the box files. A round-up of the fantastic entries for the social #sindyboxfilechallenge created and hosted by @action_mans_nan with help from @sindy_doll_collector
Can the Sindys make a room set out of a standard box file? Turn to see... Images all by @anya_sasha
how it began. by @action_mans_nan “It started with my Derelict Sindy (that I intended to sell, but decided to keep) picking up the Derelict House (box file) a while back. With her eye on making over this soulless ‘property’ into a cool summertime beach hut.”
Pondering flooring materials
“Derelict Sindy and I rummaged through the boxes of doom (old toys, recycling bin, craft supplies) and bags of scraps (fabric supplies) to see what we could furnish her new beach hut with. Whilst I was trying to complete this makeover, it inspired the #sindyboxfilechallenge - to try and get the Instagram doll community involved. Karen @sindy_doll_collector kindly agreed to co-host and we gave everyone the summer holidays (July-August 2024) to enter.”
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“Derelict Sindy and I did, however, splurge on a dollshouse dresser top to use as a plate rack.”
“Wonder what I can do with these Philadelphia lids?”
“There were so many wonderful and vastly different box files, it shows just how versatile a box file can be and that anyone can and should have a go at making one.” Claudette, who created the Market on page 51
The #sindyboxfilechallenge rules & guidelines Use a box file or box file-type product. The aim is that as many bits and bobs associated with your scene setter can be stored safely inside. Think small! Think portable! Think Pedigree International Hotel travel case, Hasbro Surprise Villa, or the Kid Kreations craft-able play settings.
Let us see your creative journey. What materials are you using? How are you cutting, glueing, and transforming them? All dolls, figures, and felted animals most welcome. Share the fails! And most importantly, have FUN!
by @action_mans_nan
Here Mam’selle shares some of the entries... 06 Barbers
33 Teepee
08 Modern Bedroom
36 Beach Hut
11
Music Store
38 Cinema
14
Spa
42 Pizzeria
18
Coastal Cottage
46 Greek Villa
20 Victorian Boudoir
50 Market Stall
24
Hallway
54 Capsule Hotel
26
Themed Bedroom
56 Inspo
30
Cabin
58 The End
5
barbers. by @jollydollyshop
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I was inspired by all the hipster guys and the hipster hairdressers in Bristol and Frome (near where I live) where no barber’s shop is complete without a retro interior and some bad taxidermy. Also, my youngest daughter always used to make Paul be the hairdresser when she played with her Sindys.” “Billy-Paul’s Barbers is open for all your vintage inspired haircuts.”
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“The
cabinet
was
made
from
a
Nesquik carton, spray paint and some dolls house handles.” ‘I upcycled a Sindy sink and garden
chair
by
spraying
them racing green to suit the barber’s interior.”
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “What I have learnt from making Sindy dioramas is that you never throw anything away without looking at it and wondering if you could turn it into something first!”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “I think it probably took about 3 hours to make. Most of it is quite simple, but the drawings, light fitting, plants pot and cushions had to be made (and sprayed!)”
MODERN
bedroom. by @anya_sasha
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I’ve never had the Sindy travel case and really liked the idea of a portable bedroom for Sindy. I don’t have the space to keep a bedroom or hotel room style space up for the long haul, so this was the answer for me. Plus it also stored her bedding stuff, so that was good too. Storage and play set in one.”
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@anya_sasha
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? "That it’s really difficult to get box files that I remembered from my youth. And the ones I can get now are not as deep. So it may be better to make your own box file. Because of that I struggled to make things fit, as I wanted everything to store away tidily when it’s not in use. I think making the box file room to fit the furniture may be a better way to go as opposed to the other way around.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “Actual consolidated working time may be about one and a half to two days after I found the box file. I actually took about three weeks to slowly put it together (real life gets in the way!)”
music store. by @jollydollyshop What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I spent a great deal of time in music shops in my misspent youth, especially second hand vinyl shops. So this was a bit of a homage to trying guitars out and hoping that the shop assistant wouldn’t think I was terrible, and finding that elusive Cure 12-inch.”
“I think I will use this box
What’s your number one
file a lot”
tip for creating a box file diorama? “The thing I learnt making this is that if you can’t make the whole thing, the illusion is fine. I wanted a second story, so having the bottom half of the staff room door and some steps created the impression of another level.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “This took much longer than the barbers,, probably about five or six hours, mainly because of making the records (My Life in Plastic has a great range) and trying to work
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out how to make amplifiers etc.“
@jollydollyshop
spa. by @sewist53
“This is the staff quarters of the spa - I always imagined that there would have to be a hefty laundry and somewhere the staff could secretly drink coffee (instead of herbal tea).”
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “The initial inspiration was of course Clare @action_mans_nan, who set the challenge. I could see how useful it would be to have a diorama and a storage solution in one. I am a Miniverse addict - and love the spa series items SO much, I wanted to build a story around them.”
“The Miniverse Spa sets came out at the right time!”
“I tried to use things I already had. Like the massage bed (which is a cloth covered foam dish sponge), which is supported on two trolleys from the Sindy Cafe set.”
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@sewist53
@sewist53 used the same boxfile for the reception area, staff quarters/laundry room, and for the spa/massage space.
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “My tip would be to have an A4 piece of strong card that was decorated to match your file and could go either side as an extra ‘wall’ depending on your photograph angle.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “As mine is essentially three dioramas in one that are interchangeable, it took three separate sessions, but only about four-six hours in all.”
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COASTAL
cottage. by @sindylife2021
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I was inspired by a trip to Lyme Regis with some Sindy friends to create a seaside cottage. In fact some of the fabric used for the soft furnishings was purchased in a little craft shop I visited while in Lyme Regis.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “Just over a month, as I was busy with work so I did a little at a time.”
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “I used a flooring extension (made from foam board and selfadhesive paper) with the aim to use it again in subsequent box file dioramas.”
VICTORIAN
boudoir. by @shabbydoll_love What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I love Victoriana and had recently fallen down a Victorian shaped rabbit hole featuring my Kid Kreations horse riding Sindy as Victoria. Her dolly dioramas are set loosely in 1894, and I thought it was time she had her own Victorian boudoir, so I could move forward with the Victorian posts. The boudoir is not meant to be historically accurate, just to give a Victorian aesthetic.”
Meet Sindy Victoria from 1894
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “I love to thrift. Thrifting kept the cost of the box file down and was great fun. Also, beware of the box file addiction - it's real! I’m currently working on my fourth!”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “Two weeks to make the box file boudoir. This did involve sewing a Victorian style nightie, bedding and crafting a screen.”
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@shabbydoll_love
“Sindy Victoria was thrilled with her exquisite bedspread and shawl - that was a gift (and prize) from @action_mans_nan”
hallway. by @suekulec
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I ended up making several box files. They have ended up being the perfect solution for dioramas and a great space saver. This hallway one was inspired after seeing something similar at @myfroggystuff. I also wanted to use this wooden door I'd bought from Wanda @little_miss_dressy several months previously.”
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What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “Experiment. I didn't only use a box file for mine, I also used a couple of shoeboxes. I would say that they were better, as they were deeper. With a box file I felt I needed to add foam core walls to make photos easier. So, I guess that I learned to get a file as deep as possible.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “The actual box itself was quick to decorate, maybe a couple of hours, but then I've done a lot of dollhouse building/decorating over the last few years, so I wasn't a novice crafter.”
THEMED
bedroom. by @stylemysindy What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I was inspired by the Netflix TV Show 'Emily in Paris’. I also happened to have some lovely Paris wallpaper in my stash. I love the romance of Paris, the stylish interiors, and also the idea of being able to wake up to a view of the Eiffel tower and being able to pop out for fresh croissants every day!”
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What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “Use strong glue to secure items to the walls and also for the wallpaper. I had some issues with the paper coming off over the hinge of the box when it was opened and closed. PVA glue worked best for me. Also, use the full length of the walls adding shelves and pictures. Making a separate floor that you can put away in the box is also a good idea.”
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@stylemysindy
“I also made over some bits of furniture to put in the box as they were the right size, but not the right colour or theme, so I spray painted them.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “Probably three hours altogether (not including drying time). The planning took longer, but once I had all the bits assembled, it all came together quite quickly.”
cabin. by @little_miss_dressy
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I was thinking ahead to autumn and it made me think of a themed living space for Sindy. I was thinking the front porch of a wood cabin, with a view of a forest. I couldn’t decide which one to do first, so I chose two main colours that would link the two themes together, with one theme on each side of the box.”
“I wanted to create a magical woodland, forest scene where pagan Sindy could enjoy nature. And also for her to celebrate Lammas, the Harvest Festival on August 1st.”
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “I prefer to get all my supplies together before I start, including the miniatures I’ll use or make. I definitely did more thinking and planning than actually working on it. I found that paint-tester pots were really handy for decorating the box.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “That’s hard to say, as I literally had to wait for paint to dry. Probably several days in total working on it, spread out over a couple of weeks.”
“I found a wooden box to be much easier to work with than a box file.”
LITTLE MISS DRESSY @LITTLE_MISS_DRESSY Hand-crafted small dolls’ clothes & accessories Margate, England
www.etsy.com/shop/littlemissdressyuk
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “The film The Holiday is one of my favourites and I have always loved the scene in the teepee in the bedroom. I chose to recreate that with the stars, fairy lights and cushions. I thought this would work well as it is light, folds down easily, and has no bulky furniture. Plus, I could hook it to the sprung clip if I turned it upside down!”
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teepee. by @sindylovesstyle
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “Remember to keep measuring the items, to ensure you can pack everything in the box when you need to tidy it away!”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “I think it probably took about four hours.“
“I was excited to do the box file challenge and create something magical that would fit inside a typical drab office box file, so it would be a surprise when opened with lots of pretty colour and soft fabrics.”
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beach hut. by @suekulec
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “This beach house was inspired by me getting the Arco Barbie furniture with a BBQ, outdoor shower and bench with parasol. I added the mini kitchen using an empty lightbulb box and prints from @myfroggystuff”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “I suppose I did them all pretty quickly, but I'm retired and my time is my own. Some were easier/quicker than others, as it depended on the decor, and if I had to make or decorate accessories.”
“I used paint stirrers (painted with acrylic paint) to make a 3D window sill.”
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “Keep it simple if you are lacking time. The interior and exterior of this box were just a case of printing, cutting and glueing.”
cinema. by @dresslikeasindy
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “My inspiration was the Our Generation doll Movie Theatre set that I wished was Sindysized! It’s a cubed style set that features different parts of the theatre on each side - so, space for the cinema, the outside, the foyer and the ticket booth. I thought it was going to be easy but if I am honest it took me ages, cost me a fortune and I most definitely took on more than I could handle. Crafting, I discovered, is not my best friend!”
*Full Disclosure: The pavement and the tube wall were from a set made by @dollsabouttown for a previous Sindy Set Meets that I have for safekeeping.
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “Keep it simple! Ha ha... I actually enjoyed doing the box file and am pleased with the result. But, next time I would keep it quick, easy and ensure everything fits inside for easier storage. (I think that was a competition rule I broke from the outset.)”
”I’ve had this ticket washi tape in my craft supplies for years (I got it for my daughter’s circus themed 5th birthday - she is now 12!) I just knew it would come in handy one day! Ha ha!”
“The poster holders are made from some camera film stickers I had, that I stuck onto strips of foam board - so that they protrude from the wall - meaning I can update the movie posters.”
@dresslikeasindy 40
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “Forever! Probably a month doing bits here and there, when I had time. Plus I tried to tackle each ‘section’ at a time.”
“If I had had time I think I would have liked to have made a shelf to sit my phone on, so I could show a real movie screen. This was the last section I made and I was very close to the comp deadline!”
pizzeria. by @sindyandme
“The pizza oven is made from Lego.”
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I loved the idea of a portable box file that could be packed away but I wanted something different than a hotel bedroom. I was daydreaming about mobile pizza vans, you know the lovely horse
“The tables were made from
box type you see at events?”
picture frame corner packaging.”
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “Always look at rubbish or recyclable rubbish in a different light! The majority of mine was made with small boxes, loo rolls, foam etc. I bought the paper at £2.50 but everything else was sourced around the house, and I obviously had plenty of Sindy accessories! I learnt that if I put my mind to it I can do it! Just need a bit of patience and determination.”
“Sindy was keeping us on schedule and checking the deliveries. The shelves were added, thanks to an empty headphone box!”
“I made the lampshade by using a laundry gel washing liquid top!”
@sindyandme 44
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “I did quite a few half hours or an hour here and there. I was overwhelmed at first, but Kat @anya_sasha said to take one thing at a time.”
“The chalk board was made using a phone holder and some black tissue paper.”
greek villa. by @sharingsindy What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “Santorini. A warm, sunny and scenic Greek island. I thought I’d transport myself there along with other Sindy lovers, and create my own magical haven.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “In total - from start to finish - over a period of days, around 14 hours.”
@sharingsindy 47
ACTION MANS NAN Hand Made Knits for your Dolls @action_mans_nan
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “If you are going to illuminate it, then make sure you can easily reach the on/off switch on the battery pack before glueing other parts in place.”
“My dear friend Jane @stylemysindy printed out an image of the bay of Santorini for my backdrop - and a mini Greek phrase book for Nicole.”
market stall. by @thestripyshed
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “I was inspired to make a market stall because I happened to have a box of mini carrots! Insane really, as I then had to make all the other fruit and veg. My son helped with the design of the stall, which turned out just as we'd hoped.”
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“I stuck craft lolly sticks to black card to make it look like a chalk board. The design was drawn in pencil and then inked with a white gel pen.”
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “I'm rubbish with tips, as I make most stuff up as I go along and see what happens! It's easy to feel overwhelmed by everyone's wonderful creations and not want to try something for yourself. So I guess my tip is - give it a go!”
“I've never used air dried clay before, but it turns out I quite like it as a medium.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “I honestly have no idea how long it took to make, but it certainly seemed like a lot of hours!”
@thestripyshed
53
CAPSULE
hotel. @small_old_things
What was the inspiration behind your #sindyboxfilechallenge? “My first thought was a small bedroom could work because of the box file size I had. Then I remembered CA-Sindy had just landed in Tokyo for work. Where would she stay? What is the typical bedroom in Tokyo?" The answer is... a capsule hotel.”
TOTAL TIME TO MAKE: “Once I had collected all the accessories I needed, I think the total working time was 2-3 hours.”
What’s your number one tip for creating a box file diorama? “Don't try to pack in too much! Because I believed one rule was that the box file had to close!”
A capsule hotel, or pod hotel, is a unique bed-sized style of accommodation originating in Japan. Basic and affordable, you close the pod with a door, or a curtain.
inspo. Don’t have a box file? Here are some alternative ways to make a unique Sindy scene setter...
“My delve into sixth scale dioramas brought about the idea of a Sindy-sized room box, or at least something similar that could be easily used and stored away.” @little_miss_dressy
“I unfolded a large shoebox, cut off the side flaps (I used one of these to extend the right side) and cut out a window. I added black foam board for a floor and decorated inside with scrapbook paper.” @suekulec
“The 12” scrapbook paper wasn’t quite big enough for my box, so I used white paper as ‘skirting’ and ‘coving’. I used a white pencil to draw the grout for a tiled floor.”
“I redecorated my Sindy hotel travel case and added a couple of extra ‘walls’ made from foam board and additional accessories.”@suekulec
“This is Polly’s travelling mini suitcase bedroom. I have a few mini suitcase rooms, including an ‘Air Bee ’n’ Bee room at La Ruche Chambres D’hôtes.” @polly.dollydaydreams
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how it ended. by @action_mans_nan “It ended with me redesigning my box file! I wanted to join in with the monthly instagram event #dollsminimonthlymarket hosted by Liz @sindylovesstyle - this motivated me to finally finish a box file!”
“Smirks set up an Art Mart, filled with everything from practical calendars and greeting cards to photographic prints and OOAK canvases.”
@action_mans_nan
Image by @thestripyshed | Mam’selle Special 2025