A while back I mentioned that I’m building a miniature tack room. I also mentioned that this is part of a larger, somewhat insane project, which will involve building multiple rooms that will (potentially) fit together to make a full stable set up. Or rather, the illusion of one.
This is something that I have been wanting to do for years, but wasn’t sure how to accomplish. The inspiration actually came from binge-watching behind the scenes footage of the Hobbit films last year.
One particular set (Erebor/Smaug’s lair) was created with multiple pieces that could be moved around to create the illusion of a much larger space when filmed from different angles. (well that and a whole lot of CGI!) I wondered if it would be possible to use a similar idea with this fantasy barn I’ve been dreaming about. I clearly do not have the space to build a massive barn set up, but multiple box rooms seem a lot more manageable.
Because I can never keep things simple, this project started out with a sketch of the entire barn layout. I really wanted things to make sense. Where are all the doors located? Windows? Stalls? Rooms? The arena? Once I was happy with the design I started to work on putting together the box rooms.
The first (and only I’ve tackled so far) is the tack room.
This is a 14in x 14in x 14in cardboard box cut down to size. Cardboard isn’t the sturdiest or nicest of materials to work with I know, but it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than wood and easier for me to cut.
The floor was made from large popsicle sticks, and the walls were covered with white poster board. I’ve posted tutorials on how I made the saddle and bridle racks, and since then I’ve added a utility sink…
…and a few more saddle racks. (got to have a place to store all those saddle pads, you know!)
There’s also this crop/whip holder, which I threw together one night. Would there be an interest in a tutorial for it? The crops still need work… I have no idea what I’m doing.
The room isn’t totally complete, and it probably won’t be as I’m sure I’ll be going back to change, add or fix certain things later on.
To make as much use of the box as I could, I decorated two of the outside walls.
The first was made to look like the outside of the tack room:
It’s got a tiny bulletin board:
As well as a fire extinguisher, which was a dollhouse miniature I repainted with nail polish and added a proper label to.
The back wall with the window was made to look like the outside of the stable. It’s ugly because I messed up the siding and the window and, well, everything else…
But it’s not that noticeable in a background.
That’s all these are, really – elaborate backgrounds, haha!
But it’s fun and that’s what matters. The inner child is happy too. 😛
Desktop Stables 
I’m loving everything about your tackroom, outside and in!
Wow, this is SUPER cool!! Great work
I LOVE it when I get one of your blog posts in my inbox! I am totally in AWE of your creativity! You always make me want to go and do something model horse related!! *grin*
Y yes! Beautiful job and my inner child is thrilled with your inner child’s vision! I made a sm sized 5 box stall, track room and wash stall, with removable roof, stable this year. Cardboard bottom, popcicle stick other stuff. Would send pic but don’t have at moment… But love it, still working on it… Yes to crop holder tut!!✊ 💕
This is so awesome! Great work! I always love to see your creations.
This is so amazing!!! I can’t wait to see more of this. I am interested if you would want to do a crop/whip holder tutorial. Also, did you use the tutorial on The Square to Spare for the bulletin board (just curious)? One more thing: Are you going to do another Christmas give away?
Nope – I haven’t gotten around to watching that video yet, hehe. It was made from a specialty scrapbook paper I found at Hobby Lobby though. It’s perfect for miniatures!
And yes, there will be another giveaway. 😉
Yeah!
This is incredible! The exterior backgrounds look fine to me, and I love all the little details, like the noticeboard and the stereo on top of the hanging rack. 😊
Wow that looks awesome! I did a tack room too recently! Mine is 1:12 scale though, since I collect classics. I love the bulletin board! Quick question, would you consider making classic scale tack? I really like your saddle pads, but alas, I don’t collect traditionals! They’re out numbered 10 to 1 by classics lol. Sorry for the long comment, I’ll stop now.😁
Thank you! I have had a couple people interested in Classic scale tack so I’ll keep it in mind. 🙂
I collect classics too. I’m glad to hear somebody else enjoys the 1:12 scale horse world too!
Yeah! I literally have 1 traditional and like, 11 classics lol. I’m making a stable for them, and I’ve currently got a wash stall, a tack room, a feed room and 1.5 stalls (the second one isn’t quiiiite done yet 🙂)
It’s nice to know that there are more 1:12 scale tackmakers out there!
Y yes! Beautiful job and my inner child is thrilled with your inner child’s vision! I made a sm sized 5 box stall, track room and wash stall, with removable roof, stable this year. Cardboard bottom, popcicle stick other stuff. Would send pic but don’t have at moment… But love it, still working on it…
Yes! Please, please, please! Do a tutorial on the crop whip & holder! I’ve been looking everywhere for a tutorial on the holder & haven’t been able to find one :,(
Love it! Have you thought of a wash stall?
Yup, that’s on the to-do list! 🙂
Can’t wait to see it!
This is great! I’m planning a tack room for 18″ dolls, and I appreciate all your ideas. I build rooms out of boxes, too. To make them more sturdy, I line the inside of the box, and cover the outside of the box, with 1/4″ foam board (using hot glue) that I buy at Dollar Tree for $1 a sheet.
Wow! I love the detail and realistic elements. Nice!
Your tack room is one of my favorite go-to examples right now!! Can you tell how you made the sink?
Thank you! The sink is cardboard pieces covered with paper and glued together. The faucet was made from plastic tubing (like from inside a spray bottle pump) and beads, and the drain from a bent part of a straw. The legs are made from thin cardboard too. Hope this helps!
Thanks so much for the info! I’m so glad you still check for comments and that you know your work is very well appreciated!! 😀
Do you have any schleich horses?
I have a couple, but I don’t collect them. 🙂
Greaat share
Wow! This is amazing! Are those Neil’s drawings on the bulletin board?!?!