AMN153

Mini scenes from Brambly Hedge created by Steve Putnam December 15 Issue #153 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95PROJECTS CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25• Bunka rug• Floral arrangement• Miniature blankets• A mask for the ball• Mini outhouse• Star Trek uniform• Gazebo getawayA country pantry Roomboxby Erzsébet Bodzás

Dollhouse Land Artistry in Miniatures See you at the Southern California Show, Miniatures West Fantasy Show & The Chicago International Show (949) 496-9841 LauraCrain2@aol.com Visit Us on Facebook 27134A Paseo Espada, Suite 304 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Decorate in Style with Reutter Porcelain Visit your favorite miniature retailer for our extensive collection of unique, quality scale dollhouse miniatures Fully Decorated Party Buffet Table Item #1.814/62 American Miniaturist

Real Good Toys Heirloom Quality Dollhouses Engineering the world’s best miniature homes for over 40 years! Many Choices! Sizes! Price levels! Years of Joy! 10 Quarry St. - Barre, Vermont 05641 802-479-2217 on the web: www.RealGoodToys.com The To-Do List Alessio Miniatures Of A Very Wise Miniaturist: The New Standard in Miniatures Attend the Museum’s Attic Sale in April Bargain.s.. galore! Windows • Doors • Roofing • Fancy Trim-work Visit The Museum of Miniature Houses NEW Doors7 Rooms of beautiful m...iniatures (I can’t wait!) and Windows Save Time to Shop in the Museum Shop (Custom Miniature “finds”..a. t all price points Windows Visit us to do your Avail.) Christmas shopping. #826 Garden Shed NEW Asphalt Laser Trim & Cedar Flooring Shingles We now have 11 colors! 111 East Main St - Carmel, IN 46032 See your local miniature shop 317-575-9466 and ask for the best!Hours: Wed-Sat: 11am to 4pm - Sun 1pm-4pm For a dealer near you go to: www.ministores.org Learn more at the Museum’s Website: www.museumofminiatures.org www.AlessioMiniatures.com 631-673-6277 American Miniaturist 3





min imail 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 letterThis month’s star letter waswritten by Linda Peterson.Who had such nice thingsto say about our Novemberissue. We truly love to shareyour projects and letters withour readers, and it means somuch to us that you take thetime to write! To thank Lindafor her wonderful letter, wewill be sending her a veryspecial project DVD. Pleasekeep your letters coming.We love learning aboutyou and your projects andhearing your commentsand ideas. We always lookforward to reading yourthoughtful letters! Tipton. How creative of her to Pamela” projects. What fun that she continuously rearrangesStar letter use stencils on the floor and and fiddles with her arranged two different wallpaper patterns rooms. It surely keeps her craft I have enjoyed AM for on the wall. I love the bright interesting and fulfilling. I also several pink and all of the like to sit and look at a miniatureyears now and look Barbie Cohn Andreason makes a mini shack full of snacks colorful bakery and piece I am working on. It’sforward to it’s arrival candy items. Hereach month. The attention to detailNovember issue November 15 Issue #151 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADA $1P0.r9i5cCeAD.$U7K .£95.525 is extraordinary(AM151) had several and the colorfulgood articles and PROJECTS pictures of it are • DAuretaummnbovaergdgies •• Mini mat • Egg beater • Shaker style • Potted mumstutorials as it usually very well done. Thisdoes. I really enjoyed bakery is aces inthe articles on the my book!National Museum of A small treat WMealrcsohmmealtloowMMooToipntobna’ksery I really enjoyedToys and Miniatures the articleand also the mini Changing forvacation Jodi Towne 9/25/15 11:00 AM 04NV15_p001.indd 1 the Better about Pamelashared to the Museum of Parsons and the dollhouse sheMiniature Houses. I hope one finally got and revamped today I will be able to visit these suit her taste. I think it is greatplaces. that she has a husband whoMy absolute favorite article is able to get involved in thewas about the Marshmallow miniature craft and help herMoon Bakery made by Mo out with his “commissioned by6 American Miniaturist

min imailamazing what your mind may is no better mail to get. I enjoy discover you had chosen me ascome up with as a creation reading every page. My eyes light the lucky winner of your sandgoes from the planning stages up when I receive it each month castle contest!to production. There is always in my mailbox.room for improvement. The large assortment of mini items is a very generous gift and Jessica Aufiero had me doing a happy dance. Some mini time has already Linda Peterson Winchester, MA been marked on my calendar, so I can be creative and give these Gilbert, MN Giveaway winner pieces a new home within my small world. “Minis forever—Minis in Africa What a wonderful surprise to be Housework whenever”. ThankThank you so much for the the winner of the September You so very much!iMag copy of your (AM149)Christmas edition. giveaway. Sandy Millar,News reached the The Annual Miniature Convention I have all the Qualicum Beach, CanadaCape Town miniaturegroup just in time MCONinVEiaNtuTrIOesN issues of American Special deliveryfor their monthly Bsthceeettnyae’vsriydBaamys iwinnieaSltlouaursitshsto.ABmfyreicRtahayihnGagsesbrpbeeeacru.iatilffuolr Miniaturist. I Two Wonderful! If you could seemeeting on Saturday. enjoy reading my face you’d see a big ole smileThe article looks like NoihtotnBcuffhofeagoaSemrbntreovaylHenuaisnleaettcfStltihohasoeckroftogerya-ulAmSfelnelaodKttdfhbGoooorobPoeirnfatagcreseorryteeBanddrpetltetPbheihdeClptsoaneatreiaeynnrintnnpNgwh’fgtsotseg1eaho,.ocu6BtCnecaotii0aohrnolo0yetsonasah.fanardsoenaImytlintncf-e-i-ds tmononuTivneahiilssaeiMptrtueeiBrcnaeeiirataeetltynurm’tershaeauBsnCosayionyar,n—sevbtasteushntotehtnfieoAosrrnen,-is bwSTsruihhaxeeiotnhFcclaioyhvrneimelavsdreeironanftnfirBIdoosenmaitstiLysCg’isnranopdoBweswatiyrTno,iognmawini,ntnds. the articles that you put there! I receiveda million dollars and held in Septem- and doing the a doubly-delightful surprise in ber, which is projects in the the mail. When I saw the two springtime in packages were from Ashdown, I Africa. knew they would be wonderful! The first package contained a The Annual “Perfect Match Stain Pen” that I Miniature Con- won in the September Giveaway vention is the drawing. Thanks so much for this excellent new tool. RBBieegllhoowtw: :ErEdiglwghaat:rsdBhieoatwnsinde,rteaesassctiunhdginetgnattbh,laeenmmdiitrrerrooarrchbtaeybrE,leElglwgaaoKrKokosstshetoer.pr.. The second packagethey were all as happy magazines. contained an Americanas Christmas elves on Thank you so Miniaturist CD—Deck the Halls. IDecember 24th! very much. was thrilled to be the winner in Thank you and your the “Where’s Arthur” Septemberteam your support and 42 American Miniaturist 10/28/15 2:01 PM drawing! The frisky fella had 04DE15_p042-047.indd 42 been using his invisibility cloak! Kathy Deardurffthe joy your magazine brings Thank you ever so muchto so many. East Liberty, OH for your generosity and extraordinary magazine! I could Happy winner go on and on, but gotta go— Ray Gerber Sending a huge group hug to the your November issue just arrivedKnynsa, South Africa American Miniaturist Team and and I’ve got some serious a heartfelt thank you! reading to do!Bright eyed Today I found a box from youI am a new subscriber to in my mail and knowing I hadn’tAmerican Miniaturist magazine ordered anything, I quicken myand I love it so much! steps back home to open it.Thank you so much. There What a wonderful surprise to Debra Elwood Central Point, OR — Facebook Twitter Blog: A Small World’s Big Buzz American Miniaturist 7

Miniature pantrySTINtoIcEkSiTnPgAthNeTRY IGMA Fellow, Erzsébet Bodzás, shares the final results of her miniature pantry project. It’s full of beautiful handmade art.When I was a little girl, my Grandmom said the best way toguess a family’s wealth wasto take a peek inside theirpantry. And I remember howproud my mother was of herpantry shelves when theywere filled with preservesafter summer. Because ofthese memories, a full countrypantry is like a treasure to me.“When I plan a scene, thewhole picture is in myhead before I actuallystart to make it, and Idon’t like compromising.” How could I not love the The shabby kitchen cup- Above: Reminded of hercolorful foods as they fill all board is perfect for the jars grandmothers pantry, Erzsébetof the available surfaces and and cans and the chipped pot created one in 1:12 scale.even hang from the ceiling?And the various foods alto-gether make a beautiful still-life moment when coupledwith all of the old thingsthat have been banished tothe pantry.8 American Miniaturist

Miniature pantry Above and left: There are fresh and jarred foods all around the pantry. Below: The cupboard was distressed to match the rustic feel of the piece.is just right for storing walnuts It took me about ten days scene, is still in its planningor beans. Your eyes have no to make this whole scene, but phase in my mind. I imagineresting spot as you explore I worked more hours a day it is filled with all the forgot-every corner; there is always than usual since I had little ten things that someone hassomething delicious to look at. time before the opening of cast away. As usual, I can see the exhibition that this piece, the whole picture—the broken All of the items in this min- titled Pantry, was originally chair, the old mattress, the trunkiature room box were made by created for. filled with toys and, of course,my own hands. When I plan everything is covered with dust.a scene, the whole picture is My newest project, an atticin my head before I actually American Miniaturist 9start to make it, and I don’tlike compromising. Sinceit’s impossible to purchasesomething that is exactly thesame as the item conjured inmy mind, I have to fabricateeverything on my own. My stubbornness has anawesome side effect though.It has caused me to inventsome great methods for creat-ing dishes, pans, and otherkitchenware.

Miniature pantry Erzsébet shares tips for making realistic vegetables “You have to study a vegetable or a fruit before trying to model it. You have to discover all of its unique attributes. This includes the form, the texture, and the colors. The colors are the most common thing someone could fail to achieve. If you think you need two or three colors of chalk to shade an apple, then you will probably need four to six of them to make it realistic.”Above: There are also dried herbs have put in it. But I eventually To see one of Erzsébet’sand flowers on top of the cupboard. come to the conclusion that it methods for making minia- doesn’t need anything more. ture pans pick up an issue ofI can’t wait to start it! Maybe just some apples on the DHM46 July/August and try Making this little room box crown of the cupboard… her innovative tutorial! AMwas a joyful journey, I lovedevery part of it. The hardesttask was having to close thebox. I had so many more ideasof other things that I wanted toplace into it. Fortunately, I made it for anexhibition, so I had to stick to adeadline. The exhibition is overnow and the pantry has a placeon the wall of my living room.I stand in front of it for a fewminutes every day and thinkabout what more I shouldRight: There are tiny handmadespring onions laying on the tablethat gently hang over the edge.10 American Miniaturist

Bunka rugDecoratingwith bunkaSandy Millar shares a great way to addsome warmth to your miniature room byadding a custom made bunka rug.S hishu, also referred to as “These mini rugs I have Tools & materials: Japanese embroidery, is made are very simple a beautiful art form that to create using the l Sewing and darningoriginated around the turn of the unravelled bunka cord, needle20th Century. craft glue, and a pattern printed on paper. “ l Toothpick Talented artists use a special l Small scissorspunch needle and woven to simulate a piping edge on l Bunka cordrayon threads, known as bunka miniature furniture or cushions. l Tacky Gluecord, to create very detailed l Light weight fabricmasterpieces. Some liken these Once unraveled it’s curlybeautiful creations of thread texture can be glued ontopainting to oil paintings. miniature dolls to represent hair, clothing trim, or clothing. For our Bunka cords are available in purposes in this tutorial bunkamultitude shades of color. Some is also a great product to createeven have a thread with sparkleto add a bit of glitter to yourproject. Before this silky cord isunraveled it can also be used rugs for miniature rooms. There are online sites that offer bunka cord as well as kits to make mini rugs. Over time I have been lucky enough to find my collection of bunka at thrift stores and yard sales. These mini rugs I have made Left: A sample of how bunka can be made into a great mini rug design. American Miniaturist 11

Bunka rugare very simple tocreate using theunraveled bunkacord, craft glue, anda pattern printed onpaper. You may like touse your creativemind and make someart deco or abstractdesigns without apattern. Cross stitch,embroidery, andcoloring books offeran endless choice ofpatterns that can bereduced to a suitablesize for your creations.Step 1: To start your mini rug ormat select a pattern and yourcolor choices of bunka. Verygently unravel a few inches ofeach. A sewing pin or needleis helpful to catch the end ofa thread of the woven cord to12 American Miniaturist

begin the unraveling. Bunka rugBe careful not to American Miniaturist 13stretch the threadstight or the curlytexture will be lost.Step 2: Using atoothpick, apply asmall amount of glueto a center area of thepattern.Step 3: Using anotherclean toothpick or adarning needle, placeand then gently pressthe curly thread intothe glue. Placing thethread in differentdirections will create anice pile texture.Step 4: Continue to apply glueand thread filling in the smallerareas first. The threads can be cutto a more manageable size forthese areas of the pattern and tofill in where a little piece mightbe needed.Step 5: The background areaof the rug is then filled in tocomplete the rug.Step 6: A light weight fabric ina complimentary color may beglued to the back of your rug tocover the paper pattern.You can altere the colors oromit and add some details tomake them all a bit different. This is a very easy and relaxingproject to do so I hope youmight give it a try. AM

Miniatures in filmAINTnOHinItSeTrOvRenYtion A feature film in the making is in need of miniature scenes made by talented miniaturists to use as movie backdrops.Miniaturists have to have children or keep their artists from across the country, a bright opportu- children?” Receiving the presti- and anyone is welcome to de- nity ahead. A feature- gious Guggenheim Fellowship sign one or more! She hearkenslength film called The Manhat- in 2013 allowed her to delve to the culture of manual labortan Front will rely on dollhouse into research and film tests. that existed in the early 20thminiature scenes as backdrops, century: “The idea of havingas it examines what life was Cathy, known for meditative miniature enthusiasts buildinglike in New York City from films of feminist perspective, dollhouses was an opportunity1914-1917. The team is looking presents two women who to look at human endeavor, thefor scenes created by you! could be her great-grandmoth- attention, and labor that still er: Janey, a farm girl/stenogra- goes on every day,” she said. Director Cathy Crane, As- pher, and Lenore, a Vaudevillesociate Professor in Cinema performer/spy. Both women “It would be great if whoeverat Ithaca College, was curi- occupy historical spaces that decides to participate in thisous to learn the details of her are hard to replicate. project would record their pro-maternal grandmother’s early cess of making it so we couldlife. This grandmother was That’s where miniaturists include this documentation onborn in 1914 in Manhattan come in. Cathy plans to use our website. It’s a manual craftand given up for miniature scenes designed by of labor. The early 20th centuryadoption, living in is moving into automation, butan orphanage until people were still sewing, sauter-1917. This period ing, hammering. It’s a nostalgiccoincides with U.S. view of the possibility thatneutrality in World people build this world withWar I. Cathy won- their hands.”dered, “Who wasmy maternal great- The method for using thesegrandmother? Whatwas life like in New Top: Lenore steals a glanceYork for women at a telegram hidden in Wardwho were not mar- Moorehouse’s pocket.ried or decided not Left: Janey and Mac talk about the I.W.W. or Wobbly movement at14 American Miniaturist Mac’s linotype press.

Miniatures in filmminiature scenes is an old one the archive and master narra- Above left: Ashley Connor and Jacksonthat’s not widely known. tive of history,” she said. “A Eagan set up lights and camera for lot gets lost, and I’m interested the miniature composite tests. “Miniatures become sets for in those lives. This can alsolive action, using an old form double as a dollhouse a young you can find different archivalof special effects.” Cathy said. girl is playing with.” images based on themes of the“Rather than using digital tech- film on its official Facebooknology, the miniature is in front Lenore will need scenes and Instagram pages.of the camera, behind a piece built for the music hall whereof partial opacity glass. What’s she performs, with a dressing “We’ll supply interestedseen through it is the miniature room and an upper floor for people with thumbnail pho-space, and what’s reflected on the townhouse she lives in. tographs so they have an ideait is the live action actors be- Janey needs items like type- what to create,” Cathy said.hind the camera. It’s a very cool writers and telegraphs, earlyold strategy.” 20th century telecommunica- Both Cathy and Kayla tions. She lives with a German stressed that this is not a These miniature scenes will Jewish family in a small apart- contest, per se. Everyone whoserve as the locations where ment, and travels to Mexico at enters will have their workstories that are often overlooked one point. The project is really featured in a gallery exhibition,will be told. Cathy called the a wide open call for miniatur- and many will be in the film.project an “intervention into ists’ creativity. Kayla also said that interestedhistory,” a contrast to typical miniaturists can speak to awar narratives. She will use Producer Kayla Reopelle documentary crew about theirarchival newsreel footage from said that there’s something for process of making if theyEurope and Mexico to ground everyone. choose.the fabrication in history. “If possible, we’ll need To participate, log on to “I’m interested in building designs with removable themanhattanfront.com/com-the stories that are left out of walls,” Kayla said. “Lots of petition and fill out the interest detail in texture of the walls form by January 30, 2016. and the floors, which will pop Shipping will be covered by the on camera.” team, and you must be 18 or older and a legal resident of the Another way to get a glimpse United States. Mail pieces by of what The Manhattan Front April 1, 2016, before the film is all about is to take a look at shooting begins June 1, 2016. AM their website, www.theman- hattanfront.com. The site features a newspaper subtitled “A Monthly Digest of the Great War’s Untold Stories.” You’ll learn about various histori- cal events that come into play in the cultural narrative. And Above left: Lenore decodes the message using a checkerboard cipher. Left: Lenore prepares to decode a message she had stored in her corset. American Miniaturist 15

Hot air balloonLUPe,tU’sPta&keAWa AtrYip Maria Luisa and Malú are a mother and daughter miniature team from Barcelona and they love a good challenge.In 2014, the concept for the as a Christmas gift. ativity and flashes of inspira- annual mini-scene com- Whenever there is a spare tion, the two brainstorm with petition at the Barcelona each other and their family Miniatures Fair was “Let’s moment, Maria Luisa and and then create imaginative travel.” her mother, Malú, devote it small scenes and items. to creating a fantasy piece in Because this dynamic miniature. Using their cre- Maria is a homemaker, as mother and daughter well as a lawyer, so duo love to travel, you can imagine how they were full of great minimal her free time ideas! Maria imme- is. But when you love diately remembered what you do you can that when she was always find time for it! getting married, mak- With a love for a ing the preparations good creative chal- for the honeymoon lenge, the two decided was her favorite to do the impossible task. Then it turned and make a 1:12-scale out to be one of her hot air balloon. favorite trips. So the As you can imagine, creative process was the biggest challenge ignited and they set was constructing the out to make a scene balloon. They ended fit for an adventur- up using a technique ous newly married that Maria had learned couple. while in school. She used a real balloon They have both been having fun mak- Top: This young man is very ing miniatures since fascinated by miniatures. 2008 when Maria’s Left: The finished project mother gave her an that was a joy to build. American dollhouse16 American Miniaturist

Hot air balloon Left: All of the mini bags are packed for a fabulous honeymoon.that was inflated and then balloon and painted it in a wraps around the ballooncoated it with glue, newspa- rainbow of cheerful colors. with yarn and then fastened itper, and tissue paper. Once to a small decorative bas-the many layers They crocheted the net that ket. The crocheted net waswere dry, she admittedly the most difficultdeflated the part of this project. All of the small bags that are used as weights were filled with real sand. The string was braided over wire to hold the balloon “With a love for a good creative challenge, the two decided to do the impossible and make a 1:12-scale hot air balloon.” up, which gives it the illusion that it is floating. The rest of their family love miniatures and think it is a beautiful hobby. They give both Maria and Malú their full support and sometimes ideas, as well. For instance, Maria’s father made the anchor for the balloon using welding wire. They also envisioned the scene to take place out in a field, so they used real stones that they collected while on a trip to Petran (Jordan). The main structure for the tree is a real branch and then they adorned it with paper- Left: So many small details went into this project such as tiny butterflies and blooming sunflowers. American Miniaturist 17

Hot air balloon Left: The tree was a Last Word contest challenge to build,Above: There is but it turned out to Do you have a miniaturesomething about be a great addition story or project you wouldminiatures that to the miniature like to share with us? Eachalways brings out scene. month, we select one suchbig smiles. special story to publish onRight: A small rock punched leaves. pages 97-98 in that issue offrom a vacation “Working in our magazine, and we wantfinishes the scene to be able to feature yourand make it even miniature requires special mini project in anmore sentimental. much time, pa- upcoming issue! tience, and good18 American Miniaturist eyesight.” Your special project will inspire us as well as our Other than the readers more than you know. basket and the We urge you to share your fence, all of the own vision and creativity. pieces that create Tell us a little about you this special minia- and the project you want ture project were to share, where you got the handmade by inspiration, and how you Maria and Malú.  made it all came together. The scene Please keep your turned out to look stories around 500 words, exactly as they accompanied by a few had envisioned. pictures of you and your They have no special project so that our plans to sell this readers can enjoy it as well. pieces and can It could be your work on you blame them? those two pages of a future The love and AM issue! imagination that is shown here is Send your entry to Last truly priceless. AM Word writing contest, American Miniaturist, 68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944. You may also send your entries via email to auralea@ashdown.co.uk. Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and email address. The deadline for our next Last Word writing contest is Monday, January 18, 2016.

Floral arrangementArrange somemini flowersGet green fingered and try your handat making a floral display that will bringsome spring into your little house.A lthough we are arranging foliages for a rustic, harvest Tools & materials: flowers in one-inch scale, festival feel. l Flower stems with the same basic rulesapply as for full-size displays. Where to get your flowers blooms in variousSelect your container; choose You may be talented enough to shapes, colors andone that tones with the colors of make your own flowers using texturesyour flowers. crepe or tissue paper and craft l Green foliage punches. Plus there are flower l A vase or container Also choose one that is the kits to buy from dollhouse and l PVA glue (thick)right height for your flowers. If you craft shops. l Blu-Tackhave a short vase then choose l Tweezersflowers with short stems, or cut “Choose flowers l Scissorsyour stems accordingly. Also if with full heads likeyou only have a few stems then dahlias, carnations, yellow (nearly orange) daffodils;choose a vase with a narrow neck. chrysanthemums, and and white May blossom. daffodils.”Containers not vases Step 1: Start by either Blu-Jugs, teapots, tumblers, jam jars You could find suitably small Tacking your container to theand even wellington boots can foliage in dried flowers sold at end of a pencil or your work-all be used for displaying flowers. your local florist or garden center. surface; this will keep it still whilstWith smaller containers such as One of the best places to try is you build your arrangement.teapots and jam jars, or even fish in railway model shops, as theybowls, the flowers look better stock a variety of plants, flowers,with the stems cut short, so that and foliage to landscape modelthe flower heads “float” on the railways, much of which is usefulrim of the pot. for miniatures. Choose flowers with full For this spring display I haveheads like dahlias, carnations, chosen pale lemon tulips; deepchrysanthemums, and daffodils.Mass in separate colors for highstyle, or fill out with interesting American Miniaturist 19

Floral arrangementStep 2: Fill the container withthick PVA glue–as this willgradually set and hold thefinished display in place.Step 3: Start by adding longpieces of greenery; these shouldstand straight and be on each A wonderful assortments of miniature plant and flowers arrangements to inspire you!20 American Miniaturist

Floral arrangementside, as if you were creating a Step 6: Next, fill inbackdrop for your flowers. your miniature vase with additional flowers. Remember to stay within the shape and height of the original foliage so it will look balanced to the eye. Now you have a gorgeous custom made floral display that will forever add life and beauty to your favorite miniature scene! AMStep 4: Add your central, largeflower; then place the five nextlargest ones either side.Step 5: Fill in with additional Tip: Shown is one way •straight up and down.greenery. Your display should of forming a springtime Always turn the design as yoube at least twice as high as your arrangement, but here are work to see where you needcontainer and twice as wide. some more tips for making a to add a flower and to make sure the arrangement looks •professional-looking display. As you place your flowers, •balanced. imagine the quadrants on a Select the flowers you like compass; north, south, east, best and place them in a and west, crossing the stems in prominent place so they can •the middle of the container. •be seen. Choose one special highlight Mix different sorts of flower flower and put it in the and bloom so you have a exact middle, held up by the variety of textures and shapes. other flowers. Now fill up the For a more contemporary quadrants by placing your design, try to emulate curly flowers at an angle rather than willow (corkscrew). American Miniaturist 21

subscription offerMaggie Rudy uses her passion for miniatures to build Mouseland Beautiful Reutter Porcelain giftsSeptember 15 Issue #149 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADA $1P0.r9i5cCeAD.$U7K .£95.525 FREE when you subscribe!PROJECTS••••••SCCKPMchriehtoiitcncochakihocemeelcnnrteaocacscoasoadombroooripniineleystsAn English cottage Madewithlove 7/29/15 1:15 PM You save on the Subscribe to the print edition of by Kammy Hill iMag and TV channel American Miniaturist for one year and we’ll give you the darling04ST15_p001.indd 1 Porcelain Cruet Set.When you subscribe to the print version, Subscribe for two years and weyou qualify for big savings on the American will send you the beautiful DresdenMiniaturist iMag digital library. Bathroom Set.With the iMag you will be able to read all the Take advantage of extra savings bycurrent magazines on your computer, plus subscribing for three years and we’llyou get access to back issues of American send you BOTH gifts for FREE!Miniaturist in the iMag library. Receive eachnew issue as soon as it’s ready. Subscribe today.Also, don’t miss dollshouse.tv! * It’s easy online or call the AMIt’s like having a workshop in your home. office toll free at 1-866-606-6587.You can watch programs 24 hours a dayvia the internet on your computer or on yourmobile device. 3easy ways to subscribe l Online at www.AmericanMiniaturist.com l Call toll free in the US at 1-866-606-6587 or 507-634-3143 UK +44 (0)1903 884988 l By mail using the form on the right

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Brambly HedgeTMAaNleYnFteOdRiMn S Steve Putnam went from a young entre- preneur to Chelsea garden designer–with a sprinkling of miniatures along the way!My interest in minia- and visiting other more special- where only I know where it is! tures began at the age ist shops and dolls house fairs, It’s a good thing to look back of 10 when I entered I began to see the finer quality at past work, “very humbling”a school competition to create pieces available by some of the to see how far you have come.a miniature garden in a seed top names in the business.tray! Little did I know these I think most, if not alltwo influences were going to Having always miniaturists will agreeshape the rest of my career. been creative and once you’ve been bittenMy next encounter with the spending most of myminiature world was when my childhood makingGranddad made my Mum a things I decided IVictorian shop dollhouse. would have a go at making some basic We knew there was a min- miniatures. Armediatures shop fairly locally so with several packets of thewent along to see what was brightest colored polymeravailable. A lot of the pieces clay I could find, a cocktailavailable were mass produced stick, and the kitchen chop-items, which at the time ping board I began to create!seemed wonderful and some My very first attempt was aof the items were so reason- very crude fruit bowl, filledable that we immediately with the oddest shaped fruitstarted to fill the Victorian and grapes fashioned from theshop with all sorts of wonders! remnants of a beaded neck- lace. I still have that fruit bowl Being very young, very new and it’s safely packed awayto the hobby, and even morenaive, nothing was really in Top: The traditional Punch and Judyscale, the contents of the shop show in miniature is an item ofwas a complete miss-mass of Steve’s that he made for sometime.bits and bobs we had collected. Right: With such a love forLooking back it was really quite gardening, 1:12-scale flowers are aawful! After a while collecting favorite for Steve to create.24 American Miniaturist

Brambly Hedge Left, below left, and bottom: Scenes from Steve’s Brambly Hedge work–Steve has made everything within the tiny rooms including sculpting each of the little characters. Below: This delightful little scene was inspired by an image in one of the national papers–a harvest mouse had curled up in a daffodil, so he just had to make it! All of the sprouting bulbs and snail were made by Steve.by the bug you never look at a nice idea toanything in quite the same way show the ownersagain! I started collecting bottle of the local doll-tops, old jewelry findings, off house shop whatcuts of fabric and bits of pack- I had made.aging that “might be useful”. Packing the polymer pieces Having increased in confi- carefully into andence and making more and old ice-creammore items for the Victorian box I went toshop I thought it would be American Miniaturist 25

Brambly HedgeAbove and right: More of the incredible scenes from theBrambly Hedge collection. Each little mouse tells a story.show my wares, not really my surprise we the time experimenting withlooking for anything more than only lived a road new techniques and materi-a few “Oh’s” and “Ah’s”. At apart! Annie and I als, becoming more and more12 I was more excited to show spent lots of time confident and improving all thethem my attempts which I was sharing ideas and time. Then at 23 I had anotherso proud of. complimenting article in DHW in issue 137, each other’s work. As I started to un-pack the After knowingpieces I had made the “Oh’s” Annie for a coupleand “Ah’s” became more and of years, she sug-more excitable! Other cus- gested sendingtomers in the shop started some images toto huddle round to see what DHW to see ifwas in this inconspicuous ice they would covercream box! The owners were a story on some-so impressed with everything body so youngI had made they placed their and interested infirst order there and then! So at the hobby. Soon12, being somewhat of an en- after I was delighted to havetrepreneur and began earning my first article with DHW, insome pocket money from doing issue 41.something I loved! I carried on making minia- It was while supplying the tures, supplying various shopslocal shop that I met miniature and private commissions, allanimal artist, Annie Willis to26 American Miniaturist

Brambly Hedgewhich was a three page spread from the stresses of everyday Above left and above: A cozy fireshowcasing my most recent life. Alongside all the other burns in the hearth and little babywork of the time. I hadn’t commitments I undertook a mouse is sound asleep and snug asadded any contact details as it mammoth project to completely a bug in her walnut shell cradle.was really a hobby and working re-landscape our family garden.full-time and supplying the few The initial intention was to gained employment in my localshops was enough to keep me “tidy up the garden”, little did I garden centre as assistant plantbusy! To my utter surprise I or my parents know this was to area manager.was inundated with letters from become a ten year project andreaders all over the world who labour of love! As anybody who While on the RHS coursehad contacted DHW to find out knows me will vouch, I don’t I met lots of creative peoplehow they could buy my work! do anything by halves! It’s all or who, after seeing the garden nothing with me! and all of my miniature work While working in retail I was were left with jaws dropped.also training for a management After convincing my parents I received a call one day fromposition, making miniatures was to completely clear the garden one of my colleagues who sug-my weekend and evening past apart from any existing ma- gested that I apply to designtime, if I could stay awake that ture trees, we hired a digger! and exhibit a garden at Chelseais! At the age of 25 I was becom- Twenty Skips, ten years, 4,000 Flower Show.ing tired of the management plants later the garden wasposition and increasingly frus- finally finished! I thought it was a fantastictrated that my creative talents idea but more an unachievablewere becoming more of a chore It was during this massive dream rather than a reality.to keep up with a back log of project that my creative talent I bit the bullet, with nothingorders whilst working a 45 hour and love of horticulture seemed to lose I set to work on theweek in my full time job. a perfect match to combine as design for the courtyard garden a career option. So I enrolled named “Moving On…”, the Gardening had always been on the RHS level 2 horticulture design proposal was completedmy other love and an escape certificate, left my job and and sent off, all I could do now was wait. American Miniaturist 27

Brambly HedgeAbove and right: The cupboard is stocked with to say the garden garden center, I suggested there was a huge demand for gardengoodies and this naughty little boy has spilled the got built, and was a design and was immediatelyjam while investigating a fresh baked pie. offered the task of setting up huge success! the design department within the center. News of a Chelsea The highlight for medallist was spreading fast and design work began toFirst submissions to the RHS me at Chelsea was the Royal flood in!for such a prestigious event are visit where I was fortunate Not wanting to let my artistic talents be suppressed over therarely accepted on first applica- enough to have a very surreal quieter winter months I was asked to create a Christmastion. The two month wait for conversation with HRH who grotto at the center. My head was spinning with ideas, all ofan answer was not expectant was so complimentary of the the scenes I had wanted to cre- ate in miniature but had neverof anything more than a polite garden. There was plenty of had the time to do could now be realized in full size!“Thank you, but do try again” BBC coverage of the garden I wanted to create somethingletter. To my delight and horror and articles in national maga- that brought the magic and wonder back to Christmas,the letter came and the garden zines. The award of Silver-Gilt something that no child or adult could help but have thathad been accepted! Chosen was a bonus on top of every-as one of the nine gardens se- thing else!lected from over 300 applicants A bit like miniatures I hadfrom the horticulture pedigree been bitten and the Chelseaall over the UK. bug had a hold, I startedThe next year was to be my immediately after Chelseabusiest yet. Working full time, 2007 working on the designat college on one of my days for 2008, not knowing how itoff, and all the preparation would be funded but brimmingand sourcing of materials and with inspiration and ideas.plants for Chelsea. Needless Still working within the28 American Miniaturist

Brambly Hedgewarm fuzzy feeling! I was Above: A Medieval Hall basedgiven an open check book and on that at Penshurst Place, Kent.told to let my imagination run Right: Steve has an incrediblewild! As you may have guessed talent for sculpting littleby now–“Nothing by halves!” characters that are so true to life! The grotto was going to be on a horse drawn carriagea life size gingerbread house, and over 500 people came toset within a magical wood- see the reveal of the winterland, surrounded by giant lolly wonderland!pops and trees dripping withsweets. I drew the concept and Not wanting to get boredpresented it to the owners who after the buzz of Christmas Iwere blow away. To convince presented my ideas for Chel-them it was going to happen I sea 2008 to my bosses andtook my portfolio of miniature suggested the garden centerwork for them to see. Minds sponsored the next Chelseawere set at ease and work garden. So the garden entitledbegan immediately. “Mist-Placed” was to be- come reality. The garden was The opening of the grotto constructed and again was awas phenomenal, Santa arrived huge success with the public, American Miniaturist 29

Brambly HedgeTop left and right: His parent’s has to be Gold next year, I need the crème de la crèmere-landscaped garden–although the full compliment! of gardening shows it’sthe whole project took 10 years to got to be somethingcomplete, Steve loved the time he The great thing about the that transports you tospent on this mammoth job. courtyard gardens at Chelsea is another place.Above left: Steve’s first courtyard that they are a real opportunitygarden at the Chelsea Flower Show to create a piece of theatre. I think I always have2007–entitled “Moving On...”–which There are elements that people my miniature head onwon him a Silver–Gilt medal. could re-create at home but as when designing! ThatAbove right: His entry in the year’s garden “Mist-courtyard gardens for the 2008 Placed” was createdChelsea Flower Show entitled “Mist- to represent a lost andPlaced”, this won him a Silver medal. secluded chapel gardenRight: The full-size Gingerbread that had been neglectedhouse that Steve designed as the and hidden for years.center piece of the Christmas grotto–set within a magical woodland it It would be a fabwas surrounded by giant lolly pops garden to re-create inand trees dripping with sweets. miniature, I would love to do it myself, butthe Royal visit and BBC cover- know I’ll never haveage. Silver medal this year, so it the time-maybe when I retire! If anyone else has the time and patience I would love to see both of the Chelsea gardens in 1:12 scale! After Chelsea I left my job at the garden center and developed a landscape and garden design with a new busi- ness partner. I don’t think my fascination with minia- tures will ever go, and I’m sure I’ll be making as long as I’m able. So from a boy of 12, with a box of crude polymer miniatures, to years later with lots of exciting projects past and hopefully lots more to come! All thanks to that first encounter with the miniature world, and remember-Nothing by halves! AM30 American Miniaturist

History of the bathroomTOFhTeHeEvBolAuTtiHon Most of us have one, yet each of them can be so very different; Tim James takes a look at the ever-changing bathroom.Until the mid 19th built with one; while existing Top: A modern porcelain bathtub century there was no home-owners had to make do placed on a step-up platform. integral room in the with a converted bedroom. Above: A lucky lady preparing house set aside for ablutions. herself for a lovely warm bath. Washing and bathing took Now, with demanding 21st place in hand bowls or hip century lifestyles, the bath- necessity and sanctuary, to baths placed in front of a fire. room has become an area of pamper and reward oneself. Filling the bath was a time consuming process, which American Miniaturist 31 involved collecting water from an outside well and heating it on the kitchen range. If the act of filling a bath was strenuous, so too was emptying it. For that reason it was usual practice for families to wash in the same water on bath nights. Only with the introduction of mains water and sanitary plumbing systems in the late 19th century, did the bath-room merit its own designatedroom in the house. Typically,the bathroom was positionedabove the kitchen or scullery,which was the source of hotwater and plumbing. Having a separate bath-room soon became a statussymbol. All new houses were

History of the bathroom Left: A late-Victorian style bathroom suite comprising, bath and shower combination set, taking hot water directly from boiler, a roll-top bath with ornate feet, free- standing double towel rail, pedestal basin, and decorative splash back, high cistern, chain flush toilet ,and wall mounted accessories. Below: An example of a black and white bath from a 1970s dollhouse furniture collection. than anyone, who breathed a sigh of relief when the intro- duction of mains water and sanitation meant hot baths on tap–literally. Although hipThis is a great excuse for in- the wealthy, but rathercluding a bit of luxury in your than being tin, theirs weredollhouse and there are plenty highly decorative porcelainof lavish bathrooms and ac- with ornate legs. Wealthycessories on the market to do or not, baths still needed tojust that. be filled up by hand, so it was probably servants, more Contemporary bathroomsfeature a mixture of stylesand materials; marble, tiles,chrome, ultra large, softtowels, nonslip mats, showercurtains, shelves, and cabinetsfull of luxurious treatments.Oddly enough, period fea-tures, such as roll-top bathsand Victorian taps are makinga come-back too, which againis great news for dollhouseenthusiasts.Styles of bathsAs we have established, hipbaths were common for thepoor and not unknown forRight: A modern coupled toilet andbasin complete with beautiful goldfittings as well as accessories.32 American Miniaturist

History of the bathroomAbove: A beautifully decorated a healthy income welcomed the bath, such as marbling,porcelain toilet bowl and bath set. the new improved hot water stencil patterns, or cherubs.Right: This is a corner unit in system and installed boilersa modern design by ELF. The along with roll topped, cast- By the 1920s, most castplain white porcelain washbasin iron baths, which became iron baths had been replacedis sunken into a marble effect the height of fashion. with enamel or porcelain,top, cased in a pale blue corner which was in turn replaced bycupboard with single door is ideal It wasn’t long before this plastic.for “tidy” minimalist living. new status symbol became a real focal point of the Introduction of basinsbaths were still used by the bathroom and soon elaborate Until the end of the 19thpoor or those too suspicious painted finishes were applied Century when the basin joinedof change, most people with to the outside, or inside of the bath in its own room, the daily washing routine was carried out using a ceramic basin or bowl and jug on a washstand in a bedroom. Decorative though they were, these too, like the hip baths, required filling and emptying. When plumbed water systems were introduced, it meant water could be raised and drained through taps and plug holes, even so, wash- stands changed little in design until at the beginning of the century, when ceramic basins were either wall mounted or placed on pedestals to hide the waste pipes. Ornate ceramic washba- sins were made to match the bath and when it was allowed to join in, the toilet, becoming known as a bathroom suite. A plethora of other bath- room furniture became the new must-have furnishings American Miniaturist 33

History of the bathroomby the end of the century; be kept away Left: These basins are anincluding free standing towel from the living ultra modern design, byrails, mirrors, cupboards, and area to avoid ELF, and could have comeshelves, housing toiletries, any “unpleas- straight from the pagesshaving accessories, and beau- antness”. of a glossy catalog.tifying agents. Most house- fitted seat, from In the late 20th century holds, whether overhead cisternwashstands with inset basins rich or poor, with pull-chainsaw a revival under the famil- still preferred flush, to the closeiar name of vanity units. Style a separate coupled cistern withand design now required the toilet other- a handle flush,opposite and painted units wise known, and now to anin coordinated color schemes as a “house invisible cis-had built in space to tidy away of easement”, tern or choiceall related bathroom acces- as a wooden or of half or fullsories out of sight. This was stone outbuilding flush. What nextideal for the new generation of above a cesspit we wonder?“minimalists” wishing to hide in the yard. Theall evidence of the function humble chamber By the way,behind their existence. pot or commode soft toilet paper remained in the on a roll onlyProgress of the toilet bedroom for use became avail-Like the bath and basin, the at night. able in 1942–anddevelopment of the toilet was what a relief that was. So priordependent on improvements Gradually the toilet made to that you need boxed sheetsin water flow and sanitation. its way inside the house to a of “tracing paper”, newspaper,It was not until the early small, separate room, then to and generally less luxurious op-1900s that homes were built share a room with the bath- tions for your dollhouse–unlesswith bathrooms incorporat- room and basin. It changed you are going for pure escapisming toilets and even then it design many times through- that is–and the bathroom is justtook some time for them to be out its revolution, from basic the place to do it. AMconsidered “normal”. bucket to ceramic bowl with a Although the bath and basinhad gradually acquired theirown room, the toilet was veryslow to be accepted insidethe house as people regardedthis as something that shouldRight: Prior to the introductionof sanitation and plumbing, thedaily washing routine was carriedout using a ceramic bowl and jugon a washstand in the bedroom.Note the small chamber pot placedbelow the washstand.34 American Miniaturist

Miniature blanketsStitch yourown blanketLet’s enjoy a tour of the Greek islands withEdna Salt as she visits the colorful marketsthat inspired her to make a mini blanket.E dna took a trip to the in the shape of a cross. This Tools & materials: mountains near Ayios market is a wonderland with Nikolaos where she found vegetables, spices and herbs, and l 22hpi fabric beautiful blankets and rugs many a great selection of fabrics, both l Needle using traditional patterns. The handmade and machined. l Thread in preferred pattern she has created for us this issue is a blanket/rug pattern. The pattern for this blue colors blanket was suggested by one l Scissors It is stitched on pink 18hpi of the glorious patterns in the l Tacky Glue Aida, in both cross stitch and market. I have not made it a l Toothpick tent stitch, and uses only small final definite size, because as amounts of thread. This the pattern is repetitive, it can measure about 6.3” wide. I have blanket will brighten up used cross-stitch for the main any traditional Cretan easily be adapted pattern, with the dividing lines home or shop, it is to a single bed or in Holbein stitch, but back stitch just waiting for your a king-size. Each can be used for this. imagination to take hold. pattern diamond is 35sts x 35 sts, and “This market is a Edna then visited the on 22HPI (holes wonderland with island and found that the per inch) fabric that vegetables, spices and west of Crete is greener measures about herbs, and a great than the eastern parts, 1.5\". The size of an selection of fabrics, both and stopped in Chania, item can be found handmade and machined.” which is the main city. by dividing the stitch Edna continues as she count by the hpi of the As the pattern only uses one share her discoveries. material. color, the size I have made used I have stitched this nearly two skeins of 6-strand Chania is full of one on 22hpi fabric, thread, using two strands in historic sites, an making 3 diamonds my needle. Remember, the ancient harbor, about 4.5”, but if it was and my favorite stitched on l6hpi canvas, part, the indoor 3 diamonds would market which was built American Miniaturist 35

Miniature blanketsblanket will not have little hands When the main pattern is light buttonhole type stitch inmaking it grubby, so will not finished, sew a fine seam along blue, and then run a thin line ofneed washing often, so it does the long edges of the blanket. fray-check or Tacky Glue, usingnot have to be completed in I have stitched these in the a toothpick, along the stitches.expensive threads; skeins of blue thread, to add a little more When this has dried, fray thecheaper threads are sold at most decoration. The short ends canvas to make fringed ends, andsewing shops. should be finished by sewing a trim to finish. AM36 American Miniaturist

Miniature blanketsAmerican Miniaturist 37

Miniature blankets38 American Miniaturist

AASSOfeRmTiMniEnNeT Vanity shelf American Miniaturist 39 Gabriele Layne brings femininity and beauty to this vignette featuring everything a lady needs for primping.It was not so long ago when it was a “must” to have a vanity in the bedroom for the elegant woman of the house to sit and put on her make-up and powder her nose. Once that was complete she would finish off her primping by using a little pump sprayer to add her favorite perfume to the side of her neck and on her wrists. The perfumes were “Many beads were transformed into perfume bottles along with a multitude of tiny findings in gold and silver.” a mixture of essential oils or aroma compounds in dena- tured ethanol and water or cream perfumes in solid form. The expert in creating per- fume compositions was called Above right and right: So many tiny treasures were put together to make many feminine miniatures.

Vanity shelfRight: If you look closely you will be feminine and so became my basket. A miniature painting Iinspired to put all of those beads lady’s vanity shelf. had been keeping for severalyou have stored away to good years was ideal to decorate theuse. Experiment with White lace is everywhere ondifferent combinations the shelves to add a feminine back wall; two smalland you can make touch. Two hand mirrors deco- cameos frame theall sorts of beautiful rated with tiny pink and lilac opening.miniature bottles. roses were placed beside the Many beads were transformed intoa perfumer. Elaborate perfume bottles alongbottles made from with a multitude ofcrystal with French tiny findings in goldperfumes, which and silver. Cream jarswere quite costly, were decorated withwere placed on the printouts and thentop of the vanity and covered with a coat ofused sparingly. Todaythese bottles are varnish. Single bottlescherished collector’s were placed on theitems. shelf, on trays, and in boxes. Tiny baskets Lotions and creams were made from em-promising everything broidery fabric that wasfrom beautiful skin starched, shaped, and left to dry.“Tiny baskets A narrow braid waswere made from glued around the edgesembroidery fabric and then the basketsthat was starched, were filled with an as-shaped, and left sortment of tiny cards,to dry.” creams, perfumes, flow- ers, and a puff bow madeto a youthful appear- from silk ribbon.ance were very popular Miniature fans madeand are shown on my from laser-cut lace andvanity shelf along with gold findings were createdcold creams to remove and then glued to the backlipsticks. You will also of the shelves.see mascara, hairbrushes, The middle shelf has amirrors, a case of hatpins, and complete vanity set by Chrys-an elaborate jewelry box. nbon that was hand-painted a dark lilac and decorated with I chose a color named white nail-art flowers. TwoFrench lilac for this vignette photographs were insertedbecause I was inspired by in the matching frames. Thethe color to create something finished product is just what I envisioned! AM40 American Miniaturist

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Victorian cottageADOLgLiHvOinUgSE Pauline and Geoff Smith’s Victorian cottage was an education to complete, and will always be a family treasure.People get into dollhouses find a way to make periods of and for that all details had to be for many different rea- convalescence more bearable. authentic to their chosen period sons; some had one as of 1898. However, as newcom- a child and want to recapture They had chosen a Victo- ers to the hobby, this meant the magic, some never had rian cottage by Len Lewis, learning not only the accurate the magic in the first place, partly because they fell for its history of the era, but also new and others come into it handsome exterior, and partly skills, techniques and materials through fate. because there was evidently no integral to miniatures. shortage of Victorian artifacts Geoff Smith was, and still is, in miniature. For Pauline and One of the first moves the a fan of flying model airplanes. Geoff, if the job was worth couple made was to join the He only got into dollhouses, doing, it was worth doing well, North East Hants Miniatures so to speak, when he made one for his granddaughter. Through searching for items of furniture to put in it, wife Pauline came across an advert for a dollhouse show in their local paper and life was never the same again. Two months later, they took charge of a dollhouse of their own. Pauline particularly wanted the house, having missed out on one as a child and, now retired due to medical reasons, she could finally consider dedicating time to taking one on andRight: The exterior of thesweet cottage that was madewith love and care.42 American Miniaturist

Group, a very Victorian cottagestructured andsupportive club on fashions, housewith ten meet- styles and social life,ings a year and as it would havea full schedule of been in 1898. But itevening activities is the family storiessuch as projects, and experiencesdemonstrations or passed down thattalks. Next came brings the project tofrequent trips to life and capturesthe library for ref- the imagination.erence books and For example;magazine articles Geoff built the out- side loo, completeLeft: One very territorial with a 1900 newspa-cockerel at the door.Below: A view inside the per cut into squares, hangingHeather Cottage. on a nail. However the cockerel standing guard is not as in- nocent as he looks and is based American Miniaturist 43

Victorian cottageAbove: The conservatory and a made using punchedblooming vegetable garden. paper and wire. TheRight: The entrance hall stairs path, left open atshowing pictures of Pauline and the end to suggestGeoff’s parents and grandparents. continuation, is made from air-driedon a particularly territorial one clay, which shrinksPauline’s mother knew when on drying and addsshe was a girl. to the aged effect. Scenic water is as “The cockerel was very ever, extremely use-vicious and the only way to ful to bring statues,enter the loo was to fend him fountains and fishoff with the broom, where- ponds to life.upon he would wait outsidefor the return journey” Pauline Just to decorateexplained. “My mother was the exterior of themuch younger than her broth- house meant becom-ers and sisters and was unable ing acquainted withto manage the broom so my authentic brickworkgrandmother would escort herout, leave her in the loo and Below: All of the finethen forget all about her.” china is making a good impression on guests. The vegetable garden con-tains beetroot and a crown of line, pinned on withrhubarb, which were a real dolly pegs.find. In time future generationsmay well never see crops grow- A good deal of theing in the garden. Much like the garden planting iswashing hanging on an outside made from dried coffee grounds mixed with PVA glue, with veg- etation pushed in and allowed to set. Whereas the flower gardens are all mounted on thick card so they can be moved to allow the front of the house to open fully. In front of the conserva- tory is a flower garden with gardener in attendance. Most Victorian gardens had a trellis or pergola leading to and from the formal garden, on it are roses which Pauline44 American Miniaturist

Victorian cottagedesigns and colors. but later realized it was vinyl middle with brass rods holding Progress was steady and and thus not authentic. Inside the carpet in place. This was the house attention to detail not so upstairs.work methodical but not with- continues. Here’s a quick tour.out a few “learning curves”. Along the stairs are picturesGeoff’s enthusiasm for roofing Ground floor of Pauline and Geoff’s ownwas tested when he tried to cut Entrance hall and dining room grandparents and parents withroof tiles from brittle old slates. It is no secret that the Victori- their birth dates and namesIt was a painful way to learn ans were keen on making a big written on the back. This isthat new slates are less brittle impression. For that reason all a lovely way of incorporatingand can be aged. Pauline had of their downstairs areas, where family history and their ownsimilar trials when she bought visitors were received, were par- photographs, and that of theirsome lovely Victorian flooring ticularly important; none more children and grandchildren will so than the entrance hall. Here, also be displayed on the secondBelow: Trinkets, trophies and the stairs had a runner up the flight of stairs to record thetatting in the drawing room. generations. The hall would have been very dark in appearance with heavy wood cladding on the walls and up the stairs, reduc- ing on the landing. Where wall- paper was used it would have been something in the style of William Morris, fortunately available in miniature. Each room of the house had a differ- ent floor design, the entrance hall is the traditional back and white floor tiles, cut and laid individually. Unfortunately floors seemed to prove an ongo- ing challenge when the black tiles turned brown on firing and became unevenly sized. Prob- lem solved with applications of paint and boot polish. The dining room at the rear would be the only room in the house that had a fitted carpet. Ivan, a master craftsman that Pauline met while undergo- ing hydrotherapy sessions at her local hospital, made the table, which pulls apart and has a centre leaf in the well, which he scaled down from a American Miniaturist 45

Victorian cottage1900 carpenter’s book. It was in the drawing room which “what-not” and the rockingvery common to have differ- would have been full with chair, together with the unit inent woods in the same room furniture, shelves stocked with the bathroom and the blanketas opposed to matching suites trinkets, belongings, china and box at a weekend workshop.including dining room chairs, trophies, and tables covered Pictures and especially em-which would seldom have been with lace. As a word of warn- broidery would have hung ina matching set. The picture ing, those not fond of making almost all Victorian houses,window was inserted to give tatting should steer clear of the as this was a very commonthe impression that the garden Victorian era as it appeared pastime for ladies. Equally so,extended beyond. frequently throughout the music was a main form of en- home as Pauline, now quite an tertainment through eveningsDrawing room expert, discovered. with family and friends, soThe show of wealth continued most Victorian houses would Pauline and Geoff made the have some form of musical instrument. On the round table there is a gas light (electric really), a crocheted cloth, and books of the era. At the beginning of Victoria’s reign tablecloths came down to the floor as it was considered inappropriate to show the table legs, but by the end of her reign it was fine to show a bit of leg. The fireplace would be decorated with lace in summer and heavier material, possibly velvet in winter. Patterned plates adorn the walls, one of them illustrating Queen Victoria, who would inevitably be represented in a picture, or as here, also a bust on the mantelpiece and a Victoria and Albert mug on the what-not. There are other pictures and these date from 1850-900 and have the names and dates of the artist on the back. Like floors, curtain designs varied greatly in each room, but all curtains and nets touched the top of the skirt- ing board. The cornice, picture46 American Miniaturist

Victorian cottagerails, dados and skirting boards Above: The bedroom was boys in one half and the girls inare genuine Victorian designs comfortable but less the other,” explained Pauline.scaled down. “showy”than public areas. “When they were going out they would all eat at once, soScullery and kitchen adays standards. Washing they would sit on the stairs, theDespite the illusions of wealth machines took the form littlest at the top and the olderand belongings, there was little of a pan, boiling water ones lower down, so they couldin the way of mod cons by now- and a copper rod to hook run backwards and forwards the clothes out. Spin cycle helping. Cooking potatoes for was a washing dolly and 20 people was a problem as you dedicates were done in a can imagine, so from Tuesday tin bowl and scrubbing to Sunday the copper was used board before being put for cooking the potatoes, then through the mangle and hung on a Monday it was used for on the line, or over the airer washing in.” above the butler sink. Copper pans were an impor- One hesitates to think what tant facility, as is illustrated by Tuesday’s potatoes tasted like. another family tale involving Pauline’s grandmother, who The kitchen range is a replica was one of 18 children. of one from the 1890s and “They lived in two halves was used to heat water as well of a semi-detached house–the as cook the food in the oven alongside. To iron, a maid would have heated a black flat American Miniaturist 47

Victorian cottageiron, by standing it on the top Right: Traditional a nice touch. Victorian towelsof the range. Actually there nursery toys, but were a lot narrower, but muchwere two irons; one would be the little teddy is longer than they are today,left heating whilst the other one just visiting. and Pauline’s are made ofwas in use. crepe bandage. contains a 1901 One thing Victorian kitchens knitted, ladies Nurserydid have was a vacuum cleaner. swimming As we know by now, the Vic-This was a very low mainte- costume and torians thought that childrennance device, otherwise known hat. It seems should be seen and not heard,as a hedgehog that would be incredible which is perhaps why the nurs-left to roam the kitchen to eat to think that ery was at the top of the houseall the grubs and bugs, thereby people wore out of earshot. Nanny wouldhelping to keep the place clean. such things have looked after the children, by nowadays who seldom spent time withFirst floor Bedroom standards. their own parents.This was a private not pub- No luxury carpet here, the floor-lic area and therefore less Also in the board would have been a tartan“showy”; thus the plain, stained room, but not pictured is a val- or check woolen cloth coveringwooden floor. The coving and entine tray which holds a card and painted around the edges ofpicture rail always matched, containing a marriage proposal, the floor. A cuckoo clock was aand would be colored, as was an engagement ring, a photo- common feature, as was a largethe door. graph of Geoff’s grandfather, rocking horse, which was made a red rose and a pile of love at a club workshop. The leather Despite the modest décor in letters all sent to Geoff’s grand- trunk was another self-madethe bedroom, the four-poster mother. Romantic yes, factual venture, although it took con-bed, made at a club meeting, no, just another fun project they siderable time to make enoughwas quite a piece of furniture. did at their club meeting. items to fill it. FortunatelyThe mattress would be madeof striped ticking with either Bathroomfeathers or horsehair stuffing. To own a bathroom wouldLace trimmed sheets covered have been the envy of the townthe mattress topped with an as it was a very new concept.embroidered bedspread, cush- Initially a bathroom wouldions and bolster, and woolen have been converted from ablankets, stitched and satin bedroom, hence it was quitebound. large. Hot water came from the geyser, which was heated by a At the beginning of Queen hot coal furnace.Victoria’s reign the drapes ona four poster bed went all the The lace trimmings, onway around, but by the end the circular table, were fromof the century they were cut a wedding veil belonging toright back for reasons of hy- the grandmother of one ofgiene as they often harbored Pauline’s friends and althoughand vermin. the smallest lace features still appear a little large, it makes The wardrobe, made by afriend from the dollhouse club,48 American Miniaturist

Victorian cottage Left: The pretty and feminine cottage bathroom.Pauline is happy to spend many specials, and have lace trimmed the last to bed. Pauline can’tan hour knitting on piano wire, sheets, fine wool blankets stand to leave the room bareor doing crochet projects. edged with satin and blanket and plans to find her a battered stitching, with pretty eider- suitcase, with perhaps a rag doll A club member made a tall downs. In the crib a baby boy sitting on the top for company.boy, but again Pauline made is asleep dressed authentically Pauline and Geoff have metgood use of her recuperation in knitted nappies, bootees the challenge of producing antime to make a Christen- nightdress, flannelette petticoat, authentic Victorian cottage anding dress and sailor suit. The and cotton petticoat topped through it gained a considerablebed and cot were more Ivan with body wrap and bonnet - sense of achievement, not to poor chap. mention a better understandingBelow: There are no frills or spoils in of the Victorian era.the modest maid’s room. Even the toys are typical of the time. Well, most of them; “Our grandchildren sit notice the teddy bear sitting spellbound by our stories,” on the floor? He is waving a said Pauline. “The details are disclaimer to say that he just so much more realistic to them “likes living here” as teddies did than a film or a book.” not actually originate until 1902 in Germany. “Pauline and Geoff give talks on the house and Maid’s room how they made it to The poor maid lived in a very interested groups to raise sparse room compared to the money for their local rest of the house, with bare hospital’s scanner appeal.” unpainted floorboards, little furniture, and an old wooden It is not only the grand- door. She would only have been children that sit spellbound. aged between 13-14 years old Pauline and Geoff give talks and would be the first up and on the house and how they made it to interested groups to raise money for their local hospital’s scanner appeal. For the young it provides a fun and interactive way of learn- ing and for the old it offers a complete nostalgia trip; their faces animated as they identify with the stories; proving that dollhouses can bridge the gap from nine to ninety. AM American Miniaturist 49