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FINE MINIATURE ART FOR THE DEVOTED COLLECTOR Issue 88, 2022 DHMINIATURES.COM US $10.95 CAN $15.95 ISSUE 88

WPSLITHAHNOUPTSO! • Two fully stocked miniature shops • eBay store: carmelminiaturemuseum The Museum of Miniature Houses’ nearby Inspiration Room is now proudly displaying Linda LaPage’s Addams Family Dollhouse (pictured right). Thousands of shop items for sale at the main museum and the Inspiration Room! Main Museum: 111 East Main St. Carmel, IN 46032 • 317-575-9466 • [email protected] Friday & Saturday 11-4 and Sunday 1-4. Inspiration Room: 1089 SW 3rd Ave. #204, Carmel, IN 46032. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm w w w. m u s e u m o f m i n i a t u r e s . o r g 2 DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES

Dollhouse Land Artistry in Miniature by Laura Crain Artisan Painted Furniture, Garden & Floral Artist Creations See you at: Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures 2022 October 8th & 9th Doubletree Hotel, San Jose  Miniature West Show 2023 February 11th Culver City California 27134A Paseo Espada • Suite 304 • San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 496-9841 • [email protected] It’s the little things... The collection at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures includes more than 500 antique and contemporary dollhouses and roomboxes. Visit us online for virtual programs, articles, videos, audio tours, and other digital resources. featured miniature: detail fom The Carriage House Antique Store, Ron and April Gill, gift of the Yankey Family honoring the memory of Mary Paul Yankey. 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr. Tucson, Arizona 85712 www.theminitimemachine.org 3D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

contents little details 7 The Botanist’s Folly 34 Scene With a Story Gina Zetts captures the passion of Connie Sauve shares her 1:12 Issue 88 botany in one-inch scale scale diorama “Where to Lady?” Dollhouse Miniatures 14 A Patio in Provence 44 A Tiny Townhouse PO Box 219 Ana Svetlana created a special Auralea Krieger turned a room box Kasson, MN 55944 room box for her sister into an elegant townhouse For subscription or billing 20 Paying Tribute 48 Game of Chess inquires please email: We pay tribute to Annette Petersen A perfect addition to the parlor [email protected] the founder of Wee Forest Folk or a nook in the hall To reach us: (507) 634-3143 22 Frame for a Display 49 Initial Impressions Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587 Connie Sauve shows how to make a Personalize your mini family’s fire Email: [email protected] frame base for your diorama screen in a Georgian style Website: www.dhminiatures.com 26 Nonna’s Kitchen 50 A Picnic Basket UK: PO Box 2258, Pulborough Chris Marlow used high tech meth- This mini basket will hold West Sussex RH20 9BA ods to replicate a vintage kitchen everything needed for a fun day Phone: 01903 884988 66 Editor: Auralea Krieger Email: [email protected] Advertising Sales: Maria Fitzgerald Email: [email protected] Customer Service: Email: usoffi[email protected] Design: Auralea Krieger Ad Design: Wendy Crosthwaite Cover Photo: Gina Zetts Subscriptions: US: usoffi[email protected] UK: [email protected] Subscription prices: 1 year (6 issues): $69.99 Canada $95.99 CAD; UK £79.99; Europe €98.99; Rest of World $109.99 USD Dollhouse Miniatures (ISSN 1094-1916 (USPS 957-440) is published bi-monthly at PO Box 219, Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price $59.99. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson MN and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address corrections to Dollhouse Miniatures, PO Box 219, Kasson, MN 55944. All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis that the author grants the Publisher a non- exclusive worldwide license to distribute and sell the article in print and/or digital form. Copyright remains with the author. 52 7 58 4 DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES

“fine miniature art for the devoted collector” www.dhminiatures.com dollhouseminiaturesmagazine 52 Design Studio 20 welcome Marie Knight put all her extra minatures to good use 76 A French Chateau For the past month I A chance glance at an advertisement have been digging 58 The Suffragette House lit the spark for Jennifer Lavery deep to understand Donna Rau made a charming house my anxiety and for her antique collection 81 Mini Cutouts discovering new tools to keep Cut out various artwork to frame as it in check. With everything 63 Big Buzz wall art for your dollhouse that has happened the past This page is filled with news few years there has been updates, events and contests a rise in anxiety across the globe, but this is something I 64 Little Letters have always had to deal with. Feedback and stories from The good things that have our devoted readers come from recent events is the outreach programs and open 66 Château de l’Amour conversations dealing with Let’s take a peek inside Jackie’s anxiety and how to cope. magnificent Château I don’t have space here to get into a lot of detail but I do 76 want to stress that creating any form of art is crucial for coping with anxiety. Luckily for me I have many miniature art projects to pick from! Meditation and exercise are also at the top of the list to be mentally healthy and happy. Think positively and love those around you, but the very first thing you need to do is love yourself by making healthy choices. Then you are fit enough to love others. We hope you enjoy all of the outstanding miniature art work in this issue of DHM and pour your inspiration into a new creative adventure that will take you to your ‘happy place’. Auralea Krieger, Editor [email protected] 14 5D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

Save more than $100 when you subscribe Subscribe to American Miniaturist and have the beautiful miniaturistAmerican ISSUE 227, 2022 $9.95 USD magazine delivered straight to your door. INSPIRING MINIATURE ENTHUSIASTS TO CREATE www.americanminiaturist.com With more projects than ever you won’t want to miss a single issue of America’s favorite miniatures magazine. Our passionate editorial team is comprised of dedicated miniaturists who ensure each issue is full of wonderful projects of all skill levels along with inspiring features and all the news from the mini world. You’ll find plenty to inspire you, whether you’re just starting out in the hobby, or you’re an experienced miniaturist. Plus, when you subscribe, you’ll enjoy FREE unlimited access to our entire available digital library. That’s a saving of $45.99 FREE You can access the digital library from ISSUE 227 your desktop, tablet or phone 24 hours a PROJECTS: FRENCH SHUTTERS WISTERIA CORNER SHELF day, 7 days a week. BUNK BEDS 3D PRINTING FELTED GOOSE AND MORE • Browse through literally thousands of projects, features and expert advice. • Download any content you desire for printing out or for archiving. • Search through our available back issues for the exact content you are looking for. • Access valuable back issues which are now out of print. But that’s not all. When you take out an annual subscription to American Miniaturist we’ll also give you, completely free, access to our special Dollshouse.tv channel. In hundreds of films our talented tutors take you through making and creating miniatures. It’s just like having an expert by your side. That’s a further saving of $59.99. So subscribe today at www.americanminiaturist.com Call +1 833 449 5621, email [email protected] or return the form. 1 year subscription prices: US*: $104.99 Canada (CAD): $160.99 UK: £103.99 Europe: €125.99 Rest of World**: $144.99 Save the postage, subscribe online at www.AmericanMiniaturist.com First Name Last Name I want to subscribe/renew to Address American Miniaturist! State Zip City 1 year ($104.99) (US Funds Only) Telephone E-mail Country Return this form to: Please debit my Mastercard / Visa / Amex / Discover Expires / CVV2 American Miniaturist, Card no. PO Box 219, Kasson, MN 55944. *US Currency Rates for USA Subscribers **US Currency Rates for ROW Subscribers Or call us today: +1 833 449 5621

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FEATURE The Botanist’s Folly Gina Zetts shares her latest work of art, which captures the passion of botany as an ambitious interest in the Victorian era. BY DEB WEISSLER D ollhouse Miniatures is ex- common during the time. Much Miniature artist Gina Zetts. cited to spend some time like dollhouses are thought of by chatting with miniature artist modern culture as existing within DHM: What materials did you use? Gina Zetts in this exclusive the tropes of the feminine, I wanted Gina: The primary materials are interview about her latest one-inch this dollhouse to fully embrace that. plywood, balsa wood, cork for the scale creation. It embraces ‘feminine’ as a thing of floor tiles, Plexiglas, and polymer wonder and exploration, not just as DHM: Gina, what is the piece we a passing curiosity. are highlighting for this issue? Gina: The Botanist’s Folly was cre- DHM: What inspired you to make ated as a sister work to a dollhouse this piece? I made in 2018 named the Natural Gina: This piece was built as part Philosopher’s Study. My previous of the 2021 Creatin’ Contest hosted piece was masculine in its details. by Hobby Builders Supply. I started In this piece I wanted to explore the project with their MiniTown a bit of obscure feminine history Studio Shell Kit, which looks quite around the study of botany in the different from where the piece Victorian era. eventually ended up. Most of the items in this build are handmade To ambitious women of the time, by me, including the blown glass botany offered a more intrepid and bell jars. exciting creative outlet than the feminine fancywork that was more 8 DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES

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FEATURE clay. I used egg cartons to make and wavy glass windows. The to the Plexiglas and to make them the stone blocks and cork sheet to wrought iron frames are made from look aged and wavy. create the stone floor tiles. liquid polymer clay shaped in sili- cone molds and painted black. The DHM: What part of this piece was DHM: What was the most exciting frames sit on a Plexiglas sheet that the most challenging? part of the project? is cut to fit the window openings. Gina: The hardest part about mak- Gina: Figuring out how to create The frames are filled with Dura ing this piece was figuring out how the wrought iron window frames Clear Satin Varnish to adhere them to make a building with thick walls 11D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE greatly as I worked on it. I started and stopped it twice while working on it and in the end, I had an almost entirely different piece than I had originally planned on building. DHM: What new skills were you able to learn? Gina: I brushed up on my basic math skills and learned how to work with Plexiglas in more cre- ative ways! and many details in an octagonal fountain for the build, but as soon DHM: What’s the greatest difficulty shape. I had to rely on a lot of math as I saw it I knew I needed to make you encounter when working on to figure things out. I couldn’t just something dramatic from it. Sourc- any miniature project? eyeball the angles on this build. ing the other little bits and discard- Gina: Finding the right materials ed scraps of wood from my own to convey accurate scale of spe- DHM: What’s your favorite part collection of materials was really cific surfaces and textures. I tend about this piece? fun. Once it was painted and aged to hoard bits and pieces of product Gina: There are so many things I it felt like it had always been part of packaging all over my studio be- love about this build, but the light the idea for this piece. cause I know that someday I’ll find coming through the wavy glass the perfect use for it as an ancient windows and the apothecary DHM: Did your design for this artifact or mid-century modern cabinet with built-in folding desk piece turn out as you first envi- lamp. are particularly magical elements sioned, or did it morph as you went to me. I wish I had a life-sized desk along? DHM: Do you have any formal like this one! I want viewers to Gina: I had been thinking about training when it comes to miniature want to pull those little apothecary the idea for this piece ever since making? drawers open, page through the I completed another dollhouse in Gina: I have no formal training open herbarium and maybe pull a 2018 named the Natural Philoso- specifically, but I do have a BFA in cork from one of the bottles, just be pher’s Study. After I finished that sculpture and an MFA in glass. I careful with that poison please. build I still had so many ideas that have taken classes and worked as a I wasn’t able to explore in the first professor and instructor in various DHM: What was the one thing that version. I knew that I wanted to cre- crafts-based programs across the was the most fun to create? ate a complimentary, more femi- United States. Gina: I loved making the old nine version of the Natural Philoso- overgrown carved stone fountain! pher’s Study, this time focused on Currently I work as a Project I found the cherub-like figure in a Victorian Era Botany. Manager in the Provost’s Office at discount bin at a miniature show. I Saint Mary’s College of California. hadn’t even been thinking about a More than any other dollhouse I Although not currently teaching, I have attempted, this build morphed am also a Professor at the Califor- nia College of the Arts in the Glass Department. DHM: What does your family think of your miniature interests? Gina: Although I’m sure they’d prefer I spent less time in my studio tinkering with miniatures, my family is very supportive of my art. 12 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE My husband is also an artist so he understands the need to be a maker and the time and dedica- tion it takes to become skilled. Our daughter is about to turn three and she is already showing a passion for making as well. I am looking forward to having her with me in my studio more often over the com- ing years. I cannot wait to help her follow her own creative passions the way my parents always sup- ported me as a child. DHM: Have you made anything that you can’t bear to part with? Gina: I’ve made many things. I made a historic newspaper print shop a few years back and the printing press from that project is particularly dear to my heart. I don’t think I could ever part with it. DHM: What do you think about the perceptions of what is acceptable I’ve already started my next doll- future of miniatures? or fashionable. house build and although it will have Gina: I’ve been working in minia- a historical feel like this one, it will tures for a few years now and see- DHM: What’s next for you and your definitely be a stylistic and thematic ing the renaissance that has taken miniature creations? departure. I love to keep a little place as a result of the pandemic Gina: I am constantly creating new mystery around my current projects and technology making creative work and trying to refine my skills but I always share my progress on practices more accessible. I am as a maker. Although I thoroughly Instagram, so please follow @letties. so inspired by 3D printing as well enjoy making things by hand, I am dollhouse if you are interested! as all of the skills shared on social thinking about making the jump media. I hope that makers push the to buying a 3D printer in the near Although I take custom commis- practice even more into the main- future. Technology is opening up so sions and am happy to sell most stream of the art world. I hope to many more possibilities for making of the work I make, I do not have a see more miniature makers fea- small scale work. specific web store at the moment. tured in art fairs and gallery shows in the future. DHM: What do you love most about miniatures? Gina: I love how intimate min- iatures are both physically and emotionally. As an artist I’m really interested in the intrinsic motiva- tions of working in this medium. There is a strange satisfaction when non-traditional art forms break into the mainstream and challenge our 13D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE A Lovely Room Box in Provence From her home in Bamako, Mali, Ana tells us how she created a special room box to bring summer to her sister during the long days of winter. BY ANA SVETLANA It all started in 2017 when I house for useful stuff I could use for A few progress photos during the visited my family in Moscow, my minis. We started to spend long building process of the room box. as I do every summer. I was evenings talking about miniatures, particularly eager to travel. I had looking at pictures, until she shyly already carefully prepared a shop- expressed a request: “If you’ll have ping list of miniatures that could fit time someday, would you please in my suitcase without exploding make me a little room box, with just the family budget. a sofa and lavender flowers? Some- where I can sit in and relax my Above all, I was thrilled to share mind during long winter days.”Yes, my new passion with my loved my sister hates the cold and grey- ones, especially my father and ness of winter. That’s why she often sister. I must say that I was a little travels in hot countries with sun and apprehensive, as experience has shiny colors all year round. taught me that most people believe miniature making fits with chil- Then I came back to Bamako dren’s toys. and my life’s routine. It was only in May 2018 while planning my next To my relief, my father (who is trip that I realized in a panic that I also an artist and brilliant handy- had no present to take. That was man) found it great. My sister also unacceptable; I had to keep my reacted positively and was even promise to my sister, even if I had more excited than I was to go shop- only three months left to do so. That ping in DIY stores, and search her 14 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE was extremely short considering was in heaven…in Provence. with HDF fiberboard sheets in the I’m slow in the making, and only How the project went together: background. After long calculations had limited time in the evenings I found that 1/16th scale, though and weekends to work at it. I also The first idea was simple: a cozy unconventional, suited my needs. had to find clear ideas to design little nook with a sofa and lavender. All the objects were designed the project from scratch. In that mix But it did not meet my purpose of on this basis. I used the sheets of of stress and excitement a miracle brightening up the winter gloom fiberboard to make the box which finally happened, and I quickly had with light and color. My sister and was cut with a craft cutter, and glued great ideas which made the execu- I both love Provence, so I thought and reinforced with wooden school tion of the project fairly fluent. a sunny porch of a house in the rulers. The hardest part was done. Midi de France would be perfect. This work allowed me to acquire A small garden with a fountain was To make the decor, furniture new skills and to progress very added later. and objects I didn’t need much. quickly. I couldn’t believe that I was I used all kinds of everyday stuff: capable of such an achievement. To build a room box the first thing cardboard, paper, ice cream sticks, So it was with a light heart, the is to define the scale and choose bamboo sticks, cork, scraps of room box packed in my luggage, materials. The twelfth scale I love so fabric and pieces of jewelry. The that I left for Moscow. My sister much, turned out to be too big to fit list of additional purchases was not obviously knew nothing and I can’t in my suitcase. For the structure of long and cheap. I took advantage convey the surprise and joy that it the box, I only had cardboard — too of my daughter’s trip to France to inspired in her and the family. She light and quite fragile. Fortunately, in order the clay flower pots, the LED my junk, I found old ebony frames 15D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE lantern (the one on the wall), the also predefined. I chose to show fence grid and especially the mini the colors of the South of France, paper punch to cut out the flow- with the blue of its famous shutters, ers. Given the quantity and time, I the purple of lavender, the pink of couldn’t make them by hand. roses and the white and ochre of their houses and stone walls. Per- I am fortunate to have good sonally, I prefer more pastel tones computer skills, especially with and patina colors of old France, but Adobe Illustrator which I I use to that was not the point. design my plans and patterns. This is very useful and allows me to I can talk for hours and hours respect the shape, proportions and about my miniatures, but I think the measurements of objects with great photos will speak more eloquently. precision. The choice of colors was 16 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

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miniature art Elle Piccolo Dolls One of a kind, handmade sculpted dolls Custom orders welcome. Elle can create a person or memory of someone you might have that you’d love to save. Come and see us at the Philadelphia Show In November or Email: [email protected] miniaturesbyauralea.blogspot.com 703-777-1869 We are an online shop carrying a SUBSCRIBE TO THE AM IMAG DIGITAL wide variety of miniatures. LIBRARY Open all the time online: The iMag library version of American www.happily-ever-after.biz Miniaturist is a real treasure trove of doll house delights. Subscribe to the digital iMag Annual subscription $45.99 library and you immediately get access to an expansive back issue collection of American Miniaturist. Plus you’ll get every issue during the year, the minute it’s been printed. Thou- sands of pages of inspiration will be available at your fingertips. Every project, every fea- ture, and every handy tip will be yours to read via your computer, phone, iPad and tablet.  To subscribe go to www.americanminiaturist.com/imag  Or call us on +44 (0) 1903 884988  Email: [email protected] 18 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

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FEATURE The Most Uncommon American CEO In this issue we pay tribute to Annette Petersen the founder of Wee Forest Folk, June 13th, 1919 - June 8th, 2022. BY JOAN MCKENZIE With a heavy heart I must part of the fun. The lovely Annette Petersen. Read share the passing of Annette Miniatures introduced by Annette Petersen, founder of Wee more about her accomplishments in Forest Folk from Concord, had such a beautiful three-dimen- Massachusetts. Annette may have sional and powerful effect that any- American Miniaturist issue 198. been one of the original American one could derive hours of entertain- miniaturists, whose imaginatively tiny ment discovering the artistry evident to more intricate and sometimes woodland creatures became popular from every angle. No matter how you jaw dropping little masterpieces. so quickly that she had to hire local turned her creatures around, there There was a butterfly net, a little stay-at-home-Moms to fulfill demand. would always be a tiny, unexpected girl blowing bubbles, an entire train The forest animals that she created surprise in the design. Sometimes it set, a delightful series in Halloween were originally made from bread was a bow, or a handkerchief hang- costumes, and a Fairy Tea Party that dough in 1972, and were sold at lo- ing from a pocket, or a patched included exquisite gossamer wings. cal craft fairs and farmer’s markets. article of clothing. The imaginativeness and detail that Some were as small as 3/4” tall, and define this series of great artwork others were as tall as two full inches. My most cherished piece is called has been continually surprising and Skater Mouse, which is a little boy delightful, as they became more me- Part of what compelled people mouse dressed in a red snowsuit ticulously designed each year. The to desire these charming little for- with a pillow attached to his behind. est creatures was the fact that they While the pillow was part of the wore clothing and always seemed sculpture, Annette added a small to be preoccupied in every-day hu- cord wrapped around the pillow to man activities with focused concen- trick your eye into believing that the tration. There was a busy secretary cord was holding the pillow on. at a desk with a typewriter who had been labeled “Miss Pell”. The de- After completing college, her son liberate play on words was always Willy and her daughter Donna joined the family business and with their combined talent took the designs 20 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE latest surprise arrived a few years observing nature all around her and Annette’s son Willy made her a special back when granddaughter Bonnie, perusing books of all kinds. While daughter of Willy and his wife Jenny, she never grew past five feet tall, she mouse, about 6 times larger than tried her hand at sculpting, and was a lioness of determination and turned out some of the most delight- inner strength. A true survivor! normal so she could see it as she was ful and detailed new forest creatures yet! Annette’s vision lives on through The Wee Forest Folk family may having failed vision. her lovingly devoted family. be the most innovative family that has ever existed in New England. At one local people employed and maintain Annette was born in 1919 in NYC, time the company had sixty full time the quality control in-house. Manhattan, NY. She overcame an painters on the payroll. These were enormous amount of adversity as primarily stay-at-home moms. It was Annette never gave in to the a child, which included abandon- the perfect job for those who needed temptation to accrue vast wealth. ment from both parents. She moved to supplement the family income, but She wanted to thrive but also to help through the foster care system also be home with their children. The others have a better quality of life, so throughout her childhood. Her for- employees could paint during their she created a company that made mative years were during the time of children’s nap times, while they were all of this possible, for hundreds the Great Depression. Annette devel- in school or in the evenings. of people. Annette’s vision was so oped a powerful sense of resilience unique that I cannot name another and learned early on that she could If a person had artistic talent, company that has had the true inter- only rely on herself to survive. She worked with integrity and precision, est of their employees at the heart of loved to draw, and all forms of art, and had the self-discipline to return their business. the carefully painted woodland crea- tures to the factory once a week, then Annette’s life represented en- they could keep their jobs at Wee grained resilience, magnanimity, Forest Folk indefinitely. Since 1972, foresight, loyalty, and instinctual kind- more than two hundred local paint- ness. She was humanity at its best. ers have been in their employ. These RIP sweet Annette.You have been a people all have their own stories to brilliant and amazing woman. tell, which always acknowledged Annette for the improved quality of family life they were able to maintain. There were multiple times over the years when Annette was ap- proached by business advisors tell- ing her that she could make far more money by having the painting done in China, spending only pennies on the dollar. Though always clever enough to recognize an opportunity, she decided instead to keep the 21D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECT Making a Frame Base for a Display Case Making a decorative frame base for your diorama scene or for a display collection is a great way to add a finishing touch to your miniature project. Ilove using frames, new or old, BY CONNIE SAUVE Above shows the base after I’ve cut for my bases. They make each it apart, turned the pieces, put it project special.You can find old The frames don’t work if the edges back together and painted it. frames at thrift stores, garage angle away from you. Looking down on the finished base. sales, or you can even buy a new one. Usually, I have to cut the frame Most frames are too wide to use apart and turn the pieces on their as is. They stick out too far and just edge, cut a new angle and put it make your whole base that much back together just like a regular bigger. Plus, I usually want to add frame. This leaves the lip that is height to a project.  usually where the picture goes, on top and you set your wood base on the lip. Only certain types of frames will work if you’re planning on cutting it apart. The frames that work are the ones where the outside edges of the frame angle towards you. You will need Above is a stock frame I bought that Below is the edge showing the 1/4” I will be cutting apart. Make sure wood base in position. The wood n A store bought fame that there is enough length to accom- base sits lower than the top edge modate cutting it apart and cutting suits your project new angles.  n Wood to use as a base n A saw to cut your wood base The width of the wood of this n Ruler frame would work okay to leave as-is, n Acrylic cover and lay it flat. Add your wood base n 1/2” thick wood corner blocks underneath the frame. Buy the appro- n Wood glue priately sized frame for your project. n Felt pads to put under the frame to keep it from scratching your table surface n Finish your project off with a brass name plate 22 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECT of the frame. I like to leave a lip Below shows the frame without the Below shows the loose wood base after the wood base is in place. This wood base in place. out of the frame. Glue the wood holds my acrylic cover in position base in place before working on so it doesn’t slide around. I usually the landscaping. leave 1/4” space around the pe- rimeter free from any landscaping, otherwise the acrylic base doesn’t sit flat. I paint the 1/4” clear area so it blends in with whatever color landscaping is next to it. The photo below is underneath the base.  I’ve added 1/2” thick wood corner blocks to give the base strength. These frames were purchased in the exact size I needed. They were originally framed pictures. I already had the acrylic cover, so I took the measurements of the covers with me to the craft store and searched and measured until I found an ap- propriate size, color and style that Here is a closer view of the corner blocks. These are nailed and glued in place. 23D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECT would work for my project. I added frame is the wide ledge on the a colored piece of paper cut to inside of the frame. This allows me size, to cover the print, then just set to set my project on that ledge, the project and acrylic cover on because my project already has top. Quick and easy! a built-in base. The project sits on top of the built-in base, but extends over the edge, so I’m not able to add a cover directly onto the built- in base. This frame actually adds an additional base to accommodate the acrylic cover. This style of frame is called open- back frames, which means they don’t have the glass and backing included. I purchased them at the craft store for a few different proj- ects that I had made really early on in my miniature career and I had the acrylic covers already made. What I like about this barnwood 24 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

Real Good Toys Heirloom Quality Dollhouses EngineEenrignginteherwinogrldth'sebwesot rmldin’siabtuersethomes miniaturfoerhoovmere4s0fyoera4r7s! years!” Many Choices! Sizes! Price levels! Years of Joy! CATʼS PAW 122 Gallison Hill Road, Montpelier, VT 05602 LITHOGRAPHED WOODEN TRUNK KITS 802-262-6018 on the web: www.RealGoodToys.com Series of 21 styles in 1” scale SUBSCRIBE TO THE DHM IMAG DIGITAL LIBRARY Catalog available for $5.00 includes Standard Trunk Series, Dollhouse Furniture Hardware, Trunk Hardware and Dollhouse Doll Accessories photo etched in 1” scale. Dolls Trunk Western Punch & Judy Trunk style 2 Western Western style 1 style 3 Bliss Travel Trunk Christmas William Vintage Steam Trunk Morris 2 Train Trunk Rounded Flat Top with Yellow Top Trunk removable tray Bliss Trunk  To subscribe go to www.dhminiatures.com/imag Lithograph kits are $18.95 + postage.  Or call us on +44 (0) 1903 884988 Email for more information.  Email: [email protected] Annual subscription $49.99 [email protected] • 203-775-4717 336 Candlewood Lake Rd. Brookfield CT 06804 Visa or MC for orders only, not catalog 25D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE Nonna Palermo’s Kitchen Miniature artist, Chris Marlow, used high tech methods to replicate a very special vintage kitchen in one-inch scale and the results are awe-inspiring! BY JOAN MCKENZIE AND CHRIS MARLOW W e at Dollhouse Miniatures in her kitchen. Artist Chris Marlow in her studio. magazine sincerely hope Women did not own hot water that you enjoy this long- high tech, and most of our readers awaited feature about an heaters or washing machines at who love to make miniatures will incredibly special room box made that time. They washed in a tub thoroughly enjoy following the en- by the amazingly talented artist, using hot water boiled on a stove. gineering mind of my dear friend Chris Marlow. I met Chris a few They adjusted cooking temperature Chris Marlow. Buckle up, remem- years ago at an IGMA Guild Show by rearranging wood inside the ber your own ancestors, and feast class taught by Jeanne Rullie. My stove. Only the wealthy had babies your eyes. The words below are all sister, Jean, and I were there as born inside hospitals. It’s difficult from Chris. students, and so was Chris. We all to imagine the tough lifestyle that thoroughly enjoyed that week of people endured during those creating under the fun tutelage of times. This is what makes Chris Jeanne Rullie. My sister and I noted Marlow’s intense efforts to perfectly fairly early that Chris had been recreate this vignette so fascinating. intensely striving to recreate a spe- cific face, meant to resemble her Our entire class became cap- own beloved great grandmother. tivated by the final 1:12 scale doll That extraordinary woman man- that Chris managed to replicate, aged a household of eleven in the especially as we looked back and USA during the Great Depression, forth at her picture that was her in- spending most of her waking hours spiration. I dared not change most of what Chris has written, as in her earlier life, she was an engineer in 26 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE 27D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE 1 2 4 1 The inspiration photo. 2 The sculpted Granny doll with a wooden spoon. 3 The silver colander was made using jewelry techniques and a CNC router. 4 The stove top. 5 Custom artwork on dye-sublimated panels replicates a vintage pasta tin. 3 5 28 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE The brass stove shown from two different angles before it was painted black. My Great-Grandma posed in her ing, and artwork. Everything was behind the scenes, but you will see modest kitchen for a 1936 news- shop-made (by me) from scratch, the results. paper advertisement promoting a except for a few small components. “new” kitchen gas service. The ad You will not notice the technologies The room-box exterior simulates photo shown, captures a rare look in- a vintage pasta tin. It is actually a side the lives of humble immigrants. How is this related to computer modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, digital artwork, dye sublimation, or computerized CNC machining? These sound like things a ‘20-some- thing’ tech wizard would use for a sleek modern scene. The project and I are vastly different from those images - the project is a vintage kitchen and I have blue-jeans older than ‘20-something’ years! But these unlikely technologies figure promi- nently in this project. I replicated the vintage kitchen using computerized and conven- tional techniques including working with wood, metal work, ceramics, sculpting, casting, carving, machin- 29D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE plywood box, skinned with glossy, is a permanent, high-resolution, Great-Grandma and the stove. I dye-sublimated aluminum panels, full-color print that will not crack, made the grandma first – she was comparable to vintage Band-Aid fade, or peel. essential. Having absolutely no clue tins. I dye-sublimated my custom how I would make the stove, I made digital artwork onto panels at the The interior features laser cut a bold leap of faith and made the ‘Dallas Makerspace’, in Texas. floor tiles, individual wall planks, and stove last! backlit outdoor photos in the shop- In dye sublimation, special dyes made door and working window. Great-Grandma is a short, are printed onto transfer paper The LED ceiling light has a 3D-print- buxom, plump little old Italian then transferred to the substrate ed resin shade and lathe-turned granny with coarse “sausage fin- (specially coated aluminum here) brass base and knurled bolt. gers”, swollen granny ankles, and via a heat press machine. The result practical “nun shoes”. She wears a Two components star in the box: 30 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE wedding ring and pearl earrings. 1:12 scale Sill Sterling gas/wood burning stove and ovens. Grandma is sculpted from polymer clay and dressed in cotton lawn. I wax sprues to carry metal into the but not vice versa! I programmed, learned to make the grandma from part. After investment casting, each then machined the stovetop using the talented and amazingly patient part was machined square and flat, a CNC (Computer Numerically Jeanne Rullie, IGMA Artisan. to precise size and to remove the Controlled) mill, primarily because sprues. I made digital cutouts of the of the round burner openings. The stove replicates an early stove model to 3D-print resin hold- 20th century Sill Stove Works Ster- ing fixtures, which I machined to fit. This kitchen pre-dates built-in ling combination gas & woodburn- cabinetry. The modest belongings ing stove/oven. It combines eighty- Printed fixtures are not sturdy were stored in a single cupboard. two machined bronze castings enough for full size parts, but they I made the miniature cherry wood and machined/turned brass parts. were an innovative shortcut for cupboard using conventional It required twenty-two fixtures for miniatures. After machining, clean- woodworking and milled a sliding machining/assembly and weighs ing, and polishing, the castings brass latch. The chair is a chal- over one pound. The doors open, were ready to solder. lenging example of compound/ latches work, oven grates come complex angles and I laser-cut pin out and stove burners are remov- Fabrication order was crucial. routing fixtures for the curved side able using a separate burner lifter. To accommodate casting shrink- supports and the back. A gas valve connects the stove’s age, I cast and machined all the pipes to the wall. castings before making the brass My mom and I enjoyed remi- sheet metal parts. I could fine niscing about Great-Grandma The stove took two years to tune the panels to fit the castings in her kitchen. The table reflects complete. Most of the stove-making skills, except the machining, were new for me. This was my first cast- ing encounter, and I was nervous. Although the stove is vintage, my process relies on leading-edge technology. My first step was teach- ing myself the computer model- ing software to design the stove. 3D-printed wax enabled lost-wax bronze investment castings. I could not have made the wax-masters without the modern enablers. Now I am obsessed with this process. This technology has opened a world of possibilities. Initially I created a detailed three-dimensional computer model of the stove – a perfect pandemic isolation task. Then I modified each component’s model to account for printing/casting shrinkage and machining. I used castable wax resin to 3D-print a master, for each part. Some parts pushed the resin’s material limits – I redesigned and printed the more difficult parts over a dozen times before succeeding. The wax masters were filed, sand- ed, cleaned up and attached to 31D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE Cherry wood cupboard and chair. 32 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE The ceramic sink was hand-built. Tomatoes being prepared on the prep table, and laundry supplies line the shelf. ‘memories of the typical pasta meal The hand-built glazed ened my abilities and pushed my ceramic sink show- comfort zone, particularly with the that she cooked. The cherry wood high-tech skills. Computerized table includes aluminum hardware technology still cannot spit out a from my Sherline mill and Taig finished object with a button push lathe. I poured custom resin blanks cases cast faucets and ‘ - but it simplifies parts that are precise, repeatable, or curved. for the various lathe-turned bottles a historically accurate on the table and laundry shelf. It is a timesaving aid for fixture blanks and casting masters. It The star colander was made copper drainage trap. complements conventional technol- ogies, enabling results that I could from silver sheet, drilled on a small not have otherwise achieved. Shapeoko CNC router, domed on a age trap. The mirror is a chemically dapping block, with soldered feet silvered microscope slide, with and handles. shop made moldings and hand- carved shell motif. The hand-built glazed ceramic sink showcases cast faucets and a Great-Grandma’s kitchen broad- historically accurate copper drain- 33D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE Making a Mini Scene With a Story Connie Sauve shares her 1:12 scale diorama “Where to Lady?” with us as well as how she created this imaginative scene. BY CONNIE SAUVE This scene came about quite and turned it into a whole new Gatorboard was the perfect height by accident. I was browsing project. I borrowed the snooty for the raised sidewalk. A piece of through a shop one day, when rich lady from my Ray Whitledge, wood roof gutter worked great to my eye caught a colorful yellow Georgian Antique Shop project. simulate the curb. checkered taxi sitting on the The taxi driver is Grandpa also bottom shelf. My heart skipped from the “Surprise!” scene – he For the road, I used thick black a beat! I loved the 1930’s style of made the perfect taxi driver. card stock from the backing of a the taxi. The only problem was, The thrown-together project picture frame. I needed it to be somebody else was looking at it was displayed at the Good Sam thick enough so I could sink a too! I moved down the aisle a bit Miniature Show in 2014. I left the manhole cover into the road. The and waited, keeping my eye on the scene together for about a week to road was aged by sponging on taxi. In my head I kept chanting enjoy it, then returned everything greys and splattering with black to “don’t buy it, don’t buy it”, to the back to my “Surprise!” dollhouse simulate oil spots, and dirt was also guy looking at it. He finally moved truck scene. added along the curb. away, leaving it behind. Whew! I snatched it up, and immediately After several years of having A plastic poker chip was the bought it. So started yet another the taxi packed away, I decided vehicle project! to make a landscaped base specifically for it. I will always I altered the taxi very little, as it have the pictures of the original was just about perfect the way it set-up of “Where to, Lady?” to was. But, I wanted back doors on remember it by. But it was time to the taxi. I made a mold of one of the finish the project by making a base door handles, poured two handles specifically for the scene, so I could using resin and added them to display it all the time. Since taxis the back to make two additional are something you usually only see doors. The spokes on the wheels in a city, I thought it would be fun to were a bit odd looking on how they set the scene in an upscale part of stuck out so much, and were easily a large city, set in the 1930’s. removed. I also added a 1931 license plate which helps set the For the new base, I started with scene’s era. a frame cut to size, turned the pieces on their edge and nailed The first part of this project went them back together. I chose black together very quickly. I borrowed for the frame to blend in with the the base from my “Surprise!” black asphalt road. I cut a plywood dollhouse truck project and base to fit inside the frame for the changed out the main elements scene to sit on. A piece of 1/2” 34 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE perfect size and had some great details for a manhole cover. The chip was too thick, so I sanded the back until it was the same thickness as the black cardboard road. Next, I used a small round file to sand out the two rounded areas along the edge, to simulate where the workers insert a pry bar to lift out the heavy cover. Wanting a fun design in the middle of the manhole cover, I cut out a star from card stock and glued it to the middle of the cover. I drilled 5 drain holes and spray-painted the chip with matt black, then aged it with rust colored paint. Once the chip was inserted into the road, it made a very convincing manhole cover. I like using backdrops behind the vehicles to help tell the story and thought a brick garden wall 35D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE 1 2 1 All the luggage is ready to be loaded on the Taxi. 2 The doll was repainted and dressed to look like a wealthy lady. 3 The scene has a few pigeons to give a clue that the story is based in a city. 4 The fancy pup spies the pigeon on the lamp post! 3 4 36 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE with a gate would look like an area of a city where a rich person lives. The walls were built using stock wood. The posts are 3/4” square and topped off with a 1” wide piece of wood which I beveled around the top edges with my belt sander. The wall is 3/8” thick, which was also topped off with a beveled piece of wood. For the bricks, I planned on using egg cartons, so I had to take into account the thickness of the egg carton bricks, which would add additional thickness to the walls. The finials on top of the posts are stock turnings from the craft store. From my stash, I made two wood walls with a gate in the middle. Black plastic railing finishes off the top of the wall and adds a nice detail. 37D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE Connie demonstrated making the bricks and bricking a wall at the The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. 38 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE I volunteer at The Mini Time a couple different times at the For the grout, I used DAP Fast ‘N Final Lightweight Spackling, mixed Machine Museum of Miniatures, museum, and by then I had my with Neutral Grey paint. I spread this into the grout lines with my cleaning and repairing the exhibits. wall completely bricked. I left the fingers, working in small sections, then immediately removing excess The museum likes to have people messy job of painting and grouting grout with a damp sponge. If the grout is allowed to dry too long, do demonstrations at the museum to finish at home. it’s difficult to get it off the bricks. It’s OK to leave some of the grout so visitors can see how miniatures compound in the surface crevices ‘are made. Most visitors to the of the bricks for added aging. After the grout had museum are non-miniaturists, so dried, I aged the For the cement/stone tops and it’s always fun to show them how we finials, I first painted the bare wood make the miniatures and hopefully brick walls, stone ‘ with Neutral Grey paint. I then used get some new people interested in an old paint brush and brushed on the same colored DAP mixture the art form. I asked the museum if tops and finials with used for the grout and brushed they would be interested in having a dirty water wash. it onto the wood. It took a couple me demonstrate making the bricks layers of DAP to cover the painted wood completely. and bricking a wall. This was the After the grout had dried, I aged perfect way to get my brick wall the brick walls, stone tops and finials with a dirty water wash. To finished and have some fun while I After the walls were bricked, I simulate moss, I sponged on very watered-down Winsor and Newton worked on it too. painted them using Burnt Sienna, Sap Green watercolor paint, in the areas where moss would grow I set up my work table in the applied with a sponge. I then along the bottom edge, and under the ledges. The back of the wall middle of the museum and went painted some of the bricks using was kind of boring, so I added to work for a few hours. Cutting a wash of Golden Brown on some all the bricks out is rather tedious, bricks and Brown Iron Oxide so I had them ready to go before on others. Then I sponged on a demonstrating. Laying the bricks wash of Dark Burnt Umber over goes rather quickly, and are all the bricks which helps blends easily cut apart with scissors all the colors together. The paint for odd sizes. For added detail, helps seal the cardboard bricks I used a double layer of bricks for grouting. I also added some for the vertical bricks under the bricks under the gate to simulate top lip of the wall and column. I a walkway that leads up to the demonstrated the brick technique ‘residence’ behind the wall. 39D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE some green vines to bring a bit of and can be locked closed with a custom made for the scene, was interest to the back of the wall. gate latch. made by an artist from Korea. I also ordered two extra logo fabric To make the cement sidewalk, I The topiary trees (by Falcon sheets she had used to make her used thin grey paper and covered Miniatures) are resin, and by luggage. I wanted to make two the sidewalk and curb, then added adding multi-green colored foam additional designer trunks, so I cut lines in the sidewalk to simulate to the tree balls and dirt in the started with two Cats Paw trunk the separate squares like real planters helped tremendously to kits from my stash. I greatly altered cement sidewalks have. Using an make them more realistic. The both kits and custom made the X-ACTO knife I added cracks in the fire hydrant is a fun addition to two large trunks to add to the pile sidewalk along some of the edges accentuate the city feel of the of luggage. I used photos of real and corners. Then I aged the paper scene. The dandelions are from vintage trunks to get as much covered sidewalk and curb with a my stash and are the last of them, authentic detail in the trunks as sponge and dirty water wash, then which I had made many years ago I could. I couldn’t resist finishing used watercolor Sap Green along and add a fun little touch to a lot of the edges. my scenes. What city is complete artist details without pigeons, which are also For the wrought iron parts of the by Falcon. The streetlight is an Cat’s Paw wall, I spray painted the plastic rails accessory from a Todd McFarlane Phone: 203-775-4717 and metal gate, a flat black. I then figure. 336 Candlewood Lake Road painted with Rustall to age and rust Brookfield, CT 06804 them slightly. The gate swings open The designer luggage set I had Email: [email protected] 40 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE 1 2 1 The beautifully detailed designer luggage kits are by Cat’s Paw. 2 The red vintage fire hydrant confirms that this is a city scene. 3 The gate was given a rusted effect to look realistic. 4 The pigeon walking along the wall adds to the story. 34 41D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE the interiors too, complete with a resin face and body, which is from elements of my projects that helps removable tray in the larger trunk, Marcia Backstrom. I dressed her in tell the story, but always seem to even though they may never be cruise wear style clothes this time be the last thing I struggle with, to seen again. The insides of the and accessorized her with custom finish a scene. trunks are finished with cotton made jewelry, leather shoes, hat, fabric and over 600 faux nail heads gloves and purse. She can’t bear This is the end of the road for from Dr. G’s Brass were added to leave her precious pampered my On the Road Again series...at to the exterior and interior of the Pomeranian behind, made by least for now. Who knows where trunks, along with brass hardware Leslie Frick, so she’s going on new roads will take me for future from my stash. A few vintage the cruise too. The world traveler vehicle projects? I see a country looking hat boxes added to the is also holding travel brochures road leading to a Christmas tree ever growing pile of luggage. The which gives the subtle hint that farm, an ice cream truck on a hot poor cab driver! she’s going on an extended cruise summer day, a wedding, a vintage around the world, and is why she bike, a fishing boat, and hopefully I dressed the taxi driver exactly is waiting for a taxi with a HUGE someday I’ll finish my flower truck, the same as in my other set-up pile of luggage. I find it rather which is what started me on this of the scene. I thought he made amusing, being a professional doll long journey in the first place! the perfect looking taxi driver just maker, that the doll figures are one as I made him the first time. The of the hardest parts I agonize over. If you have any questions, feel snooty lady is also the same figure They are usually one of the main free to contact me, Connie Sauve at as before. I custom painted her [email protected]. 42 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

calendar listings 2022 Due to the current pandemic, please be sure to double check with the show provider’s website and social media pages for the latest up to date information. August 5 & 6 Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday contact (408) 997-1004, email: New Brighton, MN 11am-4pm. Pre-registered work- [email protected] Minnesota Dollhouse and Min- shops held Wed, Sept 7 through iature Show will be held at New Fri, September 9. Contact Marjor- November 4 - 6 Brighton Community Center, 400 ie Smelt: marjorie.smelt@gmail. CHERRY HILL, NJ 10th Street NW, New Brighton, com, (720) 206-5545. Philadelphia Miniaturia 2022 will MN. be held at the DoubleTree by Show will be held on Fri 4pm- September 16 & 17 Hilton, Philadelphia/Cherry Hill 8pm and Sat 9am-3pm. For more Westfield, IN located at 2349 W. Marlton Pike, information, please visit www. Indianapolis Dollhouse and Minia- Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. To be ad- miniatureshows.com or contact ture Show will be held at Cam- mitted on Friday preview, Novem- [email protected] or call bria Hotel, 18592 Carousel Lane, ber 4, 2022, you must purchase 314-277-2601. Westfield, IN. a preview ticket for $25, (covers Show will be held on Fri 4pm- full weekend admission). Preview August 7 8pm and Sat 9am-3pm. For more hours are Friday, 6pm - 9pm and Fogelsville, PA information, please visit www. Saturday, 9am - 10am. Lehigh Valley Miniatures Club miniatureshows.com or contact You may purchase from dealers 43rd Annual Dollhouse & Minia- [email protected] or call during preview hours! Workshops tures Show and Sale, will be held 314-277-2601. listed on our website: www.phila- at the Delta by Marriott Hotel, delphiaminiaturia.com. For daily 7736 Adrienne Drive, Breinigs- September 30 & October 1 show general admission - pay at ville, PA 18031. Exit 49A off I-78 Bridgeton, Mo the door, Saturday, November 5, onto Rt. 100 South. 10am-4pm. St Louis Dollhouse and Miniature 2022, the show runs from 10am $5.00 Adults (4.50 with coupon), Show will be held at Machinist to 5pm and Sunday, November $1.00 children under 12. Vendors Hall, 12365 St Charles Rock Rd, 6, 2022, 10am to 3pm. $10 Adults selling miniature items of all kinds. Bridgeton, Mo. per day and $4 Children under 10 Exhibits, door prizes, make + Show will be held on Fri 4pm- years old per day. Lunch will be take projects, free parking, food 8pm and Sat 9am-3pm. For more available for purchase each day. available. Free children’s class at information, please visit www. 1pm. Show info: Lois Kunkle, 610- miniatureshows.com or contact November 11 & 12 760-2288, [email protected] [email protected] or call Chicago, IL Check our website: www.lehigh- 314-277-2601. Chicago Autumn Showcase of valleyminiatures.com for more Miniatures will be held at Holiday show information and to print a October 8 & 9 Inn, 1000 Busse Rd, Elk Grove II, discount coupon. Show proceeds San Jose, CA Chicago, IL. benefit charities and education. The Good Sam Showcase of Min- Show will be held on Fri 4pm- iatures 46th Annual Show & Sale, 8pm and Sat 9am-3pm. For more September 10-11 October 8th & 9th 2022, at Dou- information, please visit www. Greenwood Village, CO bletree Hotel San Jose, 2050 Gate- miniatureshows.com or contact Denver Museum of Miniatures, way Place, San Jose, CA 95110- [email protected] or call Dolls and Toys 41st Annual Fall 1047. On Saturday 10am-5pm and 314-277-2601. Show & Sale, September 10-11, Sunday 11am-4pm. Show admis- 2022 at the Doubletree Hotel by sion: Adults $7, Children (5-12) To have your show or special event Hilton Denver Tech Center, 7801 $3, Children under 5 free. Please listed on these pages, please contact E Orchard Road, Greenwood Vil- see website for more information: lage, CO 80111. Show runs from https://goodsamshowcase.org or Maria on + 44 (0) 7730 622416 or email: [email protected] for rates and availability. 43D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE A Tiny Townhouse Auralea Krieger has turned a basic room box into an elegant townhouse to showcase a collection of treasured miniatures. BY AURALEA KRIEGER S ometimes all you need is The front opening wall was cut a simple structure to build from light-weight plywood. I added upon and you can make some thicker wood trim on the something special. This piece insides of the room box to hold the started with a very basic double screws for the hinges. I attached room box from Hobby Builders the hinges by first drilling small Supply. The walls were thickened holes in the plywood front piece and I added an attic as well as the then screwing on the hinges. Then opening front door on hinges. I attached the hinges to the room box in the same way. The room box kit was adjusted a bit by moving the upstairs back This room box has become an window over a little. The back experimental project for me. While piece of the floor was also cut making my stone cottage I found away to have a larger opening for an interesting Golden product that a ladder. I added foam core to the was basically fine sand in a gel two sides that have windows so medium. So when I put it on the the walls would be thick enough entrance addition of the stone cot- to house the pre-made windows. tage it looked like coarse stucco. The downstairs right side door hole It was very expensive, even with a was turned into a window hole that coupon, so I decided to try to make is now centered under the upstairs something similar. side window hole. I mixed sand with watered down 44 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE Tacky Glue (because I had it on hand) and added regular white glue that I had. First I tried to spread it on with a painter’s spatula but it was too thick so I ended up applying it with the spatula and letting it run down the sides as it thinned itself out and I kept spread- ing out the drips. In the end, I think my sand was not fine enough or the glue was too watered down and it was a failure. But if you wanted a very coarse texture for something it could work. I saved the project by applying spackle and sanding it down with an electric sander. I wanted it to be rustic so the combination of the sand, spackle and sanding it down turned out nice! When you are building, don’t be afraid to experi- ment. Always know you are clever enough to take a mishap and turn it into something you never would have thought of that works perfectly with your build! The addition of the curved Mansard roof with a small attic was the finishing touch for the struc- ture. I designed a Mansard roof on my Kinfeld (DHM74-76) because I love how the curves add style and a softness to the house. The entire house has real wood flooring by Bleau’s Custom Mold- ing. Parish Bleau sent me 1” x 1/4” laser cut pieces in a few differ- ent tones and a few long planks and I placed them in the design I wanted. Both of the fireplaces were handmade from mat board. For this build I wanted the win- dows and the front door to be extra special. The HBS Bonnnet Pediment windows were the perfect style! I wanted this small house to have a stylish, romantic feel. Having these windows and a fancy door pediment added curves and a soft- ness to the build. 45D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE 1 2 4 1 The attic has parquet floors. 2 The front panel opens to keep the inside of the house dust free. 3 An antique latch is used to close the front in an elegant way. 4 There is a hiding place for the electrical strip. 5 The downstairs fireplace. 6 The upstairs fireplace. 3 5 46 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE For the door, I wanted to add two attic where a beautiful chandelier tones to the panels so I first painted could be hung. Then the wire can strips of card stock. Then I cut and run down the side of the house to glued them on the beveled edges of the electrical strip underneath. The the door. Then added some paint in installed electrical strip has room any gaps where the corners joined. for three more lights. The on/off switch is on the strip tucked inside The door pediment was a little the base of the house. The lawn is wider than I thought because I waiting for a beautiful garden to be ordered the wrong one. This was an added under the window. easy fix, I cut strips of thick bass- wood and put them on either side This 1:12 scale structure was of the door. It became the perfect made to house a treasured minia- place for house numbers! ture collection. It serves as a beau- tiful protective housing for many The stairs and front lawn are re- miniature treasures and keeps them movable so you can open the door dust free. Because it’s tall, versus but still have a finished garden and wide, it takes up less space but still entrance when it’s closed. holds a large amount of miniatures with three rooms to fill. It is 10” The roses down the side of the x 12”, the garden extends out 6” house are hiding the wiring from the and is removable. This townhouse electrical plugs in the walls. stands 30” tall. There is a ladder that is remov- The finishing touch was to fill able and can be replaced with a the window boxes with handmade spiral staircase or left as is. That will paper poppies! If you have any depend on what the future owner of questions you can email me at this townhouse decides to do. [email protected]. There’s also a small hole above the stairway in the ceiling to the 47D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

FEATURE Add a Timeless Game of Chess It’s your move – keep ahead of the game with a chess board and pieces for your dollhouse. It’s a perfect addition to a parlor or nook in the hall. C hess in the 19th Century Century was set to repel those not a popular game for all age groups was very much a game for of genteel status as well as women and genders. There are many chess educated men, or those who and the young. tournaments and organizations saw themselves as such. It where members can play against was considered a genteel game, Chess clubs only appeared after people from all over the globe and but increasingly more competitive the 1870s in universities and the be ranked on the worldwide scale. gentlemen played. There was much standard of play stayed very low until There are chess computer games. interest in the game, brought on by 1914. After that, the changes from It can even be played over the Inter- books and the popular matches World War I affected almost every net and in recreational chess clubs. between champion players, yet the social activity, including games and Chess is truly one of the most popu- social image of chess in the 19th sports. In the last part of the Twen- lar and timeless games ever. tieth Century chess has become 48 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECT Making Initial Impressions his stitche pattern or a eorgian fire screen a o s you to persona i e it ith your ami y s initia s then insta into a pree isting rame. U p until the 19th Century, open To stitch the pattern shown I have fires were often the only used 22-count canvas; three strands source of heat for the aver- of cotton and half cross-stitch for age home. Families gathered everything apart from the flowers, around the fireplace to keep warm, where I have used a full cross- but all too often the fire gave away stitch. By inserting the different ini- more heat than was comfortable tials into the main pattern of this fire when sitting in front of the fireplace. screen, you can personalize your Thus, the fire screen was devised to work. Draw your initial on the blank divert heat and shelter those sitting pattern then stitch the appropriate by the fireside. squares. Change your threads to any color you prefer. Many fire screens were embroidered and set within heavily decorated wooden frames. The lady of the house would spend much of her time embroidering, so putting the family’s initials on linen and household items was one of her favorite patterns. 49D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S

PROJECT A Picnic Basket for a Fun Mini Outing This easy to make one-inch scale basket will hold everything needed for a fun day at the beach or a relaxing picnic it the countryside. BY ALICE MONROE When it comes to spending Step 2: Turn these edges over and Step 7: Cover the lid lining card the day outside with the glue to card; trim the corners of the in cotton fabric. Do not glue to the family, food and drinks are canvas to lose the bulk. outer lid at this stage. always top of the list for a good time. This picnic basket is big Step 3: For the sides of the base, Step 8: Glue two 1⁄4” wide strips of enough to hold sandwiches, cakes, lay out the side pieces along the leather to the back of the base and biscuits and fruit along with soft canvas, leaving a very small space the lid to act as hinges. drinks or a thermos of coffee. But in between each, starting with a long the same basket could be used for piece then short, long, short, allow- Step 9: Now glue the lid lining to a more formal occasion with china ing about 3/8” all around the edges. the outer lid. This will hide plates, cups and saucers, glasses the hinges. and bottles of wine. Step 10: Cover the inside base with Step 1: Cut the pattern for base cotton fabric, and also the sides. out of card and glue to Hessian or Check the side pieces of card canvas, leaving 1⁄4” all around the before covering to make sure they edges. fit neatly inside the basket. You will need Step 4: Glue card pieces to the can- Step 11: When you are happy with vas, turn over and glue the edges the fit, glue the side pieces around n Thick card and neaten the corners as before. the inside base and glue into n Thin card the basket. n Hessian or embroidery Step 5: Glue the strip of side pieces around the edge of the covered Step 12: For the straps, cut 2 long canvas base; it should fit snugly around strips of leather, 3/16” wide. Glue a n Cotton fabric the corners. jump ring (to represent the buck- n Thin leather for straps les) on to one end and glue the Step 6: For the lid, cover the outer strap around the basket and leave and hinges lid card in canvas, as the base. n 4 tiny jump rings n Tacky Glue 50 D O L L H O U S E M I N I A T U R E S