Totally Handmade Miniatures
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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?
The first miniature I ever made was a slice of watermelon when I was 5 years old. My auntie used to make ceramic flowers out of an air drying dough she used to make herself. She used to give me pieces of the dough to create miniatures while she made flowers. I loved her work and creativity, and she inspired me to work with clay and be creative.
How did you first get started making miniatures? How has your work evolved?
In 1995, I got my first dollhouse as my birthday gift from my uncle. I was so excited to play with it and decided to make whatever I didn’t have, using clay. I made a roasted chicken out of DAS clay, and this was my first creation later in life. Then my mother bought me a Play-Doh set with a vegetable mold that was about the size for a dollhouse. I didn’t use polymer clay until 2010. It was not available in Kuwait at that time, and I had to make an order for international shipment.
What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?
Before learning about polymer clay, I went through a site called pincstuff by a young girl who used to make ice cream cones out of polymer clay. I was so touched by her miniature work and details.
Advice for new miniaturists?
Details makes all the difference, even the smallest detail that you wouldn’t think matters.
Why miniatures?
I loved playing with dolls in my childhood, and my dream was to mimic real life activities. Even now, I find it very challenging, yet amazing to be able to recreate natural effects and have them exist in miniature scale. Every new miniature project for me is an interesting challenge!
Upcoming projects planned?
I’m planning to open my Etsy shop soon. I’m also sketching for a complete set of mini restaurants each by theme: Italian, Mediterranean, Chinese.
What do you want miniature fans to know about you?
I love making miniatures that challenge me, rather than straightforward, easy miniatures. After all, it’s all for fun!
Totally Handmade Miniatures are created by Israa from Kuwait, who now lives in Maryland, U.S. Have a look at some recent miniature creations on Instagram!
