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MICHIGAN • USA NEW HAMPSHIRE • USA NEW YORK • USAMiniature Makers’ Workshop Earth & Tree Miniatures Chautauqua Miniatures & Dollhouses28120 Woodward Ave, 276 Route 101 #1 5031 W. Lake RD Rt. 394Royal Oak, MI 48067 Amherst, NH 03031 Mayville, NY 14757Phone: (248) 549-0633 Phone: 603-673-8707 Phone: 716-753-3100Email: [email protected] Hours: M-Sat 10-5 / Sun 12-5 Open seven days a weekHours: T, TH, F, SAT 10-5, W 12-8 www.EarthAndTree.com www.chautauquaminiatures.comwww.miniaturemakers.com OHIO • USA OHIO • USA NEW YORK • USAD. Thomas Fine Miniatures Dolls and Minis The Miniature CellarHistoric Hudson Valley 8068 Columbia Road 12652 West Geauga PlazaCOLLECTIBLES * WORKSHOP * GALLERY Olmsted Falls OH 44138 Chesterland, OH 44024579 Warburton Avenue Shop #6 Phone: (440) 647-1519 Phone: 440-729-6464Hastings-On-Hudson NY 10706 Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-6pm Email: [email protected] www.dollsandminis.com Hours: Tu-Sat 10-5 www.miniaturecellar.com TEXAS • USA VERMONT • USA VIRGINIA • USAMy Doll House Inc. Real Good Toys Happily Ever AfterAlamo Heights, 6000 Broadway St Dollhouse Factory Outlet 20609 Gordon Park Square, Ste. 110San Antonio, TX 78209 10 Quarry Street (Behind State Ashburn, VA 20147Phone: 210-930-5363 Farm), Barre, VT 05641 Phone: 703-777-1869Email: [email protected] Phone: 802-477-6464 Email: [email protected]: M-Sat 10-6, Sun by appointment Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-4 Fri 9-5 Hours: Tu-Sat 10-4 & by appointment www.realgoodtoys.com www.happily-ever-after.bizLike us on Facebookwww.mydollhouse.usCALL US TODAY!Barbie Cohn Andreason sBhaarrbesiehCerodhrenaAmnydmrienaiastounremtikaikheust.MaamggiineiRsuhday cuksefsuhlelropfasssnioancfkosr miniatures to build Mouseland Spanning the Nation, from coast to coast, you’ll find a listing of shops in every state for your next traveling adventure! Whether it’s a day trip Issue #146 Novwewmwb.eamr 1er5icanmiInsisautuer#is1t.5co1m PROJPERCOTJSECTS PROJECTS•C•A•Gw•NM•BA•Gi•DwMf•TeAi•Ttrn•oMw$a•sePP1ii•Ki0nn•wcC.r.efC9aibiiSoh5yinctrntmeChercocerAidahialDSihheetmcd$c.ccgoeeorUhhoe7kcapiKamnauc.ni£oeretedk9vae5cuustn.ls5e2smencae5gtsrasamrsocboobedooirrnniioomnei1aips5eltytusrist••••••I.scAPSEDMsoughoumreiegantt#tuak1ieb4memmd9erCaanAmbsNtttAoveDyuAearlm$eg1rwP0d.r9gwsi5cwCiAee.Das.$mU7Ke£.r95i.c255anminiaturist.com or an extended vacation, take a road trip and venture out to visit these fine full service miniature shops to find your next miniature treasure.June 15 CANADA $1P0.r95icCAeD.$UK7£.95.255 Are you a miniature business owner? Don’t miss out on this Summer fuAn n EngCbhyaCrmarionlginbeicDyucpleusis excellent promotional opportunity–YOUR business could be A small treat lish cottage04ST15_p001.indd 1 bMyaKdaemwmityh love featured here next! Welcome to M4/3o0/1T5 ip1:0t8oPnM’s Hill Marshmallow Moon bakery Call 1-866-606-6587 or email [email protected] to add your business to the map today. 04JN15_p001.indd 1 1 9/25/15 11:00 AM 7/29/15 1:15 PM 04NV15_p001.inddFor rates and information visit: www.americanminiaturist.com American Miniaturist 51

A mask for the ballA mini masklike no otherNathalie Mori celebrates New Year bysharing a technique for making theperfect mask for any celebration!I live in Martigues, which is a thickness desired. Then use a Tools & materials: small town near Marseille in glass bottle or cup to roll out the the south of France and it’s clay. Make sure the bottle is on l Polymer clay called Small Venice because there the paint sticks as you are rolling. l Liquid polymer clay are small bridges crossing over l Flat wood sticks the channels. Each year there is Step 2: With a larger synthetic l Flat sided cup or bottle an international Italian fair where brush, apply the polymer clay l Large synthetic flat brush many dress in costumes and are sheet onto the face and shape it l Blank doll torso part of a parade for several days. smoothly into face. l Craft knife I never miss this fair as it is so l Rubber pointed tool inspiring for me. l Long needle l Flat embosser I have too many photos of l Rubber sculpting tool costumes and masks to count. l Cornstarch flour I have been taking them for l Tile several years now and have had l Pearl ex powder (can to organize them in folders. They are used for reference when be replaced with acrylics making these 1:12-scale Venetian paints) masks! In this tutorial I will be l Small flat brush showing you one way to make l Filigree, fan and long decorative mini masks. l Acrylic paint gloss l Gold powder for polymerStep 1: Prepare your polymer Step 3: Cut off the excess l Embroidery threadclay and make it 3mm thick by polymer clay around the faceusing a pasta machine. If youneed to do this by hand instead,then first warm up the clay byworking it in your hands andput it on a flat surface betweentwo flat wood sticks that are the52 American Miniaturist

A mask for the ball Step 7: Use the long needle to open the eyes. Make tiny holes all around the eye and remove the excess clay.Step 4: Shape the different parts Decorating the maskof the face with a pointed rubber Step 1: Spread cornstarch ontool. Use it carefully so you don’t your tile and on the polymer claymake holes in the clay. then stamp the filigrees onto the polymer clay. Two stamps for the fan and one for the long shape. Step 8: Smooth the edges with a rubber sculpting tool.Step 5: With the smooth rubbertool shape the upper lip, thenose, and the eyes. Step 9: Smooth the face with Step 2: Then cut around them an your thumb to remove all of the remove carefully. tool marks.Step 6: With the large syntheticbrush, smooth the face toremove the rubber tool marks. Step 3: Cut a 2x6cm out of the polymer clay. Step 10: While modeling and Step 4: Smooth the edges with sculpting the different parts the the rubber tool and cut off excess polymer clay stretches, so cut off clay from all parts. the excess polymer clay around the face to make a nice edge. Step 5: With the Pearl Ex powders (or the acrylic paints) American Miniaturist 53

A mask for the ball Step 10: Cut the excess polymer clay and flatten the back edges.color the polymer clay and addgolden touches. Step 11: Bake the mask withStep 6: Color the face with the the porcelain torso by thewhite pearl powder using a manufacturer instructions.small flat brush (or pearled whiteacrylic paint) and then add gold Step 12: Remove from the ovenpowder to the lips and the eyes. and let it cool. Then carefullyStep 7: Remove carefully from remove it from the torso usingyour tile the rectangle shape your knife.and drape it. Put a small line ofliquid polymer clay and glue the Step 13: Seal the colors with adraped rectangle from ear to ear acrylic paint gloss and finish theusing liquid polymer. decoration by gluing a twistedStep 8: Flatten the edges and matching piece of embroiderydrape as desired. thread with gold thread to hide the seams.Step 9: Using the same technicwith the liquid polymer clay, glue Your mask is finished! AMthe two fans and the long one.54 American Miniaturist

A mask for the ballHave you seen the latest issue ofIf not, you aremissing out!Because you are a loyal AM subscriber, we want to offer you a specialgift for subscribing to the print version of Dollhouse Miniatures. Subscribe today and receive 15% off the regular subscriptionprice. PLUS receive the latest “new subscriber” gift. This specialoffer can also be used to purchase a gift subscription for yourfavorite miniaturist! Call today or order online at www.dhminiatures.com and usepromotional code AMNFAN to take advantage of the extra specialsavings. This is a *limited offer, so don’t delay. This great offer endsJanuary 31, 2016.Scene by Kammy Hill. American Miniaturist 55

AM’s news page is devoted to keeping busy miniaturists up to speed. Please submit items of mini interest to auralea@ ashdown.co.uk or to American Miniaturist - Itty bits, 68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944.Broom straw for minis! They also made a great side for chicken wings as celery and carrot sticks. Some other ideasEthel Flannery, of Ruston, WA, is an 84 -year old- she had were to use the broom straw to makegreat grandmother who loves to make minis as gifts bamboo place mats, picture frames, licoricefor her family. whips, sticks for candy apples, handles for coffee pots, and pencils! Thank you Ethel for writing While building a mini sports bar as a Christmas in to share your fun ideas! We hope this sparksgift for her grandson and his wife one of the mini some more ideas for our readers.patrons ordered burgers and fries. She made theburgers with ease using paper clay and foam, butwas perplexed on how to make the french fries.A great solution came to her while sweeping herkitchen floor. “Although small enough to use for minis,broom straws vary in shapes and sizes so I pickedout the right size and cut them to the rightlength. They made delicious looking french friesand didn’t even need to be painted!”Where’s Arthur? Bunka thread giveawayArthur was him? He is most Sandy Millar has donated anfound on page likely getting into assortment of bunka threads to79 looking for some mischief again giveaway! Send your entry to Bunkaa delicious treat somewhere within thread giveaway issue –153 Americanto eat in Barbara Cohn the many pages of this fun Miniaturist, 68132 250th Ave., Kasson,Andreason’s miniature snack filled issue. MN 55944, or fax them to (507)shack in our November issue Send your sightings to 634-7691, or email them to auralea@(AM151)! We have randomly Where’s Arthur? – Issue 153, ashdown.co.uk. Please be sure toselected Nancy Gidley of American Miniaturist, 68132 include your name, address, phoneTowson, MD. 250th Ave., Kasson, MN number, and email address. TheWe will be sending her a very 55944, or fax them to (507) deadline for this contest is Monday,special Project CD for helping 634-7691, or email them January 18, 2016.us find Arthur. We hope she to [email protected] this gift! Please be sure to include your name, address, phone But as we all know Arthur number, and email address.is a curious little scamp and The deadline for this contestonce again he has snuck is Monday, January 18,off for another adventure. 2016. Good luck!Can you help us locate56 American Miniaturist

ittybitsMini scenes from Brambly Hedge created by Steve Putnam January Highlights contest We would love to know what your favoriteDecember 15 Issue #153 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADA $1P0.r9i5cCeAD.$U7K .£95.525 highlights were in this January issue of AM. You could win this 1:12-scale mahogany dining table.PROJECTS All it takes is a small paragraph for our random•••••••BFMAMSGluotimainannrzrakiaieaTlaosbtrakuureorurkrtfeaohggunroebngttulhiaaefsnwoemekrbameeyantlslt drawing! Send your entry to January Highlights contest, American Miniaturist, 68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944. You mayA country pantry Roomboxby also send your entries via email to [email protected]. Please be sure Erzsébet Bodzás to include your name, address, phone number, and email address. Thedeadline for this contest is Monday, January 18, 2016.04JA16_p001.indd 1 11/24/15 11:59 AMBath towel set The Miniature Showgiveaway The Miniature Show is a new andWe are donating this exciting miniature show with a focus1:12-scale bath towel set togiveaway! Send your entry on artisan-made miniatures.to Bath towel giveaway issue April 14-16, 2016–153 American Miniaturist,68132 250th Ave., Kasson, Hyatt Regency HotelMN 55944, or fax them to Schaumburg, Chicago Il 60173(507) 634-7691, or emailthem to [email protected]. Please be sure to include Would you like to join us as ayour name, address, phone number, and email address. The participant? For more info on venue,deadline for this contest is Monday, January 18, 2016. times, and table fees go to www.theminiatureshow.comMuseum of Miniature Houses mounts Hoosiers in History told inminiature exhibit for Indiana’s Bicentennial in 2016The Museum of Miniature Houses will mount winners from the Indy 500. In addition, Nancyan exhibit about Indiana history in the format Summers, a renowned maker of miniatureof scale miniatures to celebrate the state of furniture, will be creating a special piece for theIndiana’s Bicentennial in 2016. exhibit. The exhibit is supported by a grant fromThe exhibit opens January 21, 2016 and runs Hamilton County Tourism, Inc.through Memorial Day. The Museum of Miniature Houses has been The museum is using a vast array of items open to the public since 1993 and is located inand settings from its collection to tell stories of the heart of Carmel Indiana’s Arts and DesignIndiana history. Objects include a replica of Levi District at 111 E. Main Street.Coffin’s house in Fountain City that was a mainstation on the Underground Railroad where Levi Hours are:and his wife Katy helped over one thousand Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.runaway slaves, a replica of Major Taylor’s bicycle, Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.miniature Hoosier cabinets, Amish buggies, afarmer’s market and farmhouses, a quilt shop, For further information, visit the web site ata river paddle boat, tiny versions of tools used http://www.museumofminiatures.org.in the 1800s and early 1900s, and models of American Miniaturist 57

The ThornhillAMINVIMicAtoNrSiaIOnNWelcome to the fabulous Thornhill.Chris Machen built a half-inch scaledollhouse with no power tools!~Photography by Cindy Machen and Christopher Machen Jr.My fascination with building dollhouses is that it mine and she asked if I could miniatures began takes you away from the real build one for her so I took on during my pre-teen world for a while, and allows the challenge. It turned outand teenage years. I was you to experience life as it well, nothing exceptional,always interested in miniature might have been. I didn’t live but I thought good for a firsttrains and, through the years, in the 1800s, but building a effort, and she was pleasedbuilt several layouts. These dollhouse in that time period with it. So the road to buildingminiature worlds I created gives me a glimpse. dollhouses was paved. Fromrequired all kinds of buildings that point on, word of mouthand houses. My layouts were I started building doll- had me building one housealways set in the past, and the houses as a result of a friend after another. The more I built,structures with all the elabo- wanting a dollhouse for her the larger and more elaboraterate details got me interested granddaughter. they became.in architecture. As I grew Woodworking wasolder, I took on the challenge also a hobby of For me, building dollhouses,of scratch-building my ownstructures. It’s been said that “oneshouldn’t live in the past.”I have never agreed withthis because I have alwaysfelt the past should bekept alive. Looking backbrings to mind many fondmemories and the one thingI have found in the hobbyof model railroading andTop: Chris Machen standingproudly next to his creation.Right: The majestic 1:24-scaleThornhill dollhouse.58 American Miniaturist

The ThornhillRight and below: Chris has added and now that I havesome wonderful details around become disabled, thisthe windows and elsewhere on has been great therapythis handmade dollhouse. and keeps me busy. miniature furniture, Welcome to Thornhill room boxes or what- The Thornhill is a ever the project is that 1:24-scale Victorian I am working on at dollhouse that was the moment, becomes built entirely from a learning experience scratch. I have built because of all the and sold many doll- research that I do on houses in various the subject to make styles, but they were sure I stay as accurate all done in 1:12 scale. Even as possible to the style though half-inch scale doll- and era. houses have been around for a while, I never really paid that I have enjoyed the much attention until I decided hobby over the years, I needed a new challenge. And what a challenge it was! When I decided to start this new project, I knew I wanted to do something totally differ- ent from what I had done in the past. All the dollhouses I had previously built were made out of wood, were veryAbove: A portion of the roof showing the papershingles. Right: The dollhouse shown from the back.Each room was first made as a room box. American Miniaturist 59

The ThornhillAbove: The small stained glass windows have abeautiful glowing effect when the lights are on. Above: The heavy, and required power fancy ballroom tools. Since I had become dis- is the perfect abled, using my power tools room for a and wrestling 4’ x 8’ sheets large party with of plywood was no longer an much dancing. option. This presented the first Beautiful murals challenge. surround the elegant room. The solution came as I Left: The billiards thought about another project room has wood that I had done using foam molding and core boards to make a model trim as well as a of the U.S. Capitol building for grand fireplace. my wife’s classroom. I knew that architects sometimes use this material to make archi- tectural models, so I thought “why not a dollhouse?” That’s when I decided to build the dollhouse in half-inch scale. There were also several60 American Miniaturist

The ThornhillLeft: The grand entrance of theThornhill has a cascading woodstaircase and decorative wallpaper.Below left: There are so manywonderful structural details thatspan from floor to ceiling in thisminiature drawing room.other criteria that would haveto be met as well. The househad to be Victorian in style;it had to be my own design;everything about it had to behandmade; it had to be ornateand as authentically detailedas possible, and it had tobe built with materials thatrequired no power tools. Finally, I put pencil to paperand drew a basic sketch of“There are thirty-twohandmade windows,twelve of which havehandmade stained glass.”what the house would looklike. I didn’t draw any kind offloor plan because I wantedthe house to evolve as Iworked. Thornhill was built inthe traditional open-back stylewith a solid front. The house has twelverooms; eight fireplaces; hard-wood floors that are all hand-cut and hand-laid in variouspatterns (such as herringbone,planking, parquet, etc.); lots ofplaster carvings on walls andceilings; a coffered ceiling inthe dining room; and a vaultedceiling with exposed, decora-tive beams in the ballroom. American Miniaturist 61

The Thornhill There are thirty-two hand- think the end result was well Above: The dining room has amade windows, twelve of worth it. shimmering chandelier that hangswhich have handmade stained from the center of the room. Eachglass. Three of the four exte- The construction method I window has stained glass withinrior doors also have stained used for this project was dif- the handmade windows.glass. All of the moldings and ferent from what I use when Below: The library is accented withtrims are made of basswood building a dollhouse from bulit-in shelves and the small parlorand balsa wood. The siding wood. The foam core tends to is a charming room that’s perfectand shingles are made from warp when it comes in con- for socializing with guests.card stock and are glued on, tact with moisture but I foundpiece by piece, and painted. that by sealing the foam core was no more warping after ISpeaking of paint, the house is it warped very little. Once the did this.painted in the Victorian style surface was dry, I placed thewhich involves a paint scheme piece between two sheets of The biggest challenge wasof ten different colors. This waxed paper and laid two or to build a house this largetook a great deal of time, but I three heavy books on top un- and make it sturdy. The til it dried completely. There house is almost four feet long, three feet six inches tall, and eighteen inches deep and62 American Miniaturist

The ThornhillAbove: The upper hall is grand and elegant. The large sits on a two footchandelier lights the space with warmth and elegance. by four foot base.Below: Just one of the spacious bedrooms in the house. The whole house weighs less than twenty five pounds. After much thought I decided it would be easier to build the house one room at a time. So each room was built as a room box, keeping in mind the room that would join to it and above it so that the door frames and the ends that formed the back of the house would match up. The walls, ceiling, and floor of American Miniaturist 63

The Thornhillthe room were decorated and hand-laid one piece at a time. Above left: This bedroom has athen I put the room together There was an added plus green motif and beautiful detailing.as a box. Above: The bathroom is ready to be about building room boxes— filled with a fancy tub and furniture. Within this house are I was able to put the siding Below left: Another one of thetwenty sheets of foam core on each room after marking bedrooms in the Thornhill mansion.board (32 x 40); hundreds of where they would join, andfeet of basswood and balsa then painted it. The roofs were so that when the first floorwood for millwork and trim; made in the same way. One was finished, the foundationhundreds of strips of siding; other point I need to make is for the house would be com-and thousands of shingles, all that all of the first floor rooms pleted at the same time.of which are handmade and were built with a foundation Once the rooms for the first64 American Miniaturist floor were finished, I set them together on the base and did a final check to see that every- thing lined up the way it was supposed to. This was also the time to decide on a route for the wiring. For this I chose the tape wire method because it was self-adhering and would not interfere with the sec- ond floor sitting on top of it. Finally I glued the first floor rooms to the base, ran the wiring, and installed the light fixtures. Then I was ready to

The ThornhillAbove: The Thornhills tower attic is I finished the house with one of the fast food places.lined with old newspapers just as artist acrylics and acrylic craft Torn into small shapes andthey did back in the day. paints and an acrylic matte glued down, when dried, itBelow right: Another exterior view sealer was used to seal all the was dry-brushed to highlightof the majestic mini Thornhill. areas that I didn’t want to be each stone. Then a coat of shiny. All of the stained wood- sealer was applied. Since themove on to the second floor. work was finished with acrylic house will eventually find an-This floor and the rest of the varnish. other home, I decided to waithouse were all constructed in on the flower beds.the same manner. Finally, it was time for landscaping and I decided I Well, there you have it:“This hobby encompasses would go back to my model Thornhill—a Victorian Man-awealthoftalent andall railroad days for techniques I sion in Miniature. This wasskilllevels.I’veseen, and once used in order to land- a fun project, and a learningbeeninspiredbyall of the scape Thornhill. I used vari- experience. This hobby en-talentedartists, andthe ous textures of compasses a wealth of talentquality of products available landscaping ma- and all skill levels. I’ve seen,onthe markettoday.” terials for grass and been inspired by all of the and flowerbed talented artists, and the qual- The only tools I used border material. ity of products available onthroughout the project were I took regular the market today.an X-ACTO knife, a razor saw play sand andand miter box, scissors, sev- dyed it in three Also, in this day and age oferal clamps, and paint brushes shades of brown recycling, this hobby providesof all sizes. The only adhesive for the soil in the opportunity to put thoseused is about a gallon and a the flower beds. throw-away items to good use.half of carpenter’s wood glue. I already have the next project The flagstone in the planning stages, and walkway was it, too, will be made of foam made from a core board. If you have never drink tray from worked with this product, I urge you to give it a try. AM American Miniaturist 65

Japanese geishasBSTYeaLuEcDouOpLLdSe French doll maker, Nathalie Mori, has made 1:12-scale Japanese geishas and they are très beau! By Deb Weissler.There is something about the French who grasp the concept of great flair like nowhere else in the world. Doll artist Nathalie Mori demonstrates this concept well despite being relatively new to the world of miniature dolls. Even when creating dolls that represent another culture, as is the case with Nathalie’s exquisite Geishas, there’s something unmistakably French that has been captured every nuance of Japanese cos- tuming, hairstyle, and poses. Like so many of us, Nathalie was drawn to the book Memoirs of a Geisha by American author Arthur Golden. His book, adapted to film in 2005, was an instant hit that grossed almost $163 Top and right: Natsumi was inspired by a photo found of a geisha with no make up. She was dipping her foot into a pool of water. Nathalie wanted to capture her pose because it was so lovely. The water in the pond is resin, she also built the small bridge. 66 American Miniaturist

Japanese geishas Left and above: The doll, Yasuko, was inspired by the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. Nathalie wanted to make her with her silk kimono touching the ground.million and introduced the status and elaborate affairs, comprised ofworld to the little known yearned multiple layers of undergar-world of professional Geishas to capture ments, an elaborate embroi-in pre-war Japan. the soft dered outer robe with collar, swish of an obi or sash that is wound “I fell in love with this the kimonos as the Geishas tightly about the midriff, andunknown world and spent glided by. To capture the split toe socks.a great deal of time on the beauty in motion of a trainedInternet learning everything I Geisha would require all the To recreate this authenticcould about Geishas and their skills Nathalie possessed. costume in miniature androles,.” Nathalie recalls. She Using porcelain doll kits, avoid creating a doll that lookswas enchanted by the elabo- Nathalie searched and over-padded and awkwardrate kimonos that were the searched for the sheerest takes patience and skill; ahallmark of Geisha wealth and fabrics she could find—silk, skill that Nathalie admits she gorgeous prints from Liberty struggled with when she first of London, and cotton voile; began making dolls. fabrics known to drape beauti- fully. Traditional kimonos are “I started making dolls on my own in 2004 but I used to dress them as a doll to be American Miniaturist 67

Japanese geishasAbove: Sakura is a custom doll made for oneof her friends. She wanted a sexy moderngeisha dressed in purple and teal. Nathalieenjoyed doing her colorful make up!played with, to dress and making supplies, and has Above: This is Mitsuko. Nathalieundress. It was so very dif- been responsible for launching wanted to make a sitting geishaficult to create a realistic outfit several budding doll maker’s and found this base very lovely.that looked true to scale, so I careers over the years.paused in my efforts because I mire. She also took advantagedidn’t know how to proceed.” Nathalie immediately en- of Dana’s workshops in France rolled onto Dana’s “minidoll” each year in order to receive When she explained her site to participate in tutorials hands-on, live instructions.dilemma to fellow French and challenges, and receiveminiaturist Nathalie Gireaud, opportunities to buy doll kits. Online classes in face paint-her friend pointed her in the As a trained physiotherapist, ing, wigging, costuming, anddirection of Dana Burton. with a firm grasp of anatomy, even proper photographyDana, a well-known doll artist Nathalie began using Dana’s added to Natalie’s growingin her own right, offers dolls skills and tips to master all the skills. “I’m always eager toin kit form, how-to booklets, steps required to create dolls learn something new andtutorials, classes, and doll others would soon come to ad- since I work alone a lot, I can experiment. My desk is always68 American Miniaturist

Japanese geishasa huge mess with two Left: Yoshiko is a doll thator three projects going was made using a tutorialsimultaneously.” She from Dana Burton. Nathaliealso works with a friend altered her to be kneeling,who has taught her how braiding her hair and gaveto paint faces. Nathalie her more of a pensive look.creates dolls from avariety of eras and stops then, listens, and lets often creating the perfectcultures. her muse guide her design. display against which At times the fabric lays down she will photograph her Before long, Na- the law however and she must completed work. Shethalie’s entire fam- stay the course. Either way, struggles with properily was involved. “My the results are lovely. backdrops but knowsthree daughters give it’s a requirement if sheadvice on each doll I am Her greatest challenge is is to properly showcasemaking; which colors her work for others. Hermatch, how to pose favorite part—wigging!each doll, and of course “I enjoy making thethey ask me to make headpieces and addingthem dolls as well! My enhancements.”second daughter evenattended the annual Nathalie’s geishasworkshop with me this have been extremelyyear. Her doll is quite popular and she’s unablegood! My husband to keep any in inventory.always has good advice on “I take them to showshow to improve my work” so and never come home withNathalie’s work has turned them!” Nathalie laughs. Sheinto a family affair. sells her dolls singly for $130 to $200 or posed within a Nathalie often begins with display for more, dependinga particular doll from a photo on the work involved.or movie in mind, and often So what’s next for this upfinishes a doll asshe intended. But and coming dolloccasionally she maker? “I lovewill be surprised making couples sowhen one of her I’m thinking aboutdolls “speaks” to trying a Japaneseher, telling Na- man. I’d also lovethalie she doesn’t to make a Samuraiwant the same with all his armor.thing! Natalie It’s clear Nathalie is looking forwardRight: A few torsos to tackling manywith different makeup more challengesand wigging styles. in the months ahead. AM American Miniaturist 69

Time-worn room boxSOFmBaAlGl HviDstAaDs Thamer Basim loves to create small moments in time, which he one day hopes to capture on film. By Deb Weissler. ~Photography by Thamer BasimDioramas are defined as vistas, intended to be viewed from afar. The best dioramas then draw you in closer, to see all the infinite details that make up the whole. Unlike a dollhouse or room box, which you typical- ly view at eye level, a diorama has no walls or few walls, enabling you to view it from “Working in isolation, Thamer fills his vignettes with a great deal of dust, for he adores the look of time worn, abandoned spaces.” many angles without obstruc- tions. It’s a passion shared by many and for a budding Iraqi artist, Thamer Basim, it’s his main passion. Top: Thamer proudly presenting his detailed 1:12-scale typewriter. Right: Thamer’s room box has an aged and abandoned feel. 70 American Miniaturist

Time-worn room boxRight: Every piece in this room washandmade from found materials.Below: Thamer’s newest creation! A twenty-year-old studentstudying education, Thamermakes miniatures of every-thing. He will be the first toadmit that college takes a backseat to his hobby of creatingminiatures and dioramas heone days hopes to turn into acareer of stop-motion movies. Thamer is inspired by fel-low Iraqi diorama maker AliAlamedy (AM136), and worksto perfect his skills, in hopesof equaling Ali’s. But where“His dioramas areideal for stop motionphotography.”Ali concentrates on exterior tion photography. For those so that it appears to move ondioramas—street and alley unfamiliar with the process, its own. The object is movedscenes—Thamer concentrates stop motion is an anima- in small increments betweenon miniature furniture and tion technique that physi- individually photographedinterior spaces. cally manipulates an object frames, creating the illusion Using scenes from old of movement. Themovies, Thamer’s spaces are 1950s and 1960sunique in that where many of Gumby and Pokeyus fiendishly go about dust- franchise comesing and tidying our to mind. Havingminiature spaces, he worked on 3Drevels in the dirt and designs and draw-grit of reality. Working ings, Thamer envi-in isolation, Thamer sions his dioramasfills his vignettes with as perfect venuesa great deal of dust, for this type of artfor he adores the look form.of time-worn, aban-doned spaces. American Miniaturist 71 His dioramas areideal for stop mo-

Time-worn room box In 2014 Thamer began byexamining photos of miniaturefurniture and settings, and byexamining full size furniture.He entered an art group forumon Facebook and created his“Although he cannotbring himself to partwith any of his creations,he has shared photos ofthem on social media. “first table and chair. Later he pieces as skillful as someone Above: A close-up view of hiscreated an anthropomorphic with a wealth of power tools. handmade vintage sewing machine.sewing machine—one of hisfavorite pieces. His latest cre- His greatest challenge is and brothers, despite theiration is a typewriter. finding a quiet space and encouragements. So he grabs enough quiet time to work. snatches of time whenever Using what materials he can “I like to sit alone without and wherever he can.find on hand—wood, cloth, noises. I can’t work with fam-soda cans, wire, and paper-- ily noise” from his parents Although he cannot bringhis furnishings are carefully himself to part with any ofcrafted and aged to look time- his creations, he has sharedworn. Using simple tools like photos of them on socialcutters, scissors, and glue, media. His Facebook fans offerThamer manages to create encouragement too, offering to buy his work. His table andBelow: A handmade 1:12-scale chair received 400 likes notvintage television with antennas. long after posting the photos. For the moment Thamer admits his passion is just a hobby, but as his skills grow, he hopes to take the next step in developing his miniatures as an art form. AM72 American Miniaturist

If you wish to see American Miniaturist magazinesdealer listings Hoinwytoour area please encourage your favoHriotewsthoop to call and order at 1-866-606-6587The list of shops here are a list of businesses who have opted to carry American Miniaturist magazine and someconduct their business exclusively online and do not have regular business hours. We encourage our readers tocontact dealers before making a trip to any of the businesses you see listed here.ARIZONA The Toy Box MONTANA VERMONT 419 Brevard AveKitz! Historic CocoaVillage 32922 On a Smaller Scale Real Good Toyswww.minikitz.com 805 16th St West 10 Quarry HillPhoenix 85044 ILLINOIS Billings 59102 Barre 05641 Theresa’s Dolls & GiftsCALIFORNIA Lolly’s 5908 Eastside Hwy VIRGINIA 1054 Dundee Ave Florence 59833Elegant Dollhouse Elgin 60120 Treasure Chest of Crafts Bits’N Pieces of Ghent1120 Fulton Ave Tom Thumb 1612 Benton Ave 400 W Olney Rd., Suite ESacramento 95825 Hobby & Crafts Missoula 59801 Norfolk 23507Miniature Cottage Shop 6001 Gross Point Rd1260 Main St Niles 60714 NEW HAMPSHIRE WASHINGTONMorro Bay 93442Ms. Peggie’s Place INDIANA Earth & Tree Darlene’s Dollhouse5063 Cass St 276 Rt 101 511 117th Ave ESan Diego 92109 Jeepers Miniatures Amherst 03031 Edgewood 98372 69 W. Washington St.COLORADO Morgantown 46160 NEW JERSEY CANADADenver Museum of IOWA Mini Merchant CraftablesMiniature Dolls and Toys 11 Patterson Ave 15 Beechmont Crescent,1880 Gaylord St Dollhouse Dreams Midland Park 07432 Box 3333 Spruce GroveDenver 80206 613 Avenue G AB, T7X 3A6 Fort Madison 52627 NEW YORK A Dollhouse ShoppeNorm’s Doll House 23 Main Street7300 S Colorado Blvd MICHIGAN Chautauqua Miniatures Grand Bend, ONCentennial 80122 5031 W. Lake Road N0M 1T0 Miniature Makers’ Mayville 14757CONNECTICUT Workshop Niagara Hobby GERMANY 28120 Woodward Ave & Craft MartTime Machine Hobby, Royal Oak 78067 3366 Union Road Firma SammlerliebeLLC The Wee Dollhouse Buffalo 14225 Narzissenstr. 2671 Hilliard St Shoppe Hess, Oldendorf 31840Manchester 06040 140 South River Ave OHIO Holland 49423 Stock your store withFLORIDA Dolls and Minis MISSOURI 8068 Columbia Road AmericanRon’s Miniature Shop Olmsted Falls 44138 Miniaturist751 W. Colonial Dr. Treasure HillOrlando 32804 4746 State Rd. J Call toll free at: Fulton 65251 1-866-606-6587 AAmmeerriiccaann Miinniiaattuurriisstt 73

1:12-scale outhouseA miniaturebackyard buildUntil the mid-nineteenth century the“smallest room in the house” wasn’tindoors. Liz Jones shares her how-to.H ave you ever wondered by eye, as it gives the finished Tools & materials: what to do to make your article a much more lived in and l Two 3' lengths of thin house look more realistic? used look. Buildings don’t sit on their own in strip balsa wood “real life”; even the most modest All the measurements listed l Small brass pins of establishments have back are for an outhouse that is 6\" l Panel pins 3/4\" (x20) yards, for which people use the high at the highest point and 4\" l Small piece of metal space for all sorts of things. wide and deep. mesh More importantly, until the last Step 1: Start by cutting the l Super Glue century houses were not built 1/2\" square balsa wood into the l A piece of corrugated with bathrooms and whether following: you like it or not there is a vital l 2 pieces approx 6\" long (angle cardboard about 5\" by 6\" piece of equipment missing from the top as shown) l Two small hinges a lot of lovingly filled dollhouses. l 2 pieces approx 4 1/2\" long l Door hook or fastening It is also the first thing any child (angle the top as shown) asks about when looking at your l 5 pieces approx 3\" long. of some kind work of art. l Paint or varnish Step 2: Take one of the 6\" bits l A toilet bowl So I am going to show you and holding it so the angled part how to make a one-inch scale on the top slopes backwards, pin pieces long ways on. outhouse for a back yard. This it through the front at the base. You can use a dab of glue in method can also be used for Then attach this to one of the 3\" any other type of outbuilding; the join to help keep it together you simply need to adjust the measurements. A shed for example, would be longer, but the principles remain the same. It is also not the intention to make any of these buildings look perfect when finished, I never measure anything and do it all74 American Miniaturist

1:12-scale outhousewhile you drive the pin in. Step 5: Now you need to cut two you are best to mark this out on more lengths of 1/2\" by 1/2\" balsa. your wood by using the side ofStep 3: Now do the These need to be shaped to fit at the outhouse as a template.same with the 4\" bit the top of your side sections, soexcept you will be Step 6: Glue and pin this intopinning the joined bits position. Allow your frameworkthrough the front of it. to dry before you start boardingYou should now have it up.a section that looks likean uneven U shape.Repeat this with theother section.Step 4: Join these twoU sections togetherby pinning one 3\" bitin-between them atthe bottom on thefront and back. Thelast piece of 3\" goesin-between the 6\" bitat the top. When fittedyou will need to sawoff the angle at theback. Don’t worry ifthis is only crudely puttogether. You are goingto cover the structurewith slats and anyway,it is a dilapidatedold outhouse,not a mahoganymasterpiece. Step 7: Take the strip balsa and measure the width of the outhouse floor. Mark this on the balsa and cut across the grain with scissors or a craft knife. American Miniaturist 75

1:12-scale outhouse side of the two), but don’t board it all the way up as you are going to fit a mesh vent at the top by pinning it onto the sides.Step 8: Now cut the strip in half Step 11: In thealong the grain and break it off. name of privacy,Continue until you have enough you need ato cover the floor and then door. Cut somemix them up so they come out more balsa, asrandom and uneven. If you lay you did withthem in order they will fit like a the boards, butjigsaw and that is not the point. this time make sure your pieceStep 9: Lay these by pining them covers the entrance. Lay yourinto the side supports at each pieces again in a random fashionedge of the floor. and fix them by gluing a Z, using three bits of balsa, to the back.Step 10: Now repeat the Step 13: Next paint your doorprocess for the side walls, just and outhouse before you put theoverlapping each board slightly. roof on. It is almost impossibleNear the top you can pin them to get the paint brush to coverinto the slope and trim with the entire inside through thescissors when finished. They need doorway. I have varnished mine,to be flush with the slope of the but most outhouses would haveroof. When you have finished the been lime washed inside.sides, do the back (the shorter Step 14: When dry fix your door Step 12: To make the roof, on with the hinges and fastener. tear the backing from your Glue the roof on and then fill corrugated cardboard on both it up with your toilet, brushes, sides and scrape out the excess buckets and don’t get caught out paper as best as you can. After by forgetting the most important that you can paint your roof grey item–some sheets of miniature and rust it up later with paint or a newspaper hung on the door. AM special scenic finish. Leave to dry thoroughly.76 American Miniaturist

Star Trek uniformA uniform forthe captainVoyage into the unknown as RonnieGodfrey boldly goes into space with anenterprising idea for miniatures!A lthough I’ve never actually windows showing Paul’s painted Tools & materials: gone so far as to wear universe and painted the whole those ears, contort my box silver in keeping with the l Black polyester cotton orfingers into a Vulcan salute, and metallic structure of the ship. fine cotton fabrichardly ever say “Live long andprosper”, I’ve been a staunch fan of I built the replicator and l Maroon silk or cottonthe Star Trek series for many years. transporter to fit the space fabricMy good friend Paul, a walking “ST” available, referring to pictures as Iencyclopedia if ever there was one, did so. Again, exact copies weren’t l Black flat braidthought it would be a good idea an option; firstly the pictures l Soft black leatherto make a Star Trek room box. weren’t clear enough, secondly, the l Gold sequin - 1 very structures were too complicated We started this one a couple large, any shape; 1 smallof years ago, but it became one “There is a computer and roundof those sad UFOs (Un-Finished terminal on the desk, l White sockObjects) sitting in a corner of my the captain’s porcelain l Thread to match allworkroom. One day I wanted a cup and saucer and the fabricsroom box for another project, so I second in command’s l Fray checkpulled it out with a view to a total coffee mug.” l Tacky Glueoverhaul. The original idea was l Soft pencilquite seductive and it seemed a and detailed to make in miniature l Scissors etcshame to waste the furniture that and would involve hidden lighting l Double sided sticky tapehad already been made, so I gave it that I didn’t want to attempt. Theanother go. furniture was quite a challenge. as I went along. The opulent red carpet was part of the original When I started again, I looked at Paul designed the table and design and looks good with themany photos of star ship interiors silver chairs and left it to me to silver, black and granite of theand realized that I wouldn’t be make them. His design for the furniture.able to make a faithful replica of Captain’s chair was beyond myany of them, so I decided to make capabilities, so again, I made it up To complete the box I hungmy own version. I opted to make a photos of old Star Trek crews takenfalse MDF back wall, with rounded from Radio Times on the wall, and stuck a star ship schematic downloaded from the Internet American Miniaturist 77

Star Trek uniformAbove: Ronnie hung photos of the man like my friend, but not having Captain Jean-Luc Picard in The Nextcrew on the wall and added a bowl of a male doll to hand, I took a cheap Generation. The doll is very short,live worms that were a favorite snack. and unattractive female doll, gave but by lengthening the trousers, the her a body and hair transplant and pattern would fit a taller one. I usedonto the wall of the transporter. dressed her in Trek-ish clothes. polyester cotton for the trousersThe replicator contains a bowl of and silk for the jacket.repulsive “live” worm-things that Her austere appearance wasKlingons like to eat, and on the softened slightly by giving her It is important to fray check eachshelf are geodes, an ammonite gold earrings and a gold bindi. pattern piece before cutting out,and a statue of Bastet the Egyptian This room box was fun to make especially if you are using a fabriccat goddess. There is a computer because it was totally different that frays easily, like silk. The trim isterminal on the desk, the captain’s from the usual house or shop, yet a flat braid. The sweater is a sham,porcelain cup and saucer and the used the same techniques and just showing at the neckline - Isecond in command’s coffee mug. skills. I would recommend it as an transformed a thin white trainer interesting project to anyone who sock to make it–a useful end for all At this stage the room was likes the unusual. I boldly went; those stray socks.lifeless, so I added a ship’s cat now it’s your turn. This month(Data’s cat “Spot”?) and a captain. we’ll make the Captain’s uniform Pressing these small items isAs I’ve stated many times, I don’t followed by the silver chair and often very difficult. I believe thatlike dolls and show no aptitude Captain’s desk in the next issue. there is a mini iron available in thefor wigging or dressing them, but US, but I haven’t seen one in theneeds must sometimes. My first Captain’s uniform UK. However, a small travel iron is aidea was that the captain should I based this design very loosely on very useful substitute.be a tall, dark, handsome young the formal dress uniform worn by My doll has painted shoes, so that was one job less.78 American Miniaturist

Captain’s uniform Star Trek uniform Join the fronts to the back, matching X and O Front facing Cut 2 American Miniaturist 79

Star Trek uniform Cut 1 from ribbed section, with rib running top to bottom.CEN TER FRO N T Stretch neck edge open and pin to one edge of the collar. Sew narrow seam. Cut 1 from plain section, with grain of fabric running from top of slit to center front.Trousers and jacket at top and bottom.Step 1: Trace all pattern piecesonto fabric with soft pencil. Step 3: Turn a 1/8” hem atFray check around lines and cut bottom of trouser legs andout when dry. press. Trim the excess braid.Step 2: The hems can be sewn Step 4: With right sideswith fine slipstitch or stuck with together, sew the centerTacky Glue. front and center back seams. Press.Step 3: Press carefully after eachstep as indicated. Step 5: With right sides facing, sew the inner legTrousers seams. Press.Step 1: Fold each trouser leg inhalf and press a crease down the Step 6: Matching sidefold. This will be the side seam. seams and inner leg seams, press creases into front andStep 2: Using running stitch, attach back trouser legs.a length of braid down each sideseam, leaving approx ¼”protruding Step 7: Try the trousers on80 American Miniaturist

Star Trek uniformthe doll. Mark the waistline. Turn Starting about halfway up one Step 5: Put the jacket on the doll.the top of the trousers over to the side, join the sleeve to the jacket Overlap the fronts, and sew inmarked waistline. Trim excess fabric with small running or backstitches. place if required.if required. Press. NB: At the difficult, underarm part, Step 6: Stick a piece of double I found it easier to work from the sided tape to one side of the largeJacket right side, joining the pieces with sequin.Step 1: Turn up a narrow hem on loose ladder stitch that I drew up Step 7: Cut the V shaped COMthe sleeves. Press. tight when I’d finished the section. badge from this and stick it to the left front of the jacket.Step 2: Attach braid to the cuffs, Step 11: Carefully press the sleeve Step 8: Wrap the belt round theabout 1/8” from the edge, leaving top seam. doll’s waist and hold the join neatly¼” protruding at each side. with small stitches. Step 12: Cut a 1/8” wide strip of Step 9: Cut a smaller V shapeStep 3: With right sides together, leather for the belt. from the sticky backed sequin andsew sleeve seams. Trim off excess attach it to the round sequin.braid. Press. The sweater Step 10: Glue the round sequin Step 1: Cut pattern pieces as over the belt join with double-Step 4: Attach fronts to back as shown. With right sides together, sided tape for the buckle. AMshown. Press shoulder seams. backstitch a narrow seam to join the body and collar pieces as Stay tuned! Next issue weStep 5: Attach braid around the shown. will make the silver deskjacket front and neck with tiny and chair!running stitches as indicated in Step 3: Turn the collar over,the cutting diagram, leaving ¼” matching the raw edge and seam American Miniaturist 81protruding at each end. edge. Oversew together.Step 6: Attach front and back neck Finish the outfitfacing as shown. Step 1: Place the collar around the doll’s neck, overlapping the join atStep 7: With right sides together, the back.attach facing to jacket as shown indiagram. Step 2: With small ladder stitches, join the ribbed part,Step 8: Take up a narrow hem starting at the top of thealong the side and back as shown. collar, and working down, then oversew the back shut,Step 9: Turn the jacket right sides so it lies flat to the doll’sout. Carefully pull the corners and body.curves into shape with a needle,snipping the neckline to ease the Step 3: Replace the trousersfabric. Press. on the doll. Make pleats on each side of the center frontStep 10: Turn the sleeves right and back seams so that thesides out. With right sides together, waist fits the doll closely. Pininsert a sleeve into the armhole. and oversew neatly in place.

Beauty salonABEPpAlMacPeEtRo ED Miniaturist Barbie Andreason stops and reflects on the question, “When did beauty shops become nail salons?”Imust have missed some- Wednesday for a shampoo, over and parked it in front thing. When I was a young set, and style. While she of my Mother. Then put her mom, I had no time to was baking under the dryer, hands in a little bowl of soapy enjoy manicures on a regular the shop’s lone manicurist water. Cotton balls, acetone, basis. Actually, upon reflec- wheeled her table that was cuticle scissors, cream, nail tion, I was spending my filled with tools of her trade, file, polish, topcoat! In twenty- spare time making minia- tures,! My hair was long and straight, parted in the middle. No need to go to a beauty shop except for the occasion- al split end trim. My mother, however, went to her beautician everyRight and below: The Salon haseverything needed to make thenext customer feel beautiful!82 American Miniaturist

minutes, my mother Beauty salonsported a fan of finger-nails shining like red Left: This small mirroredneon plastic jewels. cabinet is full of tinyThese were her “own” treasures.nails, the happy resultof faithfully ingest- methacrylate acryl-ing Knox Gelatin to ics came to our town!strengthen them. Now I could have gor- geous nails that looked That regimen never real! And, by coinci-worked for me and I dence, they made theendured many years of best miniature tools!weak, brittle, crack-ing, splitting, raggedy Since that delightfulnails. All of my gluing, discovery, I have spentpainting, sanding, forty-minutes everyscrubbing went to two weeks in a Nail Sa-my dollhouses, not to lon for so long, I can’ttending my hands. I even remember. Now,gave up…even gloves the places I frequentdidn’t help. have, no hair dryer, no beauticians, and many Then a miracle nail technicians.happened! Polymethyl To pay tribute to that “in between time” The 1:12-scale beauty salon room box shown in full. American Miniaturist 83

Beauty salon Above: The little shelf and wall are full of miniature items that would be in a vintage beauty salon. Left: Barbie added some Asian style art to the salon.when beauty shops began to a cloisonné’ A jade Buddha stands on thesplit off from nail salons, I thimble I reception desk with a fruitmade a nostalgic 1:12-scale bought in offering beside him, an ap-room box merging them Hong Kong pointment book by Cottagetogether once again. became a wastebasket. Industries and a phone. I redressed a bendable doll Teri Dine has the cutest in a black and red outfit and The lighting is a small stripacrylic nail set on a tray and painted her face to look like a light, cord threaded through adryer chair, which is why I lovely Asian woman. hole drilled into the side nearcombined them in one room. Posters adorn the walls, the ceiling.I used a sink kit in front of magazines, a bonsai, andthe dryer to make a pedicure delicate herons in flight in a Clients and employees werestation. It was fun filling a glass case atop the shelf. so excited to examine themirrored corner bookcase with room box that I left it in thebottles made from beads. shop for a month! AM The nail polish display onthe top right side is actually apicture of bottles that I gluedto a small block of woodand set into the back of theshelf. Because the salons Igo to are operated by Asiantechnicians, I began gather-ing a variety of knickknacksfrom bracelet charms, littlepieces of jade, lanterns, and84 American Miniaturist

Images may be cut out or copied for personal use only Snippets1:12-scale kitchen labels for spices and canisters and a spice poster. Snippets Images may be cut out or copied for personal use only Works of art to frame and hang in your project. Inches 1 1:12 Music book. 2 mm 10 20 30 401:12-scale and 1:24-scale menus and a menu poster. American Miniaturist 85 AM139_Snippets_p085-086.indd 85 9/22/14 5:38 PM American Miniaturist 85

Snippets86 American Miniaturist

BA C K I S S U E S arbie Cohn n reason shares her reamy miniature tiki hut. une 15 Issue #14 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25 PROJECTS • ifts for a • Mini beehi e • each items • reenhouse • Mini rag rug • Towel cakes • Tiny onuts Summer fun Charming bicycles by Caroline Dupuis 04JN15_p001.indd 1 4/30/15 1:08 PMIssue 139 Issue 140 Issue 143 Issue 144 Issue 145 Issue 146Basket Weaving Project Country Style Christmas ‘The Trashmen’ Stage Easter Fun Galore Gemma’s Tea Room Beach Themed ProjectsAmish Barn Feature Sofa Bed & Futon Project Kitchen Pots & Pans Project Spring Flowers Rock Facade ProjectTeppers’ Room Boxes Holiday Gallery Shabby Chic Bed Project Cottage Hospital Gifts for Mother’s Day Old Style Grocery Greenhouse ProjectMiniature artists share their lo e for summer mini style. Sue Herber makes the tiniest of construction look easy peasy. Maggie Rudy uses her passion for miniatures to build Mouseland Fran Moore uses lessons from a master to make Cobweb Cottage Barbie Cohn Andreason makes a mini shack full of snacksuly 15 Issue #147 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 August 15 Issue #148 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 September 15 Issue #149 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 October 15 Issue #150 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 November 15 Issue #151 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25 PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS • School room PROJECTS PROJECTS • Plush mini oll • Wicker bowl • Chicken coop • Caramel apples • Dream board • Sea shell frame • Empire-style chair • Crochet a doily • Witch’s hat • Autumn veggies • ackyar • Chocolate cake • Kitchen cabinets • Mini scarecrow • Mini mat • gar en pergola • Miniature luggage • Pet accessories • Mouse in a pumpkin • Egg beater • lirty lingerie • Document bag • Mini macaron • Kitchen cabinets • Shaker style • Can le hol ers • Silk for minis • Antique mirror • Potted mums • nimal pull toys • Kitchen cabinets • Mini cupcakesInspiration CoveIt’s opening day atthe lifeboat station mycraBfteascuardeetomyv.icsiotm Divine furnishings Sceneby An English cottage Madewithlove Witches on the town Threelovelyladiesby A small treat WelcometoMoTipton’s Bluette Meloney by Kammy Hill Silke Janas-Schloesser Marshmallow Moon bakery 04JY15_p001.indd 1 5/26/15 5:13 PM 04AU15_p001.indd 1 6/30/15 12:46 PM 04ST15_p001.indd 1 7/29/15 1:15 PM 04OC15_p001.indd 1 8/27/15 12:36 PM 04NV15_p001.indd 1 9/25/15 11:00 AMIssue 147 Issue 148 Issue 149 Issue 150 Issue 151 Issue 152Backyard BBQ Divine Furnishings Shabby Chic Creations Miniature Cupcakes Project Make Autumn Veggies Holiday CheerInspiration Cove Seasonal Room Boxes Make SnowGarden Pergola Miniature Luggage Kitchen Cabinets Project Kitchen Cabinets Project Potted Mums Project Christmas Gallery Kitchen Cabinets Chicken Coop Project Fairy Tale CottagesMORE ISSUES AVAILABLE! CALL US TODAY TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-606-6587 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER!BA C K I S S U E S PA Y M E N T L ast F irstPlease send m e the follow ing back issues: A d d ressS ing le issues: C ity S tate Z ip ($7.95 PER ISSUE + S/H)F iv e issues: ($29.95 + S/H)T en issues: ($49.95 + S/H) Back I ssues T otal: C ountry T elep honeO RD E R T O T A L E - m ail S hip p ing & H and ling T otal: C ircle one: M astercard / V isa / A m ex / D iscov er O rd er T otal: E x p ires / CVV2S H I PPI N G & H A N D L I N G PRI C E S C ard no.Order value up to $8.95: US $3.50; Canada $4.75; Europe $8.25; Rest of World $10.50 C heck enclosed p ay able to A M E RI C A N M I N I A T U RI S TOrder value up to $30.00: US $8.25; Canada $9.25; Europe $12.50; Rest of World $18.25Order value up to $75.00: US $11.50; Canada $12.50; Europe $21.50; Rest of World $28.25 Q uestions? C ontact us by email at:Order value up to $125.00: US $15.75; Canada $19.25; Europe $28.25; Rest of World $48.25 [email protected] value up to $175.00: US $18.25; Canada $21.25; Europe $37.25; Rest of World $61.50 O r cal l us at: 1 - 8 6 6 - 6 0 6 - 6 5 8 7Order value over $175.00: US $21.50; Canada $30.50; Europe $41.75; Rest of World $75.25 Outside US: 507-634-3143

showd a t e s We always advise checking times and dates before traveling. We wouldn’t want you to drive 500 miles to a show that’s been canceled. JANUARY 9 FEBRUARY 27 MARCH 5 Port Orange, FL Culver City, CA Sarasota, FL The 16th Annual Dollhouse New date and location! The The 9th Annual Mini Spring Miniatures Flea Market, a show 30th Annual Miniatures West Cleaning Flea Market will take and sale of scale miniatures ‘Miniature Fantasy Show and Sale’ place Saturday, March 5 from for the collector or crafter, will be held on February 27 at 10am to 3pm at the Ramada will be held on Saturday, the Courtyard by Marriott, 6333 Waterfront Sarasota, 7150 N. January 9 from 9am to 2pm Bristol Parkway, near 405 Freeway Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL at the Lakeside Community and Centinela. Admission $7.00 34243. Admission $5. Contacts: Center, 1999 City Center adults, children 6-12 $3.00. Free Lois Marshall at loismarshall@ Circle, Port Orange, FL 32129. Exhibit Room. Workshops on comcast.net or 941-356-1291 Admission: Adults $5.00. Sunday. General and Dealer and Mary Baker at maryb49@ Children under 12, free. information: Nancy Branch (310) verizon.net or 941-758-3779. Food available, Door Prizes, 454-2054, email: wbranch@ MARCH 12 Club Exhibit, Free Parking. earthlink.net Visit our website Boca Raton, FL Event sponsored by Daytona miniatureswest.com Les Petits Collecteurs of Ideal Miniature Enthusiasts MARCH 5-6 South Florida will hold their (DIME). For more information, Seattle, WA Dollhouse Miniatures Show contact: Helen Sullivan at The 2016 Seattle Miniature and Sale on Saturday, March 386-228-0439 or 386-717-8001, Show will be held on March 5 12, 2016 from 9:00 A.M. to [email protected], from 10am to 5pm and March 3:30 P.M. at the Boca Raton or Sharon Peters at 407-320- 6 from 10am to 4pm at the Community Center, 150 NW 0985. Club website: http:// DoubleTree Suites by Hilton- Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton, home.earthlink.net/~sull1 Seattle Airport-Southcenter, FL. 33432. Admission is $5.00 FEBRUARY 6-7 16500 Southcenter Parkway, for adults and $2.00 under 12. San Diego, CA Seattle, WA 98188. Admission: There will be many fine dealers, The San Diego Miniature Adults $7.00, Children under 12 a large exhibit room featuring Crafters’ 42nd Annual Free. Dollhouses, room boxes, Put on a Show, free Make It Miniatures Show & Sale will vignettes, dolls, accessories, and Take It Demos, raffles and be held February 6-7 at Al building components, hand- lunch facilities. Pre-registered Bahr Shrine Center, 5440 crafted and commercial workshops will be held on Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, miniatures. Exquisite exhibits Friday, March 11, 2016. We CA 92111. Exhibits, Sales, & galore. 45+ friendly vendors eager support AVDA and Kids in Classes. Free Parking & Food to answer questions. Workshops Distress. For show information Available. More info at: taught by pros. Greatly reduced contact Veronica Risko, www.sdminiatureshow.com or parking & free airport shuttle. [email protected]. Website– facebook.com/sdminiatures For more information, visit http.//sites.google.com/site/ www.SeattleMiniatureShow. lespetitsclub88 A m e r i c a n Mi n i a t u r i s t com or contact Pat Bennett at 503-362-6012 or PatBennett@ SeattleMiniatureShow.com

MARCH 12-13 APRIL 14-16 MAY 14Phoenix, AZ Chicago, IL Peachland, BC, CanadaThe 38th ANNUAL The Miniature Show: A Miniature Enthusiasts ofDOLLHOUSE MINIATURE Celebration of Artisans of Central Okanagan (MECO)SHOW & SALE by Small World Miniatures will be held April presents their 22nd annualMiniature Club will be held 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency miniature show and sale atSaturday March 12, 2016 from 10 Schaumburg, 1800 E. Golf Road, the Peachland Communityam to 5 pm and Sunday March 13, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Thursday Centre 4450 6th Ave. (just off2015 from 11 am to 4 pm at 4701 3pm to 5pm (Preview), Friday Beach Ave.) Peachland BC.West Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, 10am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am from 10am to 3pm. WheelAZ 85069, ASU West – LaSala to 3pm. The work of over 600 chair access and plenty of freeRooms. Benefits CHILDREN’S artists will be exhibited. Dealers parking. Admission $3.00.FIRST ACADEMY. Admission from around the world. Website: Children under 8 yrs free. For$5, Under 12 $2. FREE www.theminiatureshow.com, further information please callCHILDREN’S MAKE AND Email: theminiatureshow@yahoo. Barb at 250-767-2842. Email:TAKE WORKSHOP. Info Contact com. Contact: Greg Madl, PO Box [email protected] Myers at 480-466-9691 187, West Olive, MI 49460. JULY 9or email: [email protected]. APRIL 16-17 Wilmington, OHhttp://www.phoenixminiatures. Boise, ID The Holiday Happeningscom/index.php?inc=3 The 36th Mini Les Bois MIniature Dollhouse and Miniature ShowAPRIL 2-3 Show and Sale will take place April and Sale will take place onMontreal, Quebec, 16-17 at the Best Western Vista Saturday, July 9th, 2016 fromCanada Inn at the Airport, 2645 Airport 10am to 4pm at First ChristianMiniature Enthusiasts of Way, Boise Idaho. Hours will Church, 120 Columbus Street,Montreal host their 36th annual be: Saturday 10am to 5pm and Wilmington, Ohio 45177.show and sale on April 2 from Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Admission Exhibits and vendors. Door10am to 5pm and April 3 from Adults $4.00, Children 5-12 $2.00. prizes. Adults $3, children10am to 4pm at the Holiday No strollers please. Info: Bobbi under 12 free with adult ticketInn Aeroport Montreal, 6500 Hargett, c/o Mini Les Bois, PO Box purchase. Info: Hickory GroveCote de Liesse, Montreal, QC, 4482, Boise, ID 83711-4482; (208) Studio Promotions , DorothyH4T 1E3. Enjoy our Exhibition 377-9154; [email protected] Henry, [email protected] where club members MAY 8-16 com or phone 937-382-0506.display a variety of their own England Tripwork (dollhouses, room boxes London, the Cotswolds and 2 days To add your event to theetc.) and favorite miniature at the world famous Kensington American Miniaturist Showcollectibles. Shop in our Sales Dolls’ House Festival. Stop in Dates calendar for a nominalarea for many in-scale items Windsor to catch the changing of fee, please contact Sara Vix.including building materials, the guard at Windsor Castle, visit Email:commercially made furnishings Dorney Court, Sulgrave Manor [email protected] accessories, as well as top and more, then see Portobello Phone: (507) 634-3143quality pieces by renowned Road’s Saturday morning street Fax: (507) 634-7691Canadian miniature artisans. fair before heading to the Mail:Admission: Adults $8.00 and Saturday Kensington Dolls’ House Show DatesChildren 12 and under (with Festival. For more information American Miniaturistan adult) FREE. For more call 703-978-5353 or email 68132 250th Aveinformation, visit http://mem. [email protected]. Kasson, MN 55944miniature.net A m e r i c a n Mi n i a t u r i s t 89

Mini gazeboA romanticlittle getawayEscape from winter for a spell and glamup your miniature garden with thissummer house design by Carol Newman.I magine a lovely summer photo copy or trace the shapes Tools & materials: house at the bottom of your from the plans given in the garden, which may form a magazine. l A sheet of mount card peaceful retreat, a playhouse or l Craft knife even an artist’s studio. This one Step 5: Look through old l Safety rule has been distressed to look old magazines or art catalogs for a l Thin card (cereal box but you may want to have a new pastoral picture that you like, that summer house. It’s up to you is big enough to cover the back will do) how you paint it. wall of the summer house. Cut l Picture for mural the picture out and place it over l Burnt Sienna acrylic paint Step 1: Cut a piece of mount the back three sections inside l Balsa wood scraps card 18\" long by 7\" high. Divide the house and mark out where l About 4 foot of 1/16\" this into six sections of 3\" and you would like it to go. Put the score down each dividing line. picture to one side. strip wood Step 2: Mark these sections from Step 6: Choose whatever color for the floor and B for the roof. one to six, starting from the left of acrylic paint you want to paint Cut these two out of mount to the right. the summer house. I used Folk card. Paint the floor section with Art Summer Sky. Paint the inside brown paint, marking floorboards Step 3: Fold each section and of the house, leaving the area with the end of the brush while stand it up to form a hexagonal marked for the picture bare. the paint is still wet. Drag a dry shape. Make sure the two ends brush across to imitate wood and that meet are the same height. Step 7: When the paint is dry, leave it to dry. glue on the picture. Glue down Step 4: Lay the card down flat the sides of the summer house Step 9: Glue the base inside the again, and mark the door and holding them together until the bottom of the summer house. windows. Cut out the door shape glue is dry. Glue the large hexagon on the from section one and a window top to form the roof. This will from section two and section six Step 8: Trace the two large overhang, so make sure it is equal as per the plans. You can either hexagons from the patterns A all round. Place a book on top to hold while the glue is setting.90 American Miniaturist

Mini gazeboStep 10: Cut a strip of mountcard 21\" long by 1 1/2\" high. Drawa pencil line down the entirelength of the middle of this card.Step 11: Trace and cut out thepattern C and place this ontothe long strip of card at one end.Draw around the summer house.Step 12: Score along the fivelines to bend the card round.It should fit all round theoverhanging roof of the summerhouse.Step 13: Glue this in place American Miniaturist 91

Mini gazeboleaving about 1/8\" hanging down into place leaving the gap in the Step 2: When the whole thingbelow the roof. Glue the two middle. Take the wet wood strips, was dry, I rubbed some of theends together carefully. Cut strips pattern E, and dab off any excess paint off with an emery board, toof thin card, cereal box is fine, water. distress further.about 1/4\" wide and score downthe middle to form a roof shape. Step 19: Place each strip at the Bench side of the window, putting I made a rough bench to go intoStep 14: Cut small strips to fit in the top in the slot, and gently the summer house with leftoversbetween and along the top of bending the rest around and of balsa wood.each of the castellations. This is down the side of the frame,shown in diagram C. Glue these cutting to fit. Do the same with Step 1: Cut two pieces .in deepin place, cutting the front of the the other three strips. Leave to x 1\" high x .in wide for legs. Cutsix corners to fold round. dry, then glue. a strip 3/4\" x 1\" x 1/4\" long for the seat. Score the seat into two longStep 15: Cut a strip of balsa Step 20: Glue the three cross planks down the middle with awood 1/4\" x 1/4\" into 12 pieces sections into place as per the compass point. Glue the two legsand glue them under the diagram. Cut all the small upright on underneath 1/4\" in from eachoverhang of the roof, one each pieces and glue between the end. Leave to dry.side of the six wall sections. This cross sections following thewill help hold the roof in place. window pattern. Make sure all the Step 2: Distress the edges with sections are square. Leave to dry. sandpaper and give a coat ofStep 16: To make the windows burnt sienna paint. Rub off mostcut four strips of the 1/16\" square Step 21: You can now paint the of the paint while it is still wet.wood about five inches long. outside of the summer house. Glue into place at the back wallPlace these in a jug of hot water. of the summer house.This will help them bend without Distressingsnapping later. Step 1: If you wish to distress Finishing touches the paint, give it a coat of watery A few potted plants and someStep 17: While the strips are acrylic in burnt sienna when the ivy or moss will finish the housesoaking, cut four pieces of wood first coat is really dry, and dab off off and will make a lovely placeas in pattern with a damp sponge. I scored for family picnics, or maybe even lines and nail holes above the somewhere for a couple in loveStep 18: D to go at the top of door with a compass point while to meet in secret under thethe two windows. Glue these the paint was damp. moonlight. AM92 American Miniaturist

Mini gazeboAmerican Miniaturist 93

Mini gazebo94 American Miniaturist

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New Year’s resolutionPTHrEoNmEisWes YfoErAR To ring in the New Year, Mandy Groves resolves to give up the washing and tidying, but hands off her ironing!So here we are at the start had another downside, other before we go on vacation in of another New Year. than having to clear up once August and my personal favor- Time to see out the old, a week. ite, when I promise faithfully toalong with any mini disasters actually use the exercise bike.and false promises to finish I had to actually prepare If you don’t have an exerciseprojects, and ring in the new. and cook a family meal every bike, you really should get Sunday, can you imagine the one, it’s an absolute boon for What wonders await us as washing up? I can hardly hanging the ironing on and itanother year of marvelous begin to tell you, but I will say can keep a small child enter-miniature-making spans before there was considerably more tained for hours. Don’t worry ifus? After the hectic Christmas than the amount generated by you feel you don’t have roomseason, what could be better a microwaveable pizza. Still, for one, you’ll have the addedthan to spend those long, bonus of a full upper bodydreary winter months working “I’m not going to make workout every time you haveon a new creation? any more false promises to carry it into another room to about tidying out get it out of the way again. Oh, hang on a minute, New cupboards and throwingYear means New Year resolu- stuff away. It’s my junk I’m not going to make anytions! This is the perfect time and I’m going to keep it.” more false promises about tidy-for the family to ply me with ing out cupboards and throw-drink and lull me into making this promise was soon to be ing stuff away. It’s my junk andresolutions that I’ll live to re- forgotten by all when they I’m going to keep it. You nevergret until at least April, when realized that the only place to can tell when a two foot roll oftheir thoughts are sidetracked put all my junk while all the silver foil might come in usefulby Easter eggs. kitchen upheaval took place and just because that old car- was right in front of the televi- riage clock hasn’t worked since Now I speak with some au- sion. the late 1970s it doesn’t meanthority on the powers of family it doesn’t still have potential aspersuasion. I still remember Then there are all the reso- an unusual miniature con-the year that they wrung a lutions I make myself. There’s tainer.promise out of me to keep the one about losing weightthe kitchen table clear on a I fully understand that theSunday so we can eat Sunday rest of the family don’t appreci-dinner together. This promise American Miniaturist 97

New Year’s resolutionate being deluged with junk never looks, like the cleaning of wonder wouldn’t go amiss.when they open a cupboard cupboard or the bottom of the Perhaps a bit more help withdoor, but I love self-emptying ironing basket. those mundane householdcupboards and the uncer- tasks; maybe someone elsetainty of what may hit one on “I’d like a little more could take the time and troublethe head when opening one. appreciation of my to work out the controls on theThere’s been many a time mini talents. I’m not washing machine and I’m thewhen I’ve gone to open a door suggesting a 21-gun only member of the householddevoid of all creative ideas, salute, but the occasional who can put up the ironingonly to have an inspirational gasp of wonder wouldn’t board without losing part of aitem literally “land at my feet”. go amiss.” finger in the mechanism. So here is my New Year’s I’ve also put forward a few It’s quite a simple operationresolution: I resolve not to feel suggestions for the rest of the and I’d be only too glad tobad about all those unfinished family. I’d like a little more ap- provide the necessary training.projects littering the house. preciation of my mini talents. On thinking about it though itOne day I’ll have the time and I’m not suggesting a 21-gun might be better to do the iron-patience to finish that stair salute, but the occasional gasp ing myself. I might have somecarpet I started three years ago, explaining to do if anyone dis-but that day is not today. I do covers what lies at the bottomhave every intention of finish- of the ironing basket. AMing these projects off, but I’mstill acquiring knowledge and Above: What better way to treat yourself for a job well done than to have askills. It would be a shame to tasty cupcake! This fun traveling dessert cart was made by Eva Perendreu.complete some of those moredemanding projects while I’mstill learning and make a com-plete hash of it. Well, that’s my excuseanyway. It’s not a bad excusereally. With a little polishing itcould sound like this: “Darling,I know you spent an inordinateamount of money on that kitand that I faithfully promisedto complete it. In fact I canhardly stop myself from rippingopen the packaging this veryinstant, but until my abilityreaches the standard that akit of this quality demands, Iwould not be doing justice tosuch a generous gift.” This should buy you a bitmore time and if that failstry putting it somewhere he98 American Miniaturist

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