Let's create a scene inside a bauble in OO gauge!
It's the last week before Christmas and the tree is up looking all twinkly. While pondering for my next diorama idea I decided that I'd like to build a scene inside something this week, like a box, a frame… Or a bauble! I have always loved the little glass baubles with winter scenes, so I gave it a go.
Not only is a bauble like this a wonderful keepsake for years to come but it's suitable for any modeller with any ability. Plus what you put inside the bauble is entirely customisable - you could do any scene you like. It's a really lovely way to show off your miniature scenes.
This is a really quick and effective mini-project that only took me half an hour… Yes really! You can build up the scene whilst the base is still wet which is an advantage over other kits you might make - pushing the trees and accessories into the wet clay will hold them in place when it dries. A simple idea and could be great to make with older kids too (I really want to make more!).
These baubles are really simple to assemble just from looking at the final results, but this is a super simple tutorial that you may find useful. So let's get started…
Scale Model Scenery kits you'll need to make this scene:
- S001-OO Street Name Signs (and a pair of wire cutters)
Branded accessories you'll need to make this scene:
- Preiser 10626 Father Christmas With Children & Snowman (or similar)
- Trees (pre-bought or DIY)
- Postbox
Materials you'll need:
- UHU Glue
- Mod Podge and spray bottle (for the snow base)
- DAS Clay (White)
- Modelling snow or spray (pre-bought or DIY - I've used The Army Painter BF4112 Battlefield Snow Scatter)
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
- Ruler
- Tweezers
- A tealight holder glass bauble (you can get your bauble from a local craft store or online)
Step 1: Prepare the base of the bauble
Take a small piece of DAS clay and mould until soft. Place into the base of the bauble and press down to make it flat across the base.
Press your trees into the clay when you have decided on their position, so it makes them a bit easier to glue in.
Paint a layer of Mod Podge on top of the clay and where the trees will go.
I painted Mod Podge on the tree bases so the snow I sprinkle will stick and cover them.
Stick the trees in their places.
Step 2: Build up the layers of snow
Using Mod Podge and water in a bottle I sprayed a second layer on the first layer of snow, then sprinkled snow for extra depth and to cover the tree bases.
Step 3: Create your sign
Cut the wire into two pieces of 1cm lengths. The S001-OO Street Name Signs kit provides two signs for each design. You don't have to do your signs double-sided, but as you might look at the bauble from the side, I stuck them on either side of the wire to be double-sided.
Step 4: Add in your postbox and figures
Now it all comes together! Arrange where you'd like any extra accessories or buildings to go. Add in your scenery details and figures by pushing them down into the snow-covered clay base. Here I added the postbox and the figures.
Our figures are selling out very fast at the moment as we only have limited stock, if the one I used is out of stock please have a look at these brand alternatives: Faller, Noch, and Preiser!
Santa picking up the mail…
A group of children playing in the snow, building a snowman and sledging…
That's it! Final bauble on the tree:
Please do comment and let me know if you enjoyed reading this or if I have inspired you at all! I would love to hear from you. Thanks for reading this far.
Happy modelling…
Jess & The Team