For my upcycle project, I’m making a diorama of a part of a witch’s home.
Originally, I wanted to upcycle an old spice bottle for the project. I was looking into aesthetics that could use that bottle and found witchcore. My initial plan was to turn the bottle into a potion bottle, but that felt too simple.
Then, I thought of turning it into a miniature fake witchcore-themed terrarium. I was inspired by Emma Foss’ miniature witch’s shelf (@ystreetstudio). It felt like a fun concept to try and build off on. After coming up with this, the spice bottle felt too small. Hence, I decided to rethink the terrarium concept.
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One of my goals for this project was to reuse supplies that I already owned. After looking around my room for ideas, I found a few cardboard boxes. Those boxes reminded me of dioramas that I once saw and my desire to make one. Because I was interested in the witchcore aesthetic, I decided that my diorama would be part of an imaginary witch’s home.
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The first step was deciding the style of the home. Influenced by my experiences with witches, I decided to build a cabin because witches are mysterious figures who often lived away from society. Moreover, a major theme in witchcore is its relationship with nature, so a small cabin in the woods seemed to fit the style.
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I wanted to make the floor wood and the walls stone because it fit my imagination of a witch’s home. Additionally, the stone walls could emulate the coldness of the aesthetic while the wood floors added color. Despite having a general idea of the concept, I needed to find inspiration for the details.
One of my inspirations was this image by Tamas Erdodi. It captures some of the rustic style that I wanted to capture and reminded me of additional details to incorporate. For example, I had a hard time imagining the window style and forgot about needing to incorporate beams into my design.
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In addition to the cabin’s design, I used gothic-style and vintage furniture as inspiration for the tables, cabinets, and shelves in the cabin. The first piece I thought of was a shelf with a glass door, inspired by my grandparent’s old cabinet. I plan on adding intricate details to the sides. I’ll also be making a table and incorporating the characteristics of gothic furniture to make it feel like the witchcore aesthetic.
I don’t have a plan for the finer decorations. However, I plan on buying some miniature glass bottles, jars, and fake herbs. Additionally, I want to make mini books to toss around the diorama and create a lived-in feeling.
For materials, the base of the diorama will be a cardboard box that will be cut to shape. I’ll be covering it with a layer of black cardstock to create a smoother base. The stone walls and wooden floor will be shaped from clay because I doubt my own ability to cut straight. After building the set, I’ll be painting everything.
4 Comments. Leave new
What a fun idea ! I have been super into book nooks recently, and love that you’re undertaking this project. I think you set yourself up for success with all of your drawing and a detailed plan. I like the witch’s den aesthetic, but could you tell us a little bit about the colors you’re planning to use to showcase the design ?
Looking forward to the updates.
Hi Rystan! I’m planning on using the shades of brown and black for the furniture/ floors and a lighter gray for the walls. The books will be in duller versions of various colors. I plan on putting brighter colors into the potion bottles and other magical elements to add a pop of color.
Hey Annie! I love the diorama idea, it reminds me of those book nook dioramas. I’ve actually been wanting to make a book nook for years, so it’s exciting to follow along with your progress. I can’t wait to see the finished product! Are you planning to use yours as a bookend?
I really like your drawing ideas, and I’m curious about how you’ll make the mini books. In the last picture you shared, I noticed what looks like a fireplace. Are you planning to add lights to make the scene really pop?
Hi Robert! I don’t plan on using it as a bookend because I don’t currently have a bookcase where it could fit. If I get a larger bookcase in the future, I’d probably put it there. The mini books will cut cardboard glued together with a clay cover. I plan on making fake back covers to save time.
For the fireplace, I’ve scraped the more grand design because it felt a little out of place in a cabin. Instead, I’ve decided to add a small unlit fireplace (potentially soot covered). However, I’m thinking of adding a hanging lamp in the ceiling.