DIY: Calico Critters Display

A few years ago, my daughter and I stumbled into the wonderful world of Calico Critters.  For her birthday, she asked for “lots of Calico Critters”.  I was happy to oblige, and well, I may have even gone overboard.  I bought new homes and new critters, and found some gently used sets online as well.  After the investment (because it is indeed an investment), I needed a way to display them.  

“lots of Calico Critters”

If you know me at all, I’m a “go big or go home” kind-of-gal! After I completed the display project, I shared on a Calico Critters Facebook group.  I was contacted over the next few months, constantly asking “where did you find that” and “how did you do that”.  I even had a few publications ask if they could add my photo to their Calico Critters webpage or blog. 

The photo resurfaced recently.  A random Facebook poster shared my photo with hashtag “I’m in love”.  I was so tickled that three years later, almost to the day, my photo was still circulating.  My display, my hard work, my brainchild, was still being shared.  The post took off with the usual questions.  I decided to write out what I did, and the materials I used.  

• First, I purchased the display houses on Amazon.  They were unfinished, wooden homes with pre-made slots.  I measured the slots to make sure they were perfect for our little critters.  I would attach the links but they are no longer available.  I’m sure you can find similar ones.

• I went to Walmart and purchased six colors of Waverly chalk paint.  If I remember correctly, the colors were rhubarb, celery, ballet slipper, pool, lavender, and peacock.  I also picked up some painters tape, and some 1” poly foam brushes.  I think they are around $0.50/each.  I used Homemade Modern’s clear wax also.  I already had this on hand, probably from a craft store, Hobby Lobby or Michael’s are my best guesses. 

• I zipped over to the fabric section.  When I was choosing my favorites, I went with a thin cotton fabric.  I picked out seven different patterns.  Each pattern had tiny flowers, or tiny animals.  I knew the sections would be small, so a larger pattern would look funny.  I tried to pick out patterns that matched well with my paint colors.  I also grabbed some Mod Podge, fabric scissors, and a small fabric measuring tape. 

• Now to the project.  I taped the inside of the house along the edge.  I painted each house’s exterior and front facing pieces. I did not paint anything inside the house at all.  You can, it just seemed like more work than I was up for.  Each house had a different color.

• Next, I measured each section in one home and created templates for cutting the fabric.  The fabric would serve as the wallpaper, but only on the back wall, an accent wall, if you will.  I planned out my pattern locations per house, and no house had the same.  Cut each of my pieces and put them in a quart ziploc bags labeled with the color house it belonged to.  It helped me to stay organized. 

• After the paint was dry, I used the 1” poly foam brushes (same thing I used for paint) to paint mod podge on the back wall.  Once it was tacky, 10-20 seconds after application, I placed the appropriate fabric in each slot. 

• Once the fabric wallpaper was in place, I took the clear wax, specifically for applying on chalk paint, and brushed it to the painted parts of the house.

• The house had hooks in the back for display, but I reinforced it with command strips.  I hung them evenly, in a straight line in the wall.  Just add cute critters!!

• The bottom part of the display was less creative, but equally needed.  I went to IKEA and purchased four Trofast cabinets in white.  I picked up the clear/white bins to insert.  Since the picture, I’ve labeled the bins, which made it much easier finding what you need.  Not the easiest putting them together, but you expected that once you read IKEA, right?

• I placed the cabinets under the homes and added her Calico Critter houses. 

We have loved and played and loved and played with these little guys.  It keeps all the tiny pieces (mostly) organized.  My daughter has received many compliments on this display in her room.  If you are on the fence about trying your own DIY Calico Critter display, DO IT!  Make it like mine, or add your own flare!  Share your ideas and thoughts in the comments.  I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Until next time, big hugs! ❤