Fairy Doors: welcoming the wee folk

It seems some of us never outgrow our childhood fascination with the world of miniatures. (I admit, even being of a certain age, to having three dollhouses in varying states of remodeling) 

So naturally I was delighted to find that all things small are making a big comeback. It seems that especially pint sized, or "fairy" gardens, are continuing to grow in popularity with every manner of mini accessories now available for wee folk's home and landscape needs. Of course many of these mini treasures come at not-so-tiny price points, prompting lots of DIY ideas and thriftier alternatives.

 In one of my very first blog posts, I featured a Christmas elf door, a super simple idea that was surprisingly popular, so at the risk of being a one trick pony, I thought I'd revisit it with some new tweaks and variations for the Spring season as well as for an upcoming craft workshop. 
This month I'm thrilled to be included in a group of bloggers who will be sharing their crafts and ideas at the Philly Home Show's Make and Take Station, and thought this would be a fun project. 

Easy to make, with supplies you may have on hand already, fairy or elf doors can be imagined in countless colors and designs to suit your taste and can be tailored to most any season or holiday.

Craft Stick Fairy or Elf Doors
You'll Need

popsicle or craft sticks

paper

white glue

acrylic paints or stains

crafty odds and ends

 (buttons, faux moss, mini accents etc.)

please note these little creations are cute but can be fragile and shouldn't be used as toy 

         

To start, simply glue desired number of sticks to wide band of paper. This will provide support and allow door to bend slightly if desired. For a garden gate look, (right) simply arrange the sticks in a step pattern. Rounded ends can be carefully trimmed with strong scissors or simply camouflaged later with greens. Excess paper on sides make for easy handling and can be snipped off once dry.

While glue is drying, paint or stain the front and allow to dry.
Try a favorite solid color....

or

You can create a fun crackled or weathered look simply with white craft glue and acrylic paints

For crackle technique, paint base color - this will be the shade that appears as cracks

once dry, "paint" with a coat of white glue and while glue is still tacky apply your top coat of acrylic (contrasting colors work best). 
Might want to use a "throwaway" paintbrush for this step.

A thicker glue layer will yield larger cracks but longer drying time

let it dry and voila, instant antiquity

If you are going to use your door to adorn a round flower pot, gently snap between each stick, This gives the door some flexibility but it will still be attached to paper backing for support. 

 

Once dry have fun painting on accents or decorating with foliage or accessories. 

Try button doorknobs and barrette hinges 

for a freestanding door you can glue or tape (a block of floral foam for support

(I used athletic tape from the dollar store) 

or attach a craft stick "stake" to be inserted in planter- 

a fun way to accent a plant for a unique gift

If attaching to wall, make sure to find something appropriate (and removable) at your home store.

We were delighted to share this project at the Philly Home Show!

Looking for a more formal look?

visit our Formal Fairy Garden post
An easy DIY using a spray painted plastic doll and more craft sticks
or
 for our bookish friends 
a garden in a book from A Secret Garden Tea

I'm delighted to have this project featured on the lovely....

Thanks so much for Visiting!