5 Tiny DIY Projects: From Mini Floral Arrangements to Toy Disco Balls

There’s something unusually satisfying about teensy versions of full-size objects. The details are that much more intricate, the objects that much cuter, and the possibilities that much more creative. Psychologically speaking, there are a few ideas as to why humans are drawn to petite items.

“One hypothesis suggests mini versions are especially appealing because of the capacity to include so many details in a reduced space,” says Meghan Marcum, PsyD, chief psychologist at AMFM Healthcare in San Juan Capistrano, California. In this way, we’re able to see the entire thing at once, which can be appealing. Some researchers also suggest we’re drawn to miniatures because we can visualize our dominance, therefore making us feel safer. “Having a mini replica of something we could only dream about helps us to connect to that possibility,” Dr. Marcum adds.

Aside from their undeniable charm, itty-bitty DIYs are a creative way to display items that you might not have the space for, if they are full-size. Here are five tiny DIY projects that are sure to make a big impact.

Mini flower bouquets

“Making mini arrangements is all about the pleasure of slowing down and marveling at nature’s intricate detail,” says Jill Rizzo, florist and author of The Little Flower Recipe Book. These tiny bouquets are the perfect entry point for aspiring florists or anyone looking to down size a bouquet in a creative way. The scale makes it easy to pluck out spent blooms and replace with a wisp of something new, Rizzo adds. It’s all about experimenting.

To make a mini arrangement, you’ll need:

“Tiny flowers can be seen everywhere once you start looking for them,” Rizzo says, so you don’t have to specifically plant anything if you’re already growing flowers or have access to wildflowers. Some flowers are naturally small, and larger flowers will often have secondary smaller blooms perfect for a mini-arrangement. “If you don’t have garden access, purchasing small live plants is a great source for clipping both leaves and blooms,” Rizzo adds.

Step 1: Gather supplies and flowers.

Step 2: Use the kitchen squeeze bottle to fill mini vase with water.

Step 3: Arrange flowers to your liking. When mixing varieties, use the same arrangement formula you’d use for a large bouquet, Rizzo says. Try combining a base foliage, or leaf with a larger focal flower, and a smaller secondary flower. “Finish with some gestural elements like spires or vines,” Rizzo advises.

Step 4: Find the perfect spot for your arrangement. Look for a surface that isn’t too crowded, otherwise your prized work may get overlooked. “My number one spot to place little arrangements is on my kitchen windowsill to be admired while doing dishes,” Rizzo says.

Mini pottery

What better way to display your wee flower arrangement than in a mini vase you made yourself? Amanda Kelly, a miniature artist based in Roanoke, Virginia, first started making mini pottery in 2020. “My first pots were terrible, but I kept practicing,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to play around and get comfortable with the materials. It took me months to perfect my own technique.”