Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Megan Hess

Miniatures by Megan Hess

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IMG_0160What’s your earliest memories with miniatures?

I think miniatures have always been a part of my life in one way or another. As a very young girl I can remember loving the feeling of holding something small in my hand. One of my earliest memories as a child was catching a teeny, tiny frog and trying to talk my mother into letting me keep it. She wasn’t persuaded.

How did you first get started making miniatures?

That’s an easy question to answer. My interest in anything creative comes from, and was nurtured by, my mother. She was always making something; our kitchen table was never really fit for eating on. Whether it was making dollhouses, or Christmas ornaments or Halloween costumes for my sister and me, the creative process was just a normal part of my childhood.

I was always interested in small things, and I had a whole collection of miniature animals, tea sets, and other knickknacks. However, I didn’t start feeling a need to make miniatures until I came across an article in Dolls House and Miniature Scene about Betsy Niederer. I saw all her wonderful miniature food scenes filled with Christmas and Halloween goodies and I knew immediately I wanted to make miniature food. My only sadness comes from the fact that I lost my mother, Sue, to pancreatic cancer four years ago, and she never really got to see any of the miniature food I made. It was something I’m sure we would have bonded over.

IMG_0157How has your work with miniatures evolved?

I’ve been making miniature polymer clay food for a little over four years now. When I first saw that article about Betsy Niederer, I didn’t even know what her miniatures were made of; I had no idea what polymer clay was. It was, what felt like, a long process doing research and learning as much about the craft as I could through the Internet, magazines and Stephanie Kilgast’s wonderful how-to book. I think the one thing I make that has improved the most since I started has been my cupcakes. For some reason, I just love miniature cupcakes, and I really focused in on trying to make the best one I could. It took me about two years before I was happy with the cupcakes I made, so that was definitely an interesting journey.

Favorite mini you own by another artist.

I really adore the cupcakes I have from Cindy Teh of Snowfern Clover. She is just the most amazing artist and person. I have also been lucky enough to be able to make a miniature wildlife scene under the instruction of Beth Freeman-Kane. I completed a framed kit with a pair of chickadees on a barbed wire fence and I really treasure it. In my humble opinion, Beth Freeman-Kane is the gold standard for miniatures, it just doesn’t get any better for me. If I could figure out how to get my hands on anything made by the incredible Tomo Tanaka of NuNu’s House I would be over the moon, but so far I just have his books, which are invaluable to me.

IMG_0159What inspires you?

As far as miniatures and art in general, this may not sound very unique, but I am so inspired by other artists. To see what people have created with their hands and minds really gets me going and in the mood to sit down at my little table in my bedroom and get to work.

To think that when a polymer clay artist begins their work all they have is a hunk of clay and somehow they end up with a beautiful little piece of art is just an amazing thing to me. The process from raw material to finished product is a thing of beauty. In everyday life I’m very inspired by people who face adversity in their lives with dignity and grace. Life can be harsh and unfair a lot of the time, and I always try to remember how incredibly lucky I am to have a wonderful healthy family and a fairly comfortable life when so many people all over the world have such great challenges to face.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

I once saw miniature marital aids in an online store (you know what I mean) for the bedroom. It was a little kit complete with fuzzy handcuffs and a riding crop. I laughed so hard, and thought, now I’ve seen everything in miniature!

IMG_0162Words you live by?

When I am going through a particularly tough time in my life–and I have had several pretty bad ones–I try really hard to not think life is conspiring against me. I try to remember a quote by one of my favorite authors, Christopher Hitchens, ” To the dumb question ‘Why me?’ the cosmos barely bothers to return the reply: why not?” In other words, don’t take it personally, its just life, and none of us get out of it alive.

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

Wow, this is a tough one. I suppose my reluctance to offer advice may stem from the feeling that I’m still very surprised to receive any attention at all in regards to my miniatures. If I can say anything, it would be to get online. I’m sure not everyone lives in a city where there aren’t any other miniature artists, but I am fairly certain I do. I swear for the first year, I thought it was me and half a dozen artists I read about in magazines. I was fairly certain I had the weirdest hobby next to those people who collect potato chips shaped like the U.S. Presidents’ faces. When I signed up for Facebook and started seeking out other polymer clay miniature artists I was pleasantly surprised to find a whole community of people who shared my interests. I guess it never dawned on me all the people who build dollhouses need to fill their kitchens with something. It was wonderful to find a supportive group of awesome artists ready and willing to offer advice, friendship and exchange ideas and techniques.

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The Internet is also a well of information, you really can learn how to do almost anything from YouTube. I would also recommend sculpting what you like, or what you enjoy sculpting. Don’t force things; if you like desserts then sculpt desserts. If you like savory foods, then sculpt them. There’s no need to try to force yourself into making something you’re just not that interested in.

Upcoming projects planned? 

I’m currently working on my first roombox scene. It’s the first time I’m trying to put the food I make all together in a cohesive scene and I am finding quite challenging. Making single items is one thing, but trying to put them all together in a collection that’s trying to tell a story or make a bigger picture is a horse of a different color. At the moment all four of my sons, Colton, Logan, Jonathan and Harrison, are all in school which would make one think there is more time for art, but I find it the exact opposite. Between laundry for six people, feeding six people, homework and trying to fit everything I need to without children at my feet in the hours they attend school, there isn’t much time for being creative. Luckily I have an ally in this, my husband David is incredibly supportive and does his best to get the kids out of the house to give me time to turn my brain off of mommy mode and into mini mode.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to thank all the artists I’ve met online who have offered their friendship, advice, and kindness to me. I wouldn’t still be making miniature food if I hadn’t met them. And I wouldn’t be anywhere near as happy with what I’ve created so far without all the knowledge I’ve gained from what they’ve shared with me.

Megan Larayne Hess lives in Pueblo, Colorado. To see more of her amazing miniature food and mini creations, head on over to Instagram, DeviantArt, or Facebook

oranges by @megansminis. 🍊 check out this deliciously new interview with the artist: http://bitly.com/meganhess

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Thamer Alcigeary

Miniatures by Thamer Alcigeary

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CS6garlWUAEwZrOWhat’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

At first I was watching stop motion animated movies. I liked the rooms, all the places and small things, so I started working in miniatures.

I started working on miniatures in July 2014. I’ve developed my skills quite a bit over the past year, but I don’t sell any of my miniatures.CR2ttKuWwAARme5

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by old rooms.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

I enjoy miniatures with a lot of details; there are many good artists creating miniatures now. A miniature sewing machine is always my favorite.

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Why miniatures? 

I chose the art of miniatures because I can make another world through this art and medium.

Upcoming projects planned? 

As a future business, I would like to make stop motion movies.

Thamer Alcigeary is from Baghdad, Iraq. To see more of his miniatures, visit Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Pinterest.
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Daily Mini Interview: Sweetbriar Miniatures

Sweetbriar Miniatures 

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tumblr_mdl00a22es1rb7q21o2_1280How 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?

tumblr_m7mnf6q1my1rb7q21o1_500I 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!

tumblr_n8rv9ylqtj1rb7q21o1_500Advice 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.

tumblr_m7wzbq00wj1rb7q21o1_1280Why 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!

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Daily Mini Interview: ACTÍVA Products Perfect for Miniature Making

Make Your Own Miniatures with ACTÍVA Products

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image9.JPGTell 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.

mini donutACTÍVA 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.

microbakeryFor 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.

image7.JPGWhat 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.

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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.

wedding favors3The 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.

image2.JPGWhat 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.

11174338_1564181043862325_6212085218712109120_oFavorite 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?

sparkle pumpkinsWe 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 InstagramFacebook and Twitter

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Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Polyclayart

Miniatures by Polyclayart

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tacobar1How 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.

week30It 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 .

shishkebab2Advice 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. scones1I 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.

minutechicken3Anything 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!

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Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by FatalPotato

Miniatures by FatalPotato

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image1How 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.

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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.

image3Do 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.

image2Tool 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!

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Daily Mini Interview: Tiny Art Miniatures

Tiny Art Miniatures

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4What’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.

хлеб2My 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.3

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.

8Who 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.

тортикиOther 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!

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Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Becca Design

Miniatures by Becca Design

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beccadesign_3How 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.beccadesign_5

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…

beccadesign_1Tool, 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.beccadesign_2

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.

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Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Patricia Paul Studio

Miniatures by Patricia Paul Studio

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IMG_1965How 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.

IMG_7470What 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.

IMG_7475Non-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?

IMG_6238As 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.

IMG_7474Other 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!

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Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Linsminis

Miniatures by Linsminis

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Paella 3w

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. chocolate brownies 4wHowever, 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!

mushroom prep 4wHow 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?kitchen carnage 5w

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! Cheese & egg hamper 1wI 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’Making Melanzane Parmigiana 5ws 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 InstagramFacebook, Twitter, Flickr and Pinterest. Check out the Linsminis website and Linsminis blog

cheese buffet 1w Andy's cornucopia 4w
veg basket 5w