q&a

Miniatures by Lintang Rahmawati

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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

That was when I was a child, I had friend who owned a dollhouse and I used to come to her house with another friend to see it. At that time, I kept wanting to tell my dad to buy me one, but I knew a dollhouse cost a lot of money. Instead, I asked my mom to make some mini clothes for my doll, and I was so happy with the result. She’s great at making clothes.

How did you first get started making miniatures?

As Graphic Design students who took an Audiovisual class, my team and I got tasked with making a stop motion animation. We made some miniature household goods of clay for the indoor scene. I thought it was very interesting and the tiny items looked so cute.

Do you remember the very first miniature you made?

My very first miniature I made (despite the ones for that stop motion animation task) was a love letter scene which contained an opened notebook (to write the letter), an envelope, a pencil, and a heart-shaped sticker. They were all made of clay. It is still in my drawer.

What is your favorite type of miniature to make?

I mostly enjoy making a particular scene which consists of miniature household goods. That’s because I’m in love with dollhouses.

What is the most challenging miniature to make, and why is it so difficult?

I usually make miniatures from clay, so it is very challenging to make miniature furniture and household goods which require precise calculating and clay might be difficult to sculpt precisely. I have to be extra gentle to sculpt one or else I will ruin the whole clay work.

What advice would you give to new miniaturists?

Don’t be anxious to explore any technique and media on your miniature work, you’ll never know what’s better to fit your working style until you give it a try.

Favorite miniaturists or artists/designers working in small scale?

I always admire the works of Stephanie Kilgast of @petitplat, Emily Boutard of @architectureoftinydistinction, and a Japanese artist who runs the Instagram account @minitama3. Their miniature works are awesome and the details are breathtaking.

What inspires you?

Sometimes, when I just look at my surroundings, it puts me at ease and the idea comes to me suddenly and I have to quickly write it down before it fades. On the other hand, seeing other artists’ works can be inspiring as well.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

Tanaka Tatsuya is a Japanese artist who creates the most unique artwork I have ever seen. He doesn’t make miniatures; instead he repurposes everyday objects as set pieces or tools for teeny, tiny people in action, creating a whole new perspective of small scale art.

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

All I’ve been thinking about is miniatures… they are incredibly cute yet stunning. The point is miniatures are small stuff which require more complicated techniques than what the public thinks.

What’s to come from Lintang Rahmawati?

I’m starting to make a real dollhouse (but progressing on a single room first) using mixed media (clay, paper, card, wood, fabric, wire, bamboo stick, thread, etc.). It is challenging yet exciting to explore media I’ve never worked on. A collaboration with other artists may come up too.

Words you live by?

I got into Pablo Picasso’s words: “Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Other activities you enjoy?

I enjoy listening to instrumental music as well as playing musical instruments, especially the piano. I’ve been dreaming to make a fine miniature piano once I advance in this field.

What do you want miniature enthusiasts to know about you?

Plenty of friends told me that they love seeing my work, so I think handcrafted miniatures are bringing joy to some people. I’ll be pleased to hear that my work can make their day.

Indonesia-based Lintang Rahmawati lives in Malang, East Java. Have a look at the new miniatures featured on Liratelier Tumblr and @lintangrahma Instagram!

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Mar 31, 2016 at 8:43pm PDT

Mad Missy Minis

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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

Turning out small mud cakes from jar lids and decorating them with leaves, twigs, seeds and other found things when I was a child in the Philippines. Later on, it was Barbie and Sindy and their horses who captivated my imagination. Our lounge would become a show jumping arena as I laid out canned goods from the pantry and used chopsticks as jump poles. I also had a huge herd of miniature horse figurines similar to the Schleich brand; I would set up my herd in the rockery surrounding our fishpond. I was never lonely as a child.

How did you begin making miniatures of your own? 

I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember… the kind of kid who made something out of whatever I could find. In my teens, when I lived in South Africa, a good friend was a military miniature enthusiast and he bought me my first white metal fantasy figurines and gave me a bag of dental plaster and said I should make a diorama. It was a wolf’s head mountain with stone stairs leading up to an altar. Sadly, with all my travels it did not survive but I still have the warrior’s horse. My miniature creations have emerged in fits and bouts until this last year when I resumed my interest after my mum married a lovely man who had made this most incredible 1:24 scale dollhouse. I was thoroughly captivated and so started what has turned out to be an intense obsession that has remained constant.

Do you remember the very first miniature you ever made? 

I’d say apart from the mud cakes, the two miniatures made from scratch that I can recall from earlier years were: a pool table made from office supplies and ball bearings from a shotgun cartridge I found in our office when I was working 12 hour night shifts as a security officer at London’s most exclusive hotel. I remember my colleagues (mostly ex-Special Air Service) were pretty impressed with my improvisation.

The second piece was created in New Zealand for a neighbor’s son: a boxing ring with two cicada exoskeletons as the pugilistic protagonists. Cicadas are a type of tree cricket with sizable front pincer type appendages which I painted to look like boxing gloves.

Why the current love of modern design? What about this era speaks to you?

I don’t actually discriminate between eras when it comes to miniatures, I love them all. I often upcycle pieces of Victorian or Georgian furniture to give them a shabby chic or distressed look; I give them a new lease on life as something contemporary. What I make from scratch is solely modern because of the crisp lines of design and my love of contemporary fabrics. I’ve promised myself that, when in doubt, I will not turn to the dark side and cover things with tons of lace. By nature, I’m also one to take the path less trodden, in that the modern miniature scene is really in its infancy and I want to establish myself as a master artisan. I’m very particular about materials and so I don’t use stuff like foam core or cardboard as I want my works to have an archival quality.

What is your favorite type of miniature to make these days? 

At the moment, I am focused on miniature fine art (seemed a natural transition since I am a practicing fine artist, tutor, and gallery owner) and soft furnishings such as bedding sets as well as chairs and sofas. I’m especially enamored with sofas and armchairs. I often joke about the fact that my personal collection of room boxes are little environments I can control, considering I share my real home with two birds, two cats and a less than tidy teenager (my darling son). At least my room boxes stay tidy and pristine, unlike the family home.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work with miniatures? 

I got the most challenging thing out of the way very early on and the lesson learned was the importance of choice of materials. If I make a good decision with materials, then most things I create turn out with a measure of success. My hard lesson involved a tutorial on how to make an ornate chaise lounge with matboard. This is probably a strong reason why I refuse to work with matboard – it’s problematic in so many ways. My other mistake was choosing a soft silk scarf to upholster with—it frayed and slipped and behaved in a way that made me feel like my fingers were pool noodles. So in conclusion, most things are achievable given a good choice in materials.

Favorite furniture designers?

There are myriad uncredited designers whose work I admire. As for the better known designers, I appreciate Knoll Bassett; Noguchi; Wegner; van der Rohe; Baughman and the unnamed craftsman who created the Chesterfield chair for Lord Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield.

Favorite miniature artisans?

As a relative newcomer to the miniature revolution I have yet to discover all of the talent out there, I avoid being influenced too much. I do however follow a few contemporaries: D. Thomas Fine Miniatures and his fabulous stable of miniature artisans; Sean Valentine of Valentine’s Miniatures and Gerhard Wernecke.

What is your favorite period of art history?

I have a love for the dramatic and so the works of Caravaggio, da Vinci and Rubens feed that desire. I love Stubbs as I will always be a horse-mad little girl. Then there are the Impressionists whose use of color, propensity for anti-establishment expression, and fascination with everyday life is much like my own approach to miniatures.

What advice would you give to new artists and beginner miniaturists? 

First is: be prepared to spend on quality materials and tools. Ensure you have a dedicated workspace and afford the hobby time. Secondly, but more importantly, observe others creating (online tutorials are the gift of others’ experience).

Get curious: be prepared to dissect existing furniture to see what’s inside and get an idea of how it was constructed. Don’t feel bad about just sitting and thinking about how to create something. Of the time I spend creating a piece, 50% would be research, sketching and buying the right materials. If you have a good solid plan, everything else will follow, so trust the process.

Favorite miniature you own?

My current favorite is my Union Jack Sofa. It is named after a watercolor I painted last year, In the Arms of the Empire.

I don’t buy other artisans’ creations but will be tempted by certain mass-produced items that are support accents for a theme. My latest find are some elegant glass bottles that will make perfect whiskey decanters once I add a crystal bead ‘stopper.’

What inspires you?

I won’t lie, I’m an artist with a healthy ego and I really enjoy the very positive feedback I get from other miniaturists and non-miniaturists who often fall for the illusion and show genuine intrigue.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

I would have to say Gerhard Wernecke‘s organs are entirely captivating as I can appreciate his master craftsman skills and the absolute accuracy of his work.

What is your hope for the field of miniatures? 

Drawing in a new generation of miniaturists would ensure that the art has longevity. Last year, my kids’ art classes (aged 8-15 years old) created their own room box and it was great to see how involved they got with their projects. I think there needs to be a broader appreciation for handmade miniatures. Sadly, the plethora of cheap imports often created in sweatshop conditions may seem attractive on price but are entirely destructive to the art of miniatures. I see so many miniaturists charging a paltry amount because they are trying to compete with such imports; as they do this, so the public perception is affected and there is a loss of appreciation for the time, effort and skill that it takes to create a truly beautiful piece.

What would you like to see replicated in miniature that you have not yet seen?

With 3D printers and laser cutters there is little unchartered territory left, couple that with the many creative minds out there, almost everything has been done. I think it’s how well you do it that counts.

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

It is the challenge of how to go about a creation and the ultimate composition that will engage and inspire others. There is something in miniatures that evokes a childlike sense of play that we often lose in the full scale, grown-up world. The other aspect I really enjoy is using found items and incorporating these into my designs.

What’s to come from Mad Missy Minis?

Personal project: my son (who really is an old man in a young man’s body with rather expensive taste) has requested a combination room box: an ornate gentleman’s smoking room, drawing room and library. I expect this project will be at least a year or so process as we have agreed that we will find the finest materials to construct the room box. We already have a vintage replica rolex watch face that is to become a clock. A leather Chesterfield sofa like this one, from the collection by Sofas By Saxon, and some high-backed winged armchairs will also be featured.

Mad Missy Minis: as I have just launched my Etsy store, the focus is on modern upholstered chairs, sophisticated bedroom packages and miniature fine art, specializing in abstracts and sculptures. I’m often complimented on the styling of my room boxes, so I intend to offer instant makeover packages so that collectors get a cohesive, polished look to their room box or house. Also coming soon are reasonably priced mini prints of my life-size artworks.

Words you live by?

“If you love what you do for a living then you never have to work a day in your life.” –Confucius (in fact there are many of his quotes that are just so darned wise and really resonate with me)

Favorite miniature quote? 

To draw from Confucius once again: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.”

Other activities you enjoy?

What, there’s more to life than miniatures?! I do thoroughly enjoy painting, sculpting, dancing, watching documentaries, debating international politics, and talking to my two geriatric cats who hang out all day with me in my studio.

Mad Missy Minis was created by fine artist Mel Sebastian who is based in Brisbane, Australia. Enjoy her latest miniatures and room boxes by following along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Buy your own minis from Mad Missy Minis Etsy and shop full scale works of art via the Art 101 Website.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Mar 24, 2016 at 12:23pm PDT

Miniatures by MGArtwork

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What is it about animals that inspires you to create them in miniature? 

I love animals, and was drawn to them ever since I can remember. They are very honest, and they love you for who you are, and never judge you. Animals have a pure soul! I always wanted to have pets, and I think that not having one drove me to “create” them myself.

Favorite type of animal that you enjoy making in miniature? 

It’s really hard to choose… they’re all fun to create, and each one brings new challenges.

What miniature animals would you like to create next? 

There are many animals that I’d love to create… some dog breeds I haven’t tried to sculpt yet, and exotic or wild birds. Perhaps I’ll work on more types of domestic animals like squirrels and birds. Apart from that, I would really love to try sculpting a miniature doll or human figure.

Describe the process of making a miniature animal.

1. It starts by searching the Internet for some good reference photos, specifically any photo that provides good details of the animal.
2. Then, I start the sculpture by creating a wire armature that I cover with FIMO clay and bake.
3. Next, I start to sculpt the animal over the wire armature I created.
4. After I finish the sculpture, I bake the clay in the oven. I bake it several times as I build the figure.
5. After the final bake, I give the sculpture a coat of acrylic paint (using all different colors for the animal I’m creating).
6. Then I start to work on its fur coat, using synthetic fur or wool, which I apply through two different techniques. On areas where the fur is short (usually the face, ears, legs) I apply fur with some glue. On areas where the fur is longer, I apply the fur carefully layer by layer in the appropriate growth direction.
7. Then the final and fun touch: I give the fur coat highlights and shading with acrylic pains, to give the animal a more authentic look.

All my pieces are OOAK (one-of-a-kind), 100% handmade, unique sculptures. It’s a long process, and each animal takes many hours to complete. I pay attention to details to make them as realistic as I can, and do my very best with each piece I create. Over all, it’s well worth the time and effort!

Do you have a favorite miniature that you’ve made? 

Yes, I created a miniature lemur (the one in the picture) which I really like and can’t part with. I love it because it’s something I wanted to add to my own little collection for a very, very long time. The ring-tailed lemur is a very special animal to me, and I just love their fur style and pattern.

Tool or material you can’t live without? 

I definitely can’t live without polymer clay (my favorite one to use is FIMO). I have three major tools I love to use, including a needle.

What inspires you?

Music and nature!

Advice for beginner sculptors?

Never give up! Don’t be disappointed if you do not meet your expectations. You’ll see that with practice and time, you’ve made a marked improvement on each sculpture you create!

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

It’s really fascinating, and I love the challenge of creating realistic animals in such tiny scale.

Other hobbies you enjoy?

I enjoy good music. All my hobbies are basically on the creative side, especially the miniature category.

Michal Gvir is the creator behind MGArtwork. Have a look at new MGArtwork creations on Facebook and for sale on eBay.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Mar 26, 2016 at 11:17am PDT

Leslie Frick, Custom Creations by Rika

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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

My earliest memory of my involvement with miniatures is from when I was about 10 years old. I used to collect miniature dime store plastic animals with my girl friend, and we would paint them to look realistic. We would coat them with clear nail polish and they would glisten like glass.

What are some of your earliest memories with domestic pets or animals? 

I grew up with a strong love of animals and nature. I spent hours in the woods with my best friend. We were expert frog catchers. I have always loved animals! I went on to become a Veterinary Technician and worked as one for about eight years until I had my first of three children.

What was it about animals as a medium that spoke to you?

I was always interested in animals. As a young girl, I would sketch them from pictures in books. I started paying close attention to their form and muscular definition.

Do you remember some of the creations you made in your first ceramics course? 

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I began making a dollhouse for her. I took a ceramics class at a local community college and began sculpting animals for her dollhouse. I still have those very first animals. My how they have improved from those early days!

Do you have a favorite breed of animal that you enjoy creating in miniature? 

I don’t really have a favorite breed. I’m always excited about sculpting something new. Now, I’m much more interested in capturing a certain pose or expression. I like to try to make my pieces tell a story.

Any new breeds you will be making in miniature?

Some of the newer types of breeds that I would like to sculpt are some of the more popular small breeds. I’m also starting to do birds and I’m finding them very challenging. It’s so hard to get detail into something that small!

Favorite miniature you’ve made?

I don’t really have a favorite miniature that I’ve made so far. I like doing scenes and I have done several that I am happy with, but in my mind, I’m always striving to do better. I will probably always feel that way. I think that is what excites me about what is next. I always want to improve!

What materials do you use in your work?

The medium I use is Super Sculpey. I also can’t live without the tools I use. When we moved into our current house almost 30 years ago, I found a set of dental instruments that the previous owners had left behind. I still use the exact same tools today.

Most memorable miniatures you’ve come across?

My memories of miniatures by another artist that have impressed me are the fairies and mermaids done by Todd Krueger and the work of Aaron Cullars, who did an amazing diorama of the seven deadly sins of humanity. It was kind of a dark subject but it was brilliantly executed.

What is your hope for the miniatures industry?

I hope that this amazing industry continues to grow… I think it has a fairly good following but I think much of the population doesn’t realize what a true art form it is. I think the best hope for the industry is getting children involved. After all, they are the collectors of the future.

Any advice for new artists and miniaturists?

My advice to beginning artists and miniaturists is to be sure to train your eye to look for the most realistic scale. A single thing out of scale can ruin the miniature effect. I know what I once thought looked acceptable in a scene now does not. Things don’t always have to be perfect though. If you are building something to be played with, then one doesn’t have to be as scrutinizing.

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

One of the most appealing things about miniatures is the friends I have made and the sharing of a common interest with others.

What’s to come from Leslie Frick?

I’ll be exhibiting miniature work at the following shows this year:

• Chicago International on April 15, 16, 17
• Three Blind Mice Miniature Show from May 6-7
• Greater Cleveland Miniature Show on May 22
• Sturbridge Dollhouse Miniature Festival from June 4-5

Leslie Frick, Custom Creations by Rika is based in Franklin, Michigan. To see more of her work, head to her website and check out her miniature work available for sale online.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Mar 18, 2016 at 2:01pm PDT

Kaye Browning of the Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection 

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Kaye Browning is Miniatures Curator of the Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection, a 3,300-square-foot gallery filled with thousands of fine art miniatures, room boxes, and 1:12-scale furnished houses located in the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center in Maysville, Kentucky. 

What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

When I was ten, my girlfriend received a dollhouse as a gift. I had my own, but her house was different. It had something special, yet I didn’t quite realize what it was. I remember looking at the realism of the items. I analyzed the proportions, the materials and how everything fit together so perfectly to become a “real room.” The atmosphere was a feeling of warmth, and I felt like I was being invited across the threshold to live in the miniatures world.

You’ve been collecting miniatures for more than 40 years. How did you first get started? 

By accident, really. I was reading Tasha Tudor’s A is for Annabelle to my two daughters when I noticed that the bed and blanket on the “Q” page were the very same bed and pink and white nine-patch quilt I had as a child. I must have dwelled on it because Bill, my husband at the time, made the bed for me in 1:12-scale from a black walnut gun butt using a Dremel mini-lathe. He was not an artisan, nor did either one of us know anything about miniatures, but I was spellbound by the diminutive bed and I consider it my first miniature. But my second husband of 35 years, Louis Browning, is truly responsible for nurturing my passion. Together, we’ve traveled the world collecting pieces and I am forever grateful to have found a partner in love and life who enjoys watching me share this art form with the world.

Approximate number of works in the collection today?

Thousands and thousands! We have silverwork, textiles, pottery and porcelain, furniture, jewelry, working tools and musical instruments, fine paintings, and more—all recreated in 1:12 scale (one inch to one foot).

Notable works in the collection you’d like to mention?

The cornerstone of the gallery is Spencer House, Princess Diana’s ancestral London townhouse, by Mulvany & Rogers. We have three historical buildings from my hometown of Maysville, recreated by Ashby and Jedd, which depict many of my memories growing up. And the collection includes numerous rare and one-of-a-kind individual pieces by Don Buttfield, Barry Hipwell, Denis Hillman, Pierre Mourey, and Le Chateau Interiors. I truly feel everything in the gallery is a notable work.

What is the oldest work in the collection?

One-twelfth-scale 17th century Dutch sterling silver purchased in Amsterdam at an antique show.

What is the selection process like when considering a piece to add to your collection?

My purchasing or commissioning of a piece depends entirely on whether or not the miniature speaks to my heart. Does it remind me of something I did as a child? Does it make my creative juices flow? Is it a piece that evokes a memory or makes me feel good, or is it so beautifully detailed and created that I could imagine it in full size in my own home? There are so many reasons why I am touched by a piece, but it is mostly feeling an instant connection to it and knowing that the right spot to use it will come along, if it has not already presented itself.

Most memorable miniature you have seen?

A beautiful petit-point rug by Phyllis Sirota that is so finely stitched it looks like it is hand-painted.

What inspires you?

Many, many things inspire me, from people, places, and things to scenery, memories, photographs, and the exquisitely executed miniatures that are art in themselves. My question is always, “How can that best be displayed so that visitors to the gallery can appreciate its beauty and detail?”

What is your favorite period of art history?

I love the Georgian period in English history—the furniture is so graceful. I am also very fond of the Tudor and Jacobean periods and the Italian Renaissance period, having lived in Naples for several years. I adore all time periods in history because each one tells a different story. I never get bored because I can recreate any structure in any time period and fill it with furniture and accessories to imagine what it would have been like to have lived during that time.

What advice would you give to today’s generation of miniature artisans?

Keep striving for excellence in craftsmanship and historical accuracy and understand that you are creating and promoting your pieces as an art form.

What advice would you give to a miniature enthusiast interested in starting their own collection of miniatures?

Be selective and buy only what your heart tells you is right for you. Sometimes, I am introduced to wonderful pieces but if they do not speak to me emotionally, then I know they’re not meant to be in my collection.

Words you live by?

My mother’s voice telling me, “To Thine Own Self Be True.”

What would you like to see replicated in miniature that you have not yet seen?

I do not think there is such a thing. I recently purchased a 1:12-scale Swiss Army knife by St. Leger with eleven working parts. It’s an amazing feat in that scale and it is perfect!

What is your hope for the field of miniatures?

That it can be truly recognized as an art form along with its full-sized counterparts, whether it be a painting, a piece of sterling silver, or a highly detailed piece of furniture.

It’s what we try to accomplish with our social media posts—to share the craftsmanship of the art form and to challenge artisans to keep raising the bar on that craftsmanship.

What’s to come from the Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection?

In the fall, we will be unveiling a wonderful recreation by Wm. R. Robertson of the old Browning Manufacturing Company pulley shop and engineering office, which was my husband’s family business. Without giving too much away, it was inspired by the beautiful wooden pulleys made there, and the prototype of the more modern sheaves will be sitting on the drafting table in the adjoining room.

The Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection has been a four decades long labor of love that has taken Curator Kaye Browning around the globe and into the studios of the most talented miniatures artisans in the field. The KSB Collection is a 3,300-square foot gallery filled with thousands of fine art miniatures, room boxes, and 1:12-scale furnished houses. To learn more about Kaye’s mission and the collection, visit the KSB Miniatures Collection website and blog. Make sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook!

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Feb 24, 2016 at 1:14pm PST

Miniatures by CosediunaltroMondo

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What’s your first memory with miniatures?

My first purchase of a small slicer.

How did you first get started making miniatures? 

I’ve always been passionate and attracted to small objects. I keep a collection, and from there, my interest turned to dollhouses.

Do you remember the very first miniature you ever made? 

I bought and mounted a small wardrobe that I kept and love very much.

What is your favorite type of miniature to make, and why do you enjoy it so much?

Without a doubt, I like to make Italian food, because I like to eat. I especially like the specialties of our famous Italian cuisine.

What is the most challenging miniature to make? 

The color palette that requires a very long time to make.

What advice would you give to new miniaturists? 

To put so much passion and so much love and great humility into your work. Try to reproduce the objects as true as possible, maintaining their measures and putting yourself in front of the original full scale work.

Favorite miniature you own by another artist?

I have some of the famous kitchens by Philippe Bordelet, which I love. From these, I was inspired to create new stoves.

What inspires you?

The simple life. Everything that attracts me in its beauty and elegance.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

There’s not any one in particular, because in my career I have met some wonderful artists who have made perfect and precious objects.

What is your hope for the field of miniatures?

I hope that Italy will become a culture of a lot of love and feeling, which unfortunately in Italy is disappearing. I hope that people can support each other to spread this passion of miniatures.

What would you like to see replicated in miniature that you have not yet seen?

Now in this moment I have no idea, because in 20 years of exhibitions, I have seen the world in miniature.

What’s to come from Mariangela Gagliardi?

As anticipated, I am producing beautiful miniature stoves since after Philippe’s work, there are not many pieces for collectors.

Other activities you enjoy?

I love to travel and I love to read. I love to look at books and to spend time with my wonderful children.

Anything else you would like to add? 

That the world of the miniature is a fantasy world, which allows me to create and to dream, and that I will continue to do so with creative spirit in order to convey something to all my fans.

Mariangela Gagliardi Milano created the miniature brand of CosediunaltroMondo. You can see many more of her works in miniature on Etsy, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can also follow Mariangela on LinkedIn, Google+, and Facebook.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Feb 25, 2016 at 10:40am PST

CUBi Dice: World’s Smallest Titanium Dice

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Describe the development of CUBi dice. 

CUBi dice is my first miniature work. I always like to set a new challenges to myself. One of my biggest passions is CNC machining, and the idea about CUBi came up as a challenge to create the smallest gaming die with precise machining. There have been other small dice on the market but none of them have been made with CNC machining.

What goes into making one die? 

Each die is made with three steps. The first step is machining where a small piece of titanium is put very carefully in a CNC mill and the precise shape and holes of CUBi are made. The next step is polishing each side of a die. This process is done by a hand, and the purpose of it is to make the dice smoother after machining. The last step is a final surface finish to give the die a stunning look. For this step, I have chosen bead blasting that creates a smooth matte look and highlights the beautiful titanium color.

Click here to support the CUBi Dice campaign on Kickstarter!

 

What is the most challenging aspect of making CUBi dice?

The most challenging part is fastening the die in the mill. Each side of CUBi is made separately, therefore you need to be extremely careful not to damage the work. This process could be compared to making a jewelry piece. It is hard for manufacturing, but I love it because that makes the CUBi more exclusive.

Approximately how many CUBi dice have been made?

For now, I have made more than 30 CUBi dice. They come in sets of two, four and six. Each set comes in a special stainless steel keychain where it can be stored. The keychain is also CNC machined and very small not to make your pocket stuffed.

Approximately how long does it take to make one CUBi die?

Creating one CUBi die takes about half an hour. Of course, with large scale manufacturing, this time could be reduced.

Have you ever considered making other “world’s smallest” works?

Yes, I have great plans in the future, especially works made with CNC machining and small scale works, as well. I don’t want to reveal any details at this time, as I’m only in an early development stage.

What advice would you give to new artists?

Don’t be afraid to bring your ideas to life, even the crazy ones. I believe that true innovation comes from people that are not afraid to fulfill their dreams.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by a passion that comes from others. A person truly passionate about what he or she is doing excites and motivates me the most.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

I really love Thomas Doyle’s tragic miniatures. There is something special about his works. They are so realistic that it feels like real-time events have been frozen in small size artworks.

What would you like to see in miniature?

Pretty much anything can be found in small scale, but the next level would be to add movement and functionality to these small works.

Why miniature dice? What appeals to you most about what you do?

Because it is an icon of gaming world. I love how games connect people and I wanted to create something that represents the game itself. The other goal of this project was to show the limit of precise machining.

What’s to come from CUBi dice?

I have some great ideas for upcoming projects, but for now I am focused on CUBi dice only. I have decided to make it available to everyone and to start large scale production. In my opinion, the best way to do that would be through crowdfunding where I could see potential customers respond to the product and get all the necessary funds to start manufacturing at the same time. Therefore, I launched a Kickstarter campaign this month.

Words you live by?

1. Find your dream and follow it.
2. Do the things that matter to you and your beloved ones.

Other activities you enjoy?

I enjoy creating design products both functional and beautiful. I really love classic motorcycles. I am planning to create my own project in due time. Sports and a healthy lifestyle are my passions, as well.

What do you want “world’s smallest” fans to know about you?

If you like my CUBi dice project you are welcome to find it on Kickstarter. I would be super thankful if you would support me and share my project with your friends.

CUBi dice, the smallest titanium dice in the world, was designed and created by Kristaps Krisjans who is based in London, United Kingdom. You can support the design and production of CUBi dice by donating on Kickstarter. Check out the CUBi dice website for more information, and make sure to follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Feb 19, 2016 at 8:54pm PST

Sinny’s Mini Art 

|  Etsy  |  eBay  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get started making miniatures?

My name is Xinyi Scott (I usually go by “Sinny Scott” since it’s easier for Americans). I am from Shenzhen, China. I graduated from Hainan University and majored in singing. Before I came to the United States, I was a professional singer with more than 600 performances. I also played a traditional Chinese instrument: guzheng. I also wrote articles, and got several published.

In 2012, I met my husband in Hong Kong. After we got married I came to the U.S. I had a happy marriage. I went to college in Dallas, TX. I wanted to be a pharmacist. In 2013, the second year of my college, I got sick. Due to some unknown disease, I lost my voice. I went to many high level hospitals. Unfortunately, none of the doctors I saw could figure out the problem nor fix it. I had to quit my school even though I had a 4.0 GPA. Towards the end of 2014, my disease was getting worse and worse. I cried, I complained, I struggled. My family gave me all their love and endless support. Anyway, it’s a long story.

Due to my husband’s job, we moved to Savannah, Georgia in 2014. At the beginning of 2015, I was walking through Michael’s. I accidentally came across so many miniature things for sale: books, furniture, eggs… Everything was just like the real world, but a smaller version. I love miniatures so much. When I got home, I did some research. Then I found an amazing world that I never knew about. I started making miniature food out of polymer clay. I made a grocery market stall and some tiny cakes. It was so much fun. The most important thing was that I forgot the pain in my throat when I was doing it!

Since then, I can’t stop making miniatures. I have bought all kinds of tools to make different things instead of just using clay. I now make miniature furniture, beading, fabrics, and needlework. Oh yes, I became totally addicted to miniatures.

When did you begin making miniatures available for sale?

In November 2015, I decided to turn my hobby into a business. I started an Etsy shop, and I rented a real store in Rincon, Georgia. Both names are “Sinny’s Mini Art.” My favorite type of miniatures to make are tiny fabric purses (Barbie purses), furniture and clay foods.

What’s the most challenging miniature you make?

For me, the most challenging miniature is furniture. I like to make miniature furniture out of original wood, so cutting and adjusting is a big problem for me. Eventually I hope I can afford a laser cutter. Making furniture without professional tools is really hard and I’m still looking for ways to learn new techniques.

Advice to new miniaturists?

I want to tell all beginners that miniatures are a great big world. It is not like other hobbies like drawing or painting where all you need is a brush and paints. Miniatures can cover all types of materials. Find the type you really like. Practice makes perfect.

For me, finding the right materials and supplies has been quite a struggle. For example: glue. If I started my mini crafts again, I would appreciate if there were someone to tell me about all different kinds of glue.

So I’d like to share my experience about glue:

• paper to paper or paper to fabrics: Aleene’s Super Thick Tacky Glue
• wood to wood: Aleene’s Tacky Glue
• wood to metal: Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue
• fabrics to metal: Gutermann glue HT2 Textile
• most economical super glue: Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue (thick) / Krazy glue (thin)

The above are my personal recommendations.

Tell us a bit about your miniatures business.

So far I have more than six artists working to produce items for my miniatures business. Our product lines include: purses, shoes, furniture, gardening, fancy dolls, needle work, painting, fine china (dishes), dollhouses, miniature kits, jewelry, and clay. Most of the works are 1:12 scale, while some of them are 1:24 or 1:48 scale. My partner artists are from New York, China, Hong Kong, and the U.S.

What are some of your favorite miniatures?

I enjoy making Gucci and Coach purses in miniature.

My favorite items made by other artists are handmade fancy dolls by my team in China and handmade tiny shoes by one of my shop members: Yingying. I would highly recommend her and her fantastic works.

What have you been working on recently? What’s to come from Sinny’s Mini Art?

I recently launched an eBay account to sell miniatures.

This Christmas, I created a pharmacy in miniature for my mother-in-law, who is a pharmacist. Everything was handmade. That shop took a whole three weeks to finish.

Why miniatures? Why do you do what you do?

I’m unlucky, but I’m lucky too. I am really glad that I found my miniature world. In my little world, there is no disease, no pain, but only the happiness of creation.

Motto you live by?

“Keep a smile, no matter what life gives to you.” -Motto by Sinny’s Mini Art

What do you want miniature enthusiasts to know about you?

Because we are still new, I’d like more people to know about my business, which is located in Rincon, Georgia.

Sinny’s Mini Art is located at 201 N. Columbia Ave in Rincon, Georgia 31326. To buy online, head on over to Sinnys Mini Art Etsy shop or have a look at Sinny1020 Ebay. You can also follow along on Facebook and Pinterest.