Miniature dollhouse step stool

My little aspiring witch needed to be able to reach her potion hutch and this stepping stool will do the trick for her.


 Trace the patterns onto basswood and cut them out with your knife. Go slow so you don’t split the wood.





Sand all the edges with fine sandpaper. Hold the two sides together to be sure you sand the edges smooth in identical shapes. Sand the bottom front of the step down so it looks worn as well.  Erase any pencil lines that may still be there.

Sand the top step so the inside top is worn from use and round the corners a bit.

Paint all parts of the step side pieces and the tops of all the other pieces. Sand them and paint again. This is to get a nice smooth finish because once put together it is harder to sand in the corners.

 Put some wood glue with a toothpick on the inside back of the two side pieces as shown. Press them against the back piece until they are tacky. Stand up to be sure the stool sits evenly on your table.

 Apply glue with a toothpick to the sides of the bottom step and slide in between the step stool sides, be sure to have the sanded down ‘worn’ edge facing up and in front. Check that it is even and let dry.

Dry fit the bottom step back piece and trim off the top if needed. It should be flush to the top of the side pieces. Apply glue with a toothpick to the sides of the bottom step back and slid it in.

Apply glue all around the top and press on the top step so it is flush to the back. Glue on the bottom step lip. Let it all dry.

Give it another coat of paint to fill in any gaps and sand carefully. Let dry.



Make a wash of water with dark brown paint and apply all over to give the step stool an aged look.  Then carefully dab on some brown paint along all the edges with a small brush for a nice shabby effect.

Once you are happy with the finish you can add a design to it with water transfers paper or hand-paint one. I used a brown colored pencil. 

Finally, apply a satin or matt varnish to protect the paint.


Have fun with this and make it your own! I would love to see your finished piece.