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many Halloween projects and a chilling laboratory September / October 14 ISSUE 41 dhminiatures.comTHE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95Le Petit LapinToy Shoppe

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 926752 DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES

110000ss ooff iitteemmss rreedduucceedd oonnlliinnee!! Order at www.dheminis.com or call 1-877-986-9677 now! Order at www.dheminis.com or call 1-877-986-9677 now!MMaannyy mmoorree ooffffeerrss oonnlliinnee aatt ddhheemmiinniiss..ccoomm//ddhhmmmm220098% service rating for facebook.com/dollshouseemporium twitter.com/dollshouse pinterest.com/dollshousest9h8e%passetrv6icme orantihnsg forthe past 6 months faceboodk.cooml/ldsohllshoouuseesmepofrioumrum.cot.wuittker.com/dollshdouosellshousebpinltoeregst..ccomo/d.uollskhouses dollshouseforum.co.uk dollshouseblog.co.ukGood to know: We share our customers’ enthusiasm for their hobby –rGeogoudlatrolykpnooswti:nWgepischtauresooufr tchuesitropmreorjes’cetsntohnulisniaesomn foourrthcoemir phaonbybybl–og.rQeugiutelasrilmy ploys,tiitn’sgspoimcteutrheisngofwteheeinr jporyo!jects online on our company blog.Quite simply, it’s something we enjoy!

Dollhouse Miniatures contents68132 250th Avenue ProjectsKasson, MN 55944 13 Magic potionsPhone: (507) 634-3143 Make a potion to punish your enemy or to strengthenFax: (507) 634-7691Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587 40 your love, Kiva Atkinson’s tutorial will show you how.E-mail: [email protected] A sconce to light the way With paper, glue, and a little glaze, Kris Compas willUK: Unit 5E, Park Farm, Chichester RoadArundel, West Sussex BN18 0AG 46 show you how to create the perfect wall sconce.Tel: 01903 884988 Screaming for ice creamFax: 01903 885514 Mo Tipton shares how to satisfy your miniature resi- dence’s sweet tooth with this easy to follow tutorial.Publisher: Kelly JohnsonEmail: [email protected] 49 A spooktacular mini wreath Try your hand at making your very own HalloweenEditor: Auralea Krieger inspired wreath with a mini scene. By Marianne Colijn.Email: [email protected] 69 A little pumpkin cake to bakeAdvertising Manager: Sara Vix Let’s get festive and make a pumpkin cake! AmandaEmail: [email protected] Phillips has made it easy to do with these six steps.Customer Service: 76 The warmth of home & hearthEmail: [email protected] The fall brings a chill in the air, stay warm constructing your own gothic style fireplace with Auralea Krieger.Distribution: Alex SchwemmerEmail: [email protected] 7 FEATURESDesigner: Auralea Krieger Miniature tool makerAd Designer: Alison Smith An interview with Danny Shotton, a mastermind atCover Photo: Scene by Bluette Meloney. 10 making the right tool for the right job in miniature.Contributors: Kiva Atkinson, Matt Chappell, Furniture with a simple styleJacquelyn Clements, Marianne Colijn, Kris Barbara Vajnar has a love for primitive style furniture,Compas, Lloyd Cooper, Auralea Krieger, Marc which comes across in her classic miniature pieces.Mead, Bluette Meloney, NAME, Gayle Palama,Amanda Phillips, Lorrie Plasko-Andersen, 16 Hindeloopen painting styleDanny Shotton, Janet Smith, Ferd Sobol, Transform an ordinary piece of furniture into anLynne Sobol, Mo Tipton, Barbara Vajnar exquisite work of art using these techniques. 20 Making magic in miniatureIssue 41 Bluette Meloney shows her Le Petit Lapin Toy ShoppeSeptember/October 2014 and exquisitely whimsical miniature nursery.Published by Ashdown Broadcasting Subscription rates: 1 year (6 issues): $39.95 Canada $45.00 (US funds); UK £42.00 Europe $80 (US); Rest of world $98 (US) 2 year (12 issues): $74.50 Canada $82.50 (US funds); UK £74.50 Europe $149 (US); Rest of world $190 (US)Dollhouse 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 of a magazine to me, this is a portfolio of perseverance.It was such an honor to be offered beautiful people with beautiful things to That’s whatthe position of editor for Dollhouse say through their creations. As an artist, makes it a suc-Miniatures magazine. I have been a I know when you show your work you may cess. That’sfan of AM and DHM for many years feel exposed because you are sharing a what touchesand now here I am sitting at the helm piece of your soul. I truly believe the more another’sof these wonderful publications. of yourself you put into your work the more heart. These intense the response from viewers will be. skills that make So many things go into being This not only includes an expression of beautiful art areeditor, but I have to say the part yourself, but also the precious time you the same skillsthat brings me the most joy is that can make a beautiful life.getting to know our contribu- take to heighten your skill sets.tors through emails. I’ve heard time and again that the Now let’s get ready for fall and allSometimes I discov- the ghostly glory it holds. How won-er my entire morn- success of a miniature project is derful that my first issue of DHM holdsing has gone by “all in the details”. This doesn’t just my favorite holiday,and all I did was mean a large collection of smallread and send Halloween!emails! items in a room; it’s about giving your time, research, trial an error, These aren’t and mostjust pages importantly,26 Dabbling in mini magic 6 Regulars Gayle Palama give us an exclusive tour of her newest room in her dollhouse, The Judge & Gibbet. Your letters32 It’s a ghoul thing See what your fellow readers and miniaturists are Step into Lorrie Plasko-Andersen’s Forgotten Manor and meet the most fascinating characters. learning, discovering, thinking, and discussing. 44The big buzz36 Time and all its beauty Hear what’s buzzing in our mini world! These pages Lloyd Cooper’s perseverance overflows into his are filled with news updates, events, and contests. perfectly weathered and aged buildings. 67 Mini cutouts Cut out magazines, letters, post cards, and fun57 An Online Houseparty Halloween inspired items, including potion labels! The first Online Houseparty that was offered by NAME 71 Show calendar took place this year and it was fun, fun, fun. Pull out your mini pens and mark your mini calendars so you don’t miss any of these upcoming shows.58 An unsurpassed masterpiece 81 In a Nutshell The third time is the charm for master craftsman Ferd Jacquelyn Clements rediscovers her love of minis Sobol’s signature piece, The Breakfront Third Edition. after her nephew gets his first dollhouse.62 True love is always patient From cardboard boxes to miniature Tuscan style villas, Marc Mead has devoted a lifetime to miniatures.72 I double dog dare you Matt Chappell turns a dare and a creepy childhood memory into a miniature work of genius. DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES 5

yourLETTERS  Write to DHM, 68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944 or email [email protected]. Letters may be edited, if necessary.Star letter winner aggressive proj- Forum Friday ect via magazine Facebook question:This month, our Star Letter instructions and itwinner is Rebecca Lynne Slack, who has was very simple Do you purchase pieces online?just started her adventure into the minia- and came out Are there any pieces you don’t orture world. We know it will be a rewarding lovely. I have my wouldn’t purchase without seeing itand joyus one! fingers crossed in person first? that maybe you Keep those letters coming, readers. and Jo will col- I’m really excited, being new to thisWe appreciate your comments, ideas, and laborate and present her Chateau hobby. I plan to buy several thingssuggestions, and your kind letters warm room box next. handmade on Etsy. There are manyour hearts every day. options and it helps support people who craft miniatures on the side. A new miniaturist Kim ~Bailey Noel Harmon Lorton, VAAfter touring a miniatures museum for I do purchase online, but I shopthe first time, I stopped by a dollhouse  Grateful miniaturist around quite a bit to make sure it’sand miniature shop on my way home what I want and at the price I wantand bought the July/August issue Just received my July/August issue to pay.(DHM40) of your magazine. Being brand (DHM40). Thank you all so much for ~Debra Hornung Zachrichnew to the subject, it was so much fun including my two articles, and doingto pour over the pages of your maga- them so nicely! A special thanks to I shop online for everything, but Izine and see all the amazing creations. Traci, who has always been such a have never bought a handcraftedI especially liked the “how-to” article on pleasure! As to the rest of this issue, doll, for that I think I would have tomaking boxes from lockets and other simply wonderful! You always make see it in person.jewelry findings. I am excited to start my each issue a nice variety of wonderful ~Rhonda Wetzellfirst project and venture into the world miniature things!of miniatures. Thanks for fueling my I shop online because there’s nonew found hobby! T. A. Gozeski place local to buy doll miniatures. Greenfield, MA ~Georgeanne Hatch Stafford Rebecca Lynne Slack Littleton, CO I only tend to buy raw materials and tools online. S’more sucess ~Lawrence Valenza It was such a treat to see my S’more I would not buy anything I could tutorial printed in the July/August issue make as well or better. I would buy (DHM40). My issue is well thumbed from other artists whose work I like. through from family, friends, and co- ~Cher Simnitt workers. Not only did they enjoy my article, but also looking through DHM I buy online a lot because I don’t opened their eyes to the fascinating have a shop within 150 miles. world of miniatures. Many thanks! However, I visit them often. They sell mainly artisan one-of-a-kind pieces. Celeste York  A special entry The pricier items like that, I have to Seattle, WA see in person to buy. I’ll spend no Renee Johnson of Minneapolis, MN more than $20 for something online. Completeing Biltmore ~Cara Halvorson took some extra time to make her I just wanted to thank you again for publishing Jo’s Biltmore project. I really letter entry for a contest a little more enjoyed it. This was the first time I have ever tried to complete such an special! Thanks Renee for giving everyone at Ashdown a big smile!6 DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES

FEATUREMiniature toolsin the makingJoin us in a conversation with the incredibleDanny Shotton, a mastermind at making theright tool for the right job in miniature.How did you get into miniatures? What is the most difficult thing tic and suddenly get an idea just fromIt all started through a chance meet- about doing such detailed work in the way it looks.ing in a pub in Bristol with Andrew miniature?Gregory, now owner and maker at It’s always the first few hundred that Ever been beaten while creating?Andrews in Teignmouth. I was making are difficult! I found the biggest chal- I tried to make a sprung penknife,full-sized furniture at the time and lenge in drilling small holes, so I made but the prototype took five hours so Iwas complaining about my overheads. my own lathe and mini drill. Being able thought, this isn’t going to be any good.Andrew suggested I should make min- to make my own tools gives me a I might go back to it though.iatures instead and four or five years commercial edge. Manufacturinglater, I was. technique is what it’s all about and What’s the worst thing about special tools are everything. your job?Did you sell through shops? Being stuck in a room on my ownTo start with I booked in to local doll- Nobody is doing quite the seven days a week.house fairs and realized that was a good same, as you are they?outlet. I only had a dozen or so items at No, but competition is healthy and And the best thing?first, but have now expanded to more. raises the standard. Meeting all the incredible people that come to dollhouse fairs. I enjoy banter-Which are the most How do you decide what to ing with them. DHMpopular? include in your range?Magnifying lenses and I get inspired by all sorts of things;sharpening steels go well. new materials, plastics, and steels. I might be turning a piece of plas-Your pieces really areminiature versions ofthe real thing.People are dumbfounded.I make things in the firstprinciple, as they wouldhave been, and do very lit-tle casting. Only the ham-mer heads are cast becauseit is difficult to carve thoseout individually each time. DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES 7

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Chautauqua Miniatures & Dollhouse Gallery Doreen Sinnett Tiny Doll Molds 5031 W. Lake Rd Mayville, NY 14757 Web Site and Store OPEN YEAR ‘ROUND “Arial”(716) 753-3100 • www.chautauquaminiatures.com “Fairy Faye” • FAIRY HOUSES, FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES • We have over 90+ miniature dollhouse molds ranging in size from 1 1/2” • 5,000 SQ FT OF FUN AND INSPIRATION! • 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 Larrianne’s Small Wonders that include Fairies, Santa & Mrs. Santa, Elves, Angels and more! Our 4” and 6” line of Antique Reproduction molds are a wonderful size for your Always the best since 1980-Celebrating 30 years larger dolls to hold. See our 5 1/2” tall “Arial” and our 2 1/2” tall “Fairy One of the nation’s largest & best-stocked stores Faye” molds at our complete online store. with 3700 sq ft of miniatures to delight you. www.tinydolls.com (541) 659-9919 Our classes are taught by the best. Visit our website to see what everybody is talking about. Just off the 101 Freeway 3457 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, California 93003 805-289-1508 - Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pm larriannessmallwonders.comSpecializing in Doll Housesand Miniatures DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES 9

FEATUREFurniture witha simple styleIGMA Artisan Barbara Vajnar has a love forprimitive style furniture, which comes across inher portfolio of classic miniature pieces. By Deb Weissler Photography by Barbara VajnarOver the years Barbara Vajnar friends and customers alike, but along above: Circa 1860-1880 inspired has learned many valuable les- the way she manages to create amazing Barrelback Corner Cupboard with salmon sons when it comes to crafting pieces of country- style furniture that milk paint exterior and laurentine interior. her extraordinary vintage- are truly flawless. Below: Circa 1850-1880 inspired Hartfordinspired painted furniture. Here in her Cupboard in upper Canadian green withown words: Inspired by American-made furni- white wash milk paint interior. ture starting with 1750 and through Lesson 1: “Make sure the lid to the to the present, most of Barbara’s pieces that have been in the family for manycontainer of milk paint I’ve just mixed reflect designs made from 1790-1880. years,” she explains. “I love a good auc-is on tight before shaking it, I’m still “A lot of my ideas come from antiqueslearning this lesson; sometimes tion or antique store. I grew upI’m a slow learner.” around them and didn’t always appreciate them until I got older Lesson 2: ”I’ve learned to push and could appreciate their value.”wood through a saw with a push Barbara’s grandmother was anstick instead of my finger. (super antique dealer and her great grand-glue comes in handy when you can’t mother lived in an old Victorianget to the doctor or hospital for country home filled with antiquesstitches).” and heirlooms from both sides of the family. “We come from a family that Lesson 3: “When you pour super passes down our history,” Barbaraglue into a bottle cap, then acciden- reflects. “My grandmother instilledtally stick your finger in it and then an interest in collecting and my pas-proceed to try and shake it off, you sion for primitives came from Momwill absolutely get glue somewhere and Dad who have bought, restored,else you never intended, like your and sold several old homes in Con-eyebrows, giving yourself a free necticut.”wax job!” When Barbara was fifteen she spent a summer with her grand- Fortunately her “lessons” have mother and during a visit to abeen largely confined to the base- museum spotted several large,ment where her vast workshop antique dollhouses. She was intakes up most of the 2100 square awe and spent hours studyingfeet she fondly refers to as the each tiny room and its exquisitedungeon. Her lessons learnedcould fill a book and supply anendless source of amusement for10 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE furnishings. Her first As an IGMA Artisan, Barbara of- design it’s sketched out on miniature was bought at fers an impressive portfolio of classic graph paper, a process that an antique show in Farm- primitive pieces that go well in many can take hours as Barbara is ington that summer, a tiny eras: early American, Colonial, Shaker, a stickler for proper scale. ironstone pitcher and water country, Victorian, and early 20th Barbara typically cuts out basin that she treasures century. Her hutches, corner cupboards, one cupboard at a time and to this day as a gift and trestle tables, pie safes, desks, and more once the components are future inspiration from her are hand-crafted of cherry and finished complete gives it two coats grandmother. with authentic milk paint formulas she of milk paint. While these mixes herself. pieces are drying she cuts As time went on Barbara another and, since she mixes was increasingly attracted to In addition to antiques, Barbara’s de- the paint herself, typically primitive styles. She loved signs are often inspired by photos she has five to seven pieces of the the simplicity of form and sees while looking through her exten- same color going at one time. was amazed at how they sive library of reference books, maga- She admits it’s a messy af- were constructed using very zines, antiquing periodicals, and surfing fair all around—dust created simple hand tools. Most of the Internet. Once she settles on a by various power saws, the the early furniture makers lathe, drill press, paint station, were jacks of all trades, imbu- and her ever present Dremel. Every- ing their designs with their own unique thing, from doorknobs to punched tin, styles and skill levels. With little in the is hand-made. Her punched tin and way of money, their pieces were utili- hardware are aged to give her pieces tarian in form and function, yet incred- that time worn look. Once assembled, each piece is sanded and buffed with‘It was when Barbara was helping her son above: Circa 1880s Queen Anne style dry build a diorama for sink with salmon red and slate milk paints school that the mini over Lexington green. Below: Circa 1760-’bug truly bit. 1790 inspired New England Pewter Hutch and 1860-1880 Tombstone Barrelback ibly beautiful. They often used color to Corner Cupboard in Salem red milk paint brighten up their lives employing color interiors and slate over Lexington green palettes of their own making. exteriors; two ladder-back chairs and Hutch table in earth milk paint. It was when Barbara was helping her son build a diorama for school that the mini bug truly bit. “He had to make one from a book he was reading, which I read too,” Barbara recalls.” It was about a young stowaway aboard a ship. We built the boat with all its details, including shipmates and stores. The ship was displayed for several years in the school library for all to see.” Proud of her first foray into minia- tures, she began constructing and aging crates filled with fruits and vegetables she sold on eBay. Amazed at the prices they fetched, she went on to make other things, including wooden cup- boards. When she was ready to launch her website she chose the nickname her father had dubbed her with years ago, Bubba, and “Bubba’s Mini Coun- try Cupboards” was born. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 11

FEATUREbee’s wax for a butter-like finish. The “I would love to make a tall caseresult is pure Americana. clock,” says Barbara wistfully. “And learn to make Gabriel legs from While she works it helps to be scratch. I’m sure I will eventuallysurrounded by full size vintage pieces and learn other techniques as wellas well. An old tavern table and by going to the Guild School inharvest table provide commodious Castine. I love the school and eve-work surfaces, a tall secretary is used rything it represents.”to store paints, an Ethan Allen hutchprovides handy storage for supplies, In the meantime Barbara worksand an oriental rug hides the concrete long hours preparing for her nextfloor. The basement boiler keeps show. She dreams of collaboratingher warm in winter in an otherwise with other miniature artists teachingunheated space. Barbara admits she workshops; of holding a contest in-looks forward to a move south in a volving miniaturists designing theirfew years when hubby retires. own cupboard and having Barbara choose a winner to custom make Barbara loves special commissions. and name after them; and startingHer favorite thus far was creating work on a 19th century westernan entire kitchen based upon the town complete with building, wag-one portrayed in ‘Stuart Little’, a ons, and perhaps a bank robbery1945 children’s novel about a talking in progress. Then there’s a spookymouse that later became a film and night time scene set in Sleepy Hol-television series. Her client provided low. More lessons to come. DHMthe room dimensions, placementof the window, and the size of the above: Circa 1930-1940 inspired Country Sampler Cupboard in salmon milk paint. left: Circa 1840 inspired pie safe from Virginia with GETINtouch punch-tin doors. below: Circa 1810-1820 inspired Bubba’s Mini Country Cupboards Tombstone Cupboard in Barbara Vajnar, IGMA Artisan black milk paint with baby 298 Kick Hill Rd blue interior. (pottery by Lebanon, CT 06249 Jane Graber and pewter Email: [email protected] plates by Jim Ison). Web: www.bubbasminis.comappliances she intended on having.Barbara created a mock-up out offoam board, which proved handy asher client continued to make chang-es. The result was adorable. Her most challenging piece is an1850 inspired tall secretary that con-sists of over 160 pieces. “I only makeone of these at a time with nothingelse to distract,” Barbara admits. Herschoolmaster’s desk, also called a pay-master’s desk, is technically challeng-ing due to its delicate nature.12 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECTa formula forGOOD OR EVIL?Whether you want to make a potion to punishyour enemy or to strengthen your love, this littletutorial will help you concoct something special. By Kiva Atkinson, IGMA FellowIremember how much fun it was when You’llneed I used a bit of amber and a tiny bit of blue. we were younger, and how we looked You might use straight green dye, but it forward to our costumes and filling our u 2-part resin doesn’t look quite natural. Mix thoroughly. treat bags with goodies. How innocent u Container for mixing we were. We didn’t know that Halloween u Toothpicks Step 2: Next, drip the resin mixture was the eve of All Saints’ Day, when the u Resin Dyes – Colors of your Christian church celebrated the saints and choice. (I used a mixture of blue into your bottle, a drop at a time using a martyrs. All we cared about was getting our and amber) toothpick. Don’t overfill because you will sweet treats. u Tacky Glue It’s such a fun time that adults have taken u Materials for filling the bottles over this celebration, and after all the little (I go outside and forage little ones are tucked in bed, the adults begin plants and flowers and twigs. the wild partying. Well, obviously, we never The resin will preserve the really grow up, and we continue to go trick- plants.) or-treating as we get older. Why not? u Small glass bottles, (Mine are The bewitching days are nigh, all of you about an inch high for 1:12 scale.) witches and warlocks! Are you ready to u Thin hemp cord or string make the best of your times during the u Labeled tag - optional highlight of your year? Well, here’s a quick and easy way to prepare your miniature potions and poisons. Step 1: Measure equal parts from each bottle of the resin set. Stir into a disposable container, mixing thoroughly. If you see too many bubbles in the mixture, tap the container against a surface and exhale over the surface to disperse the bubbles. Try not to inhale! If you want your liquid tinted, use a toothpick to drop some dye into the mixture, a little at a time until you get the desired tint. To achieve a natural pale green, D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 13

PROJECT Here are a few more ideas for staging your potions if you be adding your natural – or unnatural – are feeling really ambitious. ingredients. This work really shows just how talented Kiva is! Step 3: Add your ingredients a bit at a Above: A potion board with slimy eels. time. I alternate putting ingredients with dripping more resin. Add as little or as many things as you want, making sure not to fill it all the way to the top, because you will be corking it. As you go along, you can move things around with the toothpick until you get your desired arrangement. Try not to stir things up too much or you’ll get more bubbles. When you’re done, put a cork in it!Step 4: I like to twist some hemp around right: Toad stools, greens,the top of the bottle to give it more of a roots and arustic look. To do this, I dripped some mysterious blackTacky Glue on a disposable surface. I use candle. You mustmy fingers to coat the length of the hemp wonder whator string with the glue. Then I wrap it spell this willaround the top several times, and cut the conjure up whenexcess off. Allow the resin to dry overnight. finished.Optionally, you can add a tag to label yourpotion to make it more personal. right: Some batches of “get well soon” are being formulated on this ancient apothecary board. If you witches and warlocks makea whole set of different potions, yourlaboratory will look really impressive andHalloween ready. Have fun! DHM14 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

New Book: MMololyllyCCrormomwwellelPl Prersensetns.t.s. ...MARY ANNE’S THE SHOWPrWeAmSHieIrNGMTOinNi,aDtCuWreAISThSoFwORsDOLLHOUSE MID-AFTeaLtuAriNngTLIeCgenDdOs &LLNeHwOcomUeSrEsHow-to tips & beautiful photos MINIATFUERBREUSARFYE2S1T&IV22AL& descriptions of a 7-levelVictorian townhouse and its ~SEOPRTLEAMNBDEORF6E~S7TIVAL ~16 finished rooms. 80 pages. (fHormOerLlyITDysoAnsYCoIrNneNr ShRowE) SORTA keepsake book Host Hotel McLean Hilton ~ 7920 Jones Branch DriveAvailable in print and iPad versions. McLean, JVUirgNinEia622&1072Search Mary Anne’s Dollhouse at ~ STURBRIDGE FESTIVAL ~* Note new location-still in the Tysons Corner area, closer to the Capital Beltway 495www.Blurb.com or Google Great Room Rates in our Show Block ~ Call: 703-847-5000 press 0 Happily Ever After ArrivHe WosasthHingototnelD~ulleSstourrRberaigdangNe,atMionaalsAsiarpcohrtussetts 20609 Gordon Park Square, Suite 110, Ashburn, VA 20147 703-777-1869 View Pre-registered Workshops at www.mollycromwell.comOpen: Tuesday - Saturday 10am – 4pm and also open by appointment. SATURDAY NIGHT 5-~8 pT.mO. PUreR-reSgis~tered Preview Open all the time on-line: www.happily-ever-after.biz SUNDAY GeneraEl Agdympistsi*onI1r0eal.amn. -d4 p.m. England & Kensington Dollshouse Festival ChristmFoar smtoirme ienfoornmatthioen:Seine ~ France 44421 Adare Manor Court *Ashland, VA 30147 (703) 978-5353 or (703) 200-5341 PreEvmieaiwl: mRolelyscerromvawteillo@nasol.&comDealer Info MollyWeCb:rwowmww.meollllyc~ro2m4w4el5l.coCmrispin Court, Sarasota, FL 34235 (941)371-3193 [email protected] View workshops at: www.mollycromwell.com Backissues | complete your Now available in our shop: Rocky Mountain Dollhouses, made in the USA! Fingertip FantasiesDEC-06 • A Gallery of Santas • One Horse Open Sleigh FEB-07 DEC-07 • Phil. Min. Show Review • Latest in Lighting • Afican-American History • Great Smoky Mountains • Elle Piccolo’s People • International Artisans • New Year’s Masks Dollhouse Miniatures ShopCREATEAWHALEOFATALEWITHJANEFREEMAN’SMOBYDICK Visit Anne FrAnk’s secret Annex in miniAture May/June 08 ISSUE 03 dhminiatures.com July/August 08 ISSUE 04 dhminiatures.com 2985 Dutton Mill Road - Aston, PA 19014-2842THEWORLDOFMINIATURESINANUTSHELL THE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 PROJECTS fine ceramics she sells IN MINIATURE Fill your sewing chest SEA SHELLS Grill teriyaki meat kebobs Andrea Fabrega’s Reupholster a couch or two fiery little pots Take a stroll through Make cattails for your garden ignite imagination Ann Buddenhagen’s Paint a sunset scene little shop of seashells Stitch a purr-fect cat pillow Wear a dramatic mask AND MUCH MORE… Phone: PROJECTS dream garden for vaNeSSa Childhood sewing chest Jo of Spencer’s Nook honors a 610-494-6401LittleLilly’slovelydress dear friend with a little paradise Walled garden wonderland 100 PAGES Relaxing leather recliner 100 PAGES Battered fish & golden chips Beautiful bridal gown DHM 04 Cover C.indd 1 29/5/08 16:57:53 AND MUCH MORE… MAY/JUNE 2008DHM03CoverA.indd 1 31/3/08 21:10:40 JULY/AUGUST 2008 www.dollhouseminiatures.com - [email protected]/APR 2008 • Andrea Cagnetti Etruscan Enigma • Ann Buddenhagen’s seashell shop • Dream Garden for Vanessa W••eTPduenrtereertTsuFdcilklaeedry’s–wMFitohrdiWedrnoanRydoeo1rm0B:o0xe0sAM to 6••:A0Cnr0edaPreteMaaFa-WbaSrellaegdat’usGrapdrodatesyn 10:00AM to ••4TF:e0illr0iyyoaPukMir MseewaitnKgecbhoebsst Throw some miniaTure poTTery wiTh Jason FelTrope CATCH THE MAGICAL ARTISTRY OF THE CREAGERS’ DOLLS M I N I A T U R E S 15Become inspired By desiree’s exquisite furniture January/February 09 ISSUE 07 September/October 08 ISSUE 05 D O L L H O U S ENovember/December 08 ISSUE 06 dhminiatures.com dhminiatures.com dhminiatures.com THE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 THE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 THE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 Hang out in PROJECTS Manhattan a peek Build a vegetable bin Elegant Christmas trees Sculpt your own veggies Wiring secrets shared

FEATUREHindeloopenpainting styleTry your hand at Hindeloopen folk art painting.Transform an ordinary piece of furniture into anexquisite work of art using these techniques.The Hindeloopen style of folk spotlight where it belongs. art items that the East Indies Com- art painting is well-known in In the seventeenth and eighteenth pany brought home. In the Dutch Holland. Dutch enthusiasts Golden Age the rich Hindeloopen Aartje Derksen and Annie centuries many inhabitants of the merchants hired artisans to beautifyvan Asperen helped to make the town of Hindeloopen became rich their rather dark, dreary interiors.style famous and their beautifully through the wood trade with Scan- Dark oak was replaced by vari-decorated miniatures have found dinavia. It is there that they came ous Norwegian types of pine wood,their way into dollhouses in various into contact with painted utensils which had to be painted.countries around the world. Sadly, and furniture. But this was not theirAartje stopped working some time only source of inspiration.ago when she retired, and Annie has Because Amsterdam waspassed away. the homeport of the Hindel- oopen sailors, they saw the However, the hobby has gained beautiful products and folkthree new paint-ers in TheNetherlands;Miep Langeveld,Godelief de Jong,and Adri Verrijp-Metz. All three art-ists have exhib-ited their paintedfurniture andminiatures at theArnhem showsand have broughtthe history ofHindeloopen folkart back under theright: Some samples of beautifully paintedHindeloopen folk art patterns on furniture.16 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE The influences and colors (red, 1 Dip your brush in orange paint 1 Make a wreath shape in yellow black, and green) of Scandinavia, the and then dip just the tip in ivory. ochre, add a tiny red dot to the Far East and Southern Europe were Make a big, loose “C” shape. bottom part (mix colors at the mixed and matched to become the edges). Hindeloopen style. 2 Make the C into a ball. Don’t “kill” the color variations by mixing 2 Make some lighter (Ivory) stripes The motifs are used in unique them too much - one stroke of the at the top and darker (Chestnut) at combinations, with “heathenish” brush is enough. the bottom part. decorations (tree of life, griffins, and lucky birds) right next to biblical 3 Place some fuzzy red half moons 3 Make very small “ears” around pictures. Another popular theme was and some petals around the edges, the rose to an uneven number of 5. the seascape, with sailing ships, and going from large to small. Then place dark spots in the center landscapes, surrounded by acanthus and two highlights (using white) in leaves with flowers and buds. The 1 Make a ball on a stem in every “ear”. painting style was in line with the Prussian Blue color. late Renaissance and early baroque of This is a motif that is often used the Dutch North. 2 Make a white dot in the exact as the end piece of a flower middle of the ball and draw a half decoration. Use Yellow Ochre with‘Hindeloopen art circle just underneath it. some Permanent Red, but don’t came into being mix them. You can also find the around 1650 and 3 Now place a wreath of white tulips in light and dark blue. was very popular buds around the circle. There is in the Hindeloopen always a small “crown” of three tiny 1 Make the center petal. sea-captain’s green leaves at the top. 2 Add light and dark touches’houses. with ivory and dark grey, black or Various beloved Hindeloopen 4 There are also poppies without Chestnut. the circle. Before the white dots are motifs fit this cultural period, such as placed, the light side is indicated 3 The finished tulips bud on the the use of acanthus leaves. The acan- with a stroke of Azure Blue and stem; notice the light comes in from thus is a Mediterranean plant that white paint. the left side. was used in Ancient Greece, and later by the Romans, for decorations. In D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 17 the Renaissance period this type of decoration returned, and it remained in use all through the baroque age. The assumption that the sailors themselves decorated the furniture when they were at home during the winter months is not true. There were naturally some exceptions, but the quality of the pieces done in those days indicates that trained profes- sionals painted them. Would you like to pick up your brushes and give it a try? The colors most often used for back- grounds in Hindeloopen painting are red, green, and cream. For the motifs the colors used are mainly ochre, red, ivory, green, olive, and dark grey. Go ahead and try it! DHM

CLAIM YOUR ANCIENT WORLDTSIPISNAMNUDSTERUIMCKSSCOENNEPSRBEdYPhAmTRMOiaInyNMi/aGJutRnuTeOr1Oe3BsIEDS.ScROUoTEWm3S3NSIZE magazineEXPLORE dYhOmUJuiRlny /iaCAutOguuLsrteL1s3E.IcCSSoTUmEIO34N OF MINIATURES IN THE WORLD Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 1. Enjoy the printed version of Dollhouse PROJECTS PROJETHE WORLD NUTSHELL OF MINIATURES Miniatures delivered direct to your door. When you subscribe, not only do you receive each great IN A NUTSHELL issue, we will also send you the latest gift offer. Subscribe for one year and receive 6 spectacular A issues PLUS you will receive the darling Waste Basket Set. Subscribe for two years and receive SBVFtPrLiaArneieoncnatmsndaddtigioecnslednogobakbmammvnrseeoiakutsrwlecebianthnadngfibemooduysrlelosdalrpirecbei!eeesssach Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 12 issues PLUS the delicious Peach Pie Set. Take BlEoAvUeTlyIFliUnLenBsEDanDdING CTSABGnSuCidGeviColteldsunuuoytseapotamtrVunoauiurgdccwcsettbhooataihfrlnmlaiewdasraonrhtairwtelweeidln!ofaaogtbsghdhoebeeoresrkldkosok advantage of extra savings by subscribing for three years and we’ll send you 18 wonderful $39.99GOOinDtrSoAdMucAinCgADthEeMYDHM34_Cover.indd 1 Plus:CBheeahctiknBoduettshDpeoalqslscheonuse3e/s27./T13V!4:06 PM issues and BOTH gifts for FREE! US ONLY Both gifts come beautifully packaged from 5/22/13 12:31 PM Reutter Porcelain of Germany. $45 Canada DHM33_CoverMaritza.indd 1 dollshouse.tv $49.99 Worldwidenew work by ferd sobol, the teppers, and monica graham September/October 13 ISSUE 35 dhminiatures.comTHE WORLD OF MINIATURES IN A NUTSHELL Price US $6.95 Canada $7.95 PROJECTS $3Wo9rldw.id9e9BSCFLCAucioirlgnuilnolhddlyvcptoehastyuroeatofrtaaumgcidrraaduoyornrcglewgihswcsanswrmibtdprhtioeaotuhrsnimdSeas!trpewdkaieinmnaeptseurnsk WHIMsiSlkICe’AsLlaWteOsRt LDS Plus: Tcwoollasbpoecraiatiloanrstist * DHM35_CoverSilke.indd 1 7/24/13 11:40 AM tv channel iMag2. Get an ALL ACCESS PASS to a wealth of pro- 3. Subscribe to Dollshouse.tv and enjoyjects and inspiration with our iMag subscription. This hundreds of inspiring, entertaining, and instruc-gives you exclusive access to the digital back issue tional films from some of the best miniaturists!library. This also gives you a digital subscription and All from the comfort of home, right on youryou’ll receive each new issue as soon as it’s ready. computer. You can watch any of the programsEasily flick thorugh pages, printing off what you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a “mustdesire. Thousands of pages at your fingertips! have” for any miniaturist! 18 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S FANTASTIC NEW SUBSCRIPTION GIFTS FROM DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES!

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FEATUREMaking magicin miniatureBluette Meloney, also known as the Queen ofFaux, shows her Le Petit Lapin Toy Shoppeand exquisitely whimsical miniature nursery. By Martha Puff Photography by Michael PuffThe Le Lapin Toy Shoppe include antiquing, ag- and little Nursery are two of ing, creating borders, Bluette’s favorite designs. From making a canopy or quaint country room boxes and tented ceiling, colorOld World buildings to Art Deco and washes, crackle,American Gothic, her work reflects distressing, wood-many time periods. “My designs are graining (fauxvery diverse and range from a rustic bois), marbleiz-Adirondack Lodge to a whimsical ing and metallicEnglish 18th century Garden Folly,” finishes.”she tells us. “But none speak to myheart more than the Le Lapin (little “Dependingrabbit) Toy Shoppe and Nursery.” on the struc- ture, students Working exclusively in 1:12-scale, also learnBluette uses decorative Faux Finish- gilding, glaz-ing and Trompe L’Oeil (fool the ing, patinas,eye) painting techniques in all of her sponging, anddesigns. She continuously explores the texturing. Inew and imaginative products that teach how tobecome available in order to keep her gold-leaf, give afaux-finishing techniques creatively painted surfacefresh and exciting. the appearance of a stone block Beside her ability to transform the wall, create theordinary into an original piece of art, look of agedBluette has gained a solid reputation copper (fauxas an instructor. “For many years I verdigris), andhave taught numerous students of var- many otheried skill levels the art of faux finishes faux techniques.and trompe-l’oeil effects. Techniques Above all, I share howright: This charming two-story miniature to have funshop, that Bluette created, is reminiscent of doing it.”a fifteenth-century Dutch row house.20 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE Born and raised in San Francisco, Le Petit Lapin (The Little Rabbit) above: The recessed lighting brightensBluette is a life-long resident of the Toy Shoppe the interior and shows off the hand-paintedBay Area. She has seven adult children “This charming two-story shop isand several cherished grandchildren. reminiscent of Dutch row designs at the bottom of each shelf unit asHer degree is in Interior and Archi- houses dating back to the 15thtectural Design, and she is an IGMA century,” Bluette explains. well as over the door. LEFT: FrenchArtisan in Faux Finishes. “While I designed the shop inspired Humpty Dumpty holding to showcase my collection of Bluette works out of a small studio toys, it is readily adaptable mechanical hand-painted Ballerinasat the back of their property. “I am an to other uses. I have soldearly riser. Typically, I begin the day it as both a finished and “Little French Village in theby taking a cup of coffee and croissant structure and offered itout to my studio where I immedi- as a workshop.” Rose Garden” mechanicalately start to work. I relish the quietuninterrupted early morning hours as The front open- toys by Jill Dianne.I always have a project in progress or ing lower level has afurniture to paint.” charming Dutch window is topped with door and two a whimsical rabbit statue. “I rely heavily on my husband Jack large display The steep roof is finishedin the making of each miniature windows. Thedesign. He truly is my hero! He takes second level with a colorfulmy drawing and translates it into an has a shuttered faux slate roof.actual physical structure. I am then window. The The brick chimneyable to finish the exterior and interior decorative pedi- has two terra-cottawith a variety of faux and trompe-l’oel ment over the chimney pots thattechniques.” add both beauty and character to the shop. There is a faux copper down- D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 21

FEATUREspout on each above: A collection of The Toy Collectionside of the antique dollies and toys by “Handcrafted artisan miniature toysbuilding, to the Almudene Ferrandez and are a passion of mine. In fact, toys arefront. the first miniatures I began collect- Almudena Gonzalez, ing more than twenty years ago. As a The Spain. left: A beautiful result, the Toy Shoppe is filled to theinterior collection of one-of- point of overflowing.lower levelis filled with a-kind vintage My toy collection represents everyfive large dollies. time period from Victorian to mod-floor-to-ceil- ern. It includes several superblying shelving In her Le detailed handcrafted dollies. Artisansunits for Petit Lapin represented are Maureen Thomas,display and workshop, Loretta Kasza, Eric Horne and San-an interior dra Morris in the U.K., Almudeneopening Bluette Fernandez and Victoria Heredia fromdoor. teaches Spain (plus many more). The toys byThere students Kathi Kuti of Canada are irresistible,are hand- how to as is my collection of Amanda Skinnerpainted designs at the bot- create rocking and pull toys.tom of each shelf unit, and over the the exte-door. Recessed lighting brightens the rior faux red There are miniature antique Steiffinterior. The floor is faux wood, with brick, con- bears and whimsical anthropomorphica hand-painted design of frolicking crete walkway, (anthro) jointed animals by Pauletterabbits. slate roof and copper downspouts. Svec and others. I am thrilled with my They also learn faux finishing for French antique Guignol Theatres and The upper level “secret” room is plaster, wood flooring, and painting/ collection of antique jesters on sticks.softly lighted and is intended to be aging techniques. I have several adorable wood pullwhatever one envisions. “I used it as toys by Karen Markland, well knownliving quarters and workshop for the for her handmade and whimsicallytoymaker,” Bluette says. “The finish painted toys and accessories. Thereon the walls is a mixture of faux brick are some very special pieces by Gillesand plaster. There are rustic interior Roche in France and Taller Targioni,ceiling beams, faux wood floor, a Spain.sink area, and fireplace with mantle.The room holds a brass bed, which My handmade wooden toy collec-I dressed with vintage bedding. Ken tion includes a delightful GingerbreadByers, ShakerWorks West, handmade Circus train by Steve Beebe, Cowthe remarkably detailed Shaker Work- Jumped Over the Moon wheel toy,bench, c.1850.” and roly-poly toys. I have Jack-in- the-box toys, children’s books, pullright: A collection of handmade dolls andtoys created by Kathi Kuti Harding, Canada.22 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREabove: An upholstered nursery rocking toys, wind-up toys, games, trains, and above: The completed Nursery with itschair divinely painted and accessories. vintage boxes of paper dolls, games and multitude of wonderful faux finishes and puzzles. Variety and oddments abound. lovely lighted garden in the background. In the lower level of the Toy Shoppe, design the walls of the room. Since I I’ve added a one-of-a-kind toymaker wanted a baby girl’s nursery, my color by Marcia Backstrom (dated 1998). palette has an emphasis on pink. I The front shop window showcases a hand-painted flowers on the six Bespaq French inspired Humpty Dumpty by wall units. Then, I added my original the ever-so-talented Jill Dianne. The painting of an adorable girl Bunny tuffet was handmade by Ron Hubble. Rabbit over the fireplace.” I often change the toys and fig- ‘I wanted the nursery ures outside the shop. A constant, to be princess-themed and loaded with however, is the Le Lapin Welcome ’whimsical charm. Sign by the Dutch door, a gift To continue the theme, she added from Karen Markland.” delicate hand-painted pink flowers to The Nursery the furniture. Her exquisitely dressed Has there ever been a crib is absolutely irresistible. The sweeter baby girl’s nursery? hand-painted high chair and rocking Using faux-finishes and chair cushions repeat the color pal- ette and add to the innocent charm trompe-l’oeil effects, Bluette’s nursery is visually interesting, inventive, and full of personality. “I wanted the nursery to be prin- cess-themed and loaded with whimsi- cal charm,” Bluette explains. “I used six White Manor units by Bespaq to D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 23

FEATUREabove: The right side of the Nursery: Canopy baby crib, rocking chair, and toy shelf unit. All ofthese items have superb faux-finishes and delicate hand-painted designs.of the room. “The Miniature Renderings of Bluette included simple—yet Bluette Meloney”elegant—touches like hand-painted Photographic color portfolio of roompillows in the two window seats. All boxes, settings and furniture createdof the shelves and surfaces are filled by Bluette Meloney.with artisan quality accessories. For Author: Rhona T. Lee. Published:added ambiance, she created a lovely 2013.lighted garden outside the windows. For hardback, contact: jack.The end result is a very magical and [email protected] scene. eBook, Apple iPad and hardback versions, from Blurb.com:In closing GETINtouch http://www.blurb.com/b/4763533-“This year, I will be selling my com- the-miniature-renderings-ofpleted projects and hand-painted Bluette Meloney, IGMA Artistfurniture at the October 2014 Good 1835 Capistrano WaySam Show in San Jose, California. Burlingame, CA 94010“The Miniature Renderings of Bluette Tel: 650-692-0342Meloney” was published in 2013. This Email: [email protected] 102 page photographic portfo- Website: bluettemeloney.comlio reflects 95% of my work. Special Dealer: Oct.11-12, 2014 - Good Sam Showthanks to author Rhona T. Lee, long- Held at the Doubletree Hotel, San Jose, CAtime friend and student.” DHM24 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

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FEATUREDabbling inmini magicIf it’s more than a hobby, then you will need asuperior laboratory complete with specimens totruly understand the power of the supernatural. By Gayle Palama Photography by Daniel SpungIfirst became interested in all things pire. At that time, I did not know that Five years ago, I removed my wee creepy and small when I was a very the miniature world even existed. witch from her tissue prison and young girl. I would often be found decided to build her a home. Since sprawled out on the kitchen floor Over twenty-five years ago, my then, I have not been able to stop. Imaking one-inch scale paper dolls family presented me with a beautiful work in the insurance industry, whichdressed in grand gothic gowns using dollhouse doll for my birthday. But at times can be stressful. But when Iscrap paper and colored pencils. All with a husband, two young children, open the doors to my dollhouse, allthe while, I looked forward to the day and a tight budget, my tiny friend was my cares melt away and the only thingI could go to Paris and marry a vam- wrapped in tissue and lovingly placed on my mind is a tiny jar of leeches or a in a drawer. perfect puddle of blood. My two adult children are very sup- portive of my hobby and have given me much encouragement over the last few years. They do not judge their mother for being a tad bit creepy in her tastes, and for that I am lucky. The office in my small home in Vancouver, Washington, is often littered with boxes of tiny treasures, but thankfully my partner is an artist and does not seem to mind. Daniel is much better with a camera than I, so he is always willing to take photos of my strange little scenes. My newest little witch, Fredonia McGuire, inhabits my second house above: It looks as though one of the snails has successfully escaped it’s glass prison. left: Ancient potions and books of spells passed down through generations fill the shelves. Meat hooks hand from a small horned skull. Perhaps a jackalope?26 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREThe story of Freddy called The Judge &Fredonia McGuire arrived in Gibbet. I am cur-Astoria, Oregon, on the eveof her tenth birthday in 1904. rently planning aShe and her father made thearduous journey from Ireland new room that willto start a new life in the rowdycoastal town. Dark secrets give Freddy morein her father’s past made themove necessary, but at that room to continuetime, Fredonia did not knowthe extent of the danger they her study of herbol-left behind. ogy and potions. By the time Freddy turnedtwelve, her father had I can’t wait to getestablished the aptly namedJudge & Gibbet Tavern. started on that!The Judge & Gibbet was ameeting place for locals of the My first project,supernatural persuasion andthose who dabbled in white The Wee Witchmagic. On occasion, a travelerwandered in for a drink and House, was baseda hot meal. Their behaviordetermined whether or not they on another ofwould emerge unscathed orwere never to be seen again. Astoria’s fictional inhabitants, a witch who ran a magic shop on the edge of town. For this project, I wanted to create a room in my Top: This room was made for performing studies of anatomy, medi- seven-room town cine, and magic and has all of the necessary tools and equipment, home with a similar including the arm of what was once, most likely, a drunken sailor theme. with bad manners. above: Gayle loves to order mystery boxes The idea of a online and uses the bits and pieces for creating miniature art. young woman who dabbled in magic and medicine ternet photos of a dilapidated morgue. occurred to me when I ran across In- I started with an all-white room and D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 27

FEATUREblindly moved forward from there. above: The young witch takes a break with a good book and her friends, Boris and theThis workroom sits above the tavern lovely Octavia. below: Flesh eating beetles make short work of their latest job.section of the house and is the firstroom to be completed. I don’t plan specifics of a scenein advance. Instead, I use my minibudget to purchase used and dam-aged pieces or miniature lots on eBay.Many of these mystery boxes include28 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREabove: Beautiful tiny glass bottles are all about the room and filled with many things such When Freddy and her mysteriousas potions and poisons. Gayle made many book from printables. above right: An ash father arrived in Astoria, the townfilled urn and bit of hair serve as an homage to Fredonia’s dearly departed mother. folk felt a shift in the air. It was understood that a woman coulditems that inspire me to create mini in the room, such as the fingers in a jar not walk down the streets at night without risking her safety,scenes within a room. This does not and the heart on the scale. but seemingly overnight the dark figures that lurked in thealways end well, but sometimes a box Handsome EEWinters created Boris shadows were gone. Robberies became rare and childrenfilled with cockroach droppings from the piglet. When he arrived, wandered on the docks without fear. When Freddy turned sixteena granny’s garage, can provide infinite I marveled at his wonderful smile. and expressed an interest in white witchcraft and medicine,treasures. A scuffed silverware box Many of my favorite items begin her father readily supplied human subjects for her study.‘becomes a case This workroom sits with a challenge. above the tavern I am normally diligent As Freddy grew older, shefor witchy section of the house when checking an discovered details of her father’sitems, and a item description to life in Ireland and in America.broken bisque make sure it is to scale, Although she did not alwaysbaby doll is but in the case of the agree with his methods ofeasily trans- keeping their town safe, sheformed into a and is the first room tiny potion cabinet, I reaped the benefits when itbird perch for a was disappointed on came to her studies. More on its arrival to discover that to come…’item, I save up my mini budget to pur- ized that it would make a wonderfulfrog pond. to be completed. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 29When I it was much too small.want a specific However, I soon real-chase items like my lovely morgue table display for Freddy’s special items. Afteror a piece from Kiva Atkinson. Kiva cleaning out bottles from a box of usedcreated the lovely octopus, Octavia. items, I filled them with dish soap,She also provided a few smaller pieces spices, glue, and other household items.

FEATURE Above: The workroom is quite cluttered and is seldom given a proper cleaning. On arrival, the morgue table immediately became the centerpiece of the room. It is where Freddy does most of her detailed work. left: All of the makings needed for a spell to be cast. below: As part of her research, Freddy weighs and documents teeth, fingers and even a heart. 30 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

The tiny hutch now holds Freddy’s col- FEATURElection of valuable potions. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 31 Some pieces look more complicatedthan they really are. For example, a bagof leftover seashells became snails withjust a dab of polymer clay and a bit oftransparent glue. The beetle cage was formed fromtwo incomplete furniture kits—a chairand a cabinet. Many of my jars andbottles have been aged by rubbingglue-covered fingers over the glass,then applying dryer lint to the area,and later removing the excess with asoft cloth. I purchased very inexpensiveplain books, painted the edges withgold, and covered them with imagesof antique books printed from theInternet. They are simple, but effectivein the scene. DHMAbove: A nest of bird eggs sit on the sideof the sink as a snake slithers out from itsglass jar to inspect what smells so delicious.top right: Glass domes cover treasureditems such as the head of Freddy’s favoritedoll. below: Gayle has discovered a greatmethod for making jars and canisters lookdusty. bottom right: Many other tinytreasures that Freddy has collected.

FEATUREIt’s a ghoulthing Step into the shadows of the Forgotten Manor and meet the most fascinating characters your imagination can behold. By Lorrie Plasko-Andersen Photography by Lorrie Plasko-AndersenAutumn is a season for the senses: the trees are ablaze with color and leaves that have fallen to the ground remind you of their existence as they crunch loudly beneath your feet. The night draws in earlier with each passing day and the smell of smoke wafts gently in the air. For me, it signals that All Hallows Eve is near—a magical time filled with anticipation of ghosts, witches, and all sorts of things that go bump in the night. I anticipate this season every year and I carry it in my mind every day. After all, why should All Hallows Eve be only one night? I have always loved Halloween. I would create characters in my mind all connected to the seemingly spooky holiday. Out of those personas have come vampires with coffins, ghost brides searching for lost loves, witches, warlocks, wizards, vampire counts and countesses, ghost dukes and duchesses, pixies, pookas, lovely king and queen top: Lady Henriette, the Ghost Bride, was left at the alter and died from a broken heart. She still endlessly searches for her lost love. Watch for her on the next full moon. right: Countess Liberte’ Papillon and the Count. Seems he lost his head over the Countess. 32 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE‘Creating these “other worldly” characters is a delight for me. I leave the real world to work in total fantasy and let my mind and imagination soar.’goblins, and even baby witches and warlocks. I thank my mother for tell- ing me the stories of “The Old Ones” and giving me the eyes to see what is unseen by most. My creative process is both ongoing and spontaneous. There is always a creature lurking inside my head wait- ing for the right moment to tell me, “It’s time.” When it happens, I listen. No matter what I may be working on Right: The beautiful, Dia Los Muertos. below: Meet the Vampire Princess. You have heard of The Princess and the Pea, this is The Princess and the Bone. Poor dear hasn’t had a good sleep in 300 years. at that moment, I stop to My Witch Scrying Mirror, seen let my muse transport me on the next page, was one of the first to the other world. creations I did many “blu” moons ago. I created her coming out of a mirror and That is precisely how the made the dressing table and everything Forgotten Manor began. on it to tell her story. I envisioned her It is a place where all the in the attic of the Forgotten Manor characters of my Halloween calling to anyone who accidently stum- dreams reside. They all get bled into her secret hidden place. on very well there as they wait to pack their belong- Creating these “other worldly” ings and adventure off to characters is a delight for me. I leave their new homes. the real world to work in total fantasy D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 33

FEATURE Meet the artist My love of dolls and miniatures started when I was a little girl. In the 1950’s most dolls were made of plastic, so I yearned for a doll that I could bend and pose as a real person would. As all children must, however, I had to grow up. After having had a child of my own, I left the mini world behind. In 2002 my dear husband, Michael, gave me a dollhouse for my birthday. Miniatures had come a long way since the 50’s and because I was retired I finally had the opportunity to create what I had always longed for. I decided to find a way to create 1:12-scale dolls and most important of all, to make them bendable. It was so exciting to learn how to make the little people of my dreams using polymer clay. This was absolute heaven for me! My dolls are especially dear to me because of my love for antique and vintage fabric, lace, trims, and ribbons, which are used to create each one-of-a- kind character. I adore the art of costume and strive to bring realism to my work. When one of my characters is born and dressed she is wearing a piece of history. Imagine if the lace and fabric could tell you where it had been! Much of what I have collected comes from England and France. There is also some turn of the century lace from Bruges. This makes my dolls unique and special. My goal is to create, for the collector, a stunning one-of-a-kind doll that will have pride of place in any dollhouse. As LoreleiBlu, I love what I do and want to share my love and passion for dolls and miniatures with all of you. 34 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREleft top: Henriette Nightwing is a steam-punk vampire and an alchemist who createdthe famous perfume, Belladonna #5. It ismost intoxicating and guaranteed to capturethe man of your nightmares! left bot-tom: The Witch Skrying Mirror, where youcan visit with loved ones who have crossedthe River Styxx. right: Count Damien andCountess Louise Moonblood. Host and host-ess of the Forgotten Manor.and let my mind and imaginationsoar. Anything is possible there and Ilove the costumes and all the fantas-tical things that make each creationunique. For some of us, All HallowsEve is part of our everyday. It’s defi-nitely part of mine as I always havean All Hallows feeling in my heart. Happy All Hallows Eve fromLoreleiBlu, West of The Blu MoonStudio. DHMabove: Warick Monkshood is of the high-est order at Dragonshead School of Wizardry.right: Persephone Bloodthorn is a vampireand a lady in residence at the Manor.GETINtouch LoreleiBlu email: [email protected] Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/LoreleiBlu Facebook: LoreleiBlu D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 35

FEATURETime and allits beautyLloyd Cooper’s personal perseverance is atrue inspiration and it also overflows into hisperfectly weathered and aged buildings. By Lloyd Cooper Photography by Lloyd CooperWhen one takes the time to in some cases was stunning. I Enlisted in the U.S. Army 1966. I closely observe a build- My introduction to things miniature elected to join rather than be drafted ing in decline a multitude so that I might request my choice of details immerge. The began at age 13 when I started build- of training and occupation. I choosesubtle blends of color and patterns ing scale model cars. Building model electronics. I was assigned to Ab-from previous paintings peek through cars taught me patience, attention topeeling paint. The tell-tell signs of detail, and of course, basic modeling Top: Lloyd Cooper deeply focused on onewater damage streak the walls in skills. Later, when I became interested of his newest creations. Below: Lloyd’sabstract designs, and warp the wood in model railroading, it presented miniature “Blackwater General Store”. Youin graceful curves. Broken windows me with many new challenges, and I can feel the history and almost hear thestare back in toothy grins, and doors learned a great deal from other highly creaking floor boards as patrons step ontohang precariously from tired and skilled modelers. the porch to enter the store.worn hinges. If only one takes thetime the old and aging building tellsof its passage through time. To quote Margaret Wolfe Hun-gerford, “beauty is in the eye of thebeholder”. Whatever the influence,I have always found a subtle beautyin aging buildings. I was very fortu-nate in that during my travels I havehad the opportunity to observe oldbuildings in many different locationsand climates; each affecting the wayin which various structures age anddecay. So much so that I began tophotograph and study them. I foundthe buildings of the old west particu-larly interesting. I felt the decaying wood, held it’sown beauty, colors and textures andthe effects of the desert sun turningthe wood to an almost silver metallic36 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE left, above and below: Blackwater General Store. I lived in Carson City, NV for a few years and loved exploring the area. This building actually stood in Silver City, NV, which was a small mining camp on the out skirts of Virginia City, NV. I managed to take photos of it before it was torn down. I recreated it as it stood at the time. I built this to be placed on a small, 1:48-scale model railroad layout which is to become a multi-scale project. I have a 1:12-scale railroad depot called, “Lost Creek Station.” The aforementioned model rail- road will represent a “garden” railroad that will surround the depot. I often use different scale items in one project. I hope to complete the project, “someday when I have the time”.erdeen Proving Grounds, MD and diagnosed with Reiter’s Syndrome. nosis was grim. I began a recoveryunderwent training as an Aircraft The effects of the disease rendered that would prove to be three years inArmaments Systems Specialist in me incapable of walking or using my duration, as I battled my way from be-helicopters. I was deployed to Viet- hands and wrists. After six months ing confined to a bed, to a wheelchair,nam in mid 1967 and attached to the of hospitalization the doctor’s prog- to a specially constructed walker, to57th Assault Helicop-ter Co. as a crew chief crutches and finally toon Huey gunships. I a 99% recovery. I wassigned up for a second determined to provetour to the 180th As- the doctors wrong.sault Support Heli-copter Co and was a During my recov-crew chief on Chinook ery and recuperationHelicopters to obtain I spent a great dealan “early out” of the of time in retrospec-service. I was severely tive contemplation ofwounded in combat the events that hadmidway through and brought me to my cur-discharged in 1969. rent circumstances andMy return to civilian I came to the realiza-life was as a disabled tion that I had no firmveteran. As was the grasp on what life hadcase with so many left to offer me.Vietnam veterans, myreadjustment to civil- My seeminglyian life was a deeply inherent will to survivetroubled one, and I once again rose to thestruggled for the next surface and I began tofew years. search for new mean- ing and direction for In the mid 70’s I was my life. Failing to find answers within, I turned to my unshak- D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 37

FEATURE left and below: Copper Bottom Creek was inspired by the little copper pot it was built on. I often use “found” items when building fantasy pieces such as this one. Once I am inspired, I begin build- ing with only a general idea and scale, and allow it to “evolve” or “speak to me” and let it tell me what it wants to look like. I created a back story, if you will, some years ago. It involves a very small race of people that inhabit my home; I believe it was a direct result of my having so many miniatures about the place; they found it to their lik- ing and started using my scale building supplies to construct their homes, that have appeared all over my house. (I hope to write the story some day.) I brought the little copper pot home, sat it on the kitchen counter, and watched as the “little people” commandeered it for their own use. I create the fantasy pieces as a diversion from my usual exact scale work. able and abiding my physical therapist one day and faith in an all she asked me if I had any hobbies powerful and lov- that might occupy my time and that’s ing GOD. I knew when it hit me, my miniatures! I had to let go and let GOD. I had long dreamed about one day pursuing my miniature work on a pro- The answer fessional, full time basis and I sudden- was soon to ly realized that the opportunity now come. I was lay before me. I soon realized however, having a con- that with my now limited physical versation with capabilities I would have to develop38 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATUREAbove and Right: Johnny’s Garage: This was a commission piecefor my wife’s boss. He collected scale model cars. All of his employ-ee’s got together to pay for the commission and it was given to him atChristmas time. It was my own design based on a number of similarstructures I’d seen in my travels.new tools and techniques that would I have sinceallow me to build them. received a coupleSo, I began to acquire a variety of of commissionsclamps, fixtures, and holding devices from privatethat could assist me and allow me to individuals. I wasovercome my disabilities, and I began also commis-to work. sioned by a localIt was shortly thereafter that I met museum to do a“Miss Kathy” and was to soon begin piece for them.working in the front window of her Then there’s Dollhouse Miniatures a much more realistic appearance. I learned to impart fidelity of scale andshop. The first piece I created was, magazine. The Lord has most assur- detail into my work.“Miss Kathy’s Bloomers”, a 1/12th edly blessed me. In an effort to create a believable and realistic replica of a full sizedscale flower shop façade. My recovery is still progressing, structure, I began to construct my miniatures using 1:1 building tech-‘Following that When attempting to both physi- niques; utilizing scale lumber and replicate an aging, cally and emo- prototypical framing techniques, i.e.was “Copper Bot- decaying structure, tionally. floor joists, stud wall framing, rooftom Creek”, a fan- I now have so rafters, and board on board sheath-tasy structure that much to look ing. Many of my structures featurewas inspired by the forward to; individual wood shake roofing; eachlittle copper pot it shake being individually applied.was built on. Then I feel it is necessary to including what These techniques have proven to pro-came the “Coun- understand how the I hope will duce extremely realistic results.try Front Porch” be a success- When attempting to replicate anshadowbox. individual components ful miniatures aging, decaying structure, I was blessed to career. I feel it is necessary to understand of that structure are how the individual components ofhave an article in I live in that structure are joined together. How the “live” loads effect and stressAIM magazine, Florida with those components. Once that is un- my wife, the derstood, one can, conversely, under-joined together.following that was love of my life. stand the effect that aging will have My degree in Architectural Engineer- on that structure. DHMthe interview for ing has influenced my approach tothe article in “Ocala Style” magazine.’I joined IGMA and AIM again andI’ve returned to the miniatures com- building scale structures. My mod-munity, via several online forums. eling skills now included scratchbuild-I have been blessed with many new ing, structure building, landscapefriends, acquaintances and followers, modeling, and weathering and agingboth in the shop and online. techniques, which gives my models D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 39

PROJECTa sconce tolight the wayWith paper, glue, and a little glaze you can createthe perfect wall sconce for your mini world. Adda bit of paint and it becomes a work of art! By Kris CompasIwas inspired to make these sconces Step 1: Cut a 1” (2.5cm) piece of sewing Step 2: I am using some 1” x 3/4” (2.5cm when I saw them in a catalog. These are non-working, but you could make them thread and attach a clip to one end. Dip the x 2cm) old acrylic mirrors. If you don’t have work by using brass tubing to hold the other end into Deco Art, Triple Thick Brilliant the mirrors on hand you can use some nifty wire and use a real light bulb. Brush-On Gloss Glaze. If you have another shiny packaging. Using an oval template, I have used three different finishes, gloss glaze, certainly try it. It might take a you can make any size sconce you want which are all easy to do. Shown below: few more dips to make the size of drop you just by tracing. I used colored paper for the flowers and need, but it should be fine. Hang up the did a white “wash” on the far left sconce. drop to dry. You’llneed I painted the sconce dark green and gave We will dip this everything a gold “wash” on the center a couple more u Scissors sconce. I used white paper for everything times during u Thread and gave it a “dirty wash” on the right the tutorial, u Deco Art Triple Thick Brilliant sconce. I think they turned out pretty good until we get it Brush-On Gloss Glaze and I hope you get a chance to make one! to the size we u Acrylic mirrors or reflective card need. board u Oval and circle templates u Pencil u Card stock and mat board u Craft knife u T pin u Wood glue u Q-tip u Paper punches in flower shapes u Paper towel u Stylus, small and large u Various colored paints u 1/4” hole punch u Clear satin spray u Acrylic varnish u Paint brushes40 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECT your craft knife and make a light scoring line to the sconce frame right under the oval first. Then press harder as you go around opening. Let it dry. the line again. Dry fit the mirror and trim if needed. Now, cut the sconce frame out. Step 12: Dip your light bulb, again, please. Try to get a nice teardrop shape.Step 3: Sharpen your pencil and trace Step 9: Using a circle template, draw a Step 13: Cut aaround your mirror onto a piece of card stock. 1/2” (12mm) diameter circle onto mat board. small square of card stock and rub it overStep 4: Use your ruler to mark a 1/8” Draw a line through the center. Cut a half the edge of your table to curve it.(3mm) line outside of the traced line. Cut this circle out with your knife. If your half circle iscard stock oval out and set it to the side. dry enough, fold this piece of card stockStep 5: Trace around your mirror again, over the triangle part of the sconce frame.but this time on mat board. Measure and Trace a line onto themark a 1/8” (3mm) line around your traced card stock. We are making a cone at theline as you did before. bottom of the sconce. After you’ve traced your line, cut out the shape. Step 14: Do you see the extra piece of mat board I’ve glued under my half circle? You can add this, it gives the half circle more strength when you are folding the card stock around the triangle. Glue the card stock shape onto the bottom of the sconce.Step 6: Mark the center of the oval, at the Step 10: Mark the center of the half circle Step 15: In place of the metal tubing Ibottom. Measure from the inside line 1/2” and make a hole with a “T” pin and then am going to use a “Q-Tip”. Cut the cotton(13mm) down and make a mark. use a 1/16” drill bit, (just over a 1mm) to drill tips off. The “Q-Tip” stick is too large of a hole in the half circle. diameter for the sconce. Use sand paper toStep 7: Place your ruler on your drawing; thin the stick. The sand paper should open Step 11: I am using yellow wood glue for up the seam on the stick. Unroll the paperline up an inch mark (1cm) on the center. until the stick is about a 1/16” in diameter.Slide the ruler down until the outside line of the gluing in this project. Glue the half circle Glue the seam closed. Dry fit the stick intothe oval is a 1/4” (6mm) on either side of the the hole in the sconce. Set the stick asidecenter. Make a mark on each side. for now.Step 8: Draw lines connecting yourmarks, making a triangle and cut the ovalout from the mat board. Put a new blade in D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 41

PROJECTStep 16: Glue two strips of card stocktogether and cut a strip about a 1/16” wide.Step 17: Glue part of the strip to the topof the cone. Cut 5 pieces from the stripabout a 1/2” (13mm) long. Round one end ofeach piece. Glue the pieces to the cone. It’sall right to overlap the ends. When the stripsare good and dry sand the tip. Step 21: I’ve bent my thinned “Q-Tip” using Tips for painting a 1/8” dowel. Dry fit this into the sconce. You can see I’ve painted the sconce green and I’ve added some leaves. Try to remember that you glued on the vine for a reason, to see it. Another tip, I waxed the sconce to a heavy sheet of cardboard to work on it. That really helped out.Step 18: Glue a strip of the card stock atthe tip of the cone.Step 19: Rip a small piece of paper and Step 22: Get your punches out!roll, wad, and scrunch it up until its soft. Remember, these are supposed to beAdd some glue and roll this piece of paper “metal” flowers or surface decoration, don’tup into a tight ball. You might have to do get hung up on realism. After shaping, justthis a couple of times to get the right size about any shape will do, get creative.ball. When you get the right size ball, glue itto the bottom of the sconce’s cone. I’ve added the flowers and painted yellow centers in them. I’m dry fitting the stick into the sconce. I want to see if I need to trim offStep 20: Cut another strip of the doubled Step 23: This is how I shape just aboutcard stock. This time make it thinner than everything. First, I put the punched shapes1/16”. This thin strip will be the vine. Glue a onto dampened paper towel. We don’t want them soggy, only damp. Then, I use awavy line onto the frame of the sconce. stylus. For this size of blossom I’ve used the smallest stylus I have. I put the blossom onto a piece of craft foam and press down into each petal. I then turn the blossom or leaf over and I press the stylus into the center.42 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECTthe end. This whole piece is going to be thepipe and candle. We are adding the “flamebulb” to the tip.Finishing the sconceStep 1: Pierce a hole into card stock. Drilla larger hole into the card stock. Use a 1/4”punch to punch out a circle with your 1/16”hole in the center.Step 2: Use a large ball stylus to make a Step 4: Add a white “wash” to the This is the white sconce. Everything was made from white paper then I painted itcup shape from the 1/4” circle. Thread the sconce. I’m dabbing the wash off with a white. Then I painted on an acrylic varnish. Next, I mixed grey, brown, and blackcup onto the bent stick. dry brush. This is the sconce after the white together with water and brushed it all over the sconce. Because I had glue all over wash was dabbed off. the thing the dirty wash went to the cracks that the glue caused. Glue can be used in a pinch as a cracking medium.Step 3: Cut a strip of card stock about1/8” wide. Glue the strip to the stick; leaveenough of the stick for your “candle”.I wrapped the card stock around the sticktwice. Push the cup up to the bottom of theglued on strip and glue the cup to the strip.Dry fit again. Step 5: Paint the bent sticks with the candle holders to match your sconces. Step 6: I sprayed the sconces with clear satin spray before I glued on the “bulb”. Step 7: Glue the mirror into the center I hope you get to make one of these. I think they would add a little charm to any of the card stock. Glue the card stock and dollhouse. mirror into the sconce. Have fun, expand on it, make it better. Step 8: Glue your “bulb” onto the candle. Just keep making minis! DHM I left just a tiny piece of the thread on the tip of the bulb. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 43

bigbuzz n DHM’s Big Buzz section is the place to check out contests, products, news, and views. Are you celebrating a milestone? Do you have a great product or kit to share? Do you know of a great website? Use these pages to spread the big buzz to other miniaturists like you! Please submit items of interest to: DHM, Big Buzz, 68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944. Or email [email protected]. In a nutshell COMING NEXT MONTH TO... writing contest Fresh from the garden IGMA artist, Erzsebet Bodzas makes miniature This month’s In fruits and vegetables that are so realistic you will a Nutshell winner have to look twice to be sure! is Jacquelyn Clements, who wrote Knit a beaded mini pursein to tell us about how her nephew’s Make a delicate miniature beaded bag that isinterest in miniatures renewed her knitted with glass beads the old fashioned way.mini passion. You can read about By Marianne Colijn.Jacquelyn on page 81 of this issue,and we’ll be sending Jacquelyn a A romantic getawayvery special prize for sharing her Mercedes Spencer poured her heart into this littlestory with us! romantic bed and breakfast room box. A perfect We love seeing the variety of miniature getaway.projects our readers create, sowhy don’t you tell us about your Not a subscriber to American Miniaturist?favorite creation? Please keep Visit www.craft-club.comyour stories around 750 words,accompanied by pictures of you and or call toll free 1-866-606-6587 to subscribe today!your special project. Send to “In aNutshell Writing Contest,” DollhouseMiniatures, 68132 250th Avenue,Kasson, MN 55944. You may alsosend your entries via e-mail [email protected]. Please besure to include your name, address,phone number, and email address.The deadline for our next issue isFriday, September 19, 2014.The great little nut hunt another new hiding place for his special acorn! 68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN If you happen to find him, please write 55944 or fax your entry to (507) 634-Snickers was found on page 47 of 7691, or email [email protected] issue 40 (July-August 2014), and let us know of his location, along with The deadline for finding Snickers iswhere he was trying to hid his pre- sending in your name, address, email Friday, September 19, 2014.cious acorn under the radio table in address, and phone number to “Little Nut Good luck!Gabriele’s miniature parlor. Hunt – Issue 41,” Dollhouse Miniatures, This month, our winner was MarthaMcGee, who correctly found Snickers.As a thank you for the correct answer,we are sending a Project DVD that willhopefully help her find inspiration forany upcoming projects. We hope youenjoy this mini gift! But oh no! Snickers can’t sit still forlong, and in this issue he’s run off to find44 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

BIG BUZZPen challengeIn our last issue of DHM weasked our readers what theycould make out of pen parts. GinaButler of Whittier, CA wrote in toshare what she made. The photo below shows the penparts plus other bits and piecesthat Gina used, such as a lockwasher, bottle cap, grommet,bead cap, push pin, toothpick,gear jewelry piece, and a centerhub from an old floppy disk. The photo above shows the finished items; left to right- goblet (from pen tip glued to bead cap), cake stand (pen tip glued to lock washer & floppy disk piece), goblet or cup (pen tip glued to piece of push pin), vase (pen tip glued to grommet), scoops (from a center casing piece that was cut in half and glued to toothpick section), cake stand (using pentip glued to gear and bottle cap), whisk (using the spring glued to small section of toothpick).She also used the pen clip as a door pull on a refrigerator. Creative thinking Gina! Debbie Dixon-Paver, all the way from Africa, also sent in a photo of her results. She usedthe silver metal tip from a pen to create an icing (frosting) bag for her doll who is decoratinga gingerbread house! Debbie doesn’t have many miniature shops near home so she is forcedto improvise in order to make her minis. She affirms that necessity is definitely the “mother ofinvention” when you are unable to buy what you might need. Very crafty Debbie!Save the date! Acorn challengeSeptember 27, Barre, VT After Snicker saw what could be done in miniaturesPlan to attend the 4th Annual Fall FoliageClearance Sale at the Real Good Toys Factory with a pen, he immediately held up his acorn andOutlet Store, 10 Quarry Street, Barre, VT 05641.One day only, Saturday, September 27th, 9am asked, “What could they do with an acorn?”– 4pm. Unbelievable deals on dollhouse kitcloseouts, seconds, overstocks, components, If you are up for the challenge or have already madeaccessories and much, much more. Come andvisit Vermont during its most beautiful time of some mini treasures from the parts of an acorn weyear. Door prizes, drawings, refreshments, andthose ever popular grab bag surprises! Plan would love to see!to attend our informative, and free, techniquedemonstration called “The Dollhouse Builders Share your results with us by emailing a photo of your itemToolbox”. Come early and stay all day. Don’tmiss this one! For additional sale information, to [email protected] along with a few notes onplease contact Jodi at 802-479-2217 or [email protected]. Stay tuned to www.real- how you made the item that you’re sharing. We’ll include PROJECTgoodtoys.com for up to date sale information. our favorite submission in our next issue of Dollhouse Miniatures! CmUaPkCeAaKEmHinOiOK Clarification ubIfgoylxyouonrawsilascn,etcnrteeoawatiedthdtohduisetcccoulurteatttehioroinnogtkoytooyouuursrwelaaintllessstwet aritodho. m By Sarah Marshall D ecorative hooks are a practical Step 3. Cut your wire to 3/4” long using YOU’LLneed but interesting way of displaying your wire cutters. items you would like on show. They can be in any shape or form, so I decided here to make one in the shape of a yummy cupcake. Step 1. Cut the wood to 1/2” long and 1/4” wide using your craft knife. On page 23 of Dollhouse Miniatures issue 40 (July- n Cupcake charm August 2014), We listed the artist as Sarah Marshall. n Thin, Her correct name is Sarah Mallard. So sorry Sarah! Step 2. Make a groove down the center Step 4. Using your long-nose pliers, bend n Thin, soft wood (I used balsa) of your wood using your craft knife, being the bottom of your wire up to form the bendable wire hook. n Craft knife careful not to cut all the way through. n Paint n Paintbrushes n n Strong glue (I used superglue) Ruler n Long-nose pliers n Wire cutters n Seed bead n Flat-backed bead n Varnish n Tacky wax (optional; for hanging the hook on the wall) DHM40_SarahMarshallCupcakeHook.indd 23 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 23 5/28/14 4:29 PM D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 45

PROJECTa miniaturespooky splitWe all scream for ice cream! Satisfy your minia-ture residence’s sweet tooth with this easy tofollow candy corn-colored banana split tutorial. By Mo TiptonCreate something unique for your You’llneed a piece of crumpled aluminum foil pressed miniature Halloween dessert into or smeared along the surface of the table this year with a fun, candy u White, yellow, orange, brown, clay for additional texture. corn-colored banana split. green, and translucent polymerThis yummy dessert is topped with tiny clay Step 4: To create the base of each icepumpkins, candy corn and a chocolate u Translucent liquid claycookie witch’s hat. You could even use this u Artist chalk pastels in yellow and cream scoop, use a needle tool to teasedessert as inspiration for an entire haunted orange little clumps and crumbs of ice cream clayice cream parlor if you’re feeling ambitious! u Polymer clay varnish in glossy and then place them along the bottom (optional: satin finish varnish) edge of the scoop. For the center scoop,Step 1: Begin by creating your ice cream u E6000 or a two-part epoxy you don’t need to create this base all the u Dollhouse banana split dish way around; simply add it to the front andcolors. You can choose any colors you like, (optional: dollhouse spoon) back of the scoop.but here I am making white, orange, and u Wooden craft sticks andyellow scoops. For each color, mix one part toothpickscolored clay with one part translucent clay, u Small bowlkneading thoroughly to combine. u Needle tool u Sharp bladeStep 2: Roll each ice cream color into a u Rolling pin u Small round clay cutter or metallittle ball, using your serving plate as a sizing pastry tip (size #10)guide to ensure that all of the ice cream can u Piece of crumpled aluminum foil, fit in the dish. - optionalStep 3: Texture the surface of each ball byetching tiny, uneven lines around the side ofthe ball with a needle tool. You can also use46 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECTStep 5: To create the banana, first mix Step 9: To make the sauce, you will needone part white with one part translucent to mix up a batch of white polymer clayclay. To that, add tiny pinches of white frosting. Do so by mixing equal parts whiteand ecru clay, one bit at a time, mixing in solid polymer clay with translucent liquidbetween additions until you have a achieved clay in a small bowl. This ratio does nota very pale yellow, banana color. have to be exact. Using a wooden craft stick, smear and mash the solid and liquidStep 6: Roll this clay out into a banana- clay together until they form a thick paste, adding more liquid clay as needed to thinshaped log with rounded ends and place in the mixture.the freezer for five minutes.Step 7: Remove the banana from the Step 12: To create the witch’s hat, rollfreezer, and while it is still cold and solid, out brown polymer clay into a very thin sheet. Cut out a tiny circle for the hat baseslice it in half with a sharp blade. (I used a metal pastry tip, size #10) and press it against a piece of sandpaper to add texture. Roll out a cone of brown clay and texture it as well, before placing it on top of the circle to finish the hat. If you wish, add a small ball of orange clay for a hat buckle. Place the hat on top of the center ice cream scoop.Step 8: To add texture to the banana,use a needle tool to press a few horizontallines running the length of the banana.Then, add tiny vertical hatch marks all overthe surface with a razor or sharp blade.Place each banana half on either side ofyour ice cream scoops. Step 10: Separate out smaller dollops of this master batch of white polymer clay frosting, which you can then tint any color you choose. Simply grate artist chalk pastel, in the color of your choice, into the frosting, stirring with a toothpick to combine. Step 11: Use a toothpick to deposit a Step 13: For the candy corn, roll out thin small amount of sauce on top of each ice snakes of white, orange, and yellow clay, and cut off small pieces from each colored snake. cream scoop, dragging down portions of I use a needle tool to pick up the small bits, as it can be tricky to do so with your fingers. the sauce to create realistic drips. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 47

PROJECTLine up three bits on your work surface in this Step 16: Smooth each tiny pumpkin Step 20: Bake the banana split in aorder: white, orange, and then yellow. gently with your fingers to form the preheated oven at the temperature specified pumpkin candy shape and use a needle by the clay manufacture for fifteen minutes tool to press vertical lines that you would and let it cool. Brush the surface lightly see on a pumpkin. Go all around the sides with polymer clay varnish. I like to use satin of the mini “candies”. varnish on the banana pieces and the cookie hat to avoid an overly glossy appearance, Step 17: Roll out a thin snake of green but this isn’t crucial; you can also use one type of varnish on the entire piece. Finish clay, cut off small bits and use a needle by using E6000 glue or a two-part epoxy to tool to place one piece of green on top of attach the banana split to your serving dish. each pumpkin. Then, place your pumpkins on top of an ice cream scoop. Step 18: If you want to make chocolate sprinkles, roll out a very thin snake of brown clay and cut off shorter lengths using a needle tool to deposit them on top of the ice cream.Step 14: Gently roll them against the This banana split can be altered to your heart’s content: Mix up the ice cream colors,work surface with your finger to join them the sauces, and the toppings however youtogether, then pick up this tri-colored roll choose. Make a pastel version with candyand gently shape it into a cone with the eggs for Easter, or a red and green bananawhite at the tip; This can be done by split with candy canes and gingerbread forholding the white end between two fingers Christmas. The possibilities are endless! DHMand gently pressing down on the yellowend. Finish by lightly rolling the white endagainst the work surface to form a point.Repeat as needed to make additionalcandies. Sprinkleyour candy corn ontop of one of the icecream scoops.Step 15: To make the pumpkins, roll out a Step 19: If youpiece of orange clay and cut off small pieces. happen to have an oven-safe miniature spoon, you can scoop up a bit of the sauce and perhaps a piece of candy or two and bake that along with your banana split.48 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECTa spooktacularmini wreathAre you a lover of all things spooky? If so, tryyour hand at making your very own Halloweeninspired wreath with a mini scene inside. By Marianne ColijnT his spooky wreath combines black and the whole thing was dry brushed You’llneed two of my favorite things. I love with white to make the details stand out. I making decorations for my house also dry brushed some parts in black so the u Polymer clay and I love playing with minis. house would look a bit dirty. u A small willow wreathCombining both has the extra advantage u A round box, approximately ½”of the whole scene taking up very little Step 1: I painted the small windows deep, that the wreath will fit onroom. Even if you do not like Halloween you u Black and orange coloredcan have fun with the basic idea and just orange so it looks as if there is a light on mulberry paperchange it into a winter or Christmas scene. inside and then I put a coat of Mod Podge u Various bits and pieces with a dimensional on them that so they would Halloween theme like bats,Step 1: Paint the outside of your box look like glass windows. pumpkins, little ghosts, etc u Foam boardblack and then cover the inside with the Step 2: Mark the position of your house u Christmas trees - I used a feworange paper using Mod Podge. The paper cheap trees that over the yearswill give a nice orange glow for Halloween. on the back wall of your box using a pencil. had turned from green to black and were perfect for this scene, Step 2: Paint your wreath black. Leave to Step 3: Make the two black trees for your bottle brush trees would work well for this toodry. Dry brush with gray and white to give it background. I used a template I found on u Bits and pieces of moss/lichena spooky look. Leave to dry. the Internet, but you can also draw a simple u Black, gray, orange, and white tree-shape yourself. Cut your tree shapes paintsHouse and paper trees out of black paper and remember you will u Mod Podge Dimensional and need two copies of each shape. normalPaint your little house if needed. I painted u Tacky Gluemine in a dark gray. The door was painted Step 4: Glue one tree shape to the back u Double-sided foam tape u Gold glitter wall on each side of the spot you marked u Thin metal wire for the house. To get a 3D effect, add tiny u Wire cutters u Pliers u Brown flower tape Optional - tea light candle (battery) and yellow crepe paper. D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S 49

PROJECTbits of double sided foam tape to stick the Step 5: Spread out the wires at the The little mummy heads were from a pastsecond tree shape on top of the first one. AM Halloween project. bottom of the trunk to create roots.Step 5: Glue the house in place using a Now take your brown floral tape and cover Step 3: Add a little bit of gold glitter here the entire wire shape in tape. Wrap the tapehot glue gun or Tacky Glue. around the tree as tightly as possible. and there for fun.Step 6: Cut strips of foam board for the Step 4: If you want to add a light to yourstairs. The size will depend on the size of scene this is the time to do it. I drilled a holeyour house. The top step should be just on the top of my box that was big enoughdeep enough to hold the house and the to hold the flame of a battery tea light. Theother two will be slightly deeper so you get tea light will be upside down on top of thethe step effect. Glue in place, paint black box and hidden behind the wreath. I madeand then dry brush the steps with gray and a little crepe paper moon that I glued towhite paint. the box to hide the tea light, but you may choose to have visible. Step 6: Glue the tree in place next to the house. Arrange the branches so the tree looks its best.Step 7: Add some Christmas trees to the Step 5: Heat up your glue gun and glueleft of the stairs. I hot glued them to the the wreath to the rim of the box.walls of the box.The wire tree Decorating Step 6: Using Tacky Glue, adhere someStep 1: Cut 9 or more strands of thin Step 1: Arrange some moss and lichen moss or lichen to fill in any gaps betweenwire. The more strands you use the bigger around the trunks of your Christmas trees the rim of the box and your wreath.your tree trunk will be. They should be so they look as if they are growing up fromabout twice the length that you want your the ground and not just hanging from the And now you are done! DHMfinished tree to be. wall. Arrange some around the wire tree and the stairs also. See the photos forStep 2: Hold the wires together and start reference.twisting them for the tree trunk. I used pliers Step 2: Add pumpkins, ghosts, skeletonsto hold the wires so the twisting was easier.Keep twisting untill you are happy with the and whatever you like on your steps. Youshape of the trunk. could even put some in the trees and moss.Step 3: Split the wires into groups andtwist the wires in each group together tocreate the main branches.Step 4:Continue tosplit and twistthe wires untilyou have atrunk, mainbranches,and smallbranches.50 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S