Miniatures by Barbara Ann Meyer of mini-gems
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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?
Making a miniature sculpted 3D picture of flower arrangements for a girl scout competition when I was 11.
How did you first get started making miniatures?
My mom was into different crafts and had my sisters and I work with her. We first made jewelry and craft items and sold in flea markets, and eventually art fairs. Then a miniature shop owner saw our miniature apple earrings and wanted to sell them in her shop. We sold wholesale to her, and eventually started selling in miniature shows. That was about 40 years ago.
What scale do you work in?
I work in 1″, 1/2″, 1/4″, and 1/144th scales.
What’s your favorite scale to work in?
My favorite is 1/4″ because I don’t have to put a lot of detail in each piece. 
A lot is left to the imagination.
What is your favorite type of miniature to make?
I love sculpting birds. I never get tired of it. I love teaching birds especially in art fairs to kids. I say, “it’s just 4 easy steps,” and then I show them, and they do it. And they get all excited. It’s wonderful!
What is the most challenging miniature to make, and why is it so difficult?
The 1/144th scale is hard because it’s so small.
What advice would you give to new miniaturists?
Do your own thing.
Favorite animal you create in miniature?
Right now it’s my fuzzy baby raccoons.
Favorite miniature you own by another artist or have made yourself?
I have two hand sculpted sitting babies about 1″ high and they are laughing. I smile every time I look at them. Unfortunately they are unsigned. I’d like to give credit to the artist.
What inspires you?
Originality and nature.
What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?
A nudist colony!
What is your hope for the field of miniatures?
My hope for miniatures is that more people will get inspired to create, because it’s so much fun. We can exhibit our work in art and craft fairs. Also, we can exhibit online.
Favorite miniaturists?
Too many to mention. Everyone is so nice!
What would you like to see replicated in miniature?
I’d like to see (and it probably has been done already) a beautiful formal castle garden with running fountains.
Why miniatures?
I love sculpting and I love animals, so somehow I fell into this wonderful hobby.
Upcoming projects planned?
This year I want to make a giraffe, witch, and eagle (for starters). In 5 years, my husband will hopefully retire, and we will travel the country in an RV with our little dog, doing miniature shows.
Words you live by?
I remember this one quote when I worry too much: “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its strength.”
Favorite miniature quote?
“Miniaturists work as little as possible.”
Other activities you enjoy?
I love to swim.
What do you want miniature fans to know about you?
If there are fans of mine, I really appreciate them!
Would you like to share a dailymini exclusive with readers? If so, what’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m not patient. Miniatures is teaching me patience because I love animals, I want to do a good job sculpting them, so I have to be patient.
Barbara Ann Meyer of mini-gems is always creating something new! Have a look at her show schedule to see where she’ll be selling minis next.
