miniatures Archives - Page 7 of 13

Daily Mini Interview: The Museum of Working Miniatures

August 3, 2015August 3, 2015 admin

The Museum of Working Miniatures

Describe your earliest memory with miniatures.

Great question! I remember having a couple of working miniatures when I was a child. I still have a couple of them (a miniature board game and a Rubik’s cube-style puzzle.) But I didn’t follow up with a collection until much later in life.

Where did you come up with the idea for the Museum of Working Miniatures?

The Museum of Working Miniatures YouTube Channel was established to showcase a unique collection of fully working miniature toys, games, electronics and gadgets.

By coincidence, I was gifted a couple of working miniatures in my 20s, (a miniature briefcase and a tiny working Etch A Sketch). They sat in my cupboards for many years—and when in my 30s I found them again, and wondered if you could get anything else that was a functional miniature. I found a few in High Street shops, but they’re not easy to find! But it was also the early days of sites like eBay, and it opened up a whole new avenue for finding them. Pretty soon, I had hundreds in the collection! It’s been slowly growing ever since. About a year ago, I finally got the whole collection together into cabinets—and then thought “what am I going to do with this now?” If I ever lost them all, I don’t think I could ever find some of them again (and it would be a huge undertaking)—so I wanted to do something to record the collection. It was going to be a blog with photos, but then I realized it was best to show the items working, you really needed to see them move—so why not video? That began the creation of the channel—it was really just for me initially, to have some permanent record of the pieces.

Do you have a favorite working miniature you’ve featured?

Tough one! I’ve always got a soft spot for the working Victrola (Gramophone record player) that I featured in the very first video. I just love how it not only looks like a perfect miniature scale model, but also works with real miniature records. I also love the Basic Fun Mouse Trap game key chain—perfect miniature replica of the board game down to every last piece—and it all works!

Do you have a favorite “non-working” miniature object?

I often order miniatures thinking that they’re working and then find out they’re not. I may do a video of these ‘Working Miniature Fails’ soon. I was recently given a miniature ship in a bottle, which I like.

Favorite mini maker?

It has to be Basic Fun. In the 80s, they started making replica mini key chain versions of classic games and toys, and buy the end of the 90s, they had a massive range. Their range of working arcade games are my favorite (Miniature Pinball, Crane Grabber, Rod Hockey, etc.) — and they’re also the rarest to find.

Have you ever made miniatures yourself?

I nearly did with the working miniature TV set. I struggled to find anything that fitted what I wanted (able to play a video through its own speaker and look like a TV set.) I was going to make my own from a little MP3 video player. But the collection is about curating existing items, not creating new ones.

Advice for those that love to collect working miniatures?

As far as I know, I’m the only one who seems to have this kind of collection—can’t find any trace of anyone else. But I’d advise learning to love Internet searching—you’ll be doing a lot of it. And make use of all the tools that sites like eBay have for helping you monitor keyword searches.

What inspires you?

The YouTube Channels that really influenced me are the work of Ashens, who was a pioneer of reviewing something without showing his face (only his hands). Also, Grand Illusions, for showing that there may be an audience for unusual curios.

What is the most memorable miniature you’ve come across?

On Etsy, there is someone selling an extremely small working coffee maker. You can fit it on your finger. It comes with a tiny spoon and cup and a stand for a candle—it boils and a single drop of coffee drips out of the pot into the tiny cup. Absolutely insanity—but I have to get one one day! I also once saw a guy who made perfect working miniature lavatories—with perfect flushing mechanism! But he didn’t sell them as a business, so I’m not sure if that should be in the collection. I was really going for items that anyone (at the time) could have bought, not just one-offs.

What appeals to you most about what you do?

I really don’t know. Something about the very tiny world appeals to me. I’m quite tall, so maybe it stems from not wanting to stand out physically? But I also really love the design, craftsmanship, and engineering that goes into making such tiny things really work. It’s amazing!

What’s to come from the Museum of Working Miniatures?

Well, I still have hundreds of exhibits to film. I want to continue to plough through and record them all eventually. The ‘miniature fails’ video would be funny to do. And maybe another cooking video—the Cooking Bacon in Miniature video is still by far my most watched. I’m trying to find a tiny metal oven replica that you could theoretically cook with—I’ve got close recently. Fingers crossed. Oh, and I’d like to do some more competition giveaways. I have a few duplicates—a couple are the extremely rare Basic Fun arcade games so they would make great prizes.

What other activities do you enjoy?

The Curator only knows Curating. There IS nothing else. That and tormenting Colin, my robot assistant.

What do you want miniature fans to know about you?

I get asked a lot why I don’t speak in the videos and what I look like. I actually did speak for the first few. The environment I film in just doesn’t allow me to do voice-overs. Plus, I really like my videos in ‘pantomime’ style. There are many other channels that do the same, and some are extremely successful. So… no plans to start speaking again. And as to what I look like? A little like Colin, only with a beard.

The Museum of Working Miniatures YouTube Channel was established by The Curator to showcase a unique collection of fully working miniature toys, games, electronics and gadgets. Based in London, you can subscribe to working miniature videos on YouTube, follow the fun on Twitter, and check out the Museum of Working Miniatures blog!

Daily Mini Interview: BMG Miniatures

August 2, 2015February 19, 2018 admin

Miniature Toilets by BMG Miniatures

| Etsy | YouTube |

What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

My earliest memory with miniatures is receiving an N scale train layout when I was a young boy. I remember being so excited about it! I think that was how I first started working with miniatures and where my interest in miniatures stemmed from. My Dad and I built a large HO scale train layout, and I still collect HO scale vehicles.

When and how did you begin working with miniature toilets?

My interest in miniature toilets came a bit later. I had always been interested in regular, human-sized toilets from a young age. I would have my Dad take off the toilet tank lid so that I could see how the toilet worked. That interest in toilets never went away.

Years later, when I was in college, my Stepmom, obviously knowing of my artistic past, handed me some clay that she had been given by someone. I had some experience with clay, but not much. I was trying to figure out what to make with it. The concept of making art with water flowing through it captivated me… I just hadn’t figured out what the design would be. Then I thought about my interest in toilets and a light lit up. I posed the challenge to myself to see if I could actually make a tiny functional toilet with this clay. Within a short time, I had made a crude toilet. I ran water through it and it actually worked. A couple of years later I decided to revisit this functional tiny toilet idea, and I made a much larger one. At this point, my fascination with making these tiny toilets really began. I kept making more of them, each subsequent toilet being a little better than the previous one. They all flushed, however, making a toilet that would hold water in the bowl and then when flushed, would make the signature gurgle sound was at first a challenge. Once I figured out how to make this happen I, from then on, just somehow knew how to make them all flush this way. Later, I added a water pump to the design, so that the toilet could refill like a human sized toilet.

Tell us a bit more about the functional miniature toilet you created.

The functional toilet pictured on my website, which is the same toilet in the bathroom scene on YouTube, is no longer available. The toilets that I have posted on YouTube were 100% custom made, one of a kind toilets, which took an immense amount of time to make. I am now in the development stage of a new fully functional mini toilet, which is about the same size as the toilet from the YouTube bathroom scene. It is actually better though! It is more detailed and realistic looking, and is made from high fire clay just like a human-sized toilet. These toilets will be made from a series of molds and therefore made in multiples. By doing it this way, I can make a lot more of them and also lower the selling price. I project that these new fully functional toilets will be available to purchase by mid 2016.

Advice for new artists?

Do what makes you feel good. I know that it has become a cliché, but yes, do what inspires you. If you follow that path it will end up taking you on a journey like you never would have imagined.

Most memorable miniature you’ve seen?

One of the miniatures that really stands out to me is an art desk/table that I saw with an adjustable working lamp made by ULUS Miniatures.

Plans to create other miniatures?

I also have another line of miniatures in the works. I am working on a 1:12 or 1 inch scale dollhouse toilet at the moment. It is also in the development stage. It will be highly detailed and contemporary in design. I am projecting to have this toilet available to purchase between late 2015 and early 2016.

What appeals to you most about your work with miniature toilets?

What really appeals to me about making miniature toilets is the challenge. It is quite a challenge from day one of starting a project to seeing it come to fruition and materialize!

Brad Green is the owner of BMG Miniatures. Based out of North Carolina, mini toilets by BMG Miniatures can be viewed on Etsy under the shop of bradgreen1. To see them in action, check out the Pottymaker YouTube Channel.

Daily Mini Feature: Miniature Art Prize Now Accepting Entries for 2016 International Miniature Art Competition

July 29, 2015April 13, 2016 admin

Miniaturists Invited to Showcase Work at 2016 International Miniature Art Competition

| Website |

download6 — 2016 Miniature Art Prize entry collaboration by Michael Walton and Jim Irish: Cut Crystal Decanter and 6 Glasses on Stems by Jim Irish inside Globe on Stand by Michael Walton.

Miniature Art Prize is an independently organized international miniature art competition for miniatures in 1:12 scale, 1:24 scale, 1:48 scale and 1:144 scale. Annually in April, miniature art from around the world will be exhibited at the Hyatt Regency, located at 1800 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg, Illinois.

For three days in 2016 (April 14, April 15, April 16), miniature art from around the world will be voted on by exhibition attendees. Winners will be announced on the morning of Saturday, April 16.

Miniature art submissions are due on February 1, 2016. To submit work in miniature, complete the artisan entry form today. For questions about the Miniature Art Prize competition, miniaturists may contact Greg Madl by phone or email.

Exhibition Times:
Thursday, April 14: Preview from 2-8 PM
Tickets are required and the cost is $25.00 and includes a dinner buffet. To purchase tickets go to The Miniature Show website.

download1 — Detail of Globe Drinks Cabinet by Michael Walton and Jim Irish.

Friday, April 15: 10 AM – 5 PM
Admission is $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Includes admission to The Miniature Show.

Saturday, April 16: 10 AM – 3PM
Admission is $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Includes admission to The Miniature Show.

2016 Prizes:
Best in Show: Swan House Miniatures Prize of $4000.00 and full-feature article in Dollhouse Miniatures and Dollshouse World magazines
Second Prize: Swan House Miniatures Prize of $700.00
Third Prize: Swan House Miniatures Prize of $300.00
Fourth Prize: Miniature Art Prize Purchase Award. Each year MAP will purchase one piece from the exhibition which will go on a traveling exhibition to promote the art of miniatures.

To learn more about the first Miniature Art Prize competition, visit the Miniature Art Prize website. To purchase tickets online, visit The Miniature Show website. For questions about submitting work to the 2016 Miniature Art Prize competition, miniaturists may contact Greg Madl. Click here more information on Swan House Miniatures.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Hadyn’s Charms

July 28, 2015July 28, 2015 admin

Hadyn’s Charms

| Shop | Instagram | Facebook |

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.

So, 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.

Do 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.

Sometimes 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!

Miniaturists Invited to Apply for IGMA Guild School Scholarship Program

July 28, 2015July 28, 2015 admin

August 1 Application Deadline Approaches for 2016 Guild School Scholarships

11001734_495437613947344_1262031359807214468_n — 2015 Guild School Scholarship Recipient Ron Stetkewicz displaying work by Bonni Backe at 2015 Live Auction

The Guild School Scholarship Program is made possible by the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA). Established in 1985, this scholarship program awards funding to deserving miniaturists interested in attending the annual IGMA Guild School in Castine, Maine. This year’s application for the 2016 Guild School scholarship is due Sunday, August 1, 2015. Click here to download the scholarship application.

A full-tuition scholarship is currently valued at $1425 and pays for 36 hours of instruction, plus room and board for the entire IGMA Guild School week. Recipients must provide their own transportation and assume any other expenses incurred such as materials fees for classes (typically $10-$200) and evening seminars (typically 0-$50).

The International Guild of Miniature Artisans is committed to the perpetuation and improvement of miniatures. Scholarships are primarily intended to make the Guild School experience available to students who might otherwise not be able to attend due to financial constraints. Scholarship applicants are evaluated on how their attendance at the Guild School could potentially contribute to:

the furtherance of miniatures as an art form and the raising of standards (including, but not limited to – adherence to scale and proportions, historical accuracy, etc.) in the creation of miniatures;
the quality of the applicant’s work and the degree to which the curriculum offered by the school would expand or enhance the applicant’s skills and areas of interest;
the dissemination of knowledge, enthusiasm, and skills to miniaturists within a local context, as well as around the world, by teaching, writing, exhibiting or other forms of sharing, both past and in the future;
the degree to which the applicant needs financial assistance for school expenses and how important attending the Guild School would be to them (fiscal priorities).

The source of funding for the Scholarship Program comes from various fundraising efforts held during the school week. The major event is the Live Auction. Scholarship students assist with displaying various auction items during the Auction. In addition, at the Opening Night Banquet, scholarship winners have reserved seating with other scholarship recipients and Scholarship Committee members. The IGMA Guild School scholarship provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals who appreciate (and wish to learn more about creating) fine miniatures.

For questions about the Guild School Scholarship Program, contact Chairperson Erin Carter today.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Bel’s Mini World

July 27, 2015July 27, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Bel’s Mini World

How did you first get started in miniatures?

When I was a child, I never got the chance to own one of those fabulous dollhouses you could see at the shopping centers during Christmas. So that is where it comes from… this feeling was somehow left in my inside. Thanks to my husband’s support of my day to day work, I pursued miniatures and now I love what I do so much. Sending my minis worldwide is very fulfilling as is seeing comments from people asking if my minis are real food or minis. There’s no doubt I may be doing something others can enjoy. Making people happy in turn makes my work so rewarding.

How has your work evolved?

Well, I must admit I have seen hundreds of miniatures by other artists, seen many websites and read some books about how to make minis, but due to my perfectionist nature I did always find something to improve on, with every work. I started making minis about 6 months ago. Since I started, my husband says that I have hugely improved, not only in sculpting the minis but in giving them the correct color and correct matte/gloss shine combination. I’ve also become more skilled at making imperfections in each mini, as this is what gives them each the real touch. Since I first started, I have replaced my tools several times and evolved my painting process as well. It’s all about evolution and experience. When I’m not happy with a mini. I just try again and again until I’m happy with it. Patience and care is the essence of my minis.

What materials do you use to make your miniatures?

The primary material I use is polymer clay. I also love to work with wood (I have some woodwork projects in mind for the future), cool porcelain, fabrics, and sometimes I add some metal wires either for tools or to build a structure for more sturdy minis or whenever the structure requires something stronger than just polymer clay.

Advice for new miniaturists?

I’m still an apprentice but the only advice I can give them is try and keep trying. You don’t need to start from the very basics . If you have enough motivation and you love minis, take the time you need to practice and try to learn as much as you can from artists that has been doing minis for years. Nowadays, you can find information and tutorials everywhere on the Internet. Find a challenge and try to improve it.

What inspires you?

Everything inspires me. Every little detail that I find in my day to day. When you cook, when you go to the garden, when you go to the supermarket, every step you take can be part of a wonderful scene. I just open my eyes and try to capture every single, little detail of nature and the real world that we don’t normally notice. It’s challenging to be able to reproduce that in miniature form.

What’s to come from your brand?

Well, I have so many projects in mind that if I start writing down a list, I may spend a few days with it! Some of the works I want to make include a new bakery, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, traditional dishes, pieces of wooden furniture, and more. What I do enjoy the most is recreating any food or food scenes that my customers have in their minds for their dollhouses – especially work that they have never found anywhere. For example, I have made some food creations from just a photo for some customers. I like to help them find the perfect food creations for their dollhouses so I have new projects almost every day. Moreover, I’m working on an exciting new feature in my shop (New Category: Design Your Own). Now you can design your own creation by choosing how it will be displayed. This functionality is enabled for the miniature oysters, but soon I will add more products for you all to play with.

Other hobbies you enjoy?

As a DIY person, I like to be involved in any project from the garden to house decorating. Less often, I spend time dressmaking and I may apply some of these skills to minis and dollhouses one day. In general, I’m a very active person that enjoys doing just about anything. I must admit that minis are my most enjoyable hobby/work.

Anything else you would like to add?

For anyone who follows my works, thank you so much!

I used to ask my friends what mini have they not found anywhere, and would then make the work. This is the kind of challenge I would enjoy more of.

When someone receives my minis, and sends me a message about their delight, I feel that I have not only given them one of my creations, but also a piece of myself. My care and love for minis is the soul of Bel’s Mini World.

Bel’s Mini World is made possible by Bel from the United Kingdom. You can shop her miniatures online, visit her website or blog, or follow along on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Jul 31, 2015 at 12:24pm PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Craftingbeshop

July 27, 2015July 27, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Craftingbeshop

| Shop | Instagram | Facebook |

How did you first get started in miniatures?

I watched the movie 13 Going on 30 when it first came out, and I absolutely fell in love with Jenna Rink’s dollhouse. After I watched that movie, I started making my own dollhouses out of cardboard boxes, foam board, and random household items. I even made my own furniture and decorations. Over time I’ve gradually improved my artistry.

What’s your favorite miniature?

My “Harry Potter” series is my favorite miniature(s) at this moment. But aside from myself, I was inspired to get heavily into the miniature making business by Tanja from Sugarcharmshop. I love all of her work.

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

I’m really not quite sure why I am specifically drawn to miniatures. I have just always loved them for as long as I can remember. Everything about them is so cute and adorable. I think deep down, somewhere in my subconscious, it’s because I can be a kid at heart when I make miniatures. I’ve always been surrounded by dollhouses and miniature items; I had 3 different dollhouses growing up so it’s also always been something I’ve just “known.”

What’s to come from Craftingbeshop?

I’m currently making mini movie props for various classic movies that most people are familiar with. If you follow me on Instagram, you can see my daily progress. I’ll have Lord of the Rings mini props in the near future!

Craftingbeshop is currently based in the hills of eastern Kentucky, in Morehead. You can shop her miniatures on Etsy, or follow along on Instagram and Facebook for many (mini) more photos!

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Aug 3, 2015 at 11:31am PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Miracle Chicken Miniatures

July 27, 2015July 27, 2015 admin

Miracle Chicken Miniatures

How did you first get started in miniatures?

Loving all things miniature is my oldest memory. As a child I loved to draw and create things. So as I grew up, I discovered I could make my own dollhouse miniatures. I began carving animals from wood for a sculpture art project at the end of 12th grade. I hated that orange clay on my hands so I rummaged through a drawer in the art room and found an X-ACTO knife and some wood. I carved animals for my project and never looked back! My mother also loved miniatures and bought me every piece of 1964 Petite Princess furniture.

Where does the name “Miracle Chicken” come from?

Miracle Chicken is the name of a beautiful, sweet, little hen that I hatched. I was her mother, I brought her into the world. I named my business after her. You can read her short story here and see pictures of her.

How long does it take you to make a miniature?

I make so many different kinds of miniatures… carving animals, carving fine furniture, even toothpick and match stick carving. One example would be it takes weeks to carve an animal in 1:12 scale and then painstakingly applying the fur.

What materials do you use to make your miniatures?

Mostly wood. The wood I use is Jelutong for the animals. Cherry and pear for the furniture.

What inspires you?

Seeing a picture of a particular animal or pose that I want to do.

What’s to come from Miracle Chicken?

I plan to keep making and furring animals. I do custom commissions: your pet from your photographs.

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

1) Trust your gut.
2) Necessity is the mother of invention.
3) Junk is your friend!

Miracle Chicken Miniatures is made possible by Linda Master of Dexter City, Ohio. Check out many more of her wonderful miniatures on the Miracle Chicken website, Miracle Chicken blog, or head on over to Etsy, eBay and Facebook to see what’s new.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Aug 4, 2015 at 11:54am PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Petitpunt

July 27, 2015July 27, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Petitpunt

| Blog |

What does “petit punt” mean?

When I first started out on social media I joined a platform with the extension .punt.nl and as I wanted to share my tiny work I called myself petit.punt.nl. after the French word for small‚ “petit.” I soon diverted to Blogger but since the username “petit” had already been taken, the name “petitpunt” remained for practical reasons.

How did you first get started in miniatures?

As a child, I’d always had an interest in tiny things. At the age of ten, I’d painted my own stamp collection, and I even contemplated to become a watchmaker. But life took its course, and I studied graphic design. I did build real life furniture, did a lot of DIY but nothing small.

Around 2007, my mother-in-law at that time shared her childhood dream to own a very specifically crafted dollhouse. Because of her arthritis and the specific design of the house, I offered to build it for her. When that was finished, I continued to build furniture to her liking, to fill up the dollhouse.

Do you have a favorite type of miniature to make?

There’s no specific thing I lean toward. I’ll build whatever grabs me or seems challenging. For the past few years, it’s been mostly furniture. Still… one of the last things I’ve built was a pair of snowshoes and they were lots of fun to do too!

What inspires you?

When it comes to new projects, it can be anything! A trip to a museum, a window display, or a story someone tells me. But the biggest one was probably coming to the IGMA Guild School for the first time. The exhibit of fellow participants’ work just blew me away! To see what people were capable of just opened up everything for me, made me realize I had only just started and it inspired me to believe that anything was possible if I pushed myself. Nowadays, it’s my latest build that inspires me most. I see the things that went wrong, the things that turned out not as good as I wanted to, and that sets me to do better the next build.

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

Sharing the build of my mother-in-law’s dollhouse on the Internet made me discover the miniature scene here in Holland. Next thing I knew, I was going to a miniature show here in Apeldoorn, and that’s where I met Josje Veenebos. She told me about IGMA and their amazing Guild School. She’d just received a scholarship herself and although I was very insecure if I’d fit the bill, she really pushed me to apply for a scholarship too and, for that, I’ll always be grateful to her. If you’re eager to learn and grow, nothing beats a week long experience of being submerged in knowledge and surrounded by people sharing their miniature skills.

Advice for beginner miniaturists?

First and foremost: enjoy what you do! Second: stop comparing yourself. In all honesty, everyone started out the same! Remember that even the people you and I look up to today started out as beginners. They simply have had 30 or odd more years of practice. So, don’t be intimidated by where others are right now. Look at it as a journey you’re on, and realize that it’s your journey! Build whatever you like, make it the way you want it to be, and if it doesn’t happen the first time that’s perfectly fine too! For certain you practiced a technique, discovered what worked and what didn’t, and maybe you even learned a few new skills along the way. But never let your faults or flaws discourage you… just keep at it, build whatever you love to make, and simply take on board what you learned the last time. Embrace your mistakes because they can show you where you have room to improve. And then there’s no doubt you and the people around you will love the unique pieces you’ll come up with.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

The one that straight comes to mind is a 1 :144 scene made by Nell Corkin. It was in 2010, my first time at Guild School, and I was in constant awe of all the awesome miniatures I had seen so far. During sale night, Nell had various scenes on display and that’s where I saw her Gourd House. I recognized it from her blog and although her pictures were great, seeing it for real hit a cord deep within. It was so much better, a thousand times better to see it for real, it had so much detail to take in… the shrubs and plants surrounding this mystical house. The acorn dormer rooms… this delightful interior… It was the epitome of a miniature and the embodiment of creating your own fantasy.

Why miniatures?

Looking back I’ve always had a fascination for all things small. Miniatures in nature or even in engineering… My guess is what makes you tick never leaves you and when the time was right in my life, it came back to the surface again.

What appeals to you most about what you do?

The research, there’s no doubt about that. I love how my knowledge increases with each new project, as I venture into the unknown and investigate the life size object that I want to reproduce. For instance, the snowshoes I’ve recently made… I dived into the Internet to learn how they are built and, along the way, I discovered the history of these shoes. How they played a major role in the lives of Native Americans. How the surrounding nature led to specifically suited sizes and shapes; how various groups developed their own distinct decorative patterns into the weavings; and many more little details. As a European, this tiny part of American history was completely unknown to me and by taking on this shoe project, I gained even more appreciation for all the variations in culture we can find in our beautiful world.

New minis in the works?

I have a few commissions to finish before I can turn to my own list of things I’d like to build. One of them is Jane Austen’s writing table. It’s a very simple piece but I can’t wait to make it. But first, a logo stamp and a revolving book case with five shelves for my clients.

What’s to come from Petitpunt?

My plan is to keep on building pieces that are challenging to me. Whether a new technique, material,or construction… so I can learn and grow, develop my skills, meet new people along the way and share my journey through miniature land on my blog.

Debora Beijerbacht of The Netherlands heads up the Petitpunt brand. To see many mini more of her miniatures, head on over to the Petitpunt blog!

Daily Mini Interview: La Belle Cuisine Miniaturas

July 24, 2015July 24, 2015 admin

Miniatures by La Belle Cuisine Miniaturas

How did you first get started in miniatures?

Miniaturism isn’t my professional work, although I regret that. I’m a wife, mother of two lovely girls, nurse at a hospital, miniaturist, and also a painter (oil on canvas). I also do cross-stich, crochet and fabric dolls.

My interest for miniatures started in 1998 with the construction of a dollhouse (by kit). Since then, I have collected and changed other kit collections, and worked on a miniature kitchen and room boxes. Soon I decided to stop collecting and to become a miniaturist, creating my own pieces. That’s when the passion really started.

How has your work evolved over time?

After building 3 dollhouses from kits, I thought it was time to create my own pieces, almost entirely done by myself. I started then with “Zeferino’s vegetable market” with grocery packages, fruit and vegetable crates and that’s where the taste for the grocery packages was born. Scanned from the real size boxes, I have since then built 63 grocery boxes and a total of 145 Portuguese grocery products, including the typical salted codfish, smoked ham, crates of fruit and vegetables, and more.

Next, a chocolaterie (pâtisserie), called in french “Maison du chocolat,” was born. Inside it there are various cakes, bonbons, and chocolate boxes which turned into a real passion and are a tribute to chocolate. I looooove chocolate!

A haberdashery called “Casinha do botão” (Button’s home) and “Quintal da miquinhas” (miquinhas’s backyard) followed. They were both created and built entirely from scratch.

Sometimes, I feel a little lost with so many ideas and the strong wish of turning them real. At present, my creations are mainly directed to kitchen articles such as boxes of food, fruit and vegetables, groceries, and also some pieces of furniture in miniature, such as beds with their bed covers and bathroom towels.

What materials do you use to make miniatures?

I really enjoy working with polymer clay, but also with other materials, like fabrics, wood, cardboard, and more. Many times I use common daily materials in my miniatures. I usually say that other people’s “garbage” is our good fortune.

Favorite mini you have made yourself?

I love my market stall “Horta do zeferino” (Zeferino’s vegetable market) and the chocolaterie (pâtisserie) I mentioned above.

What inspires you?

Sometimes, just a common little thing is enough to suggest an idea for a new creation, such as a roombox. In the case of “Miquinhas’s backyard” it was that character doll, Miquinhas, that I bought from the talented doll maker Alicia Volta, a friend from Argentina, but living in Portugal, that inspired me to create a garden corner where Miquinhas is planting some pots. Chocolate inspired “La maison du chocolat” and thread reels led to the creation of the haberdashery “button’s home.”

Other hobbies you enjoy?

I have two more passions, as I mentioned before: oil painting and fabric dolls that can be seen at Shabby Paris Dolls blog, Shabby Paris Dolls Etsy, Shabby Paris Dolls Facebook.

La Belle Cuisine Miniaturas was created by Paula Marina Vasconcelos Barbosa of Portugal. You can shop her miniatures on Etsy, or head to Facebook for more photos. Don’t forget to check out three of the La Belle Cuisine Miniaturas blogs here: Blog I, Blog II, Blog III.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Jul 30, 2015 at 9:17am PDT