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.

(1) Photo by Charlotte Henard on Flickr, 2022. An inspiration for the diorama.

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.

(2) Photo by Stefan Cosma on Unsplash, 2021. Example of a diorama

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.

(3) Hand-drawn concept designs

(4) Hand-drawn concept designs

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.

(5) Hand-drawn furniture designs

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.

  • Robert Forstbauer
    February 2, 2025 10:46 pm

    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.

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