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Bo coloring ard bookfree VISIT THE PERFUME SHOPCLUATBOEULST SeasideDOLDLOSDLOLHLSDLOOHUHLOLSOUEHSUOESUWESMIOENRIWLMAIOTDNIURARLTEDCUSRU-ETcSCuOt-UUTocTuuSOttsUoTutPSHOsTOCOPIES OF THIS CUT O coloring KNITTING PHOTOCOPIES PATTERN bookdollshouseTGoFploAumlaletdtcaabeakca.thetcaktuchhparemntadhednefrtloiknpneiitteettcosoegaaettntahdcehrg.mlueenint piece. WORLDUK’S No1 MINIATURES MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2015 £3.95 ISSUE 277 TGoFploAumlaletdtcaabeakca.thetcaktuchhparemntadhednefrtloiknpneiitteettcosoegaaettntahdcehrg.mlueenint piece. pFGTloaolulcdeema.battakaceckhumapnedtnhtfreponiketictteeosgaentdhegrl.ue in Attach piece. thread line to attachment www.dollshouse.tv www.dollshouseworld.com Posters PINASCPKIREIDNGWITHPosters chicshabby PROJECTS lundby Posters 18/055/2/290/1140 1029::4501:P5M3 DcuHtMo4u0ts_Cjuulytoauutgs.i2n0d1d0.i6n7dd 1 18/055/2/290/1140 1029::4501:P5M3STUNNING JEWELLER’SDcuHtMou4t0s_jCuluytoauutgs.2in0d1d0.in6d7d 1 18/50/52/92/01140 1029:4:501P:5M3YOU WON’T BELIEVE RESCUE MISSION SAVES HOUSENO-SEWING! fAroLmIFE HOFoGlLlAyMwood to English countryMake a mini dress 10 9 770961 092055 >

dollshouse contentsWORLDTHE UK’S TOP-SELLING MINIATURES MAGAZINEIssue 277 - October 2015The small print 4 The house that Arthur builtEditor: Richard Jennings The Mini Delights group helped restore a hand-builtEmail: [email protected] doll’s house to raise money for a charityAssistant editor: Jill Mundy 8 Meet the makerEmail: [email protected] Barbara Vajnar has a love for primitive style furniture,Feature writer: Sandra Harding which comes across in her classic miniature piecesAdvertisement sales: 12 Dress patternMaria Fitzgerald - 01903 884988 Auralea Krieger shares a virtually no-sew methodEmail: [email protected] to make a miniature dress for your doll 16 Mini fun pagesSubscriptions: Competition time with spot theEmail: [email protected] difference and a word search 18 Maritza’s life of glamDesign: Wendy Crosthwaite Mini skills followed a childhood spent near aristocrats and a long career in HollywoodContributors: 26 Find inspires perfume shopMarianne Colijn, Sue Kirkham, Ronnie Godfrey, A chance find led to a beautiful shop full ofMari Meredith, Martha Puff, Deb Weissler, perfume bottles made from beads and glassAlison White, Beryl Hales, Jan Clarke 28 Medieval masterpiece Members of the Henfield group pull togetherPublished by ashdown.co.uk to create a medieval masterpieceISSN 0961 - 0928 32 Make easy cratesDistributed to the newstrade by Comag. Jan Stuart shares her construction method for making authentic country crates using any label you likeTo reach us:Call us on +44 (0) 1903 884988 34 Nuts in MayOr write to: The Editor, Dolls House World, A group of mad keen collectors sample thePO Box 2258, PULBOROUGH many mini delights of beautiful BathRH20 9BA Great BritainEmail: [email protected] 38 Glitter & goldInternet address: You’ll find wonderful gifts fit for a queen atwww.dollshouseworld.com Kaye Browning’s exclusive jewellery shopUS office: Ashdown Inc., 68132250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA. 42Meet the doll makerTel: 507 634 3143 Endless inspiration pours from Soraya Merino’sEmail: [email protected] fingertips as she creates beautiful dollsSubscription rates:1 year (12 issues) UK £54; US $120iMAG £43. Add the iMag Digital Library to yoursubscription for only an extra £31.99 per year.TV £34.99. Add a year’s subscription to theonline Dollshouse.TV channel for only £29.99extra per year.Postmaster: Send address corrections to Ashdown Inc,68132 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA.Canada Post International Publications Mail -Sales Agreement No. 546038.All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part withoutthe written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Alleditorial contributions in the form of articles, letters and pho-tographs (b/w or colour print or transparencies) arewelcomed by Dolls House World but cannot be returnedunless accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.In any event the publisher can accept no responsibility forloss or damage to contributions. Material is accepted solelyon the basis that the author accepts the assessment of thePublisher as to its commercial value.All material submitted to the magazine for publication inwhatever form is accepted solely on the basis that copyrightin the work will be vested in the publisher who assumes allrights worldwide, in all forms and in all media.© copyright ashdown.co.uk

46 Nurse’s magical labour of love editor’s Meet the maker behind some wonderful fairy houses, welcome and wonder how she finds time to create them EVERY MONTH stories about the incredible talents48 A feathery flowering hat within our mini world cross my desk, and I never cease Kathi Kuti Harding has some tips on making a fun to be amazed at the achievements and dedication of those and whimsical miniature hat using silk flower petals behind them.50 Surfer John’s souvenir shop First there were the stunning rooms of Madelyn Cook, Joyce Mori made this shop to commemorate her which are good enough to be in a museum (and are). Then trips to the coast and as a reminder of summer came the medieval scene put on by a local group, with all members contributing to the display. And then there were52 Real stained-glass windows the magical fairy houses, made by a nurse in-between her Vera Blair shares her technique for stained-glass windows shifts. that are perfect for a Tudor home or old church They each represented three different approaches, but54 Make a lovely blueberry cake all were imbued with a passion for the hobby that certainly Robin Brady-Boxwell uses polymer clay and real inspires me and, hopefully, you too when you see them in blueberry seeds to create her latest sweet treat this issue.58 Looking at Lundby Elsewhere Sandra reports from an action-packed mini One collector tells Sandra how she achieved her city break to Bath, we visit mini scenes as diverse as favourite look in a new home filled with tiny treasures Pharaoh’s Court and Frank’s Auto Repair Shop, and bring you projects to make everything from cakes to crates. There’s even a roombox to remind us all of summer, although it bears little resemblance to my recent trip to the coast which was wild, wet, and windy… a typical British summer. Now that’s a scene that needs making. Where did I see those mini welly boots?60 Pharaoh’s Court Travel back in time to the ancient world of Egyptian royalty with this scene full of felines and jewels64 Perfectly imperfect Richard Jennings - Editor. [email protected] Erzsebet Bodzas’ work shows that your mini food needs to be misshapen or splotchy to look real68 Frank’s auto repair shop 77 Cut outs Frank Layne, with help from Gabriele, found a great 82 Fair dates way to showcase his classic car collection70 Rooms that will inspire We take a look at the incredible rooms created by a talented maker over many years79 From the archives This popular project shows you how to make slippers House Hunt and mules that can be used in lots of periods FIND THE little house hidden somewhere in this issue. Last issue it was on page: 44.

CHARITY DOLL’S HOUSE The house that Arthur built Sandy Millar and her Mini Delights group helped restore a hand-built doll’s house to raise money for a charity through a raffle By Sandy MillarT his is a very unique teen, as an apprentice joiner, house that had been sitting difficult to place a value on and detailed house and this love followed him unfinished for a few years. this one-of-a-kind doll’s that was designed through his lifelong career as She enlisted the help of a local house, so we suggested that a and constructed by a cabinet-maker in western doll’s house miniature group raffle may bring more interestthe late Arthur Taylor as a Canada. We were told that at to appraise it so it could be than a for-sale sign.retirement gift to his dear wife that young age he would come sold with the money beingMargaret. Sadly, during the home from work, change into donated to her favourite char-crafting of this dream house, his short pants, and join his ity. The Mini Delights, asArthur’s health failed and he former schoolmates to play we call ourselves, are a groupwas unable to complete his soccer in the street. of six, and we suggested thatcreation. we could finish and furnish Fast-forward to a year or so the house and it would have His love of working with ago, when Margaret decided a greater monetary value. Wewood began, in England, at to find a new owner for this knew it would be extremelythe very tender age of four- three-story, sixteen-room Restoring and updating We were very honoured and excited to take on this task. We decided our empha- sis would be on restoring and updating, rather that renovat- ing. In conceiving an overhaul for this house, we were met with the challenge of what was possible of a tall house with a lot of small rooms and a greater challenge of scale. The bones of this stately structure are very strong, but they were not built to any scale. The first of the three levels has very high walls and the sec-4 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

ond and third have short ones. CHARITY DOLL’S HOUSE It was very noticeable that D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 5all the doorways are wide andnot too tall. Some of themhave an arched window abovethe doorframe, so we addedfaux-stained-glass insertsto make them appear taller.These windows look so niceas the light shines throughthem from one room to thenext and they reflect colouredshadows. As we were uncertain ofthe intended use for some ofthe rooms, we tried to giveeach one an aesthetic focusthat created continuity, andeach space leads logically tothe next one. The fact thatthere are no doors helps theeyes move on to the nextroom. We also chose not toadd any exterior walls to thehouse, which allows naturallight to brighten the inte-rior and lets all areas easilybe admired. We made andbought non-working light fix-tures and lamps for the ceil-ings and tables, as there hadbeen no wiring installed. Arthur’s woodworkingskills are present throughout.He created beautiful floorswith the use of many differentkinds of wood and some ofthe rooms have inlaid designs.He used some of these samewood choices for the stair-cases, trims, fireplaces, andbuilt-in bookcases. Woodwas the material of choice forthe many books he made forthe shelves in the library. Weadded some paint and goldlettering to their spines beforethey were placed. The wooden fireplaces inthe library and living roomlooked a little over-powering,so one of our members usedher painting skills to givethem a marble finish. Wechose to use more subtle paintcolours and smaller print

wallpapers than were origi- coat of bright blue paint on the items we purchased from bedroom, on the third floor,nally applied. The kitchen the stairs, and that we had her parents’ collection were is a lovely dressing room thatwas gutted and a fridge tried unsuccessfully to hide going to have a new place in the lady of the house can relaxand stove were made using the blue with another colour. this home. in and enjoy when she is notglossy photo print paper over But luck was with us when we doing the cooking, cleaning,wooden shapes to simulate an were introduced to a lady who More items sewing, laundry, garden-enamel finish. A member had, was selling some antique min- A friend and fellow minia- ing, and all the other choresin her stash, a kit for making iatures that had belonged to involved to keep order in thisthe cupboards and counters, her late parents. Many, many turist, from another local mini large house.which she was glad to see years before, her mother had group, very generously donat-could finally be used. hand-stitched a beautiful stair ed numerous handmade items The measurements are runner that was the perfect to help us furnish the house. roughly 30” high, 32.7” wide, One would never know size for this staircase. She was One of her special pieces is an and 22.8” deep. The otherthat the long staircase in the very touched knowing that accordion with moving parts rooms include a bathroom,front entry previously had a that is in the music room. Any bedroom, nursery, playroom, musician would be pleased sewing and storage area, to create music in this room, back entry, dining room, and with their choice of playing covered balcony sitting area. the piano, the set of drums, Margaret’s hobby is stitchery, the violin, the trumpet, or the which she creates in a variety cello. of styles and sizes, and we have displayed some of her For the man of the house, beautiful pieces throughout we provided a room with a the house. In the library pool table and various games hangs a black-and-white along with a seating area to photo of she and Arthur in enjoy a pint of ale with his their younger years, as does a friends. Adjoining the master6 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

CHARITY DOLL’S HOUSEphoto of their three daugh-ters when they were younggirls. There is also a hang-ing sign outside the frontentrance that identifies thisas the Taylor home. The house came to us withan unfinished base aroundit that we chose to add brickand stone to. We also weplanted a vegetable garden,a flower garden, and numer-ous trees and we placedpotted plants. There aretoo many items to mentionthat have helped completethe furnishing of this houseand they either came withthe house, were made by us,or were removed from our own overflowing stashes of towards the charity donation. minis. Items were secured The final day of ticket with sticky wax so they can be rearranged or removed. sales came when the house We were careful not to clutter was shown at an annual craft the rooms and thus have left fair and needless to say there space for the new owner to were not many times when add some of their own favour- there wasn’t someone ooh-ing ite pieces to help make this and aah-ing as they studied house a home. this unique creation. We chal- lenged most of them to find Raffling the house the three mini mice that live Now the time had come in the house. to present this transformed At three o’clock Margaret house to the public. A local pulled the winning ticket from antique store very kindly the barrel and the new home- offered to display the house in owner happened to be present. their large, busy store. In the She was extremely surprised month that it was there it gen- and extremely happy! erated an unexpected amount of interest and ticket sales. The final total of money Much of the public had never that was donated to a local seen a miniature doll’s house women and children’s shelter before and had no idea that was beyond our expectations. this intriguing hobby existed. Thanks to the generous sup- port of the caring people in One Saturday, the store our area and a few places afar, held an Antiques Road Show, this local charity was present- providing five appraisers for ed with almost £1800. the public to be told if they may have a valuable item in The Mini Delights are their possession. Some were pleased to have met Margaret pleasantly surprised and some and to have had the help of were not. The money collect- our families and friends and ed that day for the appraisals the opportunity to complete was very generously given this successful project. Special thanks goes to Susan Taylor for the photos. DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 7

MEET THE MAKERFurniture witha simple styleIGMA Artisan Barbara Vajnar has a love forprimitive style furniture, which comes acrossin her portfolio of classic miniature pieces By Deb WeisslerPHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA VAJNARO ver the years Barbara Vajnar has ages to create amazing pieces of country- tion or antique store. I grew up around learned many valuable lessons style furniture that are truly flawless. them and didn’t always appreciate them when it comes to crafting her until I got older and could appreciate extraordinary vintage inspired Inspired by American-made furni- their value.” Barbara’s grandmother waspainted furniture. Here in her own ture starting with 1750 and through to an antique dealer and her great grand-words: the present, most of Barbara’s pieces mother lived in an old Victorian country reflect designs made from 1790-1880. home filled with antiques and heirlooms Lesson 1: “Make sure the lid to the “A lot of my ideas come from antiques from both sides of the family. “We comecontainer of milk paint I’ve just mixed is that have been in the family for many from a family that passes down our his-on tight before shaking it, I’m still learn- years,” she explains. “I love a good auc- tory,” Barbara reflects. “My grandmothering this lesson; sometimes I’m aslow learner.” instilled an interest in collecting and my passion for primitives Lesson 2: ”I’ve learned to came from mum and dad who havepush wood through a saw with bought, restored, and sold several olda push stick instead of my finger. homes.”(super glue comes in handy when When Barbara was fifteen she spentyou can’t get to the doctor or hospi- a summer with her grandmother andtal for stitches).” during a visit to a museum spotted several large, antique doll’s houses. Lesson 3: “When you pour super She was in awe and spent hours study-glue into a bottle cap, then acciden- ing each tiny room and its exquisitetally stick your finger in it and then furnishings. Her first miniature wasproceed to try and shake it off, you bought at an antique show in thatwill absolutely get glue somewhere summer, a tiny ironstone pitcher andelse you never intended, like your water basin that she treasures to thiseyebrows, giving yourself a free wax day as a gift and future inspirationjob!” ABOVE: Circa 1860-1880 inspired Fortunately her “lessons” have Barrelback Corner Cupboard withbeen largely confined to the base- salmon milk paint exterior andment where her vast workshop takes laurentine interior.up most of the 2100 square feet she LEFT: Circa 1850-1880 inspiredfondly refers to as the dungeon. Her Hartford Cupboard in upper Canadianlessons learned could fill a book and green with white wash milk paint interior.supply an endless source of amuse-ment for friends and customersalike, but along the way she man-8 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MEET THE MAKERfrom her grandmother. As an IGMA Artisan, Barbara offers As time went on Barbara was increas- an impressive portfolio of classic primi- tive pieces that go well in many eras:ingly attracted to primitive styles. She early American, Colonial, Shaker, coun-loved the simplicity of form and was try, Victorian, and early 20th century.amazed at how they were constructed Her hutches, corner cupboards, trestleusing very simple hand tools. Most of tables, pie safes, desks, and more arethe early furniture makers were jacks of hand-crafted of cherry and finished withall trades, imbuing their designs with authentic milk paint formulas she mixestheir own unique styles and skill levels. herself.With little in the way of money, theirpieces were utilitarian in form and func- In addition to antiques, Barbara’stion, yet incredibly beautiful. They often designs are often inspired by photos sheused colour to brighten up their lives sees while looking through her extensiveemploying colour palettes of their ownmaking. It was when Barbara was help-ing her son build a diorama for schoolthat the mini bug truly bit. “He had tomake one from a book he was reading,which I read too,” Barbara recalls.” It was about a young stowaway aboarda ship. We built the boat with all its ABOVE: Circa 1880s Queen Anne style dry sink with salmon red and slate milk paints over Lexington green. LEFT: Circa 1840 inspired pie safe from Virginia with punch-tin doors. BELOW: Circa 1760- 1790 inspired New England Pewter Hutch and 1860-1880 Tombstone Barrelback Corner Cupboard in Salem red milk paint interiors and slate over Lexington green exteriors; two ladder-back chairs and Hutch table in earth milk paint.details, including shipmates and stores.The ship was displayed for several yearsin the school library for all to see.” Proud of her first foray into minia-tures, she began constructing and ageingcrates filled with fruits and vegetablesshe sold on eBay. Amazed at the pricesthey fetched, she went on to make otherthings, including wooden cupboards.When she was ready to launch her web-site she chose the nickname her fatherhad dubbed her with years ago, Bubba,and “Bubba’s Mini Country Cupboards”was born. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 9

MEET THE MAKER LEFT: Circa 1810-1820 inspired Tombstone Cupboard in black milk paint with baby blue interior (pottery by Jane Graber and pewter plates by Jim Ison). BELOW: Circa 1930-1940 inspired Country Sampler Cupboard in salmon milk paint.‘She admits it’s a messy affair all around— one of these at a time with nothing else to distract,” Barbara admits. Her school-dust created by various power saws, the master’s desk, also called a paymaster’s’lathe, drill press, paint station, and her ever desk, is technically challenging due to its delicate nature.present Dremel.library of reference books, magazines, rounded by full size vintage pieces as “I would love to make a tall caseantiquing periodicals, and surfing the well. An old tavern table and harvest clock,” says Barbara wistfully. “And learnInternet. Once she settles on a design it’s table provide commodious work surfaces, to make Gabriel legs from scratch. I’m sure I will eventually and learn other techniques as well by going to the Guild School in Castine. I love the school and everything it represents.” In the meantime Barbara works long hours preparing for her next show. She dreams of collaborating with other min- iature artists teaching workshops; of holding a contest involving miniaturists designing their own cupboard and having Barbara choose a winner to custom make and name after them; and starting work on a 19th century western town complete with building, wagons, and perhaps a bank robbery in progress. Then there’s a spooky night time scene set in Sleepy Hollow. More lessons to come. DHWsketched out on graph paper, a process a tall secretary is used to store paints,that can take hours as Barbara is a stick- an Ethan Allen hutch provides handyler for proper scale. storage for supplies, and an orientalBarbara typically cuts out one cup- rug hides the concrete floor. The base-board at a time and once the components ment boiler keeps her warm in winter inare complete gives it two coats of milk an otherwise unheated space. Barbarapaint. While these pieces are drying she admits she looks forward to a move southcuts another and, since she mixes the in a few years when hubby retires.paint herself, typically has five to seven Barbara loves special commissions.pieces of the same colour going at one Her favourite thus far was creating antime. entire kitchen based upon the one por-She admits it’s a messy affair all trayed in ‘Stuart Little’, a 1945 children’saround—dust created by various power novel about a talking mouse that latersaws, the lathe, drill press, paint sta- became a film and television series. Hertion, and her ever present Dremel. client provided the room dimensions,Everything, from doorknobs to punched placement of the window, and the size oftin, is hand-made. Her punched tin and the appliances she intended on having.hardware are aged to give her pieces that Barbara created a mock-up out of foamtime worn look. Once assembled, each board, which proved handy as her clientpiece is sanded and buffed with bee’s wax continued to make changes. The resultfor a butter-like finish. The result is pure was adorable. Her most challenging pieceAmericana. is an 1850 inspired tall secretary thatWhile she works it helps to be sur- consists of over 160 pieces. “I only make10 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

Quality shows since 1982 The only park in Basle with always sunny STAFFORD weather.Sunday September 6th 2015 Members Pavilion County ShowgroundWeston Road, Stafford ST18 0BD (A518 - Stafford -Uttoxeter Road) LEEDS Toy Worlds Museum Basle The Autumn Fair has moved to Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel | Museum, Shop and Restaurant, Saturday October 10th 2015 daily from 10.00 until 18.00 | Steinenvorstadt 1, CH-4051 Basle The building is accessible by wheelchair | www.swmb.museumPudsey Civic Hall, Dawsons Corner, Pudsey Est 1976SWMB_Anz_DollsHouseWorld_Park_90.5x129.5mm_E.indd 1 01.12.14 10:43 Leeds, LS28 5TA SussexCrafts Miniatures(Junction of Leeds Outer Ring Road Specialist Makers of Top Quality Miniatures and Bradford Road A647) Shows open 10.30 – 4.00 Plovers Cottage, 43 Rollesby Way, Happisburgh, Norwich, All Adults £3.50 Children 5-16 50p Norfolk NR12 0QJ Tel: 01692 650389 Quality exhibitors • Free Prize Draws [email protected] Refreshments Signposted • Ample free parking MAIL ORDER AND WEB also - Leeds only www.sussexcrafts.comCharity table for BBC Children in Need Doreen Jeffries, 20 Fourlands Drive, Bradford, Yorkshire BD10 9SJ TEL 01274 616539 www.doreenjeffriesdollshousefairs.co.uk D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 11

DRESS PATTERNaDRreEmSSovPaAbTleTERNAuralea Krieger shares a virtually no-sewmethod to make a miniature dress foryour doll that you can also remove By Auralea KriegerA fter I was having a difficult time hair in the corner of a sandwich bag and folds before I glued them so I didn’t have to finding free patterns for twelfth then cinching it with a rubber band or tape. fight with the fabric for an even fold. I also scale dolls online, I decided to sniped off the corners diagonally to keep spend some time making my own This will help keep her hair from getting the corner from being too bulky. I didn’tthat were based on the outfits my character bits of fabric and glue in it as you work. seam the top of the skirt because I didn’tOphelia wears in my art. It was a lot of trial Tape some wax paper to your work surface. want it to be bulky around the waist, theand error, but I think I have come up with This will help keep your project clean. I keep bodice will cover it anyway.a few dress patterns that work well for a a damp cloth nearby to wipe my finger on Step 3: Stitch along the top and pull thetwelfth scale doll. occasionally to keep the fabric clean. thread to gather it. After you have fitted it snugly to the waist then remove it, be This dress is inspired by my piece Making the skirt careful not to let go of the thread at the“Taking Flight”. This is a basic pattern and unfinished end and then make a knot. Putwill give you a place to start if this is your Step 1: Cut out a 6” x 2¼” piece of fabric. the skirt on the doll and sew it closed with afirst time making clothes. Step 2: Fold (F) both sides and the bottom 1/8” and glue. I used an iron to flatten my My hope is that this will help any otherminiaturists out there who feel intimidatedabout making clothes. This is somethingyou can easily accomplish. Just becauseyou don’t like to sew doesn’t mean youcan’t make outfits! Tacky Glue is a wonder-ful product and you will only need to do afew small stitches. I would recommend wrapping your dollsYOU’LLneed n Fabric n Wax paper n Tacky Glue or fabric glue n Scissors n Pencil or a white coloured pencil if your fabric is dark n Needle and thread n Thick thread12 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

DRESS PATTERNRIGHT: Ophelia in her new dress with herbeloved friend, Bat.few stitches at the back.Step 4: Because this a removable dress, Iglued the back seam only part way up fromthe bottom so it can slip off easily after Isnip those top stitches that I made to closethe waist. Just leave the hole big enough toget over the feet.The sleevesStep 1: Cut out the sleeves, fold and ironthe seams (S), or just run your finger overthem a few times.Step 2: Glue the seams (S) together andpress.Step 3: Fold over 1/8” of the top of thesleeve as you stitch around it. Start at thepit and go all the way around with smallstitches. Slip the sleeve onto the doll andthen pull the thread to gather. Evenly spreadthe gather around the shoulder and closewith a knot under the arm pit. S Snip all of S F Shoulder Abbreviations: these small Inside F = Fold fabric F F solid lines front Sleeve and glue on patterns. F cut 2 S = Glue two S seams together F F F SF F F F S F S F F FohlderefacbuantridcBodice back side Bodice front side Slipcut, then flip and cut, then flip andcut another cut another D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 13

Crumpled & Rumpled Vanessa’s Miniature Dolls by JUDITH LAIRD BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE 1/12 SCALE DOLL MINIATURES, Individually one of a kind handcrafted 1/12 scale DRESSED IN HANDMADE VINTAGE CLOTHES. miniature figures made from polymer clay. From period costume to modern day. Every doll is individual, a completely unique one off. All costumes are hand-sewn, using only antique or vintage material where possible, to maintain period integrity.The dolls are also wigged to ensure a soft and natural look. All dolls come with their own certificate of authenticity. wpCehlocomotommgeridsaspiforhonsm.s Telephone: 01789 720230 Commission projects are taken on by request. 30 Beacon Road, Walsall, West Midlands WS5 3LFTel 01213577981 • email [email protected] www.vanessasdolls.uk www.crumpled-and-rumpled.co.uk BARBARA’S MOULDINGS A family run business with 15 years experience making quality dolls houses for the UK. We also make a full range of wooden architectural mouldings such as skirtings and architraves. We produce sheets of very realistic brick and tile finishes for your dolls house which are embossed and textured. They are easily applied, can be bent around corners and are easily weathered to give an aged appearance. We are constantly adding to our range of houses and the images here show a selection of our new styles. Specialist suppliers to the trade. For your local stockist please ring 01572 770383 Email: [email protected] 27 Pillings Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6QF www.barbarasmouldings.net Get our latest brochure free by fax, phone, email or snail mail.14 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

DRESS PATTERN Step 2: Put glue along the top of the slip piece and slowly begin tucking it up inside the skirt. You can choose to run glue along the entire piece or you can do it in sections as you adhere it up inside the skirt. Gather it as you go and check that it is even and press firmly. Pay attention to how you are spacing out the ruffles as you go. Be sure the two ends meet in the back of the dress. Press a few times to be certain it is tacked securely to the dress. Step 3: Fold a small piece of fabric or lace and glue it around each of the sleeve bot- toms. I used a piece of folded over fabric. I love these Heidi Ott dolls because you can pop their hands on and off to get the sleeves on easily. If you don’t have this type of doll, be sure to test your sleeves as you go to be certain you can get the sleeves over your dolls hand, especially if you plan to make this dress removable. Step 4: Sew the back bodice seams together with just a few stitches so you can easily remove the dress later if you wish. Step 5: Use some thick black thread and sew the front to look as if it’s laced. Close it with a bow and a tiny dab of Tacky Glue. You’re finished! Ophelia loves her new outfit and is ready to get into another adventure! I hope this was helpful to make your mini doll even more special to you. DHWThe bodice Step 6: Pull the back pieces around to the ABOVE: This dress was inspired by the back of the doll so the bodice is snug and 9” x 12” mixed media piece titled, TakingStep 1: Cut out the left and right front then glue the bottom of the bodice over the Flight, by Auralea Krieger.bodice pieces. Glue the folds (F). skirt gather. Press it a few times to be sureStep 2: Put dots of glue down the centre it adheres.of each front bodice piece (on the back of Step 7: Put glue on the inside of the frontthe material) so you can adhere the pink bodice strap edges and press those edgesfront piece. You are putting glue in the cen- onto the pink sleeve tops. Now do thetre of the two bodice pieces, because you same for the back bodice sleeve edges. Ifneed the very edges of the front bodice, you prefer you can also just do a few stitch-that frame the pink piece, to be glue free es instead of glue for this. I found some-so you can thread a lace in it easily later. I times the glue holds the sleeve gathers andmade an extra ruffle to glue under that front sometimes it doesn’t.piece. This is optional; you could also glue Step 8: Put a dab of glue on the undersidelace there. of the end of the front strap and then overStep 3: Cut out the two back bodice lap onto the back strap and press.pieces and glue folds (F).Step 4: Glue the two side bodice seams The slip(S) to the two front bodice seams (S).Step 5: Once completely dry, glue the front Step 1: Cut out the slip pattern. I use nobodice piece to the top of the skirt by over- fray on this because if you hem it, it will notlapping the gathering. ruffle as freely. Test your fabric first, because it may discolour it. Let dry. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 15

minifunPAGES SPOT THE (SMALL) DIFFERENCECan you spot the difference in these two pictures? There are eight smalldifferences between the pictures for you to find. Answers next issue. MINI WORDSEARCH Answers from last month’s Spot the (Small) Difference.This month’s word search has a nursery theme and is just for fun.Which one of the nine words listed below doesn’t appear in the grid.PV L R D O K O T NURSERYSB H A O Z W Y O DOLLKR H E K R Z P Y PRAMYR E S R U N P S BABYYV U G L B Y A M MOBILE TOYS HANGERS NAPPYCF B L N E A N GOV O P R A M B OFD O L F E H F YDK I W H H C G E16 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

The Miniature Show A Celebration of Artisans of Miniatures April 14th–16th, 2016 Chicago, ILThursday 3pm-8pm (Preview) l Friday 10am-5pm l Saturday 10am to 3pmWlGiokotedaoullethttlhaoedewldebeyebrtoeas?iitulesa. forHyatt Regency Schaumburg, 1800 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173 The work of over 600 artists will be exhibited Dealers from around the worldwww.theminiatureshow.com l [email protected] Greg Madl l PO Box 187 l West Olive, MI 49460 DOLLS HOUSE HAMPSHIRE… Miniatura® …CHOICE, QUALITY, VALUE!GLENOWEN FURNITURE UP TO 50% OFF! YOU CAN ALSO SHOP ONLINE WITH US ■ House building is our speciality Petite Properties ■ Huge choice: houses & miniatures ■ Free parking & beautiful location October 3rd & 4th 2015 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK. ■ Visit Whitchurch for a day out See more at www.miniatura.co.uk Find our virtual tour on Google Maps. Open: Tues-Fri 10-4.30 & Sat 10-3:30 General enquiries - 0121 783 9922 Ticket Hotline - 0121 767 41006 Winchester St, Whitchurch, Hampshire. RG28 7AL Saturday / Weekend tickets are limited in number and must be bought in advance. Tel: 01256 89 38 89 Sunday tickets available in advance or at the door. Doors open 10am - No charge for parking. www.dollshousehampshire.co.uk D O L L S H O U DS EO LWL OH OR LUDS EOCMTI NOIBAETRU 2R 0E1S5 8137

MEET THE MAKERMaritza’s lifeof glamFrom a childhood spent near aristocrats to along career in Hollywood, the unique life ofMaritza Moran gave her the skills for mini work By Deb WeisslerPHOTOGRAPHY BY MARITZA MORANA s a young child spending her woman to sit as a Member of Parliament “She was quite opinionated and very summers on the shores of Lake in the House of Commons and whose funny,” Maritza recalls. “She told me Champlain, Maritza Moran past was rife with controversy and ‘Darling, never speak of money; it’s so had no idea she was surrounded political scandal. gauche. Never let them know how lit-by a storied past. The stone cottage in tle or how much money you have. Keepwhich she stayed was straight out of a Maritza was eight and too busy catch- them guessing.’ Now that’s old money!”fairytale and the owner of the property, ing fairies in the woods with traps shewho gave her tattered art and art history fashioned from mayonnaise jars to be Born in New York, Maritza was sur-books, was just someone her grandpa aware of the constant social whirl around rounded by art all her life. Her mother,worked for. But the lady Maritza her, but some essence of that glamor- a talented oil painter, taught Maritza aconsidered a second grandmother was ous existence clearly had its impact later variety of art forms. Frequent trips to thenone other than Lady Nancy Astor, first in her choice of education and careers. city’s famous art galleries and museums Maritza remembers Lady Astor fondly. fed her soul and when it was time to pur- sue a career, art was the logical choice. Maritza studied Fine Art and Art History at Parsons the New School for Design and also at School of Visual Arts, both in New York, while also working as a graphic artist and illustrator for several prestigious publishing houses and ad agencies. The burgeoning film industry lured her like a siren’s song and she became a make-up artist, garnering awards and credits throughout the film and fashion industries. She worked with incredible legends like Charlton Heston, Morgan Fairchild, James Coburn, Will Smith, and Rita Moreno and handled large ad accounts for Coca Cola, AT&T, and the Academy Awards. Life was a whirlwind of excit- LEFT: The Blue Bedroom includes painted silks, antiques petite point, and a handmade and hand-painted screen.18 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MEET THE MAKERD O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 19

ABOVE: French country dining set. Upholstered in silk linen and coordinated ing assignments, hard work, sweat, andhand painted pillows, and a hand-made country table. makeup powder. Eventually the flame ofBELOW: Examples of Maritza’s exquisite hand-painted pillows. creativity flickered as she gradually real- ised she was just a conduit, helping oth-20 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D ers realise their creative potential while hers took a back seat. “The pay was fantastic but not gratify- ing,” Maritza reflects. “Forty-five min- utes of an actress deciding whether she wanted a peachy peach or pinky pink lipstick wore out my patience and my will to live that kind of lifestyle forever.” In 1992 Maritza gave birth to her daughter, Paloma. This was the perfect time to build a doll’s house—something she had always wanted as a child. She assembled a two-story house from a Real Good Toys kit, electrified and papered it, and then went searching for furnishings. “No matter where I went, from New York to Hawaii, I hit every miniature shop along the way. At the time, the Carole and Barry Kaye Museum of Miniatures opened its doors in LA, and I lived just twenty minutes away. I was mesmerised!” After spending hours admiring the

collection of room boxes and doll’s hous- MEET THE MAKERes, she always stopped by the museumshop with its seemingly endless shelves ABOVE: English Cottage. Hand-painted silkof dolls and miniatures by top miniature chairs in pale yellows and blue vine flora.artists. After buying her favourite piece, a Country blue secretary desk with roostersBluette Meloney chair with hand-painted and filled with ink wells, stationary, books,fabric, Maritza decided to try her hand at and love letters.painting pieces for her daughter’s doll’s LEFT: Raspberry and Goldenrod Silk Taffetahouse. Daybed made with two Bespaq chairs, painted pillows, and brown silk hand-painted “First I grabbed a doll’s house Chinos wall panel.armoire and started painting. I paintedand painted!” Maritza laughs. “Some D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 21pieces were out of scale but it didn’t mat-ter. I was finding pure joy in the hobby,and since I was a painter by training, thiswas heaven! I could combine my hobbywith my art. I was an at-home mum withmy little girl, running all day long, andafter tucking her into bed at night, Ipainted and played!” It wasn’t long before Maritza mus-tered enough courage to approach CaroleKaye with some of her pieces, whichCarole bought on the spot, and by thetime Maritza arrived home twenty min-utes later Carole called to say all sevenpieces had sold and to ask if she couldplease return to the museum so Carolecould give her some furniture to paintfor the shop. Maritza had found a newcareer! Her hand-painted furniture includesboth Bespaq and handmade pieces. Herforte is handpainted silks she uses torefurbish existing pieces, and she paintsher furniture to coordinate with her gor-geous fabrics.

FUN, FREE AND FABULOUS www.Knitsy.tv @knitsy1 Knitsy is a one-of-a-kind, monthly digital magazine devoted to classic and modern fibre arts, engaging knitters and crocheters worldwide. Available for the tablet, smartphone, and desktop computer - download your issue today, and make knitting a fresh, new experience.Now availableon your tablet!Dolls House World magazine is now availableto read on your favourite device, including theiPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Samsung Galaxy Tab.Buy the latest issue anywhere in the world ata fraction of the cost of the paper edition.Download your FREE App today. Simplysearch for ‘Dollshouse World Magazine’ inthe Apple App store or Android Market.22 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MEET THE MAKERRIGHT: Glorious hydrangeas handpaintedon silk pillows.BELOW RIGHT: Oil painting of ballerina inthe style of Degas. “I love creating collections,” Maritza ‘ ’All those years of watching, learning, andexplains. “I use every possible paintfinish and distress technique to create asking questions have finally paid off.a cohesive design.” And like any good people behind you who will copy your in 1920 and decorated in a style shedesigner she draws inspiration from ideas, so you better stay five ideas ahead!” describes as French Flea Market—anlife—a favourite book, a movie, fine She has taken that advice to heart. eclectic mix of antique silver, vintagefashion, the seasons, a photograph, even linens, an old chandelier painted glossa colour will touch off her creative spark, Maritza sees her business much like a black, an Italian bistro set, a Louis XVI–and the result is brilliant! growing child—something that must be style chair upholstered in raw burlap, constantly nurtured and cared for. “I’m coupled with an Edwardian ottoman in Her pieces represent a host of eras: still learning and growing, always going lime green tufted velvet. It’s here sheFrench, Venetian, Americana, and clas- forward towards it.” puts up her feet and knits like a fiend—sic fourteenth- to eighteenth-century another hobby she just can’t put down!designs. “As I grow as an artist my styles True to her roots, Maritza’s homeand tastes change with current interior is a tiny country-style farmhouse built Her workspace is always organiseddesign and fashion trends, but my very and neat, as chaos disrupts her creativefavourite is eighteenth-century French.” flow. And it must not only be neat; itMaritza is currently working on a line must be picture perfect. Drawers filledcalled “French Kissed” and is planning a with trims are organised by colour andblack and white series. flowerpots hold her brushes and tools. A morning person at heart, she starts each “I learned from a cousin in Spain day relaxed and eager to start a new pro-that our family is related to Madame ject. The bulk of her work is completeddu Barry (mistress to Louis XV) on each morning and she gains her secondmy mother’s side. I have always loved wind after supper.everything French and for a time walkedaround affecting a French accent when I “Since I dream miniatures andwas child.” She had already embraced the troubleshoot miniature projects instyle before learning of this connection to my dreams, I am driven to get thoseher roots so perhaps there’s some truth to thoughts and ideas up, out, and real-what some say about cell memory. ised! If I don’t, I have a nagging sense of burden.” Lucky for us, dreams can Maritza’s miniatures capture every come true and her dreams just keep onaspect of her art training—painting, coming! DHWembroidery, sculpting, softscaping, cro-cheting, and knitting. “I can use every-thing I learned through the years,” shesays. “Watching famous fashion photog-raphers, learning the little tricks of thetrade, has helped me shoot photos of mywork.” All those years of watching, learn-ing, and asking questions have finallypaid off. When other budding artists ask forher advice, Maritza thinks back to allthe twists and turns her life has taken tobring her to this point. Thinking of allthe people who influenced the course ofher training and careers, she recalls thewords of her other grandfather, a suc-cessful New York City businessman:“Maritza, when you come up with a goodidea in business, expect to have twenty D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 23

there’s always Seaside Miniatures.something Specialists in 1/12th, 1/24th and 1/48th Scale Beach Huts, Lighthouses, Caravansfor every room Shepherd Huts and Seaside Accessories.in every doll’s house Tel 01590 643546, 07970 484579. in the modollhouse www.seasideminiatures.co.ukwww.modollhouse.com...and if you prefer Rita on the phone: +(0)1381 610775MGM FAIRSMGM F AI RSMGM Fairs are now organizing free Demonstrations andMini-workshops at their Dollshouse and Miniature Fairs.MGM Fairs are organizing the following Dollshouse and Miniature Fairs in 2014.Saturday 29 August 2015 NEWTShuenDdaiygb2yMHaarlcl,hH20o1u4nd Street, SHERBORNE, Dorset, DT9 3AASTahetC uorny dg reaHyall1, N 2ortSh R eopadt, NermTimbsbeurry , 2BA0T1H5, B aN E S , B A 2 0J GCSwumndbarya1n1SMtaadyiu2m01,4Henllys Way, CWMBRAN, Wales, NP44 3YSSTSTHSPhhuaaAereetnI wu,mWodrLpodeidoarnaiHaoyyclodRsu31,los1aeoL1, mnTMNsdh,Oea1I mSR y0cupide2t6igrt0ioeQaew1lb,aR4GTy oe, ahPrdL,eMY2PMA0eTPt1LTw5OOoCNoK, Pd,LDHYeMrob OytseUhliT,reHS, ,DtDiE xe4vw3oNno, LuP Lld7 2A S WOODHALL Road,HTSTSB ShhuraAeuanenCtnRg duoJdwnBauayry ybOng ydriR1eRl7ae2eHcOSeayeOlpelUHt, pic2NottGnaoo4elrHbmHtlh,aeOlRbCl,r, oeLac2oanrde0dnt, 2i1oFNgc04orsrb1y ,Tee4eirgLm, raTEstbh1iue2or6Gy 0n, ua1iBldlA5hCTalHlh, ,SuB WNracNAhEENS,SW, EBB AoA , w2S A0dJ 1G e4nP E Lane, MARKETSHHSauuarernnwedowdaodoyaHo9yoduNs2Heo, 2voTehuemNsR ebio,degTvrehwe2aem0y ,1RP4biLdYegMrewP2TaO0yN,1,P5PLLYYMMOPUTTOH,ND,ev PonL, YP LM7 2OA US TH, Devon, PL7 2ASMGM CFoMantiGarcMst,GFLaaiiylrTsn,udLcykhneudrhrfousrrtsa,t,BBBoeeockckikfnogfrdoForRrdoma,dRo, rBodaaothdw,,nBlBoAa2ad6tfNhroQ,mB–wTAwewl2:.0m61g2Nm25Qfa4i6r–6s.5c3wo3.uwk w.mgmfairs.co.ukwww.dollshousemouldings.co.uk Shop on line 24/7 Shop In-store Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm D H C Wolls ouse ottage orkshop, Sawley Marina, Sawley, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 3AE Phone 0115 946505924 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

DOLLY’S DAYDREAMS EVENTS www.tudordollhouse.com MONDAY 31 AUGUST QUALITY HANDMADE 12TH SCALE TUDOR PERIOD DOLL HOUSES Thame Leisure Centre, Oxford Road THAME OX9 2BB (on A418) Real materials used throughout. Wood beams, floors, mouldings, shingles, working lights SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER & fires, real brick slips, slate tiles, etc. All handmade. The Rivenhall Hotel, Rivenhall EndWITHAM CM8 3HB (on A12 westbound) Please visit our site to contact us SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER www.tudordollhouse.com Novotel Stevenage, Knebworth Park Or email: [email protected] STEVENAGE SG1 2AX (A1M/J7) Tel: 07905 412222 SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER The Mill, Bellingham Lane, High Street RAYLEIGH SS6 7ED (off A127) SUNDAY 18 OCTOBERKnights Hill Hotel & Spa, South WoottonKING’S LYNN PE30 3HQ (A148/A149) All fairs open 10.30am to 4pm. (Novotel Stevenage opens at 10am).DOLLY’S DAYDREAMS 01945 870160/07860 517048 www.dollysdaydreams.com www.facebook.com/dollysdaydreams D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 25

SMALL ACCOMPLISHMENTSFind inspiresperfume shopA chance find in a second-hand shop ledto a beautiful shop full of perfume bottlesmade from beads and glass By Gabriele LayneA s I was browsing around in curved metal feet and intricate knobs on of vinyl tile from a hardware store that I a second-hand shop one day the door made it look elegant and special. had saved to make a floor one day. After to see what I could find that these changes it was now a perfect place would inspire me to make a I easily removed the two metal hooks for a perfume shop!creation with my miniatures, I came that were used for hanging necklacesacross this beautiful jewellery cabinet with a screwdriver. After filling the holes, I decided to use empty acrylic boxeswith glass sides and a double glass door the ceiling was sanded and painted. The in various sizes for the counters andfront that had an etched floral design. It bottom of the cabinet had some velvet- shelves to make the small space feel open.inspired me to use it for something that covered sections for jewellery, which were This way I did not have to obstruct thehad crystals and glass in miniatures. The pulled out. The floor was then covered view with wood. The acrylic boxes were with small squares, which are samples transformed from boxes that were used to store screws or fishing tackle. These were set on wooden pedestals, covered with gold foil paper, and then trimmed with gold foil lace edging. I had left-over glass and crystal beads from a show I attended some time ago. They were just sitting in a box and now I finally had a perfect use for them. They made wonderful glass perfume bottles! I thought that his would be the perfect setting to have a lot of light, which would give the bottles some sparkle. The per- fume bottles were set on tiered stands made of painted wood. Some were care- fully arranged on tiny trays to place in the shelves and on the counter tops. A few tiny cream jars and vanity boxes with ABOVE: What was once a second hand jewellery box is now a one-of-a-kind minia- ture perfume shop. LEFT: Perfumes, creams, powders, and lotions in such beautiful containers make for a wonderfully feminine shop.26 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

ask me if I could turn it into a miniature ABOVE: Displaying all of these twelfth scale project. I have purchased similar jewel- perfume bottles in this small space takes precision and patience. lery boxes and they were passed on to BELOW: Each little container has such detail other fellow miniaturists. Who knows and makes this boutique seem as if you can what they will turn out to be! DHW actually smell all of the fabulous aromas.an assortment of fragrances were added.I also had so much fun adding shoppingbags, gift boxes, and even some vintageadvertisement posters. All of these detailscompleted the tiny scene. I was thrilledwith the results of this beautiful projectand so happy that all of those prettybeads had found a home and were nowdelicate miniature bottles. The convertedjewellery box now looks like a littleFrench perfume shop where I imagine amix of wonderful fragrances would flowthrough the open door and entice theladies to enter as they walked by. After I finished, I took the shop to thesecond hand store where I had purchasedthe jewellery box. The ladies that workthere were amazed at how I turned adiscarded object into a work of art. Fromthen on, every time I have entered thestore, a salesperson will bring a new con-signment item to my attention and then D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 27

MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECEMiniature scenemedieval master ‘In Days of Old’ more than lives up to club’s previous displays, as members pull together to create a medieval masterpiece By Sandra Harding 28 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

is a MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECEpiece made for the display. A real masterpiece. Ilove where I live, but for two days On one side of the castle there was every year I have the secret urge to reside in Henfield, West Sussex. a jousting tournament going on, with This is the weekend that the village two knights fighting realistically. They puts on its Festival of Gardens and Arts, and their poor horses had to be made and where June Smith and The Henfield from papier mache, to get them into Miniature Project Group put on their the strange and awkward shapes that amazing display. come with reality. There were tents and banners, and the king and queen watch- This year the exhibit was entitled ‘In ing along with the crowds of fifty-plus Days of Old’ and it was every bit as big, onlookers. There were even flaming bold and beautiful as the ones they’ve beacons at each end of the tilt. Ingenious, put on before. Many weeks were spent and so realistic. researching the subject and the era as none of the members were around at There were knights waiting to take the time, and if they were they couldn’t part, knights already injured, ladies hop- remember much about it. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 29 In the centre of this display, which measured 24 x18 feet (yes, really), was a grand castle which June had cleverly created using jumbo-sized postal tubes for the towers, and cardboard covered in mount board ‘stones’. Cleverly, June had designed it as open plan, which meant that we could see the nobles inside. It also gave us a good view of the round table, the decorations, the banners and the chairs, which were made specially

MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECEing to catch the eye of a famous knight, thing shiny that they could use, while the The three musketeers were just arriv-and a fawning maiden offering her “chain mail” was either knitted, or made ing; I suppose to take part in the joust, orknight a favour. The amazing armour from silver pan scourers. The decorations maybe arriving for the grand feast prom-was made from food packaging and any- on the armour were the stick on silver ised for the evening, or maybe just look- bits used in greeting cards. ing for a bit of swashbuckling. That’s the most likely tale as they didn’t seem to One side of the scene was set out as a have an armour carrying lackey. hamlet in the woods with poor folk (28 plus) going about their business. There On another side was a market, with were thatched huts and 14 trees with crowds of people (lost count at 100) boys climbing them, broken carts and buying and selling their wares. There barrels under repair, and in the woodland were fruit stalls, meat stalls (including a little stream tumbled by with a family pigs’ trotters), bread and general goods of ducks about to take a dip. on offer. There were boys in stocks sur- rounded by mud which the luckier boys pelted them with, and there was even a performing bear who, worryingly, was out of his cage. There was a beautifully made bowmaker’s stall and the arrows were actually sticks of spaghetti, as the size was right I am told. On the fourth side was Robin Hood forest, which was covered in 23 trees, including a dead one; very clever. There were so many little scenes I didn’t know where to look. There was a fabulous charcoal burner, farrier, monks garden- ing, pig farmers, and families of gypsies who always seem to be at these gather- ings, maybe telling fortunes or just mer- rymaking. Every time I went back to the display I saw something I had not seen before, and it is really impossible for my photographs to do this display justice. I could not get high enough or far enough30 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

away to get a shot of the whole scene. keeping up with the orders, and Bernard humour. At their next meeting later in Club member Shirley (helped by kept up with the important job of wash- the year they will be planning the display ing up all day. My husband refused to for 2016. Whatever you do, arrangeMaureen) has acquired the name of “bag leave until we had strawberries, meringue your diary, arrange a coach trip for yourlady”, as she kept going home with bags and cream, although we had already had club, bribe husbands, wives and friendsof stuff she had managed to get for the a lovely lunch. or just start walking to get to Henfieldfabulous tombola. These items, and many to see next year’s display which will be -others donated by members and friends, I asked my patient husband to do whoops, can’t tell you, sorry. Whatever itended with the grand total of £334.50 some counting for me again, and there is, you will be SO pleased you made thebeing donated to The Point Foundation, were more than 46 trees and more than effort. DHWa children’s charity in Rwanda. There 250 dolls, all of course belonging towas also a “Hunt the Hidden Sheep” members, and being re-dressed again bycompetition to keep the children busy, them for this display. One doll, who onlyand every child could claim a free ice has one leg, was an acrobat two yearslolly or mini milk drink. ago, a tramp last year, but this year has been given a wooden leg and makes bows As always at Henfield events, they for a living. A promotion indeed.thought of everything, including the tablesettings with the menu printed on ban- We cannot underestimate the effortners. The food was brilliant, and Debbie, that a display like this takes, with soScarlett, Jenny and Ella did a grand job much detail, and continuous touches of D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 31

PROJECT maGkeREeAaTsyCRATES Jan Stuart shares her construction method for making authentic country crates using any label you like By Jan StuartY ou can create realistic bottom and ends, to form a 1/16”wood margin showing vertically. Cut off two pieces the twelfth scale wood “gluing platform” for the crate’s all around your label on the same height as your box sides. crates for your scenes thinner sides (it won’t show finished crate, for realism). To mark these for cutting, stand quickly and easily when fully assembled). Take Your final measurements will your strip upright, place theusing this assembly plan, time to read everything before become the height and length crate’s front piece against strip,which adjusts to any size and beginning, and trial-fit pieces as of your crate’s front and back and mark across its top edge,dimensions of crate you want you go. sides; write them down. Also, as shown. Lightly sand ends.based on the label you’re don’t draw on your wood— my Step 4: To measure for theusing—so long as you use the TIP: Keep the wood marks are just for visual refer- crate bottom, stack both endthicknesses of wood specified “grain” (streaks of ence. pieces against the crate’s fronthere. slightly darker colour) Step 2: From your 1/16”-thick side, as shown. Square up the running the direction wood (grain running as horizon- ends by feel, as I’ve done, or You won’t need templates, of arrows in the pho- tally, as shown), mark and cut back them against a straight-and your crates won’t warp tos. a strip the height your crate’s sided, heavy object. Slide thewhen glued, won’t collapse front and back pieces should remainder of your 1/8”-thickwhile you build them, and won’t Step 1: Measure your crate be. From that, cut off the two wood strip into place; markcome apart for lack of enough label and add 1/16” more to lengths you need for the front where to cut it off, as in photo.glue (all of which happened to all four sides (this leaves a and back pieces. Lightly sand. Extend your mark, cut the bot-me before I devised this plan Step 3: Decide what front- tom, and set aside.years ago!). to back depth you want your crate to be, then deduct 2/16” Use thicker wood for the (or 1/8”), to allow for the sides’ 1/16” thickness each when glued in place. Your resulting measurement is the width you want your crate ends to be, so cut a 1/8” thick wood strip that wide with the grain running MEASURING TIP: Practice and the right tools make perfect.32 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

PROJECTYOU’LLneed GLUING TIP: To avoid getting glue on the “face” of grain running the same direction your wood (where it will prevent stain from penetrat- as the sides), and mark around n Exacto knife with ing), run a line of glue half the width of the 1/8”-thick it. These markings should yield sharp #11 blade end you are gluing along the edge that will end up a 1/32” front overhang when deepest inside the finished crate, where it is less the crate is assembled. Cut out, n Ruler with a good likely to ooze out. trial-fit the lid, lightly sand the cutting edge (the thin edges, and glue in place. Dry metal draftsman’s completely. ruler is best) TIP: For an aged, n Mechanical pencil torn, or stained label, (fine or medium lead) treat and dry the or regular pencil with paper before gluing. a very sharp tip Step 5: Glue the front side to surface, and push down on the Step 8: Erase any pencil n Flat toothpick or thin both ends and clamp firmly, as bottom from inside the crate to marks. Lightly stain the crate, strip wood to spread shown. Remove clamps after level it. Turn it over so that the wipe off excess with paper glue two minutes, when glue is start- bottom is up and allow it to dry. towel, and let it dry overnight. ing to “set,” but not yet drying. Glue the label, centred, on one n Blue plastic adjustable That’s so you can slightly flex Lightly sand the crate’s ends, side. clamps in 3” size the ends, to aide in positioning sides, and bottom. Then, set it the back. Once that piece is upside-down on sandpaper and To create “nail heads” on n 1/4 to 1/2”-wide glued in place, clamp everything lightly sand its top edges (so the outside of your crate, apply brush for applying firmly and set aside several the lid will fit perfectly flat). dots with your lead pencil. stain (one not used for hours, until glue is completely Congratulations! Now you other liquids) dry. Step 7: Finally, set the crate can make all the crates you Step 6: Trial-fit the bottom by upside-down on a piece of want! DHW n Basswood of 1/16” easing it into place, sanding if 1/16”- thick basswood (with the thickness, at least 12” too tight. Place glue on all its Historical note long and 2 1/2” wide edges; ease back into place (a little glue on your wood here Antique crate sides n Basswood of 1/8” won’t matter). Set crate bot- were sometimes “pieced,” thickness, at least 12” tom-down on a flat, glue-proof so you can use two nar- long and 2 1/2” wide rower strips of wood placed next to one n Fine sandpaper another. Ones for heavy n White glue for the items, like ammunition, filled whiskey bottles, paper label etc., were constructed n Yellow wood glue; this of heavier wood, so, you could use thicker bass- sticks wood together wood on those for truer better than white glue scale. Adjust your crate’s n Paper towels measurements to allow n “Gum” art eraser (sold for the extra thickness. in office and art stores) n Oil-based stain (I prefer Minwax “Natural” for new crates; ”Puritan Pine” for used ones; or “Provincial” for older ones) n Mineral spirits (to clean stain brush) D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 33

MINI CITY BREAKNuts in May..out in BathSandra joins a group of mad keen doll’shouse collectors on a trip to sample themany mini delights of beautiful Bath By Sandra HardingW hen we booked our place on and to be entertained. The rooms have museum until November 8, 2015. If this Charlotte Stokoe’s tour to been featured in almost every one of the is only a part of her collection the whole Bath we decided to make a films made about the upper classes of the must be quite stunning, as those on dis- weekend of it. period, especially those based on Jane play took my breath away. The mouthwatering visit, organised as Austen’s novels.part of the London Dollshouse Festival, On arrival we were welcomed bytook in The Small World Exhibition at On Sunday morning the group met Victoria Barwell, the curator, who gaveNo1 Royal Crescent, The Jane Austen up and I was astonished to find that there us an interesting and informative intro-Museum, and the private collection of were five ladies from all over the UK, duction to the house and the display,Jill Bennett. plus ladies from Florida, Wisconsin, and and then guided us up to the exhibition Paris - all doll’s house fans of course. gallery. I must say that the houses are The Saturday in May was warm and Our first visit was to No1 Royal Crescent wonderfully displayed in purpose-builtsunny and the town was at bursting point to view a small part of Liza Antrim’s pri- cabinets with sympathetic lighting, withwith crowds of just about every national- vate collection of doll’s houses from the plenty of room for us all to view theity, and musicians and performers on 18th and 19th centuries, on loan to the beautifully conserved interiors.every street corner and square. There are ten doll’s houses, all on dis- We started our tour early by visiting play for the first time, and they includethe amazing display of costumes in the “The Fry House”, circa 1840, which wasAssembly Rooms. The dresses covered made for the children of local chocolateevery era and, for ladies dressing their maker Francis Fry. The house stayed withdolls, is well worth a visit. The Assembly the youngest daughter Priscilla until herRooms is the place of course where death in 1917, and then passed to herwealthy Georgian people went to be seen niece. The house still has all its original decor and furnishings. TOP: “Bellamy’s House” and the mini group. FAR LEFT: The Royal Crescent kitchen. LEFT: “The Fry House”.34 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

“Bellamy’s House”, circa 1762, is the bishment by the Bath Preservation Trust Victorian, either French or German, andearliest commercially-made Georgian the house was opened to the public in it is full of artefacts and interesting itemshouse in this collection, and still has the 1970, and has become one of Bath’s most she has collected over the years. It holdsretailer’s name and address in pencil on popular attractions. We must thank Mr a collection of old and new furniture andthe back, as well as in ink beneath the Cayzer, who purchased and donated the it is also home to many of Jill’s earliestwindow seats. The trade card is dated property as a museum, along with funds, dolls, including her very first. Jill has14th December 1762, and is the oldest to the Trust. collected so many items that she gavedoll’s house on display. This amazing each of us a choice of a miniature gift topiece of history shows little evidence of Our second visit was to the Jane take away for our own collection, a lovelybeing played with. Austen Museum, where we were given memento for us all, from a lovely lady. A a very good introduction by Mr Darcy memorable visit. “Norfolk Lodge” was commissioned (truly - it said so on his badge). He gavein 1862 by a lady who paid a local car- us a brief history of the Austen family Many of you will own a Jill Bennettpenter £5.15s 9 (about £3,000 in today’s and we were then free to view the exhibi- doll, as she has been a highly sought aftermoney). Interestingly, this house is back tion. This museum should be on the list doll maker for many years, and they areopening - which seems a very early exam- for any Jane Austen fans, and the cafe is living in doll’s houses right across theple of this feature. What is fascinating pretty good too. world. I have to confess that I did notis that the lady also kept a list of all her realise that this lady’s talents also includepurchases for the house in a notebook. Our last visit was at the kind invita- working as an illustrator on many famousNot many of us dare do that nowadays, tion of the charming Jill Bennett, to books, including Fantastic Mr Fox byfor fear of getting the vapours when we look at her delightful doll’s house, andsee the total. to see the collection of her own beautiful dolls. Jill believes her doll’s house is late The wonderful display at No1 RoyalCrescent is well worth a day in Bath,but be sure to give yourself enough timeto view the rest of this beautiful house.It is an authentic Georgian townhouserevealing life above and below stairs, andhas been kept as it was at the time of itscreation in 1767. It was the first houseto be completed in The Crescent andover time has been a private residence, aseminary and a lodging house. What isnow the kitchen passage was even used asan air raid shelter during the Bath blitzof 1942. After extensive restoration and refur- LEFT: Norfolk Lodge. ABOVE: “Fry House” interior. TOP: Kitchen c.1810-30. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 35

We are now able to offer promotional Visit our website at www.hobby.uk.com Tudor Rose Miniatures opportunities on our exciting The Modelmaker’s FIND US ON FACEBOOK Dolls House TV Yearbook £3.25 Annual 2016 • No.46 • 320 Pages P&P FREE www.facebook.com/dollshousenorfolkBe one of the first to take advantage of this new and innovative form of • NEW EASY CUTTERS & POWER TOOLS Huge range of exclusive advertising. But hurry as there is • MECHANICAL ALARM CLOCK KIT miniatures +++ many • NEW ICONIC TV/FILM KITS DOLLS limited availability. • HERITAGE STEAM ENGINE HOUSE exclusive one-off houses/projects To find out more, call Maria on SPECIALISTS 01903 884988 or B lu eb ell S q u are, B aw desw ell G arden • MARQUETRY KITS WITH DVD MATCHITECTURE Centre, B aw desw ell, N orfolk email: [email protected] N R2 0 4 RZ . 0 1 3 6 2 6 8 8 6 6 9 ONE THOUSAND E mail: dames3 3 6 @ gmail. c omdollshouse.tv AND ONE NIGHTS w w w . tu dor- rose- miniatu res. c o. u k NEW ARTICLES METAL EARTH S h op op en 6 day s a w eek Closed M onday s HANDSOME CAB MATCHSTICK CLOCK FREE PLAN COUPON WORKING MATCHSTICK ROCKING HORSE Hobby’s (Dept DHW) Knight’s Hill Square London SE27 0HH 020 8761 4244 [email protected] www.hobby.uk.com Available from WH Smith & leading newsagents or directRmeinaciahtumriosrtes tehvaenry4m0,o0n0t0hAn advert in Dolls House World will do BIG things for your business in the miniature world. Talk to Maria to see how our readers can become your customers. Call her on +44 (0)1903 884988 or email [email protected] BLACKPOOL or EVEN LANCASHIRE then you need to visit DOLLS HOUSES ARE US The only dedicated Dolls House shop in Lancashire (That we know of) 99-101 Waterloo Road, Blackpool FY4 2AB Tel: 01253 341240 Out of hours: 07930136014 Follow us on FB. Dolls houses are us blackpool Twitter. @dollshousebpool Website. www.dollshousesareus.co.uk Stockists of: Dolls House Emporium • Streets Ahead • Blackwell’s • Wonham To name but a few Telephone and email orders welcome all major credit and debit cards accepted.36 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MINI CITY BREAKRoald Dahl. She is also an artist and, and even 1/48th scale.although she no longer makes dolls, she The day was a great success, and Istill finds pleasure in creating works ofart. have to confess that I want another trip to Bath very soon. I recommend that Luckily for us her daughter, Kate you try to get there too, before NovemberPinsent, has inherited her mother’s tal- 8, as there won’t be many chances to seeents and is a renowned maker in her own Liza Antrim’s amazing collection again. DHWright, creating dolls in twelfth, 1/24th ABOVE LEFT AND RIGHT: Norfolk Lodge. RIGHT: Jill Bennet, with her house (below).• No1 Royal Crescent are plan-ning to host a symposium on FridayNovember 6th, just prior to theexhibition’s end. It includes a fullprogramme of speakers, lunch andrefreshments, and a chance to visitthe exhibition during a private recep-tion in the evening. It will be a won-derful opportunity to hear Liza Antrimin conversation about the beautifulhouses in her collection. [email protected] for furtherinformation. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 37

FEATUREGlitter & gold atSavage & SonsYou’ll find wonderful gifts fit for a queen atKaye Browning’s exclusive jewellery shop By Sharon DoddroeW indow shopping on Old to own the precious items behind the jewellery shops and drooled over each Bond Street in London, glass. She wanted to experience 18th and every piece displayed in the windows. England, is always a treat— century England. I knew the only way I could possibly the jewels at Cartier, Tiffany have it all was to have it in miniature!”& Co. and De Beers gleaming through “Whenever I walked through theantique windowpanes as they sit nestled Mayfair area of London and visited the She was also certain who she wouldin comfy velvet boxes, the allure is shops, my mind transported me back to ask to design it: internationally acclaimedundeniable. But for Kaye Browning, the Georgian times. I imagined myself living designers Kevin Mulvany and Susieattraction was more than merely wanting during that period,” explains Browning. Rogers, British artisans who specialise “I loved the old elegant Georgian period in creating historically significant archi- tecture and interiors. The duo has an impressive list of work which includes miniatures of Hampton Court, Versailles, Buckingham Palace and Fontainebleau to name a few. There’s also Spencer House, the ancestral home of Princess Diana, displayed in the Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection at the Kentucky Gateway Museum. While the jewellery shop would be small in comparison to those projects, Mulvany and Rogers applied the same research and technical precision, as well as a few personal touches along the way. They knew Browning had ancestral ties to York, England, so they based their design on an existing Georgian shop there. “We worked from drawings, plans and LEFT: Kevin Mulvany and Susie Rogers based their shop design on an existing Georgian shop. RIGHT: The miniature bracelets are some of Kaye Browning’s favourite pieces. Notice the tiny business cards and shop bags.38 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

FEATURED O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 39

FEATUREABOVE: The exquisite jewellery showcased for which they are so well known. “The Other details pay tribute to the “Age ofin this elegant miniature jewellery shop soft sheen of the exterior paint finish Aristocracy” in England.display was made with precision to replicate replicates the effect of the highly-leadedsome of the finest jewellery that was made paints of the 18th century,” explains “The cornice is a typical classical 18thin the eighteenth century. Rogers. “The interior cabinetry is a century profile used especially in grandABOVE RIGHT AND RIGHT: Diamonds, semi-matt ivory parchment colour exactly rooms or ground floor rooms. The shoprubies, emeralds, pearls, opals, sapphires matched to library bookcases in the Long counter again is a period piece. In exclu-and amethysts are among the jewels Gallery at Syon House (the London sive establishments there was no needfeatured in the Savage & Sons jewellery home of the Duke of Northumberland).” for money to be exchanged as customersshop in the KSB Miniatures Collection. had accounts and so the large surface The project, which took more than was used to show goods to the customer,photos taken from a 1960’s book printed 600 hours to complete, included making who quite often would be seated, andby Her Majesty’s Stationery Office the internal fittings and the shop sign— to note commissions and special orders.found in an antiquarian bookshop,” says both hand gilded in 23.5 carat gold leaf. The goods would then be taken away forRogers. They also wanted to pay tribute The window panes were individually wrapping and delivery,” explains Rogers.to Browning’s heritage. Thomas Savage cut and fixed fine antique glass panes.was the Archbishop of York from 1501 The goodsuntil his death in 1507. “We discussed In the case of Savage & Sons, thethe overall design and layout with Mrs.Browning, but we surprised her with the goods are tiny recreations of some of theshop’s name—Savage and Sons.” finest jewellery made at the time—and perhaps some of the finest jewellery in To achieve the rich Georgian- era miniature on display today. The majorityfeel, Mulvany and Rogers handcrafted of the pieces were created by Lori Annlimewood and birch for the structure’s Potts from the Canadian province ofexterior and used mahogany for the inte- British Columbia.rior before adding the realistic finishes “There are over 200 individual pieces of jewellery in the shop, covering every-40 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

thing imaginable from rings, broaches, ABOVE: Lori Ann Potts created much of their own mind-transporting experiencechains and pearls to diamond earrings the jewellery in the shop. Pieces by Lynn while visiting in York. They noticed theyand bracelets,” says Potts. “The finished O’Shaughnessy and Andrew Chambers are were shopping in the very establishmentdisplay contains some of the best jewel- also featured. they had modelled Savage & Sons after.lery work I have done in my career.” RIGHT: Look for Mulvany & Roger’s “Even more coincidentally,” says Rogers, newest piece: a French couture shop “It was a clothes shop belonging to a top Potts didn’t want to signal out any based on Ralph Lauren in Paris at the UK clothing brand whose owners we hadone piece from the Savage & Sons’ shop, Kensington show this month. made a [miniature] house for about tenbut Browning did try to narrow down years previously!”her favourites. “I love the triple diamond other jewellery estate auction catalogsring. Its stones have 56 facets in each of provide inspiration and authenticity for It is a small world, now isn’t it? DHWthem and there is a long strand of the Potts. The rest, she says, may be a com-tiniest seed pearls knotted in Georgian bination of curiosity and luck.style . . . a lovely diamond tiara, the rubyand diamond cross and stunning opal “When I first started travelling tobracelets—all set in 14 karat gold . . . ” different shows around the country IShe really did try to choose just a few, was fascinated by the tiny rhinestonesfinally admitting she adored every single and jewels that I found for sale. I haditem. “Lori Ann knows my taste in jewel- no idea what I would ever use them forlery, so what she created is exactly what I but I bought them anyway and stashedwould have purchased in real scale.” them safely away,” explains Potts. “If I had known that ten years down the road Potts, who owns Mustard Seed I would be using these perfectly-scaledMiniatures, used genuine karat gold, components to create jewellery, I wouldfreshwater pearls, gemstones, diamonds have gathered up so much more than Iand vintage Swarovski crystal rhine- did at the time.”stones for her pieces. She had no formalart training until she began making But that’s all in hindsight. She neverminiatures about three decades ago. imagined that someday her work wouldSince then she has worked alongside be featured in collections and museumsGeorgia Matuschak, Brooke Tucker and around the world, either. “I couldn’t beLarrianne Hilditch, “one of the most more proud of my pieces,” says Potts.important influences of my career and “The combination of the regal setting bywork.” Potts also seeks out classes in full Mulvany & Rogers and the jewellery dis-scale to hone her miniature techniques. plays come together in perfect harmony.”Her body of work ranges from food tolandscaping, teapots to toys and from kits Browning hopes everyone who peersto finished rooms; but she is particularly into the windows of Savage & Sons willwell known for clothing, hats, perfum- be transported to Georgian-era Englandery and jewellery. Stacks of Sotheby and like she is when she admires the piece. Mulvany and Rogers have since had D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 41

MEET THE MAKEREyes are windowsto the soul for Soraya Endless inspiration pours from Soraya Merino’s fingertips as she creates beautiful dolls, each with their own personality By Soraya Merino M y name is Soraya Merino to a miniature magazine in Spain. A year and I reside in Barcelona, later I began to create them. Spain. I specialise in twelfth- scale dolls and miniatures. I am always looking for new ideas and I have always loved dolls, but it wasn’t tutorials on miniatures. I never want to until 1995 that I discovered the stop learning. I’m very creative and I see miniature world. I found a shop that sold miniatures as a challenge to express all of miniatures in my city and was introduced my ideas. I have loved tiny things since I was a child, but I have never known why.ABOVE: A beautiful Edwardian Mulatto ladywho is fashionably dressed in 1900-1910style.LEFT: This group of Edwardian ladies aredressed in fashion.42 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MEET THE MAKERABOVE: Li-Hsien is a Far West My family is a fascinat- I was growing up, so I didn’t discoverChinese lady who is dressed in ing mix of artists, painters, them until I was about twenty years old.the style of the American Far magicians, and instrument My first dolls were made from naturalWest with Chinese accents. I makers, so they are very clay and plaster band outfits. They werelove Chinese movies and the happy with my love of very simple. I had no idea how to dressbeauty of it’s ladies as well dolls, so when I would attempt to sew anas the stunning fashion. miniatures and my desire outfit the finished product often madeI made two and by luck to create them. When the dolls look like a bears.there were two Chinese I was a child I lovedAmerican ladies anx- to draw and my draw- Thanks to the introduction of theious to buy them! ings were always based Internet, I could finally see what otherFAR RIGHT: I was on beautiful ladies or miniaturists were doing and I startedinspired to create women’s faces. The faces creating my best quality dolls by follow-these dolls after watch- and expression in the eyes ing tutorials and tips from other artists.ing the movie Beloved. were my specialty. I can’t When I started making dolls and min-It seemed to me that conceive a doll without iatures here in Spain, Maria Narbon,no one was making an expression in their Maria Jose Santos, and I were the onlybeautiful black women eyes. miniature doll makers in our country.in twelfth scale and I just Maria introduced me to silk lace andloved their beauty and felt Doll’s houses were not Maria Jose showed me how to use tackyinspired. a tradition in Spain whenRIGHT: Prince Vlad is acharacter from the movebased on Bram Stoker’sGothic novel Dracula. He isalso dressed by Alicia Volta. D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 43

MEET THE MAKERABOVE: These are Jewish and Muslim I prefer porcelain arms because theyladies dressed in the style of the 1900- look more realistic and delicate than clay1910s. I have a very special connection with arms.the Jewish people, because I have Jewishancestors. Fiddler on the Roof and Yentle are I don’t enjoy dressing my male dolls,two of my favourite movies. I was inspired to so I have Alicia Voltais dress them formake the Muslim doll after I saw a photo of me. She is a talented Portuguese dollone of my aunts when she was young. She maker. I must admit, I can’t bearwore a dress like the one my doll is wearing to part with any of my dolls, butand I simply had to make her. I sell them on eBay, Etsy, andRIGHT: Three elegantly dressed elderly at miniatures shows, such asEdwardian ladies. I was always sketching the Miniaturist Artisan Fairbeautiful young ladies and then I started of Barcelona. Prices rangedrawing beautiful elderly ladies too. I have between £130 and £250.such fun sculpting and dressing them.BELOW RIGHT: These dolls are actor, A museum here in SpainGérard Depardieu, from the movie Balzac called Antonio Marco’sand a self portrait doll of Soraya. Miniatures Museum bought my set of three old ladies thisglue to assemble the clothing. past year and another woman in My dolls portray witches, African the United States who has a small museum bought a doll many yearsAmerican girls that were inspired by ago, but I don’t think she remem-the beautiful and very sad slavery mov- bers that I’m the maker.ies, as well as special characters takenfrom history and other movies. I prefer My workplace is very chaotic.Edwardian fashion, specifically between I’m messy, but this is not a problemthe years 1900 to 1910. It is my favourite to me because I know where eve-style of all times. rything is located. My most valuable My dolls are made from polymerclay, but I use porcelain for the arms andsometimes the legs.44 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MEET THE MAKERtool, one I could not live without, is a now they are here and they are ABOVE LEFT: Madame de Tavernier is anail tool with a triangle shape on its end. not going to disappear. French court lady.I found it forty years ago when I was a ABOVE: This is a portrait doll of my sister inchild and I knew I would use it in the If I were asked to describe law in her beautiful wedding gown and veil.future for something. It now helps me to myself I would have to say BELOW: Lord Bradley Pittersen is a steam-create the faces of my dolls. I’m a shy and modest per- punk gentleman with Brad Pitt features. He son. I blush when some- was dressed by Alicia Volta, a Portuguese Because I work full time it is diffi- one tells me good things doll maker.cult for me to find time to devote to this about my dolls. I usedhobby. to go to workshops that making dolls that are the actu- were directed by other al size of a baby monkey. I I try to make an hour on the weekday artists and I always call them “monkey reborns.”mornings to work on my miniatures and discovered thatI always use Sundays to create. I use the the people were I paint the skin of the vinylentire day from when I wake-up until I surprised to see kit and add the hair to thego to bed. I also have workshops in June me there. They would say, body with a needle oneat a shop in Barcelona where I focus on “But what am I going to showmaking miniatures or dressing dolls. you, Soraya? You know eve- strand at a time. I then rything!” Still, I never fail to dress them in sweet When I think about the future of min- learn from them. little outfits. They areiatures, I hope that people from countrieswith a good economy will all become I’m always looking for new really beautiful andcollectors! Here in Spain, I feel that min- things to create. I also repaint impressive.iatures are new. They have only become fashion dolls and have beenpopular in the last fifteen years or so, but I will say, I seem to have new ideas every day. I see a movie or read a book or simply see a beautiful face on the metro and get inspired. I fear I will never have enough time in my life to make all the dolls that I have in my head, but I won’t stop trying. DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 45

MEET THE MAKERNurse’s magicallabour of loveMeet the talented maker behind somewonderful fairy houses, and wonderhow she finds the time to create them By Sandra HardingA s I watched the visitors’ faces and here she was at one of the top Suzi has been artistic all her life, and light up at the sight of Suzi UK shows with a complete fairyland even as a child loved miniatures, magic Parnell’s fairy houses in the village for us to see. Even more and fantasy. She was originally a copy art- foyer at Kensington Dolls amazing is that she works as a nurse ist and at times wished she had the abilityHouse Show, I knew that you too would at Harefield Hospital, and it is only to see her art in a more three dimensionalwant to see them. in-between shifts that she has the time to way. That was when then her vision of create these little magical places under fairyland was born. I am in complete wonder that this lady the name Faylinn’s Fairy Houses.made the very first one only a year ago, The first house she made was a real experiment. But as it gradually took on a life of its own she realised that she had indeed found a way to create her 3D ele- ment, which would let her imagination run wild. Gradually, the magical pictures that had lived for so long in her head became real physical objects in which fairies lived, alongside their magical books and potions. She admits that she can start and restart each house up to four times, until she is totally happy with its shape and form and each one is always a labour of love. The wonderful twisted willow branch- es which make up their homes are gath- ered by the light of the full moon and weaved into the structures of the fairies’ homes. She (and her friends) also collect unusual natural shapes of wood, mosses of all kinds, seed pods and any strange46 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

MEET THE MAKERor unusual natural creation she can find. The soft light diffused throughAlthough this bit is done mostly in day- quartz or selenite is very beautifullight they all still look a little magical to and mystical, and there are evenme, but then I believe in fairy magic. hints of “mist” around some of the lighting. Such a very clever I was not surprised to hear that Suzi and different effect.loves crystals; it is obvious when you lookat the unique lighting in these creations. Most of the paraphernalia in each house is made by Suzi, because she insists the houses have to have a certain look and feel to them. This includes the books, many of them spell books of course, accessories, furniture and the var- ious shelving. The fairies are individual, cheeky little creatures, all made with the magical Suzi touch, which her friends and family all adore, as do I. As I leave this magical world, I have to tell you that my face also lit up when I saw this lovely work, and if you want your face to light up too go to: www.fay- linn.co.uk or telephone 07545 240 560 or email [email protected] DHW D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D OCTOBER 2015 47

PROJECTFLOaWfeEaRthINeGryHATKathi Kuti Harding has some great tips on around the top rim of the hat-making a fun and whimsical miniature hat band. Press the first row ofusing silk flower petals of all colours! flower petals to the rim. Let dry. Use pins to hold them together, By Kathi Kuti Harding if required. Remove the pins once the glue has dried.H ats can be as much fun to make as they are to try on and wear. And, these littlecharmers won’t take up muchcloset space.YOU’LLneed of flowers and ribbons that will the layers of the hat if it is on Step 6: Run a bead of glue work well together. the hat stand. Use Blue Tack above the area of the top rim of n A variety of small Step 4: Cut the hatband rib- to hold the band in place while the hatband, on the first flower fabric or paper bon to 2 1/2” long. Overlap you work. Remove once the petals. Press the second row flowers the ends by 1/4”. Check that hat is finished. An oily spot will of flower petals to the first row this is the right amount so that appear on the hat if it is left in of petals. Let dry. If required, n Ribbon for a hatband your hatband will fit snuggly on place. use pins to hold them together. –2 1/2” long x 1/2” the hat stand. Glue the ends Remove the pins when the glue wide together. Let dry. Use a pin to Step 5: Run a bead of glue has dried. Repeat the steps of hold them together if required. adding extra rows of petals until n Ribbon for a bow – Remove the pin when the glue the desired volume of petals are optional 1/8” (4mm) has dried. It is easier to build attained. wide Step 7: Try adding curled ostrich feathers to the top of n Ostrich feathers and dull curling knife - optional n Fine sewing pins – optional n Blue Tack - optional n White glue or Tacky glue n Hat standStep 1: Gather a variety of fab-ric or paper flowers.Step 2: Take the flowers apart.Step 3: Choose a combination48 SEPTEMBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D

PROJECTthe second row of flower pet- TIPS: Choose paper or JmEakWe aELquiCckA&SeEasyals. Glue in place if you like this fabric flowers that havelook. small close together pet- Use screw caps covers from theStep 8: Try adding a bow to als. Try to mix textures DIY store to make a simple, butthe hat. Glue in place. and colours to create an effective caseStep 9: Put the finished hat on interesting hat. Also trythe hat stand if it isn’t already daring colour combina- By Sandra Hardingthere. If the hat will remain tions for a whimsical look.permanently on the hat stand, F asten each little screw cap cover for a few hours, whichthen glue the hatband to the Coloured ostrich helps it to hold its shape when finished. Undo it by gentlyhat stand. This one hat pattern feathers can be pur- pushing up from hole in the base, using a blunt tool. Itcan lead to innumerable com- chased as a single should now be the right shape.bination possibilities. A change feather. Clip a single Paint top (lid) with your chosen colour of nail varnish and let itin colour, texture or materials frond off the feather. To dry.can give variety to a group of curl it, gently run thehats that are displayed together. spine of the frond along Paint base, and let it dry. Give lid and base second coat ifPut on your creative “hat” and a dull knife. Repeat until needed.dive into your stash for bits and it is curly enough. Makepieces to enhance these minia- as many curled fronds as Cut out pieces of velvet circles to fit in lid and base, add dabture millinery delights. It will be required. of glue, and fix in place.hard to stop at just one. DHW Glue a pompom or With tiny dabs of glue add jewels of choice, pairs of earrings, button to the centre of individual brooches etc. the petals if necessary, to cover the hole in the I did play with using no hole beads (nail decorations) in some centre of the last row of of the lids but did not like them so much. You may like to play flower petals. with your own ideas. DHW The Internet can pro- YOU’LLneed vide easy ways to tie tiny bows. There are a few n Pack of screw cap covers ways to do it. See what from B&Q (black or white) is best for you. I use tiny crochet or button hooks n “Velvet” type paper or to capture the ribbon as similar it goes through the tie loop. n Nail gems, stones, butterflies, Indian Bindi’s or stick on jewels from Hobbycraft or similar n Nail varnish, colour of choice n Glue n Tweezers n Scissors D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D SEPTEMBER 2015 49

PROJECTsSuOrUfeVrEJNoIRhnS’sHOPJoyce Mori built and decorated this little shopto commemorate her trips to the coast as wellas a reminder of her summer holidays By Joyce MoriPutting the store together Step 3: Once you have completed the YOU’LLneed shell for the store, paint the top and bothStep 1: Glue each side piece to the edge sides. This example was painted white and 1/4”-THICK FOAM BOARDof the back. Glue the top to the sides and I added a bit of the coarse sand to the paint n Cut 1: 3 1/2” x 8 1/2” (top)back. Glue the front facing between the to give the surface texture. Cut a piece of n Cut 2: 3 1.2” x 11” (sides)sides. faux brick to size and glue it to the front of n Cut 1: 2 3/4” x 8” (shelf )Step 2: Glue the shelf brace in place along the store. I painted my faux brick with a thin n Cut 1: 1 7/8” x 7 1/2” (insidethe inside of the back. Place this down wash of white paint to age it a bit.1/4” from the height of the front facing. This Step 4: Paint the inside of the store. Paint brace on back to hold shelf )allows for the shelf to be placed across the the 1/4” wide facing wood the same colour n Cut 3: 1/4” wide x 1/16” x 26”front facing and just on top of the brace at as the interior of the store. Cut the facingthe back. pieces to size and glue them in place. facing pieces for storefront Step 5: Cover the floor of the store win-YOU’LLneed dow with sand. I applied a thin coating 3/4”-THICK FOAM BOARD of glue and sprinkled the sand on top. I n Cut 1: 8” x 11” (back) n Foam board (see sidebar) repeated this several times to achieve the n Cut 1: 2 1/2” x 8” (front facing) n Pieces reflective of a beach coverage I wanted. more and then bake according to directions atmosphere (see sidebar) Beach ball for your clay. n Bright colours of polymer clay n Tin foil The beach ball is made of polymer clay. Sunglasses n Tiny piece of X-ray film (you Make a ball from tinfoil that is just under the size needed. Press the foil so it is compact The lenses for the sunglasses are made could also paint clear plastic and roll the ball between your palms to from X-ray film or clear plastic painted with with a gold metallic paint) make it nice and round. a gold metallic paint. The ear pieces are n Old undershirts (I prefer the tiny snakes made from polymer clay. Bake thinner fabric of these to regular Decide on your background colour for the ear pieces and then glue them onto the T-shirts; I tried other fabrics but the ball and condition and roll out your clay glass shape. found these worked best.) so that you have a piece that will complete- n Coarse sand ly cover the ball and add it over the tinfoil. T-shirts n Bright colours of craft paint Then trim the clay as needed and carefully n Sheet of faux brick, cut to roll the ball until its surface is smooth and The t-shirts are made from pieces of old 2 1/2” x 8 1/2” its shape is round. vests. Cut a 5” square of the T-shirt material n Plastic cups for each shirt. They are coloured by making n Note cards Cut thin, narrow strips from other a watery solution of craft paint. The paint colours of clay and apply them to the sur- acts like a dye and thus you do not need to face of the ball. Roll the ball smooth once go to all the trouble and cost of using real50 OCTOBER 2015 D O L L S H O U S E W O R L D