1/12 scale Archives - dailymini®

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures Now Open in New York

May 18, 2015May 27, 2018 admin

The winter of 2014 welcomed big changes to the miniatures community within historic Lower Hudson Valley, NY: D. Thomas Fine Miniatures opened its doors as a premier destination for miniature collectors, artisans, and enthusiasts from around the world.

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a new retail destination complete with artisan dollhouses and the highest quality of collections including 1:12 scale furniture, designs and accessories. The newly launched space now offers DIY workshops and classes taught by master craftsmen and artists in the miniature industry. In addition, the shop also features a gallery space that showcases extraordinary miniatures by internationally acclaimed artists and designers. Now on display in the gallery through the end of June 2015 is Alma de España: The Artistry and Vision of Hernán Buljevich.

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures was created by Darren Thomas Scala for two unique purposes: to raise awareness about miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline to new generations of enthusiasts everywhere. A Brooklyn-born artist and corporate beauty and cosmetics brand marketer, Scala has always had a passion for miniatures.

“It’s been my dream to create a space where I could introduce miniatures to the public and generate the same level of excitement I have for these pieces. Miniatures have thrilled for centuries. There is seduction in scale that transcends time. Miniatures truly capture the imagination and provide opportunity to dream, discover and explore,” Scala explains.

A decades-old dream realized, D. Thomas Fine Miniatures has been welcomed with open arms by the Hastings-On-Hudson business community. Visit the space and experience the wonder of the miniature for yourself!

Address:
579 Warburton Avenue #6
Hastings-On-Hudson, New York 10706

Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM-5 PM
Sundays 12-5 PM
Evenings by appointment

Stay updated on the latest miniature news by following #obeytheminiature and D. Thomas Fine Miniatures on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Shop the store online and make sure to check out the new website and recent blog posts today!

Photo credit to PeterLauPhotography.com.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on May 18, 2015 at 1:35pm PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Pink Cute Sugar Miniatures

May 17, 2015November 8, 2017 admin

Pink Cute Sugar Miniatures

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. Back 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. Friends 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.

What 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. Never 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.

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.

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.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Mar 8, 2015 at 6:47pm PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Miniature by Masako

May 10, 2015May 10, 2015 admin

Miniature By Masako

| Website | Facebook |

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. I 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! And 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. I 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.

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.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on May 11, 2015 at 9:30am PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Jenn’s Minis

May 1, 2015May 1, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Jenn’s Minis

| Blog | Pinterest |

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.

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?

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.

Advice 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.

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?

Shannon 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: little T studio

April 15, 2015April 15, 2015 admin

Miniatures by little T studio

What types of miniatures do you make these days?
I specialize in making realistic food miniatures which I then turn into all kinds of fun jewelry to wear such as necklaces, earrings, and jewelry clips. I even have a “Gifts for Guys” section in my store where you can find mini food cufflinks and tie clips.

What materials do you use to make your miniatures?
I primarily use high-quality polymer clay. In order to turn a plain little block of clay into something extraordinary, I have tons of random tools that I’ve been collecting for years and years. These help me capture just the right look, shape, style, and texture in my art.

When did you first start making and selling miniatures?
I began sculpting at the age of 7, and used to make miniature turtles with my best friend. Can’t say whether I made anything that looked like a turtle, but once I realized I could create something with a lump of clay, I was hooked. My mom bought me plasticine and Play-Doh as well as Barbara Reid’s book, Fun With Modeling Clay. I would spend hours trying to make the little things featured in that step-by-step book. Since Play-Doh dries out and hardens, it was a more durable material to use when making miniatures. I decided to start making small parrots as gifts for my family and friends. Thankfully those creations actually resembled parrots!

I continued practicing with plasticine throughout my childhood and into my teen years. I had clients from Best Online Casino and other Canadian internet companies. Shortly thereafter, I discovered polymer clay which is a very durable material. Thus this provided me with the option to make and sell dollhouse miniatures—and that’s what I did. I opened a dollhouse miniature company called “Miniatures For Everyone!” and successfully sold 1:12 scale dollhouse miniatures for many years.

Most recently, I decided to move into the world of jewelry because so many of my family and friends expressed their wishes to wear the miniatures I had created. Sounds simple enough to turn a hand-sculpted miniature into jewelry, right? Not at all. I firmly believe that if I’m going to sell a product to consumers, it needs to be of high quality. That means it not only has to look incredible, but it has to also be crafted with high-quality materials and must be durable. I launched my own product testing process to ensure whatever jewelry I sell meets my high standards.

I thoroughly enjoy the end-to-end process of sculpting miniatures. I am always so excited to hear feedback from my customers on how much they love their mini food jewelry. It makes my day!

What artists inspire you?
I’ve always looked up to Barbara Reid. She is a children’s book writer and illustrator, however she is no ordinary illustrator. She illustrates her books entirely with clay! Her work is breathtakingly amazing!

Do you have advice to share with fellow miniaturists just starting out?
If you want to become skilled at creating— at creating anything—it takes practice. There really isn’t a quick way about it. Your attitude can transform your first few attempts into either a miserable experience or a truly enjoyable journey! Approaching your creative project with a positive attitude will help you focus less on being perfect (which is not realistic) and more on just having fun. When you have fun, your creativity can soar!

Making mistakes on your creative project(s) may at first seem very disappointing. However, these “failures” or “mistakes” can ultimately be the key to discovering a brand new technique or style. It’s all part of the creative growth process. No matter who they are, every artist has an “uh-oh” pile. That pile of things we tried to create, that didn’t turn out so well. It’s okay. That’s how we all learn. Try not to dwell on the “uh-oh” pile. It will continue to grow, but again, that’s okay. You’ll grow as an artist along the way.

What’s your favorite miniature to make?
Cupcakes! I hand-frost each and every single one with my own frosting mix of Translucent Liquid Sculpey and polymer clay. I truly feel as if I’m a baker or cupcake designer. I’ve always wanted to work in a bakery, and, in a way, now I do! Best of all, my entire line of miniature sweet jewelry is calorie-free!!

Why miniatures? Why do you do what you do?
According to my mom, ever since I was a toddler I was fascinated with mini things. I would find the tiniest pieces of lint on the floor, pick them up and become so excited that I had to show my family. According to my family and friends, I’ve always been drawn to the tiniest of details and minutia, so it makes perfect sense that now I sculpt miniatures.

What appeals to you most about making miniatures?
I love inventing new miniature food jewelry designs. I enjoy adding my own signature twist to everyday food items. I run all of my new ideas past my husband who provides the best feedback. Running a business with my best friend has been absolutely awesome. I honestly could not head up little T studio without him.

Any tips on how to run a successful miniature business?
Think like a customer. If you think like a potential client or customer, your perspective can help you make the right decision. For example, if I were ordering jewelry online, I would want it to arrive in a playful, colored envelope with protective padding. Next, when I open the package, I would like to find a coupon for a future purchase, a thank you note, a free gift, and my order beautifully gift-wrapped with matching hand-tied ribbons and tissue paper. And that is exactly what my customers get when they place an order with little T studio. I would want to feel as if I just received a thoughtful present. Gifts are so fun to receive! And so, I work diligently to ensure it feels the same way for my little T studio customers. Their entire experience with my miniature jewelry company should be fun, easy, and enjoyable. This is my way of saying thank you for supporting my online jewelry store!

Which do you love more: miniature sweets or edible desserts?
This question is torture! It’s my love for edible desserts that inspires my creativity to make miniature sweets. These really have to go hand-in-hand with one another, or else I couldn’t sculpt something cute, adorable, and miniature. I suppose if I had to choose… I would say both! That’s technically a choice, right?

Tonya is currently based in Arizona, U.S. For more of her deliciously awesome miniature adventures, head to Instagram, YouTube, shop her store (international shipping available), or check out her website.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Apr 21, 2015 at 11:10am PDT