Maggie Rudy uses her passion for miniatures to build Mouseland September 15 Issue #149 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95PROJECTS CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25t 4DIPPMSPPNt $IJDLFODPPQt $SPDIFUBEPJMZt ,JUDIFODBCJOFUTt 1FUBDDFTTPSJFTt .JOJNBDBSPOAn English cottage Madewithlove by Kammy Hill
Probably the most French partof Basle.Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel | Museum, Shop and Restaurant, Toy Worldsdaily from 10 until 18 | Steinenvorstadt 1, CH-4051 Basle Museum BasleThe building is accessible by wheelchair | www.swmb.museum Info: Ruth at [email protected] or 408-997-1004 http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net http://goodsamshow.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/GoodSamShowcaseOfMiniatures2 American Miniaturist
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Maggie Rudy uses her passion for miniatures to build Mouseland Contents September 15 Issue #149 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95 CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK £ 5.25PROJECTSt4DIPPMSPPNt$IJDLFODPPQt$SPDIFUBEPJMZt,JUDIFODBCJOFUTt1FUBDDFTTPSJFTt.JOJNBDBSPOAn English cottage Madewithlove Regulars Features by Kammy Hill 6 Mini mail 8 Realistic minisAmerican Miniaturist We love to hear from our Cheily Cheung balances a68132 250th Avenue readers and share their business, college, and timeKasson, MN 55944 words on these pages. to raise social awareness.Phone: (507) 634-3143 66 Itty bits 12 School daysToll Free: 1-866-606-6587Fax: (507) 634-7691 The latest news and notes Gabriele Layne celebratesEmail: [email protected] in the mini world, and our childhood memories ofUK: AM, PO Box 2258 newest contest winners. attending school.PulbroughRH20 9BA 93 Snippets 24 Miniature miceGreat BritainTel: 01903 884988 Cut out your very own art Maggie Rudy uses her and photos for framing and passion for miniatures toPublisher: decorative boxes. build Mouseland.Kelly JohnsonEmail: [email protected] 88 Show dates 33 A mansion of dollsEditor: Mark your calendars Abbot’s Leigh is a livelyAuralea Krieger and plan to attend these Jacobean mansion, andEmail: [email protected] shows around the country. holds Pat Pinnell’s collection.Advertising & Marketing: On the cover: Scene by 42 English cottageSara Vix Kammy Hill.Email: [email protected] Kammy Hill creates a fantasy English cottage.Customer Service:Email: usoffi[email protected] 56 A cottage of booksDistribution: Michelle Canada createsAlex Schwemmer the perfect little place toEmail: [email protected] escape with a good book.Designer: 59 Serene miniaturesAuralea KriegerAd designer: Let’s go on a relaxing tourLydell Peterson of Elvira Galati’s romanticLauren Nielsen mini shabby chic creations.Contributors: 64 Photography tipsMichelle Canada, Cheily Cheung, MarianneColijn, Kris Compas, Linda Cummings, Marilyn Get the most out of yourCosho, Elvira Galati, Mandy Groves, Kammy Hill, camera with some adviceGabriele Layne, Rebecca Micallef, Kim McKisson, from the professionals!Pat Pinnell, Frances Roe, Maggie Rudy, DarrenThomas, Keith Walker 74 Kitten catastrophesIssue 149 Mandy Groves explainsSeptember 2015 the difficult issue with minis and kittens.Published by Ashdown BroadcastingSubscription rates: 82 History of music1 Year (12 issues) $76.99 USA Frances Roe reviews theCanada $121.99 CAD, UK £79.99 history of music.Europe €110.99, ROW $135.99 (US Funds) 90 Mini renovation2 Year (24 issues) $143.99 USA Rebecca Micallef renovatedCanada $231.99 CAD, UK £146.99 her 1:12-scale Toll House!Europe €211.99, ROW $260.99 (US Funds)American Miniaturist (USPS# 021-053 ISSN #14778203) is published monthly at 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price is$65.00. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson, MN, andadditional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send addresscorrections to American Miniaturist, 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis thatcopyright will be vested in the Publisher who assumes all rights worldwide,in all forms and media. This means American Miniaturist owns the rightsto the instructions and photographs that we publish. The work may bepublished in the magazine, our i-Mag, ebooks, CDs and bookzines as well ason Dollshouse.TV. You continue to own the copyright for the design and arefree to teach and sell your work. All that we ask is that you wait a minimumof 6 months after the publication of the issue before teaching the design orselling your own instructions. We don’t allow you to re-publish the designfeatured in other books or magazines without prior consent.
Projects Welcome16 School room After sitting back and reviewing this issue the subject Follow along and with Keith of artistic growth came to mind, particularly with Walker and make some pieces for a schoolroom. Rebecca’s Toll House. She took a moment to notice29 Chicken coop that she could improve a completed project with her Making a special home for newfound skills. miniature chickens and I was also finally able to put together a rabbits can be fun! photography-tips article with the help of some47 Crochet a doily generous talent. I wanted to try and help those that struggle with that last step of artistic presentation. Marianne Colijn shares her Then I got to thinking about my own journey of pattern for crocheting a creative growth. 1:12-scale doily. Learning to take criticism is a skill in itself. Especially68 Kitchen cabinets when it pertains to your art. I learned very quickly during Art College (MICA) that putting aside your Build your own custom ego is the only way you can grow as an artist. Group kitchen cabinets along with critics were one of my favorite parts of class. We miniaturist Kris Compas. would gather around our work to share our input with each other. Creative input from other artists can be a76 Pet accessories wonderful thing, but it is up to you how you filter the advice and criticism. You will wag your tail with excitement after you finish Be aware that there are those that truly want to help these dog-related projects. and have a great eye for composition and what is current, but on the flip side you will occasionally have those that97 Mini macaron are threatened by your talent and are ruled by their ego. You just have to trust your heart and stay open. Cheily Cheung shows us how to make a mini macaron. Your biggest critic will always be yourself. So be gentle when examining your own work, give yourself lots of encouragement and always be ready to try new things and take good advice. When helping another artist grow I think the most important thing you can do is first ask them how they feel about their piece in comparison to their past work. When you listen to someone talk about their art you will learn so much about them! I get goose bumps when I know they have put their heart into it and have a passion for creating. That is such a beautiful thing! We all have passions for different subjects; memories that are close to our hearts, special loved ones that inspire us, and specific goals we want to achieve. When any one of those things is turned into art, even in miniature, the end product will be treasured.
minimail AM is your magazine, and we want to hear from you. Write to: MiniMail, American Miniaturist, 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN 55944. Or email: auralea@ ashdown.co.uk. Letters may be edited if necessary.Star letter Thanks to AM Artist showcaseSummerfungalleryThis month’s star letter was Thank you so verywritten by Linda Bagniewski. much to you all! What taMhrteeisesttusamwfmehwoeravrseeerayhsatoavnlieningntefmudninmciaeintlueiarbetur!arteingWho shared her favorite a surprise to get homehighlights of AM’s July issue. from vacation and Dragonfly InternationalWe truly love to share your discover that I had uDaaNSpncetoredbtryhvttlweheihcreeassir,atnnneamdSsnCtpDtdAehlevefeabaesnbi.nLddrasricapturswreu.oTscldihtvtuiheeoceynienfisdl,ltaeeahsssseeisgareSnncmadumcbtrraalkuenminstyssetohotnhfeutteotkhloaieatrfssekp,eaiaartsnopcdtfueotrdg,terweert.oshsoeedrs,projects and letters with the “Star Letter” of the mEaaYcurtoaeorwnumMouhpbcnboaoeedesn.ltrfetDooahosuelafefsbnltNoeUhdiAfiSeasoM,innarnJddlEwastoprtahoehananetenadidpir,rielrCawposrnIfeihMueudbodclTsweAkistis.tes.our readers, and it means so month.much to us that you take the ~wsa“pDMlilteethynhbmfdeaivyflnooggrwrtiatiemenrdpsedabpralltouaooygfmihnstiguenmrog,umEatlnisezdirdaibeseth.”time to write! To thank Linda Besides thefor her wonderful letter, we wonderful cut outswill be sending her a very collection CD, havingspecial project DVD. Please you all sign the letterkeep your letters coming. was the very best! ThatWe love learning about in it’s self required a thank you letter. Thank you. Thank you!you and your projects and Barb Mroaka GET IN TOUCHhearing your comments Parksley, VAand ideas. We always look SDurpapglioesnaflnydIKnittsernationalforward to reading your Phone: 916-783-2907thoughtful letters! WEsmheboap:ilw: Dwewb.@drdargaognoflnyfliynitnlt.cl.ocmom/ 52 American Miniaturist AM fan 04JY15_p052-054.indd 52Star letter I was pleasantly surprised to (AM146) giveaway. What a receive the Ron Seibert mini- beautiful gift! Thank youMy favorite highlights in recliner featured in the June so much! the July issuewere the backyard Miniature artists share their love for summer mini style.barbecue (because July 15I love summercookouts in the Issue #147 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADA $1P0.r95icCAeD.$U7K £.95.255yard with familyand friends) and PROJECTSArtist Showcase. ttttt'\"#41MBFJMHSVDBUBTLZTSIZEIMJBNOFFSHOMEMJOFGQ#SJSBF#JEFNS2PHMFPM MB tt\"$OBOJNEMBFMQIVPMMEMUFPSZTT Inspiration Cove tIht’seolipfeebnoinagt sdtaaytioantThe work of thesefine artisans trulyinspires me. mycrafBteascuardeetomyv.icsiotm 04JY15_p001.indd 1It’s hard to pick ahighlight since the whole issueis packed with great storiesand pictures (as is every issue).Thanks for the great articles,projects and photography!Happy miniaturing! Linda Bagniewski Palos Heights, IL6 American Miniaturist
minimail P.S. I love, love, love, the beautiful vanity in the miniatures is their play value.magazine! mail. I can’t wait to find My daughter is only two years a place to put it. Thank old, but maybe by the time she Diane Weber you so much! is big enough for dollhouse Omaha, NE play I’ll have a collection of Mary Lou Robbins experimental dolls just likeJune winner Hunlock Creek, PA Laurie does.As the June Highlights winnerI want to say how surprised July Highlights winner Finally, I appreciated havingand happy I was to receive the I loved the article on the source for kits. I enjoy Laurie Wagner’s dolls! making miniatures, and having One of my mini-development reasonably-priced kit options goals this year is to learn to make dolls. Her dolls are lovely, and really takes the hassle out of I especially enjoyed how they assembling supplies. are appropriate for play. For me, one of the biggest charms of Megan Kasper Dalhart, TX Barbie Cohn Andreason shares her dreamy miniature tiki hut. Past star letter winner Thank you so much for featuring me as your Star Letter in last months AM. I loved the chocolate cake kit and the CD, “Food ready for the table” gifts, lots of inspiration. Barbara Wilkes Canada June 15 Issue #146 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADA $1P0.r95icCAeD.$U7K £.95.255 PROJECTS t(JGUTGPSEBE tt#.FJBODJICFJUFFINJWTF t(SFFOIPVTF tt5.PJXOFJSMBDHBLSVFTH t5JOZEPOVUT Summer fun bCyhaCramroinlignebiDcuycplueiss Facebook Twitter Blog: A Small World’s Big Buzz 04JN15_p001.indd 1 American Miniaturist 7
Realistic minisAENTbRuEdPdRiEnNgEUR Miniaturist Cheily Cheung is balancing a mini business, college classes, and still finds time to raise social awareness.In the United States, being information as she could Her parents noticed, too, able to turn a hobby into find on the topic. But what and made a decision to nur- a business is part of the she also discovered along ture their daughter’s dream American dream. Famous the way was metamorphic. despite social norms. “When success stories of the rich, Cheily, self-described as a I was fifteen, my mom and famous, and happy include loner during her youth, Walt Disney, Bill Gates, and had suddenly found dad supported me to open Debbi Fields of Mrs. Fields a passion that my Etsy shop. It was Cookies just to name a few. was transforming truly a milestone! The theory is quite different, her life. “Mak- Without their however, from where Cheily ing miniatures support, I would grew up. brought me joy, never have been happiness, and able to develop “I’m not saying Hong Kong confidence,” she this interest in Hong is a place that does not allow explains. Kong.” creative development, but Today Cheily is a rather people here are very conservative about turning a hobby into something profes- sional,” explains the young miniaturist known for her hyperrealistic miniature roses and peonies. Her interest began at 13 when she came across a clay- modeling book in a bookstore. She then began taking classes from Amy’s Miniatures and started searching out as muchRight: With delicate precisionCheily’s mini cakes are elegant andplayful. Perfect for a special event.8 American Miniaturist
college student in the UK. Realistic minisShe has also expanded herminiatures line to include Left: As you can see in this photo,desserts. She’s particularly Cheily creates amazingly realisticinterested in wedding-themed miniatures in 1:12 scale anditems and has taken another specializes in floral arrangements.cue from her mentor Amy: theart of fine staging. Every im- Those tiny details, saysage of her work is beautifully Cheily, can be inspiring inpresented which not only sets countless ways, especially ina mood for each piece, but highly populated metropolitanallows viewers to look deeply areas. “For crowded cities likeinto the details. Hong Kong, decorating houses with small items is some-Right: Beautiful and delicate how a perfect choice. I thinkpeonies in various colors. dollhouse miniatures can be a piece of modern interior decoration.” “Sculpting something small from scratch is pure joy. Nothing can be compared to it!” Cheily also believes minia- tures can play an important part in education and personal well-being. “Many city dwell- American Miniaturist 9
Realistic minisers are too busy to appreciate a luxury, Cheily says one her Above: A beautifully detailedthe beautiful things around favorite aspects of miniatures miniature cake with Cheily’s logo.them. They often go for some- is speed.thing more grand and iconic, Cheily’s work that realism issomething that is artificial. “It might be a weird answer, her key objective. She’ll be theMaking plants in miniature, on but I like the fact that I can first one to tell you she is athe contrary, is mimicking na- make realistic 3-D items in perfectionist who has quite anture.” And in that process, she an hour. It is very exciting array of tools. “Making realisticsays, new miniaturists begin and rewarding. Almost like and good work requires a lot ofto pay more respect in general 3-D computer rendering, but them” she admits. “Good toolsto the natural world. miniatures are easier and more do make a big difference.” realistic.” But most importantly, says And what causes her theCheily, “Making miniatures It’s obvious by looking at most strife? Color. “Flowers inis an attitude towards life; itshows what you like and who The other side of beautyyou are. Cheily’s trademark style is a mix of Japanese and European When you are making a influences, but her interests in social change remain close topiece and striving for real- home. She recently used her talents to create a scale model ofism, the real flower or food illegal housing units in Hong Kong to raise awareness of pooris your teacher, it makes you living conditions.humble and wonder abouteverything.” Which in turn, “It was a very meaningful and memorable experience.evolves into knowing your Understanding poverty by making a model is very raw, bytrue self, believing in your which I mean the emotion and perception of artists is expressedpotential, and finding ways to explicitly. Making a 3-D model without any computer-aidedmake your dreams a reality—a software is challenging; it might not have the precise dimensionbenefit she knows well. but it shows the perception of an artist, which is very important.Tools, training & time For instance, I tried to make the door look narrower and paintFor this young entrepreneur the walls duller and shabbier. All these touches of the modeland busy college student, it’s are true expressions of my own feelings and impressions of theall about striking a balance. inhumane living environment. Most discussions on povertyShe studies architecture at these days are too numerical. Artists’ works like this give a morethe university and for profes- genuine insight to the issue.”sional growth reads books byJapanese artists like SatoshiTanaka who operates Nunu’sHouse miniatures. “I have to balance mystudies with making minia-tures. It is not easy, especiallywhen I have a shop that Ihave to come up with newideas and combinations forevery month.” Since time is10 American Miniaturist
Realistic minis Left: Blooming flowers and delicious desserts are Cheily’s specialty. and elegance.” And she also has a business plan. “I am going to improve my flower-making skills and design more wedding-themed cakes in the future. I love them and my supporters do too! In long term, I would like to build my own dreamland, which is a place with a lot of flowers, crazy creatures, and parties.” She also plans toreality have such a great diver-sity of color that is very hardto replicate. It is very difficultto get the right color with clayand paints. A lot of experi-ments are needed.” Cheily justmay be her biggest critic,because her mother has beenknown to retrieve items Cheilyhad thrown away as “just notgood enough.” The future open another Etsy shop. For a girl barely out “I have received quite a lot of her teens, Cheily’s future is certain to be of messages regarding how as unlimited as her I make my miniatures and energy. She’s already where my supplies comes a known name in the from. Therefore, another Etsy business and has a shop for miniature artists will signature statement be opened just for offering that reflects her youth supplies at a highly reason- as well as her graceful able price.” contemporary style, “Keeping things real Spoken like a true entrepre- with sophistication neur. One who’s on her way to being able to make a living doing what she loves. AM American Miniaturist 11
School daysSMEchMoOolRdIEaSy Miniaturist Gabriele Layne celebrates childhood memories of attending school by making this fun 1:12-scale vignette.ASchoolhouse of Yester- I also remember learning During the event we received year” was the theme that the tadpoles I found in a tote bag favors that were made for this year’s Society pond grow up to be frogs and and donated by members ofof American Miniaturist’s that a porcupine needs his the clubs so we could finish abirthday party in Round space—witnessed when the schoolhouse project at home.Rock, Texas. sharp quills were shot into our Several days later when I fi- poor dog’s nose while he tried nally got around to opening the While browsing through the to sniff the rodent too closely. tote bag I was amazed at theprojects that were on display wonderful items I found.at the workshop I found Recently I had a wonderfulmyself remembering attending weekend working with other I decided to make a smallschool as a child in a one- miniature enthusiasts from bookshelf. It would be the idealroom schoolhouse. different areas. The Austin and setting to display all the school- themed miniatures. I went to My school was in Canada “Recently I had a work sanding and staining theand children from several dif- wonderful weekend shelf so I could quickly get toferent grades were all taught working with other the best part—decorating!together. I remembered learn- miniature enthusiastsing to write with a pen nib, from different areas.” After placing the items onwhich we had to dip into an the shelves there was stillinkwell. I used to love history, Round Rock miniature clubs plenty of room to add some ofbiology, and science classes. treated us to a workshop, raffle, my own creations. Best of allWe were fortunate enough to lunch, door prize drawing, and is that the pieces made withbe able to take field trips to the pleasure of being around love by everyone attending thatthe surrounding areas to learn acquaintances. My favorite event will now be displayed inthese subjects hands on. part of these events is learning a delightful way. This project different techniques from other is now part of my miniature How lucky I was to be able hobbyists and, of course, the memory shelf collection that Ito go into the forest to witness socializing at an evening dinner have been working on. I havebeavers building a dam, black or during breakfast. named it Back to School for thebears sitting up in trees, moun- month of September.tain goats blending in with thesnow, and salmon swimming On the top of the cabinet isupstream to spawn. an outdoor school bell that was12 American Miniaturist
School daysRight: This little shelf is made from beads withpacked full of memories! jewelry finding tops.used to indicate the cut and bag them. There is a pic-beginning of class. The next shelf has a dunce ture of AbrahamA red cardinal sits cap, crayons that I made Lincoln and a tinybetween two ABC from colored wire placed in a pair of spectaclesreaders and there printed box, and finger paints is sitting on top ofis a stack of books a dictionary.held together bya leather strap. The fourth shelfI made the large has boxes of col-clock from a silver- ored pencils, slaterimmed button and boards with chalk,centered it on the and a sponge.front of the shelf. Books are sitting on a book rack and On the top shelf is a school report isa portrait of George leaning against theWashington, a map back wall.of the colonies, a The bottom shelftree of life chart, and is all about re-more books. There is cess and playtime.also an inkwell with Marbles are in a boxa pen that was made and in a net. Thereusing a bead and a is a jump rope, atoothpick. Pencils ball, a paper kite,fill a silver mug and and a spinning top,chalk, an eraser, scis- along with some oldsors, rulers, a small manuals to cut up andschool bell, and apples use for craft projects.for the teacher were I glued yardsticks toalso added. the front of the shelf and posters that are On the second shelf advertisements forare Big Chief tablets, writing utensils are onmore pencils, a large the exterior sides of theruler, another presi- cabinet.dential portrait, pocket It took a lot of ar-folders, and a book on ranging before I wasbirds. The removable happy with the finalflashcards were my piece. I would like tocontribution for the tote send out a thank you tobag favors; they come in a everyone who put so muchbox and are removable. I made time and effort into making100 sets on my computer and a the tote bag favors used in thismember of our club helped me vignette! AM American Miniaturist 13
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School roomTime to goback to schoolFollow along and make Keith Walker’s1:12-scale schoolroom. It’s as simple asA, B, C, so face front and pay attention.T his is the type of desk faces fit into the corner as in the Tools & materials: one would have sat in photo. Glue into the corners and back in the 1940s when allow it to dry. l Woodthere would have been an l Tin lidink monitor to change the ink l Small tacks x6 (1mmpots in the morning. The desksurvived well into the 1970s, dia. x 7mm long forbut nowadays it would be hinge, 0.7mm dia. x 4mmharder to find one in schools. long for lid) l 8mm dia. washerStep 1: Cut out the front, back Step 3: Repeat the sequence l Fine tooth sawand sides of the main desk. I with the back legs and glue into l Craft knifemade the sides slightly longer place. Check that the legs are l Scissorsso that they could be smoothed vertical to the front legs. l Pliersback when assembled. Glue into l Sandpaperplace as depicted in the photo. Measurments:Step 2: Cut out the front legs; Step 4: Cut out the front andmark the depth of the front onto side stretchers. To position the l Lid 45 x 36 x 2.5mmtwo sides of the legs then file off stretchers, mark a line about l Pencil tray 45 x 12 x2mm from the two faces. These 2.5mm16 American Miniaturist l Bottom 48 x 45 x 2mm l Sides 48 x 22 x 2mm l Front 45 x 22mm l Back 42 x 9mm l Front legs 72 x 5 x 5mm l Back legs 60 x 5 x 5mm l Side stretchers 35 x 4 x 3mm l Front stretchers 31 x 4 x 3mm
School room Step 7: From the tin lid, cut two strips 4mm wide x 18mm long – bigger than you need at this stage. Make a hole 3mm from one end by piercing with a compass point. This is for the hinge tacks. From the other end make holes 3mm and 6mm in for the smaller lid tacks.12mm up on the inside faces of Step 8: Fit the hinge part to thethe legs, then glue the stretchers pencil tray. Next file off someinto place. wood on the lid so that it fits into the slope of the desk. See the picture for the angle. sure it fits tightly into the front. Mark out the ink well and pencil groove.Step 5: Mark out the shape of the Step 6: Drill a 4mm dia. hole for Step 9: Hold the lid in place withpencil tray, cut it out and make the ink well and glue the 8mm a small clamp. With a pair of long dia. washer around the hole. Make nose pliers, push the small tacks the pencil groove with a 3mm dia. cutter bit, or a craft knife and sandpaper. Put the desk to one side and work on the lid. American Miniaturist 17
School roominto the lid. Once the hinges are Trace it onto a block of wood andin, file off the edges to the depth cut out.of the lid. Step 2: Cut out all four sides toStep 10: Take the desk base and the shape drawn on the woodfit the edge up against the legs. then smooth with sandpaper toMark out the width and depth take off the rough edges.and cut out the marked corners. Tip: If you want to make a few desks, cut out all the pieces first so that all the sections are as near as possible the same as each other. This makes mass assembly so much easier.Step 11: Repeat on the other School chair Step 3: Measure 8mm up fromtwo legs. the inside base of the leg and Tools & materials: make a central pencil mark. UsingStep 12: Apply a little glue to a 2.5mm dia. drill bit, twist a holethe area where the 12 base fits l Wood about 1mm deep on the pencilthe desktop. Tilt the bottom so it l PVA mark.fits tightly into place. Add some l Sandpapergraffiti, scratches and dents for l 2.5 dia. drill bit Step 4: Cut the cocktail stickseffect and varnish. l Razor saw a little longer than the width l Fret saw of the side of the chair. Gently l Cocktail sticks x 3 Measurments: l Sides 80 x 40 x 4mm (X2) l Seat 30 x 25 x2mm l Back 20 x 8 x 3mm Step 1: Make a template from the side view of the drawing.Step 13: In the days beforeBiro pens, the teacher wouldallocate and ink monitor to fillthe inkwells in the morning. Afair amount would be spilt too,so take a permanent marker andapply some ink spillage aroundthe washer.18 American Miniaturist
School room School desk diagrampush one side of the stick in a make a pencil mark. With thehole then gently pull the other drill, make a hole 1mm deep forleg outwards to spring onto the the back stave. Insert the cocktailother side of the stick. sticks as before; one for the front and two for the back.Step 5: Measure 20mm downfrom the inside top face and Step 6: Cut out the back support American Miniaturist 19
School room School desk diagram8 x 3 x 20mm long and the seat30 x 25 x 2mm thick. Then glueboth into place. At the backof the seat fit the last support.Measure the width and cut thesupport to fit up to the back ofthe seat.Step 7: Finally, finish by staining“antique brown” or wax ifpreferredBlackboard and easle Step 1: Two of the strips of Step 2: On the same two pieces wood require an angle of 20 with the angles facing each Tools & materials: degrees at the top. Mark this on other, drill three holes using a the 8mm side and remove the 2.5mm drill bit. These should be l 4mm Plywood 105 x wood to form the angle from 25mm, 35mm and 45mm up 100mm the 5mm side. from the bottom. l 4mm Plywood 5 x 8 x155mm (x3) l Kebab sticks l Matt black paper or paint l Superglue l Glue stick l Mahogany stain20 American Miniaturist
School roomStep 3: To drill the hole through Step 6: To make the easel pegs, Step 7: The ply for the boardthe top, secure the 4 outer legs shape a groove around a kebab (105 x 100mm) can be paintedto the center leg using clear tape. stick about 4mm in. Cut to a matt black, or covered in blackDrill a hole 12mm from the top length of 15mm and using Super paper. Don’t forget to do thethrough all legs using the 2.5mm Glue, fix the peg in the highest edges of the board.dia. drill bit. hole. Repeat on the other leg. Stain the frame mahogany and leave it to dry.Step 4: Leaving the tape in Now all that is left is to add someposition, push 30mm length of students and a teacher to yourkebab stick through the hole. new schoolhouse scene! AMStep 5: Lay the “A” frame on apiece of thin plywood and drawround the outside shape. Cut sothat it fits about 30mm downfrom the top. Glue to the outsidelegs and leave to set. Cut thecocktail stick flush at the top. American Miniaturist 21
How to Become an22 American Miniaturist AM contributor Tell us your story Do you love making miniatures and/or miniature scenes? Do you have an interesting life story connected to the art of miniatures? If so, then we want to hear from you! Send in your story (no more than 750 words, please!) and some photos to be considered for publication. Keep us in the loop Are you a member of a miniature group, charity, or show? Or do you know of an upcoming event or mini-terrific news story? Keep us in the loop by sharing it with us! Teach us If you have a passion for teaching miniatures, or dollhouse tips, tricks, and techniques, then we’d love to hear from you. Share your work with us Are you looking for a way to share your mini work with others? We are always accepting submissions for miniatures in many forms. Send in your ideas and projects for consideration. How to submit We want to hear from all miniaturists, and those who have a passion for this wonderful art form. Do you want to be a part of our next fun, fresh, and fabulous issue? Email your ideas, contributions, and questions to [email protected]. For more information and submission guidelines, visit http://www. americanminiaturist.com/getinvolved.html We look forward to you joining the American Miniaturist team!
Doreen Sinnett Tiny Doll Molds Dot’s Doll House See our 5½ “Arial” Full line shop specializing and our 2½ in handcrafted items “Fairy Faye” molds! Located in the We have 90+ Rocking Horse Mall 1542 N. Hwy 101 miniature dollhouse Lincoln City, Oregon molds ranging in size (541) 994-4647 from 1½” to 6” tall. [email protected] Also 4” & 6” tall CELEBRATING 30 YEARS Open 7 days a week Antique Repro molds 10am - 5pm & more Fairies! www.tinydolls.com (541) 659-9919 dollhouse dreamsBringing Out the Imaginations in All of Us Thru Miniatures! Largest Miniature Brick & Mortar in Iowa 613 Ave G, Fort Madison, IA 52627 dollhousedreams.com TMA magazine like you’ve never seenbefore, designed especially fortablets and phones.If you love knitting, you’ll love Knitsy’sstunning interactive features.Swipe through designs, flip fungalleries and tap on stunning photos. www.KnitsyMagazine.com American Miniaturist 23
Miniature miceEMsOcaUpSiEn’gSWinOtoRaLD Maggie Rudy uses her passion for miniatures to build Mouseland and illustrate her fabulous children’s books. Top: Artist Maggie Rudy. Left: This family is (M)ice-skating!Istarted making mice twenty using photographs of my to use photo-editing software years ago when my children miniature scenes for the story such as Photoshop. My family were small and then began illustrations. and friends are also wonder- constructing miniature worlds ful about supplying me with a about fifteen years ago. It be- My husband and sons are bounty of craft materials and gan as a hobby and a kinder- very supportive of my mouse- promoting my books. garten project and morphed mania, and extremely tolerant over twenty years into an of my constant trail of half- What appeals to me the obsession and a career. finished projects. It astonishes most about miniatures are me the way tiny things can the way they take me back to I am a professional artist. fill up a big house. My sons childhood and to the imagi- I draw, paint, and make have helped me enormously nary worlds I could inhabit large-scale assemblage with the computer side of my then. My two sisters and I sculptures. I also write and career, teaching me how to owned troll dolls and we spent illustrate children’s books navigate websites and how many hours making environ- ments for them using sticks,24 American Miniaturist leaves, and stones. I made my first mouse house during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks trying to keep my hands busy while listening to radio reports. In retrospect, I see that I was also build- ing myself a safe and magical world that I could control. I spent the next ten years creating what I now call Mou- seland, while teaching myself how to build in mouse scale.
Miniature miceI try to make as many of theitems as possible from foundand scavenged materials. A few items, such as cutleryand dishware, I purchasefrom dollhouse suppliers andI occasionally alter a piece ofdoll furniture to accommodatemouse proportions. I started photographing themice in 2010 to make personalgreeting cards. Learning to setup lighting, use the camera,and process the images on thecomputer is still an ongoingchallenge and not nearly asfun as making the miniaturesthemselves!Below: Playing a friendly game of Above: “Together you’ll have exciting times,” a page from I Wish I Had a Pet.cards to pass the afternoon. American Miniaturist 25
Miniature mice26 American Miniaturist
Miniature miceThis little room is full of details. Thisphoto is the endpaper from The HouseThat Mouse Built. Photo by Bruce Wolf. American Miniaturist 27
Miniature miceRight: It’s just after a Thanksgivingfeast and these mice are recoveringfrom too much dinner.Below right: This workman stops toadmire a ginger-furred lady mouse.Below: A handsome little mouseserenades his true love with a song. I built my first website in2010 and now I have a Tumblrand a Twitter account. Everyweek I post a new photo ofMouseland. I have abouttwenty-five thousand followers! In 2011 my first children’sbook, The House That MouseBuilt, was published with mymouse photographs used as il-lustrations. In 2014 my secondbook, I Wish I Had a Pet, cameout. I am now at work on mythird book, which will be aretelling of The City Mouse andthe Country Mouse tale. The most frequent com-ments I receive from onlinefollowers are “How did youmake that?” and “This takesme back to my childhood.”I also hear, “I want to live inMouseland!” quite often, so Iknow there are a lot of us outthere—a busy-fingered tribe inlove with tiny worlds. AM28 American Miniaturist
Chicken coopRabbit runs &chicken coopsMaking a home for garden pets can beloads of fun. Here is one house and runthat will hold all your little animals.P ets are an important part day, with easy access into the Tools & materials: of many peoples’ lives sleeping area. and so our miniature To make the run l Strip wood – 1/4” wide families should also be able to Step 1: Cut out all of the frame x 3/32” thick - to make choose their pet. Children love pieces as the diagram. The the run frame rabbits and hamsters, little furry netting is held between two creatures that can be kept in layers of frame. As the diagram l Plastic netting – available the garden in hutches or in their shows the frame corners overlap, in small sheets from dolls bedrooms. Rabbits love to run this will help to keep it ridged. house shops around during the day, so a nice Step 2: Glue one side of each of enclosure in the garden that will the frames together. l Sheet wood – 3/32” thick – keep out the foxes, is the ideal Step 3: Cut out 4 pieces of netting. to make the coop place for them. Step 4: Cut out the roof pieces, l Right-angled strip wood Looking at other creatures including the right-angled strip l Micropore tape – for the that like to live in the garden, for the top. chickens come top of the list. Step 5: Glue the other side of door hinge Again they need a cozy house in which to sleep and lay their eggs, each frame together and glue and during the day they require a the netting between the two secure area where they can feed frames. and scratch around. Step 6: Glue the top frame on There are many different designs for rabbit hutches and chicken coops, some very elaborate and others that just supply the basics, so we have built our own miniature version to keep our pets safe. This has been designed with a pen where the animals can spend the American Miniaturist 29
Chicken coop Chicken coop templates30 American Miniaturist
Chicken cooptop of the side frames. including the right-angled strip for the top. Step 3: Glue strip along roof.To make the coop Step 4: Cut out the sliding door, Step 7: CutStep 1: Cut out all of the side as diagram, including the right- out a door,pieces of wood, as per the angled strip in which it will slide. or use thediagram. Cutting holes for the piece thatdoors as indicated. you cut out before, glue thin strip of wood across back, to help strengthen it. Step 8: Trim to fit. Step 5: Glue the slide pieces in Step 9: Stick strip of Micropore place and try the door. tape down edge of door on the outside, as the hinge. Glue small strip of wood down the edge of the door and on the side panel, covering the tape. Step 10: Glue a small strip of wood on inside of side panel, this is the doorstop.Step 2: Cut out the roof pieces, Step 6: Glue the sides together, Step 11: Glue the roof in place, it by gluing a piece of ¼” square should leave a little overhang all wood into each of the corners. the way round. Continue until all sides are in place. American Miniaturist 31
Chicken coopNow for the fun part! Fill it upwith all your miniature featheryor furry friends! AM32 American Miniaturist
A mansion of dollsASMAmLLaDnsOioLnLSof Abbot’s Leigh is a lively Jacobean mansion, and the focal point in Pat Pinnell’s sizeable collection.Some people love ‘em, points out, they seem to make Top: Miniaturist Pat Pinnell at work. some people hate ‘em,” her houses throb with life. Below: The village musicians warm says Stroud-based minia- up for tonight’s performance with aturists Pat Pinnell. “Me—I just Pat has seventeen houses, so new dance and lavish costumes.adore them.” She is referring there are many dolls to greetto her collection of dolls, you when you pay her a visit. firmly in cheek. We all knowwhich is quite impressive to that will-power is not a strongsay the least. As Pat rightly Although she insists the point among those who love mansion is her last property, this hobby as much as Pat does. this is said with tongue placed American Miniaturist 33
A mansion of dolls But naturally if this was Pat, who once did a carpentry Above: Behind closed doors–Pat’sgoing to be the last addition course back in the Sixties. purpose built Manor is a feast ofto the Pinnell empire it would color and activity.need to be a worthy finale— Pat is what you might Left: The central section of Abbot’slarge enough to house an describe as “a determined Leigh manor, based on Blicklingaristocrat in a National Trust Hall in Norfolk, England.type of building. seventy-three-year-old”. Her With a vision in mind Pat trusted builder occasionallydusted off a stool and a piece offered solutions and ideas,of board to work on and set but apart from that Pat is aabout constructing her man- pretty independent miniatur-sion out of plywood, right in ist. After four months of saw-the middle of her kitchen.Using only a guidebook ing, sticking and painting,from Norfolk’s Blickling “Abbots Leigh” was built.Hall with its spectacu- At five-foot long, four-lar long gallery, superb foot high and one-and-a-library and fine collec- half foot deep the man-tions of furniture, pic- sion fitted the bill—andtures, and tapestries, she Pat’s sideboard, exactlyliterally “made it up” as as planned. Somethingshe went along. that big would be too heavy and clumsy to “I don’t like all that move as one piece, butcareful measuring,” said Pat had already consid-34 American Miniaturist
A mansion of dollsAbove: To enhance the grandexterior of her miniature building,Pat has used plaster details ofGreen Men in three designs.Left: Upstairs, in the spice room, thehousekeeper is preparing the day’sprovisions for the household.ered this fact and constructedit to come apart in four layers. Such a grand Jacobeanmansion deserved to be filledwith the best things. Havinggleaned a wealth of miniatureexperience through her othersixteen houses, Pat felt sheknew exactly who she wasgoing to go to in order to buy“superior quality”. “Peter Mattinson has alwaysbeen my hero,” explained Pat,“he once said that in his work,anything he could not makewell himself he obtained fromcraftsmen who produced thebest in that line.” Followinghis example, Abbots Leighhas quite a roll call of qual-ity; Sue Cooke for flagstonesand tiled floors, Pear TreeMiniatures for hand carvedfurniture, Sussex Crafts foringlenook fireplace and metalaccessories, Tony Knott for American Miniaturist 35
A mansion of dolls Left: Gossip exchanges bonnet—except that Pat got so36 American Miniaturist between the scullery carried away with the house, girl and the milkmaid. putting in stairs and so on that it never quite made it to the hat pewterwork, Tom stage. She fell headfirst into the Burchmore for the hobby and never looked back. linen-fold panel- ing, and Paul Wells Pat has been an active mem- for his embossed ber of the Severnside Dolls brickwork sheets. House Club, where sharing You might also knowledge and skills are the recognize The Little very fabric of the club; this is Homes of England where a colleague made her chimneys, which window frames, as these could were the icing on not be bought to fit elsewhere. the cake - or should that be roof? Once the house was built and decorated, then came Pat’s Although Pat didn’t try to create “The house fits exactly this house as an on my sideboard, so exact historical there was no room replica, as a pub- for the no good son to lished author of two seduce the scullery maid” history books, one of which is award-winning, favorite bit. For the next three her level of knowledge and Minatura visits she embarked interest in the subject has on the great doll hunt. They made a pretty convincing came from all over; Carol undertaking. Tudor seems to Blakemore, Gill Cauldwell, be a favorite, with Pat assem- Costume Cavalcade, DCT Dolls, bling her own scrapbooks on Doll Works, and J Designs. the period. In fact it was the Tudor period that introduced Pat has gone for the right her to the dollhouse hobby in look and appeal of the doll the first place. rather than worrying over During an active mem- what part of the period their bership of the W.I in the late costume fits applies to. Nineties, Pat took part in a competition to make an Easter “People were slow to catch bonnet. This involved making up with fashion in villages,” a small-scale Tudor house she says, with a wry smile. In and incorporating it into a the kitchen a scullery maid hears the latest gossip when Left: One of Pat’s favorite pieces is the milkmaid brings in the this beautifully carved cabinet. day’s milk. While the steward’s pretty daughter pleads with her
A mansion of dolls Left: Two young girls sneak a peek at the feast that has been prepared for the household’s dinner. Below: Carved Newel posts on the main staircase and Worthies, which are actually pewter, that was painted to look like wood.Above: This musician is ready toperform for an evening gathering. American Miniaturist 37
A mansion of dolls Left: This proud new mother looks loving over her new baby.father to allow her to keep a there was no more room for his puppy’s eye for the food.hungry, stray dog. the no-good son to seduce the Above, in the great cham- scullery maid.” Above the kitchen is the ber, two groups of dolls viesmall spice room with a trap Each newel post up the for attention. The owner ofdoor and lowering basket. rather grand staircase has a the estate and his wife exam-Here the housekeeper is carved “worthy” mounted ine their new livery cupboardsorting out the spices and upon it—much the same as and a group of architectsprovisions for the day. Next the real Blickling Hall stair- and their young apprenticedoor in a small bedroom, a case in Norfolk. Pat bought discuss the next buildingnew mother gazes at her baby hers quite cheaply at the project with the estate baliff.in the cradle. At the center of Gloucester Museum and var- The long gallery runs abovethe house is the main hall. nished the pewter pieces dark all of these rooms where“How I wish I could have brown to resemble carved preparations are underway tomade it twice as wide,” ad- wood. In the ground floor “God Bless the Queen” whomitted Pat, “but the house fits dining room two ladies of the is on one of her “progresses”exactly on my sideboard so house chat while a boy trains around her realm. “I had to manipulate time a little as Elizabeth I died in 1603, so I decided she should visit this house in 1600” com- mented Pat. The village musicians are trying a new dance while the gentlefolk also rehearse, surrounded by courtiers and the heir of the house, accom- panied by his wife. While in a small tower room, two young lads are hoping they will be allowed to play their lutes during the festivities. Dolls are not simply a representation of man to fill a space in the house, Pat uses them to tell stories and groups the dolls into scenes, connected with the daily running of the house. This way, and because there are so many of them, they re- ally do work for their keep. “Without all these dolls, how38 American Miniaturist
A mansion of dollslifeless the dollhouse would and tapestries used to deco- Above: How many other houses canseem,” said Pat, and she’s rate the walls. Heradic arms claim to have received a visit fromabsolutely right. emphasize the status of the Elizabeth I? The richest of fabrics on household, silverware shows these dolls adds to their importance. Let’s not forget the little their wealth, books, music,things in the layout of a banquets and a full house- to make the most of buy-house either. Animals would hold of guests (including ing all those little additionshave features prominently Queen Elizabeth) make this a that make a house a home.at this time, particularly cats most notable residence. However, we heard that Patand dogs, which are included is due to have an extensionin at least six of Pat’s rooms— So will this be the last proj- built on her own, full-sizenot including dinner strung ect for Pat Pinnell, with sev- home, which would suggestup in the kitchen. enteen houses already there that, with all that extra space is not much room for any to play with, number eighteen Then there’s the richness more? For now she will have could be on its way. AMand quantity of oil paintings American Miniaturist 39
roadtripdirectory STAR BUSINESS CHAUTAUQUA MINIATURES & NEW YORK • USACALIFORNIA • USA DOLLHOUSES Chautauqua Miniatures and Dollhouse Chautauqua Miniatures & Dollhouses Gallery is a full service Dollhouse and 5031 W. Lake RD Rt. 394 Miniature Shop located in Western New Mayville, NY 14757 York. Prepare to be amazed when you Phone: 716-753-3100 step through our door! There are finished Open seven days a week dollhouses of every kind, dollhouse kits, www.chautauquaminiatures.com exquisite hand crafted artisan miniatures, dollhouse furniture and accessories in CALIFORNIA • USA one inch scale. We also carry a large variety of half-inch, quarter inch and 1/144th inch scale treasures! CALIFORNIA • USADollhouses, Trains & More Elegant Dollhouse Celebrating Ms. Peggie’s Place300 Entrada Dr 5063 Cass Street,Novato, CA 94949 1120 Fulton Avenue, 36 Years San Diego, CA 92109Phone: 415- 883-0388 Sacramento, CA 95825 Phone: 858-483-262120 minutes North of San Francisco Hours: W-Th 5-8 / F 12-5 /off Hwy 101 in Marin County Phone: 916-484-0411 Sat 10-5 / Sun 11-5Hours: M-F 10-6, S-S 10am-5pm www.mspeggiesplace.comwww.DollhousesTrainsandMore.com Hours: M-Sat 10-6 / Sun 12-4 DELAWARE • USA CALIFORNIA • USA www.elegantdollhouse.com CALIFORNIA • USAPeg’s Dollhouse Shellie’s Miniature Mania Fingertip Fantasies2271 Melbrook Way 732 Laurel Street 401 Main Street, PO Box 544Santa Rosa, CA 95405 San Carlos, CA 94070 Clayton, DE 19938(707)823-3478 Phone: 650-593-4921 Phone: 302-653-8800Open daily 9-5 call for appointment. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Hours: Tue-Fri 10:30-5:30 / Sat 10:30-5 www.dollhouseminiatures.com FLORIDA • USA www.shelliesminis.com ILLINOIS • USA GEORGIA • USA The Toy Box Miniature Designs Tom Thumb Hobby & Crafts 419 Brevard Ave, 3555 Lawrenceville Hwy 6001 Gross Point Rd., Niles, IL 60714 Historical Cocoa Village Lawrenceville, GA 30044 Phone: 847-869-9575 (F: 847-869-9574) Phone: 321-632-2411 Phone: 1-800-413-2040 Phone: 847-869-9575 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Hours: Tu-Sat 10-5 Hours: Tues-Sat 10-6 / Sun 1-5 Hours: M-F 10-6 / Sat 10-5 / Sun 1-5 www.thetoyboxstore.com www.miniaturedesigns.com www.tomthumbcrafts.com40 American Miniaturist
Add your business to the map, call 1-866-606-6587 or email [email protected] • USA IOWA• USA MARYLAND • USAJeepers Dollhouse Miniatures Dollhouse Dreams Forever Friends 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 or an69 W Washington St, 613 Ave G, Fort Madison, IA 52627 Dollhouses and Miniatures extended vacation, take a road trip and venture out to visit these fine full service miniature shops to find your next miniature treasure.Morgantown, IN 46160-0335 Phone: 319-372-0599 2105 Bishops Castle DrivePhone: 812-597-4346 Toll Free: 877-875-6500 Olney, MD 20832Hours: T & Th 10-7, M-W-Sat 10-5 Email: [email protected] Phone: 301-774-3037www.jeepersminiatures.com Hours: T–F 9:00-5:30, Sat 9-Noon Hours: Open most days/weekends www.dollhousedreams.com www.foreverfriendsminis.com/shop MICHIGAN • USA MINNESOTA • USA NEW HAMPSHIRE • USAMiniature Makers’ Workshop American Miniaturist Earth & Tree Miniatures28120 Woodward Ave, 68132 250th Ave. 276 Route 101 #1Royal Oak, MI 48067 Kasson, MN 55944 Amherst, NH 03031Phone: (248) 549-0633 Phone: 866-606-6587 Phone: 603-673-8707Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Hours: M-Sat 10-5 / Sun 12-5Hours: T, TH, F, SAT 10-5, W 12-8 Hours: M-F 9-5 CT www.EarthAndTree.comwww.miniaturemakers.com www.americanminiaturist.com OHIO • USA NEW YORK • USA OHIO • 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.us American Miniaturist 41For rates and information visit: www.americanminiaturist.com
English cottageNWOiNnDa EinRLAND Kammy Hill creates a fantasy 1:12-scale English cottage where a beloved bunny friend will always be memorialized.As a former Realtor, Kammy has seen a lot of houses. She’s taken design inspiration to build miniature English cottages, farmhouses, modern kitchens, and interior items such as a lighting and furniture. But it’s her love of creating fairy houses that truly inspires her mind and heart. She’s had an affinity for small things since childhood, but it wasn’t until three years ago that she completed her first project, a shoebox fairy house. “It came about after my younger sister, Angela, passed away,” explains Kam- my. “I wanted to make a little dwelling where she could live in my dreams.” Since then, she has used Right: The 1:12-scale cottage shown in an outdoor setting that accents its natural charm and beauty. Facing page top right: The porch is inviting and covered in rose vines. Facing page bottom right: An interior view of the cottage showing the romantic decor and fanciful bed. 42 American Miniaturist
English cottageAmerican Miniaturist 43
English cottage precious memories of her furry friendthe time to hone her skills alive.on all things miniature,from farmhouse tables, Since Kammyfood, and dressed canopy adores Alice inbeds to chandeliers. “You Wonderland andname it, I have probably English cottages,tried to make it mini,” she decided tosays Kammy. merge both styles for the fairy This spring, though,the California miniatur- Left: This romanticist was drawn back to ceiling light is drapedmaking fairy houses after with pink and whiteher pet rabbit, Nina, died paper roses.unexpectedly. She was Below: Fun teacupsagain inspired to create an are stacked on theeternal miniature abode little pink dresser.where she could keep44 American Miniaturist
English cottageAbove: A lavish comfy bedthat’s ready to be slept in! Left: Kammy handmade thesweet mini bunnies.house. And Kammy, justlike Alice who had tonavigate the unexpected,says she went withthe flow. “The projectdefinitely morphed as allmy projects do. It’s hardto envision the finishedproject, at least for me itis. I don’t make drawingsor sketches first. I fly bythe seat of my pants.” Kammy made mosteverything by hand American Miniaturist 45
English cottageRight: Mini Nina is enjoying the dayon the blooming cottage porch.using wood, paper mache, a group. She’s currently work- while she is still fairly newcarton, glue, polymer clay, ing on the outdoor living to making miniatures, sheand paint. “There might be a area of a modern Tuscan understands fully the emo-few things collected in there kitchen, a 1:12-scale room tional connections and innerlike a flower pot or plate, but box she created to depict her peace that the creative processI made the structure out of dream kitchen. brings.wood, then paper mache andcarton on the outside. I made “I find that creating “I find that creating minia-the bunnies, bed, repainted miniatures is very tures is very relaxing for methe dresser, made the tea- relaxing for me and I can and I can escape to anothercup stacks, the curtains, the escape to another world world while I create. All of mygarland, rug, flooring, plants while I create.” room boxes are very detailedand chandelier. One potted so the viewer can sit and lookpurple hydrangea was made Kammy says as each piece into them for a long time andby another artist.” progresses, so do her skills, “I still see new features or some- learn a lot with the comple- thing they may have missed The stay-at-home mother of tion of each piece I do—what before.”four, with one still at home, works and what doesn’t.” Andwould love to live in an English And even more special forcottage herself, so it’s easy to Kammy, it’s about what may notenvision her and 16-year-old be apparent to the eye—memo-Marissa (as well as Nina) on ries that reside in the heart. AMthe front porch of the cottage.The outdoor area is her favoritepart of the project, “It’s veryinviting. I love the Frenchdoors and the fountain.” Thepropped-up window andwindow box, as well as thegingerbread house architecturaldetails also give it the cottage-like feel Kammy likes in full-size houses of its type. The most challenging part,says the self-taught miniatur-ist, was the exterior, specifi-cally “getting it all to line upand stay together.” Luckily,Marissa is there to help whennecessary, and sometimeseven when it’s not—theteenager often accompaniesKammy to her miniature46 American Miniaturist
Crochet a doilyShape a doilyin to a bowlMarianne Colijn share her pattern forcrocheting a 1:12-scale doily that you canshape in to a bowl or a cake stand.N othing says shabby chic l Round 1: * chain 2, 1 sc in the Tools & materials: as much as vintage lace next stitch *, repeat from * to * l Ready made doilies or does. You can use the until you get to the end of thelace in many ways to create the round. ones you made yourself -right look, but turning lace doilies l Round 2: * chain 3 and work 1 sc 1” dia.into lovely bowls is something a into the chain 2 loop of round 1 * l 0.60 crochet hooklittle bit different. l Repeat from * to * until end of l DMC tatting thread round. (fil dentelles) You can use ready-made l Round 3: Work as round 2, but l Tacky Gluedoilies, but it is much more fun chain 4 and 1 sc into each loop l Scissorsto make your own. I know it may l Round 4: As round 2, but chain 5 l Beads or bowls to shapelook a bit complicated, but once l Round 5: As round 2, but chain 6 the doiliesyou give it a try you will find it is l Round 6: As round 2, but chain l Styrofoameasier than you think. 7. Close round. l Pins l Finish off and the cut ends. Do not use silk thread because l Weave in lose ends. Doily number 2it will look very odd after This is a variation of number onestiffening. To stiffen the doilies I Tip: To make a bigger Work as if you are making aused a mixture of 1-part Glue and version of this doily keep number one doily until you have2-parts water. But you can also working round 2 adding 1 done 6 rounds.use a ready-made fabric stiffener extra chain to the chains in l Round 7: Chain 8, work 1 sc inor starch. each round so the doily will get bigger and still be flat. I have included some basicdoily patterns and some tips formaking them bigger and addingvariations.Doily number 1l Chain 6 and close into a circle.l Add a marker to the end ofthis circle so you will not have tocount stitches all the time. American Miniaturist 47
Crochet a doily Tip: When you are making repeat from * to *. work: chain 3, 1 sc, chain 5,1 sc, the bigger version described l Round 3: * chain 4, work 1 sc chain 3, 1 sc. Close the round and in the first tip you can also into chain 4 loop, chain 4, work finish off. add this pretty edge. Just 1 sc into 4 chain loop, chain 4, remember that you will have work 1 sc into sc *, repeat from * For the smaller doily that will be more chains in the loops and to * until the end of the round. the top of the stand, work the that you will have to adapt l Round 4: * chain 5, work 1 sc first 4 rounds of the number 4 the sc in this row to match. into chain 4 loop *, repeat from pattern. * to * l Round 5: In every 4 chain loopthe next loop, repeat until end of l Round 5: Work as row 4, but work: chain 3, 1 sc, chain 4, 1 sc,round and close the round with a with chain 6. Close the round and chain 3, 1 sc.slip stitch. finish off.l Round 8: Work 3 sc in the first Tip: You can use a piece ofloop, chain 2, work 3 sc in the Doily number 4 Styrofoam and pins to stretchsame loop. Repeat for each loop This one can be made into a your doily to the right shapeuntil the end of the round. Close bowl as well, but I used mine to before you do any stiffeningthe round and finish off. make a pretty stand for serving or shaping. I like doing this cakes and sweets. and I usually put a piece ofDoily number 3 l Work 10 sc into a magic ring clean, moist fabric on topThis is very pretty with a little and close into a circle. Add a and leave it overnight. I feelflower motive in the bottom. marker. my bowls look better when Il Work 10 sc into a magic ring l Round 1: Chain 2, 1 sc in every st. start with the right shape.and close ring. Add a marker to l Round 2: * chain 3, 1 sc inthe ring so you do not have to every chain 2 loop*, repeat fromkeep counting stitches. * to* until the end of the row.l Round 1: Chain 3, work 1 dc l Round 3: Work as round 2 butin first st, * chain 1, work 1 dc in chain 4.next st. * repeat from * to * until l Round 4: Work as round 2 butthe end of the round. chain 5.l Round 2: * chain 4, work 3 dc l Round 5: Work as round 2 buttogether, chain 4, 1 sc in next st *, chain 6, and close round. l Round 6: In every 6 chain loopTip: This doily can be madebigger by repeating row 4and adding an extra chain toeach chain as before.48 American Miniaturist
Crochet a doilyl Close the round and finish off.Making doilies in to bowlsStep 1: Put your doily on top ofa bowl or dish that has the rightshape. Make sure the doily isstraight.Step 2: Paint your doily with a fabricstiffener or glue and water mix.Step 3: Gently press the doily top of the doily. I hope you will have lots of fundown. If needed stretch into the making and displaying yourright shape. Leave to dry. If you Step 3: Add a second stopper miniature doilies. AMfeel the bowl is not stiff enough to the earring post withpaint with the fabric stiffener and the narrower part facing American Miniaturist 49let dry again. downwards.The two plates for the cake standdo not need to be shaped. If youput them on top of a plate thatis the right size and press themdown they will be perfect. Makesure they are really stiff so youcan actually place something onthe stand later.Assembling the cake standTools & materials:l One earring post Step 4: Glue the smallerl Two earring post doily on top. stoppersl One eye pinl Tweezersl Tacky Gluel Stiffened doiliesStep 1:Place the biggest doily on Step 5: With tweezers cutthe earring post. Glue the doily to the eye pin for the handlethe post. to the right size.Step 2: Add 1 stopper to an Step 6: Thread throughearring post with the widest part the top doily and glue intoat the bottom and glue to the the hole of the top earring stopper. Leave to dry.
40Our th Annual 2015 Good Sam Show LARGEST MINIATURE SHOW WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI BENEFITING PLANETREE HEALTH LIBRARY October 10 & 11 Super Friday Workshops on the 9th Doubletree Hotel, San Jose, CA Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-4 Australian Shepherd by Takumi Takanashi of Japan 116 Sales Tables / 14 International Dealers / 35 IGMA Artisans & Fellows Super Friday Workshops 3 Academy Teachers Monday the 12th Fern Vasi, Alan Hamer, and Pete & Pam Boorum of “Smaller Than Life” Info: Ruth at [email protected] or 408-997-1004 http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net http://goodsamshow.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/GoodSamShowcaseOfMiniatures50 American Miniaturist
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