Daily Mini Interview: Miniature Designs by Tom Lynall

Tom Lynall’s Miniature Jewelry Designs and Pencil Carvings 

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10453087_739859586055450_4850438126037476385_oTell us a bit about your background in jewelry design.

I have wanted to be a jeweler for my entire life; since I was about 4 specifically. I never really wanted to do anything else or experiment with anything career-wise. My dad’s a jeweler and he would take me to his shop, give me little jobs to do when I was a kid. I’ve loved it ever since then. I left school at age sixteen to immediately start training with another jeweler. After a few years, I left that jeweler, and would frequent my dad’s shop to create tiny models for fun. Eventually, I became qualified to work alongside my father, and I can officially say I’ve been a jeweler for twelve years now.

What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

I can remember when I was four, I was given the duty to sort stones out by color. I enjoyed sorting through sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and more.10687036_906926426015431_58747239304539151_n

How did you get started with miniature pencil carvings? 

At first, I would see pictures of pencil carving sculptures on Facebook as well as around the Internet. On the 30th of November last year, I thought I would give it a go myself. My first pencil carving was a little red heart, which I made purely because I had found a red pencil.

Do you have a favorite carving?

I created a Batman vs. Superman carving, I guess that could be considered my “favorite” since everything seemed to fall into place just perfectly for that one in a rapid amount of time.

Do you keep all your carvings? 

I do keep all of my carvings, apart from a few which I have given away to people. I do not do these for money or anything, but for my own leisure.

10525682_739859022722173_5751603696795488200_nAnd do you have a favorite work of jewelry?

I had made a ghostship that was being attacked by a giant squid. It was a model that I had entered into a Goldsmiths competition a few years back. This piece resonates with me because it marked the first time I had ever had my work compared to others. It was also really cool because I won a Senior Modelmaker silver award, which was really special since I only made the model for a bit of fun.

How has your work with jewelry design evolved over the years?

When I had started experimenting with Discworld models, I eventually began to branch out and create more detailed pieces. I’m currently working on a commission which I can say has definitely been the biggest thing I have ever worked on: taking up over six months of my life.

gold-hare.94c92a60dfa58106b59084f52e50a8371What’s a unique material you’ve used in one of your jewelry designs?

The most unique tool or material I’ve resorted to using was one of my eyelashes, which was effectively used as a paintbrush to paint a miniature stained-glass lantern.

Technique you can’t live without?

When I am doing carvings, my hands need to remain in a certain position for the process to take place. I brace my blade in a certain way to hold the pencil, so that both of my hands are braced and only the blade moves to carve most efficiently. It’s steadier opposed to your hands moving backwards and forwards when they are not braced tight enough and holding the pencil in place.

10523530_740129259361816_4731228867917513303_nWhat inspires you?

Mostly, it is seeing other things that peers make. Also, whenever someone throws out an idea that something cannot be done, it pushes me that extra bit to give it a go and see what may come of it. Willard Wigan is my favorite artist hands-down. And a recent friend.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

The most memorable miniature I have come across has to have been something from Willard Wigan’s work. It is just nuts to say the least, in a good way. His fairy on a toadstool in particular is probably my favorite that he has done.

small-knife-fork.94c92a60dfa58106b59084f52e50a8371What appeals to you most about your work with jewelry design and pencil carvings?

It’s my passion, it’s not work. It could be classified as more of a hobby, really. I just enjoy making pieces and seeing what I can come up with using my imagination and my own two hands.  I’m very lucky to be in my position. I enjoy being there to lend a helping hand to a friend who may have some broken jewelry, or need something constructed as a gift for a loved one. Not to mention, it’s a huge honor to make engagement rings for couples, truly.

What’s to come from Tom Lynall?

I am on a commission at the moment–the details of which I cannot fully disclose–but I can say it will be ready by April 2016. It will truly be one-of-a-kind, and by far the most complex piece I have ever worked on. After the commission is finished, I will be primarily focusing on projects for my own interest.

Months later, I went on to complete the 1,000 heart project, which you can learn more about here: http://www.1000heartcollection.com.

small-hate.94c92a60dfa58106b59084f52e50a8371Other activities you enjoy?

I’m quite amused by juggling; it can serve as an excellent stress reliever when I need a quick break. For the past 12 years, I have done a form of gymnastics called tricking. In my spare time, Super Mario is always a fun alternative.

What do you want miniature enthusiasts to know about you?

The biggest point I’d like to get across is I don’t do what I do for profit. I find it intrinsically fulfilling. I do it for my own personal satisfaction, which to me is a much better catalyst for any artistic motivation.

Tom Lynall is a specialist bespoke jewelry manufacturer located in Birmingham’s prestigious Jewellery Quarter. Having been in the industry for over a decade, Thomas has produced high quality sliver, gold and platinum pieces to the highest quality. To see more of his jewelry designs or miniature carvings, visit his website, Facebook or Instagram.

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Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Hadyn’s Charms

Hadyn’s Charms

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How did you first get started in miniatures? 

I have always loved art and all of the different mediums there are, but there was still one that I have always really wanted to try: polymer clay.

image1.JPGSo, in the summer of 2013 I got into working with clay. I started out with my first charms, little lollipops, bows, and some coffee charms, and posted them on my art-themed Instagram account with only a couple hundred followers. Soon after, I had an inquiry from a follower that was interested in purchasing my work.

From there, I realized that I could do so much more. People really loved what I was creating, and I really loved doing it as well! I decided to create my own jewelry store, with everything handmade by me. I launched a PayPal, then a website, and so my business started!

I first started selling on third party sites like Shop Handmade, Storenvy, and Etsy, but back in May of this year, I finally decided to be independent from all of these sites and purchase my own domain and website.

Now, in 2015, I have 30,000 followers and counting on my Instagram account. I have shipped my creations to 11 different countries, and 43 of the 50 US states, multiple times each. And have completed over 430 orders to people all over the world.

image2.JPGDo you have a favorite charm you like to make?

I love making miniature foods. I wouldn’t say I have a specific favorite to make, but if I had to narrow it down, I would say mini desserts are my favorite to make.

What are your top sellers?

My top sellers are, without a doubt, my custom works. They can span anywhere from custom-made celebrities, custom-made foods, custom-made animals, and so on.

What inspires you to create?

Organizing. Whenever I organize or rearrange my craft space, it inspires me to start creating!

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

Colors are so very important when making miniatures, especially realistic food. If the color isn’t right, it can throw off the realism of the entire piece.

image1.JPGSometimes it can be difficult, so I would recommend pulling up a picture of the food you are making on Google. Study the image for a bit, and mix the colors to create a color match. Then begin sculpting your mini.

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

I saw a miniature hobbit scape once. It had a little hobbit house in the side of a grassy mountain, with a little door and a pathway of rocks and little flowers, a tree, all inclosed with a miniature fence. It was very unique and very beautiful. I would love to try making one myself someday.

Other hobbies you enjoy?

I enjoy painting and drawing. And I love organizing and collecting things to add to my craft space — it really helps me get inspired to create!

Hadyn Colella is the namesake behind Hadyn’s Charms. Hadyn is 16 years old and currently lives in Idaho. Shop her creations online at HadynsCharms.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook!

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