q&a

Daily Mini Interview: Pink Cute Sugar Miniatures

Pink Cute Sugar Miniatures

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What does Valentina Pink Cute Sugar mean to you?

When I first began creating miniatures in late 2008, I looked for a name to best represent me, so I created a virtual identity. I’ve always loved pink (it’s my favorite color), sweets (all without exception), and miniatures. miniaturefood minis miniature realistic cupcake cherry cupcake strawberry ombre cake fimo polymer clay miniatures macaron valentina manzo pinkcute sugarBack in 2009, I created a Facebook page to share my passion and my name was “Pink Sugar.” I knew I had to differentiate myself from Aquolina Pink Sugar perfume. So, I added “Cute” to my name. Thus, my stage name was born: a true representation of all the things I love.

How did you first get into miniatures?

I started working in polymer clay by chance. I was looking for nail art inspiration online and came across Japanese nail designs that had micro objects out of polymer clay. I learned that many of these artists were making polymer clay objects that could be worn at all times. Taking a cue from their creations, I started making my own. At first, I was making miniatures just for myself, sometimes to give to my friends for their birthdays. 11209639_1003605036331002_4864059445233849203_nFriends of friends began to see my creations and fall in love with them. I started to sell miniatures privately through word of mouth.

Over the years I have tried to develop an unmistakable style of my own. I seek to create unique works that are always different, never the same. I am not yet 100% satisfied with my work, and still consider myself to be an apprentice. Oftentimes, I don’t have enough time to create the things I want in 1:12 scale. I’m constantly working on commissions and have a full-time job as a mom to a 2-year-old. It’s always difficult to find time to do the things you enjoy. But the greatest satisfaction I’ve felt recently was when I was contacted for the October edition of Spanish Miniatures magazine, which includes work of talented miniaturists from all over the world. I had a page dedicated to my work, and was also published on the magazine’s cover! It was a great honor and satisfaction!

Do you sell miniatures full-time?

It is my passion and thus I turned it into a real job. I would do this for a lifetime, in addition to being a mother which is obviously the best job in the world.

11201005_1005778616113644_4542472798841304897_oWhat types of miniatures do you make? 

I make miniatures out of anything but mainly I create accessories to wear, and miniature food in 1:12 scale. I like to create everything myself, from the notch of the plywood to the painting, to the construction of cups and cutlery. I try to recreate scenarios in miniature form. For example, you’re cutting up vegetables for a soup and then the phone rings, so you put the knife on a plate to rest. You can preserve this memory forever with one of my miniatures.

What materials do you use to make miniatures?

Today I use mainly polymer clay, sculpey, liquid polymer clay, plywood, paper, and pieces of metal.

Advice for beginner artists?

I don’t consider myself to be a great artist. I’m just a girl of 25 who has a great passion. From this passion, I attempt to bring happiness to others. The advice I would give to new artists is to always have a unique style that can be recognized immediately, even without signing the photo. 10407942_999218086769697_7108462242112936695_nNever give up because only time will help you achieve what you want. Create things because you like them, not only because you want to sell them. Put all the love from your heart into a project and it will soon reward you.

Tools you love the most?

I do not use special tools to make my miniatures. I use toothpicks, needles, chisels of various sizes, and resin. I really love the versatility of resin. You can do so many things with it!

Favorite miniature you own? 

I own creative accessories by Italian artists such as Pies Tellina, Neraneve Stella, Daniela Pupa, Claudia Lolle Bijoux, Francesca Gnam Gnam, and more. I also enjoy books by Angie Scarr.

alice in wonderland fimo handmade miniaturefood alice in wonderland party valentina gaia manzo pinkcute sugar (56)What miniaturists inspire you most?

My absolute favorite miniaturist in the world is Tomo Tanaka’s Nunu’s House. I love everything about it! He can do anything! He creates houses, furniture, silverware, metalworks, food miniatures, and more. He is the impressive KING OF MINIATURE! I love his style and one day hope to become as good as him. He’s a great source of inspiration. Look at the work of Tomo Tanaka you’ll be entranced!

Why miniatures?

I love miniatures because their smallness contains so much dedication, study, love, work, and sacrifice. It is not an easy job. You have to measure everything… every millimeter. You have to focus on color in order to achieve a good image for thumbnails. It’s an art form full of love, because only those who have a passion and love miniatures can create them. I love to think that my miniatures are a preserved moment, frozen in time forever.IMG_0420

Other activities you enjoy?

Being a mom.

What do you want people to know about you?

I have a critical eye and share my work online to let others inform me if my creations are up to par. Only after receiving appreciation from fans do I relax. My fans on Facebook are important to me. They inspire me and give me strength! Miniature collectors and enthusiasts are also looking for a “perfect miniature,” so this helps me to create more and more. I seek to create on an even higher level. This makes me not a miniaturist, but an apprentice for life!

Valentina lives in Sardinia, Italy. You can now shop her newly opened Etsy store! Follow her miniature adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Flickr, DeviantArt, or take a tour of her blog.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniature Woodcarving by Steve Tomashek

Miniatures by Steve Tomashek

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How did you first get started in woodcarving?

My family always had an affinity towards the arts. As the youngest of seven, I was exposed to a lot of different art forms as a child. Carving was one of them. My father used to carve duck decoys, and I would recreate these in miniature form. As a young boy, I had an interest in war figurines, so I used to carve miniature tanks and airplanes out of wood. Later, I’d make carvings for my Grandma. lemur

With a burgeoning interest in sculpture and painting, I attended Indiana University where I further developed my woodcarving craft. My passion grew and has remained throughout my life. I was a sculptor and a painter, and I was able to unite my passions with a focus in miniature. At that particular time, I worked in miniature because the materials were more affordable in a smaller size. When your art is small-scale, you don’t need a lot of space and you don’t need as many tools or materials. I used a Swiss Army Knife at that time.

I majored in History, which opened me up to the extensive world of carving and the history of woodcarving across cultures. Many cultures are inspired by the animal form in art and nearly every major artist has also studied animal forms – Franz Marc, for one.

What materials did you use for your first carvings?

As a child, my father and I mostly carved out of basswood. We had two basswood trees in our front yard, but would pick up carving-ready wood (cut and dried) from local lumberyards.

Describe your creative process.foxsketch

I always sketch out my work before I begin to carve a piece of wood. I’m constantly sketching in a drawing book which helps with my creative vision for a piece. Even if I’m designing something from scratch, I also draw up a sketch first.

I frequently receive international orders from different kinds of collectors who still provide me with the artist freedom to put my own spin on a commission. One collector in particular has amassed nearly 100 of my works over 15 years or so, and she may advise a preferred size of a carving, but allows me to determine the color palette or style. I’m working on a set of chicks at the moment to complement a collector’s recently purchased chicken miniature; for this piece, I’ll be able to run with the color and style.chickenlittle

How has your work evolved?

I’ve become more deft at executing miniatures, so the amount of time it takes has been greatly reduced. Whenever I used to miscarve work in my earlier years, I would seamlessly turn the wood into something else. I miss that. Nowadays, I don’t make errors anymore.

For the past 20 years, I’ve been carving wood. Just recently, I have finally begun work on larger-scale sculptures and miniature scenes in boxes. One of my favorites is of a coral reef with fish swimming. My plan is to continue these into the future.reefsquirrel

Tool or technique you can’t live without?

These days, I work with the best knives for wood. When at school in Indianapolis, I attended a woodcarving show and there met a Lyons knife maker there who I still continue to use today.

Carving is relatively easy. There are three different types of woodcarving cuts: pull cut, push cut, and a stop cut. I’d highly recommend reading The Big Book of Whittling and Woodcarving Paperback by E. J. Tangerman. Chances are, you can check out this book at your local library. And, it’s likely the book hasn’t been taken out in the past year!

Non-mini artists, designers, books you look to for inspiration?

cowmilkTwo traditions close to my heart are Zuni fetishes and Oaxacan wood carvings. The Zuni animal fetishes are roughly the same size as my works (ranging in approximately 1-2 inches) and these are made out of semi-precious stones. Some Zuni works are abstracted forms. As for the Oaxacan wood carvings, these are a tabletop size and characterized by a free palette. These artists’ creations range from the more crude to the truly magnificent. I’ve sort of married these two traditions, Zuni and Oaxacan, to create my own style. I’ve allowed myself to use a free palette and range of colors when painting.

Miniaturists that inspire you?

Netsuke, 17th century Japanese miniature sculptures. They took the carving craft to a new, polished level and truly perfected that form.

Are you a collector of miniatures yourself?pins&needles

Artists are the biggest collectors of their own work. I learned this at an early age, when my room was filled with paintings by my brother and father. It’s convenient to collect and keep my own carvings since they do not take up much space at all! Occasionally I will share miniatures with friends as a gift, or will trade with other artisans.

Why woodcarving? What appeals to you most about what you do?

I am a sculptor and painter because there are things I want to say that there aren’t words for. The very act of carving wood is now something that I need. When I don’t carve, I feel that something is lacking from my day to day. Woodcarving is both my meditation and my medication. My mind enters a different zone and I can tune out the rest of the world when I’m working on a piece. I use magnification on my pieces, so the act of carving truly blocks out everything else but the microcosm I’m working on.

1427481440Carving every day provides a rhythm to my life. Previously, I would carve for 12-16 hours at a time and then crash. I have found a better balance today where I can divide my time between other projects. I enjoy writing, working on projects in the garden, and spending time with my wife and animals. I work on blog posts quite often, and have been steadily making progress on a second book. This book will speak to the intersection of art and craft.

Most beloved miniature you’ve created?

I still have a chess set I carved for myself in college. And I particularly love the Peanut Gallery carving I made a few years ago—I keep it here in my studio.

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What’s to come from Steve Tomashek?

I’m excited to move into my new woodcarving and art studio! There I’ll begin work on more large- and medium-scale pieces. I’ve worked in so many small studio spaces over the years, that it will be nice to have more room for my craft. Stay tuned for more on chainsaw carving!

Steve Tomashek lives in Germany, but is coming to the U.S. this summer to exhibit his miniature woodcarvings. For more on Steve’s colorful and whimsical menagerie, visit his website, shop the store, check out his blog, enjoy woodcarving videos on YouTube, or follow along on Twitter.

Photos taken in collaboration with Glenn Gordon.

DIY Miniature Bouquets by Wallflower Girl

Miniature arts and miniature crafts are well loved by the world at the large. Check out this DIY miniature project by England’s own Aimee of Wallflower Girl that’s sure to spread sheer botanical joy in just a matter of mini minutes!

567Making miniature bouquets is a breeze. You can share these little creations as a gift with a personalized miniature envelope. Or you can affix a mini bouquet to a gift-wrapped package or greeting card envelope. The choice is yours.

All you need is a mini amount of the following:

  • miniature flowers
  • miniature foliage
  • tissue paper (complementary color to the flowers)
  • cellophane gift wrap
  • washi tape or sellotape
  • twine, yarn, or thin ribbon


Visit Aimee’s site
for step-by-step instructions on how to make your very own miniature bouquet.

lilbouquet2

 

Daily Mini Interview: Miniaturas en FORJA

Miniaturas en FORJA

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Why miniatures? 

Miniatures inspire me to create, and to create anything of this size. I am attracted by the shape of the materials and the way my fingers can create something even more beautiful than I thought was possible.

My hope is to further introduce the miniature craft to fans around the world and to meet other artisans from other countries.

What materials do you use to make your miniatures?10974226_389413697887308_5275681234836128931_o

Sheet iron, copper, brass, wire, iron rods, and more. Materials vary based on the miniature. A variety of examples can be viewed on Facebook.

Were you formally trained in the arts?

I am self taught. I do not look at anyone’s work. I draw sketches before I begin to create a miniature.

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

Perseverance and patience.

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You guessed correctly: “miniaturas” is the Spanish word for miniatures. To see more of Jose’s detailed miniatures, head over to Facebook.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniature by Masako

Miniature By Masako

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How did you first get started in miniatures?

After my husband and I moved to the United States from Japan in 2010, I spent a lot of time looking for my next calling in life. I thought for a long time about what I wanted to do in my new life here in the States. I had previously worked with a couple of European fashion companies in Japan as a merchandiser for 20 years. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI loved my job, but I felt I had worked for designers for a long time. Now was the time to make something on my own!

While refinishing some old furniture, I noticed how beautiful natural wood can be after sanding. These particular furniture pieces were made about 90 years ago, and I said, “I took off your old makeup, now you can breathe fresh air.” Since then, I have admired the beauty of wood and the history of furniture. I thought, “I am not sure I can make life-size furniture, but I might be able to make miniature furniture.” And one day, if someone likes my work and decides to own it, she or he could pass it down from generation to generation. If I could make such works, what a splendid thing this would be! OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnd I would be quite honored! This is absolutely what I wanted to do. I had to find a miniature school. My dream grew day by day. And then my passion for miniatures started.

After attending the IGMA School in 2011, the world of miniature history and craftsmanship fascinated me. I had known it was bold idea for me to participate in the school, but I wanted to take miniature craftsmanship very seriously. I developed a deep respect of miniatures and the original inspiration in life-size furniture. I worked tirelessly to realize reproduction details. I aim to never gloss over any original details in my 1:12 scale miniatures. I really enjoy the difficulty of creating these pieces!

How has your work evolved over the years?

For my first 2-3 years as a miniature maker, I focused my passion on determining what style of furniture “clicked” for me. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI learned and developed my skills and techniques, rather than focusing on selling minis. For the past 2 years, I have focused on developing my skills further in hopes of obtaining the title of Artisan from IGMA. I soon learned what a wonderful experience it was to be a show dealer! Seeing people’s happy smiles and surprised faces makes me so very happy, and definitely energizes my work. Since I can only make a limited number of miniature furniture pieces per year, I sell these and take new orders at shows. Customers can contact me by email for commissions and I’m happy to share images of my work through online photo albums.

Where does your interest in miniatures stem from?

I’ve always been fond of the French style, especially Louis XV and hand carved furniture. Since I’ve been working in miniature furniture, I remembered from my childhood that I loved making mini, mini origami and wood carvings. I’ve also always loved Marie Antoinette.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

What fellow miniaturists inspire you?

Geoffrey Wonnacott and Harry Smith.

Non-miniature sources of inspiration?

French cabinet maker François Linke and the Furniture Collection of Versailles (2 Vol. Set).

Where will you be exhibiting next?

I expect to attend Philadelphia Miniaturia 2015 from November 6-8.

For more information and images of Masako’s absolutely breathtaking miniature furniture, visit her website and Facebook page.

Daily Mini Interview: Steve Casino, Painter Of Nuts

Steve Casino, Painter Of Nuts

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How did you first get started making portraits out of peanuts?
My first peanut portrait was of myself. It was originally a joke. As a cartoonist, I made quick sketches of myself and coworkers on peanuts.

bb4Why peanuts? Why miniature portraits?
Peanuts are my favorite snack. But it’s also fun because it uses all of the skills I’ve acquired through life and work experience. Nothing wasted.

I have always been fascinated by caricature artists as well as miniatures. This is the perfect combo. The peanut is a gimmick that got me started but I don’t need it at this point. It just gives people a point of reference for size. It’s a fun challenge to make all of that tiny stuff. A lot of problem solving.

How many years have you been making art?
Not including the formative years (kindergarten through college), probably about 25 years. My first job out of college was making fake food and miniatures for TV commercials. This was before computers did everything. The skills I learned there really apply to what I’m doing now.

Do you create peanut portraits on a full-time basis?elton-new
No. I am a toy inventor for a living. But I often put in 8-12 hours a day extra on peanut art for various clients.

How many hours does it take to make a peanut sculpture?
It used to be about 15 hours, but I’ve cut that in half through repetition.

Where can people purchase your work?
You can contact me directly for commissions.

What has been the most difficult peanut portrait to create?
The early ones like Elton John were really hard because I hadn’t figured out how to paint on a small scale yet. I had to repaint him about 10 times to get it right. Took a superhuman effort to do it. But it also turned out to be one of the most successful in the press.

nirvana_afterWhat’s been the most fulfilling portrait you’ve made?
Nirvana was the most satisfying to do. Brought back a lot of good memories of young adulthood and I really liked the way it came out. It was extra-thrilling because Nirvana’s bassist Krist Novoselić shared it on Twitter.

What do you use to make your miniature sculptures?
Aside from peanuts, I use polymer clay and wire armature a lot now for limbs and detail. My early peanuts had bamboo limbs.

Advice for beginner artists?
Really learn how to draw. It’s the basis for everything. Take a class. Sketch from life. Learn lighting and perspective. Don’t just copy Olaf from Frozen. Also, don’t ruin good art with bad photography. People don’t really see your art on the web, they only see the photograph. So the photograph is essentially your art. Make your presentation count.

Tool you can’t live without?hendrix
A rubber-tipped sculpting tool that replaced my fat fingers for the fine smoothing detail. I lost it once for 3 days and was going out of my mind.

Favorite miniature you own by another artist?
I have a hummingbird by the great micro-wood carver Steve Tomashek. He wrote a good book about miniature woodcarving.

Favorite peanut portrait you’ve ever made?
Jimi Hendrix. I never listened to him much before that. Somebody hired me to make him, and I initially wasn’t excited. But it was revelatory to play his albums while making art of him. By the time it was over, he was my favorite musician of all time and the peanut turned out to be really cute.

EDWARD_DOMEArtists you look to for inspiration?
I love the work of cartoonist Charles Addams who created the Addams Family. Also love Edward Gorey and Tim Burton. My tastes run towards the macabre. I love Wayne White and Red Grooms for 3-D creations. And there are many, many more.

What is the most memorable miniature you’ve seen?
Willard Wigan‘s recognizable characters sculpted inside the eye of a needle really blew my mind. Plus, I love much of the miniature food out of clay by many artists. Some of it is insanely realistic.

Other activities you enjoy?
Hanging out with my wife and two daughters. We’re currently plowing through every episode of Doctor Who.einstein_pic1

What do you want mini art fans to know about you?
I’m as much of a fan as a practitioner of miniatures. There’s nothing I like better than seeing a well-crafted miniature that’s been photographed well.

Steve currently lives in Cincinnati. If you’ve just been blown away by his amazing peanut portraiture, head to his website to view more works, or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

GOTX2

Daily Mini Interview: Jenn’s Minis

Miniatures by Jenn’s Minis

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How did you first get started in miniatures? 

I first started mini-ing a long, long, long time ago… when I was about ten years old. I saw a dollhouse in a toy store—a real dollhouse with working windows and electricity. The details were executed quite well.dailymini-JenniferAshleyHalfInchFairfieldLivingRoom

I believe that when you see your first minis, you’re either bitten with the bug, or you’re not. I was bitten! I wanted a dollhouse more than anything. Because they were very expensive, I started making my own out of cardboard boxes. I had a lot of fun doing that.

The interest never went away. I started saving money for “real” minis, checked out books on minis from the library, and then started subscribing to mini magazines. My mother gave me the book All About Doll Houses that includes plans for furniture. I still have it!

As I got older and became employed, I always set a little money aside for minis. I’ve been collecting things for several decades now! Which is why I need a lot of cabinet space…

Do you create & sell miniatures full-time?dailymini-JenniferashleyHalfScaleKitchen

No, I don’t sell anything. Miniatures are my relaxation creativity. For my “day” job, I’m a novelist (and I love it), but it’s creative in a different way. Every once in a while, I need the escape that minis provide me.

What types of miniatures do you make?

I make all kinds of minis: all scales and most mediums. I love woodworking and am trying to learn more of those skills.

dailymini-JenniferAshleyBigHouseUpstairsHallAdvice for beginner artists?

Practice, practice, practice. Nothing you do is wasted. Even if your piece doesn’t turn out, you learned why it didn’t work. It’s easy to get discouraged and give up. Don’t!

Tool you can’t live without?

The tool that has helped me the most is an excellent set of tweezers (two sets actually). One tweezers style is “reverse” and you squeeze the handle to open, then release to lock whatever you’re holding in place. The second tweezers are micro in size, with very, very fine ends. I can pick up the tiniest bead with them.

What is your most treasured miniature?

Oh…. probably my collection of miniature pianos and harpsichords. I didn’t deliberately start collecting them. I’d wanted a Partelow piano, and then I kept finding mini pianos at auctions and so forth. I like unusual ones, not just grands. I have a spinet, a box piano, a harpsichord (all by artisans, including Ralph Partelow), and a Bespac baby grand.dailymini-JenniferAshleyQuarterinchcottagewithpiano

I’m also very proud of myself for figuring out how to make a true-to-life baby grand in 1/4 scale! The only thing that isn’t real are the strings (I used a piece of gauze). But I have the soundboard, the plate, a keyboard with all the keys… I did a lot of research! I’m also pretty proud of the harpsichord I created in 1/4 scale, though it’s not as detailed. My goal is to create a 1-inch scale piano in full detail.

Artists you look to for inspiration?

I’ve collected all the back issues of The Scale Cabinetmaker, which contains a whole host of artisans’ and designers’ works and plans. I love the work of Shannon Moore, and was pleased to be able to take classes from her a few years ago. Pam and Pete Boorum make some lovely, lovely Shaker pieces. I also admire the work of April and Ron Gill. They’ve taken realism to great heights.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever come across by another artist?

dailymini-JenniferAshleyGrungyBathroomShannon Moore’s witches “cave” in a giant dictionary, named “Velma Ebster’s Spell in Book.” But there are so many gorgeous miniatures out there! I love searching Pinterest for photos of them.

Why miniatures? What appeals to you most about what you do?

I think looking at a snapshot of the world, perfectly duplicated—but with something unusual thrown in—is a delight. It’s the silence, the peace inside a miniature scene that can calm the brain and yet excite it. Plus, it’s just fun! You create a 3-D picture from nothing—and that’s cool!

Other activities you enjoy?

I also play music: guitar, flute, and piano. Plus, I love to cook.

Anything else you would like to add?

I try to update my blog as often as possible with my ongoing projects. I hope I can help other miniaturists figure something out, or just give them something fun to view.

Jennifer currently lives in Arizona. You can view many more of her miniature worlds on her blog or check out some of her inspirations on Pinterest.

Daily Mini Interview: Made by Lee Miniatures

Made by Lee Miniatures

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dailymini-11080024_703142446482044_7687678298332913364_oWhat types of miniatures do you create and why?
Right now, I make polymer clay food, dollhouse furniture and other various miniatures. I find it very fascinating to create food miniatures, and I think I’ll keep on doing that. On the other hand, I’m planning to develop my skills by making other types of miniatures.

What materials do you use to make miniatures?
Polymer clay, wire, metal, wood (often balsa), cardboard, and paper.

How long have you been been creating miniatures?
I started making clay charms in August 2013. In November 2013, I created my first miniature scene.

Accounts or artists you look to for inspiration?
I love the work of Tanja from Sugarcharmshop and Tomo Tanaka from Nunu’s House. And of course the many different artists featured on The Daily Miniature!
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Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?
Find your own style and love what you do. It doesn’t matter how good or bad your creations are. When you practice, you will be rewarded.

Most difficult miniature you’ve ever tried to create?
I tried once to make a chessboard but it was very difficult. I hope to find a way to make it better!

Favorite miniature you have made?
dailymini-10985192_707122249417397_4538086446169659520_nI like a cookie baking scene I made a few weeks ago.

Most memorable miniature you have ever seen?
There are so many cool pieces I’ve come across. I love Halloween scenes with bones and other creepy, strange stuff.

What appeals to you most about what you do?
I can create my own world and fascinate other people.

Other hobbies you enjoy?
I like horseback riding, singing, reading, caring for my animals, and helping animals in need.

Do you work on miniatures full time?10805792_636017849861171_3831657035468988290_n
No, I am a student. After finishing school, I want to study veterinary medicine, but I’m sure that making miniatures will stay a fascinating hobby.

What’s to come from Made by Lee Miniatures? 
I want to start a project against animal cruelty (definitely in miniature scale), as well as make my own tutorials on YouTube and my blog.

Stay tuned for many (mini) more adventures in miniature food by Germany’s Lee Ann. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or visit her blog.

Daily Mini Interview: Rachel’s Little Things

Rachel’s Little Things

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What’s your first memory with miniatures?

I was very young. Maybe 6 or 7. My mom was a collector. We had a little shelf on our wall as well as a glass case with some of her favorite pieces on display. During my childhood in Maryland, my parents used to take my brother and me to miniature train shows. The tiny scenery surrounding the model trains always intrigued me. These shows also had dollhouse displays and, each time we went, I was allowed to pick out something for myself. Little cakes and pies were my favorite. I was an artistic child by this point already, but these train show visits really inspired me. I soon after asked for some fimo clay and got started crafting. Most of all I enjoyed making miniature animals and Barbie shoes. I had a huge doll collection at the time. I was more interested in studying my dolls’ accessories and how they were made, than actually playing with the toys. All of the plastic Barbie accessories had a noticeable seam and I asked my mom about it. dailymini-IMG_9994She explained to me that these pieces were each made from a mold. From that point on, I started to make negative and positive molds.

Do you create and sell miniatures full-time?

I am a makeup artist, jewelry maker, and cake decorator as well as a miniature sculptor.

What types of miniatures do you make these days? How has your work evolved?

I started sculpting again when I was 20 years old, and wasn’t so good at it at first. I diligently made the same pieces over and over again until I was happy with them. I’m amazed at how pieces I made only 3-4 years ago are subpar to what I’m creating now. Every project I learn something new and apply it to my next piece.

dailymini-IMG_9996These days, I like making realistic miniatures. Especially food, such as beautifully stacked cakes. I’ve been gluing cakes onto rings and earring posts as of late. It’s very satisfying.

What materials do you use to make miniatures?

Polymer clay is my most used material. I also use a lot of items from the hardware store and craft stores, as well. Metalware like screws, nuts, bolts, balsa wood. It’s good to look there for nice sturdy bases. I just made a multi tired tiny cake using the tiniest screws available at True Value. Then I painted them white and it turned out just wonderful. I’m mostly happy with the strength and longevity the piece will have. I also, hair acrylic paint, glass beads, metallic powder, chain, gold leaf, etc… whatever I need to complete the piece.

Advice for new miniaturists?

Craft every single day. Even if only for a little bit. Fully immerse yourself and pour your heart into it. Don’t craft with half of your heart. Learn to evaluate your work. Remember to ask yourself, “is this the best I can do?” with every piece you make. Make your work amazing and take your time.

Tool or equipment you can’t live without?

I absolutely love my pasta machine. It’s best for rolling out perfectly flat pieces of clay in uniform shapes. It’s completely necessary for making the tiers of my cakes look so perfect and cleanly executed. I previously used to mash a single piece of clay for a cake tier and then would attempt to shape it. dailymini-IMG_9995The clay was always too puffy, round or uneven. Once I started using the pasta machine layers and wrapping the edges, it was a complete game changer.

What’s proved to be the most rewarding miniature you’ve ever made?

My favorite and most rewarding miniature I have created is the Royal Wedding Cake. It was a rather large miniature piece, and I created it out of two parts, first baking them, then gluing them together. Once I placed the top piece onto the bottom base, I started to tear up. I worked for more than 40 hours on this cake, and seeing it come together so beautifully was emotional. I look at it still and can’t believe I made it. I hope Kate Middleton sees it!

What artist inspires you?

Tarina Tarantino is hands down my biggest inspiration. I’ve followed her career since I was a kid. I once read an interview with her when I was 20 and that’s what inspired me to start crafting again. I wasn’t happy working retail at the time, and I went out and purchased about $100 worth of materials (clay, tools, paint, and brushes), and just started going for it.

dailymini-IMG_9993Could you describe your background in the arts?

I am formally trained in Special Effects Makeup. I was trained at Make-up Designory in Los Angeles. I’ve worked on countless photoshoots, music videos, national commercials, and indie films. I’ve also done a great deal of wedding makeup on brides. Earning my own IMDb page was another really great moment for me.

What is the most memorable miniature you’ve seen by another artist?

I think it would have to be this little Gentleman’s Club I saw at the Philadelphia Miniaturia in New Jersey. It had a stripper pole and everything!

Why miniatures? What appeals to you most about what you do?dailymini-IMG_9997

I like working tiny. I do makeup and the human face is about the largest scale in which I enjoy working. Eye makeup is particularly fun for me. It’s so intricate—just like painting a miniature.

What other activities do you enjoy?

I’m a curious wanderer. I walk around my neighborhood in Silver Lake almost daily. There are so many encouraging, inspiring, and artistic people out here. There’s so much to do and see. It’s truly a paradise.

Words of wisdom to share?

Be smart, be happy, be kind, and be mindful.

For more of California-based Rachel’s miniature feats, check out Instagram, Tumblr or shop her store.