When looking for a beginner-friendly craft that can produce great results, architect model building is an ideal choice. You’ll be able to choose between models of houses, famous buildings, and your favourite landmarks to suit your preferences.
Moreover, the finished models look fantastic on the shelf in your home office or conservatory. In this quick article, we’ll discuss all you need to get started with what will soon be your new passion.
An Introduction to Architect Model Building
Architect model building, also known as architect model making, is fairly self-explanatory. It is similar to architectural model making in a professional sense in that it creates a small-scale replica of a building. Instead of building a tool used for architectural designs, the craft is about recreating existing buildings.
Naturally, an architect model craft does not have to boast the same level of detail, especially if you’re a beginner. In many cases, the goal is simply to build a model that looks accurate from the outside but is hollow or void of internal details.
As a beginner, it’s likely that you’ll use an architect model building kit. However, more advanced crafters may buy the materials before using their initiative to bring the vision to life.
Why Craft Small Scale Buildings?
When considering small scale crafting activities, there are many options to consider. OcCre, model ship building, is a popular choice while other vehicles are a common selection too. However, recreating a building can be ideal for many reasons, including;
- You can build some of the major tourist landmarks that you’ve visited.
- The iconic designs also open up opportunities to educate your kids.
- Buildings will have flat bases while managing weight distribution as you build up is easy.
- The models can fit in perfectly with homewares or souvenirs that you already own.
Crucially, at least for a beginner, creating a scale model of a real building gives you a clear aspiration. When you finish your first project, it’ll be easy to identify where improvements could be made in future crafts. Likewise, you’ll know when you’ve struck perfection, which will deliver an unrivalled sense of joy.
Beginner-Friendly Kit Types
One of the many attractive features offered by this type of craft is that it is a very versatile arena. As a beginner (or even an experienced crafter), you can find many different kits to match your preferences. When considering your options, it’s important to consider several key factors, such as;
- Your budget,
- How detailed you want the piece to be,
- Whether you want moving parts like doors and windows,
- The physical dimensions of the finished product,
- How much time is needed to complete the task,
- Whether you can build on an existing craft hobby.
Some of the most beginner-friendly options include Lego Architecture. They are usually suitable for anyone aged 12 and over. They often depict major attractions from cities like London, New York, and Paris.
The fact that you can deconstruct and rebuild the item at a later date will appeal to many. Another simple alternative for casual crafters comes in the form of 3D puzzles. Again, they aim to build famous buildings and architecture, although there will be no major details or moving parts.
Arguably the most popular choice comes from miniature woodcraft construction kits and balsa wood kits. They can range in complexity, creating doll house like playsets for architectural models alike.
Either way, the premium materials and DIY approach to managing all fixtures like dowels provides a great experience.
Key Preparations for Your First Model Crafting Project
As with any crafting activity, you will naturally get better with experience. Nonetheless, you will rightly want to unlock positive results from your very first project. When you do, the satisfaction levels will encourage you to keep up your new hobby.
So, you will need to put the right preparations in place. Here are four simple steps to success:
Invest in Crafting Essentials
When building small scale architecture, you need to know that the kit will maintain its structural integrity for years. As long as you buy a construction kit from a reputable brand, the materials will be durable. Still, the connections between pieces can become damaged over time. With this in mind, it’s worth investing in a hot glue gun.
This allows you to glue parts together, resulting in a far more robust construction. Moreover, the hot glue process will cause far fewer delays than some other methods. The fact that the glue gun is handy for home DIY projects helps too.
2. Build a Dedicated Space
You will need a sizeable space for your crafting projects. After all, your kit could contain several pieces that need to laid out and organised. Likewise, you need an area for the construction itself.
Adding a desk to the garage or crafting room can be a very wise move. It brings convenience to the task itself while also offering the chance to leave unfinished projects out overnight. Removing the pressure to complete tasks in one session will aid the experience.
3. Be Familiar with the Project
It can be very tempting to rush straight into the project. However, early mistakes will cause you to spend a lot of time backpedalling later on. Therefore, it is always advised to read the manual before starting out.
If nothing else, it is a chance to check that you have all the right pieces and tools needed for the task. Alternatively, you can look online to see if there is a video tutorial. You might not use these forever, but the guidance can be useful for your first few projects.
4. Think About the Finishing Touches
Depending on the nature of the kit, you may have the chance to decorate the product too. For example, a wooden kit for a standard house may only feature minimal design features.
In this case, the purpose of the kit is to help you create the right shape and dimensions. Stationery may be needed to complete the look or really bring the piece to life. Finally, you must consider whether it needs protection with a stand or display case.
The Final Word
Recreating famous buildings through construction crafting kits and model architecture is a lot of fun. Moreover, the final results can take pride in the home for years. Get started now, and you’ll never look back.
