Nothing says "cosy cottage" quite like exposed wooden beams running across a ceiling. They add warmth, structure, and a wonderful sense of age to any miniature room. And while they look like solid wood, the secret is much simpler than that — they're papier-maché wrapped around thin sticks.
This is a project that's a little more hands-on, but the result is so satisfying. Once you've made your first beam and painted it to look like old wood, you'll want to add them to every room in the house.
Tip: You can buy ready-made papier-maché pulp at most craft stores — just search for 'papier-maché pulp'. It's easy to work with and dries nice and sturdy.
Step by Step
Step 1: Form the Pulp Around the Sticks
Take a thin wooden stick or skewer and cut it to the length you need — measure the width of the ceiling where the beam will go. Then take a small amount of papier-maché pulp and press it around the stick, building up an even layer all the way around. The stick gives the beam its strength, while the pulp gives it shape and texture. Aim for a beam that's roughly square or rectangular in cross-section.
Step 2: Shape the Beam Profile
While the pulp is still wet, shape it with your fingers. Flatten the sides slightly to give it a squared-off look, or leave it rounded for a more rustic, hand-hewn appearance. Use a toothpick or the edge of a ruler to press straight lines along the length — these will look like the natural grain and marks of real wood. You can even add a few small dents or notches for extra character.
Step 3: Dry Thoroughly
Set your beams aside on a piece of baking paper or cling film (so they don't stick to the surface) and let them dry completely. Depending on how thick the pulp layer is, this could take one to two days. Rotate them occasionally so they dry evenly on all sides. Be patient — if you try to sand or paint them before they're fully dry, they'll squish and lose their shape.
Step 4: Sand
Once the beams are bone-dry, gently sand them with fine-grit sandpaper. This smooths out any bumps you don't want, but more importantly, it refines the shape and gives the surface a slight grain that takes paint beautifully. Don't over-sand — you want some texture to remain, because that's what makes them look like real wood.
Step 5: Paint to Look Like Wood
This is where the magic happens. Start with a base coat of medium brown paint. Once dry, dry-brush a lighter brown or tan along the length to create a wood-grain effect. Then add a very thin wash of dark brown or even black in any cracks or indentations to create depth. Real wood is never one flat colour, so layer your shades. When the paint is dry, glue the finished beams in place across the ceiling of your room.
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