AM136

Ali Alamedy creates elaborate gritty urban street scenes in miniature.August 14 Issue #136 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 Projects included in this issue: Doll Dress • Paper Shop • Man’s Outfit Teapot Cozies • Fuzzy Cat • Potting Bench • Cassata Cake • Cotton CandyDolls with personalitySorayaMerinoaddslifetoherminidolls.

Sh owcasOeur o3290f1th4MYeiarniatures “The Good Sam Show” Largest Miniature Show West of the Mississippi October 11 & 12, 2014 Doubletree Hotel in San Jose, CA Louis XV Sevres table by Geoff Wonnacott 100 Dealers and More than 50 Exhibits 18 International Dealers, some new to the West Coast 41 Current IGMA Artisans/Fellows Friday Workshops with Superb Instructors Show Benefits the PlaneTree Health Library in Santa Clara County Information – Ruth Heisch – [email protected] or 408-997-1004http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net or http://goodsamshow.blogspot.com

Outdoor BARBECUE Dollhouse Land Artistry in Miniatures See me on the Mini Cruise in September, at The Good Sam Show in October and in Philadelphia. Phone: (949) 496-9841 E-mail: [email protected] Visit Dollhouse Land on Facebook 27134A Paseo Espada, Suite 304 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 American Miniaturist 3

Ali Alamedy creates elaborate gritty urban street scenes in miniature. ContentsAugust 14 Issue #136 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $6.95 CANADA $9.25 CAD. UK £4.25 Projects included in this issue: Doll Dress • Paper Shop • Man’s Outfit Teapot Cozies • Fuzzy Cat • Potting Bench • Cassata Cake • Cotton Candy Regulars FeaturesDolls with personalitySorayaMerinoaddslifetoherminidolls. 6 Mini mail 16 Miniature diaroma’s136_cover.indd 1 6/25/14 1:55 PM We love to hear from our Ali Alamedy creates readers and share their elaborate gritty urbanAmerican Miniaturist words on these pages. street scenes.68132 250th Avenue 78 Itty bits 27 Gypsy vardoKasson, MN 55944 The latest news and notes Belinda McWilliams finallyPhone: (507) 634-3143 in the mini world, and our fulfills her dream of makingFax: (507) 634-7691 newest contest winners. a miniature Gypsy vardo.Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587Email: [email protected] 93 Snippets 41 Good Sam AcademyUK: AM, Unit 5E, Park FarmChichester Road, Arundel, Cut out your very own 44 The 2014 Good SamWest Sussex, BN18 0AG. antique books, money, Academy of Miniatures isTel: 01903 884988 and world maps. 52 excited to offer classes.Fax: 01903 885514 88 Show dates Dolls with heartPublisher: Kelly Johnson Mark your calendars Endless inspiration poursEmail: [email protected] and plan to attend these from Soraya Merino’s shows around the country. 57 fingertips, in miniature.Editor:Auralea Krieger On the cover: Dolls by Old West saloonEmail: [email protected] Soraya Merino. Inspired by the town ofAdvertising & Marketing: Tombstone, Marion GordonSara Vix 61 has created her own saloon!Email: [email protected] A rustic kitchenCustomer Service: Email: [email protected] Eva Perendreu makes a Mediterranean kitchenDistribution: 64 room box that’s full of gifts.Fran JohnsonEmail: [email protected] Quilt shop Designer: It started as a kit and thenAuralea Krieger Gabriele Layne put her own 80 personal mini touch to it.Ad designer:Ann Pavlish Grosvenor Hall Contributors: Danielle Muller shows usAli Alamedy, Natalia Antonelli, Bill Arnold, Sandra her contemporary style Bowen, Marianne Colijn, Marion Gordon, Auralea 90 laundry room.Krieger, Gabriele Layne, Belinda McWilliams, SorayaMerino, Moonyeen Moller, Danielle Muller, Eva Work shedPerendreu, Amanda Phillips, Martha Puff, Celia Thomas, Deb Weissler Bill Arnold ventures into the wonderful world ofIssue 136 miniatures with his shed.August 2014 Art galleryPublished by Ashdown Broadcasting Moonyeen Moller sharesSubscription rates: her wood turning gallery 1 Year (12 issues) $65 “The Turning Point”.Canada $75 (US funds); UK £59;Europe $136 (US); Rest of world $148 (US).2 Year (24 issues) $120Canada $135 (US funds); UK £115;Europe $259 (US); Rest of world $290 (US).American Miniaturist (USPS# 021-053 ISSN #14778203) is published monthly at 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price is$65.00. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson, MN, andadditional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send addresscorrections to American Miniaturist, 68132 250thAve., Kasson, MN 55944All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis thatcopyright will be vested in the Publisher who assumes all rights worldwide,in all forms and media. This means American Miniaturist owns the rightsto the instructions and photographs that we publish. The work may bepublished in the magazine, our i-Mag, ebooks, CDs and bookzines as well ason Dollshouse.TV. You continue to own the copyright for the design and arefree to teach and sell your work. All that we ask is that you wait a minimumof 6 months after the publication of the issue before teaching the design orselling your own instructions. We don’t allow you to re-publish the designfeatured in other books or magazines without prior consent.

Projects Welcome10 A Korean paper shop This issue has a “little”something for everyone. It’s August, which in many regions of the US is the After a trip to Seoul, Sandra hottest time of the year. I live in Maryland, where it Bowen was inspired to gets muggy and hot, but I love it. If I’m not floating fabricate a paper shop. around in a friend’s pool or wading in a babbling brook to stay cool this month, then I’m inside being24 Cassata cake creative with the air conditioner at its max. We have a great selection of projects this month. I hope you can Natalia Antonelli makes take some quality time for yourself and try your hand baking easy in this mini at some of them. food tutorial. I wanted to take a moment to thank so many33 A potting bench of you for the wonderful letters and emails of encouragement you have been sending in. It Celia Thomas shares some of means the world to me that you are enjoying this her trade secrets on how to publication! As I organize and layout each issue make a realistic mini scene. I sometimes get goosebumps when I see something that I know readers would be excited about or even66 A removable dress things that would make you giggle. Auralea Krieger shares a As some of you may already know, I was asked to virtually no-sew method to be the new editor for Dollhouse Miniatures. Traci has make a miniature dress. moved to the big city to pursue new and exciting adventures. I can’t thank her enough for her help72 A young man’s outfit when I first started with AM. She was always generous with answering any questions and offering me great Auralea Krieger takes on the advice. Of course, I probably answered, “Yes”before challenge of making a Kelly even had time to finish asking me if I would be miniature outfit. interested! I have had a special place in my heart for both of these magazines for so long. I hope I can do83 Purrfect cat cozies as good a job as Traci has done for so long. Marianne Colijn shares how I have always kept this hobby of mine a little secret. she made two cat inspired As you know, not many people understand it and crocheted teapot cozies. sometimes if you try to explain, their eyes tend to glaze over. That’s when you know you have lost them97 Carnival sweets and must smoothly change the subject. Only my closest friends and family know about my mini world, Amanda Phillips shares how but now I get to share it to make some realistic with so many talented miniature cotton candy. people who understand and have the same passion. I couldn’t ask for anything more!

minimail AM is your magazine, and we want to hear from you. Write to: MiniMail, American Miniaturist, 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN 55944. Or email: auralea@ ashdown.co.uk. Letters may be edited if necessary. Project DVD is a fun prize and I look forward to gleaningStar letter new ideas from it. American Miniaturist has taught me soThis month’s Star letter was Where’s Arthur winner many new skills and has givenwritten by Connie Younker Many thanks for the me lots of wonderful ideas forwho wrote in to share what delightful surprise my miniature creations. I lookshe was inspired to create. forward, eagerly, to every issue.We truly love to share your package in my mailbox! I enjoy Thanks again!projects and letters with every article in Americanour readers, and it means so Debra Elwoodmuch to us that you take the Central Point, ORtime to write! To thank Conniefor her wonderful letter, wewill be sending her a Best ofAmerican Miniaturist Project Miniaturist and especially the Encouraging wordsCD. Please keep your letters added bonus of searching for I just wanted to mentioncoming. We love learning Arthur. I never dreamed I would that the past few issuesabout you and your projects win! Yes, the Garden Furniture I have seen of AM are lookingand hearing your comments very attractive and especially well designed. Kudos to theand ideas. We always look staff. Please do extend, to Auralea, an “Atta girl!” for me. Herforward to reading yourthoughtful letters! eye for design really showsStar letter and I will certainly look forward to working with her.From thegreat article onShannon Kindred’s beautiful Lynne Montes De Ocasea dome displays, to an Thousand Oaks, CAadvertisement, your June Giveaway winnerissue (AM134) inspiredme to try my hand at Thank you somaking something for a much for Amandashabby chic shop that I’m Phillips’ Toast and Jam.making. I’ve never written It is wonderful! I was soto a publication before surprised when I found itexclaiming their ability to in my mailbox. I couldn’tinspire and enjoying their wait to “play” with it. When Iclose-up photography. Your first saw the toast and jammagazine excels in all giveaway, I wanted it for mycategories! I look forward Dutch hotel breakfast scene,to each issue. Thank you which I am building toand here is my version of satiate my travel longingsthe shabby chic trend. while my children are small. I had even bought Connie Younker Connie Younker made this beautiful piece some clay and chalk to make Newcastle, CA after being inspired by Shannon Kindred. the toast, but I have not yet6 American Miniaturist

minimailKathy Strobos found the perfect spot for her toast and jam prize! the thought that A miniature fan back then we would have beenhad the time to try so this is astounded to see the modernmuch better! I’ve attached a The article by Deb electron microscopes in usepicture of it in my breakfast Jackson in the June issue now. The EKG machine is adining room that’s in my hotel. of American Miniaturist (AM134) marvel too! I can’t wait to seeI also wanted to write the editor fascinated me. It was all about what wonderful work we willto tell her that I enjoyed the vintage medical tools. As an see in the next issue of thisstory of the mouse living in her ex-medical student myself years fascinating magazine.dollhouse and that I loved and ago, I was amused by the pictureseven laughed out loud when of the old timeI read Mandy Groves’ article microscopes Sarah Norrisabout her search for the perfect which she made.green scouring pads. I read it Since that was Scientific and medical tools Seattle, Washingtonout loud to my mom who built the type of A love of miniatures Avintpaagsseiotnoofolrs Hello to everyone atWomoitalhsz,ianDpgeabmssJiianocinaktsfuoornremcvrienedataitcegasel tarhenepdlmisccoaisse.tntificme my first dollhouse. Thanks microscope we IoygprooeIutatrhhauasdawgoamrdveetnaestticyfhttbomhoetameeimynneepidnyientlthnetoitcfehettreiryryeirenloeaoycsguturtliseirnwfaafegcrat.ioeelsmlIlclltnteiiuhhnnceceiaitvknmaiteoy-ekr,na. a“Crtreisatkinvoitwyiinsgalwlohwicihngonyeosurtsoeklfeteop.m” a~kSecomttisAtdaakmess. at AM. Thanks toso much again! used in those a pair of new glasses I’m days, they self-taught and have braeecstudurlatilsvl.yeIndaebmlyigsthhotiesvdeervwyeirltuyhcdtkhayey.to tdhierSesocetmlayerefortofhmme yfmamnytiainmsiyaatgouirrnefaastiicroyonm; e finally able to catch up on Kathy Strobos brought back been trading profes- my reading and able to New York City, NY memories and sionally for seven enter each month’s contest years. before the deadline. I wanted to say that Eva Anyone reading Perendreu’s miniature this, who has the SWAP, to create the room pudunelsdsieiroersnttoaanncddretathhteee,cawollmill- tiptthcmhrroaaoamnttctisdoeeausnencmsssc;aceoienlnmisndkgadpettcwsiahsonoofinasyvuecceg,tethrihntoeht-ne pyooiuntwihs erneatchhaetdf.inal The point when not only is the work finished, but you are pRrigephat:rTautidoonrbmoeadrdic.ine 40 American Miniaturist AM134_DebJackson_Feature.indd 40 4/28/14 11:08 AM for her niece, is proof to all the wonderful people in this hobby. Thanks so very much for all the excellent articles and projects, every issue is my favorite! Pege Matulewicz Milan, PA Facebook Twitter Blog: A Small World’s Big Buzz American Miniaturist 7

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Paper shopA mini Koreanpaper shopAfter a trip to Seoul, Sandra Bowen wasinspired to fabricate her own intimateversion of a paper shop that she visited.S andra Bowen discovered “When I returned home I indecision as I stood in the shop many appealing and was itching to make such choosing just a few sheets of fascinating places when a calligraphy shop, but handmade paper.she took a trip down under, but only had my notes to goone of her favorites was a paper on, as I didn’t feel able to I would thoroughlyshop discovered during a stop- take photographs in the recommend a visit to the touristoff in Seoul shops.” street called, In Sa Dorrag, if you are ever in the city of Seoul. It We all know that one of the is about half a mile long and is“Mini wonders of the world” is closed to traffic on the weekend.to be able to have something There are little shops lining boththat would otherwisebe impractical orunaffordable. I wouldlove to have access toa paper shop, like theone I found when westopped over in Seoulfor three days beforeour trip to Australia. Of course, there wasa severe limit to theamount of stationeryI could carry aroundfor three months andthen bring back onthe plane. Oh whatRight: Koreannewspaper was used forthe exterior of this shop.10 American Miniaturist

Paper shopAbove: When a new shop opens and notebooks - all in beautifully There are also papers on rollseveryone sends big pink flowers. muted natural colors. It is easy to that you can have measured and pick out what you require, and cut as we would fabric.sides and alleys leading off totranquil teahouses, which take everything Other shops include antiques,are only allowed to to the counter books, flowers, clothes, porcelain,sell tea and no food for wrapping. and touristy knick- knacks. Ior other beverages. There are even found one, which soldThere are also plenty of price signs, just a few miniature pieces ofclean public restrooms, which are a furniture inlaid with mother-of-so you can indulge in bit daunting, pearl. I bought a high cupboardthe teas and linger as you have to and a low table, but as yet haveand shop for as long knock off several nowhere to place them!as you like! noughts! But generally I found You will have the opportunity As you wander everything to buy and eat various localalong you will delicacies including tiny stuffedsee many of these reasonably priced. pancakes, kebabs, honeycomb,calligraphy shops You can buy and other sweetmeats. However,stocking hundreds sheets of paper the rule is that you must standof different papers, inks, and printed in Korean, still to eat them. You may also seebrushes. They also now sell plain peaceful demonstrations - thecard boxes, fans, kites, journals, Chinese, and Japanese and I day we went there was a big rally believe many of the products are by vegetarians, street musicians, imported from China. and entertainers. There are also American Miniaturist 11

Paper shopsome free art galleries you can Tools & materials: before staining with a walnutexplore. brown. I decided to leave the l A 4-box file back wall plain as a contrast. When I returned home I l Mount board Covered the floor in somewas itching to make such a l Acrylic “Window” woodblock printed-paper. I madecalligraphy shop, but only had material some pavement from mountmy notes to go on, as I didn’t l Newspaper board covered in printed pavingfeel able to take photographs l Thin card stones. Both of these I printedin the shops. I had an overall l Assorted papers out from the Internet.feeling of a dark Dickensian l Tacky Gluebuilding, and I wanted to keep l Wallpaper paste Step 6: I then stuck some acrylicto the “paper” theme so decided l Tongue depressors sheeting inside the windows.to use a box file and cover it in l Strip woodnewspaper, which I then stained l Dark brown stainbrown. l Black Fimo l Paper lollipop sticks When a new shop or l Cocktail sticksexhibitions opens in Seoul they l Kebob sticksare presented with huge flower l Various threadsarrangements from other localbusinesses. They come in various window plans on the back of theforms - so long as they are big lid panels so that the windowand pink! Some were taller than measured 6½” x 5” and was 3”me and they were adorned with up from the bottom. The doorruched net, cellophane, tissue window measures 21½” x 2” andpaper, and masses of ribbons, is 3½” up.sometimes tied to poles withgood luck symbols written on Step 3: I cut out the windows,them. and stuck the door piece underneath the aperture as a I made mine from bottle tops raised panel. The main windowfilled with brown plasticine, and piece I cut into ½” strips to makearranged various pink flowers the doorframe and windowwith some greenery. Narrow edges. This can be supplementedflorist ribbon is very cheap to by extra card if necessary. I leftbuy and I was pleased to get this all to dry under some books.some with scalloped edgesidentical to that which I hadseen on a bigger scale in Korea.Making the shop Step 4: I then hinged the twoStep 1: Cut the lid off the box panels back onto the box withand remove the spring-loaded strips of fabric stuck on theclip. I cut the lid through so that outside.the two sides measured 5” x 9½”wide. Step 5: Then I pasted scraps of Korean newspaper over theStep 2: I drew my door and whole box - and left it to dry,12 American Miniaturist

Paper shopThe papers neutral colors, which stick measuringYou will need a huge variety of look “hand-made” - 21/4” long. Securepapers, but only a small amount recycled ones are best. the ends with aof each. Now is your chance to little glue. Take thefind out which of your friends Step 1: It took me a other pieces and cut into 3”use “velvet” or “quilted” or even long while to realize that bits. Fold these together into“Bronco” - all of these are useful! I most toilet paper is 4” wide, three, so the resultant package isalso collected serviettes, tissues, and you need strips that are 2” 1” wide and 2” deep, you mightpaper bags, headrest covers, wide so fold a length of three or want a tiny bit of sticky tape tojotter pages, dried wet wipes, four sheets in half and cut along hold it closed, but try not to letenvelopes, etc. the fold. Take one piece and wrap it show. around a white paper lollipop If you make templates 3” x You need thin, soft papers in American Miniaturist 13

Paper shop2” and a strip 2” wide you can Then cut slits at the corners and Paint brushesthen quickly cut up all the other glue the tabs up to make the box. Calligraphy brushes comepapers to present in the same With the other 1” piece draw a tiny in many sizes, with bambooway. circle over the central point and handles and soft silky black hair, then fold up the sides as before to but they are sold with the hair I also used some pages from make a slightly larger lid. part stuck together in a pointedthe Korean in-flight magazine - shape.goodness knows what they say! Some boxes are covered inI made about 30 folds of paper oriental style paper to make gift I struggled for days withand 25 rolls. sets and sealed with tiny gold fringed black ribbon wrapped stickers. round a stick, and old make-up The folds of paper are stacked brushes re-vamped. I got quiteinto simple wooden crates. I Decorative fans depressed until I realized thatmade these from strips of thin Fans can be made from a strip once the bristles were stuckwood, glued together around a of thin paper 4” x 1½”, glued down in a point no one wouldmount board base measuring into a tiny strip of black card for be able to tell what I had used.14” x 24”. the handle. Oriental style fans So here’s the easy method. Use are like an egg shape with the cocktail and kebab sticks cut These were stained brown top quarter cut off and set into to different lengths. Color theand when dry, I packed the folds an ornamental wooden handle pointed end with a black feltof paper in color groups with (made of black card). I made tip. Stick a narrow strip of foil ona little glue along the edges to these from corrugated type above the “bristles”.hold them. One or two can be papers. Once again in the shoptweaked out; I know they were these were ready for people to Small booksquite tricky to return to the crate decorate themselves, and ranged Some commercial books wereonce you had selected your from plain paper to figured silk. covered in hand-made papers.sheets! I also made three sizes of Ink blocks notebook by cutting off the The rolls of paper are stacked These were simply made from blank margin from a sheet ofup on shelves made from tongue oblongs of black Fimo with a newspaper, folding it up to thedepressors mounted on to little good luck charm pressed in one size I required and then cuttingbrackets on the wall. I’m not sure end, and a pen top pressed in a stack of pages at one timewhat the brackets are made of, the other to indent it to take the with the slightly serrated edgesjust some chopped up bits from brush and water. In a museum at the side edge. This looks verya length of black plastic found in I saw an ink block the size of a authentic. I stuck on a cover andthe shed. I kept back a few bits of small table, which had belonged held all together with a stringpaper to arrange on the counter. to a King, but generally they stitched though the end. AM will need to be smallerStep 1: If you start with thick than a sheet of paper.paper and cut two 1” square as atrial, you can then adapt to anyother sizes.Step 2: Lay a ruler diagonallyacross the square and mark thecentre on both pieces. On one-piece fold opposite sides intothe middle to meet, unfold andthen fold up the other sides.14 American Miniaturist

Dollshouse.Tv At www.dollshouse.tvyou’ll find hundreds of excitingprojects designed to entertain, inspire, and instruct you in your hobby.Bead Me is the latest and coolestjewelry making magazine on themarket! Designed exclusively fortablets and phones, you’ll lovegliding through it’s interactive pages. Doreen Sinnett Tiny Doll Molds See our 5½ “Arial” and our 2½ “Fairy Faye” molds! We have 90+ miniature dollhouse molds ranging in size from 1½” to 6” tall. Also 4” & 6” tall Antique Repro molds & more Fairies! www.tinydolls.com (541) 659-9919 American Miniaturist 15

DioramasAofesxmparlelsfsoriomn Ali Alamedy creates elaborate gritty urban street scenes that are reminiscent of the 1930s in miniature. By Deb Weissler. ~Photography by Ali AlamedyWhen a budding miniaturist has a burning desire to create a vignette, they don’t let the lack of building materials stop them. This was exactly what Iraqi graphic designer Ali Alamedy faced in 2010 when his desire to transform his 3D imaging from the computer to real life left him scrambling for materials. In a country where wars and civil strife left his people with little time, money or resources to pursue hobbies that we take for granted here at home, Ali used what resources he could scrounge: aluminum foil, pa- per clips, plastic rods, Plaster of Paris, foam board, coffee for weathering; anything that held possibilities. When a new shop finally opened nearby that offered balsa wood for sale, Ali didn’t sleep a wink that night, excited by the prospects this Right: This charming Parisian café scene with the lone flowerpot in the window is what caught Lucy Maloney’s eye. 16 American Miniaturist

Dioramaswood provided to make his sixteen and began his search Above: This quintessential Englishdream a reality. for 3D software. Each comput- book shop would be at home on any er upgrade gave him the ability street in London. Born in Karbala, about to create fabulous scenes on100KM from Baghdad, Ali the screen, but he couldn’t Finally, returning to his rootsspent his childhood with his touch or feel them. as Art Director at Babylon Me-mother and aunt. His father dia in Erbil, in northern Iraq,had been imprisoned as a He studied control and com- Ali was finally able to pursuedissident by the Saddam Hus- puter engineering in school, his dream of creating dioramas.sein regime, so Ali retreated married at age 22, and leftto his love of art and reading school to pursue work in first “When I discovered balsafor solace. As the tales he read Cairo and then Dubai. His 3D wood and built my first scene,seemingly came to life, Ali experience placed him in a po- I knew nothing about dioramasenvisioned each scene in his sition as graphics designer that and miniatures. I was search-head as it unfolded. He bought allowed him to travel the world ing the web for resourceshis first computer when he was and live in various countries. and stumbled upon the word ‘diorama’ and was surprised to American Miniaturist 17

DioramasBelow: An unattended site with pipes, a generator, and folded tarps captures the essence of a city under construction.18 American Miniaturist

Dioramas Facebook page just for diorama makers and miniaturists. That was my real entry into the world of miniatures.” Ali attracted friends from all over the world, offering support and encouragement. Below: A Hasselblad-style camera on a stand is captured by another.Top left and Above: This backalley with its painted Coca Colasign and power pole is a greatexample of pure urban grit.Right: This beautifully agedpiece captures the feeling of anabandoned rusted car.discover how many dioramamakers were out there,” Alirecalls. “I started lookingfor tutorials and postedthe results of my work onmy Facebook page. I didn’treceive any encouragementfrom my own people so Idecided to create another American Miniaturist 19

DioramasOne day he found a message in created the scene. I wrote and he could touch and feel.his inbox from MN artist Lucy asked him if he had ever done Ironically Ali’s vignettes,Maloney (Designer Dogs Minia- a show. He said no, he had nottures), admiring his work. done anything even formally often gritty urban street scenes in miniature and that he had reminiscent of the 1930s on, are “I was scrolling through just made this page to display not of his homeland’s streets,Facebook looking at the the projects he liked doing. He but of cities he has never seenwonderful pictures people was so modest and so genuine I firsthand except in photos—post when his French cafe liked him instantly!” New York, Paris, and London—came up,” Lucy recalls. “It but are nevertheless startlinglyjust struck a chord with me Lucy showed Ali’s work to accurate.immediately, the café’s single others and a strong friend-flowerpot in an upstairs win- ship began. She sent him tools His American back alleydow indicating someone must and materials he couldn’t find scenes are weathered, wind-live in the apartment above. I locally and in less than a year swept, and grungy, with anfound myself spinning a little he had 1,300 followers and a artistic touch of urban graffiti.story based on the way he burning desire to create things He’s not afraid to show the gritty side of life; the side that20 American Miniaturist

never gets photographed for Dioramastravel brochures. Above: Ali’s son shows the scale of His English bookshop is his fathers miniature art work.quintessential Edwardian, com- Left: This marine vignette capturesplete with decades of grime. the mood of a working dock.His Parisian café is tuckedaway in a small neighborhood hours a day, using his family’sfar from the elegant cafes dining room table as a workfrequented by tourists and the bench. As he works, his youngwell-heeled on the Champs boys love playing with Ali’sde Elysee. At the moment Ali growing collection of tools.is working on a Cuban street His oldest son at six attendsscene. In this respect, his tastes a French school and enjoysare international. creating things with his father’s tools, he then takes for show At present, Ali works in the and tell. Ali hopes to one daymiddle of his living room 2-3 build a proper workshop on the second floor of his home, but in the meantime works in any space he can find. He dreams of one day travel- ing to a miniature show where he can display his dioramas and see attendees’ reactions to his work. “I have always dreamed about making some- thing that people will remem- ber me by after my death and I feel my dioramas will do that.” We couldn’t agree more. AM American Miniaturist 21

Claim yourDiscover American artisaTnraTvhelotmo aansoNthoerrppelallc’se works of art. Anderson’s magazine in time with Lorrie 1. American Miniaturist is a monthly magazine charismatic dolls. dedicated to the joys of miniature making. SuitableNovember 13 Issue #127 Aprilw1w4w.americanImssuineia#t1u3ri2st.com CANADAP$9r.2i5cCeAD$. U6K.£94.525 for both the collector and the do-it-yourselfer, each www.americCAaNnAmDAin$P9ir.a2i5tcuCeArDis.$Ut6.Kc.£o94m.255 edition of AM offers exciting artist features, fun ••••M•W•SBWMeihaneitiiirdmnhespirusgoofinlacodofarmlwdbol aeecwtbhnroeyapwbriwsrreeerlnssascph how-tos for all skill levels. PROJECTS Tune in each month for large, beautiful photos,$64.99* exciting contests and giveaways, cutouts, and a $75 Canada SteFrpeinncsihdbeaakbereyautiful helpful listing of shops and shows around the world. From room boxes to dollhouses, mini dolls to FCecrloeebunrnacthirnyg ssptyrilnegtimeGetwinitshpairbeodubnytiCfuhlrsihstoiwnec-aLséeaoFfrmisionniaitures 10/2/13 1:10 PM mini treasures, AM has a smattering of everything 2/25/14 2:21 PM miniature. Subscribe today to join in on the fun! 132_cover.indd 1 When you subscribe, we will also send you the latest gift offer! Subscribe for 1 year and receive the 127 cover.indd 1 delicious Ice Cream Sundae Set. Subscribe for 2 years and enjoy the wonderful miniature dollhouse. Both Caroline Dupuis showcases a beautiful miniature butterfly cottage. are beautifully packaged from Reutter Porcelain. Issue #130 www.americanminiaturist.com CANADAP$9r.2i5cCeAD$. U6K.£94.525 February 14 $45PROJECTS .99* ••••••VSMPTIatcuieilneneragknicmestrpieylpnoiapsuenmpansgenkswlrdihshgawoahfipfttclsehsWorldwide dollshouse.tv $49.99 Worldwide A romantic brocante styleSusanne Idun Mørch shows her personal touch FinDodlilnhsopuirsae.tiToVn with * 12/18/13 4:32 PM tv channel 130_cover.indd 1 3. Subscribe to www.dollshouse.tv andiMag enjoy hundreds of inspiring, entertaining, and instructional films from some of the best2. Gain access to every available back issue miniaturists around! All from the comfort of home, right on your computer. You can watchby subscribing to our user-friendly iMag version. any of the programs 24 hours a day, 7 days aEach month your copy is delivered direct to your week. This is a “must have” for any miniaturist!email box. You can easily flip through the pagesright on your computer and print out any of thefeatures or projects that you want. There arethousands of pages waiting for you!

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Italian cakeMake a miniItalian treat!Without question, Cassata cake is funand fancy. Natalia Antonelli makesbaking easy in this mini food tutorial.I n this tutorial you will learn fruits. Modern versions of Step 1: To achieve the how to make a miniature this cake are also made with perfect pistachio color, mix Cassata cake. This rich and ice cream instead of ricotta approximately a 3:2:1 ratio of elaborate cake is probably the cheese, which is great for the pea green, white, and white most famous sweet of Sicily, summertime. translucent clay. With a rolling other than cannoli. pin, roll out a thin layer of the This tutorial shows how to obtained light green clay. Its origins trace back to the make a smaller version of the Arab era. In the IX century the original, larger baroque cake, Step 2: Mix a 2:1 ratio of white Arabs introduced sugar to Sicily, which is a single-serving perfect and white translucent clay and which strongly influenced the for any miniature table with form the obtained white mix into culinary art of the Italian island. Italian products. The bright colors a small cylinder. In fact, the name “Cassata” comes and sweet, fresh taste makes this from the Arabic word qascat, traditional Italian product also Step 3: Wrap the layer of light which stood for the baking tray perfect for a summer party table. green clay around the white that the cake was originally cylinder. cooked in. Sicilian dialect is full of Tools & materials: Arabisms, especially when talking about sweets that contain typical l Pea green polymer clay Arabic ingredients, such as l White clay candied fruits and dried fruits. l White translucent polymer clay After centuries of evolution, l Red clay Cassata cake is now a sponge l Liquid polymer cake sprinkled with orange l Single-sided blade flower water, filled with ricotta l Rolling pin cheese mixed with sugar, l Party stick chocolate, candied fruits, l Polymer clay canes in pistachios, and covered with a citrus and bows layer of light green marzipan. l Clear gloss varnish Colorful decorations are then added using icing and candied24 American Miniaturist

Step 4: Using a single-sided Italian cakeblade, cut off the excess lightgreen clay at the ends and the Step 11: To cover the spot whereoverlapping clay until the edges the two ends of the white stripjoin perfectly. meet, cut off a little bow from the polymer clay bow cane. Add a drop of liquid polymer and press it to make it stick to the cake. Step 8: Roll out a very thin layer of white clay and cut it into very small strips.Step 5: To lengthen the cylinder, Step 9: Carefully wrap each Step 12: To decorate the top, useroll it with your fingers until you strip of clay around the base of orange, lemon, and lime polymerreach approximately 7mm in each little cake. Be sure the strip clay canes. Cut off some thindiameter. Then, put the obtained follows the base. You can turn slices of citrus fruits from them.cylinder of clay in the freezer for the piece upside down to see it Cut each slice into 4 pieces.1 or 2 minutes, so that the clay more precisely.will become hard enough to becut in perfect pieces withoutany warping.Step 6: First, cut off the two messy Step 10: Cut off the excess ofends of the cylinder and then cut the clay strip and than make surethe rest of it into 1cm pieces. that it joints perfectly around the base of the cake.Step 7: Gently squeeze the topend of each piece, shaping it intoa frustum of a cone. American Miniaturist 25

Italian cakeStep 13: Mix some red clay with Step 15: Add a coata bit of translucent clay and mold of clear gloss varnish,little round cherries. Then, using focusing only on thea drop of liquid polymer, place top of the cake, sinceeach cherry in the middle of each the shell of greenof the cakes. marzipan is usually a matte finish. Step 16: Once you GET IN TOUCH have finished your mini Cassata cakes, MiniAcquoline you can either place Natalia Antonelli them all together on an elegant paper doily Email: [email protected] or put them on a ceramic tray and then proudly display them Etsy shop: https://www.etsy. in a miniature pastry shop or on com/shop/miniacquoline a party table. Blog: miniacquoline. Using the same technique blogspot.com you can also make a bigger version of the cake, all you have Facebook Page: https://www. to do is keep the diameter of facebook.com/miniacquoline the cylinder larger. Then you canStep 14: Place the tiny citrus decorate it, as you prefer, withslices that you cut around the strips of white clay or by usingcherry and decorate as you polymer clay canes.prefer. Then set the cakes in theoven to harden (220° F or 105° C) Have fun making your ownand after 10 minutes take them miniature cassasta cakes,out of the oven. I know they will be wonderful! AM26 American Miniaturist

Gypsy vardoAonGminyipwsyhheoemles Belinda McWilliams finally fulfills her dream of making a miniature Gypsy vardo, with the help of her mini group.Belinda McWilliams age. My fascination with all tea set for Christmas, at about has finally fulfilled her things small began when one age eight. The tiny china cups dream of making a min- of them gave me a miniature and saucers were enough to iature Gypsy vardo, with the help of her miniatures group. But, what is a “vardo?“ It’s the formal name of a Gypsy, horse-drawn, live-in wagon, also known as a “caravan,” or, “Gypsy wagon.” Because the living area is built out over the wheels for more space, forming a kind of ledge, these are also called “ledge wagons.” Here is Belinda’s exciting story of creating hers from a kit, told in her own capable words, as well as a bit about her life in miniatures in Cape Town, South Africa.Personal Beginnings“I was blessed by having twograndmothers who were in-credibly creative and talented,and who started passing ontheir skills to me at a youngRight: The vardo even has a workingoutside light above the door. American Miniaturist 27

Gypsy vardomake a child’s imagination What a joy it was, though I Above: All of the intricate details onsoar! Then I was on to Barbie moved my business home this vardo is a feast for the eyes.dolls, and making houses from about seven years ago due toshoeboxes and whatever else I an economic slump and some to embark on. With so muchcould find. I did always dream health issues. It was during information available on theof a proper dollhouse, though! this quieter time, that I started Internet, I was like a runaway designing my ‘dream doll- bush fire! For the longest time, “We live in an amazing house’ – on wheels! my dream had been to build acorner of the world, where I miniature Gypsy vardo.love to explore the Western “For the longest timeCape region with its delight- my dream project has The real one that inspiredful villages and towns. I was been to build a miniature me the most, is in the Riv-fortunate to finally be able Gypsy vardo.” erside Museum in Reading,to open my own craft shop where real ledge wagonsin Cape Town, after having The dream comes together were produced. To my greatlearned many crafting skills “What a stimulating project delight – and the delight ofover the years. us all in the Miniaturia Guild of Cape Town – our annual There, I started teaching group display was to be ourand sharing crafts full time! own Gypsy vardos, made from28 American Miniaturist

Gypsy vardokits. Richard Ferguson, who is a very talented sculptor and Above: A secret little compartmentis a long-time member of our ingenious lady, who is also in the back, holds miniatureGuild, cut them out for us, a member of our Guild. The campfire cooking equipment.and did a sterling job, though lights were a great find, as theyhe nearly lost a finger in the are made from brass, and the also built me a huge bookcase,process. The assembly and LED globes run off of watch which is perfect for displayingpainting of the kit’s basic box batteries.” my miniatures work, becausewent together like a dream.Then the fun started, when I Life in miniatures Left: A cozy place toadded my own cosmetic and “My husband live with all of thedesign alterations. comforts of home. “I wanted realistic wheelsfor my vardo, which resultedin many hours of research anda visit to the BlaawklippenCarriage Museum, in Stellen-bosch, where my husband andI measured and photographedactual carriage wheels. Fortunately, he has a 3Dprinter, and so, could make myauthentic carriage wheels onthat clever machine. We werealso fortunate enough to visit areal Dunton Ledge vardo at theCalgary Carriage Museum, justoutside of East London. Whata treat to be able to climbinto a real one. Itcertainly gaveme a greaterappreciationfor thedetailsandcleverconstruc-tion ideasto be found within eachcaravan. The small gargoyleson my vardo werecustom-carved forme by MelanieStewart, who American Miniaturist 29

Gypsy vardoBelinda has thought of every detailthat this Gypsy family would need.30 American Miniaturist

Gypsy vardoit allows a view from both Above and below: Tiny treasures fill the vardo including art, button boots,sides. It is with his support wine, and little books. There is even a small cozy bed in the very back.and that of a great team inmy business, which booksinternational hotel accom-modations and is run from myhome, that I am able to in-dulge in miniatures and othercrafts, which feed my soul. “Once the weekday obli-gations are complete, I canescape to my cottage-themed‘nest’, which is the name myfamily has given my studio.It is in a corner of our loft,jammed-packed with all typesof stuff within arms’ reach.“My family loves myhobby so much so thatthe miniature addictionhas spread to threegenerations.” There, I can hunker downand continue to potter on myFrench cottage or completewhatever is sitting on mywork mat. My other favoriteplace for creating miniatures ismy Morris chair in the lounge,where my husband has mademe a work surface that slidesonto the arms of the chair, soit won’t tip whenever the cats American Miniaturist 31

Gypsy vardojump up. That usually sends are so inspiring constructing tree trunk housesthe tiny bits flying away, never because of all from scratch - a challengeto be seen again. the sharing of for me, because the group is tips, hints, skills, working in three scales, which “Clearly, I am addicted, but techniques, and consist of 1:12, 1:24, andmy family loves my hobby - so ideas, which seem 1:144. I mainly sell project kitsmuch so, that the miniature never-ending. to Guild members, but alsoaddiction has spread to three sell them at our annual showgenerations. I love the fact that Our projects and convention, and I haveminiatures are the one hobby have consisted taken commissions, as well.that is a home to all crafts. of a pewterThere is a use for all skills and AGA, flowers, a “Over the ages, miniaturestechniques I have learned over wooden wheel- have fascinated people, and Ithe years, or that one ever barrow, a vintage believe that there will alwayscould learn, and I must say travel trunk, and be a following of miniatures,that my Gypsy vardo was a a ‘how-to’ session as evidenced by all the youngtreat to build, using them. on weathering visitors I saw at the Tom and distressing Bishop show in Chicago. Our “Currently, I am serving wood. Currently, Guild also has young mem-on a Guild committee as our annual Guild bers, and there are a hugeworkshop coordinator. I love group project is number of them at the annualrunning the workshops; they Above: A simple fair in Cape snack of bread Town. and carrots. What an Right: These amazingly tal- delightful ented group gargoyles were of people in custom carved our guild, by Melanie with open Stewart. hearts sharing all they know so freely, that one cannot stop learning or stop getting inspired.” AM32 American Miniaturist

Gardening shedTips to achieverustic realismCelia Thomas shares some of her tradesecrets on how to make a miniature scenefeel aged and lived in to achieve realism.M any years ago I made I will also show you how to kitchen knife or pallet knife. up this scene in a small make a simple workbench and a • You need to work quickly before room box to illustrate shelf filled with all sorts of aged it starts to set on your hands!how easy and effective it is to items that, again, can be adapted • When you’ve finished, wipe theachieve an aged look for flooring to your own personal project for excess Polyfilla off your handsand walls. These techniques can a great effect. before you attempt to washbe easily adapted for other kinds them or you could clog the pipsof miniature settings such as a I would strongly recommend in your sink.washhouse, outside loo, scullery, making the flagstone floor afteror the kitchen of an old cottage. you have finished the walls so Handy hints on acrylic paint that the flagstones butt right up • Acrylic paint can be washed off“These techniques can to the walls. your hands with soap and water,be easily adapted for but it might be a good idea toother kinds of miniature Handy hints on Polyfilla wear an apron or something tosettings such as a • Use a ready mixed tube of protect your clothes.washhouse, outside loo, Polyfilla, because it is much • A wash of paint is where ascullery, or the kitchen of easier to handle and quick to dry. considerable amount of wateran old cottage.” Unless you are expert at mixing has been added to the paint the powdered form of Polyfilla, so that it becomes a ‘water’ An aged wall finish with you may find your work cracking consistency resulting in a paleslightly exposed brickwork and and if used on wood, this may color.a bit of damp thrown in can be warp if too much water has been • Don’t use patterned/coloredcreated from sandpaper, Polyfilla, used. kitchen towel when dabbing onand acrylic paint. Old slate tiled • A cocktail stick is essential to acrylic paint as the color/patternflooring can be made from use when applying Polyfilla in can come off onto your project-cardboard and Polyfilla, finished between the bricks. not a good effect.off with acrylic paint. • I always use my bare hands • I never use pure black acrylic when applying the Polyfilla on paint. Paynes Grey, which is a the walls and ceiling, but if you softer black and it gives a more sruuSbftfbeerperfr3golmovseesnasnitdiveussekiannwoeldar realistic finish. American Miniaturist 33

Gardening shed34 American Miniaturist

Gardening shed• For a light brown color mix a gap. It is worth taking direction,small amount of Raw Umber and care at this stage not to smoothing over as you go.white to achieve required shade. put too much glue on, as Make sure that you do not build you must not have the up huge excess where the walls Tools & materials: PVA glue seeping out all over the bricks because l Tube of ready mixed it will spoil the effect. Polyfilla (330G tube) l PVA glue Step 3: It doesn’t matter l Acrylic paints - Raw where the bricks go, but Umber, White, Green think about what room l Paintbrushes - assorted you are making and how l Sandpaper - fine grade much wear and tear in l Cocktail stick real life it would have. Allow glue to dry for aWalls and ceiling few minutes and thenStep 1: Mark out bricks in pencil you are ready for theon the back of the sandpaper Polyfilla.and cut out - they shouldmeasure ¼” x ¾”. For this project Step 4: Take a cocktailI used 14 bricks. Here are three stick to apply tinydifferent examples of how you amounts of Polyfilla alongcould make your cluster of bricks. the crevices in between the sandpaper bricks. Be Fig. 1 sure to apply sparingly and try not to get any on the bricks. If you do, scrape it off immediately. Allow it to dry for about half an hour. Step 5: Make up a weak wash of Raw Umber with water and paint all over the bricks and mortar. Then using a little brush, mix up a small amount of a light brown color and apply it all along the mortar lines.Step 2: Using Fig 1 as a guide, Step 6: First apply generouswork out where you want the amounts of Polyfilla to yourbricks to go and fix with PVA glue ceiling working left to right. Thenin clusters leaving approx 1/16” apply Polyfilla over your walls, but not on your brickwork. Do one wall at a time, in a floor to ceiling American Miniaturist 35

Gardening shedmeet the ceiling. Overlap the green and Raw Umber paint. Step 2: Use your finger, orPolyfilla a little all the way around Apply using your finger and cocktail stick if you have sensitiveyour cluster of bricks to give the then dab lightly with a piece of skin, to grout your flagstonesillusion that the outer layer of the kitchen towel. with Polyfilla. If you get any onwall has fallen away leaving the the tiles then wipe off as muchbricks exposed. Tools & materials: as you can so that it is relatively smooth. Allow about half an hourStep 7: Allow at least a couple l Cardboard approx. 1/16” to dry and sand gently, brushingof hours to dry (if you are in a thick. off dust.hurry), but ideally allow 24 hours l PVA gluefor very best results. Use the fine l Tube of ready mixed Step 3: Squeeze out individualgrade sandpaper and sand in a Polyfilla amounts of white, Raw Umber,floor to ceiling direction. Brush l Acrylic paint - Raw and Paynes Grey onto youroff excess dust. Umber, White, and mixing area. Take a bit ofStep 8: Use a thick brush to Panyes Grey white and Paynes Grey andapply a light brown paint mixture l Small paintbrush mix up some light grey. Use aover walls and ceiling, but not on l Sandpaper - fine grade small brush to paint individualyour brick clusters. Then quickly flagstones randomly one shade,add more white and do the Old slate floor then add a bit more Paynessame again. Immediately after Step 1: Using Fig 2 as a guide Grey and make the remainingcompleting this second coat dab mark out your flagstones in flagstones a darker shade.all over with kitchen towel (see pencil onto your cardboardhandy hints). If you feel the color and cut them out. Lay out your Step 4: Add some Raw Umberis not right, then add another flagstones in rows leaving approx to your grey mixture and withcoat of paint either darker or 1/16” gaps all the way around, then your finger rub over all yourwhiter as you wish. glue in place using PVA glue. flagstones.Step 9: Add some damp patches You do not have to stick to thisby mixing up a weak wash of pattern, but make sure that you Step 5: Next add a little Paynes round the corners slightly and lay Grey to your mixture and rub them in rows. over random flagstones. Now add a little more Raw Umber to Fig. 2 Diagram not to scale.36 American Miniaturist

Gardening shedyour whole paint mixture and paint to build the color up. Tools:rub onto other flagstones. Theidea of this technique is to build Step 8: Now look at your floor, l PVA glueup varying shades to give your if you are not satisfied with the l Acrylic paint - Rawflagstones a realistic look rather color then touch up individual Umberthan have them all the same flagstones using your finger l Paintbrushshade of one color. Once you dipped in a weak wash of either l Sandpaper - fine gradehave mastered this technique white, Raw Umber or Paynesthen you can experiment a little Grey. Materials:more with color. Step 9: If you were making this l Cut the following out ofStep 6: Take some white paint floor in a house, then I would jelutong wood:and mix up a very weak wash. strongly advise applying a l 2” x 1/8” x desired lengthDip your forefinger into the couple of coats of matt varnish (a)white paint and rub into mixing to protect it. However, for this l 1/4” x 1/4” x 23/4” either 4 orsurface to take off excess paint project there is no need as the 6 legs depending onthen in a swirling movement floor will be covered in soil and length of bench (b)apply to an individual flagstone. dirt anyway. l 1/4” x 1/8” x 11/4” for shelfYou should by now have a supports. Cut 2 for 4 legs,very impressive old looking Workbench cut 3 for 6 legs (c)flagstone. If you have too much This is a simple workbench l 1/4” x 1/16” x long enoughwhite paint on your finger it that can be adapted to a shed, to reach along shelfwould spoil the effect. If this workshop scene etc. This is not supports and you willhappens paint cover your meant to be freestanding, but to need 3 of these - (d)mistake with Raw Umber or l 3/8” x 1/8” x long enoughgrey and try again with the Fig. 3 to fit in between frontwhite. Carry on with the white legs for front panel.using this technique over a 1 front panel for 4 legs, 2random flagstones. front panels for 6 legs (e)Step 7: Decide on what e e bcolor you wish to make bthe grouting. I used a bweak wash of Raw Umber and c b d bPaynes Grey. Use a very small b c cbrush to apply carefully along dthe grouting. When this is done dgo over the grouting again witha thicker mixture of the same American Miniaturist 37

Gardening shedbe made in situ and viewed full on. Tools: Tip: Paint your woodwork with a diluted wash of RawStep 1: Paint all these pieces l PVA glue Umber and sand lightlywith a weak wash of Raw Umber. l Acrylic paint - Raw when dry, particularly at theWhen dry sand all pieces lightly. Umber edges where there is most l Paintbrush wear and tear.Step 2: Glue the back legs in l Sandpaper - fine gradeposition first making sure they Step 4: This is a simple shelf thatare absolutely straight and evenly Materials: can be any length you want, butspaced. Then glue the front legs obviously the longer you have it,in place making sure they match l Cut the following out of the more shelf supports you willup with the back legs (b). jelutong: need. Try painting over a Raw l 1/8” x ½” x length you Umber color with another colorStep 3: Position the shelf require your shelf from such as black, green, or whitesupports at even spaces off the wood strip after you’ve built it and thenfloor (c). I glued mine about 1”. l 3 shelf brackets all same sand it lightly so that the Raw width cut from Umber color shows through inStep 4: Glue worktop in place, architrave. I cut mine ¼” places. If you have never mademaking sure that it is straight (a). width anything like this before you willIdeally if you had a small spirit be amazed at the result.level you could use this, but I shelf is to look old and patchymust confess I often do things I would advise painting after Other itemsby eye. construction. The workbench and shelf have been filled with all sortsStep 5: It is advisable to wait Step 2: Glue three shelf brackets of homemade items as wella few minutes for the shelf into place. Evenly spaced along as bought items that can besupports to be firmly stuck and the underside of the shelf and adapted to give an aged look.then glue the three shelf strips allow to dry before handling. Here are instructions for somein place, making sure they are of them.evenly spaced (d). Glue in front Step 3: Paint all pieces with apanels (e). weak wash of Raw Umber and Soil when dry sand all pieces lightly, Realistic soil can be made fromShelf particularly the edges where the ordinary dried tea leaves, butStep 1: Sand all pieces lightly. most wear and tear would take not herbal or anything fancyAt this stage you might paint place. Glue the shelf into place as some tea leaves wouldyour pieces before gluing making sure that it is straight. actually be too big and out ofthem together, but as the scale. Some people use them Fig. 4 straight from an unused tea bag however I find they can be a little smelly unless they are soaked. Briefly soak new tea bags in boiling water and then lay the loose tea leaves out to dry over several layers of kitchen38 American Miniaturist

Gardening shed Just repeat the process until it is dirty enough. I used this effect on the watering can, square tin, and washtub.towel. Leave in the open air made using fuse wire and tissue Cardboard boxfor at least 24 hours longer if paper leaves painted green Simple boxes can bepossible. or Fimo leaves stuck in rows. made out of colored Alternatively you can find all sorts card. I often use old fileSeed tray of artificial greenery at railway covers. A good way ofI made the seed tray for this modeling shops that can be fading brand new files isscene quite large, but they can adapted. to leave them in directbe any size you want. I used a sunlight for a few days.rectangle of 1/16” wood cut to l” x Make a tiny white stick out Follow the diagram to11/2”. For the sides I used ¼” x 1/16” of thin card, scribble some measure your basic boxstrip. For the corners I used 1/16” miniature writing in black ink on your card. Cut aroundbeading, but matchsticks will do. and glue it in at one end of your all bold lines. ScoreCut them so that they protrude tray. Then, as a final touch, using with blunt craft knife orabove the sides. Use PVA glue to a very sharp pencil and add scissors along all dottedstick in your dried tea leaves. some nail heads at each end of lines and fold. Stick flaps the tray. (a) to sides and there you have a Effective seedlings can be simple box. Running a blunt craft Aged metal knife or scissors along all of the Fig. 5 You can easily “dirty” edges and creases will roughen brand new pewter up the box. or metal items up Once you have mastered the by coating in Raw basic concept you can make Umber acrylic paint boxes any size and color and and then dabbing have great fun in filling your with a kitchen towel. boxes too. Try sticking a piece of cloth in so that it hangs out over the edge, or have books peeping out untidily. Final touches Other items you could use are cheap bottles with the label ripped off and “dirtied” with Raw Umber, rags made out of scraps of cotton material, fuse wire wound around tightly, thick string hung as old rope, string balls made from de-stranded string wound around into a tight American Miniaturist 39

Gardening shed 1/2” 1” ball, green plastic covered wire top for a hose pipe, open weave material painted or dyed green for netting, simple woodenFig. 6 a side 1” a box made out of wood scraps, burlap cut up for sacks and a wooden box filled with seed1/2” 1” 1” packets cut out of magazinestop side 1” base side 1/2” or garden center leaflets. top Finally, to complete this scene I scattered dried tea over the floor and workbench, sticking some down in places. I also swept up some fine a side 1” a sawdust from my real life size top 1/2” Score workbench and scattered Cut it around with a few bits of twisted up miniature newspaper. It really is all in the details when you want to create a realistic effect. Using these tips will surely help. AM40 American Miniaturist

Good Sam AcademyDmiinsciotvaerleynotusr The 2014 Good Sam Academy of Miniatures is excited to offer nine fun- filled classes for all skill levels to enjoy.Announcing 2014 Good of all skill levels will have an The Guys from Texas - Frank Sam Academy of opportunity to practice their Lloyd Wright style structure Miniatures “The 2014 craft and learn new techniques “This Frank Lloyd WrightGood Sam Academy classes in a variety of mediums. inspired room incorporateswill be held October 13-17 im- The emphasis is on having unique features from his Latemediately after the 2014 Good fun while learning advancedSam Show,” says IGMA Fellow techniques in a relaxed atmo-Connie Sauve, Director. “The sphere. Why don’t you comeintent of the Academy is to and enjoy the fun, too?”give students an opportunity tolearn how to make high quality All workshops are 1:12 scale,miniatures from accomplished unless otherwise stated.artisans. All of the instructorsare leaders in their selected Kari Bloom - Upholsteringfields and have been teaching “I will teach students tech-their skills to miniaturists for niques to upholster a Wing-many years.” back Chair,” says talented IGMA Fellow Kari Bloom. “We will be offering nine “They will have a choice of fiveexciting classes at the Acad- different fabrics designed andemy’s spacious well-lighted printed by me or may bringworkshop facility in Morgan their own cottonHill, CA. It is about 25 minutes fabrics. Trims willfrom the Doubletree Hotel be available to(where the Good Sam Show is mix and match.held) and the San Jose Airport Students will alsoon Highway 101. There are make tassels to topopen and enclosed classrooms, off their truly one-a full kitchen, and ample of-a-kind piece.”restrooms.” This is a three-day workshop. For all “Class lengths range from skill levels.two to five days. Miniaturists American Miniaturist 41

Good Sam AcademyPrairie Style and Usonian Johannes Landman - 17th (thinning the leather), dyeinghomes,” Jon Fish and Larry Century still life oil painting and assembly. The saddle fea-Osborn tell us. “Students learn “Students will master meth- tures working buckles, cinches,how to finish a faux flagstone ods and techniques neces- intricate tooling patterns, andfloor, an easy technique for sary to complete ‘A Still Life gleaming etched silver-finishstained glass, how to finish with Pewter Flagon and Two decorative plates.” Three-dayhardwood, apply other metallic Ming Bowls.’ They will learn class. Intermediate skill level.and faux finishes, and more.” perspective, form, and structureThree-day workshop. Interme- techniques necessary to prepare Deb Mackie - Cochise: Ameri-diate skill level. a sketch on a toned birchwood can paint quarter horse and panel. Included is an introduc- leather halterNell Corkin - Victorian cottage tion to the fundamentals of “Students will learn the paint-“Students will build and land- color theory, mixing and adjust- ing and detailing techniquesscape this 1:144 scale Victorian ing colors. necessary to bring Cochise toCottage,” says Nell Corkin, To give the painting its finished, life and achieve depth in hisIGMA Fellow in Structures. realistic appearance, layering distinctive black and white“I will teach a wide variety and glazing techniques will be coat. This includes blendingof techniques for working in demonstrated.” Five-day work- and ‘mapping’ of hair pat-1:144 scale. Special emphasis shop. Intermediate skill level. terns with special attentionis placed on methods devel- given to the life-like detail-oped by me over thirty years Deb Mackie - Western showto achieve a high level of detail saddle, saddle tree and bridleand realistic look in this small “Students will learn leather-scale.” Four-day workshop. crafting techniques,” saysIntermediate skill level. instructor Deb Mackie, an IGMA Artisan. “This includes tooling, stamping, embossing, simulated stitching, skiving42 American Miniaturist

Good Sam Academying of eyes, ears, nose and Jim Pounder designed both for the studenthooves. A realistic hair mane - Silver with no prior experience withand tail will be applied using soldering silver soldering and for theEnglish viscose fiber, and a lights: 3 dif- student who has attended thisfine leather halter added.” ferent lamps type of class before.” Two-dayTwo-day workshop. Beginner “Students workshop. Beginner/Intermedi-skill level. will learn sil- ate skill level. AM ver solderingMark Murphy - Sack-Back techniques,” GET IN TOUCHWindsor armchair says“Students will learn how to long-time Jim Pounder Sculpturesmake this classic New Eng-land Windsor armchair using instructor Bronze sculptures andwoodworking skills,” says Jim Pounder, designer lighting for overIGMA Fellow Mark Murphy. an IGMA 34 years“They will carve the seat, Fellow. Email: [email protected] the steam-bent arms “They willand bow, then turn the legs, learn the skills required in the GET IN TOUCHarm posts, back spindles, side fabrication of miniature lamps.rails and center rail. After Students make two desk lamps Send in your 2014assembling the chair, stu- and one floor lamp. This is a GSAM Registrationdents will be able to finish it class designed both for the stu- now, before yourwith my painting and aging dent with no prior experience favorite class getstechniques to achieve a worn, with silver soldering and for the filled!aged patina.” This is a three- student who has attended thisday workshop. Beginner/ type of class before.” Three-day For Academy informationIntermediate skill level. workshop. Beginner/Intermedi- and Registration Form, go to: ate skill level. http://goodsamshowcase. miniature.net/ Jim Pounder - Silver soldering goodsamacademy.htm brass bed “With the use of silver solder- Academy questions, contact: ing, students will construct a Connie Sauve, GSAM twin-sized bed frame in the Director style of a late 19th century [email protected] ‘iron’ bed frame. This is a class or 209-474-2870 American Miniaturist 43

Dollhouse dollsEtoyetshaerse owuinldows Endless inspiration pours from Soraya Merino’s fingertips as she creates beautiful dolls, each with their own personality.My name is Soraya My family is a fascinating Merino and I reside mix of artists, painters, magi- in Barcelona, Spain. I cians, and instrument makers,specialize in 1:12-scale dolls so they are very happyand miniatures. I have always with my love of minia-loved dolls, but it wasn’t un- tures and my desire totil 1995 that I discovered the create them. When I wasminiature world. I found a a child I loved to drawshop that sold miniatures in and my drawings were al-my city and was introduced ways based on beautifulto a miniature magazine in ladies or women’s faces.Spain. A year later I began to The faces and expres-create them. sion in the eyes were my specialty. I can’t con-“I never want to stop ceive a doll withoutlearning. I’m very creative an expression inand I see miniatures as a their eyes.challenge to express all ofmy ideas.” Dollhouses were not a tradi- I am always looking for tion in Spain whennew ideas and tutorials on I was growing up,miniatures. I never want to so I didn’t dis-stop learning. I’m very cre- cover them until Iative and I see miniatures as a was about twentychallenge to express all of my years old. My firstideas. I have loved tiny things dolls were madesince I was a child, but I havenever known why. Right: A beautiful Edwardian Mulatto lady who is fashionably dressed in 1900- 1910 style.44 American Miniaturist

Dollhouse dollsfrom natural clay and plaster characters taken from history I prefer porcelain arms be-band outfits. They were very and other movies. I prefer cause they look more realisticsimple. I had no idea how to Edwardian fashion, specifi- and delicate than clay arms.dress dolls, so when I would cally between the years 1900attempt to sew an outfit the to 1910. It is my favorite style I don’t enjoy dressing myfinished product often made of all times. male dolls, so I have Aliciathe dolls look like a bears. Voltais dress them for me. My dolls are She is a talented Portuguese Thanks to the introduction made from doll maker. I must admit, Iof the Internet, I could finally polymer can’t bear to part with any ofsee what American miniatur- clay, but my dolls, but I sell them onists were doing and I started I usecreating my best quality dolls porcelain eBay, Etsy, and at miniaturesby following tutorials and for the shows, such as the Miniatur-tips from other artists. When arms and ist Artisan Fair of Barcelona.I started making dolls and sometimes Prices range between $179miniatures here the legs. and $320. This year I willin Spain, MariaNarbon, Maria also have my dolls at aJose Santos, andI were the only American Miniaturist 45miniature dollmakers in ourcountry. Mariaintroduced me tosilk lace and Ma-ria Jose showedme how to useTacky Glue toassemble theclothing. My dolls por-tray witches,African Ameri-can girls thatwere inspiredby the beauti-ful and verysad slaverymovies, aswell as specialRight:Madame deTavernier is afrench courtlady.

Dollhouse dollsParis miniatures show on the Right: Li-Hsien is a Far Westtable of another well-known Chinese lady who is dressed in theminiaturist. style of the American Far West with Chinese accents. I love Chinese A museum here in Spain movies and the beauty of it’s ladiescalled Antonio Marco’s Min- as well as the stunning fashion. Iiatures Museum bought my made two and by luck there wereset of three old ladies this past two Chinese American ladiesyear and another woman in anxious to buy them!the United States who has asmall museum bought a doll many years ago, but I don’t think she remembers that I’m“The dolls are made the maker.from polymer clay, but Iuse porcelain arms and My workplace issometimes legs as well.” very chaotic. I’m messy, but this is not a problem to Left: These are Jewish and Muslim me because I know ladies dressed in the style of the where everything is 1900-1910s. I have a very special located. My most valuable connection with the Jewish people, because I have Jewish ancestors. tool, one I could not Fiddler on the Roof and Yentle are live without, is a two of my favorite movies. nail tool with a I was inspired to make the Muslim triangle shape on doll after I saw a photo of one of its end. I found it my aunts when she was young. forty years ago She wore a dress like the one my when I was doll is wearing and I simply had to a child and I make her. knew I would use it in the future for some- thing. It now helps me to create the faces of my dolls. Because I work full time it is difficult for me to find time to devote to this hobby. I try to make an46 American Miniaturist

Dollhouse dolls focus on making miniatures or dressing dolls. When I think about the fu- ture of miniatures, I hope that people from countries with a good economy will all become collectors! Here in Spain, I feel that miniatures are new. They have only become popular in the last fifteen years or so, but now they are here and they are not going to disappear. If I were asked to describe myself I would have to say I’m a shy and modest person. Below: This is a Portrait doll of my sister in law in her beautiful wedding gown and veil.Above: I was inspired to create and I always usethese dolls after watching the Sundays to create.movie Beloved. It seemed to me that I use the entire dayno one was making beautiful black from when I wake-upwomen in 1:12 scale and I just loved until I go to bed. Itheir beauty and felt inspired. also have workshops in June at a shop inhour on the weekday morn- Barcelona where Iings to work on my miniatures American Miniaturist 47

Dollhouse dolls Left: Three elegantly dressed elderly Edwardian ladies. I was always sketching beautiful young ladies and then I started drawing beautiful elderly ladies too. I have such fun sculpting and dressing them. Below: Lord Bradley Pittersen is a steampunk gentleman with Brad Pitt features. He was dressed by Alicia Volta, a Portuguese doll maker.“I only have to see a new shops that weremovie or read a new book directed by other artists andor simply see a beautiful I always discovered that theface on the subway to have people were surprised tohundreds of new ideas.” see me there. They would say, “But what am I going toI blush when someone tells show you, Soraya? You knowme good things about my everything!” Still, I never faildolls. I used to go to work- to learn from them. I’m always looking for new things to create. I also48 American Miniaturist

Dollhouse dolls Left: This group of Edwardian ladies are dressed in fashion. Below: Prince Vlad is a character from the move based on Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel Dracula. He is also dressed by Alicia Volta.Left: These dolls are actor, GérardDepardieu, from the movie Balzacand a self portrait doll of Soraya.repaint fashion dolls and I will say, I seem to havehave been making dolls new ideas every day. I see that are the actual size a movie or read a book or simply see a beautiful face on of a baby monkey. I the subway and get inspired. I call them “monkey fear I will never have enough reborns.” I paint the time in my life to make all the skin of the vinyl kit dolls that I have in my head, and add the hair but I won’t stop trying. AM to the body with a needle one strand American Miniaturist 49 at a time. I then dress them in sweet little outfits. They are really beautiful and impressive.

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