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Daily Mini Interview: Sweetbriar Miniatures

November 22, 2015November 22, 2015 admin

Sweetbriar Miniatures

How did you first get started in miniatures?

From an early age, I collected miniatures and wanted to get more into the dollhouse hobby, but when I was younger, it was very difficult to find houses and other pieces that weren’t designed to look 200 years old! So my interest stopped until I decided to create my own miniatures based on the world today, with modern meals, shabby chic decor, and food from around the world.

Do you have a favorite type of miniature you enjoy creating?

I like creating preparation sets, and have a couple I am working on at the moment. At the moment, I am enjoying creating savory pieces, which is slightly against the curve as bakery designs are very ‘in’ at the moment. I love creating seasonal pieces such as for Christmas, and I love spending time looking at others’ work to inspire me. I also like surprising my partner by creating his favorite meals and putting them in front of him at dinner time.

What unique materials have you used to make your miniatures?

Not unique materials as such, but the most inane household products can sometimes create the best effects or become makeshift molds when starting out on an idea. Hello, toothbrush, tin foil and sponges!

Advice for new miniaturists?

Enjoy what you do and add your own creative flair! And don’t overdo it, as I found when I had carpal tunnel-like symptoms and had to rest my hands for three months.

Fellow miniaturists that inspire you?

There are lots! Instagram is the best way to find similar artists, and a great way to communicate through your work.

What inspires you?

I tend to spend half my time at restaurants taking photos or jotting down menu items to try and recreate at home in a smaller scale.

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

It’s whimsical. I don’t have a dollhouse or own any dolls, but I just love working on tiny little pieces and try my hardest to make them look as realistic as I can. They’re like an illusion if you get the effect right.

What’s to come from Sweetbriar Miniatures?

I am working hard on new pieces to showcase and hope to open my Etsy shop soon. I am currently on maternity leave though, so my spare time is sparse at present!

Sweetbriar Miniatures is the work of Amy from Cambridge, England. To see many (mini) more of her lovely miniature food creations and more, follow along on Instagram!

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Nov 24, 2015 at 9:52am PST

Daily Mini Interview: ACTÍVA Products Perfect for Miniature Making

November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 admin

Make Your Own Miniatures with ACTÍVA Products

Tell us a bit about how ACTÍVA Products came to be.

ACTÍVA Products, Inc. has been serving the arts and craft and hobby industry with the highest quality products for over 50 years! Our plant in Marshall, Texas prides itself on manufacturing high quality premium North American made craft materials such as our most popular CelluClay® – The Original Paper Mache, Blackjack Clay, Instamold, Permastone, Li-Qua-Che and our eye catching Scenic Sand.

ACTÍVA supplies many other great products such as our Rigid Wrap which is a highly durable premium plaster cloth which is the best in the industry and a full line of clays such as La Doll, Premier, Activ Clay and Plus Clay. ACTÍVA provides products to complement our product line such as the Activ-Wire Mesh, Flower Art Silica Gel and many others. Our products continue to exceed the industry standard and are all ACMI certified as non-toxic.

For the past 50 years we have continually provided the best customer service to ensure customer satisfaction. ACTÍVA’s products are great for all ages and inspire creativity and the use of your imagination to provide endless enjoyment and fun!

What ACTÍVA products are best for beginner artists?

Products we recommend for beginning artists would be our CelluClay and our Hearty Clay (polymer air dry clay), because so many things can be made with it.

What ACTÍVA items would you recommend for those with a little more art experience?

All ACTÍVA Products are suitable for a wide range of expertise. The individual artist develops improved techniques as they progress, enabling a higher degree of sophistication from the product user.

Recommended age range of ACTÍVA product users?

The recommended age for most products would probably be 8+, but most of our products can be used by younger children, especially with adult supervision.

Is there a best selling product available through ACTÍVA? What about for miniature making?

CelluClay which is an instant papier-mâché clay is one of the most popular products, followed by our wonderful range of polymer air dry clays.

The best clay for miniatures would probably be Lumina, though some miniature artists actually use Li-Qua-Che which is a liquid papier-mâché in molds. Our Hearty Clay is also a great clay used for miniature clay projects.

Any ACTÍVA products work especially well together?

All of the air dry clays, including our clay, mix well together to give a different type or color of clay with different plasticity, texture and final appearance.

Also, our casting products allow you to make a replica of your favorite pieces with InstaMold and then cast. The replica in either Permastone or another casting compound is popular.

What do you want artists and creatives to know about your brand?

We have a created a good, high-quality range of basic crafting materials that have been tried and tested for a consistent outcome.

Opportunities and challenges within your industry you’d like to cite?

Although our brand has been around for 56 years and introduced many products to the marketplace, such as CelluClay and Rigid Wrap, we still strive to build brand awareness to those unfamiliar with our wonderful range of products. The good news is that crafts and hobbies are still popular.

Any favorite miniaturists you’d like to cite?

There are a few favorite miniaturists who we would like to mention: Hadyn’s Charms, miniature daisies, ParisMiniatures, This Charming Stuff, Kleineknetwelt, and amazin_crafts are all great artists and Instagram accounts that really stand out.

Favorite miniature motto?

“Good things come in small packages.”

What is it about these materials that keeps you coming back? Why do you do what you do?

These materials are fun and easy to work with. I think that as far as crafting is concerned, the miniatures have really taken over the industry in a sense. Think about it: who doesn’t love “mini” things? Whether it be a keychain, a pendant, other jewelry accessories, or even just a decoration topper for a party… mini is in and addicting!

What’s to come from ACTÍVA Products?

We are continually creating a variety of new projects that can be accomplished using ACTÍVA products. These include a range of different clay products and other products we offer, available for use by kids and adults. We also include a step-by-step guide on how to replicate these DIY projects.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We are leaders in new product development and are proud of the quality and innovation of the products we provide. We always pre-test all of our products before they are exposed to the market and all of ACTÍVA Products and non toxic and wheat and gluten free.

Interested in making your own miniatures? Shop a wide selection of items available through the ACTÍVA Products website. You can see what creations have been made using ACTÍVA Products by following along on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Daily Mini Interview: Ron Stetkewicz Miniatures

November 5, 2015November 5, 2015 admin

Ron Stetkewicz Miniatures

| Website | Facebook | Instagram |

What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

I’ve been doing this since I was tyke. I can remember falling asleep under a table in Syracuse back in 1980-1, being woke up for snoring too loud. I can remember my brothers covering my hand in resin to try and make a mini hand. That had to be 1979.

I wasn’t formally trained in miniature art until I attended the IGMA Guild School in Castine this year. I also learned through an apprenticeship under my Dad. His shop was always open to do whatever: minis or fill your tire with air or make a sword for a Halloween costume. That’s how I run it today: a place to get it all done. There’s a lot of processes that can be done there.

Do you have a favorite type of miniature you like to create?

I enjoy making miniatures out of brass. I don’t have favorites, it’s all the same flow. I can only make anything for short spurts and if it’s caste statues or the intricate hour glasses, they are all felt for equally.

Do you have any favorite miniatures?

I don’t collect for myself. My Mom was the big collector, she had everyone’s best stuff from the 1970s through the 2000s. The collection was given away when we split the estate. There were some great pieces in that collection. Originals by Alice Zinn, dolls by Jane Spain and Joan Benzell. Chet Spacher weldings, Bauder Pine works, all gone.

I do collect music instruments for my son, Ronnie, and little books and mini worldly treasures for my daughter, Kayla. She loves going to miniature shows.

What material do you find the most challenging to work in?

I’m not looking for a challenge, I work in what I know. I’ve been learning woodwork and at Castine I learned working with polymer clay and oil paints. I learned so many valuable things that I think I might write a book. There was so much learning and meeting new friends that I couldn’t summarize it in one statement.

What advice would you give to an IGMA Scholarship Student?

Soak it all in. As much as you can.

What inspires you?

Inspiration is a funny thing. It can be a dreamt up idea that makes me want to work until the piece is done, or my inspiration can be because I’m flat and need the cash. Either way, it’s my family that keeps me from chaos. My parents got me into this and I plan on doing the same for my children. The true inspiration was my dad, now the true drive is passing things along to my kids.

What can we expect from Ron Stetkewicz Miniatures in the future?

My door accessories in stores across the country. I will be unveiling my product line at the Philadelphia Miniaturia from November 6-8.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’ve seen a lot of years in this business from my behind-the-scenes vantage point. I want this industry to rebloom. It’s time breathe new life into this mini world.

Ron Stetkewicz Miniatures is located in Cairo, New York. To view more of Ron’s work or to buy a miniature of your own, check out his website, Instagram, Facebook, and Miniatures Site.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Nov 11, 2015 at 2:38pm PST

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Polyclayart

November 1, 2015November 1, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Polyclayart

| Shop | Pinterest |

How did you first get started in miniatures?

I first got interested in miniatures when I started buying some of the Re-ment items at the local Japanese supermarket. My Etsy shop at the time carried refrigerator magnets and jewelry, and I was finding out that sushi-related items were the most popular. I was buying the Re-ment items to get inspiration and ideas for my projects.

It was fascinating to see how realistic things could look done on a miniature scale. I decided to focus on miniature food after having made some for my nephew after seeing him play with pots and pans and making cooking noises. It was fun figuring out how to make certain things using clay sculpting techniques I’ve learned. Anything that I could not figure out, I turned to online tutorials. Soon, I began to also offer dollhouse miniatures in my Etsy shop. At first it was just 1:12 scale items, but since a couple of years ago, I began to offer some playscale items after someone made a request .

Advice for beginner miniaturists?

Make use of tutorials online on YouTube and Pinterest. They’ve been very helpful to me. Also make frequent use of Google Image search to see real-world examples of what you are trying to craft. Offline, I recommend reading the book Making Doll’s House Miniatures with Polymer Clay by Sue Heaser.

Favorite mini you own?

I would say anything my niece Alyssa makes. She is now 12 years old and almost as good as her aunt. She often goes to my worktable to make something when she comes to visit my home. I used to get angry at the mess she and her brother Ethan would make whenever they came to work at my table, but when I saw what they made, I changed my mind and saw how precious their creations were. I bake them and store them in a container after they go home.

Most memorable miniature you’ve seen?

My nephew Ethan once made a donut that reminded me of the donut that is atop the Randy’s Donuts building in the Los Angeles area, even though the color scheme was different.

Anything else you would like to add?

I may be setting up a separate shop in the future just for miniature items, and perhaps a website to sell my goods.

Polyclayart was created by Gale Lew of Rancho Palos Verdes in California. Recently , you can shop the collection on Etsy or have a look at Pinterest for more of her work in miniature!

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Nov 3, 2015 at 8:35pm PST

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by FatalPotato

October 27, 2015May 20, 2016 admin

Miniatures by FatalPotato

How did you first get started in miniatures? Where does the interest stem from?

When I was younger, I went through an elimination diet to identify any food allergies I might have had. I wasn’t allowed to eat most delicious things in the meantime. For a kid who could scarf down eight large dumplings as a baby, this was quite the bummer! My mom suggested that I express my appetite through a different medium. Being from an artsy family, she handed me a block of white Sculpey and out popped a miniature marshmallow! My dad later helped me sculpt a hamburger, effectively forging my love for little faux food. I was never interested in dolls or dollhouses… in fact, I took Barbies apart and made them into race cars. So, I just kept on making miniature foodstuffs because I thought they were just so darn cute.

Where did the name “FatalPotato” come from?

FatalPotato is the product of a silly middle school obsession with spuds. I wanted my shop name to be humorous yet slightly dark… the alternative was “AgitatoPotato.”

How long have you been creating minis?

On and off again since I was around five, so about 13 years now.

What types of miniatures do you make and how has your work evolved?

I make realistic-style miniature food. I’ve always centered my art around food, so I’d say my work has evolved more in terms of technique rather than content. When I first started, I sculpted everything from memory; the only reference images of whatever food I wanted to make were in my head. My burgers and donuts were very basic in texture, color, and shape, almost cartoonish. I coated every mini in a thick layer of shiny glaze… I thought the plasticky look was *fabulous.* I later scoured cookbooks and Google images for more ideas and eventually replaced my supremely-glossy style with a realistic one.

Do you create and sell miniatures full-time?

Oh, I wish! Being a full-time student, I don’t have as much time for sculpting as I used to. I still try to keep a few minis available in my shop whenever I’m home from college (December and June-September).

What types of different materials do you use to make miniatures?

I use polymer clay as a base medium, followed by chalk pastels and/or acrylic paint for extra coloring, and sealed with matte or glossy glaze. I also use liquid clay for viscous foods and air dry clay for other textures. Organic material, like moss and wood, are handy as well.

Advice for beginner miniaturists?

Hmm… I would say the most important tip, as cheesy as it sounds, is to have patience! Progress will inevitably follow as long as you persevere and keep practicing your craft. Always keep an eye out for inspiration, but cherish and cultivate your own style, let it blossom. As a miniaturist, I find it super helpful to pay meticulous attention to the real version of whatever I’m making. Notice the shapes, the special textures, the particular gradients of color. That’s why I tend to peer at my food like an archaeologist examining an alien fossil… I like to observe all of the itsy-bitsy details that make it unique.

Tool or material you can’t live without?

Besides polymer clay, I couldn’t live without my trusty broken toothpick. It’s spiky on the broken end while the pointy end has accumulated years of paint and glue, making both ends excellent for food textures. Kinda gross, but so versatile!

Other activities you enjoy?

I enjoy dabbling in other artsy things, like drawing, painting, and photography. I love drawing skulls and creepy things especially, which is so in tune with my main hobby of cutesy, little food!

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you to everyone who has supported my miniature foods. I’m very grateful to be included in such a wonderful online art community!

Leah is based in Oregon and will soon be relocating to Rhode Island. To enjoy more of her FatalPotato creations, check out the FatalPotato website and FatalPotato Etsy shop. You can follow along daily on Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr and DeviantArt!

A video posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Nov 13, 2015 at 8:43am PST

Daily Mini Interview: Tiny Art Miniatures

October 16, 2015June 28, 2017 admin

Tiny Art Miniatures

| Shop | Facebook | Instagram |

What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

When I was a child, I liked to watch stop motion puppet cartoons. Featured on the show were toy houses, food, and more. Everything was realistic, but a little bit smaller and cute. It was a magic little world.

How did you first get started making your own miniatures? How has your work evolved?

I like art and I tried different kinds of handmade art. I then came across amazing food miniatures by Shay Aaron. I was so impressed that I decided to make miniatures myself.

My first miniature was a tiny loaf of bread. It was not perfect, of course. I had to work a great deal in order to achieve good results. I posted pictures of my minis on social networks and soon I received my first custom orders. So, I had the opportunity and drive to improve my skills.

What are your favorite miniatures to create and why?

The main theme of my miniatures is food. I like to create dishes which satiate the appetite even though they’re made out of plastic. I have many custom orders for doll’s food, and I joke that my job is to feed all dolls in the world!

What are the most challenging miniatures for you to create?

I like to make miniatures that I have never made before. It is always interesting to tackle new challenges. Usually, I work in 1:12 and 1:6 scales. Maybe in the future, I will make 1:144 scale miniature houses.

What inspires you?

When my work brings joy to people, that inspires me so much. Also, beautiful photos of real food inspire me to recreate them in miniature. Miniatures by talented artists motivate me to work harder and to become a better miniaturist.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

It is the most beautifully made dollhouse in the world: Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. I read all about it and was very impressed. I would like to see it with my own eyes very much.

Who are your favorite miniaturists?

I am delighted with miniatures by Tomo Tanaka of Nunu’s House. He creates very delicate and amazing artwork.

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

Making miniatures is like magic. It’s like you have a magic wand and turn big things into small works of art.

Other hobbies you enjoy?

I like oil painting, drawing, different kinds of art, and more — it all depends on my mood. I recently created a mosaic outside my country house.

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

My favorite proverb is: “where there is a will there is the way.” So if you like what you do, keep doing it in spite of everything. Do not stop learning. Evolve your skills and you will reach success.

Tiny Art Miniatures is made possible by Oksana Baranova, who is currently based in Ukraine, in the beautiful city of Kamianets-Podilskyi. Shop her Tiny Art Miniatures creations on Etsy and make sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram!

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Oct 22, 2015 at 11:10pm PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Becca Design

October 12, 2015October 12, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Becca Design

How did you first get started in miniatures?

I started when I was younger. I used to create small fruits and other decorations for my dollhouse using cernit polymer clay.

About six years ago, I launched an online store that sold jewelry charms in the shape of cupcakes and classic Swedish pastries (such as punch rolls and princess cakes). Most of the pastries I made had a little bite in them to reveal the content. At the time, I hadn’t seen anyone else making that before. Becca Design continued on from there, and I’ve since been making more and more miniature jewelry work.

How has your work evolved?

I’ve been creating miniatures for about 6 years now. In the beginning, they had a more kawaii design with cute and rounded shapes. Now I’m trying to make my jewelry as realistic as possible.

Advice for beginner miniaturists?

Have patience and use material you’re comfortable working with. If you’re not satisfied with the result the first time, just try again, and again…

Tool, material or technique you can’t live without?

Fimo clay, of course!

Non-miniature inspiration?

Candy stores and bakeries.

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

I like small things and I like to “fiddle” with things. Small things are cute. Small things make people happy.

New minis in the works? What’s to come from Becca Design?

A new ice cream collection is on its way and also more miniature food!

Becca Design is managed by Rebecca Martinsson of Gothenburg, Sweden. You can see many (mini) more of her miniatures by visiting the Becca Design website, Becca Design blog, Instagram or Facebook.

beccadesign_4

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Oct 15, 2015 at 9:33pm PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Patricia Paul Studio

October 11, 2015October 11, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Patricia Paul Studio

How did you first get started in miniatures?

I always loved the tiniest things ever since I was very small. I had a dollhouse and loved Barbie for all the wonderful accessories she had. Then as an adult I discovered a catalog devoted to miniatures and these were obviously nothing a child would play with. So it was evident that here was something serious going on, as far as creating these diminutive things, I wasn’t the only one enthralled with them, and I could acquire a wide variety of these artisan-made collectibles.

How has your work evolved?

I have been making miniatures for over 35 years now. I started making polymer clay vegetables. I put together some House of Miniatures kits and that taught me how furniture goes together and I made some of my own and some copies of antiques. I started making Noah’s arks and other toys and folk art. That was very popular years ago. I also started reproducing paintings in miniature from the masters, since I had an art background and knew painting basics. I have done some room boxes too. A haunted house. That’s where the spooky stuff came from. And now I am learning to sculpt and fur animals. I really can’t settle on any one thing.

What materials do you use to make your miniatures?

I am for sure a multi-media artist. I use all manner of supplies, wood, paint, polymer clay, fabric, and more.

Advice for beginner artists?

Pay attention to scale. Have a good look at top quality miniatures. You might not be there yet, but you can get there. And no bright colors. Tone them down for miniatures, otherwise they scream and don’t look real in the end.

Tool you can’t live without?

Probably a surgeon’s scalpel with a #11 blade. But I recently acquired a dentist’s drill and that’s a pretty cool tool with lots of possibilities for finishing and carving.

Non-mini artists, designers, books you look to for inspiration?

I have a collection of decorator books that are fun for inspiration. Not necessarily for anything I might reproduce but more for getting the creative juices flowing. And Pinterest is magical for sparking ideas. Anything full size can be pulled off in miniature. I think that is half the wonder of miniatures. Seeing something you are familiar with in a size a fairy might need.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen by another artist?

Oh, gosh! There are so many exceptional miniatures that I have seen over years of collecting. But probably the one who sticks out foremost would have to be Frank Matter, who passed away in the 70’s (I have been meaning to blog about him for some time now). I read an article about him years ago in which was described some items he made. One in particular was a fountain pen. Most people are probably not even aware that those pens had to be filled from an ink well and the ink went into a rubber bladder. They are pretty much antiques now. (They are even before my time.) Anyway, Frank had made an exact copy in miniature with the rubber bladder. That actually worked. I managed to get a few pieces of his work and I don’t think anyone comes up to the perfection he was able to create.

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

As I mentioned, tiny things have always fascinated me. And they certainly don’t take up much space. But in truth, they are like any piece of art anyone might make. You can paint, sculpt, fabricate, carve, solder, print, and more. You can copy full size pieces, reproduce growing things, people and animals and you can also come up with any flight of fancy that crosses your mind. I get to do all of those things and that makes for some serious fun. For me, anyway. Plus, miniatures are a lot easier to sell than full size art and you get a lot of happy customers and you feel like you are making the world happy without having to suffer trying to get into a gallery.

Upcoming shows or projects planned? What’s to come from Patricia Paul?

I don’t have any shows planned in the near future. So much easier to work in PJ’s and then sell stuff in PJ’s. But I will probably do the International Guild of Miniature Artisans Guild Show again at some point. Halloween is coming and I love adding items to my Haunted Housewares line of miniatures. Not really a line since everything is one of a kind, but I do enjoy haunting stuff. And Halloween is almost here.

Other activities you enjoy?

I think miniatures have made me kind of one dimensional. I love museums, history — only because of my interest in costumes and decorative arts, and travel to places where I can see those things. I love military museums. Not for battle strategy and the impact of wars, but rather the fabulous uniforms of the past. My kids are grown now, (but still here eating the food and using the laundry room). I have three dogs to dote on and they are all spoiled.

What do you want miniature fans to know about you?

I have a newsletter that goes out very infrequently and would love to have The Daily Miniature readers subscribe. Right now they will get a free book-making tutorial and I have plans to keep adding freebies that will go out to any new subscriber and the entire list. Just go to my website and plug in your email.

I am very interested in Internet marketing as well and am working on a course for miniaturists to use the Internet to market their business pretty much for free. I hate the meme “artists starve.” Miniatures have always been popular through the ages and I believe, thanks to the Internet, a lot of interest is being generated in a lot of young people. I want miniature artisans to be able to reach them even if they are not Internet savvy. So, hopefully, coming soon.

Oh, and I always have something interesting on eBay.

Patricia Paul is based in New York. Love her miniature creations? Stay current on her latest work by visiting the Patricia Paul Studio website and blog. Plus, you can follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and eBay!

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Linsminis

October 8, 2015October 8, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Linsminis

How did you first get started in miniatures?

I was given a house kit to build and, at the time, I thought my mother had gone mad! What was I going to do with a dollhouse? I had never even thought about the world of miniatures in those days… my hobbies were watercolor painting and counted cross stitch! One rainy day, after the kit had lain unopened in a cupboard for several years, I decided to actually build it. Once built and decorated, I decided that I wanted it to be a café. However, all those years ago, there was little choice of cakes, the Internet was in its infancy, and the only ones readily available were plastic imports, mainly out of scale and not very good quality, so I decided to make my own! The rest is history!

What unusual materials have you used to make your miniatures?

I’m pretty boring and use only polymer clay, paper, wood, wire, thread and pastels!

How did you become involved with the International Guild of Miniature Artisans?

A fellow miniaturist and friend urged me to join IGMA. From there, I applied to become an Artisan and ultimately have become a Fellow.

Any favorite IGMA memories or accomplishments to note?

The day in 2009 when I received the news that, on my first submission, I was awarded Fellow status.

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

Practice, practice and more practice with a whole lot of patience thrown in! Always try to work from real life if possible.

Favorite mini you own by another artist?

A tiny, art nouveau silver ashtray, cigarettes in the tiniest silver holder with a matching cigarette box with hinged lid by Mike Sparrow. They are so very tiny and absolutely perfect in every way!

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

I love the challenge of trying to get as much detail as I possibly can into something so small, which is why I prefer working in 1:12th scale as I find that any smaller and the minute details are lost! I enjoy the pleasure both my customer and I get when I am commissioned to recreate that special miniature for someone and it seems that the challenge of turning someone else’s idea into reality results in me putting ever more detail into the piece.

I’ve come to recognize over the years that creating a miniature really is an art form in itself and I would love to see a greater awareness of the miniaturist’s skill – miniatures are collectible works of art rather than simply “dollhouse” toys!

I would love to find the time to do so many things, my own wirework is a definite if I ever get the time to start. Between family commitments, my large garden, an ever growing list of commission work and, of course, the husband, I need someone somewhere to put another 24 hours into every day for me and then I might actually try my hand at dollmaking and wirework… one day!

Linda Cummings hails from Durham City in the United Kingdom. You can shop Linsminis on Etsy or eBay. Follow more of Linsminis online on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Pinterest. Check out the Linsminis website and Linsminis blog.

Daily Mini Interview: Sharon Harbison Miniature Food

September 16, 2015September 16, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Sharon Harbison

| Shop on SP Miniatures | Shop on Etsy |

What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

My first memory of miniatures is when my family visited relatives in Chicago. We went to the Museum of Science and Industry which has Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle. Needless to say, I was quite delighted, but I think any ten-year-old girl would have been, so I can’t say I was motivated to make miniatures when I grew up.

How did you first get started making miniatures?

I got involved originally with miniatures when I got a job in 1978 with my local recreation commission. They were running a small local miniature show and I was assigned to contact dealers, make the arrangements, etc. My boss commended me on a good job, and suggested I should go to the show to see the fruits of my labors, so to speak. I was quite awed by the excellence of some of the craftsmanship, but I couldn’t help but think, “I can do this, and I think I can do it better.”

Do you remember the very first miniature you made? How has your work evolved?

For some reason I can’t remember, I decided to make plants and flowers. Ironically, my debut was at the same show a year later… I had remembered Nutshell News from organizing the show, and I found other shows to attend. From there I was invited to other shows, and I was even featured in Nutshell News in 1989. Around 1998, I was burned out, and phased out the business.

Not until about 5 years ago, after I had retired, I decided to try again. But I didn’t want to do plants and flowers again. I decided on food, because I love working with polymer clay. I was gratified that considerable advances had been made in the quality and colors of the clay, but also for the many tutorials available online. I felt there was much more scope for miniature foods than for flowers.

Favorite miniature you’ve made?

I don’t think I have a favorite miniature… usually my current favorite is whatever I’m working on at the moment, if it’s going well.

Favorite tool or technique?

As far as tools and techniques, I have by now accumulated my own molds, and I look for new things to use everywhere I go. I would like to try my hand at making my own clay.

How did you become involved the International Guild of Miniature Artisans and the annual Guild Show?

I sent pictures of my work to the Guild and they offered me a contract. This is the second year I have attended. I especially enjoy the opportunity to speak to artisans I don’t usually see, and find interesting things to buy (I don’t collect miniatures but I buy things for my own work).

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

I would give the same advice to people wanting to get into making miniatures that I give to people I see at shows: get started, watch tutorials, just mess around making things. The most important thing is, if something isn’t working for you, PUT IT ASIDE! If you persist, you’ll get discouraged. If you put it aside, maybe a few weeks or months later, you can pick it up and try again. The advice to “sleep on it” is actually true.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

The most unusual mini I have ever seen was a tin can, complete with worms, for a miniature fisherman. A toilet that actually flushed stands out too.

New minis in the works?

As to what’s new, who knows? I never know what I might be doing next. I do welcome suggestions from customers—after all, I can’t think of everything!

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

What appeals to me most about miniatures is that I love doing it. There are new things to learn, new problems to be solved, and it’s never, ever boring. A lot of people aspire to things, but in the end you have to do what you’re good at. I never visualized when I was in art school that I would be doing this, but I truly feel this is what I was meant to do.

Sharon Harbison of Sharon Harbison Miniature Food is from Union Beach, NJ. You can purchase Sharon’s work online through SP Miniatures or on Etsy.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Sep 30, 2015 at 9:08pm PDT