Making windows is a relatively easy process. For the most part the main thing required is to know what type of window you want to create. You can follow the same process that I will be going through for many types of windows. All that is required is your imagination.

My inspiration for my warehouse windows came from a store that I was manager of for many years. The store was in an old warehouse. I always loved the atmosphere that it created and the diffused light it let in.

To start making the windows I had to decide what type of backdrop I wanted to place the window in. Due to space restrictions I mostly use foam core. It is easily taken down and stored, and is versatile by being able to use both sides to create different looks. I then decide what type of window I want to create and what size I would like it. I try to keep things in scale with my dolls so they don’t look out of proportion. Next is to start the construction.

Balsa wood interior trim size approx 1/2cm in width, 4/10cm thick.

1. First thing to do is cut out your space from the foam core. I use a very sharp exacto knife, I say “sharp” because if it’s dull it will not cut as clean.

2. I then use balsa wood to trim the interior edges. I cut the top and bottom piece first; they go all the way across. The sides are then cut and butt up against the top and bottom. All pieces are then glued in place. The width of the balsa is the exact same as the thickness of the foam core, which will help later when you are applying trim.

Balsa wood exterior trim size 1cm width, 4/10cm thick.

3. The next step is making your trim work around the window. For this you can use a small miter box if you have one to make cuts on a diagonal. If you don’t, just butt the joints together. I usually cut my top piece first and then cut my bottom. The bottom trim piece on my window is longer than the trim on the sides and the wood is glued on its side and butts up directly beside the interior bottom trim piece. Glue all pieces.

4. Cut the sides trim pieces next. I miter the top and use butt joints to go up against the bottom trim. Glue.

5. I then cut a piece the exact same size as the bottom trim and place it flat, butted up against the trim on its side and glue. When you have finished gluing pieces use painters tape to hold in place while the glue dries. Let dry at least 30 minutes before handling.

Balsa wood interior size 3/10cm width, 3/10cm thick.

6. Next you will want to put in your interior trim. I use square wood for this part to get the most realistic affect. I cut my middle first and butt it up against the top and bottom inside thick trim and glue. Depending on what kind of window you want to do this would be the time to either put your interior trim in the middle or exactly on the edge of your exterior trim.

7. Next, cut all your side pieces and butt them up against each other.

8. If you are planning on making a regular window you can now place a thick piece of plastic on the exterior side of your windows and you are done.

Now you will want to make your interior windows that will be placed inside your trim work.

9. I made all the interior windows separate so I would have the option of opening them. I also make the window in the space that I have created inside the window so I get the exact size right. You want to make sure that the window is snug to hold the wood when you open it. If you plan on putting in a pin to rotate the window you can leave more space. When you are gluing make sure that you do not glue the window to the frame around it as you will want to be able to move the window.

10. Cut all your pieces, top and bottom first and them your side pieces. For these pieces I use balsa wood that is thick.

11. The interior window is made the same way the larger exterior one is. You now do your interior trim with the square balsa that is thick. Glue to window.

12. The last step I did was to apply a frosted window covering to sheet covers that I had cut to fit the back of the windows. Tape them in place and you now have windows that look very industrial.

Extras you can do:

13. If you want the windows to pivot on a pin. You will need to make your interior windows first and then apply your exterior trim around them. Cut a thick piece of wire and put it into your interior window at both sides where you want it to pivot. Then measure your exterior trim and before you glue push the remaining wire into the exterior trim work on both sides. Continue your trim work from there to finish your window.

14. Thinking of using a thicker plastic on your windows? First apply your interior trim work right on the edge of your exterior trim work. Place in your plastic and then turn over you window to revel the back. Cut the same pieces of wood and glue in place as you did on the front. This will keep your plastic in place and look very realistic.

15. All that is left to do is to paint, stain or varnish to finish off your windows.

16. You can also have fun by experimenting with different lighting sources and effects. In the photo below I have placed my windows directly in front of my house windows to get the natural light filtering though. I love the effect this creates.

Inspirational Ideas

At a loss for ideas? Search the web for pictures. Here are just a few I found. The curved window in the last picture could easily be made with laminate wood trim from the hardware store.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and have fun creating your new windows!!

List of materials

1. Balsa wood sizes
2. Wood glue or white glue
3. Foam Core
4. Exacto Knife
5. Green Painters tape.
6. Plastic sheet covers
7. Frosted peel and stick
8. Pen and pencil, eraser.