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YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR DIGITAL DOWNLOADS www.thecraftycloud.com The Crafty Cloud The Crafty Cloud, 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN 559442 American Miniaturist

Dollhouse Land Artistry in MiniaturesSee you at the Southern California, Miniatures West and Chicago International shows.27134A Paseo Espada, Suite 304 • San Juan Capistrano, Ca 92675 • Phone: (949) 496-9841 E-mail: [email protected] • Visit Dollhouse Land on Facebook www.DBJMiniatures.com Furniture and accessories for your dream Dollhouse Always FREE shipping on orders over $75**** in continental US Get a 15% discount with code: AMM15* *on orders over $30 American Miniaturist 3

ContentsAmerican Miniaturist Regulars Features68132 250th Avenue 6 Mini mail 13 ClockmakerKasson, MN 55944Phone: (507) 634-3143 We love to hear from our Jean Caff made her Fax: (507) 634-7691 readers and share their Grandson a Clockmaker Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587 words on these pages. in a clock case.Email: [email protected]: AM, Unit 5E, Park Farm 78 Itty bits 18 Seaside cottagesChichester Road, Arundel,West Sussex, BN18 0AG. The latest news and notes Sarah Heasman sharesTel: 01903 884988 in the mini world, and our her realistic papier mâchéFax: 01903 885514 newest contest winners. coastal creations.Publisher: 81 Snippets 25 Ophelia in miniatureKelly RudEmail: [email protected] Cut out your very own Auralea Krieger transformsEditor: detergent, vintage photos her book character,Auralea Krieger and a 2014 calendar. Ophelia, into miniature.Email: [email protected] & Marketing: 88 Show dates 28 Family historySara VixEmail: [email protected] Mark your calendars Peggy Newman gives us and plan to attend these a historical family tour.Customer Service: shows around the country.Email: [email protected] 39 Antique works of artDistribution: 97 Last wordFran Johnson John Hodgson’s makes Email: [email protected] Rhea Avery makes a lovely miniature furniture that Designer: tribute to her son Ted’s is fit for royalty.Auralea Krieger passion for toys.Ad designer: 40 Happy New YearAnn Pavlish On the cover: Scene by Jean Caff welcomes inContributors: Beverley-Ann Immerman. the New Year mini style.Jean Caff, Marianne Colijn, Ronnie Godfrey,Sarah Heasman, John Hodgson, Beverley-Ann 48 WashdaysImmerman, Auralea Krieger, Gabriele Layne,Mari Meredith, Danielle Muller, Jill Mundy, Peggy Doing the laundry hasNewman, Debbie Ritter, Jan Stuart, Desna Tysoe, changed over theSuzy Yee centuries. By Jill Mundy.Issue 129 52 Miniature art dollsJanuary 2014 Debbie Ritter merges herPublished by Ashdown Broadcasting love of art and literatureSubscription rates: in to one of a kind dolls.1 Year (12 issues) $65 57 Dream kitchenCanada $75 (US funds); UK £59;Europe $136 (US); Rest of world $148 (US). Ronnie Godfrey makes a picture-postcard kitchen.2 Year (24 issues) $120 67 The heritage heartCanada $135 (US funds); UK £115;Europe $259 (US); Rest of world $290 (US). Suzy Yee creates miniature folk scenes that representAmerican Miniaturist (USPS# 021-053 ISSN # her family heritage.14778203) is published monthly at 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price is 73 A mice shopping day$65.00. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson, MN, andadditional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address Beverley-Ann Immerman corrections to American Miniaturist, 68132 250th takes us to a place whereAve., Kasson, MN 55944 mice love to shop!All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the writtenpermission of the publisher is prohibited. All material submitted tothe magazine is accepted on the basis that copyright in the workwill be vested in the Publisher who assumes all rights worldwide,in all forms and media. Submitted materials cannot be returnedunless accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. In any eventthe publisher can accept no responsibility for loss or damage tocontributions. Material is accepted solely on the basis that the authoraccepts the assessment of the Publisher as to its commercial value. Allmaterial submitted to the magazine is subject to editing.© Ashdown Broadcasting

Projects Welcome10 Lollipop mugs The New Year is upon us! New years resolutions, a whole new outlook on life, or Gabriele Layne shares how to maybe I will just try and get a little healthier? make fun festive miniature Every year it seems my resolutions are, for the lollipops for all occasions. most part, the same. Honestly, I have always felt resolutions should be brought up much more16 Beaded bottles often then only once a year. I tend to give myself a little nudge followed by a push to be a better Danielle Muller shares this person as often as I can. If I am driving behind a quick and easy project on slow vehicle on the road I remind myself to relax how to make liquor bottles. and enjoy the scenery and my music. If someone is angry or impatient I pull out my“be more24 A winter wonderland understanding resolution”and assume they are just having a bad day, then go on with my good Winter snow always holds a day unscathed.“Keep on keepin’on and spread fascination whatever your the joy”is my motto! age may be. I have great memories of New Years Eve42 Soapy, sudsy Sunday growing up. My mother would always have the fun noisemakers to play with. We wore the Mari Meredith makes laundry obnoxious hats with the elastic strap tucked day fun with this easy to tightly under our chins and shouted out the follow tutorial. count down together as we watched that big Time Square ball drop on TV. One year she ran55 Make a mini art doll outside and danced under the moonlight in the front yard in only her nightgown while blowing Debbie Ritter shares her on her pop out noisemaker! That was one of my technique for making a little favorite memories, my mom was a free spirit and doll that brings a big smile. I loved it!62 Cherub patterns Whatever you get into this New Years Eve I hope it will be a memory for you to keep forever. Ronnie Godfrey shows us Lets make the most how to make the perfect little of 2014, not only for outfits for kitchen cherubs. our selves, but for our family and friends72 Knitted curtains as well. I don’t know about you, but I think Desna Tysoe shows how to this is going to be a make knitted curtains using fabulous year! different stitch patterns.83 Winter hats Marianne Colijn shows us how easy it is to make little hats for a mini winter.90 Leather with style There are multitudes of ways of using thin leather around the mini house.

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 version so I could peruse back a minute, I haven’t ordered issues at my leisure. I am having anything, have I?” Sure enough,This month’s Star Letter was such fun making all the great when I opened the mysterywritten by Doris Plowick ideas that I want to try. This box, it was from you, andwho wrote in to tell us month’s issue was the first in contained Jen Tuttle’s pumpkinhow happy she is to have which I could try to find Arthur cookies! I can’t tell you howfound American Miniaturist for the contest! Thanks again excited I was to win theMagazine to help her on her for all the entertainment and Pumpkin Cookies giveaway!!new found mini journey. We information I am discovering in Thank you so much for drawingare always excited to share your magazine. my name, and please thank Janyour projects and letters for the cute little cookies! They will look great in my Lawbrewith our readers, and we’d Doris Plowick dollhouse! Your magazine is thelike to thank each and every Tecumseh, MO greatest!one of you who has shared Anni Pirrellowith us! To thank Doris for Enjoying the projects Redford, MI.her wonderful letter, we Good morning! Just Positive words I just wanted to passwill be sending her a Quick finished reading my new on a comment fromProjects Vol. 1, Project CD. issue of American Miniaturist. one of the AM subscribers, Want to make a few tops for Elizabeth Traub. She asked meKeep your letters coming, the “little” ones to enjoy this Christmas morning! Also figure to tell the editor andreaders. We love learning I have to bake some bread. everyone working onabout you and your projects It always the magazine how muchand hearing your comments tastes good she loves it, and that it isand ideas. Your kind letters on a chilly day a delightful magazine. Shewarm our hearts every day! wanted to send thanks for all ofStar letter with some homemadeI just wanted to take soup! Whilea moment to tell you reading the articles Ihow much found Arthur! He is curled up byI enjoy your Victoria Whitechapel’s fireplaceCilla Hallbert’s timeless miniature chandeliers set the moodmagazine. on page 11, getting all toastyI just and warm! Hope you all had abegan with December 13 Issue #128 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 wonderful Halloween! Thanksminiatures CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 for all the hard work you putrecently into your magazine. I truly look PROJECTS • Melted snowman • Snowman cookies • Winter sleigh • Mini house kit • Wine cellar • Peanuts treeand came forward to it each month!across a backissue of your A EClfhVrisitlmlaagse Joann T. Conawaymagazine Two artists create a magical scene Bridgeville, DEin a hobby 128_cover.indd 1 10/29/13 4:33 PMstore. I knew after the first Full of surprisesreading that I must have more When I checked myof this wonderful compilation mailbox the otherof projects, displays and news, day, I saw that it contained aso I subscribed to the iMag small box, and thought, “wait6 American Miniaturist

minimailthe great work being put into collections–ceramics, timepieces. with tissue I had used the endthe magazine. Thought I’d pass It was a wonderful time and I of a dowel or pencil, drapingthe compliments along! thank you again for the tickets. the tissue around it and pushing it into the mugs and the idea Lesia Lennex, Ed.D. Leslie Preston about adding a ball of air-dry Morehead, KY Bruce Mines, Ontario, clay to arrange the items had never occurred to me. TheSwiss minis Many thanks tutorial showed me exactly I’ve just returned from Just had to tell you what what I needed to do and now Basel, Switzerland. I a great job ya’ll did on the the lollipops show nicely in the mugs.tried to email you from there, Gingerbread House article! It hasbut the hotel’s computer kept certainly made me a celebrity in This is what I love about yourrefusing your address. I want my own mind. It was such a kick magazine, the step-by-stepto thank you so much for the to see it in print. Thanks again for and easy to follow instructionstickets to the Toy Museum I making me and my house look so plus the quality of the pictures,won in your contest. It was terrific. Hope the Holidays are fun which are so helpful in makingfantastic! Hundreds of dolls for everyone there. miniatures.and teddy bears most posedto be doing something Cheryl Barkley Sometimes it seems nearlyor acting in a scene. The San Antonio, TX impossible to get something todollhouses were my main look the way I envision it andinterest and the display was Helpful tutorials then I discover it is often quiteamazing. They were grouped I was working on a project, simple to achieve.by subject matter–all the which involved arranginglaundry rooms, butcher shops, Thanks for publishing thishaberdasheries, etc. were my lollipops in tiny mugs when great tutorial.together. The age range of my American Miniaturistthese houses or room boxes, magazine arrived in Gabriele Laynetheir detail and variety are the mail. On page San Antonio, TXjust amazing. Of course I also 31, of the Octoberboosted the economy in their 2013 (AM126) issue, Facebook Twitter Blog: A Smallshop! I found Jen Tuttle’s World’s Big Buzz Pumpkin cookies For any of your readers tutorial and learnedwho are in Basel (a wonderful something new.medieval city, the cultural When decoratingcentre of the country), Iwould also recommendthe Historisches MuseumBasel:Haus Zum Kirschgarten,just a few blocks from theToy Museum. It’s a beautifullyrestored 16th centuryhome with thethird floorfilled withdollhousesandminiatures.The wingsof thehouse havewonderful American Miniaturist 7

Marie’s Miniatures West Mini Shoppe 28th AnnualAmazing flowers that come Miniatures West Show & Salecreated with a passion for nature. Saturday, February 8, 2014Each petal is placed with love tocreate a timeless piece of art. One Day Only! Doubletree By HiltonPhone: 561-963-1488 6161 W. Centinela Ave., Culver City, CAPlease visit me at my website: 310-649-1776www.mariesminishoppe.com Free Exhibit Room...There will be lots of miniature exhibits for viewing and inspiration. Be sure to see the exhibits of the Club Project that we have been working on all year. Workshops on Friday, February 7th & Sunday, February 9th Show and Table Info: Nancy Branch - 310-454-2054 MiniaturesWest.comPre-Registered Workshops: Laura Crain - 949-496-9841 Doreen Sinnett Tiny Doll Molds See our 5½ “Arial” and our 2½ “Fairy Faye” molds! We have 90+ miniature dollhouse molds ranging in size from 1½” to 6” tall. Also 4” & 6” tall Antique Repro molds & more Fairies! www.tinydolls.com (541) 659-99198 American Miniaturist

Dollhouses and Miniatures Create Dreams That Last A Lifetime! Handley House, Inc. Snickerdoodle Lane Creators of your favorite lines in 1/4\" Scale Kit #3444 in our Seasonings Series. miniatures and dollhouse supplies. Priced right--only 39.95 plus shippingFor a complete list of our fine retailers please visit: Our 1/4” scale project kit includes all you need to create this charming little cottage....even the tiny snowman watching the world go by.www.handleyhouse.com The project is designed to fit in your own 5 x 7\" picture frame. Grandt Line Products 1040 B Shary Court Concord, CA 94518 www.grandtline.com e-mail: [email protected] tel: (925) 671-0143 fax: 671-0806 Remembering Childhood, Living Your Dreams...... MeMmoinriiaetusre Largest Dollhouse Only Store in the Southwest www.miniaturememories.com5232 E Pima Suite A Tucson, Arizona, 85712 Email: [email protected] Phone: 520-327-1325 Store Hours: Tuesday -Saturday 10-5 open Mondays by appt. Member DMMA, CIMTA, NAME, TMS, BBB, FCIB American Miniaturist 9

Lollipop mugsA happy mugof mini lollipopsGabriele Layne makes fun festive lollipopsfor all occasions and she is excited toshow you how to make your very own!W ith lots of projects that Tools: Materials: have a holiday theme I l Piece of foam core wanted to make items l Corkboards push pins l White porcelain mugsthat would be specific for any l Paint brushes l 1 ¼” tissue squaresoccasion such as Valentine’s day, l Porcelain tile for baking l Foil candy wrappers in Easter, July Fourth, Halloween, the clay various colorsChristmas or a baby room etc. l Knitting needle or l Flower head pins used So I decided to make candy toothpick for quiltingmugs that could be placed in l Scissors l Poster mounting sticky any scene. By leaving the mugs a l Pencil with eraser clay (such as Blu Tack)solid color, I was able to add any l Air-dry claydecor to fit the theme. Even as a Step 3: When they are painted, l Polymer clay canes with special gift for a friend, a name or insert 1 ¼” square pieces of tissue holiday themes, flowers, a greeting could be added on at into the mug. Push the tissue in butterflies or teddy bear a later time. with a pencil eraser and glue the faces tissue into the bottom with a l Polymer clay in various Porcelain mugs small dab of Tacky Glue. colorsStep 1: Using white porcelain mugs, l Paint for metal/plastic paint them different colors to use and thinner to clean for all occasions. Any paint that will brushesadhere to porcelain can be used. l Gloss acrylic paint l Strip Styrene (found inStep 2: Put them on push pins model train supply inserted into foam core board stores)with a little piece of removable l Paper coated white wireBlu Tack (found in hardware and l Tacky Gluecraft stores for hanging posters).Paint one side first and when Step 4: Then insert a small ball ofit dries then turn them upside air-dry clay with another dab ofdown to paint the other side.10 American Miniaturist

Lollipop mugsglue and the lollipops are ready be made from scrap pieces ofto be inserted. Let dry. clay rolled into a ball with a stick inserted into it. Covering the lollipops with foil Step 1: Cut round circles out of candy wrap foil found in the baking sections of grocery, craft or cake supply stores.Lollipops made from polymer Step 5: Cut off the end when the Step 2: Bake according toStep 1: Roll out various colors desired diameter is reached and instructions and then glue aof polymer clay by hand or use make a small indentation into the small stick of Strip Styrene intoa metal extruder to make long bottom for the lollipop stick to the indentation.snakes. be added into. Step 3: Push the baked lollipopsStep 2: Match the color themes The horns are made the same on sticks into a piece of softyou would like to achieve and way except that the twisted flower arranging foam and glazetwist these together. rope is turned around a knitting with water based varnish or needle or the end of a toothpick polymer clay varnish. giving it a horn shape. Round marbleized suckers Round marbleized suckers canStep 3: Roll the twisted rope on aflat surface to combine the colors.Step 4: Starting on one side, rollthe rope from the inside outwardsinto a round circle being carefulnot to flatten the clay. American Miniaturist 11

Lollipop mugs Small embellishments such as puffy hearts and a tiny cupcakeSugar Sticks were used on these.Sugar sticks are made by dippedpaper coated white wire in TackyGlue and then covered withcolored sand or glitter.Flower head pin lollipops Step 5: After the tops are dry, Cane suckersStep 1: Stick the pins into a base decorate them with a variety Another variety is achieved byof Styrofoam or non-hardening of decals, stickers, transfers or using thin polymer clay canemodeling clay. punch-out’s matching the colors slices to glue on the flower pins. and themes you prefer.Step 2: Paint the metal part of the Thick polymer clay cane slicespin with matt white metal paint. I used nail-art decals found with a stick inserted will make in local drugstores and various small suckers.Step 3: Let dry and clip off the stickers from card shops or craftpointed end with a heavy-duty supply stores on the ones shown.metal cutter (be very careful withthis step, hold the point betweenyour fingers so that it does not flyup towards you).Step 4: Then paint the plastic When finished decorating applyflower tops in a variety of colors a glossy varnish to give theusing a paint that adheres well to lollipops the shiny candy look. AMplastic like Testors paint or glossacrylic paint12 American Miniaturist

ClockmakerAin aCclloocckkmcaakseer Jean Caff had to come up with an alternative idea to mark her Grandson’s birth when told: “Don’t give my son a dollhouse, Mother!”This remark from my watchmaker doll was a kit. To of wheat bulb inserted. The younger son David got get the correct position of the “Certificate of Excellence” me to thinking. What hands I used a pair of small hanging on the wall wascould I make for a boy? pliers to gently nibble the designed and printed by my porcelain arms down to the niece, Mitch. When my grandson, Tom wrist and then inserted a pipewas born I asked Lawrence cleaner. This gave more versa- Tom has yet to see theSt. Leger to make me a brass tility to position the hands in watchmaker, but it has beenworking bracket clock in- a realistic fashion. approved by his Father! AMscribed with Tom’s name anddate of birth. Then among the Two small watches were American Miniaturist 13many items sitting on a shelf taken apart for their bitsawaiting my attention, (we all and pieces and the workingshave them, don’t we?) I found placed in the watchmaker’sa Sid Cooke clock-case. hand and on the work- bench. He was then given a Inspiration struck! I could “Grampy” hair-do using verymake a watchmaker to go fine flock mixing black andwith the clock. Having de- white together.cided on a mahogany stainedcase the next step was to give To add some fun to thethe impression of a cellar scene I had a cat chasingworkshop. The concealed the mouse, the dog waitingstairs were completed and put patiently for his walk and ain place followed by the false creepy spider on the wall.wall. The timbers were given The cobwebs were made ofa coat of button polish and teased cotton wool coatedthen finished with black boot with PVA and dusted withpolish. cigarette ash. The plaster work is good The oil stove andold Polyfilla. The chest of bench lamp haddrawers and workbench were a hole drilled inmade by “yours truly”. The them and a grain

Clockmaker The watchmaker is busy in his cellar workshop. Jean Caff tells us how this gift came about.14 American Miniaturist

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Beaded bottlesMini beadedliquor bottlesDanielle Muller shares this quick and easyproject on how to make liquor bottlesfor your dollhouse or miniature bar.W hen I was a little girl, Tools & materials: Step 2: Take one of the bigger I remember how l Beads, glass or crystal, beads for your bottle and put my mother always about 1.5 to 2cm high a bit of super glue on top of it.emptied the liquor bottles and in either flat rectangular Using your tweezers again, takeher filling up her collection of shape or scone shaped. the hat pin with the small beadscrystal bottles. They showed off The beads should have previously glued on and slide itquite nicely on a table or a shelf holes in order to slide in inside the bigger bead. Let theand looked so much better than the hatpins. glue set another few minutes.a simple alcohol bottle. This is a l Beads (like Swarovski) inquick and easy project on how different colors and Step 3: Make sure all the glue isto make liquor bottles for your shapes for making the dry and set. Use a metal cutter todollhouse or miniature bar. It bottle tops (or, if you cut off the top of the hat pin.won’t take very long and the prefer, you may beads are very easy to find in eventually use jewelry specialized shops. findings to make the tops). l HatpinsStep 1: Take a small bead of your l Glue - I suggest super gluechoice for the bottle top. Put a l Fine tweezerstiny little bit of glue under the l Metal cuttertop of the pin and slide the bead l Metal, glass, wood or on it, using your tweezers. Let dry mirror pieces to make until the glue has set. your own trays (optional). Tip: Please be very careful while using super glue, it shouldn’t be in contact with your skin since it has a strong tendency to stick very well and very quickly.16 American Miniaturist

Beaded bottles Above and right: Danielle shows that there are endless possibilities using different types of beads for each bottle design.Step 4: Repeat the same processand make as many bottles as youneed, using different shapes andother colors of beads. You can display your bottleseither directly on a table or ona tray. Some very nice trays areavailable at most dollhouseshops, but you can make yourown using a flat, round orrectangular piece of mirror,glass, wood or whatever mightsuit your own project the best. It is easier to move thebottles around when they areglued to a base/tray. Once your bottles are gluedto the tray, you can easilydisplay them wherever youwant in your dollhouse orminiature bar. Have fun withthis little project. AM American Miniaturist 17

Seaside cottagesCcootatstaaglehsarbor Talented Sarah Heasman shares with us how papier mâché, and a keen eye for detail can create realistic results.When Sarah Heas- recuperation. Although she MDF. She soon decided that man’s husband enjoyed making the kit, she the material was too physical bought her a doll- was left unfulfilled by the re- for her to work with in thehouse kit six years ago he had sult and felt it lacked realism long term and abandoned itno idea what he’d started. and character. in favor of something moreSarah was recovering from lightweight and forgiving.spinal surgery at the time and “I got a bee in my bonnet”the dollhouse was “occupa- explained Sarah, who then The mere sound of thetional therapy” during her words papier mâché can bring set about making three back memories of messy craft houses of her own from “Papier mâché does anything you want it to and it’s a lot lighter and probably a lot stronger than wood.” afternoons at school, making crocodile masks or pretend balloons, but to Sarah the medium has unquestionable advantages. “Papier mâché does any- thing you want it to and it’s a lot lighter and probably a lot stronger than wood.” Left: Stronger than MDF and much more workable, papier mâché even makes great miniature roof slates as shown on top of this little cottage.18 American Miniaturist

Seaside cottagesTalented Sarah Heasman. American Miniaturist 19

Seaside cottages Sarah began to experiment faithful min-by making Cornish style iaturist Sarahcottages from papier mâché couldn’t justin 1:12, 1:24 and 1:48 scale sit and watchand was able to incorporate walls dry forincredible detail and personal- long. Sheity into each one. soon diversi- For the basic structure, Sarahused card, paper or foam andthen applied layers of papiermâché on top, graduallycreating thick, lumpy walls,little windows and crookedroofs. The only problemwith this method is that ittakes a long time to dry andthere are certain amounts ofshrinkage involved betweenlayers, which make it difficult to mass-produce the cottages. Like any fied into making Above and left: Cottages made other things, such in either 1:24 and 1:48 scale hold as polymer food, plenty of charm and character. furnishings for the interiors and her It is the small details that latest thing, “corner make Sarah’s work look so plots.” Smaller and authentic. She has observed more manageable reality right down to the in size, each corner seagull droppings on rooftops. depicts a particular But somewhat surprisingly activity and has without the aid of a camera captured the atmo- or sketchbook to make visual sphere and person- references – she works only ality of village life. from imagination. Perhaps this is a talent left over from her Sarah makes everything herself, except for her trademark seagulls, which she buys from local souvenir shops and occasional treats from her favorite miniatures shop, “Andrews.”20 American Miniaturist

Seaside cottages Left: Sarah’s corner plots are a unique snapshot of Cornish village life.days as an art student. the maze feeding their families than “I studied a Foundation of narrow streets making fortunes. or just while awaycourse when I was younger - a few hours on a Friends and family are prov-and then got married,” joked sandy beach. ing the most loyal customersSarah. in buying Sarah’s cottages. “Smuggler’s Lane,” In her fisherman’s corner, named after an activity She seems a littlepots, fishing nets, buckets and that was once synony- surprised by therags lie discarded and messy, mous with the area, holds attention anda plump round drip wells in romantic notions of Corn- admira-the tap, ready to drop onto wall’s past. At one time tion hera captive lobster in the sink the Cornish coastline provided work hasbelow, and as for the rest of a great place for smugglers received.the morning’s catch, you can to operate, due to sheltered Despitealmost smell it. inlets and shores where ships’ exhibit- cargoes could be collected and ing Charming little fishing cot- the booty stored within tun- onlytages can still be seen clus- nels dug out of the rocks untiltered around coastal harbors it in was safe to move. twicetoday, where many homes a year atremain as they did years ago. For all of the legends and local fairs,Such areas are still a big draw stories, most smugglers were she is reluc-to tourists who come to enjoy said to have been fishing com- tant to expand into a thrivingthe catch of the day, roam munities more concerned with enterprise. “I sell Cornish houses made from Cornish newspapers at Cornish fairs,” said Sarah. “This is just an out of control hobby.” Some- how that makes them even more special. AM American Miniaturist 21

Claim yourVisit the circus with Matt ChBaupipldelal’sdVeiccktoarniadnmsiadtecshhionwg furniture for summer fun magazine Issue #123 Augustw1w3w.americaIsnsmuein#ia1t2u4rist.comwww.CaAmNAeDArPi$c9r.2ai5cnCeAmD$.iU6nK.i£9a4.t52u5 rist.com 1. American Miniaturist is a monthly magazineF$e6rdB4S.o9bo9s*lyeathsheomreiniLearnJuly 13 CANADA P$9r.2i5cCeAD.$U6K .£94.255 dedicated to the joys of miniature making. Suitable his new workshop secrets for both the collector and the do-it-yourselfer, each Laura Crain’s edition of AM offers exciting artist features, fun nautical inspiration how-tos for all skill levels. Tune in each month for large, beautiful photos, $75 Canada exciting contests and giveaways, cutouts, and a helpful listing of shops and shows around the world. ••••••A•CDCS•nFhWiPowsdaiFflpuRofd•limeamlxo’aOsegWodsyfisrpbueiJnsewnEanoiih!tdsnitseCndhssnlgeoevTeccserSkks•••CAKoniuvdnatmfriyroerrpoela!adce FiDnodlilnsshpoirusatei.oTnVwith From room boxes to dollhouses, mini dolls to mini treasures, AM has a smattering of everythingAM124_Cover.indd 1 Find nDeowllsidheoausswe.iTtVh miniature. Subscribe today to join in on the fun! When you subscribe, we will also send you the latestSavor whimsical miniature cakes by Manuela Michieli 6/28/13 1:53 PM gift offer! Subscribe for 1 year and receive the delicious Ice Cream Sundae Set. Subscribe for 2 years April 13 Issue #120 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADAP$9r.2i5cCeAD$. U6K.£94.525 and enjoy the wonderful miniature dollhouse. Both are beautifully packaged from Reutter Porcelain. Aminpi ldarceeafmorsThealluringflowersofJaniceKimbro $45.99* dollshouse.tv $49.99 Worldwide Worldwide PROJECTS * Mini cake • Flower bouquet tv channel • • Mini sofas 3. Subscribe to www.dollshouse.tv and • Steer horns • Painting tips DecDoorllatsehoaugsaer.tdven with enjoy hundreds of inspiring, entertaining, • And more! and instructional films from some of the best miniaturists around! All from the comfort ofiMag home, right on your computer. You can watch any of the programs 24 hours a day, 7 days a2. Gain access to every available back issue week. This is a “must have” for any miniaturist!by subscribing to our user-friendly iMag version.Each month your copy is delivered direct to youremail box. You can easily flip through the pagesright on your computer and print out any of thefeatures or projects that you want. There arethousands of pages waiting for you!

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Winter snowMwonakdeearlwainntder Winter snow always holds a fascination whatever your age may be, and a white Christmas is the icing on the cake.There are many differ- fect (apart from the fact that Trees look great when ent ways of achieving a you could be vacuuming up covered with spray snow, and snow effect in minia- snow for many weeks after if they are made of resin theture, and everyone you ask Christmas if your house is in snow can be washed off gentlyhas their own idea of what a drafty position). Another in the spring, leaving your treelooks best. Whether your idea for large areas is a cotton or bush green again.desired effect is temporary or wool blanket. This is boughtpermanent makes a differ- in sheets about one inch thick Don’t forget to add the snowence to the product used. and can be cut to fit over any to windowsills and any otherFor a permanent effect using surface. ledges. Also pile it up slightlyspray snow from an aerosol against doors or in cornerscan gives you that frosty “just Other ideas involve using of the garden. Snow alwaysstarted-snowing” look. It is salt or sugar, or a mixture of weaves its magic spell. It cana good idea to paint the area both, this gives a very realistic give your whole house a newwhite as this will help with effect, and you can even make look and makes a wonderfulthe coverage. Polyfilla can be footprints using miniature Christmas display in your ownbuilt up to give a thick “snow- boots. home. Even if the weathermening hard” effect. This now don’t predict a white Christ-comes in hand-size ready- Snowmen can be made mas this year, as miniaturistsmixed containers, although from cardboard covered in - we know differently! AMif you are covering a large Polyfilla, foam or cotton wool.area, like a roof, the powder Eyes and buttons areversion works out cheaper. tiny beads, while hisSnowdrifts and uneven areas mouth can be a longcan be created using Poly- bead, tiny piece offilla, but once it has set it is wood, or just drawnpermanent. on with a marker pen. Not to forget the If you just want to create carrot for his nose.a white Christmas for yourhouse, then using one of Right: Sprinkle snow isthe sprinkle snows is per- available under many different names. Snow spray in aerosol cans.24 American Miniaturist

Miniature OpheliaOinpMheilniaiaitsunroweWhat started as art, turned in to a series ofbooks and now, Ophelia finds her way tothe world of minis. By Auralea Krieger.Ayear after loosing my up from Fairman’s farm and bag of flour for her mother. father, I created a found her way into Ophelia’s I have finally started work- mixed media art piece garden where she devouredfeaturing a young Victorian all of the squash Ophelia had ing on Ophelia’s house ingirl. The artwork was named been growing. After Ophelia miniature, but knew it wouldWorn and Torn and was discovered her and told her be a long time before it wouldreminiscent of my feelings at how naughty she was, she be ready to stage and deco-that time. I also wrote a short quickly forgave her because rate. So in the meantime,poem that went with it. she was such a clever sheep. I thought it would be fun to Ophelia brought Shelly along make small scenes similar to Shortly after making this with her on the journey to room boxes. For this piece Ipiece of art I named the the village store to fetch a paneled the background usingyoung girl, Ophelia. Then a decoupage technique, thenI began to write about her.With no agenda, the writingdidn’t stop and it felt great.Looking back, it really waslike therapy. Then I createdover seventy pieces of mixedmedia art depicting Ophelia’sadventures and her friends.This mini scene is based onone of the stories from myfirst book, Ophelia Under theDay Moon. Shelly, the sheep,once again has wanderedAbove: This is the peice of art thatstarted it all, titled Worn and Torn.Right: With her little wagon andShelly tied to a rope Ophelia makesher way home with her bag of flour. American Miniaturist 25

Miniature Opheliafilled the back of the space in. Her fur was flattened and Above: The first of many miniwith different greens; small much too white, so I steeped scence to be made that will betrees, plants, ferns, and dried a tea bag and then dabbed based on the stories of Ophelia.moss. All of these greenscan be found at craft stores. Shelly, the sheep, once the little weathered wagon atSometimes even aquarium again has wandered up Petit Brocante Minis on Etsy.plants will work as well. from Fairman’s farm I already knew that I wanted and found her way into the wheels to be made of Over the years I have been Ophelia’s garden where buttons before I even foundcollecting minis that remind she has devoured all of it. My father had a collectionme of Ophelia’s world. Some the squash. of buttons that I have usedof the items, like the little on many art projects, so Idog, now known as Bat, were it all over her. After her fur thought this was a perfectso perfect that they inspired dried all it needed was a fluff. way to incorporate themme to write them in to my There was some debate about again! It’s nice knowing thatstories. I only had to paint buying material to glue on to pieces of his memory are inhis chest and then put gloss her for better fur, but it actu- my creations.varnish on his eyes and nose ally turned out nice. I foundto make them more realistic. The doll was the mostShelly was purchased years difficult task. After search-ago and finally made her ing for a miniature doll artistway out of the bag she was who could help me create an Ophelia, I discovered that26 American Miniaturist

Miniature Opheliatime would not be on my Right: The first of many me to get it more organized.side. Luckily, I already had a miniature versions of Once I am off the treadmill IHeidi Ott doll. After staining my character Ophelia.the material for her stock- complete those tasks.ings in tea and letting them been able to put Little by little mydry, I sewed them up along time aside for my mini workroom willthe back. Being a ventur- miniatures. I have be back in operat-ous miniaturist, I wanted to been upstairs in ing condition. Beingfigure out how to make a real my art studio or the Editor for AMpair of leather boots. While working on my I have been seeingsearching through my fabric graphic/web design so many wonderfulbins, I found a mismatched at my desk. Years projects, and becauseleather glove. There was a bit ago I had a small of those of you whoof trial and error, but I gave it room built in my have been sharingmy best shot and even laced basement for my your work with thisthem up with embroidery minis when it was lovely magazine I amthread. After doing my little my small business. now having fun with“Yes, I did it! dance” I then When the business minis again! AMmoved on to her outfit. The closed it becomedress was difficult, but with the treadmill room. Left: The moment I sawsome patience I finally got Now while running this little dog I knewsomething that I was happy on that treadmill his name was Bat, andwith. I look around the I knew he would be room and come up with three Ophelia’s best friend. This was so much fun! It things to do that will helphas been awhile since I have American Miniaturist 27

Family historyAfammiliynhiaistutroery Peggy Newman shows us a wonderful historical collection. Step back in time, as she introduces us to some of her family.This is the story of a fam- the more interested she be- tion; status in life and have ily – the Rist family, as came not only in the people, also lived in different parts of told by Peggy Newman but also in the houses that the country.who is a daughter of the sixth they had lived in and in somegeneration (or maybe it is the cases owned. And it was not The collection has beenseventh). This is definitely long before she had the idea 23 years in the making; nowone of those stories that is of recreating these houses in with each property thor-very difficult to tell. Even miniature format, therefore oughly researched Peggy isto work out where to start bringing to life her family able to take visitors throughcauses a problem – because through the ages. each generation and to shareyou could say that it all start- the social and architecturaled some 500 years ago! Peggy With the help of Peter her history of each era.has written and published a dream would become a real-book recalling her family’s ity, as Peter has proven that The first house in the storyhistory, but mainly her own he is a true miniaturist when is Grantham Hall in Suffolk;memories of her life since the it comes to building houses the house is situated near the1930s, which prove to be not and also the furniture that coast. This house was in heronly interesting but in many was needed to furnish them. family in the 1600s until theinstances highly amusing. 1800s. Both have enjoyed the Peggy’s interest in her fam- research that this enormous The story of this houseily tree started after meeting task required as they drove started when Peggy inheritedher second husband Peter, around the countryside some pieces of family historyand she discovered that she visiting towns and villages, that related to Grantham Hall,was able to trace the line photographing, making notes these were a portrait of herback some 500 years. She and talking to whoever was four times Great Uncle Davidwas able to find birth and able to give them help and Rist, this portrait has beendeath certificates, and in advice in their quest to build miniaturized and now hangssome cases weddings and the houses as accurately as above the inglenook fireplacechristenings of different possible. in the miniature house; hismembers of the family. walking stick, a plate, and a Each generation of the sampler stitched by Eileen in The more Peggy found out family has moved not only 1843, David’s daughter-in- from a house; but occupa- law, and her bible, which has28 American Miniaturist

notes written by her, she and Above: Grantham Hall Family historyher husband Peter, drove – a grand Tudor house. American Miniaturist 29over to revisit the Peggy has a copy of thehouse. The house architect’s drawing ofcould not be the original house. Theseen from the house was originallyroad, so they twice as long, but wasdrove up the destroyed in a fire. Thelong drive, Rist family re-built it,and as the and over time there havehouse came been other additionalinto view parts, including thethere was part that was addeda couple in Georgian time.unloadinga four-wheel Right: There are peacocks,drive vehicle. horses and carriagesPeggy and Pe- across in the yard at theter stopped to back of the house.apologize forbeing on the pri- Peggy’s collectionvate property, and explained she gives visitorswhy they were interested in a guided tour – sothe house. On mentioning the please follow us asfact that her Mother had been we step back intoa ‘Rist’, the couple became history with her.excited as they had wantedto find out if there were anymembers of the original fam-ily still living. They then told Peggy thatthe lady’s Grandfather hadbought the house from thelast line of the Rist family,about one hundred yearsago and that they have allthe documents. Peggy andPeter were asked in for teaand because of this chancemeeting; Peter was able tophotograph the entire housewhich would enable him toaccurately build the Hall inminiature. When you pay a visit to

Family history Above: The layout of the rooms copy that of the original drawings, although there have been alterations done over the years. Left: All of the roof tiles and floor quarry tiles have been made exactly as the original, with the windows added in between the upright supports. All of the roof timbers are accurate.Right: The bedroomis furnished with justthe bare essentials.Peter made all thefurniture. Peggy did theneedlework and madethe bedding.Far right: The secondbedroom has heavydrapes around the bed;this would keep out someof the cold drafts.30 American Miniaturist

Family history Above: The dining room was always a busy room, where all of the entertaining would take place. Again, Peter has made the furniture throughout the house according to traditional Tudor style.Above: The kitchen with its large open fireplacewas always the warmest place in the house.Right: The cooking utensils and stone jars haveall been thoroughly researched and would havebeen in use during the Tudor period. American Miniaturist 31

Family historyAbove: The majestic chimney stackwith its well-sooted chimneys is justthe place for a seagull to perch. Theseagull was part of a broken ashtray;Peggy bought from a gift store.Right: One of the staff is about togo for water from the well outside.Right: Wooden bowls andstoneware were the only cookingand serving dishes for this period.Below: Even the micewere well fed, as foodwas often left lyingaround.32 American Miniaturist

Above: Outside is a flock of sheep. Family historyThe eldest daughter in the familywas always kept at home to spin – widow’s will. This is a copy ofhence the term“spinster.” his house, complete with loom and weaving equipment in The next house to one of the upper rooms.visit is the spinnerweaver’s home. Peggy Of course there was no run-believes that her ning water and washing wasfamily came over done in the local stream andwith the Hu- therefore never very clean.guenots from It was then dried either on aFrance – hewas Thomas pole suspended fromRist – one of the upside win-Peggy has dows, or if they liveda copy in the country, theof his clothes were dried on the hedges. Left: The spinner weaver’s house is complete with a loom and weaving equipment in the upper level. American Miniaturist 33

Family history This was five times Great Peggy’s four Above: This was a modest, but fineGrandfather’s home, a fine times Great family owned Georgian house.Georgian house – there were Grandfathersix brothers, they were all can be seen – which was very tragic forgentlemen farmers and all having his dia- our farmers. They lost a lot ofdied during the middle of the per changed in money – and when his daugh-1700s, all leaving money. Peg- the nursery. ter married she even had to begy has copies of their Wills, given a dowry.some leaving money to the This Grand-Church and some to the poor. father didn’t The next house we visit isThey weren’t aristocrats so have such a the thatched pub. This wasthe house did not have crystal great life be- owned by Peggy’s three timeschandeliers and beautiful cause farming Great Grandfather when hepaintings, but they certainly went through became a publican.weren’t laborers. a very difficult period as This was the first thatched Their cousin Daniel Rist sailing ships house that Peter had built,was a Blacksmith, and he died were replaced and as he drove throughin 1641 – and in his Will he by steam Cambridge one day he sawactually thanked God for the powered ships a Thatcher busy at work andthings that the good Lord had and there- asked him if he could give himgraciously given him. fore wheat any tips. The Thatcher looked was brought in from abroad down and said: “Have you gotBelow: This pub has an seven years?” Peter replied:accurately thatched roof. “No, I’ve only got seven min- utes.” But he did give Peter some helpful advice. Peter34 American Miniaturist

Family historyfirst tried some reed, but that and so after the baker had Above: Beryl Rist (Peggy’s cousin)proved to be too thick, he then finished baking each day the married an Isaac, so she couldn’tbought coconut fiber. One local women would bring their resist building a pawnshop upstairs.thing the Thatcher did insist pots along and use the oven to Peter said “J. Isaac” was the perfectthat Peter do, was to make a cook dinner. name for a pawnbroker.bird for the top of the roof, asa trademark. Inside there are Peggy had to research the went through a very badall the things that you would bread and cakes that would period and so Joshua movedfind in this period of pub from have been available during from Cambridge to London,a shove halfpenny board to a this period. She also discov- so Great Grandfather Edwardtrap door to the cellar. Peggy ered that there was no jam or Rist, although he was born inhas wonderful characters cream to be used. Cambridge he was brought upincluding the old hag and the in London in the bakery thatvoluminous barmaid. There is Towns and villages in 1850a plate of sandwiches on thetable, but even this is correctas the sandwich was inventedin 1779 and the pub was builtin 1800. The pub even has coal forthe fires, because this was thetime of the industrial revolu-tion, and the movement ofgoods around the countrybecame easier. Peter has againmade all of the furniture, forevery room in the pub. Outside the next house wevisit has a dray with horsesthat delivered the beer to thepub next door. This house isthe Bakers shop in 1850 inLinton in Cambridgeshire. The story continues thatJoshua’s son Joshua grew upto be a vicar in Cambridge. Hissecond son became a Baker. While doing research onthe bakery, Peggy was sent adocument by the Ladies Guildin Linton, which showed justwhere the shop was in thevillage and what it looked like.Many homes during this timedid not have ovens for cooking American Miniaturist 35

Family historyhis parents opened. was no media knowledge, Above: The house that this In 1890 Great Grandfather they knew so little. When they miniature model emulates was built moved to London things were in the 1500s. Now the house is ainherited the family home and very hard and they ended up very large bed and breakfast.with five unmarried daughters living very near to the Rists,they all moved in. and eventually Great Grand- When Peter and Peggy went father met and married Great to see this house to carry out Great Grandma was born in Grandma. the research before startingSomerset, but it was her sister the building, it was ownedElizabeth that decided that shewas going on the bride ship toAustralia. Great Grandma andher boyfriend went to see heroff, and when they got back,they decided that they weregoing to London. Unfortunate-ly like Dick Whittington manypeople thought that the streetswere paved with gold, thereRight: The horse and oil cart wentaround the villages, becauseeveryone cooked on oil stoves.The oil tank was inside the woodencart with a tap on the side.36 American Miniaturist

Family historyby a schoolmaster, and they 1900s one of the unmarried So Peggy wasn’t allowed tolearned that it had been built aunts had a baby – and by the go there, so she was broughtin the 1500s; to begin with it time Peggy was a little girl all to Ashill to her Mother friend’swas a thatched cottage, with the older members of the fam- house. They were Harvey’s thetwo rooms upstairs and two ily had died, the only two that oil people of Ashill.down. Then the dairy was remained was naughty Auntieadded and after that more ex- Alice and her daughter, who Below: Doctor’s surgery – you justtensions were built. Now the wasn’t much younger than went along and took your turn.house is a very large bed and Peggy’s Mother. He got your notes out of the filingbreakfast. cabinet. He also made up potions. Peggy never visited thiscottage because in the earlyBelow: Peggy has a corner of theexhibition set aside for memorabiliafrom the First World War, with a guncarriage which she had speciallymade, a Telegraph boy – no one likedhim paying them a visit althoughhe also did bring good news, like amarriage or birth of a baby. Peggyhas all the service records of familymembers. Grandma had three sonsand a nephew in the First World Warand two Grandsons in the SecondWorld War and everyone survived. American Miniaturist 37

Family history Left: When Mother38 American Miniaturist grew up she went into service. She then meet Peggy’s father and he became a butcher, like many of his family’s generations before him. That was after he came home after the First World War. Peggy’s father and his brother set up in partnership as butchers. The shop is ready for Christmas because people only had poultry at Christmas; you weren’t able to buy it at any other time. There are end- adding to the family history. less other hous- There are other houses from es, cottages and Peter’s own family including items around a windmill – but we will leave the room – each the story there until next time. piece telling its When we will continue the own wonderful story and bring you up to date story, each piece with the latest generation. AM Left: Then we come to the house where Peggy was born and grew up. Her mother told Peggy that when she was born the midwife leaned out of the window and picked her a bunch of lilac. The house is exactly as Peggy remembers it as a little girl.

Royal furnitureMfitifnoirfuarnkiitnugre John Hodgson’s love for antique furniture introduced him to the miniature world and now he creates tiny masterpieces.It is over twenty-seven years John is also well known as guerdion/torchere c1760, after since John Hodgson pro- a portrait miniaturist, painting the style of Jacques duced his first miniature in the traditional manner Francois Blondel. dining room display for his of the 17th century Old Gold plated onto daughter, and now his furniture Masters, using traditional pure English is much sought after. It was techniques by painting pewter. his love for antique furniture watercolor on Picture that introduced him to the vellum. frame with miniature world and his artistic oval insert and a talents have displayed them- Seen here are print of Prince selves in the beautiful furniture items from his gilt Rupert, Wil- he has gone on to create. range: George liam Earl of II Eagle console Cravern, by John first started by mak- table c1720 with Honhorst. The ing “one of a kind” wooden real green marble original of miniature furniture, and for top and Greek key this painting several years that was his main design around edge. is displayed at focus. However, he developed a Gold-plated onto pure Sledmere House, wider range of pieces after John English pewter. Yorkshire, Guthrie, who is the owner of England. AM Hever Castle, approached him A Louis XV gilt to create a permanent display. American Miniaturist 39 His work can be seen in exhibitions and museums around the world, but his major work has been a com- mission to create a permanent display of period model houses and room settings from Medi- aeval through to the Victorian period for Hever Castle in Kent, England.

Happy New YearNrevewelYersear Everyone loves to join in the celebrations for the New Year – Jean Caff welcomes in the New Year with her creative room box.Ye Old Ball and Chain bottle, produced from under oblivious to everything that hostelry (c 1820) has his cape (as article of cloth- is going on, is hanging on to seen many a festive ing very popular with British the lamppost and dreamingstart to a New Year, 2008 is Police Officers in the 50s and of tropical isles and dancingno different. Within its warm 60s, especially when riding girls, even Reynard anticipatesfriendly walls revelers have their bicycles) – while the a New Year’s feast of a dis-gathered to share the celebra- jovial Ser-tions, while outside there is geant, not toa story to tell. Beneath the be outdone,sparkle of festive lights, Police produces aSergeant Smart and Constable toast from out of his helmet!Within its warm friendly Discipline andwalls revelers have law and ordergathered to share the forgotten atcelebrations, while outside this momentthere is a story to tell. in time, which allows CharliePemberton are making their Brown tomidnight “point.” (This was escape out ofwhen Police Officers patrolled the windowthe streets, and were met by with his bootytheir Sergeant at a certain of wines andplace, at a certain time, to spirits.make sure they were doingtheir job properly.) The local drunk, Cyril, PC Pemberton, alreadylooking a little worse for wear, Right: Charliegreets his Sergeant with a is making his way out of the40 American Miniaturist window with his booty of booze.

Happy New Yearcarded sandwich left lying in where strength in the structure Above: Sergeant Smart andthe snow, while the wise old is not an issue. Constable Pemberton are makingowl sees all. their midnight “point” on New Years. To create the snow effect, As the clock is just about Jean has used the Scenic Snow World (these come at a veryto strike midnight - Jean has kit from DeLuxe Materials. reasonable price – althoughagain worked her magic – The kit contains high bright- the string of lights adds upthis time on a shallow depth ness Scenic Snowflakes, to a total of five bulbs whenroom box. Just room enough Scenic Bond Adhesive and Icy calculating the size of yourto create an alcove for the Sparkles, and full instructions, transformer); and finally theChristmas tree and to allow everything for a wonderful characters – all individuallyCharlie Brown to get out of snowy scene. created by Jean herself, whothe window. Strips of balsa loves her people to be trulywood and molding have been The scene is finished with representative of real life.used to build the walls, doors the addition of basket walland windows of the inn. Us- lights from Ray Storey; lamp It’s therefore time to wishing balsa wood will keep the post from Bromley Crafts; everyone a very happy,weight of the box down, but it the owl and the unique fox prosperous and healthy Newcan only be used for building are by Lifestyle Miniatures; Year – with lots of time for our lights in the tree by Minimum miniatures! AM American Miniaturist 41

Laundry daySoapy, sudsySunday choresMari Meredith makes laundry day funwith this easy to follow tutorial that willhelp you create your own laundry room.E ver since man has worn Sink unit and pump Tip: You could use Balsa wood clothes, ladies have been for the sink - it is easier to sand washing – Even when Tools & materials: into the correct shape. clothes were cleaned in the local river or stream, it appears l Wood 3cm wide x 5mm Step 2: Stick the false bottom that “doing the laundry” has thick 1cm up from the edge of the always been a task given to a l Craft sticks small - sink, glue on the front piece and woman. 5mm x 2mm leave to dry. l Thick card stock Over the centuries, however, l PVA craft glue Step 3: Give the sink another things have become easier with l Cocktail stick and a seed sanding and round off the the introduction of the latest bead edges of the sink. Next stick on piece of equipment – from l Craft knife the piece of card stock for the the washing board; mangles; l Cutting mat bottom; it doesn’t cover the boilers; and dollies to the l Fine sandpaper entire bottom as you need to smartest washing machines of l Clear varnish have a space left all around it for the twenty first century, the l Craft acrylic paints - the base to be attached. task of washing clothing has White for the sink and much improved. colors of your choice for the base Going back a couple of l Scenic Water and syringe hundred years, the laundry room that Mari has re-created Step 1: Using the diagram on would have been the idea of the next page, cut out all the heaven for an over-worked lady wood pieces for the sink and the when the inevitable wash day card stock - false bottom piece, came around. The laundry room then sand off any rough edges we will create is based around on the wood. Run the glue the Victorian era. This is a fun down the small sidepieces and project if you have a passion for stick on the back piece. showcasing daily chores in your miniature house or room box.42 American Miniaturist

Laundry dayStep 4: Now cut out all thepieces for the base. Thenrun some glue all aroundthe bottom of the sink youhave made. Stick on the sidesfirst, then the back and frontpieces; keeping the edges flushtogether. Leave to dry. American Miniaturist 43

Laundry dayStep 5: Cut out a piece of cardstock just a bit bigger than thebottom of the base. Run glueall around the edge of the basethen place it onto this card stock.When dry trim off the overlap,this gives the base more strength.Step 6: Next, cut out the 8corner pieces of craft sticks. Gluethe first piece on the side thenoverlap it with the front piece tohide the joins. Do the same onall the other corners.Step 7: Cut out the 5 panelpieces 1.5cm x 2cm. Glue 3 onthe front and then glue 1 oneach side, no need for any atthe back because they are fordecoration. Step 8: Paint the sink white using your acrylic paint. Step 9: Using the diagram above, cut out the pieces for the draining board and the shelves in the card stock. Cut out the wood lengths to cover the card stock.44 American Miniaturist

Laundry daySeven pieces for each board andglue them onto the card stock.Step 10: When dry give them Step 12: Stick the H frame onto Scenic Watera light sanding to round off the the draining board, then glue on Make up a solution of washingedge on one end of the draining the small pieces against the legs, up liquid and whisk it intoboard, this will sit on the sink. this will give the legs support. lots of bubbles. Next melt theTurn it over and stick on the cross Run some glue onto the sink Scenic Water by putting it inbar. Do not glue on the small ledge and stick on the draining the microwave for about 5 - 10pieces yet. Glue on the back, and board. When dry put some glue seconds or until liquid. Then suckthen the sidepieces. along the crossbars and place up some bubbles in the syringe on the shelves, make sure the and apply them onto the surfaceStep 11: Make the H frame as legs of the frame are straight of the water before it sets. I foundshown in the diagram. When dry and level. if you give the water a stir with aattach it to the base, keeping the small stick, this makes air bubbleslegs level with the bottom of the Step 13: Make the pump from as well as soap ones. Before it setsbase. Then glue on the two cross a piece of wood 3cm x 1.5cm x place in a few dishes and leave tobars to the base, these will act 5mm and drill two holes. One set. I made some of the dishes inas supports. When dry, paint the at the front, the other on the the sink out of polymer clay.bars and the H frame. side as shown. Cut a small bit of wood 2cm long, stick it on top of the pump and paint it. Cut a cocktail stick in two and glue a seed bead onto the points. Place the sticks into the holes to see how long you need them. Cut them to size, paint them black, and then glue them in place. American Miniaturist 45

Laundry dayWash tub all around the edge of the card Table for the tub Tools & materials: and stick on the circle of card, Step 1: With small craft sticks cut this will form the base. The circle two long sides 6cm long, and 8 l Craft sticks small and large should be slightly bigger. Leave to pieces 5.5cm long. Then glue the l Thick card - I used the dry. When completely dry trim off short pieces in between the long back of a refill writing pad the overlap of the card as close to ones, leaving small gaps between l Thin black card or paper the edge of the tub as possible. them. Let glue completely dry. l PVA craft glue l Top of an aerosol can - Step 4: Next cut 36 pieces from 5.7cm or one you can the small craft sticks each 25mm find that’s close in length, and stick them all l Craft knife around the tub. Make sure that l Scissors you keep the wood straight as l Scenic Water and syringe you go around. l Wood stain l Acrylic craft paint – Silver Step 2: When dry, glue on the l Craft clear varnish - Gloss leg supports to the tabletop and l Cocktail sticks leave to dry. l Fine sandpaper l Cutting matStep 1: Cut out a length of card Step 5: When dry take out the25mm wide and about 19cm aerosol top. Cut two lengths oflong. Then place it around the black card or paper 2mm wideaerosol top and glue the card and stick them round the tubdown. Put an elastic band around 5mm off the edges of the tub.it, this will keep the card together. When the glue has completely dried, stain the wood including the inside of the tub. Make sure Step 3: Stick on the legs, let dry the card at the bottom has a good then put a dab of glue 1cm from seal around the edges, to hold the the bottom of the legs and stick Scenic Water. on all the cross bars. Make sure the table stands straight before the glue sets to hard.Step 2: When dry, place the top onthe card and draw a circle around it(the end with the card on) cut outthe circle outside the line.Step 3: Take off the elastic bandand push the card down to theedge of the aerosol top. Run glue46 American Miniaturist

Laundry dayScrubbing board Step 3: When dry,Step 1: Using the large craft glue the top andstick cut two pieces for the back, sides in place.each 3cm long – glue themtogether to make a width of Step 4: Make the soap25mm. Then cut out two pieces by sticking two pieces5cm x 5mm long and trim the of wood together 1cmends at an angle, and a short x 3mm. Paint it a rustypiece for the top 25mm x 5mm. red to resembleCut 11 cocktail sticks into 25mm Carbolic Soap, andlengths. glue it onto the board. All you needStep 2: Next stick the cocktail to do now is put somesticks across the back, leaving a glue on the ends ofspace of about 7mm at the top the legs and stick thefor the soap. When this is done scrubber into the tub.and dried, paint the sticks silver. Scenic Water Cut up a few small suck up some bubbles and pieces of colored fabric and apply them on the surface of put them into the tub. Next the water in the tub before it make up a strong solution of sets. I found if you add a few washing up liquid and whisk it more bubbles and give it a stir into lots of bubbles. Next melt with a small stick this makes air the Scenic Water by putting as well soap bubbles, then just it in the microwave for about leave to set. 5 - 10 seconds until it becomes a liquid. Pour carefully over the Now all you have to do is fabric, then with the syringe enjoy your new laundry room! AM American Miniaturist 47

WashdaysLtooowkiansghbdaackys Doing the laundry has changed over the centuries, but it still appears to have been a very labor-intensive chore. By Jill Mundy.What does washday to picture the scene. perfection. It takes all morning mean to you? In Queen Victoria is on the to wash and rinse everything. my house it prob-ably means nearly every day, throne (not literally!) and it It all has to go throughas there are five of us to be is a normal Monday morn- the mangle next, smoothingcatered after. The automatic ing. Mother gets up at 4:30 fabric and squeezing out thewashing machine is often am and goes down to fill the water with every turn of theoverworked at weekends and handle. The clothes are allSunday tends to be the main Doing the laundry hung on the line to dry if theday for ironing, as I need to was once a full time weather is nice enough, butget shirts etc. clean and ready occupation for those if not, they have to be drapedfor school and work in the employed by large on clothes horses around thecoming week. households and would range, taking up lots of room often take a couple of in the kitchen. When dry, the I do own a tumble dryer, days in the most basic of washing is taken in and foldedbut I like to hang the washing family homes. ready for ironing. Washdaysin the garden, from my rotary are always busy so the eve-line, if I possibly can. The boiler and clean and light the ning meal is often very quicksoap powder now comes in range. She then sorts out the to prepare – cold meats anda convenient tablet or liquid clothes according to cleanli- pickles for example.form; I can add a conditioner ness – saving the dirtiestif I want nice fluffy towels items till last. Next, she fills Tuesday morning comesand even buy a fabric spray the dolly tub with water and and mother knows what liesto make the clothes smell gets to work with the dolly ahead. The flat iron is heatednice when I iron them. How peg and a good deal of elbow on the range and the kitchentimes have changed. Doing grease. The whites are “blue table cleared in readiness.the laundry was once a full bagged” to make them really Ironing is always done ontime occupation for those clean and fresh and shirt col- the kitchen table – a blanketemployed by large households lars and cuffs are starched to is folded and laid down toand would often take a couple protect the surface. The ironof days in the most basic of handle gets very hot so it isfamily homes. Take a moment held with a cloth. It is a long, hot job and she is always48 American Miniaturist

Washdayspleased when it is finished. Lifebuoy soap provided a free extensions for ironing sleeves We take so many of our emergency washing service or bonnets became available. to Londoners. Vans equipped Pegs have changed little overlabor-saving devices for with hot showers, soap and the years – until now maybe.granted these days. Before the towels visited bomb-struck ar- We are all very familiarintroduction of soap, dirt was eas to offer much-needed and with wooden dolly pegs andbeaten out of clothes by wash- appreciated facilities. Irons sprung plastic pegs, even theing bats, which were often modular plastic clips thatdamaging to the fabric. A blue Washdays are always come in a multitude of colors.bag was stirred around in the busy so the evening meal But how about a peg thatfinal rinse water. It disguised is often very quick to predicts the weather – well,any yellow tinges and helped prepare – cold meats and almost! A student at Brunelthe household linen appear pickles for example. University has designed a pegwhiter than white. The main with a sensor that can pickingredients were synthetic were originally heated on the up changes in air pressureultramarine and good old bak- kitchen range and smoothing and send an electrical signaling soda. irons had a chamber to hold to a metal strip on the peg burning charcoal to generate (all very hi-tech, I know). The soap used in Victorian heat. The first electric iron If rain is forecast within thetimes would have been made was patented by Henry W next half an hour, the peg willfrom a mixture of lye (an alka- Seely of New York in 1882. It lock itself, so preventing theline substance extracted from was quite a hazardous imple- washing from being hung onwood ash) boiled with animal ment and safer versions were the line. I’m looking forwardfat such as tallow from beef or developed by other compa- to the invention that will takemutton and added to lime- nies over the next ten years. the washing in for me shouldstone. Eventually imported I have hung it out before I gooils such as coconut, olive or By 1939 the electric iron to work and then find it pour-linseed were added which im- was the second most popular ing by lunchtime!proved the amount of lather. electric product in the home (for those with electricity) Let Marie Meredith take the One of the most famous after the radio. Temperature blues out of your washdaynames in soap – Pears – control and cleanliness were with some wonderful minia-entered into the business in the main features. Electric ture projects for your laundry1789 with a factory off Oxford steam irons first went on sale room on page 42. AMStreet in London. It was one of in 1953 and were produced byPears’ promotional campaigns Hoover.that introduced the painting of“Bubbles” by Sir John Everett Ironing boards began life asMillais, now such a well- ironing tables, covered with aknown poster image. thick woolen blanket to pro- tect the wood. Pale softwood In the 30s hard soap gave was preferred for cleanlinessway to newly developed flakes and oak for strength. Theand powders, designed to Victorians introduced themake household cleaning less folding ironing board andlabor-intensive. It is interest-ing to note (and I’m not sureif some of our readers may re-member) that during the Blitz, American Miniaturist 49

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