😆

[@somethinginnocuousindahouse]

@@BentleyHouseMinis ❤

[@rachaelkasper5445]

Thank you! This is super helpful to learn your thought process and all the things you consider as you plan. It's also a great reminder that we should be kind to ourselves when life happens. Can't wait to see more along the way!

[@jackibalch4698]

It needs an epic chandelier 💡💡💡

[@azteclady]

Attic room kits suggestions: candlesticks for the mantle. Bookends for the desk (and/or the bookcases) An inblotter, inkwell and tray of pens/quills/pencils for the desk. Also, you once made a telescope, and in an old gentleman's library, a telescope by the window would not be out of place.

[@justinanovak8040]

Congratulations! To have three different projects displayed at the museum (of course not at same time). Huge!

[@annemorgan3894]

I love the boat house! Would be so fun to make. As for the fireplace room, how about a dog curled up in front of the desk?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh my gosh a dog would be perfect! I am not sure I have the skills to sculpt a dog though... I may have to get one commissioned in 3D ;)

[@khazbar]

Love watching how you work out how to fit things into a set time frame!❣️! If my head is spinning 😵‍💫, I can just imagine how you are feeling!? But at the same time, you just forge ahead and at the end have an amazing miniature you have shared with us all, so thank you so much 🫶☺️❣️

[@jenniferbrodeur4232]

Love the timeline! I'm going to go grab mine and see if it helps keep me on track. Also, I always enjoy the "just talking" videos; I learn just as much from those as I do from the demonstration videos. After all, so much of making miniatures is in the planning. So just remember when making your videos -- of any type -- "If you make it, we will come!"

[@robertine.atelier]

Planning and schedules are very important, the time lines seem great to organize !

[@Bubletraveler]

I’m loving everything you are doing I especially love the mini cardboard house as it’s from this I first found you during covid , I could watch you read the telephone book and still find it interesting , you are so great. I’m so excited about the next year and a half as I soooooo love the Beatlejuice house 🎉❤

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😆 I promise you and everyone else on this channel that I will never read the phone book to you! But thank you for the kind words that you enjoy my videos so much😊 I think once I get the rest of the foamboard up, the Beetlejuice house will start coming together really quickly! I am exited about it too🥳

[@Bubletraveler]

@ can’t wait you’ve made my day x

[@susanlowry701]

Great video. I love the behind the scenes stuff. Just one word of caution -in my previous life I did some project management and had to plan and manage several separate projects at the same time. The people working on each project were separate so it was easy to come up with plans and task lists for each person. However when it came to managing myself and my time I had to make sure to only have ONE appointment calendar, ONE weekly/ monthly plan, ONE to do list - a master for each category. Each contained objects from several projects over the same planning period. It was the kiss of death to have separate calendars for example, as deadlines / meetings etc got missed. You are a mother, you know this stuff already. It would be a luxury if we could just work on one thing at a time, but generally life isn’t like that. And I haven’t learned how to split myself in two.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You read my mind a little bit here! I was just thinking I should probably make a whole other time line that meshes together the Fireplace room and the Beetlejuice tasks so I can see it all together. I do have a giant paper calendar that sits on my desk and manages all the family/biz things all together. I agree, its a HUGE task to do it all at once!

[@treatortreat]

Because of your videos, I'm now making miniatures. Thanks! You inspire me, each step of the way.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so happy to hear that!!! What types of miniatures do you like to make?

[@treatortreat]

@BentleyHouseMinis I just started creating, but I'm watching your videos for years! I learned so much from them. 😊 I was thinking of starting my own project for a while... But the idea was a bit scary. Haha! I'm building a 1:12 scale replica of the house from the movie Misery. I'm having a lot of fun.

[@36Kbella36]

I love all your stuff! I love the planning video as well. There is enough room above the fireplace to bury the safe in the wall, then hang a picture over it w/hinges so it opens to a hidden safe. That is what I am doing. We also need fireplace tools, and possibly the folding screen that goes in front of the fire. I also added wainscot to the walls, which really adds to the ambiance.

[@ginajennings1664]

I’m so excited for the year to come.

[@michellespettel1616]

bookends, plants, and a lamp... those would be nice

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I have never tried a plant kit before but that would be fun! Great ideas, thank you😊

[@Tatsuemin]

Ah, I wish I could make a timeline and follow it myself but I just came to terms that I suck at that and gave up 😅. Good you know we love the dog intermissions, because pets are always such a relief to stress in our lives. I have a really mischievous, hyperactive cat that I need to constantly check on if he is too quiet because he has the tendency of end up locked away inside the wardrobe or inside a room or even outside because he is black, fast and sneaks away without you seeing him 😂, but we love him to pieces. He once had hair bleach splotches because he make the bottle fall next to him, we had to rush him to the vet because he tried to eat something and was a mess vomiting all around, he always ends up with glue or pain in his fur whenever I'm making something because he just jumps on out of nowhere and loves to grab the paintbrush when I'm not looking, but that's part of having him around and I have to be extra careful and clean him before he licks something. When dealing with something that is toxic (because of the cats I usually only work with non-toxic, children safe stuff) I lock them outside, but the poor things keep trying to get in, crying at the door so I try not to do it as much as I can.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I think all the crafters who have cats are so brave/patient! I am thankful my dogs stay firmly on the ground or I would be in huge trouble lol😆 They would get into everything!

[@BobCrochets]

I am so excited to hear that the Museum wants to show the Beetlejuice house! I missed seeing the Addams Family house by about 10 days because I'd just found your channel--so the knowing a potential date for Beetlejuice is AMAZING.

[@RobynWright-f1g]

OMG Ara, I have just woken up and started watching this video. I am ready to go back and have another sleep. I feel absolutely exhausted for you. Such a lot to do. Just love your fireplace room box. You are amazing. I would love to see more 1:48 scale stuff. Am trying to make some furniture and I am well outside of my skill level. I too thought “no these smaller scales are not for me” but out of lack of space started my first 1:48 project. Then I watched Shyra making the 1:144 scale house and am besotted with them. Have a few kits from Temu but have to finish what I have started. I don’t think you should take on too much else. You must look after yourself. Take care and let’s hope 2025 will be a good one for us all. Cheers Robyn ❤😊

[@swearenginlawanda]

Thanks to your scale printout and the fact that I suck at math, i learned that making furniture for 1/48 scale (from scratch) i switched to millimeter. It was easier to measure.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That's wonderful!! Comparing things to people in our projects just makes it easier in my opinion. I can definitely see how it would be a lot easier than counting 1/32nd inches😆

[@swearenginlawanda]

@BentleyHouseMinis especially with 70 yr old eyes.

[@amyweiss4748]

I work in 1:24 scale mostly, and in that scale 1 mm is about 1 inch at full scale. So handy to figure out the size of things with very little effort!

[@swearenginlawanda]

@@BentleyHouseMinis I also found your sheet very, very helpful in making 1:144 scale furniture. Yes, i did from scratch.

[@charmainepapworth9994]

You could add a fireplace set of pokers, brushes, dustpans....all hanging on a little stand.

[@jfcfanfic]

That ship house would be perfect with my abandoned in a mangrove tree forest idea.

[@kimcat7320]

YAY! Another video from Ara! I hope you sell the hall tree kit in your store.

[@lynnb-TruckCastreauJr]

Goodness, you're so busy! How do you find time for life? I get exhausted just watching your videos. lol

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Haha, well I am usually collapsing by 6pm every day! Thanks for watching ;)

[@kimberlywaegaert8220]

For the fireplace room, a hanging light fixture above the desk would light things up well.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes!! I think this one will definitely need some lighting options😊

[@veronica5896]

I would love to see a library-ladder in the fireplace - room.

[@karenhenry3778]

I wish my brain worked like yours. You are so talented

[@PhilWolf]

I think it's really great to have all your items/kits displayed like at Ikea (but aged) ;) since people can see what would fit together in a given space. :) I was thinking, a chandelier could he a great addition for the fireplace room box. I think it would look great since you have a high vaulted ceiling in the room box. And I'm rooting for you and your timeline! It will be like a 2 year long Beetlegust, and I think we're all ok with this. ;) looking forward to it!

[@christinaapplegate5281]

3D printed Bookends and other office desk type items. An old style type writer. On a side note I would love to see 3D Printed pet blanks that could painted or flocked. Thank you for sharing your thought process. It makes me feel less overwhelmed. ❤

[@signaltome]

Doggos! Oh, also Timeline. 😛 It is good to have at least a vague plan on what and how to progress or it might soon snowball and get out of hand. As it were. Looking forward to more progress, no overworking yourself now you hear! But also, a year and a half might not be as long a time as you think either. I should know as it flies all too fast these days past 40. 😉 But you'll figure it out I am sure. I mean, it has worked SO far. 😀

[@evekankam6744]

Thank you that was so interesting

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad to hear that! I am always nervous the planning videos will fall flat. I appreciate it!😊

[@cestlaviedolls]

I used to work in 1/48th scale, however I can't see well enough anymore and I lost the patience! 🤣 However I do love the fact it doesn't take up hardly any space at all. You should do the furniture for the tiny cardboard house, I would love to see what you come up with!

[@lestopandlego]

Love a planning vlog! Seriously motivates me with my own goals - TYSM!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yay! We can be motivated together!!😊

[@Terahnee]

I just recently replaced my old original Cricut (like, really really original, won't work with any of the design software now) with a Cricut Joy. I generally only use it for things that that size was fine for. I just discovered that it CAN cut mat board! I have never bought / used any of your patterns because I didn't want to cut them by hand and didn't have a machine that I could cut them. I am now making a list of ***all the things*** I want to make 💕

[@deenafrayo]

Yay! I’ve been waiting to see the fireplace kit finished. I have the kit and am looking for ideas on how to do the walls. I’m thinking of making mine into a lodge living room, so I will move the fireplace back to make more space.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I look forward to seeing it all done up as a Lodge! Its been cool to see all of the things people come up with for the room😊 I will have to research the type of walls I want to do but I am excited about finishing it up as well!

[@deenafrayo]

@@BentleyHouseMinisI want to use as many of your furniture kits as I can. I’ve “furnished” my dollhouse kitchen with your kits.

[@marygatdula2744]

Ara, I hope you will give us a heads up on the miniature show this summer in plenty of time for us to do our oen planning! When and where exactly? I'm determined to make it this year and possibly even bring my youngest granddaughter, who will be 11 in July.

[@thcusandsunny]

Boat house! When you showed it from the front it reminded me of the Thousand Sunny from One Piece. ✨ And why do I always want your mini furniture as regular furniture in my house??!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thank you! I always find miniatures I would love to be able to make larger and actually use! Perhaps because its smaller, its easier to add in more detail than most modern day furniture? I am so glad you like it! And I had to look up the ship you mentioned. How fun would it be to see this kit adapted to fit that design?😊⚓

[@agm97ga]

What about a sleeping dog or cat curled in the chair in the fireplace room?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That would be cute! I wish I had the 3D sculpting skill to make a mini Stormy or Bailey lol!

[@SabakuNoShi]

I'm really glad that my idea for boat-house inspired you to shrink down the cardboard house! Both look amazing and I appreciate the time and effort you had to use to put everything together to create a kit 🥰 By the way - this video shows me [again] that we think alike, because I also thought of something like sunken ship or maybe the ship that someone found... on a desert - there could be long story behind this house then] I'm also happy to see that all of the boxes I bombd you with are useful for something [in this case a stage for photostoot] 😁

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I can't wait to see what else you have planned for the Boat House idea! The design worked out just perfectly for a kit and I look forward to seeing how other people interpret it as well😊 Haha and yes, the boxes are the perfect size for setting the stage ;)

[@SabakuNoShi]

@@BentleyHouseMinis It is really exciting journey with this house! I hope people will like it and enjoy creating own furnitures and own stories behond this boat-house 😀 I'm at similar point as you are - long list of things 'to do' 🤣 so I hope that sooner or later I'll find a moment to sit and create something more for this paiticular doll house 🙂

[@MargieWeiner]

Crafts by Xander has a video on making a miniature bar globe. Maybe you can get some inspiration from that.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh thank you! I will check it out!😊

[@tenaciousinme]

Fireplace tools would be a good add

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I agree! They have been added to the list ;)

[@debbralehrman5957]

Finishing the house first. Before putting in the Furnishings. Is that how it is commonly done? 🤔. I like how you set up your time line. Looking forward to watching your progress. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I think people do things in all different order and as long as it works for them, its great. I just started going through this project with a build-then-decorate-then-build-some-more type process that I think its time to change it up! I am so glad you liked the time line process! Its the first time I have tried to figure something like this out and I think it helped a lot😊 Thanks Debbra!

[@shrinkingspaces]

Thank you! Love to see your planning process and helps me along with my multiple projects.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! Its a full-time task keeping them all in order!

[@nanasplace8303]

Looking forward for the boat house I'm doing a big barbie house an I think it would look really cool in the boys room an yes the barbie house is for Me

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Wonderful! Making the boat house into a sunken ship would definitely be a 'for me' project too lol!

[@karinasanchez3285]

Yay🎉… Ara soo happy to see you again ☺️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thank you! I am trying to get better at posting more regularly, even if it means more in-between vlogs like this one ;)

[@natashapoirier4696]

🤩🤩🤩

[@LindsayDamnit]

i think the fireplace room needs a fire poker set, the shovel and brush stuff. and maybe an antique ash bucket.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great ideas! I will have to look up what an antique ash bucket looks like and add it to the list ;)

[@tinahickson6352]

😊

[@InaNutshell-y4m]

You are always fun and exciting to watch. The little 1/48 scale builds are fab , love the idea of a sunken ship :)ne

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you😊😊 The sunken ship is definitely on my To-do list for the future!

[@19mychaellee71]

So weird...we call those coat cabinets and the hall tree is a single standing moveable post with a ring of hooks on top -vaguely tree shaped (which one neighbor calls a coat rack?)

[@phunkypuhnk]

For the fireplace room, I jept thinking “lamp? candelabra? chandelier? how can they see in this room? “ lol. Idk if that’s the kind of thing You’re looking for, mainly cause idk much about miniature lighting. I also thought potted plants and some kind of elk/boar head for above the mantle. Oh and I can’t look at a fireplace mantle without thinking of winter holiday/Christmas decorations! Lol But that would prob only be appropriate in season. Really enjoying these more vlog-like videos so far! Abso love the 48th scale boathouse!! 💜

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I love the suggestions! And you are very right about lighting... the rafters that are in the ceiling are screaming for some kind of custom lighting piece! I will have to add it to the list and think of something. Thank you!

[@louisameece1105]

Wow! You’ve got your work cut out for you!😅 As far as kits for the fireplace room, what about an ottoman for in front of the reading chair and fireplace tools with a stand for them?

[@BertieSniffles]

Maybe some fire tools for the side of the fireplace. Iron or brass Poker, shovel etc

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oooh yes, good one! Adding that now!

[@Mewtho9]

What are you planning for the top of the safe? Depending on the time period, I figure a standing ashtray would be a good idea.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I hadn't thought about the top of the safe! Interesting thought about the standing ashtray... I am thinking more around the 1800's or so? Not completely sure yet!

[@Mewtho9]

@ - If the safe stays up front, it just seems like something would be put on top. I love the ornate decor / paintings of 1800s safe.

[@jankowalewski2955]

Hey, how do you plan to exhibit interior of your beetlejuice house at the museum?

[@robinoleary7099]

That boathouse would be awesome in 1/12 scale!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

It would be huge!! Lol, but yes it would be super cool!

[@betsypalmer9089]

A rug, lamps, maybe a chandelier

[@robinoleary7099]

Good afternoon Ara it’s nice to see your happy face!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Hello Robin😊 Thank you for the kind comment❤️❤️

[@ThePaperWheel]

Is the Timeline page a new page in the Dollhouse Workbook? How can I get it? I sure do need it😊

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You can download it for free and just add it into your existing workbook! It won't be listed on the Table of Contents but I formatted it to match everything else. I hope you enjoy using it! If you can't get it downloaded just send me an email ;)

[@bonnieharris4538]

Imo if you darken the trunk to be more in line with the desk, then the safe can remain stark steel. Surely not many people redecorated them to be inkeeping with the decor? I am aware there were green ones but I just thought that was a manufacturer branding thing

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Interesting thought! That would definitely save me some creating time if that works out ;)

[@laurawiles410]

I love the planning and designing videos. 😊 I also love the new hall tree! 🥰 Will it be available in your store at some point for those of us who can't make it to Texas for your class? The only thing that seemed missing on your fireplace room list was fireplace tools. Most fireplaces have a little stand next to them with a poker and a broom and dustpan for the ashes. Which reminds me that an ash bucket would be a good idea, too. I hope that helps. 🙂

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I will definitely put the kit into my store eventually but for now I want it to be an exclusive for the class ;) So perhaps beginning of next year I will add it in! The tools and ash bucket are both great ideas!

[@robinschulze934]

I’m hoping to see a “The Munsters “ house one day from you!!!!! 😂❤ I know how Busy you are but you should think about it!!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I still have the Munsters figures so that is a definite! It may be more of a vignette with just the downstairs rooms or something like that. I am looking forward to that one!

[@bonnieharris4538]

Do they ever go up into the very turret of the tower in Beetlejuice? I can't remember

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I don't think they ever go to the very top top, but I think the stairs are supposed to be in the tower. Mine don't fit in the tower in my dollhouse 😬 Oh well!

[@earth.to.joshua]

Not me thinking the hall tree your brother-in-law built was 1:12 scale… 😅

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😆 you should have seen the surprise on my face when they brought a real life version of one of my designs in on Christmas morning!! I was speechless!

[@QueenCityHistory]

Stormy would be the kid that would say watch me watch me.. mom are you watching? Mom are you watching?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😆 exactly!

[@faydreamsmystic4]

Oh good! You are adding Bob from the new one. I was hoping you would. Oh, are you adding his wifey?

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yes I am definitely adding Bob!! Not sure about the wife, but Bob is a for sure addition ;)

[@MaryShaffer-wx4kp]

I'm tired already just seeing the timeline.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😆me too😟

[@Kenkire]

1:48 is my favorite scale. I am trying to be a professional miniaturist. I'm just not as cool as you.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I don't think I've ever been 'cool' a day in my life and especially not now (just ask my kids)😆 But I hope you keep trying! Its definitely a long and non-traditional career path that takes a lot of patience.

[@robertine.atelier]

Worbla doesn't seem to be a real word 😂