DHM050

ROBERT OFF’S SMALL ROOMS SET A MOOD AND TELL A STORY. March / April 16 ISSUE 50 dhminiatures.comTHE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $7.95 Canada $10.95PROJECTS Storybook miniatures Scene by Rik Pierce.Vintage car cross-stitchKitchen cabinetryTea-time cozyEaster pillowsNarrow kitchen tableRainy day puddles

Dollhouse Land Artistry in Miniatures See you at the Chicago International Show, NAME Nationals in Seattle, Denver Museum of Miniatures Fall Show, The Good Sam Show and in Philadelphia. (949) 496-9841 [email protected] Visit Us on Facebook 27134A Paseo Espada, Suite 304 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675Probably the only French partof Basle. Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel | Museum, Shop and Restaurant, Toy Worlds daily from 10 until 18 | Steinenvorstadt 1, CH-4051 Basle Museum Basle The building is accessible by wheelchair | www.swmb.museum 05.01.15 10:462 SDWOMLBL_HAOnzU_DS oEllhMouI NseIMAiTniUatRurEeSs_Frankreich_181x118mm_E.indd 1

The To-Do List PHOTO: HEATHER ALMEDA. Of A Very Wise Miniaturist: WORK BY IGMA ARTISAN SHERRI MACRAILD. Visit The Museum of Miniature Houses Take Your Passion7 Rooms of beautiful m...iniatures (I can’t wait!) for Miniatures to the Next Level Save Time to Shop in the Museum Shop Miniature “finds”..a. t all price points For over 3 decades, The International Guild of Miniature Attend The Museum’s Attic Sale Artisans has promoted fine miniatures as an art form April 30, 2016. .B..argains galore! by raising the awareness of high quality workmanship Attend the 16th Annual through education initiatives and artisan recognition. Dollhouse Miniatures Show & Sale Are you an Enthusiast, Collector, or an Artisan? Learn September 16-17, 2016 about Guild benefits made exclusively available to you. Visit igma.org or Call 1.800.711.4462 111 East Main St - Carmel, IN 46032 317-575-9466 © COPYRIGHT 2016 INTERNATIONAL GUILD OF MINIATURE ARTISANSHours: Wed-Sat: 11am to 4pm - Sun 1pm-4pm One word. Sweet. Learn more at the Museum’s Website: Fine Miniatures since 1976. www.museumofminiatures.org BesCpearqtiDfieedaler Specializing in We build dreams... Doll Houses and sometimes fantasies. and Miniatures Dollhouses, miniatures and battery-operated lights. www.manVhisaittutas nondloinlelhatouse.com DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES 3

Dollhouse Miniatures contents PROJECTS68132 250th Avenue 7 Vintage car cross-stitchKasson, MN 55944 Elizabeth Bentley shares how to make the perfectPhone: (507) 634-3143Fax: (507) 634-7691 33 accent to hang on the wall of your dollhouse.Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587 Rainy day puddlesE-mail: [email protected] Let’s embrace a rainy day and learn how to addUK: Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester Road 54 realism to your scenes with a rainy day project.Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0AG Kitchen cabinetryTel: 01903 884988 Construct your own 1:12-scale kitchen base andFax: 01903 885514 66 corner unit along with Keith Walker.Publisher: Kelly Johnson Tea-time cozyEmail: [email protected] Take a well deserved break with Ann Kearney andEditor: Auralea Krieger 72 try your hand at this fun tea-time crochet project.Email: [email protected] Transforming tiny pieces From plain to stunning, Susan Birrell will show youAdvertising Manager: Sara VixEmail: [email protected] 74 how to transform an ordinary piece of furniture. Easter pillowsCustomer Service: Ronnie Godfrey makes pretty little 1:12-scaleEmail: [email protected] 81 Easter cushions inspired by her furry friends.Distribution: Alex Schwemmer A narrow kitchen tableEmail: [email protected] Follow along with Auralea Krieger and make an extra narrow dining table for a very small space.Designer: Auralea Krieger FEATURESAd Designer: Alison Smith Miniature kits from the pastCover Photo: Scene by Jo Bevilacqua.Contributors: Elizabeth Bentley, Susan Martha Puff takes us on a miniature tour of story-Birrell, Ronnie Godfrey, Ann Kearney, EleanorKilham, Auralea Krieger, Donald Morcone, 10 book and fantasy structures made by Rik Pierce.Rika van Nellestijn, Mark O’Banks, Robert A source of inspirationOff, Suze Perry-Hinkle, Rik Pierce, Martha Rika van Nellestijn shows us a cabinet dollhousePuff, Sebastian, Barbara Stanton, LindaGuthertz Sullivan, Luisiana Vadacca, Alicia 20 that has been inspirational to an artist.Volta, Keith Walker, Stewart, Deb Weissler Small rooms with a mood Robert Off’s elegant, well-executed 1:12-scaleIssue 50March/April 2016 26 spaces not only tell a story, but also set a mood.Published by Ashdown Broadcasting SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 year (6 issues): $45.99 Canada $65.99 CAD; UK £43.99; Europe €74.99; Rest of World $75.99 USD 2 year (12 issues): $86.99 Canada $123.99 CAD; UK £74.99 GBP Europe €111.99 EUR; Rest of World $156.99 USDDollhouse Miniatures (ISSN 1094-1916 (USPS957-440) is published bi-monthly at 68132 250thAvenue, Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price$39.95. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson MNand additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Sendaddress corrections to Dollhouse Miniatures, 68132250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944.All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or partwithout the written permission of the publisher isprohibited. All material submitted to the magazinefor publication in whatever form is accepted solelyon the basis that copyright in the work will bevested in the publisher who assumes all rightsworldwide, in all forms and in all media. Submittedmaterials cannot be returned unless accompaniedby a stamped addressed envelope. In any eventthe publisher can accept no responsibility for lossor damage to contributions. Material is acceptedsolely on the basis that the author accepts theassessment of the Publisher as to its commercialvalue. All material submitted to the magazine issubject to editing.

welcome days are important to be sure I am always striv- picture and focus on all the things you have Experience has taught me that while work- ing to give my best, and just as in miniatures, done right. ing with miniatures I must choose the task there are always things that may look correct that compliments my mood. If no amount one day, but I can see flaws the next. If I get too hard on myself in the studio of coffee seems to be kick-starting my brain I stop and remind myself that creating is activity, when I walk into my studio, I know Unlike decorating a miniature dollhouse, once supposed to be fun. Overcoming these chal- that means I need to focus on something the magazine is printed I can no longer make lenges is just as rewarding as completing basic such as painting sheets of canvas changes like a typo or adjusting a photo. On my the task. paper for dollhouse walls. Macintosh, a simple keyboard shortcut (com- If I am as sharp as a tack, well then it’s mand-z) will undo anything. Such a great feature! In this issue we are showcasing so many time to tackle that pesky staircase! I have amazing artist that have given their best to found the same to be true while laying out I often think, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have their work. They will inspire you with their this magazine. Different tasks for different a similar feature while working on a mini project, personal stories, wisdom, and techniques. after I have made a wrong cut or accidentally put My hope is that they will teach you some- thing that you can incorporate into your own glue in the wrong place. work. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes We all make mistakes; the trick when you are trying something new, as that is the part of the journey that is essential for is to adjust your process so you growth as an artist. can get a little closer to perfection each time, but also look at the big30Everyday is a special one REGULARS Alicia Volta enjoys the everyday moments in life and that comes through in her expressive dolls. 6 Your letters See what your fellow readers and miniaturists are Welcome to Nybelwyck Hall 52 learning, discovering, thinking, and discussing. Mark O’Banks built and furnished a dollhouse based The big buzz Hear what’s buzzing in our mini world! These pages36 on his own wonderfully imaginative stories. Brushstrokes in miniature 67 are filled with news updates, events, and contests. Barbara Stanton doesn’t own a dollhouse, but she’s Mini cutouts Cut out your very own miniature oil paintings, paper40 an artist who loves to paint in miniature. Creating is time well spent 71 dolls and decorative wallpaper. Sebastian proves that when you do something you Show calendar Pull out your mini pens and mark your mini calendars44 love, you will always find your way back to it. so you don’t miss any of these upcoming shows. Justice served If you believe in the justice system then witness DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES 547 miniatures being used to help solve crimes. European-inspired minis Kentuckian Rebecca Stewart has a keen eye60 for close-up work and attention to details. Mastery of the fine scale Enjoy historically inspired pieces that are handcrafted63 by Luisiana Vadacca in the heart of Abruzzo, Italy. .

yourLETTERS  Write to DHM, 68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944 or email [email protected]. Letters may be edited, if necessary. Star letter winner as opulent and rich as I imag- ine them to be. This month, our Star Letter winner is Debbie Walker. She graciously Dina Cole took the time to write in to share her Sacramento, CA most favorite miniatures with us!  Amazed by minis Keep those letters coming, readers. I was fascinated by the We appreciate your comments, ideas, and suggestions, and your kind letters Christmas baubles made warm our hearts every day. by Northern Ireland’s Conal Star letter Oakes in DHM48. How he In the January/February issue of DHM, there was a mention that DHM was manages to get such detail curious about the readers’ favorite min- iature pieces and I am pleased to share in so small a space is hard to mine with you. fathom for someone like me There are two parts to this story. In 2014 my fiancée and I attended who is not a miniaturist, but the Chicago International Miniature Show. I had researched the sellers admires the art. In particular beforehand and was prepared with my I loved his interpretation of shopping list. One item I KARIN EDDINS-LAMBERT SHARES HER MINI-MASTERPIECE “Scrooge and Marley”, really wanted November / December 15 ISSUE 48 and especially, were glass wine dhminiatures.com “Mr. Badger’s world”.  bottles with real wine in them Also, I am an avid horse THE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $7.95 Canada $10.95 They leave me amazed. and I was very fortunate that there was owner, lover, and Dressage Mercedes Spencer celebrates by The latter so reminds me one seller, a lady from Italy, who had competitor and I like to PROJECTS of how as a child I would exactly what I was looking for! incorporate a horse theme Dwietchocrhaeteinrg imagine the underground They are my most prized possession Chest of drawers and will never leave my house!  Stylish mini dessert Christmas stocking Holiday centerpiece Festive rug and pillows A bag for traveling Yule log sled into my dollhouses when- scene in “The Wind in the ever possible. My Victorian W  MiOlhlDoomEwReNssE”w.HeOeMt E dining room was an excel- lent setting for this horse Abigail Sanders theme. My Aunt had bought Erie, PA me a Reutter wine set at a 10/1/15 2:48 PM DHM48_Cover.indd 1 show she attended and I found the crate in Chicago. Together, all these pieces make a lovely scene incorporating the Reutter, real wine, and horses! Debbie Walker Saskatchewan, Canada  A Coco Chanel fan After seeing the play about Coco Chanel on a round stage a while ago, it was interesting for me to see Laurent Seigle-Dias’ miniature depiction of the Chanel Fashion House in Paris in DHM48. I can’t wait to see his finished product with the interiors all complete and true to life. I am sure they will be6 DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES

PROJECTsomethingFUN FOR HIMThis little vintage car cross-stitch is the perfectaccent to hang on the wall of your dollhouse andwill give the man of the house a little smile. By Elizabeth BentleyStep 1: Each square of the chart Step 8: Carefully measure and cut your YOU’LLneedrepresents a stitch worked over one work to fit centrally on your card. u 6” square even-weave fabric inthread of fabric. Find and mark the center cream/ivory (28 threads per inch)point of the canvas and hold fabric taut in Step 9: Take the protective backing off u One skein each, Anchor strandedembroidery frame. cotton: 150 Dark Blue; 400 Dark one side of your photo mount and place Grey; 235 Light Grey; 403 Black;Step 2: Starting at the center, follow the your work, taking care to avoid making any oddment of Gold Metallic thread creases in the fabric. u 4” embroidery hoop or framechart and using one strand of Anchor u Miniature frame with an approx.cotton and one strand of gold metallic Step 10: When you are happy that your 1½” x 1¾” aperture (from Teethread throughout (if you don’t have metallic Pee Crafts)use Anchor 306 gold-colored thread). embroidery is smooth and secure on the u 2” square photo mount (double mount, peel off the backing on the reverse sided self-adhesive sheet)Step 3: Stitch the vintage car design in and stick the whole thing onto your card. u 2” square thick white card Trim excess fabric. u Super Glue or similarcross stitch, working each over onethread of the fabric. Step 11: Using a matchstick, spread a Anchor Stranded Cotton - 150 Dark Blue Anchor Stranded Cotton - 234 Light GreyStep 4: Cross stitch, outline in backstitch, thin layer of glue around the back of your Oddment of metallic gold thread frame. Keep close to the aperture edges Anchor Stranded Cotton - 400 Dark Greyagain following the chart, with one strand of but not overlap them. Anchor Stranded Cotton - 403 BlackAnchor cotton 403 Black. Step 12: Carefully place the glued frameStep 5: Now stitch the text, also in over yourbackstitch, using one strand of Anchor 400 embroidery,Dark Grey. Note that for this section of the making surepattern, one square on the chart equals two that it isthreads of fabric to stitch the numbers and centered.letters Leave a space of just one threadbetween each number and letter. Step 13:Step 6: Press the work and set aside. Your picture is ready to takeStep 7: Cut your thick white card to size pride of place on yourso that it is a little bigger than the aperture dollhouseof your frame. wall. DHM DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES 7

Now available in our shop: Rocky Mountain Dollhouses, made in the USA! Fingertip Fantasies Dollhouse Miniatures Shop 401 Main St • Clayton, DE 19938 Phone: (302) 653-8800 www.dollhouseminiatures.com [email protected] Meow, meow, meow... Our 3 little kittens have found their mittens! Kit #3485 Three Little Kittens the latest in our in our Fairy Tales Series priced right at only $45.00 plus shipping Our 1/4\" scale project kit includes all you'll need to create this sweet little cottage, with 3 kittens from Falcon Miniatures The project fits into your own 5\" x 7\" frame Grandt Line Products 1040 B Shary Court Concord, CA 94518 www.grandtline.com e-mail: [email protected] tel: (925) 671-0143 fax: 671-08068 DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES

Real Good Toys Heirloom Quality DollhousesEngineering the world’s best miniature homes for over 40 years!Many Choices! Sizes! Price levels! Years of Joy! 10 Quarry St. - Barre, Vermont 05641 802-479-2217 on the web: www.RealGoodToys.com Chautauqua Miniatures & MOLLY CROMWELL PRESENTS SHOWS & TOURS Dollhouse Gallery STURBRIDGE DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES FESTIVAL 5031 W. Lake Rd Mayville, NY 14757 JUNE 4 & 5, 2016Web Site & Store OPEN YEAR ‘ROUND A show & sale featuring legends and newcomers from around the world. (716) 753-3100 Sturbridge Host Hotel, 366 Main St/Rte 20 Sturbridge, Mass.www.chautauquaminiatures.com Reserve your room today for special show rate. Call: 508-347-7393 FAIRY HOUSES, FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES CALIFORNIA TOUR • OCTOBER ~ 2016 5,000 SQ FT OF FUN AND INSPIRATION! Private Collections ~ Miniature Shops ~ 2 Days at The Good Sam Show The 2015 trip SOLD OUT so reserve your spot early! All questions and deposits for this trip come directly to Molly. TRAVEL EUROPE WITH KINDRED SPIRITS ** SOLD OUT ** ENGLAND • MAY 8 ~ 16, 2016 ** SOLD OUT ** THE RIVIERAS: FRANCE * ITALY & THE ISLES JULY 30 ~ AUGUST 14, 2016 Optional Pre-Cruise Trip to Aix en Provence Cannes * Nice * Portofino * Cinque Terre * Santa Margherita * Florence & more Make your deposit today with Grand Circle Lines: 1-800-597-2452 Press Extension 2, and mention this code when booking: G6-20068 CHRISTMAS MARKETS ALONG THE RHINE NOVEMBER 27 ~ DECEMBER 13, 2016 Cruising Amsterdam to Basel ~ Lots of Miniatures Switzerland • France • Germany • The Netherlands Make your deposit today with Grand Circle Lines: 1-800-597-2452 Press Extension 2, and mention this code when booking: G6-20068 For more information: [email protected] (703) 978-5353 www.mollycromwell.com DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES 9

FEATUREIn a small landfar, far awayMartha takes us on a miniature tour ofstorybook and fantasy structures as we lookback, and look ahead with Rik Pierce. By Martha Puff PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RIK’S FRIENDSFor the last several years, Rik leaded glass windows, put in wiring Rik often tells students, “Don’t Pierce of Frogmorton Studios has for lights, and make a natural looking compare yourself to classmates as you traveled throughout the U.S. and flickering fire in the fireplace. work. You are not competing with abroad conducting workshops.By invitation, he has taught in England,Germany, the Netherlands, Australia,and New Zealand. His 1:12 scale sto-rybook and fantasy structures based onmedieval, rural-Tudor architecture keepsthe spirit of fairy tales alive. Rik’s work includes fanciful castlesand towers, his version of HogwartsSchool of Witchcraft & Wizardry,Diagon Alley shops, a hobbit house,and thatched roof cottages. For privatecollectors, he has designed a numberof imaginative and unique structuresfull of personality and charm. Through his inventive designs,Rik affords students an opportunityto gain a mastery of Creative Paper-clay. Workshop participants learnto plaster, sculpt rocks, cobblestonesand flagstones, make brick pavers indifferent patterns, and roof tiles. Heteaches that, although a project mightlook difficult, the individual steps andtechniques are quite easy to learn forall levels of skill. Students are taught to distress woodto make it look old and how to usethin paint washes to age the struc-ture. He teaches how to make simple10 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE ABOVE: This Medieval lighthouse is also a welcoming tea room. BELOW: This miniature Hobbit house is the home of Bilbo Baggins from Harry Potter. This version was built by one of Rik’s workshop students, Teresa Layman.anyone. Do the best work you can. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft From Medieval Lighthouse toAnd, keep it fun.” and Wizardry Welcoming Tea Room Inspired by the famed Harry Potter This was a one-time workshop at the It doesn’t matter if Rik’s designs books, Hogwarts School of Witch- Tom Bishop Chicago Internationalare small one-story buildings or large craft and Wizardry debuted in April Show. I taught how to sculpt and agemulti-story structures, the attention 2003. Commissioned by collector the lighthouse’s stonework, rocks,to detail is always a delight to the eye! Sally Wallace, Des Moines, Iowa, it flagstones, cobblestones, bricks, andA comprehensive photo book “The took two years to create our fanci- roof tiles using Creative Paperclay.Magical Art of Rik Pierce” is sched- ful version of this structure. It is an Students learned to plaster, distressuled for publication in Spring 2016. eighteen room, five-turret castle with ceiling timbers, age plank wood floors, nooks and crannies, special places, and make leaded windows, and more. Shown here are a few of Rik’s favor- hidden spaces. Lenor Johnson of R-Stuff Miniaturesite structures, along with comments decorated the lighthouse as the “Eng-by him. lish Rose Tea Room” for a collector. Hobbit House Inspiration for the Hobbit House in Middle-earth comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s description of “Bag End”- -the home of Bilbo Baggins. My design ideas were greatly influenced by illustrations of the Brothers Hil- debrandt, fantasy and science fiction illustrators. The version shown was built in one of my workshop classes by Teresa Layman. She does impec- cable work, and I was thrilled at how Teresa detailed it to perfection. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 11

FEATURE Crooked House Over a period of time, the building In England, green oak keeps getting more crooked. I taught was used for construc- students how to build a dry stack stone tion in medieval times. wall with rustic gate similar to those It warps and splits, seen in the English countryside (shown and you have a very on the left). Over the years, grass and crooked house within a moss grow on the stones and give it an few years of being built. interesting natural look. Thatched Roof Cottage The cottage, shown above, serves as a reminder of the quaint historical houses I saw in the villages of Kersey and Blaise Hamlet in England. The cottage shown here was constructed by Lenor Johnson, Bloomingdale, N.J., in one of my workshops. I am delight- ed with her work and am a great fan of her talent for interior decorating. Lenor adds, “Anyone who has not yet taken a class with Rik should sign up for one. All of the structures that he offers are wonderful.” Ratty’s House Ratty, the Water Rat, is a character from the book “Wind in the Willows” (Kenneth Grahame, 1908). I wanted Ratty’s house to have a lot of whimsy, and gave it a traditional sod roof and fanciful brick chimney. It is built into the riverbank and even has a rustic wood wharf for Ratty’s boat, as you can see to the left.12 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURETudor Market HallIn the old stone village of LongCompton in the Cotswolds, I sawa weathered 17th century two storyhalf-timbered and brick lych gate.It was my inspiration for the TudorMarket Hall. Due to time restraints,prior to the class I used a wire brushto remove the soft wood in balsa woodto create a roof that appears to bethatch. While not historically accu-rate, treated this way the balsa woodgives an attractive thatched roof effect. Rapunzel’s Tower will be part of an upcoming 2016 class in Chicago. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 13

FEATURE LEFT: Duddingwell’s Tea Room will be an upcoming Rapunzel’s Tower - 2016 class in Dallas. An upcoming 2016 class in Chicago changes of textures. This design is my inter- I wanted there to be pretation of the tower in something interesting to which Rapunzel was held see wherever you look. A captive by the old witch two-story building with (Grimms’ Fairy Tales, loft, it can be adapted 1812). The structure sits to many themes. I on a fairly small foot- included a bow window print, but rises a majestic to provide the illusion 42-inches out of the lake. of a larger room. Bow Surrounded by water, it windows achieved is only accessible by the widespread popularity main door. during the Victorian era. The design incorpo- Tanglewood rates Creative Paperclay On my first teaching to make rocks, bricks and trip to England in 2005, plaster. Students learn to I taught a workshop to distress and age wood, as build Tanglewood. It is well as create a blue tile a small shop that could roof with “Witch’s Cap” be used in a lot of finial. I am offering this different ways. workshop at the April 2016 Chicago Interna- Among other tional Show. techniques, students learned how to make Duddingwell’s Tea a brick and distressed Room - An upcoming wood exterior, climbing 2016 class in Dallas wisteria vine, leaded glass This design incorporates windows, and a realistic distressed timbers, wiggle cobblestone walkway. wood, fanciful brickwork, stonework, and constant On the interior of the structure, students made an 14 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S aged copper fireplace along with a flickering fire. DHM LEFT: Tanglewood was the first workshop that Rik had in England in 2005. GET IN TOUCH Frogmorton Studios Rik Pierce 12917 NW 42nd Court Vancouver, WA 98685 Phone: 559-635-8225 Email: [email protected] Web: www.frogmorton.com Upcoming 2016 Workshops Apr 11-14 - Rapunzel’s Tangled Tower, Chicago International Show

THE MINIATURE SHOW • CHICAGOSee you in “Wildly” Popular Chicago! Animal Lamps Order our plain shade & decorate it yourself TEC Innovations Email: [email protected] Call: (717) 737-9728 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 15

THE MINIATURE SHOW • CHICAGO DRAWN and QUARTERED [email protected] Phone: 952-944-2499 The Golden Loon also offers gold & silver loon jewelry in addition to Tierneys Tile & Laser Kits16 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

THE MINIATURE SHOW • CHICAGOThe Miniature Show These fine artisans and businesses will beshowcasing their work at The Miniature Show Dealers from around the worldA Touch of the Past Clive Brooker Jim Irish PQFA Novel Idea Colin Roberson Collette Gunter Jim Pounder Paul LimAgniesza Wolska Conchi Pachesco Country Treasures Joachim Kuener Paola OjedaAlex Meiklejohn Country Contrast Cristina Noriega Joele Ariel Pascale GarnierAlexandra Cantatore Danielle Designs Danny Shotton Johannes Landman Pat Kay Toys and DollsAlexandra International Dateman Books David Iriate Jose Gomez Paul SaltarelliAlice Gegers David Provan Judy Travis Paula Gilhooley/ChristopherAlmudene Ferrandiz David Ward Just Miniature Scale Whitford Special CollectionAmanda Skinner Deco Designs Delph Kath Knox PedereteAnabela Miniatures Diego DE Amrogio Dominique Kathleen Larson PiaminiAngel Children Autin Dominique Levy Don Henry Kunstgewerbe Miniatures Prestige LeatherAnna Wybranowska-Miniatures Engalhard Schmitt Et Cetera Lady Hamilton Miniatures Renee Isabelleby Ana Anne Dalton Fine Designs Francesca Vernucio Les Chinoiserie Richard StaceyAnnette Shaw Gale Elena Bantock Gardens by Lighting Bug Robert OffArtelier Gilhooley George Chapman Gerd Linda McBreen Robert DawsonArthur Werner Felka Lola de Ville Robert WardArtistic Florals Gosia Auchodolska Grandma’s of Looking Glass Miniatures Rue de SuzeAurea Sequra Mestre Norway Hairy Potter’s Pottery Hans Lorraine Scuderi S.GustavianBeate Meier Lucy Askew Selen Bloedorn-SaeedBotiny Miniatures Harry Smith Marie-France Beglan Shadow BoxCarabosse Dolls Henry Bart Martyna Zalewska - Little Stuff Silke Janes-SchlosserCarme Ferrandiz Herbillon Maryvonne Herholtz Small TimeCatherine Bigot-Duverne Hermann Straeten Mercedes Mollor St.LegerCandace Liddy Bronze & Resins Ingrid Sikkink Michael Walton Stephan Wein Syreeta’sCea’s garden Miniatures Isabel Pias Memorial table 2016 Michael Mortimer Taller Targioni Tanis LawCheryl Warder Artist:Marie-Paul Hostyn Isabelle Mike Sparrow TarbenaChique Cueto Beckers Miniatura Magazine Tec Innovations The Mad HatterChris Sparrow Izabela Klos - Capricornus Miniature Creation The English Kitchen Tierneys TileChrisminiatures J.Getzan Lighting Monika Korona-Beans Tiny Ceramics Tricia StreetChristine Davin Jacqueline’s Montserrat Folch Truly Scruptious TwinklingChristmas in Salzburg Jan Grygiel Nantasy Fantasy Treasures Ursula Strumer UrsulaChristopher Whitford China Janet Uyetake Neil Carter Lempelius Valerie Anne CassonChristopher Whitford Painting Janet Reyburn Nicole Mascall Vegas AirsCinen Jason Getzan Ni-Glo Victoria Fasken VonasCJ’s Jenny Kelm O’Meara Sterling VoyageThe Swan House Suite will represent the following artists:Chris Malcomson Miniatures Arene & Kate’s McBay Miniatures Brooke Tucker Originals Veronique Cornis Pat Boldt Dolls Josephine Meyer by J Kincaid TwinHeart Bubba’s Mini Country Miniatures by JuneLe Coffree d’Emilie Veronique Lux Uncle Ciggie’s Wicker by VickyHenny Staring-Egberts Cupboards The Dolls’ Clinkscales PRD Miniatures Alice Zinn Cobbler Red Dragon Pottery Wendy’s Miniatures Patricia Santi Phyllis Hawkes Studio Sir Thomas ThumbLe Miniature de Eurosia Hestia House Stained Glass by Barbara Sabia Plus Many More... Patricia Hopkins Studio Manuela Michieli Tony Jones Miniatures StapletonBjarnesonn’s-Karl Blindheim Marie’s Mini Shoppe Porcelain Maureen Thomas Acquisto Silver CoThe Addotta Collectionwww.theminiatureshow.com [email protected] Greg Madl PO Box 187 West Olive, MI 49460 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 17

subscription offerELIZABETH E. WINTERS’ LITTLE ANIMALS ARE FULL OF LOVE. Beautiful Reutter Porcelain gifts January / February 15 ISSUE 43 FREE when you subscribe! dhminiatures.comTHE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 Shcarabfbtyshed You save on the Subscribe to the print edition of Mercedes Spencer iMag and TV channel Dollhouse Miniatures for one year and we’ll give you the lovely Antique049_JF15_p001.indd 1 11/19/14 3:45 PM Picture Frame Set.When you subscribe to the print version, Subscribe for two years and we’llyou qualify for big savings on the Dollhouse send you the delightful Blue OnionMiniatures iMag digital library. Spice Set.With the iMag you will be able to read all the Take advantage of extra savings bycurrent magazines on your computer, plus subscribing for three years and we’llyou get access to back issues of Dollhouse send you BOTH gifts for FREE!Miniatures in the iMag library. Receive eachnew issue as soon as it’s ready. Subscribe today.Also, don’t miss dollshouse.tv! It’s easy online or call the DHMIt’s like having a workshop in your home. office toll free at 1-866-606-6587.You can watch programs 24 hours a dayvia the internet on your computer or on yourmobile device. 3easy ways to subscribe l Online at www.dhminiatures.com l Call toll free in the US at 1-866-606-6587 or 507-634-3143 UK +44 (0)1903 884988 l By mail using the form on the right

KEN BYERS SHARESJHulISieNCEaWmEpSbTeElXl’TsRmAiOnRi DgIhNdoAhsRmtYMindaMyiao/IJtNulunelrIeA1s5sTgI.SUcSloUREomE4w5S. in the night Sedpthemmbeirn/ iOacttouberre1s5 .IcSSoUEm47 THE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL THE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $7.95 Canada $10.95 CAD Price US $7.95 Canada $10.951 year gift Inspired by theAlcázarIn this issue Storybook tower Fanciful hats Mini desserts HTiimsteolreicssmBwyiniRgisson And more... Hubble and Judy Taylor 2 year gift A Grand Entryway 3/24/15 1:43 PM Create this beautiful grand entrance along with Jo BevilacquaGet both of theseBeautiful Reutter Porcelain 049_MA15_p001.indd 1sets for FREE 049_SO15_cover.indd 1with a three year subscription and save even more! All gifts subject to change. 7/28/15 1:34 PM Gift Subscriptions make DHM ON THE TABLET AND PHONE: a GREAT present for your DHM magazine is now available to read on your favorite miniaturist! favorite device, including the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Samsung Galaxy Tab. Buy the latest issue anywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost of the paper edition. Download your FREE App today. Simply search for ‘Dollhouse Miniatures Magazine’ in the Apple App store or Android Market.1, 2 & 3 year subscription prices: US*: $45.99 / $86.99/ $123.99 Canada (CAD): $65.99 / $123.99 / $180.99 UK: £43.99 / £74.99 / £97.99 Europe: €63.99 / €115.99 / €158.99 Rest of World*: $84.99 / $156.99 / $218.99 Save the postage, subscribe online at www.dhminiatures.comFirst Name Last Name I want to subscribe/renewAddress to Dollhouse Miniatures! 1 year ($45.99) 2 years ($86.99) (US Funds Only) (US Funds Only) 3 year ($123.99) (US Funds Only)City State Zip Dollshouse TV Dollshouse TV 1 year 1 year ($49.99) with sub ($24.99) iMag 1 year ($39.99) iMag 1 year with sub ($29.99)Country Telephone BEST BUY BUNDLEE-mail Magazine, iMag and TV for 1 year ($109.99)Please debit my Mastercard / Visa / Amex / Discover This is a gift subscription Expires / CVV From:_____________________________Card no. USA UK Return this form to: Return this form to:Check enclosed payable to Dollhouse Miniatures I do not wish to auto renew with the card listed above Dollhouse Miniatures Dollhouse Miniatures 68132 250th Avenue PO Box 2258 *US Currency Kasson, MN 55944 Pulborough RH20 9BA Great Britain Or call us today: Or call us today: 1-866-606-6587 +44 (0)1903 884988 Outside US: 507-634-3143

FEATUREA source ofinspiration We visit an old cabinet dollhouse that has been inspirational to an artist and was also featured in many of her original oil paintings. By Rika van NellestijnAt the Gemeentemuseum in Arnhem, you will find the dollhouse of Lizzy Ansingh, a female artist who painted mostly dolls. Of all the old cabinet houses in Holland, this is the young- est one. We do not know much about the original owner, but we do know a lot about its last owner, Lizzy, and the fact that she kept her dollhouse in her studio, and used it as an inspiration for some of her paint- ings. Lizzy Ansingh (1875-1959) came from a very gifted family. Her Grandfather and an Aunt were both portrait painters and another Aunt was a sculptor. She grew up in their studios, and started painting herself at a very young age. In 1894, Lizzy started at the Na- tional Art Academy in Amsterdam. TOP: The cabinet dollhouse. ABOVE RIGHT AND TOP OF FACING PAGE: In the attic, the laundry is drying on wooden poles. We also find the mangle and the stove, which heats the irons, here. What you cannot see are the mice, made from melon seeds. The pointed end of the seed has been given whiskers, and the rounded end has a small tail. RIGHT: Beneath the attic, on the left, there is a bedroom. In the wardrobe, that was made using tin, the linens are neatly folded. The bed is made up. 20 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREBELOW: The new born baby in the nursery misses her nurse. The baby tucked inside the cradle is made from a bead, and patches of fabric. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 21

FEATURE ABOVE: In this room are three ladies and a very small doll. The dolls also show a likeness to those in the painting. BELOW: The maid’s room below has a sampler dated 1785, and another piece dated 1801. One of the two dolls is an American Kewpie doll, from the 1920s. 22 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURERIGHT: Next door is another bedroom(guest room), with two Chinese dolls in bed.The dolls are obviously too big. Again wesee tin furniture, and lovely basketry work.Here, she began with a two yearcourse in drawing, followed by twoyears of painting lessons. In thosedays the classes were still separated:boys with the boys and girls with thegirls! Lizzy met other students, withwhom she would stay friends forall of her days, they were all femalepainters, who would later gain fameunder the name of “The AmsterdamJoffers”. The word “Joffers” more orBELOW: Below the guest room is the china less means “young ladies”. coral. She even asked an acquaintanceroom. Pay attention to the little step on the At first, Lizzy painted portraits if he knew of anyone who wanted tocabinet. This is the room where the china is buy a dollhouse. “Ready to move in”,supposed to be on display. The clothes on and still life pictures, but before long she wrote with a sense of humor. But,the dolls shows just how old they really are. she started to use dolls as models. not long after this she returned to Then she started collecting dolls, and her fantasy world–her dolls and the in 1910 she bought the dollhouse, dollhouse. which is now known as “the doll- house which belonged to Lizzy An- The house that Lizzy bought in singh”. Because of her work people 1910 came from Middelburg, in the gave her the name of “doll painter”, southwest of Holland. It was made which at first did not amuse Lizzy, and in 1915, she wrote she was no BELOW: One of the paintings that shows longer a doll painter, as she was into some items from the dollhouse. painting fish, seashells and D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 23

FEATURE ABOVE: In the kitchen, the maids are having a break. This room is decorated with some very pretty miniature pewter plates. LEFT: In the gentlemens room we find, of course only gentlemen. Behind the table there is also another beautiful fireplace. BELOW: A collection of some of the items from the dollhouse that Lizzy used in her paintings. is still fascinating. Take the tour, and have a good look at the rooms, you may find one of the models and the location that inspired one of Lizzy’s paintings. DHMand decorated around 1800. There into her house. Lizzy used the houseare six rooms, a kitchen, maid’s room and many of the items in it, as sub-and attic. The furniture in the rooms jects to paint, although many of theare mostly made from tin, and poured items are of different scales, howeverpewter from the early 19th century. in her pictures she painted everythingThe wooden dolls were carved in the to the right dimensions.middle of the 19th century, so theywere already living in the house when This explains the “too big” and “tooLizzy bought it. small” dolls, who reside in her house, also some of the furniture and ac- Lizzy probably purchased the other cessories are also either big or small.dolls herself. A friend gave her some But, even though the contents are notsmall silver items, which Lizzy put as perfect as in other old houses, it24 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

THE Cortland CASES This case features a unique Doreen Sinnett interchangeable insert that Tiny Doll MoldsWith unique interchangeable inserts and full case allows creating of differentlighting with 12v warm or bright LED strip lights. scenes on different inserts “Arial” (Christmas, Halloween, etc.) “Fairy Faye” Furnishings not included for display during the year without requiring We have over 90+ miniature dollhouse molds ranging in size from 1 1/2” multiple cases. to 6 1/2” tall. We have tiny Babies, Children, Teenagers, Men and Women, original sculpture molds, by Doreen Sinnett. We also have fantasy molds The case is built to hang on a wall or set flat, and comes that include Fairies, Santa & Mrs. Santa, Elves, Angels and more! Our 4” completely finished with one and 6” line of Antique Reproduction molds are a wonderful size for your insert included. Available in larger dolls to hold. See our 5 1/2” tall “Arial” and our 2 1/2” tall “Fairy 1” and ½” scale. Faye” molds at our complete online store. Inside Dimensions: www.tinydolls.com (541) 659-9919 12 ¼” W x 5 ½” D x 8” H in 1” scale, 5” H in ½” scale. Larrianne’s Front: .060” heat formed Small Wonders Acrylic. Wood: Walnut stained Always the best since 1980-Celebrating 30 years hardwood or solid Oak, satin lacquer finish. One of the nation’s largest & best-stocked stores with 3700 sq ft of miniatures to delight you.THE Cortland CASES Order Form Our classes are taught by the best. Visit our Phone: 626-332-1747 website to see what everybody is talking about.Name ________________________________________________________________ Just off the 101 FreewayAddress _______________________________________________________________ 3457 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, California 93003 805-289-1508 - Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pmState __________________ ZIP __________________________________________ larriannessmallwonders.comPhone( ___________ ) __________________________________________________ Happily Ever AfterAll lighting warm white unless bright white specifically requested. 20609 Gordon Park Square, Suite 110, Ashburn, VA 20147WOOD SCALE QTY. PRICE EXTRA TOTAL 703-777-1869 INSERTS Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10am – 4pm and also open by appointment.Walnut/Oak 1” $110.00 $12.00 Open all the time on-line: www.happily-ever-after.bizWalnut/Oak ½” $105.00 $12.00 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 25SHIPPING: $16 / CASE CONTIG. U.S. Sub TotalCIRCLE YOUR SELECTIONS Sales Tax (Calif.) 8.75% ShippingEmail: [email protected] Check or Money Order to: TOTALWeb: www.cortlandcases.com Cortland Doan • 857 N. Lyman Ave. • Covina, CA 91724 Over 20,000 dollhouse miniatures.  Everything you need for your project from start to finish. 8068 Columbia Road • Olmsted Falls OH 44138 (440) 647-1519 • www.dollsandminis.com25Orlando, FL 32804-7343Phone/Fax: 407-841-9333751 W. Colonial Drive years I-4 East = Exit 83A 732 Laurel Street I-4 West = Exit 84A San Carlos, CA 94070 Tues-Fri 10:30am-5:30pm To Colonial Dr. (Route 50) Sat 10:30am-5pm Closed Sun & Mon Go West 3/4 mileShop located on Right www.shelliesminis.com Open Monday thru Saturday From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and Holidays DOLLHOUSES • MINIATURES COLLECTIBLES

FEATURESmall roomswith a moodAll room boxes tell a story, but a well-executedone also sets a mood. Robert Off’s elegant1:12-scale spaces do all that and more. By Deb WeisslerWhether painting toy soldiers, purely for pleasure. He accepts no com- It may take years to accumulate just or building one-off room missions, holds no workshops, and ad- the right furnishings and accessories boxes, Robert’s attention to mits he parts with his boxes reluctantly. to fill one of Robert’s vignettes. With details capture the imagina- A few he keeps for himself. dozens of ideas and designs runningtion. What began as a love for 54mm through his head all the time, he buystoy soldiers has led to a passion for cre- “The boxes I keep are the ones my items when and where he can findating stunning rooms that are timeless, kids and wife ask me to hold onto,”elegant, and original; a compilation of Robert explains. “I love all of them, TOP: Miniature artist, Robert Off, shownhis memories and his imagination. each one in a different way. It’s tough in his studio. BELOW: The interior of parting with them, however I take lots Audubon’s Flatboat, circa 1820, where he “I get my inspiration from my life of photographs and eventually I get did much of the work for “Birds of America”experiences,” Robert explains. “Each over it. It sort of feels like I did when Original artwork in scene is by Johnbox incorporates various objects from my kids went off to college; still around Ruthven, internationally known wildlife artist.my life that carry special meaning; a but gone.”spittoon, a bowl of apples, a walk-ing cane, and so forth.” Like a designed stage set, eachcarefully placed item, color, selec-tion, and lighting placement isdesigned to draw viewers into thescene and invites you to become aparticipant, if just for a little while.Soon you are asking who lives here,what era is it, what’s around thenext corner or through the doorleft ajar? Like Alice, you long toshrink and explore. Robert has been building min-iature architectural boxes for hispersonal enjoyment since 1998.Having worked as a governmentemployee and as a commercial realestate broker for more than fortyyears, he loves creating something26 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREABOVE: The interior of Edward Curtis’sphotographic studio in 1900. Curtis’s photo-graphs and publication, “The North AmericanIndian” is one of the iconic publications deal-ing with the American Indian. RIGHT: TheCurtis Studio and Shop, (wide night view).them. Many are bought on a whim,and each piece will eventually find ahome. Robert’s room boxes come fullyfurnished with his carefully chosenitems, most from other outstandingminiature artisans like himself.Robert’s yearly customers are rare in-‘deed. Although he strives to create tree His love for miniatures, seemingly brought each scene to life. fine art, architecture, The pair painted toy soldiers too, andor four rooms a year, he sells two on and real estate wouldaverage, may give one away to a family Robert learned all about shading andmember, and perhaps keep one in his juxtapose into a texture. “I’ve been playing with light,growing personal collection of favorites. passion for authentic depth, and shadows all my life,” heHe also constructs several display cases says. He enjoyed the solitude paint-and shadow boxes he donates to vari- ing brought, and gained satisfactionous local charities. from achieving fine details. The hobby stayed with him into adulthood, along It took years for Robert to take a with a passion for collecting 19thc American fine art prints. His love forhand-on approach to making what he ’miniature spaces. miniatures, fine art, architecture, andterms his “Mood Pieces”, but diora- real estate would juxtapose into a pas-mas have been a part of his core ever His favorite activity was viewing sion for authentic miniature spaces.since he was a young boy growing the museum’s dioramas with incred-up in Pittsburg. His mother suffered His first room was completed in 1998 as a Christmas gift for his wife,from polio and spent years in various ibly painted tromp l’oeil backdrops. Mardie. “My wife wanted a miniature room. Her stepmother had purchasedrehabilitation centers, so Robert was He loved wandering through the local two Thorne rooms and had themraised by his dad. They spent weekends arboretum with its huge flora roomstouring art museums, the zoo and plan- complete with buildings. The zoo alsoetarium, and the Carnegie Museum of had incredible displays, and RobertNatural History. loved examining every detail that D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 27

FEATURE hanging on the wall in her home. Come holiday time she would decorate them and my wife always admired them.” With no prior woodworking experi- ence, Robert spent hours studying books on stage design and lighting; studying the works of others like the Thorne rooms and Eugene Kupjack. The result was “The Ohio Room”, which he mounted into a wall for easy viewing. Sadly, the room box met its demise one weekend when the couple was out of town and a broken water pipe flooded the room box with two inches of water. “I was emotionally crushed, however this occurred as many people were dealing with Hurricane Sandy, where so many lost everything they owned. In light of those circumstances, how could I possibly be too upset? I was deter- mined to turn this mini-tragedy into an opportunity and rebuild the room better than ever.” Ask Robert where his concepts originate and he has no clear answer. He begins with a blank sheet of paper on which he sketches a basic floor plan. From there he creates scale drawings of the floor and wall spaces. Once he has a set of drawings firmly in hand, LEFT: Curtis’s Shop shown in the daylight. BELOW: The Chicago Firehouse room box.28 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREhe’s ready to create a mock-up before complish,” Robert admits. ABOVE: The interior of a Whaling Museum.beginning construction. “When two different Original artwork with in this scene is by people look in one of my John Stobart, internationally known maritime Robert employs forced perspective, boxes, I want each one to painter. LEFT: Early stage floor plans show-a technique that employs optical illu- walk away with a different ing sight-lines and wall treatments.sion to make an object appear further experience and narrative.away, closer, larger, or smaller than I also enjoy filling the “Fifty percent of my clients are min-it actually is. This technique is often space with various objects iaturists, collectors, or museums hous-employed in art, filmmaking, photog- that shouldn’t necessar- ing miniature collections. Howeverraphy, and architecture to alter depth ily be there. I use them as the other fifty percent could be bestperception. It can make the difference emotional triggers to try characterized as art collectors. Theybetween a room that looks true to and invoke a subconscious buy my boxes as ‘art” and incorporatescale and one that looks a tad off. It’s a response.” them into the décor of their livingskill rarely understood or achieved by space. Surprisingly, many end up inminiaturists. “The thinking and vision the bedroom. Patrons tell me that they stuff actually takes longer love looking at them just before they In addition to forced perspective, retire in order to feel calm. It pleasesRobert loves creating spaces within ‘Robert’s greatest me to no end that this is their finala space; those lovely little inviting wish is having his thoughts of the day.” His boxes sellnooks, crannies, and doorways that work accepted by for several thousand dollars.draw you inward. “Creating a space the art world as awhich has mystery associated with legitimate means of Robert’s greatest wish is having hisit is exactly what I am striving to ac- ’artistic expression. work accepted by the art world as a legitimate means of artistic expres- than the actual hands-on construc- sion. To accomplish this objective, tion,” says Robert. “Many of my con- Robert lectures extensively, addressing struction steps are counter-intuitive. the history of miniatures in general For example, I generally begin at the and providing a glimpse into the rear of the box and move forward. As world of high quality miniature rooms I create various walls and components and furniture. He has also published a outside of the box and install them portfolio that includes more than 100 later, this requires much forethought beautiful photographs of all his room and pre-planning.” boxes, which can be purchased online on his web site. “I guess you will know if I have suc- ceeded when I have my first museum show and my work appears in “Art Forum” magazine.” DHM D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 29

FEATUREEveryday isa special oneAlicia enjoys all of the everyday moments inlife. An enjoyment that comes through in herexpressive and animated 1:12-scale dolls. By Deb Weissler PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICIA VOLTALike so many of us, Alicia Volta an Etsy shop so that folks from all naturally, simply, because I think that discovered the miniature world over the world can have access to her the most important thing is to put through the eyes of someone tiny people. your heart into what you do. Wheth- else, in this case a friend whowanted to show off the dollhouse he “I am not an ambitious person,” TOP: This little beauty is getting readywas making for his wife. Entranced Alicia laughingly admits. “This is my for a night out on the town. BELOW: Twowith what she saw and, with a bit of full-time job. I want to enjoy every scullery maids have been busy with thierresearch, Alicia found a wonderful single day; enjoy my work, my family, duties all morning. One of them is red in theuniverse where anything one could and my dogs. My career will develop face with exhaustion and had to take a rest.possibly dream of could be reduced to1:12 scale. She loved all facets of miniaturesbut it was the tiny dolls that spoke toher heart. With the ability to modelin clay, a great deal of research frombooks and online tutorials, and a lotof practice, her business was born. With few exceptions, “I love mak-ing everyday characters straight fromreal life—mothers, grandparents,children playing, ordinary peoplegoing about their daily tasks.” NoVictorian or Edwardian dolls in herrepertoire (unless specially commis-sioned); instead modern yet timelesscharacters one meets and passes byon the street every single day. Entirely self-taught this native-born Argentine, now living in Portu-gal, shares her dolls with collectors atvarious miniature shows throughoutPortugal and Spain. She also main-tains a website, a Facebook page, and30 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREABOVE AND RIGHT: Alicia enjoys makingminiature children, the good and the naughty.BELOW: This proper woman is dressed in ablue dress suit and black gloves. er it’s a doll, preparing which she uses for sculpt- a family dinner, reading ing. Her favorite is a a good book, or simply vintage and worn ceramic taking a walk with the modeling tool. dogs, enjoy every min- ute!” Each doll expresses the joy found in small, In a small workroom everyday things that revolve around that was once a small family and friends, occupations, and terrace, Alicia can look moments of quiet reflection. Molded out over the Cerro São from Fimo Miniature, shaped, and Miguel, part of the baked, Alicia applies Griffin Alkyd Algarve hillocks in the fast drying oil paints in pastel shades southernmost region of mainland Portugal. Filled ‘Each doll expresses with natural light from a the joy found in large window, her studio small, everyday houses her work tables things that revolve and a number of hand- around family and crafted tools embedded friends, occupations, in polymer clay handles, and moments of ’quiet reflection. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 31

FEATURE These are hand- stitched or glued into place, and draped to suit the final pose. Wigging is mohair, wool, or viscose, depending on the look she is trying to achieve. Handmade acces- sories add the final touch. “I think each doll is infused with a certain magic when dressed in the finest linens, silks, and natural cottons that have been hand- washed and hung to dry in the wonderful sun of the Algarve.” In addition to her 1:12 scale dolls, Alicia creates mini- dolls—tiny charac- ters from fairytalesABOVE: This lovely elderly lady is classy and beautiful. BELOW: and tiny dolls forTen more minutes to enjoy his paper, this gentleman is 1:12 scale. dolls. Her charm- ing OOAK nativityand baked again. The bodies are scenes are modeled by hand ontoformed over wire armatures coated in stones, seashells, pieces of wood, acotton, which gives the bodies some snail’s shell, nutshells, thimbles, tinyflexibility for posing. boxes; whatever catches her fancy.Alicia loves using vintage fabricsand lace she seeks out at antiquefairs; often yellow with age but soft,sometimes hand-embroidered, and ABOVE: This handsome gentleman is stirring up something special in the kitchen.filled with stories from the past. Each piece is signed and dated along‘Occasionally with a certificate of authenticity. Alicia will teach a workshop at a show Occasionally Alicia will teach aor share an online doll workshop at a show or share an online tutorial, but admits thistutorial, but admits isn’t an activity to which she devotes much time. Instead she prefers tothis isn’t an activity to work quietly at home.which she devotes Her husband and grown daughters are thrilled she has found so muchmuch time. Instead happiness, free to create a world in miniature that expresses people’sshe prefers to work personalities and deepest longings, and her own desire to enjoy everydayquietly at home.’32 D O L L H O U S E M I N I AT U R E S moments. DHM

PROJECTa splash ofINDOOR FUNYou can’t ignore the rainy weather. Let’s embraceit and learn how to add a touch of realism to yourminiature scene’s with a rainy day project.Have you noticed that 99% of the miniature scenes you see at exhibitions are set on bright, sunny days; rarely reflecting a dull and rainy weather pattern? So with a little help from the producers of water effects we thought we would create a dull and bleak miniature corner. There are many different types of resins on the market that can be used and here are just a few of the ones you can try.Scenic Water yellow, blue, and black/purple, available realistic waterfalls, rough water and dripping for adding to the scenic water along with tap effects.Scenic Water is a one-part resin system a syringe to make squirting easy. Thesethat can be re-melted. Once melted it colors are mostly used to simulate wine, Solid waterpours, flows and sets to simulate moving beer, bath water, lakes, rivers, jellies, andwater, bubbles in baths, pans, wobbly soft drinks. Use low odor two-part resin for simulatingjellies, drinks, and so on. It melts at a low crystal clear water. This sets hard; and istemperature, about 140 degrees and will If you want to create milk or other milky ideal for miniature goldfish bowls, ponds,not burn your skin if you spill it. or opaque liquids, including blancmanges, and puddles. add Scenic Water White. The best way to melt Scenic Water is inits container in a saucepan of water, first Scenic Fiberremoving the lid. If only a small amount isrequired, spoon out sufficient and transfer This material forms a base onto whichto a small container–a bit like you are Scenic Water can be applied to makemelting cooking chocolate. Only raise the temperature of the water tothe melting point, do not let the water boil.After about five to ten minutes the scenicwater will become liquid and this easy topour or decant into many different types ofvessel or mold. There is a pack of four color dyes; red, D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 33

PROJECT E-Z Water This product comes as small crystals that you just heat up and pour. It is a non-toxic, low-odor and is perfect for creating ponds, streams and rivers. It requires no measuring or mixing and hardens in minutes. Be sure about how much you need and be ready with what you want to do with it. Melt E-Z Water over a medium heat and pour into a prepared area. The great thing about this product is that it can be reheated with a heat gun to mold in various accents; such as ripples, waves, and rapids.Bondaglass resin Preparation and mixing u Protect your work surface with newspaper or aluminum foil, as resin willRecommended only for small areas, this is There are many other brand names on the stick to anything it touches.a two-part mix, which comes with complete market for two-part resins, and their owninstructions for adding the correct amount instructions must be followed when mixing. u Special colorants are sold for use withof hardener catalyst. This resin is perfect for The following general hints and tips can most resin mixes. They come in transparentembedding and encapsulation and because help when starting out. and opaque versions.it is a clear casting resin it has maximumclarity and brilliance. Another big advantage u It’s probably best to do test piece first, u Always follow the instructions on the box,is that Bondaglass contains a UV inhibitor just to see how your resin works. and never mix oil or acrylic paint unless theto prevent yellowing. manufacturer recommends they can be u Seal any very porous surfaces first, this used with their product. will help to prevent air bubbles forming in the resin and blotching later. To achieve a u Always add tiny drops at a time, as it good seal apply a thin coat of white glue doesn’t take much colorant to obtain the watered down; four parts glue to one part desired shade. water. Leave to dry for approximately four hours before proceeding. Alternatively you u Then add the catalyst. Remember not could give the surface a base-coat of acrylic to add catalyst to more resin than will be paint, either using a sponge or a paint used within 10-to-20 minutes. brush. If you don’t seal an opaque surface its finished color will become much darker. Bubble trouble u Make certain the surface is clean and These are normal and usually show up free of dust to allow the resin to stick well; within 10 minutes of pouring. Most will also make sure it is completely dry. break by themselves as the resin heats up during the curing stage. You can actually u Work in a well ventilated area and do not stir the mixture up to create bubbles for mix or pour in direct sunlight. Mix up only the look of moving water. Get rid of larger the amount you’ll use in 20 minutes or less. bubbles by pricking them with pin. u Use disposable containers for mixing; If the mixture doesn’t look right, use a such as china cups, un-waxed paper, hair dryer or embossing gun to heat up the plastic or glass, craft sticks and brushes. surface, but be careful not to blow dust over your work.34 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECTRainy corner The joy of making a run- down corner is that you don’tThe shop corner used in this setting was have to be exact or tidy.originally built by Tony Knott. He is well-known for his medieval settings, whichinclude castle walls, stone structures andfloorings that look as though they havenever been cleaned. By using a shop front in a room box youcan easily achieve the same scene. Howyou decorate it is up to you.Let’s get dirtyCreating paint effectsA derelict building, or one in disrepair mustbe one of the easiest effects to create.Even the worst painter can get it right. Thestyle is quite forgiving in that you need notbe exact or tidy and can just enjoy makingsomething look grungy. Start by painting everything on the shopfront with a light base-coat; you can useacrylic or emulsion paint. Don’t be toocareful, just make certain all the bare woodis covered. Then use a stiff paintbrushto apply a coat of a brown, sludgy color.Don’t cover the woodwork completely; theworse the job looks the better the finishedlook. Go on adding coats of darker coloredpaint, watering the paint down so it flowson easily, only to areas such as cornersand edges of the doorway and around thewindow frame. Don’t forget to wash over the pavementwith a sludgy color, making sure the cracksare painted as if the building has aged andgot dirty. You can bet the pavement outsidehas too. If you are not happy with an effectjust wipe off with a cloth and start again.Remember don’t wipe it completely cleanas this will help the layers of dirt build up. Tips add to your scene, but removing them ‘If it rains on your again is harder. parade then look When painting door or window up! You might be frames, apply paint so it saturates The two-part resins gives the better finish lucky enough to see the grooves, then wipe away to with regard to clearer puddles. The melted look worn. Let your water effect run one-part products tend to set slightly yellow. a rainbow.’drainpipe is a lovely idea to have nearby. down the door grooves and form a This is great for dirty water, and can be natural puddle on the floor. softer and thus pick up fluff and dust. Finally, make the rest of your surfaces lookJust add water Add puddles wherever you like in your a bit wet or shiny by painting on clear gloss setting. Have a look outside the next timeOnce you have achieved the look you want, it rains to see the places where they collect varnish here and there. DHMleave your project to dry before adding the and settle. Don’t forget that the puddlepuddles. Then follow the instructions for would have been caused by a numberwhichever water effect you are using. Only of factors, so a broken or overflowingmix small amounts of resin; you can always D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 35

FEATURECome andmeet the familyWelcome to Nybelwyck Hall. Mark O’Banksbuilt and furnished this dollhouse based onhis own wonderfully imaginative stories. By Donald MorconeNybelwyck Hall is the creation peal to the dollhouse of a miniature enthusiast, actor enthusiast, miniature and imaginative thinker that artist, collector and tells many stories in many lover of family dramadifferent ways. First and foremost, it alike.presents the melodrama of the fiction-al Van Nybelwyck family on one very The structure issignificant day; it provides a glimpse an amalgam of threeinto the tradition, style, fantasy and distinct architec-class structure of the Victorian era, tural styles includingand finally the intricate imagination, Georgian, Victorian,passion and labor of love of its creator, and Dutch Colonial,Mark O’Banks. reflecting the styles of many 19th century Each of these individual stories told homes of the Hudsonby O’Banks’s work offer special ap- River Valley. It standsTOP: The washroom in the dollhouse. ABOVE RIGHT:Nybelwyck Hall shown from the exterior. BELOW: The beautifuldollhouse has twenty-three rooms that are full of stories. RIGHT:There is a rush to prepare for the celebration to honor theengagement of Celestine to the dashing Roderick Moore.36 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE ABOVE LEFT: There is wonderful detail on the ceiling. ABOVE: A feast is being prepared! LEFT: This bedroom is filled with magnificent miniature paintings. Washington, DC. Prior to and those who appreciate miniatures as a decorative art. his death in 2006, O’Banks Mark’s creative vision, and his in- stated “…the impetus nate passion as an artist manifested itself not only in the design, creation started when I was about and attention to every detail in fur- nishing Nybelwyck Hall, but also in four-years old because a the creation of the elaborate, whimsi- cal, and fascinating story of the family Christmas catalog arrived in of characters he created as residents of this mansion. the mail and on the cover a Nybelwyck Hall is more architec- boy and girl were adoringly turally accurate than most dollhouses and contains not only traditional staring at this magnificent rooms with four walls, floor, ceiling and windows, but also a grand center dollhouse. Because there stairway that connects a series of labyrinth passages and hallways that was a little boy in the pic- interconnect with each room. These passages and hallways are visible from ture, I thought, it’s okay for doorways, windows, and the front façade of the house and give the struc- me to do this…” ture depth, perspective and dimension rarely seen. Even a casual observer As an actor living in New of Nybelwyck may see his characters walking between rooms and connect- York City, O’Banks found ing with other areas of the mansion. himself like other Manhat- O’Banks meticulously constructed each room to help convey his story tan residents dwelling in of the Van Nybelwyck family and his considerate use of furnishings, acces- various small apartments sories and décor reflect a stately home of the affluent in the Victorian era. so he set out to build a Each room occupied by the family is detailed with hardwood parquet dollhouse that would be his true dream home. He chose to fashion the exterior based on the style of homes he visited in the Hudson Valley during this childhood andABOVE: This beautiful patio room showcases tiny bird cages. the townhouses of his adult home in Washington.approximately 8'x 3 .5' x 2', and con- Over the span of manytains more than 900 interior objects in years he began buying and stor-its 23 rooms. ing miniature windows, doors andThe process of building and fur- other elements and it was not until henishing Nybelwyck Hall spanned 10 moved to Washington, DC in 1990 toyears of O’Banks life and consumed pursue a master’s degree that he beganmost of the space in his studio apart- construction on this magnificent workment in the Dupont Circle section of and his legacy to the miniature world D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 37

FEATUREand tiled floors, vaulted Guild of Miniature ABOVE: A view of the grand staircase.and intricately decorated Artisans, LLCceilings, fireplaces and (IGMA) including the attic and fairies flutter throughoutservant bell pulls. Décor, the largest collec- the mansion foreshadowing Celestine’sfurnishings and fixtures tion of scale books change in plans.for the rooms occupied by IGMA Fellowby the house staff contain Barbara Raheeb, The whimsical Van Nybelwyck sto-more modest accessories musical instruments ry takes us through each room of theand materials, reflecting by IGMA Artisan mansion, spotlights various decorativethe delineation between Ken Manning, vases by IGMA Fellow elements and makes us think, dream,the classes during this Amanda Skinner, to name a few. imagine and allows us to escape toperiod and give us insight another time, just as it’s creator Markinto the cultural sensibili- Mark enlisted the help of his mother O’Banks did over the course of theties of Victorian America. and together they hand-crafted final decade of his life. many of the rugs and other textiles Ever the collector, using needlepoint and petit point. Today Nybelwyck Hall is part of thecreative thinker and master of im- permanent collection of the Hudsonprovisation, O’Banks chose to use a O’Banks’s tale of the fictional Van River Museum in Yonkers, New Yorkcombination of furnishings and acces- Nybelwyck family presents a day It is prominently displayed in thesories including commercially manu- in their life and household as they museum’s Glenview the land markedfactured furniture and hand-crafted prepare for a celebration to honor home of financier John Bond Trevor,artisan works along with artwork, the engagement of the family’s only built between 1876-1877 in an eclec-portraits and wall coverings he made daughter Celestine to the dashing tic late Victorian architectural style.by using magazine pictures, gift wrap Roderick Moore at the moment sheand everyday household items. Some is contemplating and conspiring to The Museum has recently reno-of the notable pieces in Nybelwyck elope with Tosca, the in-resident vated, restored and embellished theinclude significant works of miniatur- music tutor. Just as any household lighting in the Glenview gallery thatists recognized by the International of a prominent family of the time houses Nybelwyck Hall. The light- would prepare for a celebration, we ing helps visitors more clearly see see family characters in each room it’s intricacies and many treasures. in various stages of preparation: Mr. Scala frequently presents the the cook is preparing an elaborate tale of the Van Nybelwycks and meal in the kitchen, the mother is the story of its creation to museum packing her daughter’s trousseau in visitors, miniature enthusiasts, and a bedchamber, the father is locked students of the Victorian era of away in his study silently preparing decorative arts. DHM to give his blessing on the engage- ment while ancestral ghosts stir in ABOVE LEFT: An ancestral ghosts is haunting the attic. LEFT: The art studio is full of miniature masterpieces drawn on the walls and on canvases.38 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

Lynlott Miniatures Pittsburgh, PAExciting Selection of Miniatures Toll Free: 888-781-6445 Bespaq, JBM, Reutter, Artisan Minis as well as all Major Manufacturers. •Everything for the serious collector as well as the hobbyist. • Pittsburgh Area’s Largest and Most Complete Dollhouse Store. www.dollhousejunction.comThe Largest Complete Dollhouse Store OnThe The East Coast of Florida!TOY BOX New Owners 419 Brevard Avenue Jim & Linda Historical Cocoa Village Florida 32922 Butts Phone: 321-632-2411 E-mail: toybox@cfl.rr.com www.thetoyboxstore.com A Full Line of Dollhouses, Miniatures and Accessories in 1” Scale Also Carry Some 1/2”, 1/4” and 144” Scale Building Material, Electrical Supplies, Landscaping Materials, Full Service Shop, Build and Repair Dollhouses ••••••••••••••••Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 39

FEATUREBrushstrokesin miniatureIGMA Fellow Barbara Stanton will be the firstto admit that she doesn’t own a dollhouse.She’s an artist who loves to paint in miniature. By Deb WeisslerIhave always loved to paint small. her drawing skills. She began painting precedence and, when at twenty-nine The best part is starting and finish- while in high school when she found she needed her first pair of glasses, she ing each painting in just a few ses- a private art teacher at a local gallery was shocked to learn that her failing sions instead of months. I love the in Pleasanton. Her high school art vision had robbed her of color as welldetails and it’s all about details. Every- teacher taught her to be creative and as sharpness. Realizing all that she wasthing about painting small feels right original. Barbara enrolled in commu- missing, she started painting again.to me.” She loves the challenge too; it’s nity college where she took every artnot easy painting something so tiny. class she could and discovered the joy Around the same time, Barbara’s of life drawing. friend bought a dollhouse kit. The Growing up in California, Barbara huge, unfinished, plywood shell sat inhas been an artist since she could first Marriage, children, and job put her the middle of her friend’s living roomhold a pencil. As a toddler, her grand- art on the backburner and Barbara for years and drove Barbara nuts! Somother would hand her pen and paper didn’t pick up a paint brush for five she dragged her friend to a miniatureto keep her quiet in church. In middle years. She returned to college to studyschool her art teacher saw Barbara’s graphic design, which helped her to TOP: Barbara enjoying a beautiful sunny day inraw talent improve with each piece support her children after a divorce. nature. BELOW: A painting of a stream in theshe did and encouraged her to develop The reality of paying the rent took woods shown in progress. Once put in their frames, Barbara’s paintings are complete.40 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE ABOVE: A 1:12-scale art gallery full of Barbara’s paintings. LEFT AND RIGHT: It is astounding the detail captured in these tiny paintings. They are titled, “Rainbow Beach” and “Where’s Goldilocks”.shop in hopes of prodding her into works of art. I had a niche, as my as a trained artist Barbara is keenlyaction. paintings were my own. I’m not an aware of how light falls on her sub- old master, I’m a new one!” jects. Landscapes, seascapes, florals, “I was amazed at the detail in the animals, and people are beautifullyfurniture and accessories in the tiny Painting in miniature was in- captured in the moment. Her camerarooms,” Barbara recalls. These weren’t finitely satisfying and helped her is her sketchbook, capturing imagestoys; they were scale models of real learn to paint better. She could also that she later transfers to canvas.things! They weren’t cheap either.” paint more pieces in less time thanShe quickly realized that, even though if she had painted something in full “I want my images to remind mythese dollhouses had real silverware size. “I would get bored half way collectors of the beauty this worldand electric chandeliers, there weren’t through each large painting andany paintings. Having created min- they never turned out liked I hopediature paintings for her mom in the they would. And they took foreverpast, Barbara knew she could paint to finish!”that small, but never thought anyone Barbara paints mainly in oils, on herwould pay her for the time and effort handmade silk canvasses scaled downput into creating them. like full-size canvasses. She also likes to paint on Ivorine, an ivory-like plastic, “I investigated the miniature world and on art boards. Although she prefersfurther and found that there were oils, Barbara has dabbled in a numberother painters out there but most were of mediums, including watercolors,painting reproductions of old masters. pastels, pen and ink, egg tempera, etch-Very few were producing original ings, graphite, and acrylics. Inspired by nature, color, and light,RIGHT: Barbara made her seaside paintinginto a miniature jigsaw puzzle. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 41

FEATURE ABOVE: Barbara taking a frames custom for each piece. I also done with a laser color copier and photo for her next masterpiece. wanted anyone to enjoy my work in are not numbered. I only make thirty RIGHT: One of this artist’s bril- their homes, regardless of the kind of copies however, and they are the ex- liant scenic miniature paintings collector. I copied an easel from my act same size as the original and each of a cliff side at the beach. studio and created a miniature version one is custom framed to hang.” in several sizes and fully adjustable.”has to offer. I invite the viewer to Now art collectors as well as miniatur- After painting for dollhouse col-share the feelings I had when I first ists can display Barbara’s paintings in lectors for a while, Barbara discov-discovered my subject. Feel that mo- any venue. ered that there was a whole worldment and remember their own sacred of miniatures in the fine art world.moments. I hope my paintings will Because her work is time-consum- Larger than 1:12 scale in size andremind you of the preciousness of this ing, her pieces may be out of reach placed in full-sized frames hung onwonderful planet. We need to love, for many collectors. Prices range gallery walls, this art venue welcomedcherish, and protect it.” from $65 for a 1:48 scale painting Barbara’s even tinier paintings. up to $1500 for larger paintings. On‘On a spiritual level, average the range is $200-$500. For In addition to being an IGMA painting is a form this reason she makes and frames Fellow, Barbara is a signature mem- of meditation for prints of each original so that anyone ber of Miniature Artists of America Barbara; a means can afford to collect her art- (MAA), Miniature Art Society of of connecting to work. “They are not considered Florida (MASF), the Hilliard Min- her higher self, a fine art prints because they are iature Society, and the Miniature spiritual experience Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society that brings joy and (MPSGS). healing into her life. Since graduating from college, Bar- Barbara’s greatest challenge comes bara has won numerous awards, with more than forty 1st, 2nd, and 3rd’when constructing tiny frames for her places and innumerable honorable mentions. Barbara gets such a thrillartwork. She found that ready-made winning an award with her miniatureframes looked too toy-like. What she paintings pitted against full-sizedwanted was a scaled down version of ones by other artists.the real thing. She discovered mold-ings in a dollhouse catalog, but scored To keep her painting skills sharp,big when she found Steve Goode. Barbara must draw and paint from life every week. She does custom paint- “He makes the best, fine hard-wood moldings and I can make myRIGHT: “Delphiniums.” Barbara showncreating a small painting with ocean waves.A still life painting titled “Green Glass Ware”.42 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREABOVE: Barbara mimicking the compli-mentary expression she most likely sees atevery one of her shows. ABOVE RIGHT:This painting is titled “Cozy Cabin”.‘To keep her painting ABOVE: “Salt Point Rocks” shows a rocky skills sharp, Barbara beach at sunset. ABOVE RIGHT AND must draw and paint RIGHT: The amazingly small scale paint-from life every week.’ings upon request (big and small), and ings shown on display in the art gallery.sells her work on her website, in art Art Center in Livermore. Recently Barbara was thrilled to be selected to appear on the PBS series “Color in Your Life” with Graeme Stevenson, scheduled for productiongalleries, at miniature shows and art in 2016. A production crew will filmshows around the world. She also of- Barbara in her studio working on afers weekly art classes at the Bothwell miniature oil painting. Barbara sums up her career this once he retires. On a spiritual level, painting is a way: “I enjoy the freedom to fur- form of meditation for Barbara; a ther my art career and pursue my means of connecting to her higher self, a spiritual experience that brings dreams because of my wonder- joy and healing into her life. She hopes her paintings will do the same ful husband of twenty-one years, for you. DHM William Maranville, who supports me emotionally and financially.” Bill, an Engineering Techni- cal Associate and IGMA Artisan, is also a talented turner of natural materials, creating vases, bowls, and freehand sculptures. The couple hopes to travel to miniature shows back east LEFT: Painting titled “Daffodils with Strawberries”. RIGHT: Barbara having fun at one of her miniatures shows. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 43

FEATURECreating istime well spentSebastian proves that when you do somethingyou love, no matter what gets in the way youwill always find your way back again.Sometimes I worry too much were purchased from a craft store parents, I was strolling down the street time is spent on my miniature during a shopping trip with my father. and enjoying an ice cream while ad- art, but then I recall the reac- From there it continued to evolve. miring the embellished shop windows. tions of wonder when not only There was one mind-blowing storeI, but others, look upon what I have Then I had the good fortune to window that was decorated beautifullycreated with my own hands. That is all meet two of the most caring and with miniatures.the validation I need to keep moving helpful women in my home country offorward with my art. Germany. They were both miniaturists My mother and I immediately went and opened a wonderful new world I have been fascinated with minia- for me that I never knew existed! LEFT: This gentleman is wearing a stripedtures since I was thirteen. I started by brown silk vest, suitable for 1895 to 1915.assembling a few furniture kits that While visiting a small German BELOW: 1905 styled mother is reading to town named Kreuzau with my her children, and dressed in silk and cotton.44 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE inside and discovered endless draw- ABOVE LEFT: Lady in light lilac, one doll after another. It was such a ers that we were allowed to open that an evening dress from around satisfying creative outlet. were filled with anything and every- 1910, made from hand dyed silk pongé and thing miniature you could imagine. chiffon with delicate features on the skirt and Silvia encouraged me to try to sell This is where I met Petra. bodice. ABOVE: Visiting toilette in creme silk some of my small food creations at a tafetta from around 1875. Bodice was cut after miniature show. After that positive After Petra closed her miniature antique original pattern. It is narrow fitted with experience I attended more shows shop due to personal issues, I needed a net-scarf, and decorated with pearls. with my accessories, food, and dolls. to find someone else who supplied Quickly my dolls became the main a doll kit with a very specific hand interest of my customers. shape that I had found in a miniature book. I don’t know why, but at the After Silvia asked me to create a special sculpt for her and to make a‘I have been plaster mold for it, I decided to buy a fascinated with kiln. This was a big step, but with my miniatures since I parents’ encouragement and support I was thirteen. I started decided to do it. by assembling a few furniture kits that It turned out to be the best decision were purchased from I had made concerning my miniature a craft store during art. It lead to me creating many of my a shopping trip with own molds and I also poured them in’my father. porcelain. time I was fascinated by that particu- My mother enjoyed attending the lar doll. This fascination and research miniature shows with me and my lead me to miniaturist Silvia Leiner. I dolls. I was thrilled to see that they bought several of her kits and dressed became more popular than I had thought they would. My doll molds and fashion always focused on authen- LEFT: This young boy is in a brown cotton suit. Which is true to Edwardian formal boys attire. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 45

FEATURE LEFT: Lady in mauve, elaborate Edwardian my secrets to staying satis- visiting toilette. It is made from toning silk fied with my own work. and lace, and is all hand died. ABOVE: Georgian lady in blue, toilette in “robe a My goal is to make each l’anglaise” style. Shoes are made from silk doll as perfect as possible. I and leather. She is also wearing a fancy wig really enjoy creating differ- with a feather. BELOW: Seated Lady in a ent personalities into each white day-dress from 1900, made from the little person. The motiva- finest silk pongé with antique cotton lace. tion that enabled me to BELOW RIGHT: Gentleman in black jack- come back into the min- et, morning attire with a tailored jacket. iature scene is mostly due He is wearing black shoes that were made to my loving new partner, from the finest kid leather. but also to the support- ive Facebook community, which gives me encourag- ing responses when I am unsure about my work. Because of time restraints at the moment, I am only concentrating on making a small number of dolls at this time. Some are from my own imagination and others are commis- sions. But there is one thing I am certain of, my artistic passion burns strong and the love of creating will never fade. DHMtic dress matching the time periods. Sadly, things slowed down whenI wasn’t able to be creative for aboutfour years. During this time mypopularity as a miniature artistfaded while I was going through adivorce. It was a very difficult timein my life, but sometimes when youlose everything there is nothing todo but rebuild and make it betterthan you ever thought it could be. That is just what I did with thesupport of my family. Then I metmy new partner who gives methe endless support I have alwaysdreamed of. Today I am working mostly fromDoreen Sinnett doll molds so I canconcentrate on the part of the pro-cess I enjoy most—painting facesand fashioning historical dress. My prices always vary depend-ing on the customers’ wishes, but ingeneral they start at 100€. I alwaystell my customers that it will taketime to fill an order because I wantto keep the process joyful for mewith no stress. Maybe that’s one of46 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREJustice servedwith miniaturesThis is not an article for the squeamish. If youbelieve in the justice system then witnessminiatures being used to help solve crimes. By Linda Guthertz Sullivan and Eleanor Kilham. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUZE PERRY-HINKLEOne day a question from a we were off to see the now eighteen ABOVE: Frances Glessner Lee shown at microbiologist friend popped rooms on display in Baltimore. work in her miniatures studio. up on my computer screen as I was looking at Facebook. So what is this fascination with resources were spent on the males. In“Have you ever heard of Frances Frances Glessner Lee all about? this regard, Frances’ parents were noGlessner Lee?” she asked. My friend exception. They poured their hopes,proceeded to tell me that she had read Heiress to the International Har- dreams, and money into Frances’about Frances and, being aware I was vester fortune, Frances was a woman brother George and sent him toboth a miniaturist and a microbiolo- far ahead of her time. She wanted to Harvard University while Frances wasgist, thought I would be interested. Of become a doctor and make something schooled in the arts at home.course that set me off to do what I do of her life, even though society womenbest--RESEARCH! in the 1930’s and 1940’s were dis- Frances honed her miniature craft- couraged from getting an education, ing skills when she built her first I became fascinated with the story holding a job, or using their brains in miniature scene in 1913 as a birthdayof this woman who was a friend of, any constructive way. All the familyand lived on the same street as, Mrs.James Ward Thorne. I discoveredFrances had created twenty roomboxes depicting crime scenes in themiddle of the last century. Well, likeany good miniaturist I wanted to seethem, so I used my California PublicHealth Department credentials andfinagled an invitation to the Office ofthe Chief Medical Examiner of theState of Maryland. I shared this unique opportunitywith my two good miniaturist friends,Suze Perry-Hinkle (Rue de Suze.com) and Eleanor Kilham. Since Suzeand I are in California and Ellie is inBoston, we timed the visit to coincidewith the 2014 Philadelphia Minia-turia. Therefore, in November 2014, D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 47

FEATUREABOVE: Eleanor Kilham peering into one of the Nutshells.Since each Nutshell is valued at $1,000.000, you can seewhy each room and building is protected by plexiglass. Thisdoes however make photography a challenge.present for her mother. She recreated RIGHT: Frances wantedthe Chicago Symphony Orchestra in things to look “real”. Inexact detail. This model, completed in “The Cabin”, after shetwo months, included ninety musi- finished building it shecians with instruments, the accom- set it on fire to recreatepanying instrument cases, and sheet the report of Augustmusic on stands. 15th, 1943. This model represents the premises It was a twist of fate when her after the fire was extin-brother, George, brought home his guished, and before anyfriend and Harvard classmate, George investigation into theBurgess McGrath, who was attending missing Daniel Perkinsthe medical school. McGrath eventu- had been started or anyally became Boston’s medical exam- portion of the premisesiner. He regaled Frances with stories disturbed.of the real life crimes he had helpedto solve. It was from her friendship with McGrath that she learned of the challenges in investigating violent death. She found the ig- norance and lack of train- ing of investigators that allowed many murderers to get away with their crimes to be repugnant. Following the death of LEFT: Simply titled, “The Case of the Hanging Farmer.” This was Frances’ first Nutshell and begun in 1943. It took 3 months to complete. It was the inspiration for our gothic house, with the hanging body in our model room box.48 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREher parents and with her inheritance, medical examiners and others was LEFT: Entitled, “3 Room Dwelling.” ThisFrances both endowed a department virtually impossible due to time and was reported to the Nutshell Laboratory onof legal medicine and established the privacy issues. Furthermore, who November 1, 1937. It depicts the scene of aGeorge Burgess McGrath Library could predict that a crime might oc- murder that was discovered by the neighborof Legal Medicine at Harvard. She cur during the seminar series? All of of the victims. This helped to train investega-also began a series of seminars where this led Frances to create the minia- tors on clues to look for to catch criminals.participants spent a week learning the ture models of crimeart of crime scene investigation. While scenes as a teaching Unexplained Death.the collection of material evidence at tool, demonstrat- Frances began working on the firsta crime scene can be overwhelming, ing the observance ofFrances believed that with knowledge important details and of the Nutshells, by which they areof forensics and proper techniques, evidence, which could known in the field, in 1943. Theseone could be trained to collect evi- affect the outcome of scenes were sometimes combinationsdence systematically. the investigations. She of several crimes. She employed a full- named the models time carpenter who built the cases, all Yet, even with the seminar series, The Nutshell Studies of executed with exactitude in miniaturehands-on training for police officers, scale to her specifications. Like many miniaturists, her atten- tion to detail was phenomenal. The cabinets open; window shades roll up and down; and there are keys to open miniature locks. Frances painted the faces on the victims and sculpted the various wounds that investigators would later study. She sewed and knit the clothing worn by the dolls that she had assembled from parts, even their stockings! For verisimilitude, the Nutshells were also electrified. While the Nutshells are not open to the public, one can call the medi- cal examiner’s office and request an appointment to see them. We were fortunate to be able to spend a few hours examining and photograph- ing the Nutshells. So impressed with Frances’ vision and achievement, we decided to construct our own room box that depicts Frances constructing one of her Nutshells. To make the most of our visit,RIGHT: The powder around the bullet hole can indicate the distance thatthe shooter was from the victim. Frances was interested in this type of clue,so she commissioned someone to make a series of plaster castes of bulletholes which are on display along with the miniature rooms. We incorporatedthis unique idea in our reproduction of her workshop. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 49

FEATUREABOVE: On October 22, 1942 the death of Arthur Roberts,a local insurance salesman was reported. Police respondedto a call from the victim’s friend, a Mrs. Marian Chase.Mrs. Chase and Mr. Roberts were in the habit of meeting at thelog cabin. Mr. Roberts had told Mrs. Chase that their affair wasover. The two were standing at the foot of the bunk when heretrieved a package of cigarettes from his pocket but droppedthe one he had chosen. As he bent over to pick it up, a shotwas fired and he fell flat. A gun dropped beside him.Gun powder around the bullets entrance hole indicated thatthe gun had been fired at close range. This model shows thepremises just after Mrs. Chase left to summon the police.and deciding ahead of time that we Everything sitting between one of her work-would write this article, we assigned that Frances benches and a building revealing twoSuze Perry-Hinkle to photograph the wanted to murders. Like with Frances’ Nutshells,room boxes while Eleanor Kilham display had we added blood spatter surroundingtook notes. I decided to capture the to be built. Rest assured, she had a the bodies to add realism. As somevisit by creating a room box of the plan! So naturally, we included some of her creations were room boxes andcreator, Frances Glessner Lee. Suze “plans” for the project on the table on other Nutshells were entire buildings,and I have worked together for years, which she was working. She lit the we included both types of displays inmeeting weekly in Suze’s studio to our vignette. The Gothic house wascreate many a miniature. We decided ‘In our depiction, the creation of Deb Jackson of theto join forces once again to create the Frances is seen UK. We added the hanging figure.workshop of this unique and inspir- sitting between one Was this suicide or murder? A care-ing miniaturist. of her workbenches ful examination of the surroundings and a building may yield the answer. IGMA artisan We decided to use an old Passport revealing two Ellen Poitras even came out of retire-Scotch wooden crate found in my ga- ’murders. ment to create the miniature versionrage to house the project. Suze paint- of Frances Glessner Lee depictinged the walls while I laid the flooring. Nutshells, crafted the dolls piece by her painting furniture for one of theWe chose to use battery operated piece from other, old porcelain dolls, Nutshells.lights for the first time. Remember and even knit their clothes on pins!that the Nutshells were made in the Originally, the room boxes were1940’s and things that are now taken In our depiction, Frances is seen located at Harvard University and,for granted, such as lighting, were not since 1946, included an annual semi-common place in those days. There were no dollhouse stores togo to for tables, chairs, chandeliers orother relevant items found in a home.50 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S