artisan Archives - dailymini®

Daily Mini Interview: Fine Art Miniatures by Natasha Beshenkovsky

January 19, 2016January 22, 2016 admin

Natasha Beshenkovsky Miniatures

Can you describe your background in the arts?

I have been a professional artist all my life. I started my professional training at the age of 11 when I entered an art school in Moscow under the supervision of Academy of Art, where I continued my training for 7 years. After that, I studied film at the Moscow Film Institute. I graduated as a director and focused on short, 3D-animated films. I designed, wrote and directed the films which were shot on flat tables and used props approximately the size of 1:12 dollhouse scale. Through my work in animation, I got great experience painting and sculpting in small scale.

Daily Mini Interview: Fine Art Miniatures by Natasha Beshenkovsky full post

(1323 words, 11 images, estimated 5:18 mins reading time)

Miniaturists Invited to Apply for IGMA Guild School Scholarship Program

July 28, 2015July 28, 2015 admin

August 1 Application Deadline Approaches for 2016 Guild School Scholarships

11001734_495437613947344_1262031359807214468_n — 2015 Guild School Scholarship Recipient Ron Stetkewicz displaying work by Bonni Backe at 2015 Live Auction

The Guild School Scholarship Program is made possible by the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA). Established in 1985, this scholarship program awards funding to deserving miniaturists interested in attending the annual IGMA Guild School in Castine, Maine. This year’s application for the 2016 Guild School scholarship is due Sunday, August 1, 2015. Click here to download the scholarship application.

Miniaturists Invited to Apply for IGMA Guild School Scholarship Program full post

(395 words, 2 images, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Nancy Summers

June 25, 2015June 25, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Nancy Summers

| Website |

How did you get started in miniatures?

I had a dollhouse when I was little. Early on, I was a dollmaker and made little dolls for the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home & Museum in Greenfield, Indiana. I worked on little orphan Annies.

A customer bought a shadowbox and inquired about a miniaturist who could furnish it. So I made a kitchen for this woman and that was it. After that, I was hooked. My husband gave me an architect’s ruler (1 inch is 1 foot) and I began selling dolls at arts and crafts shows in Indiana. Several women from a miniature shop in Ohio came through one show and bought everything I had. They ordered more for a show in Sandusky, and there was a line of guests waiting to view the works on display.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Nancy Summers full post

(675 words, 7 images, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)

Daily Mini Interview: Miniature Miniatures by Nell Corkin

June 25, 2015February 16, 2017 admin

Nell Corkin’s Miniature Miniatures

| Website | Blog |

What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

My earliest memory is I was 5 years old or so and had a shoebox. I wanted to make a house out of it, so I did. That was just me. I always loved working with my hands. At Christmas time around that age, I received a kit to make doll hats. I made them all day and all night. And when my parents told me to go to bed, I cried and cried. I was just so absorbed in making hats for my dolls.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniature Miniatures by Nell Corkin full post

(1743 words, 9 images, estimated 6:58 mins reading time)

Daily Mini Interview: IGMA Guild School Director Barbara Davis

June 23, 2015May 27, 2018 admin

International Guild of Miniature Artisans
Director of the Guild School: Barbara Davis

| Website | Facebook | Instagram |

How did you first get started in miniatures?

I was doing full-size furniture refinishing for my home; as well as being an antique collector. One of the antique stores in town had a dollhouse section. The owner also ran a local miniature show. I began making my own miniature furniture and eventually began selling at shows. I specialized in Early American country, painted, aged furniture.

How has your work evolved over the years?

Daily Mini Interview: IGMA Guild School Director Barbara Davis full post

(553 words, 3 images, estimated 2:13 mins reading time)