AM137

Mercedes Spencer poured her heart into a romantic miniature getaway.September 14 Issue #137 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 PROJECTS • Bushel of apples • Baking tools • A beaded purse • Strawberry sundae • Dress hangers • Woven wall art • Toy crocodileThe art of costumeAspectaculargalleryofminiatures FiDnoldlisnhsopiursae.tiToVn with

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Dollhouse Land Artistry in Miniatures See me on the Mini Cruise in September, at The Good Sam Show in October and in Philadelphia. Phone: (949) 496-9841 E-mail: [email protected] Visit Dollhouse Land on Facebook 27134A Paseo Espada, Suite 304 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675Dollhouses and Miniatures Where the world’s nicest people congregate! Create Dreams Doubletree Hotel Portland That Last A Lifetime! (at Lloyd Center) Handley House, Inc. 1000 NE Multnomah St. Portland, Oregon 97232 Creators of your favorite lines in miniatures and dollhouse supplies. Adults $7 • Under 12 free For a complete list of our fine retailers please visit: Exhibits • Drawings • Door prizes • More! www.handleyhouse.com • Dollhouses, room boxes, vignettes • Dolls, accessories, building components • Hand-crafted & commercial miniatures • Exquisite exhibits galore • Friendly vendors to answer your questions! PortlandMiniatureShow.com [email protected] 503-362-6012 American Miniaturist 3

Mercedes Spencer poured her heart into a romantic miniature getaway. ContentsSeptember 14 Issue #137 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 PROJECTS Regulars Features • Bushel of apples • Baking tools • A beaded purse • Strawberry sundae • Dress hangers • Woven wall art • Toy crocodileThe art of costumeAspectaculargalleryofminiatures FiDnoldlisnhsopiursae.tiToVn with 6 Mini mail 10 A bed and breakfast 80 137_cover.indd 1 7/18/14 5:12 PM 85 We love to hear from our Mercedes Spencer poured 88 readers and share their her heart into this littleAmerican Miniaturist words on these pages. romantic getaway.68132 250th Avenue Itty bits 16 Fall harvestKasson, MN 55944 The latest news and notes Jan Stuart shows us Phone: (507) 634-3143 in the mini world, and our Caroline’s market stand.Fax: (507) 634-7691 newest contest winners.Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587 18 Garden giftsEmail: [email protected] SnippetsUK: AM, Unit 5E, Park Farm Erzsébet Bodzas makesChichester Road, Arundel, Cut out your very own realistic miniature fruitsWest Sussex, BN18 0AG. shoeboxes and decorative and vegetables.Tel: 01903 884988 boxes.Fax: 01903 885514 35 Workshop room box Show datesPublisher: Gabriele Layne collectedKelly Johnson Mark your calendars every tiny tool needed Email: [email protected] and plan to attend these to for her mini room box. shows around the country.Editor: 39 Grosvenor Hall tourAuralea Krieger O n the cover:Email: [email protected] Danielle Muller takes us on Doll and scene by one last dollhouse tour.Advertising & Marketing: Cindy Gates.Sara Vix 26 Distressing furnitureEmail: [email protected] Liz Jones explains how toCustomer Service: distress your dollhouseEmail: [email protected] furniture to“keep it real”.Distribution: 46 Mini knits and hatsFran JohnsonEmail: [email protected] Judi Gerth has knitted some tiny fall sweaters.Designer:Auralea Krieger 52 Costume GalleryAd designer: A showcase of manyAnn Pavlish talented costume designers.Contributors: 73 Online HousepartyErzsébet Bodzas, Sandra Bowen, Jamie Carrington,Marianne Colijn, Jane Davies, Lindsey Domer, Cindy The Online Houseparty byGates, Judi Gerth, Mandy Groves, Priska Hess- NAME was loads of fun.Grotesch, Liz Jones, Suzanne Knight, Kathi KutiHarding, Gabriele Layne, Elles Leenders, Pat Melvin, 78 Texas ShowcaseSylvia Mobley, Danielle Muller, NAME, AmandaPhillips, Martha Puff, Maria José Santos, Mercedes The 2014 ShowcaseSpencer, Jan Stuart, Jennifer Tuttle was a great success.Issue 137 90 Lovable toysSeptember 2014 Suzanne Knight makesPublished by Ashdown Broadcasting lovable toys that no miniaturist could resist.Subscription rates:1 Year (12 issues) $65 97 Dedicated miniaturistCanada $75 (US funds); UK £59; When sane people sleep,Europe $136 (US); Rest of world $148 (US). Mandy Groves is awake and busy with her projects.2 Year (24 issues) $120Canada $135 (US funds); UK £115;Europe $259 (US); Rest of world $290 (US).American Miniaturist (USPS# 021-053 ISSN #14778203) is published monthly at 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price is$65.00. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson, MN, andadditional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send addresscorrections to American Miniaturist, 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis thatcopyright will be vested in the Publisher who assumes all rights worldwide,in all forms and media. This means American Miniaturist owns the rightsto the instructions and photographs that we publish. The work may bepublished in the magazine, our i-Mag, ebooks, CDs and bookzines as well ason Dollshouse.TV. You continue to own the copyright for the design and arefree to teach and sell your work. All that we ask is that you wait a minimumof 6 months after the publication of the issue before teaching the design orselling your own instructions. We don’t allow you to re-publish the designfeatured in other books or magazines without prior consent.

Projects Welcome24 Bushel of apples Recently I have been wondering why I feel guilty when I work on my minis. I know there are many other Amanda Phillips makes a house chores I should be doing or even errands. So big bushel of Red Delicious I stopped to think about when I first felt this way and apples for your mini scene. was struck by a vivid mini memory!30 Baking tools I was in 8th grade and I had just started my interior design class. I was daydreaming until a shoebox was Lindsey Domer shares some put on my desk and I was told to make it into a tiny of her quick and easy tips on room. I’m sure I looked around with confusion because how to create baking tools. how could schoolwork actually be fun?33 Pumpkin bars I’ll admit my grades were poor, except for my art and science classes where I excelled, (up until I refused Jennifer Tuttle turns childhood to dissect a frog). Anyway, we were given very strict memories into miniatures. instructions that we were not allowed to take the project home. So I worked on it in class as instructed43 A beaded mini purse and loved it! The bell rang and I knew I had a choice to make. I decided to smuggle that little box out under Delicate miniature purses my jacket so I could enjoy working on it at home. I that are knitted with glass didn’t do it so I would get a better grade or have the beads by Marianne Colijn. best box, it was because of the thrill of the build.67 Strawberry sundae I was having a very hard time at home then, and that box gave me such joy. It lifted my confidence as I Amanda Phillips shows us figured out how to only use paper, fabric, and colored how to make a miniature ice pencils to make another world. Surely I wouldn’t get in cream sundae. trouble for showing enthusiasm!75 Dress hangers After returning to class I was found guilty and sent to the principal’s office. I had never been in any trouble Auralea Krieger shares a in school before. I felt embarrassed and sad. My sister, simple way to create pretty who was five years older, visited the teacher with me miniature hangers. after school and for the first time I can remember, defended me. I had never heard her speak to an adult82 Woven wall hanging like that! I felt so validated. After she explained what my family was going through, the teacher conceded and I Sandra Bowen explains how didn’t fail the class. I even continued with the craft and to create a woven work of art made my own shoebox room at home. to hang on the wall. Now here I am, an94 Toy crocodile editor, and surrounded by so many other Elles Leenders shares her people that love to miniature pattern for making make tiny rooms too. a soft toy crocodile. No more guilt!

minimail AM is your magazine, and we want to hear from you. Write to: MiniMail, American Miniaturist, 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN 55944. Or email: auralea@ ashdown.co.uk. Letters may be edited if necessary. Star letter for my projects, even if it’s for Candle Cozy candles This month’s Star letter was another style of dollhouse. tutorial written by Judy Brown who Thanks for all your work to mCaanddeleeamsyaking wrote in and shared how bring us fun projects and useful In much she loved AM tutorials. information! the twAeacbrhemnaieuqrtu,ifMeulainwriacanaynntdeoleCmomalikajnekisanhgrao.roems hfeerel We truly love to share your November projects and letters with Judy Brown issue C24abccftBAdsraehacrctoiemoinhantzoefmcwfmeTndadeyzeashrtdlyeeruaceiaeecaelmlnoasneaanyhnnentmsbnatodei.c.dycrtokaMTsxlboahedetnfchqrrhimieaesteonnetdeuoerhnrinmea.helyaiseesdTatatoewpsiisasuihnetnreusnelrdaazeidaiiattsasmtrnvarchhdetiteeleocydelheapvmtsusaieitphllsecrhhoeselamtiorm,onasavoayngrlpooneboutketyolhiemnatrilsmomalihtsisstignht.idsinefayaiongieonrnfrgowooueigdnfrussnhdcnimfmnoeorooiwIsenhcrgrmleaLTutiwhadaaehaagizothcreklhttnkbrsathtsleieefnroahthaeloigthieeeeouapdyne.reeIsdulwro‘uwhssrensr,sIrltsgiswwstetlstntshrtucnmtedtabsts.iihehIoasdtavooaphceg.odwTstxecshenimmananaIitotenlhhirdbofhalhanfdtlrtnkdotis.smcgseooetarkcuyoseaweaod,nolritiCsrekeoeaeldtetrdmwqohdmdlomesetthse,dbaawtautieihItcefssephstrhemnlerhefroeigarmoeihadweootepasfeeaaoawrmnneomxoaedrturynsIraoimvawm.mtdnittkriyianscdeakfdvt.rieIndrelgucstuhkeiIbedeeeayhtcbagononlIwnrcott,sersaaflwarciiwsgmhoheftoyhwettful.novi,whafwioelotierodsaoweldtbrcdnuehmerdtmeoulamxrbkftioelidnisoenfdeaycyuhhgcsmoteluegtdlelros.lsrnhemeloeherilvkliidlIwsnoyeolnaceootmacwutei-whayhntoelksr-ntnfsdasrpplosahrc.aagnitasekepxdeoenirerEaoantclrt.a-avllgrveltfldc-eer.-e-trnit-caTSrpyawnuyShteSoEensdetrirttunrleideaoplnealltaclsplgrhpgeslgeid3elie.r.2vrNemT:tme1CT.tnarsehy:latSPoahe:ertneocoCaeecidaaToypeidteaevstkuauocefTdr.hdietntykpewkntpuroholwledakeheettegortiltthhsldionltohhtnlwallleweeheuleustiobaecnsforoferiegeitfeatetidlcuoonhahsrncccheatanspn,wdhaahdawnnestdnpaeneesohhtradhmedaearerfiteoawifusrtrlxpctfe.afteerettckluifihoescthtrrapittteterekmnewhahtp.ahrfidTtsedgrniirehwlohateeteolrgheahaaliaisls.netdbsdle:hae,lrer our readers, and it means Seattle, WA (AM127) so much to us that you take Marianne the time to write! To thank July Highlights Colijn did Judy for her wonderful letter, I am writing in about the AM127_Candels.indd 24 we will be sending her The highlights for the July Victorian Period Project CD. 10/3/13 1:54 PM Please keep your letters issue. For me it was a miniaturists coming. We love learning best friend! I loved the Sable Collie an article on candle making with about you and your projects Croughton on page 65. I could erasers. Last evening our mini and hearing your comments not believe it. I thought someone club did the project and enjoyed and ideas. We always look had sent in a photo of our fella. We it and sends a thank you to forward to reading your have had four of these beautiful Marianne! thoughtful letters! dogs and the pose is so true. Lucy Francis Maloney manages to catch Phyllis McDonald Star letter her furry animals to a T. But I never Ontario, Canada Wow! Arthur cease to be amazed at the talent of was really clever this your artists. Every issue is a winner. June Highlights The June issue of AM month. I had to go through Betty Howe was fabulously rich the entire magazine twice, Somerset, England before I found him. He looks with fabrics, foods, and artifact cute with the red, white, and finds! I am impressed with every blue star on his head! I really article from Marianne Colijn. enjoy paging through the She’s a mini-genius. I’m happy magazine because I always that AM has her articles—so find something I can use6 American Miniaturist

minimailI can try them. The teapot been looking Fun!birdhouse is adorable. I have high and lowmy teapots out ready to try for the cloches We asked our fans...this. Kris Compas and Felma in miniature. “What are some things you haveJackson have stitched beautiful You can bet if I made using beads in your minifurniture and dresses for us. I find any, all of house or scene?”can’t wait to see more of Kris’s them will be ~One of those big garden snails.creations. in my basket PattyLynn WintersFelma’s nightgown will look heading home ~Berry pies.wonderful in my dollhouse! for my mini Val AdamsWe all have those bits of scenes!! I have ~Perfume bottles and jars oflace and trim that just need little starfish, candy.inspiration! I love to make seahorses, shells, Connie Smithmini foods. Natalia Antonelli and sand dollars ~Chandeliers!gave me a great recipe to that have been Eva Perendreutry out with Rum Baba. waiting YEARS for ~Wind chimes and a lamp!The directions were very a special place. Dori Caye Allardclear; materials are easily ~Flower vases, blueberry &accessible. Natalia’s and Lesia Lennex cherry tarts.Laura Prats’s article has Morehead, KY Dawn Marie Ellismade it tough to choose ~Baubles on a Christmas treewhich foods are the most Grateful contributor and perfume bottles.delectable! The piece de I just wanted to thank Christine Rolferesistance for this issue those involved at Ashdownwas Shannon Kindred’sseaside cloches. Inc. for publishing my dollhouseOh my goodness, would in the July issue (AM135). It wasI ever love to make a great surprise and blessed mythese! I have many, heart! Thank you also for my specialmany nautical themed copy gift-wrapped just for me! Godscenes in all scales. I’ve bless you all. Kathleen Ferrari ~I’ve made lamps and Christmas Baltimore, MD ornaments with beads as well as using them as stands to display things like shells. Sharon Solomon ~Jewels! Marta Asensio ~Lamps, vases, and toiletries. Regina Rowe Bryant ~Water bottles and sink knobs. Twila Johnson Facebook Twitter Blog: A Small World’s Big Buzz American Miniaturist 7

nnoowwaavvaaddiilolaoalbllblslsWleWheOhORRoLooLDoDnunuststheheee FCFRCl1aREl14aiEEm4iDEmtDayrtaoiyyraoiyualurlrddoollllsshhoouusseeEASY WAYS TO MAKE FURNITURE LOOK GOOD£3.95 UK’S No1 MINIATURES MAGAZINE EASY WAYS TO MAKE FURNITURE LOOK GOOD UK’S No1 MINIATURES MAGAZINEJune 2013 WORLD www.dollshouse.tv www.dollshouseworld.comJune 2013 £3.95 WORLD www.dollshouse.tv www.dollshouseworld.com MINIATURA SIXTIETH SPECIAL MINIATURA SIXTIETH SPECIALVINTAGE STEAMPUNK FLOWERVICTORIAN SHOP TO BAG TO MAKE INSPIRE VINTAGE VICTORIAN MGRaEAkTeFBSUiTANt GEATMO PMUGANAKRKEDEN DELIGFHLOTWS ER SHOP TO INSPIRE PROJECTS GARDEN DELIGHTS TOMCRaEkATeE it GREAT FUN PROJECTS TO CREATEISSUE 249 06 9 770961 092055 TIME FOR TEA 15/04/2013 17:15 ISSUE 249 TIME FOR TEA 15/04/2013 17:1501_DDHOWLL24S9H.inOddUS4E WORLD: JUNE 21036 9 770961 092055 01_DDHOWLL24S9H.inOddUS4E WORLD: JUNE 213 Enjoy both subscriptions and single issues of Dolls House World. Subscription £2.99 per month ESnUjEoBnyjSoCby oRbtoIhPthTsIusOubbNsscScrriippttiioonnssaannddsisnignleglisesiusessueofsDoofllAs mHoeurisceaWnoMrldin. iaturist. DInecSDSDlliueuvebdlebivlsreiseecvscrdreeri1:prdi4pMet:iodtdMoin:oanoMynt£nh:2Ftloyh.$R9nly4E9t.Eh9plte5yrriapml eornmthonth SiInInngcclleulduisedssuees141£34d.a9dy9aFypReFErREisEstEruiaetlrial As issues are released, they’ll be available online in the My NOOK Library SSiinnggleleisissuseue£:3$.969.9p5er issue SsUeScBtUiSoBCnSRoCfIPRyoTIPuIOrTaINOccNSoSunt, NOOK and free NOOK app. Your default credit AcsaAridssswiusisellusbeeasrcaehrearerrgeleledaassmeedodn,,ttthhhlyee.yyI’fl’llylboebue’arveaavailaafbiirlslaetlotbimnelienoesnuilnbinstheceriibnMeyrthtNoeOtMhOisKypNLuibbOrlia-OryK Library 23/05/2013 17:33 sceacsttieoicont,nioynooufo’yflloyroeuucrreaiavccecaouFunRntE,t,ENNO1O4OKdOaaKyntdarinafrld.eeYforNeuOemONaKyOacOpapnKc. eYalopaupnry.dtYiemofaeuurdltducrerinefagduit lt credit 23/05/2013 17:33 pdcyMBauuoUyrcMycbrudioYaarNlnyuirtfwidcOgrCorNeanOfiwUeOyrlt,eliKoiROtloyelrbuoRibnKLaterurielE,bi’LafblcNyrlcrilaybheorhTbrereacayuayc,IlrrrieStgccyagwri,keSvlnieicaiadeidnUdlknllgamiEydnbmroogFeoyyunoRcnoocntweEu“nhlMitEiilvlhwy“cla.Me1lnkinlyIl4ofia.aanntyngdIoogFbafeatugeRyyob’SeorEcneteurEuhSibaca“a’us1rlhMr.befcga4iYrsrersaiaocgpddtnuret.fitaipaoidimmyrtgn.sioeaesttnry”tsiSsiaicunm”ulab.ibynnesYosccyoucseroiururlbuiabAeprmnrcstAycictaotocoriymicnutbohsnceeui”tsardnoniputtnrcouroienbyrtgllohi-auisnrytime AYcocuoaulsnothoarveMthyeNoOptiOonKtoLijubsrtapryu,rcahnadseyothue wcuirlrlentoitssbuee cohf aDrogllesd. HoBuUseYWCoUrRldRmEaNgTazIiSneS-UjuEst click on the “Buy Current Issue” button. BUYYouCaUlsoRRhaEvNeTthIeSSopUtiEon to just purchase the current issue of Dolls YouHoaulsseo Whaovrled tmhaegoazpintieo-njutsot cpliuckrcohnastheeju“Bsut ythCeurcruenrrteIsnstuies”subuettoofnA. merican78_DHMW i2n50i.iandtdur7i8st magazine. Just click on the “Buy Current Issue” button. 78_DHW 250.indd 78

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Romatic getawayAformYoinui&roMomeMercedes Spencer poured her heart intothis little romantic bed and breakfastroom box. A perfect miniature getaway.~Photography by Mercedes SpencerHave you ever felt the “I had a wooden box and ly favored by my husband. need to get away, but some beautiful red and Instead, I live out my didn’t have the means white toile wallpaper to go anywhere? When I get as the basis for a little dreams of chipped and worn that feeling, I make a minia- romantic getaway.“ furniture in my miniature ture place to escape to. For rooms. My favorite piece of me, making miniature scenes feel. I like to paint things to furniture in this room is the is about creating a place have a shabby chic feel. I French style cupboard. that I’d like to go that I can’t would have everything in my necessarily get to in real life! real house looking that way, Below left: A few romantic tales that That’s how my “Bed and but it’s not a style particular- Mercedes has read are added. Breakfast” scene began. Below: By refinishing otherwise I had a wooden box and basic furniture, Mercedes gave the some beautiful red and entire room a soft romantic feeling. white toile wallpaper as the basis for a little romantic getaway. I wanted to cre- ate the scene quickly, so I mainly used furniture that I had on hand, and painted it to give it a dreamy romantic10 American Miniaturist

Romatic getawayAbove: This little room is a fantastictribut to the power of love. Redand white roses, romantic novels,hearts in the decor, a love note, andforbidon sweets in pink and white.Right: The sweet smell of a pinkrose mixed with the delicate scentof expensive perfurmues create theperfect mood for writing an earlymorning love letter.I wasn’t at all in love with itbefore I painted it, but onceI’d given it a vintage lookwith the blue and white treat- American Miniaturist 11

Romatic getawayAbove: A simple rustic firplace Above: Mercedes included a posteradds warmth to this romantic with the lyrics from a song calledgetaway. Many candels are displays Nature Boy by Nat King Cole. Thisthroughout this romantic love nest, song was in her favorite movie.which only adds to the atmosphere. There was a boyRight: This little framed cupid will A very strange enchanted boybe shooting his arrow, which is They say he wandered very farfilled with uncontrollable desire! Very far, over land and sea A little shy and sad of eyement, I knew it was perfect But very wise was hefor the room I was creating. And then one day, a magic dayI couldn’t stop with just one He passed my way, and while weblue and white piece though, spokeso the table and chairs got the Of many things, fools and kingstreatment, as well. This he said to me “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn I rarely have time to sit Is just to love and be loved in return”down to work on minis. It’salways busy in my house witha husband, two children, andtwo pre-school nieces to look12 American Miniaturist

Romatic getawayafter. If I do get an idea in my me; they’re what make the Below: The sweets in this roomhead, I usually have to make scene come alive. I wanted were all made by good friends.it right away. There are al- the room to look as though It seem Mercedes has thought ofways paintbrushes in the sink someone had either just left everything. She even made a dream(which makes my husband or was about to arrive. board which delicatly leans againstcrazy because it makes dinner the wall on the sideboard next totake a bit longer). And, since It’s also important to me to the beautifully ornate mirror.I mainly work on my minis at have special items made bythe kitchen table, everythingmust also be cleared awaybefore we can eat. The fireplace is anothertreasured piece I’ve had fora long time, but it neededjust the right home. WhenI couldn’t find the perfectbedside table, I made one“I also like to have alittle bit of humour inmy scenes, which is whyI made the tiny Victoria’sSecret bag.”from cardboard and wire. Ilike to add things to my miniscenes that mean somethingto me. The words over themantelpiece are from a songthat was in a favorite movieof mine. The books representromantic tales I have eitherread or watched on screen. I also like to have a littlebit of humor in my scenes,which is why I made the tinyVictoria’s Secret bag. Whoknows what’s in it? After all,this hobby is all about imagi-nation. Adding all the little detailsto the room is the fun part for American Miniaturist 13

Romatic getawaymy friends in my mini scenes.The cream blanket draped onthe bed was made by SylviaDe Groot who lives in Hol-land; the gorgeouscake, heart cook-ies, and teatray weremadeby myAmericanfriend,KimSaulter.I firstcame toknowthesetalentedminiaturiststhrough my blog and I havebeen incredibly lucky to beable to travel across the worldto meet them. For me, this hobby is allabout having fun and hope-fully bringing a little bit of joyto someone’s day! AMAbove right: The transformationof the cuboard, made it Mercedesfavorite peice in this room.Right: A delicious peice of yellowcake and a love letter awaitssomeone very special!14 American Miniaturist

BACK ISSUESBuild a deck and matching furniture for summer fun View the fabulous modern furniture of Gail Steffey Donuts • Half-Scale Bed • Skeleton Chair • Witch’s Cape & More!August 13 Issue #124 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 October 13 Issue #126 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 September 13 Issue #125 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95Byseathsehomrieni CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 Laura Crain’s nautical inspiration &WASH SEW Eleanor’s witches will meet your tailor and laundry needs PROJECTS FDionldlsnheowuisde.eTasV with G ranite housecharming unique dollhouses by FindDonlleswhionusspie.rTatVion with• Wooden deck portuguese miniaturist rui soares• Faux finishes Music Stand • Bushel Baskets • Fireplace Screens • Beds & More!• Swimsuits• Coffee pots• Child’s swing• And more!AM124_Cover.indd 1 6/28/13 1:53 PM style AM126_Cover.indd 1 8/28/13 3:51 PMIssue 124 AM125_Cover.indd 1 7/30/13 5:46 PM Issue 125 Issue 126 Issue 127 Issue 128 Issue 129• Outdoor Projects Galore • Gail Steffey’s Furniture • Skeleton Chair Project • Victorian Goth • Santa Gift Shop • Fashionable Mice • Daisy Shower • Christmas Gallery • Lollipop Mugs• Wine Cellar Feature • Garden Project • Half-scale Bed Project • Artisan Thomas Norpell • Wine Cellar Project • Laundry Room Project• Egyptian Tomb • Harvest Shed Project • Zombie Room Box Issue 136Caroline Dupuis showcases a beautiful miniature butterfly cottage. Terrie Wertz uses her magic wand to create fairy tale characters. Travel to another place in time with Lorrie Anderson’s charismatic dolls. • Old West Saloon • Potting BenchFebruary 14 Issue #130 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 March 14 Issue #131 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 April 14 Issue #132 Price $6.95 • Gypsy Vardo CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 www.americanminiaturist.com PROJECTS PROJECTS • Breakfast toast PROJECTS • Mini flower press • Valentines shop • Fancy chandelier • Wire garden bench • Steampunk hat • Miniature bedding • Bathroom towels • Mini slippers • Photo albums • Seedpod baby wrap • Ping pong lights • Nursery extras • Whimsical chair • Turkey sandwich • Winter cupcakes • Mini sunflowers • Ice cream wafflesA romantic brocante style MarieAntoinetteEricka Van Horn pays tribute to Celebrating springtimewithabountifulshowcaseofminiatures Susanne Idun Mørch shows her personal touch a Queen with a lavish lifestyle. FiDnodllihnsopuisrea.tiToVn with130_cover.indd 1 12/18/13 4:32 PM 131_cover.indd 1 1/24/14 10:15 AMIssue 130 Issue 131 132_cover.indd 1 2/25/14 2:21 PM Issue 134 Issue 135 Issue 132 • Seaside Cloches • July 4th Projects • Celebrating Men • Shannon’s Shell Shop• Downton Abbey Kitchen • Nursery Accessories • Spring Gallery Feature • Produce Cart Project • Mike Hinchcliffe’s Art• Showcase of Miniatures • Miniature Violets • Richard McMahan’s Art• Romantic Brocante Style • Ericka Van Horn • Flower/Garden Projects Back Issues Payment LastPlease send me the following back issues: First AddressSingle issues: City State Zip ($6.95 PER ISSUE + S/H) Country TelephoneFive issues: E-mail ($24.50 + S/H) Circle one: Mastercard / Visa / Amex / DiscoverTen issues: Expires / CVV2 ($47.95 + S/H) Back Issues Total: ORDER TOTAL Shipping & Handling Total: Order Total:Shipping & Handling Prices Card no.Order value up to $8.95: US $3.50; Canada $4.75; Europe $8.25; Rest of World $10.50 I do not wish to auto renew with the card listed aboveOrder value up to $30.00: US $8.25; Canada $9.25; Europe $12.50; Rest of World $18.25 Check enclosed payable to Craft-Club.comOrder value up to $75.00: US $11.50; Canada $12.50; Europe $21.50; Rest of World $28.25 Questions? Contact us by email at:Order value up to $125.00: US $15.75; Canada $19.25; Europe $28.25; Rest of World $48.25 [email protected] value up to $175.00: US $18.25; Canada $21.25; Europe $37.25; Rest of World $61.50 Or call us at: 1-866-606-6587Order value over $175.00: US $21.50; Canada $30.50; Europe $41.75; Rest of World $75.25 Outside US: 507-634-3143 American Miniaturist 87 MANY MORE ISSUES AVAILABLE ONLINE - VISIT WWW.CRAFT-CLUB.COM TO BROWSE ENTIRE COLLECTION

Farmer’s marketAmarmkientisfatarmnder’s Enjoy the fall harvest with a visit to Caroline’s miniature farmer’s market stand, complete with pumpkins. By Jan Stuart.Who doesn’t love a bright late summer or early autumn day, when the fields and trees have yielded the last of their summer produce, and when the weather is perfect for “gathering” at a local farmer’s market stand? For some of us, the autumn outing is a nostalgic retreat from a city life seemingly lived apart from nature. For others, it’s a brief immersion into the memory of more youthful days, when we first marveled at the beauty and variety of our land’s generos- ity, all displayed in a tumbling of color punctuated by big orange pumpkins just waiting to be hauled from the fields. Don’t we all have a favorite market stand we don’t mind driving ten miles to visit be- cause its setting is so quaint, peaceful, and welcoming? Whether it’s a small weath- Right: This stand is full of pumpkins and baskets of fresh produce. 16 American Miniaturist

Farmer’s marketered roadside shed or a newer realistic bushel baskets are slight variety in its offerings.one with a long, open front easily constructed from com- See how skillfully she addedand a sign upon its top, or an mon manila file folders using only fruits and vegetablesold, high-roofed barn with its instructions found in my in shades of tan, cream, softdoors rolled wide open—it American Miniaturist tutorial brown, mild rose, and palematters little. It’s the experi- last fall. What a great way orange as to not competeence we are after: feasting to fill your late-summer days with the color impact of herour eyes on nature’s bounty, with autumn spirit! impressive pumpkins? It’s afeeling the shapes as we place nice lesson and since pump-the biggest and best into paper Here’s a wonderful example kins seem to be the Americanbags, and lugging away the to study, courtesy of Caroline, essence of autumn, there’smost perfect pumpkin we can from Hummingbird Minia- need for little more.manage to carry, just because tures studio. This one differswe’ve always loved them. from the usual pre-built, You should also note how 1:12-scale market stands in Caroline “stepped” her scene. It’s no wonder that min- that it sits low to the ground. The paler harvest of the lastiaturists everywhere often Perhaps it’s so the owner days of summer are at groundchoose to create an autumn does not have to lift the level; then eyes are lifted tofarmer’s market stand for heavy pumpkins very high the bright orange pumpkinstheir first project after ventur- to show them off to country- with cheerful prospect of piesing into polymer clay model- loving buyers . . . something and jack-o-lanterns to comeing. Especially since other to consider when planning before arriving at an evenitems needed to complete the your own market scene. brighter canopy above all.scene are also easy, economi- Isn’t it special that this ar-cal, quick, and satisfying to Caroline’s market stand is rangement progresses just asconstruct. Indeed, market so well focused that it ap- nature does! AMstands are among the pears complete with only amost affordable of allminiature scenes to fur-nish. Even before youdelve into an easy half-dozen bars of polymerclay, your benches andrisers can be built fromvery little basswood.Corrugated scrap book-ing paper, when paint-ed, can form a metalroof, or shingles can becut from fine sandpaper.Wood crates go togetherlike a breeze. EvenRight: The tiniest of fruitsand vegetables fill thesebeautiful miniature wovenbaskets to their rims. American Miniaturist 17

Fruits and vegetablesFthreegsharfrdoemnErzsebet Bodzas makes miniature fruitsand vegetables that are so realistic youwill have to look twice to be sure!~Photography by Erzsebet BodzasThe rewards you obtain of harvest. Luckily, in of miniatures after spending from growing your own the miniature world, some time online trying to fruits and vegetable this is not as labor get inspiration for a dollhouseare endless. Enjoying the intensive as the real that she was building for herfresh wholesome bounty that world and Erzse- daughter. A few years laterMother Earth provides us is a bet makes it look she began to experiment withgift in itself. Every miniature even easier with polymer clay. After many hourskitchen should be filled with these magnificent researching, reading tutorials,bowls or baskets of fruit, bags 1:12-scale replicas and learning from other artistsof potatoes, hanging herbs, of various fruits on YouTube, she has trulyand a cutting board with and vegetables. mastered her craft.diced vegetables. Erzsebet acciden- Here is the beginning of her September marks the start tally discovered the journey in her own words.of autumn, which is a time wonderfully mysterious world “I bought my first set of Above and Left: Erzsebet’s favorite things about fall are the pumpkins and gourds because of the variations in colors and forms.18 American Miniaturist

Fruits and vegetablespolymer clay and made my Left: Eggplants in afirst miniature bread in 2010. crate of straw.This material fascinated me,even if the bread was quite Right: An overflowingugly compared to my current crate of assortedworks. But it was love at first plump tomatoes.attempt, nonetheless. Throughthe following years I meddledin almost every territory ofthe miniature world. I madefoods, furniture, room boxes, Above: Sliced peppers on an aged cutting board with a knife. Left: Green tomatoes, that are still on the vine. American Miniaturist 19

Fruits and vegetables and scenes. Although I enjoy creating all of them, after aRight: serious inner debate, I optedDelicious for miniature food makingsummer as my specialty. I prefer thesquash in traditional homemade foods,many varieties rustic breads, pies, heirloomof shape and vegetables, and fruits. I alsocolor. love arranging my foods into little scenes where I can putBelow: Pears, grapes and apples together the elements similarfill this small wooden basket. to a three-dimensional still life painting. I always make my Above: A beautifully aged metal own plates, dishes, trays, and bucket filled to the brim with cutlery, I even invented my juicy plums that were freshly collected from the tree. own method of weaving a wicker basket from wire!”Above: Freshlysliced cabbage. With three daughters, agesRight: A plate of newly plucked Figs. six, eight, and ten, Erzsebet finds time to work on her min-20 American Miniaturist iatures either at night or while the little ones are in school. She, as well as her husband and children, live in their dream house in a small town that is close to the capital of Hungary. Erzsebet has training as landscape artist and her husband is an architect so you can imagine how beautiful their home and garden must be. “I spend a lot of my free time in my own garden. It has a great expanse and rich soil so I had the opportunity to plant a lot of various trees, shrubs, and flowers. I have an orchard with a kitchen garden as well, where I

Fruits and vegetablesRight: Each of a real apple or a spoon next Autumn is a feast of vividapple has it’s to them. When colors for me. I love to as-own special asked semble fruits and vegetablescharacteristic. about of various shades and forms where her into little sets. Such as yellow,grow apple, plum, apri- inspiration orange, and red heirloom to-cot, peach, quince, pear, comes from, matoes in a bowl, a fruit bas-and fig trees. she replied, ket filled with apples, pears,I also have “I persis- plums, and grapes or the dif-raspberry, tently search ferent greens of leeks, cabbag-blackcur- the Internet es, and zucchinis can makerant, and for inspiration. very impressive sights. I likeredcurrant Sometimes it’s to show the little imperfec-bushes. tions of the works of nature,Then the crust of a pie, the brown spots on the apples,there other times a very old the scratches on the freshare my cutting board with special pear skin, the pale places ofstrawber- shape that catches my eye. the cucumber where the sunry plants couldn’t reach it. These tinyand grape vines too. Maintain- I’m always faults make the miniaturesing such a huge garden couldbe very tiresome, but for me Above: A uniquely shaped cutting more realistic. My favoritesthe time I work in it is similar board covered in carrots has many of this season areto meditation. Many of my nicks and cuts that show it’s history. the pumpkins andideas for miniature making gourds. They haveare born while weeding. It’s chasing after new challenges;also very convenient when I I love to test my boundaries. so many variations inneed to check the details of a My efforts and enthusi- colors and shapes, plus youspecific fruit.” asm finally paid off can have a great time carving when I gained my funny pumpkin heads.” AM The thrill of creating for Artisan membershipErzsebet, is when she is asked in IGMA in food You can learn even moreif the photos of her minia- category last year. about Erzsebet Bodzas in theture work are real foods. For It was a great honor May/June issue of Dollhouseskeptics, she sometime photo- for me. Miniatures (DHM39).graphs the minis with a slice Right: A bowl of pears with perfectly colored skins. American Miniaturist 21

CLAIM YOURDiscover American artisaTnraTvhelotmo aansoNthoerrppelallc’se works of art. Anderson’s magazine in time with Lorrie 1. American Miniaturist is a monthly magazine charismatic dolls. dedicated to the joys of miniature making. SuitableNovember 13 Issue #127 Aprilw1w4w.americanImssuineia#t1u3ri2st.com CANADAP$9r.2i5cCeAD$. U6K.£94.525 for both the collector and the do-it-yourselfer, each www.americCAaNnAmDAin$P9ir.a2i5tcuCeArDis.$Ut6.Kc.£o94m.255 edition of AM offers exciting artist features, fun ••••M•W•SBWMeihaneitiiirdmnhespirusgoofinlacodofarmlwdbol aeecwtbhnroeyapwbriwsrreeerlnssascph how-tos for all skill levels. PROJECTS Tune in each month for large, beautiful photos,$64.99* exciting contests and giveaways, cutouts, and a $75 Canada SteFrpeinncsihdbeaakbereyautiful helpful listing of shops and shows around the world. From room boxes to dollhouses, mini dolls to FCecrloeebunrnacthirnyg ssptyrilnegtimeGetwinitshpairbeodubnytiCfuhlrsihstoiwnec-aLséeaoFfrmisionniaitures 10/2/13 1:10 PM mini treasures, AM has a smattering of everything 2/25/14 2:21 PM miniature. Subscribe today to join in on the fun! 132_cover.indd 1 When you subscribe, we will also send you the latest gift offer! Subscribe for 1 year and receive the 127 cover.indd 1 delicious Ice Cream Sundae Set. Subscribe for 2 years and enjoy the wonderful miniature dollhouse. Both Caroline Dupuis showcases a beautiful miniature butterfly cottage. are beautifully packaged from Reutter Porcelain. Issue #130 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADAP$9r.2i5cCeAD$. U6K.£94.525 February 14 $45PROJECTS .99* ••••••VSMPTIatcuieilneneragknicmestrpieylpnoiapsuenmpansgenkswlrdihshgawoahfipfttclsehsWorldwide dollshouse.tv $49.99 Worldwide A romantic brocante styleSusanne Idun Mørch shows her personal touch FinDodlilnhsopuirsae.tiToVn with * 12/18/13 4:32 PM tv channel 130_cover.indd 1 3. Subscribe to www.dollshouse.tv andiMag enjoy hundreds of inspiring, entertaining, and instructional films from some of the best2. Gain access to every available back issue miniaturists around! All from the comfort of home, right on your computer. You can watchby subscribing to our user-friendly iMag version. any of the programs 24 hours a day, 7 days aEach month your copy is delivered direct to your week. This is a “must have” for any miniaturist!email box. You can easily flip through the pagesright on your computer and print out any of thefeatures or projects that you want. There arethousands of pages waiting for you!

FREE GIFTSNEW free gifts! 1 year giftDo you love free gifts? Enjoy these great offerings when All gifts subjectyou subscribe to American Miniaturist. to change.Subscribe for one year and receive 12 great issues delivered 2 year giftdirect to your door PLUS also receive the delicious IceCream Sundae Set. Subscribe for two years and receive 24issues PLUS you will get the darling miniature dollhouse. Take advantage ofextra savings by subscribing for three years and we’ll send you 36 wonderfulissues and BOTH of these adorable gifts for FREE!Both gifts come beautifully packaged from Reutter Porcelain of Germany.So whether you are renewing or a brand new subscriber, you’ll receive a giftfrom your friends at American Miniaturist!Want both of the gifts? Best BuySubscribe for 3 years and get BOTH the gifts. Subscribe to all three! You’ll save more than $25 whenNot only will you lock into the lowest subscription you subscribe to AM’s great bundle pack. All this forprice and save over $25.00 but you will also get the special bundle price of $130.99 for the year!both the scrumptious Ice Cream Sundae along withthe fabulous miniature dollhouse! You’ll get: 1 year of the printed version 1 year of access to the iMag*One, two & three year subscription prices: 1 year of access to Dollshouse.TVCanada: $75 / $135 / $190 UK: $92 / $180 / $240Europe: $136 / $259 / $320 Rest of World: $148 / $290 / $350 CA: $140* UK: $157* EU: $201* ROW: $213* *US Currency Save the postage, subscribe online at www.AmericanMiniaturist.comFirst Name Last Name I want to subscribe/renewAddress to American Miniaturist! 1 year ($64.99) 2 years ($119.99) (US Funds Only) (US Funds Only) 3 years ($169.99) <-- Save $25! (US Funds Only) I want access to Dollshouse TV for 1 year!City State Zip I want all the imag editions / CVV2 available online for 1 year!Country Telephone BEST BUY BUNDLEE-mail Magazine, iMag and TV for 1 yearPlease debit my Mastercard / Visa / Amex / Discover Expires USA: UK: Return this form to: Return this form to:Card no. American Miniaturist American Miniaturist 68132 250th Avenue Unit 5E, Park Farm, I do not wish to auto renew with the card listed above. Check enclosed payable to American Miniaturist Kasson, MN 55944 Chichester Road Or call us today: Arundel,West Sussex 1.866.606.6587 BN18 0AG Outside US: 507-634-3143 Or call us today: +44 (0)1903 884988

ApplesA bushel offresh applesFall is a time of harvest! Adding a bigbushel of Red Delicious apples to yourmini scene is a must. By Amanda Phillips.I ’ve been changing my Tools & materials: down to flatten it, making the diet over the past year. I’ve bottom flat. moved from boxed macaroni l Dark red, red, green, Step 3: Use the end of your and cheese to organic fruits yellow, and white acrylic paintbrush to make a hole in and vegetables grown in my paints the top of each ball. Use your own back yard. The experience, l Fine paintbrushes toothpick to round out the though stressful, has been l Translucent, light yellow, edges of the hole and make educational. I can feel my and white polymer clay them less steep. health improving every day, and l Baking tile or tray you know what they say - an l Toothpick Step 4: Flip the ball over and apple a day keeps the doctor l Clear liquid floor wax press the toothpick into the away! I eat apples all of the (optional) bottom edge five times, making time, so when I read the email a star shape. request for an apple tutorial Step 2: Make each ball into a I jumped at the opportunity to cone and then press the cone make my favorite fruit! Step 1: Mix 1 part white clay, 1 part light yellow clay, and 2 parts translucent clay. Form into balls about .2 - .25 of an inch in diameter.24 American Miniaturist

ApplesStep 5: Rough up the center of Don’t brush with paint only, or dots on your apples, or bend thethe star shape and push it inward. you’ll miss the natural striations brush and “flick” it at a distance toBake the newly formed apples in color. allow the paint to splatter ontoaccording to the instructions each apple. It’s time consuming,that are on your clay’s packaging. but it adds a lot of realism.Allow them to cool. Step 10: Brush a light coat of floor wax onto each apple to give them a more polished look.Step 6: Mix yellow and light Step 9: This is the tricky part.green paints and brush the top Mix white and red paint and aand bottom of each apple. few drops of water to make a light pink paint. Either paint the Display your apples in a basket, in a bowl, or in the hand of your doll. I made the bushel basket for mine by using strips of bamboo, wood glue and twist ties. AMStep 7: Mix the red paint witha few drops of water and thenlightly brush the apples.Step 8: Use a pair of tweezersto hold your apples and thenbrush them with a dark red paintand water mixture (about 1 dropof water per 10 drops of paint).You may need a second coat. American Miniaturist 25

Distressing furnitureDgeotnd’tigsettrdeisstsreadught Liz Jones explains how getting distressed over your dollhouse furniture can help you to “keep it real”. Go ahead, give it a try!You have finally got your spend months slaving away of tea, but sometimes a little lovely dollhouse that at it, ignoring everything else tweaking can turn a boring you paid a fortune for you should be doing, only piece into something that isand now it is time to start to find you are disappointed individual and unique.making it into your master- with your efforts. Why?piece. You have decided what I started to adapt this typeperiod to set it in, and you The chances are it is stiff, of furniture because I felt mostmay even have a story in your too new. It looks flat and, in dollhouses lacked realism. Wehead that it’s based on. fact, nothing like real life at all know how adding an easily all. This is when you need to recognizable everyday item or Now it is time to make it start distressing. Now taking the right doll can add to thelook like you imagined. You a piece of dollhouse furniture, impact of a room or scene, but so can ash in a fire grate,26 American Miniaturist that you paid a lot of scratches on tabletops or even money for, scratching a mess on the kitchen floor. off the finish and dirty- ing it up, would prob- The following are a few ably send most people pointers using the word screaming for cover. So DISTRESS as a reminder. don’t do it! D stands for dirt, the Instead, there are amount will obviously many cheaper, mass depend on how dirty you produced alternatives want your dollhouse to be. A on the market that lend fisherman living on his own themselves to adapta- will probably accumulate tion and distressing. much more mess and dirt than a modern day family with all Now I know that the cleaning devices that are distressed furniture available. is not everyone’s cup The most important thing to Left: A little rust in the remember about dirt is it that sink and a worn chair give is has always been there and history and a story to a in past times was probably miniature room scene.

Distressing furnituremore visible than it is today. the kitchen or laundry room. inevitable, is usually enough.It collects in corners, it gets How long does that brandcarried around on shoes and new shiny cooker stay like I is for interest and itmost activities will produce it. that? Even with a thorough does not matter how you achieve it. Take some Ash is a great distressing “If you think about it, time to really look at a pieceagent. It can be rubbed into anything new, once it is and see what you can do tosurfaces or piled up with glue used becomes distressed improve it. An ordinary blackin corners. Rubbing it into the and this is especially typewriter can be transformedgrooves between floor tiles noticeable in the kitchen with a little gold paint and acan give a new dimension to or laundry.” small piece of typing stuck onthe entire room, not just the the platen. Take a good lookfloor. Any ash smell there cleaning it never has that new around your own home andmight be disappears quickly sheen it arrived with. It is not garden and you will find aand it also could be sealed in necessary to completely cover wealth of inspiration for thewith matt spray varnish if this something in dirt, just enough miniaturist, it’s just a matterworries you. to cover the unused nature of of noticing it. the dollhouse contents that is Let’s take a moment to If you think about it, think about water; it drips,anything new, once it is usedbecomes distressed and this Below: Make a wonderfully messyis especially noticeable in table surface when baking. American Miniaturist 27

Distressing furniturespills and lies around important aspect of distressing. Above: A little sand paper over auntil someone cleans it A small scratch on the surface painted surface goes a long way.up. As for the materials of something miniature mayyou can of course use not be small at all, try imagin- Another thing to watchsomething like Scenic ing it in real life, a half inch is color. We all pay a lot ofWater or resin, which scratch converts into six inches attention to the size of fabricare great for baths, and is very obvious. patterns, but sometimes brightbasins and larger areas A fire grate filled with ash can colors can be a little overpow-of water. But for small look odd if the ash is not fine ering in a miniature world. Ifamounts, like dripping enough so care is needed. a soft furnishing looks wrong,taps or candles, PVA but the pattern is small andglue works very well. You will of courseneed to add somematching color fordrips on candles. Itmay appear cloudy onapplication, but it driesclear and it also pulls offeasily if you don’t like it.S The first S is for sanding.The beauty of massproduced furniture isthat it is usually badlyvarnished and it takesvery little to sand offa bit of the surface togive a worn look. Usefine sandpaper andthink about the placesthat wear. A chair wears on thefront edge of the seatand the edges of thearms, but the back of a seatrarely gets any wear at all.Tiled floors wear in areas thatsee heavy traffic. If your houseis old the tiles under the cen-ter of doorways will probablybe more worn than the tiles atthe edges.T is for “tone it down” and this is probably the most28 American Miniaturist

Distressing furnituresuited to twelfth scale, it is Above: Distressing tipprobably the color. Ask your- Makeself would a more muted color your mini A little tip when usingwork better? pieces Scenic Water to make your bubbles. Most peopleR is for realism, which is own with know blowing into it or very easy to achieve if a little syringing air into it createsyou really think about what paint. bubbles, but they tend toyou are doing. be very large for twelfthA cook making paint the piece if you don’t like scale, around four to fivepies will look the out come. If you haven’t inches in width in realbetter if there is paid too much for it in the first life and they look clumsysome evidence place you can usually make it in miniature. However ifof what she is into something else, or if it is you take a Sate stick, ordoing some- truly destroyed you could put it any straight thin woodenwhere. A smear down to experience and chop stick and give it a gentle,of jam on her it up into mini kindling wood. but brisk whisking, theapron or even bubbles will reduce in sizepastry in her hair, S The second “S” is for and increase in number.will make the scene surface. Always start Perfect!much more realistic with a reasonable surface. Forand don’t forget her hands. example, if you are painting unmade beds as you. So go onHow many times have you the pieces, use two different, take a chance and you will bemade pastry and got it all over but complimentary colors and surprised just how much funthe kitchen by the time you paint it twice. The top color distressing is.have finished? can be distressed and the base color will show through under- Grab a bit of furniture you How realistic is a black bicy- neath. This gives the impres- are not happy with and have acle with a metal seat? We have sion that it has been painted go. You will be amazed at whatall seen these bikes. They are many times before and it gives you can achieve. Once you getvery common, but how any them “history”. going ideas will flood in andself-respecting doll is expected you will wonder why you haveto ride on one I can’t imagine. S The last “S” is for sen- not done it before.A little bit of leather stuck on sational because thatthe seat, a bit of paint on the is what your dollhouse will So finally, I say to youspokes of the wheel and a be. No one else will have the all, may your bathrooms bebasket hung from the handle same dresser, messy floors or festooned with used towelsbars just gives the impression and wet soap, your desks beof an article that might actu- littered with paper and pensally be used. and your dust bins over flow- ing. Remember smokers leaveE is for easy, because debris, food produces plates distressing is very, that need washing up andvery easy. The hardest part clothes get dirty and are left onis actually destroying your the floor. AMpiece of furniture. Don’t worrytoo much, because you canalways re-varnish or even American Miniaturist 29

Baking toolsTools for bakingin miniatureLindsey Domer shares some of her quickand easy tips on how to create somebaking tools for your miniature kitchen.I love finding and repurposing Step 2: Measure a rectangle Tools & materials: items I already have to make that is 1.1” x 1.4 “ with a ruler and realistic 1:12-scale miniatures. marker. Add a smaller rectangle l Aluminum window All miniatures in this tutorial on the shorter end of the original screening are made from items you rectangle that extends the l Silver seed beads, size 10/0 probably have around the house original rectangle by 1”. l Super glue in addition to basic crafting Step 3: Cut out both rectangles, l Tweezers supplies. The tutorials are for the keeping them connected. l Clothespin following baking supplies: metal Step 4: Score the line between l Scissors baking sheet, cooling rack, metal the two rectangles with a sharp l Ruler spatula and rubber spatula. All blade. l Toothpick or piece of these kitchen items will enhance scrap wire any mini kitchen or baking scene. Step 5: Carefully fold on the l Ultra thin or ultra fine scored line. Use pliers if your black permanent marker Tools & materials: fingers are too big. Cooling Rack l Flat nose, bent nose or Step 1: Measure a .9” x 1.3” chain nose jewelry pliers rectangle on a small piece of l Disposable aluminum aluminum window screening with pan a ruler and marker. Carefully cut l Ultra thin or ultra fine out with scissors, leaving a straight black permanent marker l Scissors l Ruler l Exacto knife or sharp blade Baking sheet Step 1: Cut out a flat piece of the aluminum pan.30 American Miniaturist

Baking toolspiece of wire on all four edges. Metal Spatula Step 7: Using pliers, slightly bend Step 1: Cut a length of 20-gauge the end of the wire.Step 2: Apply super glue on all wire that is 8” long. Straighten itfour edges to keep the screening out with your fingers or a pair of Step 8: Use super glue to attachfrom fraying. Use a toothpick or pliers. the bent wire to the rectangle,piece of scrap wire to remove making sure the curved cornersextra glue from the holes in the Step 2: Adhere the tube bead to are closer to the wire.screening. Use a clothespin to the wire with super glue. Step 9: Adjust the angle of thehold the screening so you don’t rectangle with pliers.get glue on your fingers. Step 3: Cut a short piece of 28-gauge wire, fold it in half andStep 3: Take four seed beads that twist it. Leave a loop where theare similar in size and shape. wire has been folded. Trim the excess.Step 4: Use super glue to adherethe seed beads to the cornersof the screening. Use tweezersif your fingers are too big. Makesure the beads are aligned thesame way. Tools & materials: Step 4: Glue the twisted wire to Tools & materials: the other end of the tube beadl Flat nose, bent nose or with super glue, inserting it into l Fine grit sandpaper or a chain nose jewelry pliers the bead hole if possible. nail filel Disposable aluminum l Polymer clay pan Step 5: Cut out a flat piece of the l Ovenl Ultra thin or ultra fine aluminum pan. l Toothpick, matchstick or black permanent marker Step 6: Measure a 2” x 3” small wooden dowell Scissors rectangle with a ruler and marker. l Rulerl Ruler Cut out the rectangle and round l Ultra thin or ultra fine l 20-gauge wire off two corners. black permanent markerl 28-gauge wire l Super gluel Tube bead, less than 2” l Exacto knife or sharp in diameter bladel Super glue l Foil l Rolling pin or handle of a brush, knife, etc. American Miniaturist 31

Baking toolsRubber Spatula on the edge of the clay. one of the outer corners of theStep 1: Take a toothpick, rectangle. Bake the clay andmatchstick or small wooden Step 6: Place a small section wooden dowel on a piece of foildowel and measure a piece that of the flattened end of the at 250 degrees for five minutes.is 9” long with a ruler and marker. wooden stick on the clay so that Let cool and carefully removeCut on the mark with scissors. it overlaps the straight edge of the wooden dowel. Return the the clay. clay to the oven and bake for an additional five minutes. Step 7: Carefully fold over the clay, lining up the straight edge Step 1: Adhere the wooden of the clay with itself and leaving dowel back in the clay rectangle a space on each side of the with super glue. wooden stick. Gently press down without changing the shape of Step 1: Gently sand the edges the clay. of the clay with sandpaper or a nail file.Step 2: Use sandpaper or a nail fileto round one end and flatten theother end of the wooden stick.Step 3: On a clean surface, Step 1: Lightly measure and I am loving my new bakingtake a piece of polymer clay mark a rectangle that is 2” x 3” supplies because not only wereand condition it (warm it up) with a ruler and the tip of a knife they so simple and quick tobetween your fingers so that it is or sharp blade. Cut out and curve assemble but they are also somalleable. much fun to arrange! They are perfect for any mini baking orStep 4: Roll out the clay with cooking scene as well. You cana rolling pin or the handle of a altar the sizes and shapes of anybrush, knife, etc. Roll it out as thin of the items to add variation.as possible. You can also switch the handles and/or paint the handles of theStep 5: Using a ruler and a knife spatulas for additional looks. I amor sharp blade, cut a straight line so excited to stage more baking scenes using variations of these kitchen utensils and creating more items from everyday and found objects! AM32 American Miniaturist

Pumpkin barsMake minipumpkin barsJennifer Tuttle remembers a sweet treatfrom her childhood and turns thosememories into a miniature tutorial.W hen I was a kid, Step 1: Mix a ball of white Tools & materials: my mom didn’t clay with the same amount of put candles in our translucent clay. Roll the clay out l Polymer clay in Halloween pumpkins; she would 1/16” thick and place it on the tile. Translucent, Raw Sienna, cut a hole in the back and put Yellow and Whitea Christmas light in. The reason Step 2: Mix 2 parts Raw Sienna l Translucent Liquid she did this is so that the inside clay and 1 part Yellow. Add a good Sculpeyof the pumpkin would not get amount of nutmeg and mix. Add l Nutmegburned by the candle; that way the same amount of translucent l Mini ovenproof baking she could cook it when we were clay to your pumpkin mixture, pan and platesdone with it. doubling it. Roll your clay out on l Ceramic tile the largest setting on your pasta l Pasta machine or roller When trick or treating was over machine or to about 1/8” thick. l Popsicle stick and for the night, she would put our Lay the white clay on top of the toothpicksjack-o’-lantern in the refrigerator pumpkin clay and press the two l Tacky Glueso she could cook him the next sheets together gently. l Needle tool or pinday. When we got up the day l Craft knifeafter Halloween, we watched in Step 3: For the pan of pumpkin l Sharp clay bladehorror while my mother peeled bars: Trim 2 sides of your cakehim, cut him up and boiled him clay and lay your baking pan on slightly to make an indentationon the stove; then used a potato top of the rolled out clay near in the clay so that you knowmasher to smash our poor jack- the edges. Press the pan down where to cut. Remove the pano’-lantern into pulp. and cut out the cake with your clay blade. Half of the mashed pumpkinwas frozen for our Thanksgiving Put the cake in the pan andpie and if there was enough left press down slightly. Place theover, she would make pumpkin pan in the freezer for 5 minutes.bars with the rest. Here I will Using a craft knife, cut slicesshow you how to make some out of the cake in the pan andminiature pumpkin bars for your return the pan to the freezer.dollhouse. American Miniaturist 33

Pumpkin barsStep 4: Since the cake slices you Step 6: Mix up a the pan and on the slices thatcut out of the pan will probably batch of cream are on the plates. Make swirls inbe squished, we will make some cheese frosting the frosting with the toothpickfresh ones out of the rest of the using the leftover to add realism and fun. Bakeclay. Place the clay in the freezer white and again for ten minutes. Let cool.for 5 minutes. Using a sharp translucent clayblade, cut squares approximately that you mixed Step 7: Glue the cake into the1/8” by 1/8”. Press them lightly onto earlier. Place a pan and the slices onto theyour plates. Put the plates in the small ball of this plates with Tacky Glue. Waterfreezer for 5 minutes. mixture on your down a little matte Mod Podge tile and then and use your paint brush theStep 5: Add texture to your cake add about the same amount cake and frosting with a thinusing a needle tool or pin, gently of translucent liquid Sculpey coat to give it a moist look.tease up crumbs in your clay. and then smash/stir it togetherPumpkin bars have a fine texture. with a Popsicle stick until there If you like nuts on yourPush stray crumbs back into the are no lumps remaining. Using pumpkin bars, sprinkle thecake with your needle tool. Do a toothpick, add a thin layer of unbaked frosting with groundall 4 sides and the visible sides frosting to the top of the bars in apricot seeds (found in the soapof the cake in the pan. Don’t do making section of your localanything to the frosting yet and craft store) before baking.try not to nick it with your needletool. Bake your plates and pan of Let’s face it, pumpkin barspumpkin bars for 10 minutes at are yummy whether they comethe temperature indicated on the from a festive jack-o’-lantern orclay package. Let cool. even out of a can. Well, maybe just a little more yummy when they come from your Halloween pumpkin. AM34 American Miniaturist

Tfohretrhigehjtotbool Miniature workshop American Miniaturist 35 Gabriele Layne took the time to collect every tiny tool needed to bring her miniature workshop room box to life.When I was overseas years ago, I discov- ered an artisan who made 1:12-scale miniature tools for all trades—from carpenters to masons. He had an assortment of all types of tools to fill a little workshop. His workbenches, tables, ladders, tool racks, metal buckets, paintbrushes, and “While I was creating the room box for the workshop, I imagined that Joe has been working hard in his shop to complete a dollhouse kit for his granddaughters.” rollers were all made with such detail that I could not resist buying almost every piece he created. Right: The little step ladder was actually a Christmas ornament.

Miniature workshop Above: The sink was a magnet that Gabriele found while browsing through a gift shop. Right: Another dollhouse kits sits on the shelf waiting for its turn to become a some ones pride and joy! While I was creating the room box for the workshop, I imagined that Joe has been working hard in his shop to complete a dollhouse kit for his granddaughters, Eleanor and Anna. The exterior was almost complete, but he was waiting for the girls to pick out the paint color and then help him with the painting. Once that was finished, his wife, Elaine, would start on36 American Miniaturist

Miniature workshopthe interior wallpaper, floor- warm on cold days, I added bench for Joe to discover. Sheing, and baseboards. After a cast iron stove. It is in the spends many hours sleeping inthat, the furniture would be corner and ready to be start- the corner by the warm stoveadded and the dollhouse fam- ed. Paint thinner and solvents on chilly days.ily could move in. are kept safe on a shelf placed high up in the corner on the For fun, I added a bucket of The dollhouse instruction other side of the shop with paint spilling onto the woodmanual on the table was a small brooms hanging on a floor. What a mess! The staingreat help during the construc- rack underneath. will most likely be there forev-tion and if you look you will er. The stepladder with all ofsee that another dollhouse has Under the sink, which is ac- the tools and the attached bluebeen shipped and is sitting on tually a magnet that I found in bucket is actually an ornamenta shelf waiting to be assem- a gift shop, Snowflake the cat made by Hallmark. I found itbled. Joe makes all types of is being a good kitty and using on sale just after Christmastoys when he has the time and her litter box. She spends her and it was the perfect item tohis hope is to try and get his time in the workshop playing place in the front.granddaughters more involved with wood scraps and explor-in building and woodworking. ing every inch of the room in I really enjoyed this little search of mice that may have workshop project because To keep the workshop sneaked in during the night. it was so different from the She has already caught a few regular dollhouse rooms andBelow: A marvelous collection of and proudly left them near the boutiques that I usually like toevery tool you could ever imagine work on. AMall created in 1:12-scale. American Miniaturist 37

Miniature workshopAbove and Below: All of the tiny tools lay about as if they are being used for many different projects. There is even asmall instruction manual for the dollhouse that is being built, a calculator, and a teeny tiny tape dispenser!38 American Miniaturist

Dollhouse bedroomsAto srleustmfubl eprlace Danielle Muller takes us on one last tour of her Grosvenor Hall dollhouse. Enjoy the TLC she has put into her two bedrooms.One would think that or less in the same color luxury to the room. there would be more scheme. The bed in that The brown and orange color bedrooms in such a room was made of wood, butbig dollhouse, but with all I chose a brass finish for the combination was both warmthe rooms I had in mind one in my mini room, as well and cheerful. The first chal-when I started building this as for the bedside tables. I lenge I faced was to find thehouse, there simply wasn’t felt brass added a touch of right wallpaper, which luckilyenough space to was in my stock. I did havemake more thantwo bedrooms.One is the masterbedroom for theparents and thesecond bedroom isfor their daughter,Emma. The idea camefrom a trip toFrance many yearsago. We were inProvence andstayed at a bedand breakfast. Theroom we weregiven was moreRight: Danielle’smaster bedroom wasinspired by a bedand breakfast thatshe visited while onvacation. American Miniaturist 39

Dollhouse bedrooms Right: Danielle used a Pretty Pleater to make these curtains.Above and right: Romantic lighting, to buy a piece touch, I created the skirt-flowers, and a breakfast tray all add a nice of new carpet, ing boards in brown and themood to the houses master bedroom. because I cornice in orange. I was luckyBelow: Danielle added character to her mini didn’t have enough to find this beauti-furniture by painting each peice with a few any in brown. ful travel luggage box in mycarefully chosen complimetary colors. The one I stash of furniture and felt it used here was was a perfect addition to this40 American Miniaturist just the right room. It sits at the end of the shade. I used a bed and is filled with blankets Pretty Pleater and fresh sheets. tool to make the curtains. Since the bed and side tables were brass, I added a I painted the few more “golden” touches furniture in a like the picture frames over light brown the bed, the brass mirror, and and orange, some items on the small side and added table by the door. The vase small amounts that sits on top of the ward- of black here robe was a simple white vase and there. that I spray painted before To add my adding tiny flower decals. own personal The painting in the back wall shows a typical Provence view—a beautiful house sur- rounded by lavender and sun- flower fields. I used real-size wallpaper with a light texture for the ceiling. Once the lights are turned on, the room becomes very cozy and inviting, don’t you

Right: Stripes and a floral Dollhouse bedroomspattern in black and white American Miniaturist 41add a modern style to thisminiature bedroom.think? I only wishI could downsizemyself and spend acouple of days in myown dollhouse.I think lots of minia-turists and dollhouseowners must havethat same wish.Grosvenor HallEmma’s studyEmma, being the onlychild in the house, hasbeen spoiled when itcomes to the amountof rooms she has. Infact, she has threerooms all for herself:her bedroom, her mu-sic room in the attic,and her study in thebasement. Her mother, aninterior designer, designedthis room, but Emma hadher input. She choose thecolor scheme for the roomof black, white, and yellow.I imagine that her motherwasn’t too happy aboutthat in the beginning, butonce the room was fin-ished, she had to admit thatthe choice of colors turnedout great. This room has everythinga young eighteen-year-oldRight: The little fish tank has alight installed to create a funand realistic effect.

Dollhouse bedrooms personal items that make dollhouse rooms come to life. Notice the funny slippers on the floor, chocolate next to the computer, chips on the table, and tissue box under- neath the table. This was the last room of my Grosvenor Hall dollhouse I wanted to share with all of you AM readers. It was a lot of fun and a huge honor to be featured in this wonderful miniaturist magazine. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my dollhouse. I’ll be glad to share anything I know or answer any of your questions. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. www.danysdiyminiatures. blogspot.com. AMgirl needs for studying. There Above: A modernis a bookshelf, computer, computer desk withsitting area, and a shelf for all of the right detailsshoes. The shoe shelf may not adds another touch ofhave much to do with study- realism in this room.ing, but it’s still a very impor-tant addition to a young girl’s Right: Every girl needsevery-day life. There is also her shoe collectiona glass shelf with all sorts of and Emma is certainlyitems Emma has been collect- no exeption!ing over the years; each onehas great sentimental value. torcycle. Just like her mother, she There is a fish tank with loves fresh flowersa light and black and white in her room. If youpictures of Emma’s first mo- look closely, you’ll see many other42 American Miniaturist

Beaded purseKnit a beadedmini purseDelicate miniature beaded bags thatare knitted with glass beads the oldfashioned way. By Marianne Colijn.I n the days of our great is about 1mm. These beads are much easier. If your beads come grandmothers, beaded bags hard to find these days and too threaded, an easy way to move were precious belongings. expensive for making a full-scale them to your thread is to just In The Netherlands they were purse. But they are the perfect size move the beads from the hanks only used on Sundays to take for a mini purse and you will not over your needle on to the thread to church and often knitted by need that many. you are going to knit with. professional knitters. First, they had to thread zillions of beads and I learned the technique when There are several ways of often they had to work a pattern I was a teen and used to make knitting with beads. I want to into the threading process as tiny coin purses and bags for my show you an easy pattern in well. After all the beads had been dolls. For years I have wanted to which the beads are hanging threaded in the right order they make a 1:12-scale version, but between the stitches, which would start knitting. The purses, or I couldn’t find beads that were works very well in 1:12-scale. You reticules as they were also called, small enough. But a few weeks only have to knit a few stitches were usually knitted in the round ago I found them online! and there is no increasing or on five needles. Smaller versions, decreasing involved because which were used as coin purses, Using beading needles to were knitted on two thread the beads on your needles. thread makes the process You will need a fine yarn and small beads to make mini beaded bags. The most popular beads to use are #11 seed beads, they are 2mm, but in the old days the beads were much smaller, closer to #18-2, which American Miniaturist 43

Beaded purseadding more or less beads the instructions and check withbetween your stitches will make the photos.the shape. Step 1: Thread all your beads To show the technique I used onto your tatting thread. Youblue seed beads and white will need a lot of beads becausethread for the photos. Please the beads are on the front asnote that normally you would well as on the back of the purse.use a thread that is the same I estimate that several hundredcolor as your beads, but this will be needed for this purse.makes it easier for you to seewhere the beads go. Step 2: Cast on stitches. No Step 5: Repeat the same row. beads needed yet so move them You will notice that after this row If you have never knitted away from the knitting needles. there are beads on both sides ofwith beads before, my advice About 10 stitches and 10 rows is your knitting.is to start with seed beads and enough for a sample.then try the smaller beads whenyou feel comfortable with thetechnique. The pattern is the same, butthe seed beads are 2mm in sizewhile the black vintage beadsare 1mm. In 1:12-scale the bluebag is more like a shopping bagand the black bag is the size ofgrandmother’s reticule.Tools & materials: l DMC tatting #80 thread Step 3: Knit 2 rows, until no Step 6: Next row, knit 2 stitches to match your beads beads are needed. and move up two beads as l Seed beads. I used #11 before, knit 2 stitches and add 2 beads that are about Step 4: We are now going to knit beads, repeat until end of row. 2mm with the beads. Knit 2 stitches, l Knitting needles #20 move one bead towards your l Beading needle needle and knit the next stitch. l Mini purse frame or The bead settles between the jewelry finding (Mini loops on your needle. The beads purse frames can be should be on the top of the found in shops that knitting. Knit 2 stitches, add 1 sell beads) bead and keep repeating this until the end of the row. Try toKnitting technique knit tightly because it will makeI strongly advise that you try and the whole project easier.make a little sample before youstart working on your purse. Read44 American Miniaturist

Beaded purse Tip: If you run short of beads l Row 6-9: K3, 1 bead, K2, 1 bead, Tools & materials: while you are knitting, cut the K2, 1 bead, K2, 1 bead, K3. thread leaving a bit of a tail, l Row 10-13: K3, 2 beads, K2, 2 l Number 20 knitting thread beads to the thread on beads, K 2, 2 beads, K2, 2 beads, K3 needles the ball, re-attach the thread l Row 14-17: K3, 3 beads, K2, 3 l 1mm beads your choice and start knitting again. beads, K2, 3 beads, K2, 3 beads, K3 of color l Row 18-21: K3, 4 beads, K2, 4 l Matching threadStep 7: Repeat step 6. beads, K2, 4 beads, K2, 4 beads, K3 l Purse frame (I have Now we are going to shape the not been able to find aStep 8: Keep working this pattern back of the purse. purse frame this small soadding 1 more bead between l Row 22-25: K3, 4 beads, K2, 4 I improvised using two the stitches every 2 rows. This will beads, K2, 4 beads, K2, 4 beads, K3 jewelry findings)shape the purse. It is really getting l Row 26-29: K3, 3 beads, K2, 3 l Super glueeasier after you have done a few beads, K2, 3 beads, K2, 3 beads K3 l Fine chain for the handlerows. Work these steps until you l Row 30-33: K3, 2 beads, K2, 2have finished the 10 rows of your beads, K2, 2 beads, K2, 2 beads, K3 wonderful thread to use becausesample. l Row 34-37: K3, 1 bead, K2, 1 it is strong and smooth and bead, K2, 1 bead, K2, 1 bead, K3. available in many colors. I think now you have an idea of The last 5 rows are knitted withoutthe knitting process so let’s move beads. When you are done knitting,on to the real thing. This photo l Row 38: Knit finish the purse in the same wayshows what the knitting looks like. l Row 39: K first 2 sts together, K as the blue purse. Sew the two until end of row. jewelry findings to the top of theBlue purse pattern l Row 40: K first 2 sts together, K purse and glue them togetherThe purse is worked in one piece. until end of row. with super glue to turn them intol Cast on 10 stitches l Row 41-42: Knit purse frame. I also glued a piecel Row 1-2: Knit l Row 43: Cast off, cut thread. of fine chain to the top of thel Row 3: Add one st at start of purse frame.row and knit until end. Fold in half and close sides. Weavel Row 4: Repeat row 3. (12 sts) in any lose ends. Sew the purse You can alter the shape of thel Row 5: Knit. frame or the jewelry finding to purse by following the pattern the top of your purse while at until row 14. Work row 14 and the same time closing the top of keep repeating this row until you the purse. If there are little gaps reach row 37. Then work row 38- showing between the purse 42 according to the pattern again. frame and the purse, you can add To make a little flap to close your a tiny bit of glue to secure the bag with you will need to knit two purse to the frame there. stitches together at beginning of the row, knit 1 st, add 1 bead Black purse pattern and repeat until last two sts, knit The black purse is worked using 2 together. Repeat until you have the exact same pattern only with only two sts left, knit together and the smaller beads and sewing fasten off. thread instead of the DMC tatting thread. Guttermann silk thread is a The tiny beads are a bit harder to find. You will find them at www. minikitz.com. AM American Miniaturist 45

Knits and hatsDFaenlicciaftuelkhnaitts s& Fall is just around the corner and Judi Gerth has knitted some tiny sweaters that will keep your mini dolls cozy and warm.My husband has and fairies. conceded that nearly I’ve always been interested everything in life canhave a miniature application. in dolls and all things smallI would have to agree, but and purchased my first doll-my main focus in creating house kit and furniture kitsminiatures is making hand- in 1979 after spending almostknit sweaters, porcelain dolls, six years in the U.S. Army. Atand hats—all in 1:12- and that time, I didn’t know that1:24-scale. there were clubs, or The hats consist of straw even shows forhats, silk hats, simplehats, and fancy hats that matter.all from manydifferent time Right: One ofperiods. The Judi’s porcelainporcelain dolls wearingdolls are her knitedmade from sweater withmolds and teeny tinythen finished with buttons.china painting.I enjoy creating women,men, and children that aredressed for any time period.I also enjoy making fantasydolls such as witches, wizards,Right: The rose sweater jacket ismade with silk mohair. Sure wouldlike this one in full size!46 American Miniaturist

Knits and hatsI worked for the Cromwell shows, 3BlindMicefederal government shows, Nashville shows, theuntil I retired in Atlanta Miniature Society2009. Retirement is show, and the Chicago shows.wonderful, but there Many of my minis are also forstill aren’t enough sale in my Etsy store.hours in any day forminiatures! “I was taught to knit as a young girl, so it was only There aren’t any a matter of determiningminiature clubs how to scale my knittingclose to my home in down and incorporateCrossville, Tennes- it into my miniaturesee, but I do get products.“together monthlywith several friends My studio combines mythat live in the area real-size quilting with all myand we work on our business miniatures and mymini projects and personal dollhouse and roomenjoy a day of mini box collection. The studio isfun. I am also a filled to the brim with ev-member of NAME. erything I need to pour the I have been atthe PhiladelphiaMiniaturia show fora number of years.I’ve also sold myminiatures at MollyLeft top: The yarn usedfor the blue variegated,yellow/blue andlavender sweaters isa 50/50 blend of silk/wool. It is very easyto work with and wasoriginally designed forembroidery work.Left: The green asweater is made fromcashmere yarn. Thecashmere yarn I use ispart of 7-ply skeins. Isplit the seven plys touse each individually- something I said I’dnever do, but it wassuch a beautiful yarn. American Miniaturist 47

Knits and hatsAbove and above right: A close up or less organized. celain dolls by reading tutorialsof one of Judi’s porcelain dolls. However, my favorite place found online, through trial and error, and by getting invaluableporcelain dolls, clean them, to dress and wig dolls, con- advice from other doll makers.and china paint them. It is also struct hats, and knit is in the Classes at shows and onlinewhere all of my patterns and living room while watching a for dressing dolls and makingmaterials are stored and more good movie. My husband cut hats has helped me immensely. down the legs on a wooden I have also learned a lot by TV table, so it was the proper reading tutorials and studying height for my easy chair. This is where I like to dress my dolls. I’m largely self-taught. I learned to make min- iature por- Left: This comfy two toned pink sweater is made from cashmere yarn. Right: The red sweater is a lovely cashmere and a favorite with customers.48 American Miniaturist

books Knits and hatsand pat-terns on A fancy for hatsminiaturedoll dress- Judi makes stylish hats for everying. I was taught occation with flowers, ribbonsto knit as a and feathers!young girl, soit was only a American Miniaturist 49matter of determining how toscale my knitting down and toincorporate it into my minia-ture products. One of the wonderfulblessings about being anartist is sharing my knowl-edge with others by teachingworkshops over the years,which have always in-volved dressing mannequinsor making “put-about” clothesand hats. I love all the talented peoplewe have in the miniature in-dustry. It is fascinating to lookat what others have made andto be able to combine the workof other artists in my own col-lection. It is also amazing towatch others smile when theylook at my work or find thatdoll, sweater, or hat thatthey just have to have. There are always moredolls that need to be madeso I’ll keep on keeping on.AM GET IN TOUCH Tiny Threads Judi Gerth Email: [email protected] Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy. com/shop/TinyThreadsbyJudi

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