The Practical Hitty Newsletter
Editors: Hitty Henrietta and Charlotte Hitty

An Interview with Roombox Artist Sylvia Ybarra

How many roomboxes does one Hitty need?
"Just one, but.... they need a kitchen, living room, sewing room and on and on. They are demanding sometimes."

Bath and Bed Roombox
Click here for bigger picture

 

Sitting Room Click here for bigger picture

Sewing Room and Closet Click here for bigger picture

Living Room Click here for bigger picture

 

• What materials should we have on hand to make a roombox?
  Ruler, tacky glue, small paint brush, scissors, jumbo paper clips, utility knife or Xacto razor saw, hot glue gun/sticks, pencil,small soft sponge, newspaper to cover work area, craft mitre box (optional) wall covering (shelf paper) and a box.

• Does the box need to be any particular size?
  The box can be any size you prefer, according to the theme you will be creating... kitchen, living room, bedroom. I use copy paper boxes from work.

• What is the first thing you do once you have a box the right size?
  Line the inside sides and back with contact shelf paper. The top of inside box may be covered if you would prefer, since this is the ceiling. If I cover this, I use a solid color of contact paper.
  
  
• Do you have any special techniques for putting in the wall coverings?
  Working on the outside of box, match the bottom of contact paper and box, then fold in 1/2 inch and clip to the side of box with paper clips. Wrap this around the box to other end, and cut 1/2 inch from edge, fold it in and clip it to side of box. Cut any excess with a utility knife or scissors, being careful not to cut box. You can mark with a pencil and then remove and cut. Insert into box, and trim if necessary. Flaws will be covered by wood trim. If you are using contact paper, gradually remove the backing, smoothing with a soft sponge.
  
  
  
• Where do you get the wall coverings?
  I purchase the wall coverings at dollar stores and thrift stores, keeping the cost low.

• What do you use for glue?
  I use tacky glue for non-adhesive shelf paper, and spread it with a small paint brush that can be used again (simply just rinse with warm water and soap). I use hot glue for the wooden trim.

• What do you recommend for flooring?
  I like the non-grip shelf liners, especially the papers that have a texture that resembles carpet, felt, or fur. Wood print contact paper is excellent for wooden floors. I purchased a marble print contact paper for a room box I want to make featuring a music room.

• Can you paint a cardboard box?
  I have never painted a cardboard box. If you decide to, then you may want to test an area. Due to the thickness of different boxes, thin boxes may warp.
  
  
• Where do you get the wooden trim strips that you used on the outer edges of the roombox?
  I purchase the wooden trim at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. I use the trim for baseboards and to decorate the front of box. The width depends on the look you would like.
  
  
• How do you put in a room divider? I love the closet!
  I use hot glue to add the room divider and remember, any flaws will be covered with the wooden trim.
  
  
• What is a room divider made of?
  I use cardboard for the room dividers and cover them with contact paper.
  
  
• How strong are the roomboxes once finished?
  The strength depends on the texture and thickness of the box. I have found out that the wood trim inside the boxes gives added support.
  
  
• Can the boxes be stacked once finished?
  I stack my room boxes 3 in height.
  
  
• Where do you get your furnishings?
  Some of the furnishing I purchased at Hobby Lobby or Michaels or any craft store. I make some of my furnishing, especially the dressers and nightstand. I go the dollar store's toy section, and look for Hitty size items, chairs, tables, which can be painted or covered.
  
  
• Do you have any tips for decorating the roomboxes once done?
  You can use tiny picture frames.. brass, gold, silver for your photos, hot glued to the walls. I use tops of pill boxes for pictures. You can cut out outdoor scenes and put a frame around it and use it for a window with a curtain in front of it. I like the small round mirrors and glue small dry flowers with beads. You can use brocade to trim the top of the inside of box for a antique finish look, I usually find this at Wal-Mart in the material section that has packages for $1.00 to $2.50. Crocheted doilies are perfect for rugs; plenty at the dollar stores. If you glue an item in wrong area, simply put the hair dryer behind the box on the item to be removed and it will soften the glue, but remember to remove carefully.
  
  
• How many roomboxes does one Hitty need?
  Just one, but.... they need a kitchen, living room, sewing room and on and on. They are demanding sometimes.