AMN158

Sherri Colvin brings recognizable characters to life in her sculpts.June 16 Issue #158 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25PROJECTS• Pansy pillow• Washstand• A hat cake• Cherry pie• Mini pink bikini• Fire grate• Vintage milk canAcountry wedding barn

The To-Do List Real Good Toys Of A Very Wise Miniaturist: Heirloom Quality Dollhouses Attend the 16th Annual Engineering the world’s best miniature homes Dollhouse Miniatures Show & Sale for over 40 years! September 16-17, 2016 ... Visit The Museum of Miniature Houses7 Rooms of beautiful miniatures (I can’t wait!) ... Save Time to Shop in the Museum Shop Miniature “finds” at all price points 111 East Main St - Carmel, IN 46032 Many Choices! Sizes! Price levels! Years of Joy! 317-575-9466 10 Quarry St. - Barre, Vermont 05641Hours: Wed-Sat: 11am to 4pm - Sun 1pm-4pm 802-479-2217 on the web: www.RealGoodToys.com Learn more at the Museum’s Website: www.museumofminiatures.org Meow, meow, meow...Our 3 little kittens have found their mittens! Kit #3485 Three Little Kittens the latest in our in our Fairy Tales Series priced right at only $45.00 plus shipping Our 1/4\" scale project kit includes all you'll need to create this sweet little cottage, with 3 kittens from Falcon Miniatures The project fits into your own 5\" x 7\" frame Grandt Line Products 1040 B Shary Court Concord, CA 94518 www.grandtline.com e-mail: [email protected] tel: (925) 671-0143 fax: 671-08062 American Miniaturist

Do a Little Gardening with quality miniatures from Reutter Porcelain www.reutterporcelain.com MOLLY CROMWELL PRESENTS SHOWS & TOURS STURBRIDGE DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES FESTIVAL • JUNE 4 & 5, 2016 A show & sale featuring legends and newcomers from around the world. Sturbridge Host Hotel, 366 Main St/Rte 20 Sturbridge, Mass. Reserve your room today to secure the special show rate. Call: 508-347-7393 CALIFORNIA TOUR • OCTOBER ~ 2016 Private Collections ~ Miniature Shops ~ 2 Days at The Good Sam Show The 2015 trip SOLD OUT so reserve your spot early! All questions and deposits for this trip come directly to Molly. TRAVEL EUROPE WITH KINDRED SPIRITS ** SOLD OUT ** ENGLAND • MAY 8 ~ 16, 2016 ** SOLD OUT ** THE RIVIERAS: FRANCE * ITALY & THE ISLES • JULY 30 ~ AUGUST 14, 2016 Optional Pre-Cruise Trip to Aix en Provence Cannes * Nice * Portofino * Cinque Terre * Santa Margherita * Florence & more Make your deposit today with Grand Circle Lines: 1-800-597-2452 Press Extension 2, and mention this code when booking: G6-20068 CHRISTMAS MARKETS ALONG THE RHINE • DECEMBER 3, 2016 Cruising Amsterdam to Basel ~ Lots of Miniatures Switzerland • France • Germany • The Netherlands Make your deposit today with Grand Circle Lines: 1-800-597-2452Info: Ruth at grouPchreysbs eEaxrtetnosoi@ona2o,la.cnodmmeonrtio4n08th-i9s9c7o-d1e0w04hen bhototkpin:/g/:goGo6d-2s0a0m68showcase.miniature.net httpF://ogroomdosaremisnhfoowr.mblaotgisopno:[email protected]/•GPohoodnSea:m(S7h0o3w) 9ca7s8e-O53fM53iniatures www.mollycromwell.com American Miniaturist 3

Sherri Colvin brings recognizable characters to life in her sculpts. ContentsJune 16 Issue #158 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25PROJECTS Regulars Features• Pansy pillow 10 Miniature dolls • Washstand• A hat cake Sherri Colvin captures the• Cherry pie mannerisms of well-known • Mini pink bikini personalities in her dolls.• Fire grate• Backgammon 24 Gentleman roomsAcountry wedding barn 6 Mini mail Gabriele Layne has made two small rooms for the04JN16_p001.indd 1 4/12/16 10:13 AM We love to hear from our men of the house.American Miniaturist readers and share their words on these pages. 28 Artist showcase68132 250th Avenue 64 Itty bits Three artists share a few ofKasson, MN 55944 their creations to celebrate The latest news and notes all the fathers out there.Phone: (507) 634-3143 in the mini world, and ourToll Free: 1-866-606-6587 newest contest winners. 34 Story book roomEmail: [email protected]: AM, PO Box 2258 85 Snippets Mo Tipton created a Pulbrough room that captures theRH20 9BA Cut out your very own imagination of a child.Great Britain man themed signs, labels,Tel: 01903 884988 and art for Dad. 42 Wedding receptionPublisher: 88 Show dates You are cordially invited Kelly Johnson to the home of Mr. B. Tidy, asEmail: [email protected] Mark your calendars his daughter gets married. and plan to attend theseEditor: shows around the country. 52 The wedding barnAuralea KriegerEmail: [email protected] 97 Last Word Denise Morales turned a barn room box into a Advertising & Marketing: Kevin Wiebe custom romantic country vignette.Sara Vix built a family heirloom.Email: [email protected] 58 Beachy living roomCustomer Service: On the cover: Scene by Julie Warren made a sereneEmail: [email protected] summer living room in Denise Morales 1:12-scale.Distribution:Alex Schwemmer 66 Book room boxes Email: [email protected] Barbie Cohn Andreason Designer: had to think outside of the Auralea Krieger box with discarded books.Ad designer: 70 Tools in miniatureBrita Moore When it comes to using theContributors: correct tool, David Brookshaw Barbie Cohn Andreason Sarah Boone, David is the man to ask.Brookshaw, Sherri Colvin, Corinne Dean,Judy Ferguson, Brittany Fuller, Sue Kirkham, 76 Restored dollhouseGabriele Layne, Maria Malmström, PeggyMeyers, Manuela Michieli, Denise Morales, Eva Deana Tritch transformed aPerendreu, Rik Pierce, June Smith, Mo Tipton, discarded Christmas house.Deana Tritch, Julie Warren, Deb Weissler, KevinWiebe 92 Seaside shadow boxIssue 158 Eva Perendreu brings us aJune 2016 touch of summer with a special shadow box.Published by Ashdown BroadcastingSubscription rates:1 Year (12 issues) $76.99 USACanada $121.99 CAD, UK £79.99Europe €110.99, ROW $135.99 (US Funds)2 Year (24 issues) $143.99 USACanada $231.99 CAD, UK £146.99Europe €211.99, ROW $260.99 (US Funds)American Miniaturist (USPS# 021-053 ISSN #14778203) is published monthly at 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price is$76.99. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson, MN, andadditional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send addresscorrections to American Miniaturist, 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis thatcopyright will be vested in the Publisher who assumes all rights worldwide,in all forms and media. This means American Miniaturist owns the rightsto the instructions and photographs that we publish. The work may bepublished in the magazine, our i-Mag, ebooks, CDs and bookzines as well ason Dollshouse.TV. You continue to own the copyright for the design and arefree to teach and sell your work. All that we ask is that you wait a minimumof 6 months after the publication of the issue before teaching the design orselling your own instructions. We don’t allow you to re-publish the designfeatured in other books or magazines without prior consent.

Projects Welcome 8 Pansy pillow June is an eventful month! Weddings, Father’s Day, and the start of summer fun. I have tried Add some color by stitching a my best to capture all of these wonderful lovely flower onto a pillow moments in this issue of American Miniaturist. along with Peggy Meyers. I continue to be amazed with the level of16 Washstand talent our contributors have, not to mention their generosity in sharing their creations with Judy Ferguson offers a all of us. As editor I have to search far and wide little washstand that will for content and nothing makes me happier add a simplistic touch. than when I get a random email from an artist asking if they can share their work with us.31 Hat cake I am also never more surprised than when I Manuela Michieli shares one find a beautiful work of miniature art and the of her creative cake designs. artist is so modest that they don’t even realize how amazing they are. It is a great reward for49 Cherry pie me to get them published so they can be a part of this supportive miniaturist community. These pies would look good on any table indoors or out. I urge those that have not yet become a By Sue Kirkham. part of a Facebook mini group to do so. Not only do you get to see so many wonderful74 Mini bikini projects come together you will make great friends as well. Maria Malmström gets us ready for summer fun with My father passed away years ago, but I still this bikini tutorial. talk with him all the time. He was my best friend and always supported my creative82 Fire grate side. While clearing out some minis this year I rediscovered one of the very first things If you’re making a winter he bought me while we were on summer project to keep cool this vacation in Maine: A set of 1:12 scale silver summer Rik Pierce can help. goblets. When I see them I remember the boat ride on the misty sea looking for seals, and90 Vintage milk can watching him paint in watercolor on the deck of our Bed and Breakfast. Inma shares a step-by-step for a milk can in 1:12 scale. Give your dad a great big hug or share a good laugh on the phone this month and keep making those miniature works of art!

minimail AM is your magazine, and we want to hear from you. Write to: MiniMail, American Miniaturist, 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN 55944. Or email: auralea@ ashdown.co.uk. Letters may be edited if necessary. Star letter I took the magazine to a mini gowns, oh fMorinthi tehginagrdsen Compost and vegetables This month’s star letter was club we are starting. They were my! from Carol Ivey who shared very impressed. gvHeailrradyreyunsWe–faueltlsoiptneemhciaasslflcyoorthmyoeeucuropmmwipnioitahsttusbroeimn!e an old photo of what could Every be Arthur. We truly love to No one there gets American page had W hether you’re share your projects and Miniaturist, so maybe they will something gardening for real, or Compost bin Tools & materials: letters with our readers, after seeing it. I took some I aspire to aeanscsdoefnmutnpiaoltsos,taomhnneadlyakipetin.’sisoreonanelel-yinoscfimhlifpsecl’seale, inawsSnotgoyeonoploedaed1rgpd!:eiSefotcsaprerslftii.nnbYteyoeurscsau,sntbhtduoinintuggltdh.aeRlrleroetmhuiegsohve and it means so much to us unused cut outs to share and create in yysIypbosoqhopieuuueauaiIrrcanvtrcsergegcemersaae,m,marenbcidvtaatuaeabasdddtniuneloeeayrgdeabiomnfusenrlungeolsiyan’imctigrisen,sorintzeuno2yo.eal”ododlf(tltudi5yotmrt0biomsnpmaiuotlkaowsimettettaixt,)etnhahardecnitfd. esstgdtoSvtholaretueyyierani.oynsplIluuwtfgrt2roihhefsa:amenesbAcrdtpeeepphsiupaeetethplncnytweedoewasotgdpridaotaloruhnadeteirdtvnlkghieghglilwnesuhapatsetobsvrbopoesetdefheapottaeeeoscrlnersthla.yei,ns l (bbO4aa5nslesexa.p4,Si5oeizmrceesmt1oif)3ff/tc4ha”irxnd1pfol3yr/,4t”he that you take the time to they were a great hit! It’s amazing the future, l 16” – 2” lengths write! To thank Carol for her that just six of you can put all this a party strip size 3/16” x of wood wonderful letter, we will be together. If you ever need an idea room, (50 x 3 x 5mm) 1/8” sending her a very special project DVD. Please keep l Wood stain your letters coming. l A chunk of florists We love learning about or polystyrene “Oasis”, you and your projects and hearing your comments l Reindeer moss and ideas. We always look ltaaltdhtiAnwnkorendediiebgpasfwdesoltso,aistfcrswlt-ooeompicremwottearomu,spell,crrmoedrbossniralittotitakeesroleddekff,rdslfoeie,ltotam.segiwvmsm.seeaussrlesl forward to reading your Step 3: Place the thoughtful letters! base on a flat then glue the surface,Star letter first Carol Ivey from two wood strips, tall Vancouver, WA has sides up, along two opposite sides of the l Acrylic paintsfound Arthur in an old issue l White glueof The Home Miniaturist #64. sbtarispe.wTihlleoevnedrhsaonfgeach l Minimal modeling kitThere was an article in the UKmagazine from 1993 featuring a slightly – try and keepdog show by Anne Davis. Carol this even both sides.is positive that Arthur must be Step 4: Place two with the edge of the base, anda time traveler. She mailed us a glue in place.color copy of the page. Take alook for yourself! more pieces across Step 5u:nKtiel ethpeacdodminpgopsat ibrsinofis the the first two, level strips Carol Ivey Vancouver, WA American Miniaturist 29Back yard miniatures 04MY16_p29-035.indd 29Dear AM team, Thanks so muchfor the Star letter award. It was 3/23/16 11:40 AMa great surprise when I got theBack Yard CD in the mail. I will for an article, I am sure all the elegant shoes, sun kissed tinybe doing a yard in my next readers would be interested in house or a pastel, shabby chicproject, so that is just perfect. how you do it. inspired vignette, just to name a few. And it took me five tries to Rhea Avery locate that little scamp, Arthur. I Albany, OR will be going back to this issue often for ideas and inspiration. May Highlights The cover of the Enjoy divine mini accessories handcrafted by Sylvia Rountree Liz Maglievaz AM May issue #157 May 16 Issue #157 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADA $1P0.r9i5cCeAD.$U7K .£95.525 DeLand, FL particularly caught my Project eye, especially those little PROJECTS enthusiast pennants around the •••GAViacdrtrdoeersnisanfvoedrgrdeeatsuasbglhetser Just a note to table. As I leafed through ••••VPFRiaonenlftyicanmygiseefhorsiocnutlgiatsyctsaohfsoooeoleds the issue there were so say thanks for many things I had always A printing my idea wanted to try to make, tea party for Mother’s Day about using suitcases, vegetables, broom straws for 3/21/16 12:38 PM 04MY16_p001.indd 16 American Miniaturist

minimailmaking minis in AM. what my next room box will be, Highlights winnerI hope others will find them but it will have lots of cookies in it. I want to thank you so veryuseful. My grandson and his More of Mariannes’s recipes. Keep much for the end table I wonwife were thrilled when they up the good work. in your Highlights contest.unwrapped the room box. As Honestly, your staff at Americanwere my three granddaughters Ethel Flannery Miniaturist, doesn’t make it easyand their husbands with their Ruston, WA to write a Highlights paragraph.boxes. The boxes may not of This magazine is full of sobeen perfect, but they were Contest winner many interesting articles andmade with love. Thank you so engaging projects I find it hard much for the wall to talk about “just a few”. What I love, love, love your mirror that I won a wonderful afternoon I havemagazine and can barely wait from the February when each issue arrives!until the next issue arrives. giveaway. It was aAlthough I’m amazed by all great surprise for Gina Bregethe work others do, I really like me coming home Elba, NYthe articles by Marianne Colijn. from vacation andI too am inept when it comes finding it in myto using polymer clay. Has she mail. Thank you!ever written a book about allher wonderful minis? If so,I’d like to add a copy to mycollection of how-to books. I haven’t quite figured out Janice Sites Facebook Twitter Blog: A Small Oxford, PA World’s Big Buzz American Miniaturist 7

Pansy pillowA preciouspansy pillowAdd some color to your mini home bystitching a lovely flower onto a 1:12-scalepillow along with Peggy Meyers.Y ou can easily coordinate it scene or a gazebo a pansy pillow Tools & materials: with colors that will match can be put on a chair or bench. your setting. It can be Have fun changing this pattern l 40-count gauze or linenmade into a pillow or a picture and making it your own. 1 1/4” by 1 1/4”for the wall in your dollhouse or l DMC flossroom box. You can stitch the pattern l Iron onto a 40-count gauze or linen l Iron-on interfacing If you are doing a garden piece. When using this material, (if done on linen) the pillow will end up being 1 l Scissors Floss and stitches used 1⁄4” by 1 1⁄4”. With this particular l Ultrasuede (for back The main stitch is a half cross miniature pattern, stitching is of pillow) stitch (continental) going left done with 1 strand of DMC floss. l Fiberfill or other stuffing to right (/). l Cording (optional) The white stitching done in Finishing the pillow l Fabric glue (optional) the center area is full cross- Step 1: After stitching the pillow, stitches (X). When I created use the iron to press it on the the pillow. my pillow, I did the outlining wrong side. If you’re doing this Make the corners a little (backstitching) for the leaves on linen, also add a piece of thin with Sulky Dark Green iron-on interfacing that is larger smaller with a diagonal cut or sewing thread #1550; for the than the pillow to the back of the fold. When you do this, make rest of the pansy, I used Sulky pillow. sure you do not cut into the Dark Violet #1298. stitching and still have enough This pansy pattern is an early Step 2: to fold under on the corners. You one I did and I have used Trim the may need to press again on the it a lot. I like it because it is excess wrong side. so versatile. You can use all gauze or different color combinations linen away Step 3: Use a piece of Ultrasuede because in nature you can so that for the back of the pillow. The find the pansy in a lot of there is great thing about the Ultrasuede different colors. 1⁄4” to 3⁄8” left around the edges; material is that you do not need then, fold that to the backside of8 American Miniaturist

Pansy pillowFront of stitched pillow Ultrasuede together so that the Step 7: Close the bottom of the pillow as a whole looks like it is pillow, leaving a small area open right-side out. in the middle to add cordingto turn the edges under because Step 5: Stitch the if desired.it does not fray. pillow together Cording can on three sides, be made fromStep 4: Place the wrong sides leaving the DMC threadof the stitched piece and the bottom open. and it may be glued on with Step 6: Fill the fabric glue. pillow with a And with that, small amount of your miniature stuffing (fiberfill). pillow is now complete! AM American Miniaturist 9

Miniature dollsBONrEiSnTgOinLgIFlEittle Sherri Colvin is a master at capturing the looks and mannerisms of well-known personalities in her sculpts. By Deb Weissler.Meet 1:12 scale sculptor As a former architect and doll maker Sherri who used to design Colvin, whose ability churches, Sherri enteredto transform lumps of clay the world of doll makinginto well-known personalities through a mini door. Inis pure magic. 2005, when her sister-in- law asked her to make a dollhouse for her two Top: Talented miniature doll artist young nieces, Sherri ac- Sherri Colvin working in her studio. cepted the challenge. Not Above: Three Victorian era children content to bother with dressed to perfection. a house kit, she custom designed it from cellar to roof, made all the cabinetry, and several Georgian-style fireplaces with over mantles. “The house became very elaborate; in fact too elaborate for little girls just two and five years old,” Sherri recalls. “I built it in my father’s workshop frequented by his friends, who were intrigued. One day, one of them asked, ‘Where are the Left: Downton Abbey cook with tiny people?’ So I started mak- blue and white check cotton dress ing 1:12-scale figures for the and a crisp white apron. house. Once I started sculpting10 American Miniaturist

Miniature dollsin miniature, I was hooked!” in studio arts, with a Above: Dowager Countess inspired An artist all her life, Sherri concentration in figurative by Downton Abbey. Pale lavender sculpture, working in a silk taffeta dress with lace accents.went to university with the variety of mediums. Later,intent of becoming a painter. she studied architecture at shared her results with the on-As part of her curriculum, she NC State University School line miniature community. Notwas required to take a clay of Design. long after, she was invited bymodeling class. a show promoter to exhibit at Looking back at her first one of her shows and Colvin Transforming that first lump dolls, made from Creative Dolls was born.of clay into a sculptural form Paperclay, she realizeswas a visceral experience and just how far she’s come. It takes considerable talentSherri knew at that moment to bring recognizable char-that she wanted to sculpt. “Transforming that acters to life. Purists alreadyInspired by the old sculpting first lump of clay into have preconceived notions ofmasters—Bernini, Carpeaux, a sculptural form was what dolls like Harry Potter,and Rodin—she took a degree a visceral experience Minerva McGonagall, Hercule and Sherri knew at that Poirot, and the beloved cast ofAbove: The Downton Abbey inspired moment that she wanted Downton Abbey should lookbutler is ready to serve. to sculpt.” like, and nothing short of a portrait doll will do. In this The first doll she sold com- mercially was an Edwardian lady dressed all in brown and made of polymer clay—a far better medium than Paperclay for doll sculpting. As her work became more refined, she American Miniaturist 11

Miniature dollsrespect, Sherri excels like no Sherri’s dolls begin as her to create exacting facialother. Using photos, film stills, hand-sculpts from polymer details many doll makers over-television programs, and book clay, which are then cast in an look. And lots of toothpicks!illustrations, she captures artist grade resin for durabil-the looks and mannerisms of ity. Metal sculpting tools, a Faces and hands are paintedwell-known personalities in few boxwood tools, an Xacto an overall flesh color, afteruncanny likeness. which she pounces on several “Sherri’s dolls begin thin layers of chalks in various In addition to her recog- as hand-sculpts from colors to achieve complex-nizable feature dolls, Sherri polymer clay, which ions that are luminescent andstocks her show tables with are then cast in an extraordinarily realistic, whichvariations on themes that are artist grade resin for are then sealed with a dullalways popular — chefs, milk- durability.” lacquer spray.men, domestics, bakers, Tudorstall holders, and peddlers stencil blade, and a flip top Only when the face ishawking their wares. magna-visor are her tools of choice, the magnifier allowing Below: From left to right: A cowboy “You can create a world on dressed in a denim cotton lawna tabletop. How fascinating is shirt inspired by the movie, Truethat?” Sherri grins. “The scale Grit. Miss Jane Marple with herhas a true sense of charm.” white gloves and iconic hat. Willy Wonka in 1:12 scale.12 American Miniaturist

Miniature dollsAbove: From left to right: Victorian and make my own fabrics if other miniature artists. Wigsmilitary escort with hand-painted necessary.” are made from either viscosegold lace accents on his silk taffeta or silk.costume. King Henry VIII in 1:12 Sherri uses a paper towelscale. Colonial soldier dressed in a toile so she can make final In addition to the dollssilk costume. This doll was inspired adjustments to the pattern she makes to stock her showby portraits of George Washington. right on the dolls. Toiles are tables, Sherri loves the chal- basically test versions of the lenge of translating a client’ssatisfactory will Sherri begin fabric, and prevent much commission into their desiredthe time-consuming process vision. One of her most chal-of assembling the pose-able “Getting the proportions lenging assignments was cre-armatures with padding and correct and achieving ating Nick and Nora Charlescostuming. “Getting the pro- proper symmetry is the from the “Thin Man” series asportions correct and achiev- greatest challenge.” Sherri was determined to cap-ing proper symmetry is the ture the looks of actress Myrnagreatest challenge. I costume wasted material. Accessories Loy who played Nora.primarily with lightweight cot- are often her own designs,tons and silks taffetas. I prefer drawn on her computer using “Often I’ll ask for photos ofthe cottons as they aren’t pattern-making software and the intended room box or dollsas delicate as silks. It’s very sending it to her cutter. Other house room. A lot of timeschallenging finding proper accessories are bought from clients desire familiar charac-scale prints, and will design ters from shows or books and then it’s a matter of collecting American Miniaturist 13

Miniature dolls Above: Sherri with one neat freak, everything of her creations in her well-organized studio. is labeled and hanging in groups by type and Left: Eliza Doolittle, color. Her casting and the flower seller, in a molding are done out distressed costume with in a converted garage, a green woven cotton coat and a knit scarf. often a smelly ordeal. Sherri’s dream is Below: Fred and Ethel to make a 1:12-scale Mertz from I Love Lucy. Queen Elizabeth I and her Tudor court. She visual refer- would love to collaborate with ences before another artist to create the and during proper environments in which sculpting.” to display them. “And to have Sherri’s studio actu- all the time I need to create ally comprises two work every last detail!” spaces. Located in a small, So what became of that bright, airy space, her doll custom dollhouse? “I still room is where she sculpts, have it,” Sherri confesses. dresses, wigs, and acces- “I would have a hard time sories her dolls. Custom parting with it, primarily white built-in cabinets because of the memories crafted by her father line making it with my father.” AM all four walls, and store mountains of fabric and GET IN TOUCH paints. She works at a long L-shaped work Sherri Colvin table and a tall cutting The Colvin Studio / Colvin Dolls island with additional 910-241-0860 storage. White peg- [email protected] board stores her ac- www.colvindolls.com cessories. A confessed14 American Miniaturist

9 May - 8 Nov 2015WORLDSSMALLMiniatures on the Waterfront presents the 5 AnnualAn exhibition tohf historic dolls’ houses Free with normal admission to the museumStforocmkthteo1n8thManidn19itah tceunrtuerieSs how no1royalcrescent.org.ukDealers and Dollhouse Enthusiast Selling:  Dollhouses - Furniture  Miniature Accessories  Electrical, Lighting and More Saturday, June 25, 2016 10:00am to 4:00pm STOCKTON SCOTTISH RITE HALL 33 W. Alpine Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 Bring your “Real Estate” and sell it on Real Estate Row for only $10.00 (Free to vendors) **Food and beverages will be available for purchase** $6.00 at the door - $3.00 children 12 and under For more information and to pre-register as a vendor call Leslie Flint 209-462-4200 [email protected] www.miniaturesonthewaterBfarotnht,.cEomnglands Real Good ToyResal Good Toys Real Good Heirloom Quality Dollhousesomes Heirloom Quality DollhoMuasnyeCshoices! Sizes! Price levels! Years of Joy! Heirloom Quality D Engineering thfoerwoovreldr’s40beysetamrsin! iatu8r0e2-4h7oc9S-o2m1e20le1Qle7euosacrwurtyiwSrot.w-cnBo.aRramreet,aVpeylGrmloeoountoterd05TR6f4oa1eyvuso.ctrotiemtre Many Choices! Sizes! Price lev miniature retailer! 10 Quarry St. - Barre, Vermo 802-479-2217 www.RealGof Joy! mycraftacademyDoreen Sinnett Tiny Doll Molds Doreen Sinnett Tiny Doll Molds We make it simple..ySouemeaaonkuderiot5us½prec2“ia½Al rial”.com See our 5½ “Arial” www.MyCraftAcad“FeaWirmyeFhayay.vece” o9m0om+lds! and our 2½ miniature dollhouse “Fairy Faye” molds! molds ranging in size We have 90+ from 1½” to 6” tall. miniature dollhouse molds ranging in size Also 4” & 6” tall Antique Repro molds from 1½” to 6” tall. Also 4” & 6” tall Many Choices! Sizes! Price leve&lsm! oYreeaFrasiroiefs!Joy! Antique Repro molds 10 Quarry St. - Barre, Vermwowntw0.5ti6n4y1dolls.com & more Fairies! 802-479-2217 on the web: www.R(e5a4lG1)o6o5d9T-o9y9s1.9com www.tinydolls.com 2 American Miniaturist (541) 659-9919 American Miniaturist 15

WashstandBuild a smallwashstandJudy Ferguson offers an elegant littlewashstand that will add a simplistictouch in a room box or dollhouse.I f you sand the wood while sanding. I glue different grits on Tools & materials: still in sheets, it will save each side, and use a small piece some sanding after cutting. of shelf liner under it to keep l Thick basswood 1/32”, I like to use a sanding board it from moving around while 1/16”, and 1/8” which consists of a scrap of sanding. l 3 wooden knobs plywood about 6” x 5” with a l 2 very small 3/16” quarter sheet of sandpaper When cutting pieces, I like hinges, sequin pins, tape glued on. I also have a large one to mark each piece with a or paper for full sheets. small label with a letter to help l Wood glue identify each piece later or mark l Toothpicks or syringe This helps maintain the lightly with a pencil. The longest to apply glue squareness of the wood when dimension on each piece should l Small table saw, or mitre box with saw16 American Miniaturist always be the direction l Jigsaw or scroll saw of the grain, as marked (optional) by an arrow on each l Gluing jig, or square piece. It helps to use l Craft knife a stop on your saw l Carpet tape or rubber or miter box to cut cement pieces with the same l Needle tool measurement. For l Drill with small bits some of the smaller l Steel ruler pieces, I wait to cut l Fine sandpaper during assembly, or l Wood conditioner make them slightly (optional) oversize and cut or l Oil-based stain or paint sand to fit later. Note l Deft spray lacquer (or that the doors are cut other varnish or sealer) from 1/32” thick stock, l Paintbrush B and C are from 1/8”, l Tack cloth and all the rest are 1/16”. It is helpful to cut

WashstandAmerican Miniaturist 17

WashstandWood cutting instructions (K) 1 top front 2-1/4” x 1/4” x 1/16”(A) 1 back 2” x 1-3/4” x 1/16” (L) 1 door panel 1-1/4” x 7/8” x 1/32”(B 2 sides 2” x 1-1/2” x 1/8” (M) 2 door stiles 1-1/4” x 3/16” x 1/32”(C) 1 lower shelf 1-3/4” x 1-7/16” x 1/8” (N) 2 door rails 7/16” x 3/16” x 1/32”(D) 2 facings 2” x 9/16” x 1/16” (O) 1 door lock 5/16” x 3/16” (optional)(E) 1 upper shelf 1-3/4” x 1-1/2” x 1/16” (P) 1 drawer bottom 1-9/16” x 1- 3/8” x 1/16”(F) 1 bottom facing 7/8” x 1/4” x 1/16” (Q) 1 drawer back 1-11/16” x 5/16” x 1/16”(G 1 scrap approximately 1-1/8” x 1/4” x 1/16” (R) 2 drawer sides 1-7/16” x 5/16” x 1/16”(H) 1 top 2-1/8” x 1-9/16” x 1/16” (S) 1 drawer front 1-9/16” x 5/16” x 1/16”(I) 1 upper back 2-1/4” x 1-1/8” x 1/16” (T) 1 drawer facing 2” x 7/16” x 1/16”(J) 2 upper sides 1-9/16” x 3/4” x 1/16”18 American Miniaturist

Washstandlong strips 3/16” and 5/16” wide Step 2: Glue back (A) between of the corners. If taped, it helpsfor the door and drawers before sides (B) matching 2” edges. to carefully twist the pieces tocutting the pieces to the length Step 3: Glue the lower shelf (C) remove the tape. Remove anyneeded. into place above the 1/4” line, or rubber cement residue if it is used. use a spacer. To use the spacer, I highly recommend the use stand the unit upright and place Step 5: Glue the facings (D) toof a gluing jig for assembly. One a 1/4” spacer between the sides the edges of the sides (B) withcan be made easily if you don’t (B) and slide the shelf into place the 1/8” protrusion at the top, andhave one. Glue a piece of metal on top of the spacer. to the outside to cover the edgethat magnets will stick to onto a of the sides. You may need toscrap of plywood, then glue two Step 4: Tape the two front sand the edges that you cut onsquare pieces of wood across facings (D) together with a small the facings so they only cover thetwo adjoining sides at a right strip of carpet tape, or glue 1/8” sides and reach the bottomangle. Do not add another side together with rubber cement. of the upper shelf (E) after it isor you will limit the size of your Cut a 7/16” square out of any one glued in place.project. Use a square to makesure they form a 90-degree Step 6: Glue the upper shelf (E)angle. Add some magnets and into place below the 3/8” line, oryou have a gluing jig. use a spacer. To use the spacer, turn the unit upside down and Some early Shaker pieces place a 3/8” spacer between thewere painted with milk paint sides, then slide the shelf intoin different colors, so you may place on top of the spacer.paint rather than stain. I likeusing cherry wood with a clear Step 7: Glue a piece of scrapfinish, but basswood would be wood (G) on the bottom offine with a cherry or maple stain. the upper shelf (H) and butted against the back of the facings. It I prefer to glue carefully, and should be a little wider than thestain after completion. Using opening, although a small blockthe sanding board as different would be okay. This will act assections are completed helps a stop for the upper part of theremove excess glue as well as door.evening up the different woodparts. If you must stain first, usea water-based stain. I don’t liketo use water-based stains asthey raise the grain of the wood,requiring more sanding.Lower assembly Step 8: Wait until the doorStep 1: Mark a line 1/4” up from assembly is completed to addbottom and 3/8” down from top American Miniaturist 19of back (A) and sides (B). You mayuse 1/4” and 3/8” spacers instead,which is my preferred method. Aspacer is just a scrap of wood thethickness you need.

Washstandthe bottom facing, especially if Step 4: Glue the front (K) to the board. You may need to sand theyou are going to use pin hinges short edges of the sides and front sides, top, or bottom to make itfor the door. edge of the top (H). fit the door opening.Step 9: I like to use a sanding Step 4: Make a starter hole forboard to sand all side after the doorknob about 1/3 of theassembly. This helps smooth theunit and also helps get rid of any way from the top, or in the centerexcess glue. on the right rail, then drill a holeTop assemblyStep 1: Transfer the pattern, to to accommodate the knob, andone of the sides (J) (or you maydraw freehand), and tape or glue the knob in place.rubber cement them together.Cut close to the line, and finish Step 5: Again, use a sandingby sanding to the line. The curve board to smooth all sides andof the line is not as important remove excess glue.as having the short edge 1/4” tomatch the front (K). The height of Step 6: Glue the top assembly tothe tall edge does not have to be the bottom assembly, with thespecific. backs flush and centering the bottom assembly.Step 2: Glue the back edge of Step 5: The door may bethe top (H) to the bottom face of attached with very small hingesthe upper back (I), centering it, if you can find them, or useleaving 1/16” on each side for the paper or tape hinges, or glue insides (J). place if you don’t need to open it. I prefer to use pin hinges,Step 3: The back edges of the but be sure to wait to add thesides are glued to the face of the bottom facing (F). If you useback (I) and the side edges of the metal hinges, don’t get thetop (H). kind that only open or close to a 90-degree angle, and they Door assembly should be recessed rather than Step 1: Glue door stiles (M) to surface mounted, as done on door panel (L) at the left and the Shaker pieces I have seen. right sides with edges flush. (see photo for door assembly). Step 6: If you use the optional door lock (O), it will give your Step 2: Glue door rails (N) washstand a more colonial look, between stiles at top and bottom rather than Shaker. of door panel with edges flush. Step 3: Sand all sides and top of Drawer assembly the completed door on a sanding Step 1: Glue the drawer front20 American Miniaturist

Washstand(S) to the edge of the drawer front of the drawer. Place a strip or sealer two or three times,bottom (P). of paper between the drawer sanding between coats, using a facing and the top unit so there tack cloth to remove dust.Step 2: Glue the drawer sides is a very small gap. If the drawer(R) to the edges of the drawer is not flush with the facings, This should complete your newbottom and front. you may stick a piece or two of 1:12-scale washstand. Just add a paper (sticky note is good) to washbowl and pitcher and it isStep 3: Glue the drawer back the back of the drawer to raise ready to use.(Q) to the edges of the drawer it up so it is flush, or slightlybottom and sides. higher. If it is recessed more, you The Shakers used a lot of pegs may need to lay a thin strip of to hang things, so you could addStep 4: Sand all sides on a wood in the back of the opening a peg on the sides where yousanding board. to raise the drawer while the might hang a towel or a cup. glue dries.Step 5: Use a needle tool to I hope you enjoyed thismark two holes for drawer knobs Finishing miniature project and you willon the drawer facing (T) about (I prefer to finish find a special place to put it in3/8” from each side and centered after completion.) your tiny house. AMfrom top to bottom. Drill a holefor the knobs and glue them in Step 1: If usingplace. If the knobs protrude on basswood orthe back, sand or cut them flush other soft wood,with the drawer facing. use a wood conditioner first to harden the wood. This allows the stain to penetrate more evenly.Step 6: Place the drawer in the Step 2: Stain oropening, making sure the front paint. If you useis facing you. You may need to oil-based stainsand sides to fit drawer opening before gluing,and make sure it slides easily. wood glue doesThe front should be flush with not hold well. Ifthe facings, or slightly recessed. you must stain first, I suggest aStep 7: With the drawer in place, water based stain.glue the drawer facing (T) to the Step 3: After the stain is completely dry, either spray with lacquer, varnish, American Miniaturist 21

roadtripdirectory STAR BUSINESS OHIO • USA Dolls and Minis Dolls and Minis 8068 Columbia Road Founded in 2007, Dolls and Minis is a full service Olmsted Falls OH 44138 miniature store. With 4000 sq. ft. and over 20,000 Phone: (440) 647-1519 miniatures you are sure to find what you are looking Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-6pm for. We carry all of the major brands as well as many www.dollsandminis.com Artist miniatures. We can help you build the house of your dreams with supplies for electrifying, decorating, CALIFORNIA • USA landscaping, and building. We are the exclusive US dealers for Bromley Craft Products which will give you the most realistic finish for the outside of your miniature home. Expert advice is always available. Stop in and see us. You will be glad you did!CALIFORNIA • USA CALIFORNIA • USAElegant Dollhouse Celebrating Dollhouses, Trains & More Shellie’s Miniature Mania 300 Entrada Dr 732 Laurel Street1120 Fulton Avenue, 36 Years Novato, CA 94949 San Carlos, CA 94070Sacramento, CA 95825 Phone: 415- 883-0388 Phone: 650-593-4921 20 minutes North of San Francisco Email: [email protected]: 916-484-0411 off Hwy 101 in Marin County Hours: Tue-Fri 10:30-5:30 / Sat 10:30-5 Hours: M-F 10-6, S-S 10am-5pm www.shelliesminis.comHours: M-Sat 10-6 / Sun 12-4 www.DollhousesTrainsandMore.com FLORIDA • USAwww.elegantdollhouse.com DELAWARE • USACALIFORNIA • USAMs. Peggie’s Place Fingertip Fantasies JJ’s Miniatures &5063 Cass Street, 401 Main Street, PO Box 544 2nd Chance TreasuresSan Diego, CA 92109 Clayton, DE 19938 8 S Main Ave, Lake Placid FL 33852Phone: 858-483-2621 Phone: 302-653-8800 Phone: 863-699-2401Hours: W-Th 5-8 / F 12-5 / Email: [email protected] [email protected] 10-5 / Sun 11-5 www.dollhouseminiatures.com Hours: Tue-Sat 9am - 3pmwww.mspeggiesplace.com ILLINOIS • USA INDIANA • USA FLORIDA • USA The Toy Box Tom Thumb Hobby & Crafts Jeepers Dollhouse Miniatures 419 Brevard Ave, 6001 Gross Point Rd. 69 W Washington St, Historical Cocoa Village Niles, IL 60714 Morgantown, IN 46160-0335 Phone: 321-632-2411 Phone: 847-869-9575 Phone: 812-597-4346 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Hours: T & Th 10-7, M-W-Sat 10-5 Hours: Tu-Sat 10-5 www.tomthumbcrafts.com www.jeepersminiatures.com www.thetoyboxstore.com22 American Miniaturist

MARYLAND • USA NEW HAMPSHIRE • USA NEW YORK • USAForever Friends Earth & Tree Miniatures D. Thomas Fine MiniaturesDollhouses and Miniatures 276 Route 101 #1 Historic Hudson Valley2105 Bishops Castle Drive Amherst, NH 03031 COLLECTIBLES * WORKSHOP * GALLERYOlney, MD 20832 Phone: 603-673-8707 579 Warburton Avenue Shop #6Phone: 301-774-3037 Hours: M-Sat 10-5 / Sun 12-5 Hastings-On-Hudson NY 10706Hours: Open most days/weekends www.EarthAndTree.com dthomasfineminiatures.comwww.foreverfriendsminis.com/shop OHIO • USA OREGON • USA NEW YORK • USAChautauqua Miniatures & Dollhouses The Miniature Cellar Dot’s Doll House5031 W. Lake RD Rt. 394 12652 West Geauga Plaza In The Rocking Horse MallMayville, NY 14757 Chesterland, OH 44024 1542 North Hi Way 101 Lincoln City -Phone: 716-753-3100 Phone: 440-729-6464 on the Beautiful Oregon CoastOpen seven days a week Email: [email protected] Phone: (541) 994-4647www.chautauquaminiatures.com Hours: Tu-Sat 10-5 Email: [email protected] www.miniaturecellar.com Hours: Closed Wednesdays TEXAS • USA VERMONT • USA VIRGINIA • USAMy Doll House Inc. Real Good Toys Happily Ever AfterAlamo Heights, 6000 Broadway St Dollhouse Factory Outlet 20609 Gordon Park Square, Ste. 110San Antonio, TX 78209 10 Quarry Street (Behind State Ashburn, VA 20147Phone: 210-930-5363 Farm), Barre, VT 05641 Phone: 703-777-1869Email: [email protected] Phone: 802-477-6464 Email: [email protected]: M-Sat 10-6, Sun by appointment Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-4 Fri 9-5 Hours: Tu-Sat 10-4 & by appointment www.realgoodtoys.com www.happily-ever-after.bizLike us on Facebookwww.mydollhouse.us Join in on the roadtrip! For a small investment each issue, your miniature business can be featured in our state-to-state directory!For rates and information visit: www.americanminiaturist.com Call 1-866-606-6587 or email [email protected] to add your business to the map today. American Miniaturist 23

Gentleman roomsLMuAxNuCriAoVusESmini Gabriele Layne has made two small rooms that were designed as a special retreat for the men of the house.Men need their special place to relax and get lost in their own thoughts after a hard day’s work, especially if they are fathers! Gabriele has made two little rooms that are a heaven for the smaller men in her miniature family. Gentlemen’s library When Gabriele first moved to Texas from Germany she took a job working at an antique store. This was perfect place to find tiny things to use in her miniatures. Even after working there it is still her favorite place to find room boxes or other treasures for her collection and projects. This is where she found the box used for her men’s library room box. It was in great condition aside from the farm. Her husband repaired it for her and she went to Right: Gabriele added a few antique maps and lots of old books to her 1:12-scale Gentleman’s library. 24 American Miniaturist

Gentleman roomswork painting and wallpaper- was originally a dinner table Above: The log holder was aing it inside and out. Then place mat, and added a large brass bottle caddy that Gabrieleshe installed the floor, which book shelf unit against the converted. The decorative boxes on the mantel were cut wooden dowels that she glued printouts to. back wall. The chairs, table, and the fireplace had been in her “someday box,” so she added them to bring life to the scene. This 1:12 scale gentleman has a grand room to relax and enjoy all of his interests. He has a shelf lines with model ships and paintings of historic ships at sea. There are many books on the shelves including some literary classics. Gabriele pur- chased some, but also made her own by cutting up various sizes of a note pad. She then covered them with fabric, colored paper, or print-outs. American Miniaturist 25

Gentleman rooms The gentleman is wear- ing a fine wool suit and sits comfortably in his large green chair. He is ready to relax and read his beloved books. Music Room This room was made with two walls which gives the scene a more open feel and lets in extra light. There is an acrylic cover to keep out the dust. The large French doors have the illusion of opening up to a winter scene. Gabriele used a postcard behind the doors showing stone steps that lead up to a church door with a Christmas tree to the side. She made the door frame using wood strips and then staining them. For a quick floor she used a printed out image of wood parquet.Above: Many of the small silver trinkets and framed art in the “Gabriele used a postcardpieces were charms and jewelry room including a pewter wine behind the doors showingfindings. Gabriele cut off the circle set, decorative boxes, and stone steps that lead uphangers, and filed the metal smooth. antique maps. to a church door with a Christmas tree to the side.”Some of them have wood Gabriele had a stroke ofblock for their inside. luck while she was at the To add another hint of the Society of American Miniatur- season she added gifts on the The book shelf to the right ists birthday party in Round piano, and a poinsettia plantholds a special collection of Rock, Texas this February. She on the side table. The chairclassic children’s books that had entered one of the raffles on the corner has a violinactually have the full stories and won the gentleman doll, propped against the back. Per-within them that you can made by Spanish doll maker haps this pianist is waiting forread. She also added various Carolina Artesanas. his companion to join in on making some classic holiday music. The star of this scene is26 American Miniaturist

Gentleman roomsAbove and right: This gentlemen hasa lovely room to get lost in his music.dressed in top coat and tailsas he gets lost in his music.The doll was a purchase fromCarol Black in the UK. Therug beneath him is made ofsilk and the chandelier abovehim was made from a kit by afriend of Gabriele’s. Perhaps as you are work-ing on your dollhouse thatholds a male resident you willremember to give him a roomwhere he can get lost in hisinterests, or may just take awell-deserved nap! AM American Miniaturist 27

Artist showcaseFather’sDayshowcaseEnjoy this miniature tribute to Father’s Day.These artists have shared a few of theircreations to celebrate all the fathers out there.Francesca Vernuccio ~ ItalyThis little bonsai tress showcases some of gifts from the heart to show how muchFrancesca’s beautiful mini fishing accessories. She she appreciated him.has made a fishing pole, basket, boots, fishing She has been creating miniatures for the past 25 years and gets immense satisfaction from thenet, fishing lines, jacket, bag picnic, knife, and hat. creative process as well as socializing with other Francesca resides in Italy where Father’s Day is miniaturists.not recognized as it is in America, but nonthelesswhen she was little she would make him special28 American Miniaturist

Ken Byers ~ California Father’s Day showcaseKen has been making his highly Left: A 1740 French Jewelers/crafted miniatures for the past Watchmakers lathe in 1:12twenty years. He loves being a scale. This beauty was usedfather and has discovered that the for 200+ years turning outmen brought to miniature shows are amazing jewelry and watchesdrawn to his work because they can for the aristocrats and royaltyrelate to his historic tool pieces. of renaissance Europe. “As a creative person by nature, The original is now in theminiatures offer me an outlet for Wichterheer Museum ofexercising that energy, while making Timepieces and Mechanicala bit of extra money and actively Musica in Switzerland.participating in a community of This reproduction featuresdelightful people with a common moving parts but like theinterest.” original is best seen rather than played with. The Mid 1800’s jeweler or clock maker’s shop pieces. These two pieces come from an actual clock maker’s shop in France, circa 1850. The pedal lathe works the nonfunctional lathe and tons of little parts can be stored in the many drawers. The lathe tools are included in the swing doors of the cabinet. All drawers work and are fully shoulder jointed for maximum strength. It is completely authentic right down to the old seeded glass in the cabinet. American Miniaturist 29

Father’s Day showcaseLaura Majusiak ~ MaineLaura has been sewing for over twenty years and has Above: Father Bear stands 5¾” tall, is made of faux fur and is five-way jointed over a wire armaturebeen making her bears as well as mice since 2006. with wired arms as well. He has German glass eyes, With over twenty years of sewing experience. She embroidered features, and a needle felted wool nose.admits that making her little animals in 1:12 scaleis definitely more difficult, but also so much morerewarding when she holds them in the palm of herhand. She creates with no patterns and only herimagination. “They are fashioned lovingly by my hand withgreat attention to detail resulting in a one of a kindheirloom quality piece.” The very first miniature mouse she made still sitson her workroom shelf and always makes her smile.In that small mouse she sees how far her skills haveprogressed over the years. “They say the best thing a father can do for his children is love their mother. I have been blessed to experience this.” Left and right: GET IN TOUCH Laura also makes adorable half-inch Cobblestone Creations scale mice Laura Majusiak that are 3” tall. [email protected] 1-414-412-4600 web: cobblestonecreations.net30 American Miniaturist

Hat cakeA miniaturetop hat cakeManuela Michieli shares one of hercreative cake designs—a chocolate cakewith strawberry embellishments.T he first time I made this Step 2: To cut the two round Tools & materials: chocolate cake with pieces composing the cake, you strawberries, it was for can use two different sized round l Ceramic tilea nice event: I was on a cake cutters, or you can two small l Round cutters in two design TV show where a famous plastic caps. Here I start using a sizes or two capsItalian cake designer, Barbare very small plastic cup to cut the l Acrylic roller (or a glass Perego, was showing how to taller round part of the cake. bottle)make the real cake and I, on l Sharp bladeparallel, was showing how to Step 3: You don’t need to use l Two big needles: one make its miniature version. a releasing agent like talcum with a sharp point and powder to prevent the clay from one with a rounded point I decided to create a step-by- l Drinking strawstep tutorial from this experience, l Scissorsand now I’m happy to share it l Polymer clay: brown, red, with you. green, white, sun yellow l Liquid polymer clay Step 1: Condition the brown clay (optional)then roll it flat. To get the desired l Talcum powdereven thickness use two strips of l 2 or 3 mm red ribbonwood, of the same thickness as l Gluethe one you need, as a guide forthe roller. sticking to the plastic cup since the air trapped in the cup will act as a small piston, leaving the cut clay on the tile. This kind of cutting will also give you a nice rounded edge to your cake. Step 4: Remove this piece from the tile using a sharp blade and set it aside. American Miniaturist 31

Hat cake pressing the cutter on top of your clay sheet.Step 5: Roll a thinner layer of Step 8: Remove the excess clay. Step 13: Repeat step 11 and 12brown clay using, as before, If there is any powder left on the two more times.two guides for your roller. Here I cut piece, you can lightly brush itused two thinner strips of wood off with a small paintbrush. Step 14: Use a pointed needle tothan before, but you can use make the strawberry texture assmall stacks of cardboard or two Step 9: Put the first, taller piece shown in the next pictures.knitting needles. Of course if you you cut on top of the second,have a pasta machine…use it! shorter one. Press them together just a little to make them adhere to each other. Here we have our cake’s base!Step 6: If you’re using small Step 15: Using the samecookie cutters, you will need a procedure as for the strawberries,releasing agent to prevent the roll a very small point from theclay from sticking to it. Here green clay.I’m using talcum powder—dipthe cutter into it and gently tap Step 10: To This point will be so small youthe edge to remove the excess make the can cut it by the same needlepowder from the cutter. strawberries, you will use to put it on top ofStep 7: Cut the shorter round roll a thin snake the strawberries to make theshape of the cake by firmly of red clay green leafstalk. (more or less32 American Miniaturist 3mm thick). Step 16: Repeat step 15 until you get all the leafstalks needed. You’ll Step 11: Use your fingertip to make one end of the snake pointed. Step 12: Cut the point so that you have a small triangular shape, and place it on top of the cake.

Hat cakewant at least three or four for each useful tool, and will help you tostrawberry. shape the leaves and to gently press them in place to make them adhere to the strawberries.Step 17: Roll a thin flat sheet of the Step 21: You can add some buds according to the polymer claysame green used for the leafstalks by modeling small green snakes as brand you used. Bake for 30 min.and this time, to make leaves, we shown in the picture bottom left.will use a very cheap cutter: a Step 26: After the cake has baked,plastic drinking straw! Usually the Step 22: Now roll a thin sheet of add a red ribbon around the tallerstraw has a round shape but if you white clay. This time I used a flower part of the cake and put a dot ofjust flatten an end of it with your shaped 3/16” Kemper cutter to get glue in the ribbon junction point.nail and then release it, you will the small flowers.get an oval shaped end that is veryuseful to cut leaves.Step 18: Cut at least 6 leaves. Step 23: Remove the small flowers Step 27: If you like to add someStep 19: Then, using a sharp from the work surface with a blade. more strawberries, leaves andneedle, texture the veins on your Use a rounded point needle or flowers on the cake base as I did,leaves. a small stylus ball to put them in you can add them even after you place on the cake. The pressure bake the cake. Just put someStep 20: Put the leaves on top of you will use to make them adhere dots of liquid polymer clay on thethe strawberries and shape them to the leaves will also leave a round base to act as glue and then layin a natural pose. The needle is a dip in the center of them. your new decorations on it and bake again. AM Step 24: Put a very thin bit of yellow clay into the rounded dip of each flower and, by the sharp pointed needle, prick it to texture the center of the flower. Step 25: Bake the cake in the oven American Miniaturist 33

Story book roomACOMsEtoSrTyObLoIoFkE Mo Tipton created a colorful dream room that captures the imagination of a child and the magic of another world.What does your dream according to the commission The idea for my room came room look like? This request, was to interpret the to me suddenly. I imagined was the question I words “Dream Room” how- a child reading in bed, and ahad to answer before em- ever I wished—aspirational,barking on a project for the fantastical, whimsical, tech- Top: Miniature artist Mo Tipton.National Building Museum nological, or practical. Talk Below: As the little boy under thein Washington, D.C. My task, about a dream project! covers reads his story book, his bedroom comes to life.34 American Miniaturist

Story book roomstory about a magical wood- with the additionland. This woodland had come of a planetaryto life and was spilling out of poster.their wardrobe, an homage toone of my favorite childhood The solarbooks, The Lion, the Witch, system is onand the Wardrobe. the western wall, so it I imagined board game char- seemed fittingacters moving, tiny windows to make theand doors in the baseboards, eastern walldust bunnies that really were brighter. Ibunnies, and so much more. I dyed cotton balls in waterwanted to capture the essence tinted with bright acrylicof a child’s imagination. If you paints. After they werejust believed hard enough, dry, they were gluedanything could come to life to the wall to look like– from your favorite stuffed drifting clouds. Of course,bear, to your beloved bedtime the wall wouldn’t bestorybooks. The museum supplied a15” wooden cube for theproject. To bring my ideafrom fantasy to reality, I firstpainted the floors and walls. Iused a bright teal paint to cre-ate a mountain pattern on thewalls, and then painted oneentire wall with chalkboardblack. This wall would laterbe given a solar system theme Above: A dust bunny under the table nibbles on its dust bunny chow. Left: A painting in progress leans on the easel and paints are on the stool. complete without a rainbow, so I created one from paper decorated with a spectrum of American Miniaturist 35

Story book roomcolored glitter. Above: Grass and and, specific to my love of For the purchased furni- mushrooms are sculpting food, The Vege-Men’s growing out of theture, I painted or decoupaged wardrobe.most of the pieces. To amp Right: Two sockup the color the miniature monsters aredresser drawers were each making their waypainted a different hue, and out of the sockI affixed tiny stickers to the drawer.mirror, something I loved todo as a kid. place, it was time to fill the You’ll also see a little sock shelves. I print-monster peeking out of the ed covers fromsock drawer. This was made books that I’dby cutting textured white loved as a child,fabric into a sock shape, using including titlesa paint-dipped toothpick to that were verypress red lines along the edge, influential inand gluing a pair of polymer my decision toclay eyes to finish the look. become a full-time miniaturist, such as The Little Fur Family Once the furniture was in36 American Miniaturist

Story book roomRevenge. (If you’ve never read cookies, which I arranged be- Above left: Instead of fish there is aThe Vege-Men’s Revenge, I neath the desk where a game red crab waving from the bowl.highly recommend doing an of Candy Land is being played. Above: Gingerbread men escapeInternet search for the illustra- from the Candy Land game.tions. It’s such a delightfully The cookies are helpingstrange little book, reminiscent each other escape so they for a fuzzy little dust bunnyof the produce version of Alice can play with the other toys! beneath the bedside table.in Wonderland!) “On top of the table On top of the table I ar- The wall-mounted shelves I arranged a smiling ranged a smiling sandwichwere filled with vintage board sandwich with olive eyes with olive eyes – a midnightgames. I also made a tiny doll- – a midnight snack thathouse out of paper filled with might very well bite back!”polymer clay furniture. I lovedthe idea of a dollhouse within A colorful little train with aa dollhouse. cottony puff of “smoke” chugs along a miniature track and The room continued to fill a knocked-over box of Dustout as more ideas bubbled up Bunny Chow provides a snackfrom some strange pocket ofmy subconscious. Next I cre-ated polymer clay gingerbread American Miniaturist 37

Story book roomAbove: A tiny mouse peeks out ofthe mushroom-filled grass.Right: Flowers bloom on the wallabove the window while the moonshines through the trees outside.snack that might very well biteback! The lamp is made from awooden base found at my localcraft store, to which I glued asmall horizontal wooden rodthat supports the shade. Thisis made from a strip of papercut from a cupcake wrapper.The chain is a tiny length ofnecklace chain glued to thehorizontal support rod. For the bed, I created a duvetfrom scraps of fabric sewedtogether on a sewing machine.I sculpted the child reading inbed from polymer clay, choos-ing to create a very stylizedversion rather than a realis-tic figure. This was mainly38 American Miniaturist

Story book roomAmerican Miniaturist 39

Story book roombecause my skills don’t lend realized that was precisely the bowl with resin after gluingthemselves well to replicating look I was going for. I wanted the various components inhuman figures, and also be- viewers to feel like they could place.cause I thought it matched the return again, and again, andfantastical, cartoon-like nature always find something new. And of course, the mostof the room. The bright, cheery magical detail of all, the wood-curtains are rectangles of fabric You may have to take a land wardrobe. This was madehemmed by machine, ironed second look to see the little with: dried moss and rocks,into accordions, and starched red door, and line of washing polymer clay mushrooms, andto hold their shape. hung out to dry on the back a ceramic mouse figurine, all baseboard behind the painting, carefully arranged to look as As the room came together I or the tiny red crab waving if they are spilling out fromcontinued to add more details. from his watery bowl on the another world.At one point I worried that bookshelf.perhaps it was too much, but I Now, if only I could shrink I made the crab bowl by myself for a day or two so IBelow: A bird’s-eye view of the using glass micro-beads for could visit my dream room upmagical bedroom showing the train the gravel, painting fake floral close and personal. Perhaps ifrunning along its tracks. stamens in bright colors for I just believe hard enough, I the coral, and filling the entire can. Care to join me? AM40 American Miniaturist

teddytimbees arCOLLECTABLEBEARSANDOTHERFURRYFRIENDS The world’s leading magazine for teddy bear collectors.www.TeddyBearTimes.com All of the miniature crafting apps you could ever want, right at your fingertips.www.MyCraftAcademy.com American Miniaturist 41

Wedding receptionMRECiEnPiTwIOedNding You are cordially invited to the home of Mr. B. Tidy, as his daughter gets married and creator June Smith gets more ideas.Bill Tidy’s third daughter has just gotten married and preparations are un- derway for a grand reception on her big day. The house is by Deneway and is a model that June set eyes on at Miniatura, but actually bought at the Epsom fair in England about a year ago. “As soon as I saw the house and stairs, I imagined the flowers and knew what I wanted to do with it,” admit- ted June, but a lot has hap- pened in a year. “Basil the butler passed away,” she added, trying to keep a straight face as her imagination surged. Clearly a new butler is arriving soon, as his set of Hilda Burden lug- gage is being brought through the kitchen. All this is a pretty good ploy to hide the fact that June hasn’t quite finished the butler’s room yet – or dressed Top: June Smith; imagination and humor makes her house a success. Right: The happy 1:12-scale couple wait to receive wedding guests. 42 American Miniaturist

Wedding receptionAbove: An excited bustle fills the house as this family prepares to start the celebration for the newly married couple. American Miniaturist 43

Wedding receptionthe butler for that matter. “Inside posed less of a Left: A very stylish bedroom. Happy to have a go at dilemma. June moved doors and added an en paper samples from a largeanything, June was quite able suite bathroom to the chain of DIY shops did the jobto light the house herself and top right bedroom.” for decorating the hallway anddecorate it. Outside she added the blue room, but that rathera wider pavement, tiled under attractive pale green room isthe arches and bricked the decorated in fabric paper.front. She arranged flowers inupside down chimney pots, Enjoyable though thetiled the roof and bricked the decorating was, her favoritechimney stack. The hardest pastime was yet to come. “Idecision, as June saw it, was love dressing dollies,” Junewhat color to paint the out- admitted. She is good at it too,side of the house; she wanted no doubt helped by the facta white or light color but that she used to make wed-without glare or an anemia ding dresses in her workinglooking finish. life. No wonder a wedding day seemed such a natural and Inside posed less of a di- inviting theme for her house.lemma. June moved doors andadded an en suite bathroom There is much fun to beto the top right bedroom. This had in a wedding theme,was done by adding the bath- firstly in making the outfitsroom and all the “pretties” for the happy couple and allfirst, then building the walls the guests, then there wereand doorway around it. Wall- those hall stairs to dress in silkRight: The bedroom in thebasement is simple in comparison.44 American Miniaturist

Wedding receptionAbove: All those dresses to tidy es them to her requirementsand champagne still to drink. – and standards. At theRight: Geoffrey and Frances time of our visit June had areturn to the house with baby. handful of naked men in her workroom, patiently await-flowers, as June had envis- ing her attention. Ironically,aged them. Next the scenes most of the outfits Juneof mischief, such as the makes are done using thechildren in the dining room no-sew technique.who are trying to steal aslice of wedding cake. There But why is this anis another nice touch in this advantage for someone soroom from the individual accomplished with a needlepictures Mr. B. Tidy has put and thread?up of his four daughters –the one of the fireplace is of “Men’s suits cause thethe daughter who got mar- most problems. You canried today. only sew black in the daylight and most suits are June buys cheap dolls and black.” The results are goodsometimes kits and redress- but June warns, “Don’t use American Miniaturist 45

Wedding receptiontoo much glue”. Top: Two guests are taking It is no wonder tea in the lounge. Right: June has somethat there are jobs delightful miniaturewaiting to be done. ornaments on show.As a member of Below: As soon as June sawthree clubs in the the staircase she knew shearea – the Henfield would fill it with flowers.Project Club, Hor-sham Dolls HouseClub, and PartridgeGreen – June is al-ways busy. Her softspot seems to be forthe Henfield ProjectClub, with the focusof activities beingsolely on making.Not the rules, regu-lations and chainof command thatother clubs enter-tain. Henfield’s 31 membersjust like making miniaturesand work out a calendar ofmonthly projects and work-shop days. It was through club nights46 American Miniaturist

Wedding receptionRight: The naughtychildren are at thewedding cake already.Below right: That’s quite aspread to feast upon.that June made quitea few of the itemsin her dollhouse:a needlework box,food, a four-posterbed, a tea trolley, andmore. Not that Junehas anything againstcraftsman made min-iatures – she doesn’t,but to fill a wholedollhouse with themwould be extremelycostly and anyway,nothing can replacethe satisfaction ofhaving spent time and efforton making something herself. Fortunately, June is a dabhand at most things. Whilehusband Bernard watchesfootball at every availableopportunity, June works on“It was through club fore the imagination kicks in be doing, as if I was there.”nights that June made again. “Mr. Tidy is drinking The house looks pretty full,quite a few of the items with a friend in the study andin her dollhouse: a Mrs. Tidy is taking tea. Mrs. so is it nearly finished? “Notneedlework box, food, Fryer, the cook, used to be the by a long chalk,” replied June,a four-poster bed, a tea nanny, but she helped out in with not a moments hesita-trolley, and more.” the kitchen one day and loved tion. it so much she stayed.”her miniatures in a roo at the “There are still pictures toback of the house, with one “Bernard thinks I’m crack- put up, more guests to make,eye on the phone for Corrie or ers,” June giggled. “I love the things to get for the kitchenEastenders. stories. I live it as I make it and a new butler to finish.” and imagine what they would It is clear that June lives and It doesn’t take long be- breathes miniatures. With two American Miniaturist 47

Wedding receptionRight: The handsome exterior of lips than the idea had sewn its to find a bit more room for64 Queen Street. seed and a stream of possibili- one more house after all. JustBelow: The new butler’s suitcases ties ensued. Sorry Bernard, it a small one – you know itare being brought through the looks as if you might have makes sense. AMkitchen. That must mean thathe is not far behind.large houses already she suf-fers the same problem thatmany other miniaturists face– space. When she got this house,husband Bernard told herthat they didn’t have any-more room for another one,so she should make the mostof it. However, June says shejust wouldn’t get the samefulfillment from making roomboxes instead – and whenyou’ve got an imaginationlike June, it is hard to curbit. “I knew the blue housewas the engagement andthis house was the wedding– but I don’t want to go to afuneral,” she chuckled, but nosooner had the words left her48 American Miniaturist

Cherry pieCook up somecherry piesIdeal for a late summer picnic orbarbecue, these pies would look good onany table indoors or out. By Sue Kirkham.Step 1: Roll tiny balls from your paint and the cherry balls. Stir the Tools & materials:cherry colored clay on the tile. mixture with a toothpick, thenBake, and let cool. add the cherries. l Ceramic tile l Handy wipesStep 2: For the pastry, mix a l Kitchen towelsmall amount of translucent clay, l Craft knifewhite clay, and ochre clay (ratio l Sugarcraft rolling pin3/1/1) l Toothpicks l Polymer clay – white, Step 3: Roll that mix until it is Step 5: For a cherry pie that has translucent, ochre, and 1mm thick. Using your little been cut to reveal the filling, use cherry colorscircular cutter (I used a 20mm some of your pastry mix to fill in l Polymer liquid geldiameter cutter and metal tin), ¾ of the pie tin, leaving a wedge l Oil color in Crimson Redcut circles of pastry mix and which you need to fill with your l Ochre colored pastel place into your tins. With thumb, cherry filling. chalkpress the circles into the tins l Mini metal dishesuntil they sit flat on the base, l Small circular metal and are stuck nicely to the sides sugarcraft cutterof the tin. l Palette or paper plate l Acrylic varnish – satin Cook at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature.Step 4: Squeeze a little polymer Step 6: Use a cocktail stick to Continued on page 75.liquid gel onto your palette, then make sure the pies are evenlyadd a little crimson colored oil filled. For a cherry flan, simply American Miniaturist 49 cover the complete base with the cherry mixture.

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