American Miniaturist 2018 39 02 178

American
miniaturist H
February 2018 $9.95 USD
INSPIRING MINIATURE ENTHUSIASTS TO CREATE www.americanminiaturist.com

ISSUE 178
PROJECTS: I MINI PORCELAIN I STYLISH PURSE I CURTAINS

I LACE CUSHION I SNOW SKIS I BASKET I AND MUCH MORE I
AM new front.indd 1 12/21/17 1:57 PM

2 AM I FEBRUARY
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Dollhouse Land
Artistry in Miniature by Laura Crain
Artisan Painted Furniture

Garden & Floral
Artist Creations
See you at:
Southern California Show

f
Seattle Miniature Show
f
Chicago International Show
27134A Paseo Espada • Suite 304 • San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

(949) 496-9841 • LauraCrain2@aol.com
2018 STURBRIDGE DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES FESTIVAL

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DATE! Friday, June 1st
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www.mollycromwell.com
FEBRUARY I AM 3
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SMALL DETAILS
February 2018 I Issue 178
American Miniaturist is
published 12 times per year
by Ashdown, Inc.
CONTEN
H H
PROJECTS
H H H
6
To reach us: (507) 634-3143
Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587 Make some tiny skis
Let’s hit the snow hills with our mini
Or write to: PO Box 219
skis along with Martina Dellai
Kasson, MN 55944
Email:
info@americanminiaturist.com
Website:
10 Fancy lace cushions
This cushion will look great in a
house of any era
www.americanminiaturist.com
Editor: Auralea Krieger
auralea@ashdown.co.uk 12 A Valentine cake
Shower your sweetheart with
affection and mini treats
Publisher: Kelly Johnson
kelly@ashdown.co.uk
Advertisement & Marketing:
Sara Vix
23 Designing a dollhouse
These tips will help you get the most
out of your dollhouse
Email: sara@ashdown.co.uk
29
Design: Auralea Krieger
Ad Design: Lauren Nielsen A charming basket
Danielle Muller shows how to make
On the cover: Roxanne Fern
a basket of your favorite things
Subscription rates:
1 Year (12 issues) $86.99 USA
Canada $134.99 CAD, UK £87.99
Europe €118.99, ROW $141.99
34 Curtain draping
Dress up your dollhouse windows
with a few steps
(US Funds)
53
Canada $256.99 CAD, UK £161.99 Mini porcelain
Europe €228.99, ROW $279.99 Make your own porcelain dishware
(US Funds) along with Inmaculada Burgos Ruano
Canada $368.99 CAD, UK £212.99
Europe €326.99, ROW $399.99
(US Funds)
56 Winter sweaters
Marion Barlow knits two sweaters for
teenage Heidi Ott dolls
68
American Miniaturist (USPS# 021-053 ISSN #
14778203) is published monthly at PO Box 219,
Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price is $86.99. Doll dressing
Periodicals postage paid at Kasson, MN, and
additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address
This miniature doll by DANA will
corrections to American Miniaturist, spice up your Valentine’s Day
PO Box 219, Kasson, MN 55944
All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis that

copyright will be vested in the Publisher who assumes all rights
worldwide, in all forms and media. This means American Miniaturist
owns the rights to the instructions and photographs that we publish.
The work may be published in the magazine, our i-Mag, ebooks,
76 Electric griddle
Make breakfast easy with this
CDs and bookzines as well as on Dollshouse.TV. You continue to modern griddle by Linda Day
own the copyright for the design and are free to teach and sell your
work. All that we ask is that you wait a minimum of 6 months after
78 Dressing baby
the publication of the issue before teaching the design or selling
your own instructions. We don’t allow you to re-publish the design
featured in other books or magazines without prior consent.
Make several garments for a miniature

baby with Anne Kearney
4 AM I FEBRUARY
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ENTS
H H H H WELCOME
82 Decorative fan
Make a ladies fan that can speak the
F
language of love.
or many years I have pondered the
95 A purse with style

Make an everyday bag in a few steps
question, “What is the definition of
art?” There isn’t enough space to write
my entire personal conclusion but I wanted to
FEATURES touch on what I think is most important.
16 Photography and minis

Kristin Castenschiold combines
No matter what your skill set, when you put
your heart and soul into your creation that is
them to celebrate classic movies what makes it truly special.
I have sold and displayed many types
26 Mini fruits of labor
Sharon Harbison makes vegetables
of creative works at festivals, galleries, and
online. It never fails that the public will gravitate
and fruits for your scenes
towards the piece that I put the most of myself
36 Minis behind the wall

Ilona Merritt created a seasonal,
into. This doesn’t always mean a large amount
of time, but more about pushing yourself to
magical hole in the wall translate your vision into your creation.
Pushing may be a strong word because
42 Creative Space
This month we visit the workshop
I think it is also about letting go and trust-
ing your instincts. Feeling calm, insightful,
of miniaturist, Rebecca Stewart
and positive can add a lot to a final piece.
44 It’s all in the details

Roxanne Fern has a flair for creating
When you create from your heart, it is a
magical thing. Sometimes with miniatures I
scenes that make you want to bake make a small scene to photograph that will
actually bring a tear to my eye because it is
50 Artist Showcase
This month we showcase our love
such a simplistic and beautiful moment in
time. Other moments will make me smile or
for miniature molds
giggle. These are the captured moments that
61 A Tudor style house

Tom Thornton builds a Tudor
will inspire others.
Maybe your art work will inspire an
emotion from a viewer or it may inspire them
dollhouse to his own specification
to create. The most important thing is that it
90 A cherished dollhouse
Andrée Moreno shares her dollhouse
inspires. That is the number one ingredient for
my personal definition of art.
REGULARS Auralea Krieger, Editor
8 Mini Mail 80 Mini Scoop
auralea@ashdown.co.uk
88 Show Dates 85 Snippets
OCTOBER I AM 5
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PROJECT
Make some tiny skis

Let’s hit the slopes with our mini skis
BY MARTINA DELLAI
T his miniature set of

snow skis are a
perfect winter accent
to a mountain cabin or a
winter getaway scene.
Materials:
n Iron wire (rigid),
n Wire cutters
n Glue (white or Super Glue)
n Wood stripes (1mm thick)
n Scissors
Ski poles n Craft knife
1 Cut two pieces of iron

wire to 2 1/5” long (The
ruler shown is centimeters).
n 2 hook and eyes
n Metal snaps
n Aluminium foil
n Twine
MEET THE MAKER:
2
n Fabric or leather
Martina Dellai Glue the back part of a
n Fine sandpaper
snap on the end of each n Acrylic paints
“I live in Trento, a beautiful and piece of iron wire.
quiet city in the north of Italy. I
3
have been making minis since Wrap a piece of twine a bend (wood will keep
2011. I have three children: around the other end the shape once dry). Even
Mikhail, Annika, and Maximilian. of the ‘pole,’ creating a grip better would be to put the
We would love to have a cat, but handle. Glue and let dry. strips on a warm surface
at the moment we only have an like a radiator or oven.
aquarium with one beautiful blue
fish and one ugly one!” 4 Paint the pole the color
of your choice.
8 Sand and paint with
acrylic paint. Add some
Making the skis decorations like roses for a
5 Cut two wood strips to vintage alpine look!

4 1/4” x 1/4”. Give them
a rounded shape at the tip
using your scissors and fine 9 Glue the hooks in the
middle of the strips
to create the bindings as
sand paper.
shown in the photo. Wait
6 Soak the wood strips in until the glue is completely

water for 30 seconds. dry before proceeding.
7 Hold the rounded end

of each strip to create 10 Cut the aluminium in
two small pieces to
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PROJECT
1 2 4
6 7 8
9 11
create the heel binding and

glue in position as shown in TOPTIP:
the photo. You can stain your
miniature skis gray to look
11 Cut 2 strips of thin

fabric or a leather
rope and glue around the
like an older set.
Editor tip: For vintage
style gray wood, pour
eyes on the heel binding as vinegar in a glass jar and
shown in the photo. insert steel wool. Seal
we all
and let sit for 24 hours.
NmoEreEmD
Display your new min- Steep tea bags and paint
iature skis in your winter the tea on the wood.
scene with pride! AM would Brush the vinegar from
love to see your finished the jar on the wood and inis
skis so please send in some watch it slowly turn gray! X
photos!
FEBRUARY I AM 7
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MINI MAIL n AM is your magazine, and we
want to hear from you. Write to:
MiniMail, American Miniaturist,
PO Box 219, Kasson, MN 55944. Or
email: auralea@ashdown.co.uk.
Letters may be edited if necessary.
H Star letter
I was absolutely fascinated with New subscriber
the article on the work of This was the first issue I had purchased of American
Frances Glessner Lee and Miniaturist. I was very surprised with the content of your
her miniature forensic study magazine. I had a subscription to another miniatures maga-
rooms. The details in each zine and basically it was nothing but ads so when I looked
scene are amazing and the through your magazine and saw the content, I was delighted!
scale is perfect. She surely was Needless to say I was so impressed and delighted with the
a woman ahead of her time – content that I have sent for a 2 year subscription of your
imagine all those men learning magazine. I can’t wait to start trying out some of the projects!
from a ‘mere woman’! I hope Susan from Roebling, NJ
this new exhibit will let more
people know of her contribu- about the lavender cottage. Serving up Some Stew was great,
tion to the field of Forensic Such detail and soft colors. I too. It’s hard to pick a few
Science. I can’t wait to go to can smell the lavender scent! highlights because as usual, the
the Smithsonian and view them. Setting the Table was also a whole magazine was great! Keep
Kathie from New Milford, CT great article. I really love mini up the good work.
food and the pictures are so Linda from Manteno, IL
November highlights inviting. If only my table
I absolutely adored the article looked that good. Favorite article
I really enjoyed reading the
history of Frances Glessner
Lee’s story. She was a true
pioneer in the investigative
field. She taught the detectives
and future detectives to not
8 AM I FEBRUARY
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Show & tell
My people exist! I received
misinterpret crime scenes or a darling mini project! a subscription to American
tamper with evidence and that I have been working very Miniaturist from my sweet-
knowledge and awareness is hard on another room box, a heart for Christmas! I have
immeasurable and everlasting. jewelry store. I have been hard read it 3 times in 72 hours!
As a fellow miniaturist I am at work making jewelry, as well The free gifts were exactly
thrilled she chose miniatures as as collecting it. what I needed to complete
her teaching tool. May we all I have been making my secretary desk! This is my
enjoy the miniature world as some miniature chokers and first year as a miniaturist, but
much as she did. bracelets in the David Yurman I have a gift for the mini-life.
Constance from Front Royal, VA style, which I have never seen I am excited to get started
in miniature. I used toggles on this month’s projects and
Making mini jewelry and jump rings, along with flat look forward to many years
Dear Auralea, I would like to back pearls and rhinestones of creating!
thank you for featuring my sold for scrapbooking. I am Christina Schroeder
three room boxes and French
Farmhouse dollhouses over quite happy with the results.
the past year. It has been the I am including a photo.
dream of a lifetime. I will trea- I am working really hard and
sure the May cover! You have am not sure when I will have it
been so wonderful and kind! finished. It takes a lot of jewelry
I also wanted to tell you to fill a store! Haha When it is
that I loved the Santa house finished, I will submit it to you.
you made! The Dancing With I hope it turns out as well as it
The Stars program on the looks in my head!
television was so funny! It was Deri from Gulf Breeze, FL
FEBRUARY I AM 9
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PROJECT
Fancy lace cushions

This cushion will look great in a house of any era
BY TONI ALLEN
T he basic measure-
ments for these
cushions are
45x45cms for the square
and 45cms across for the
Round 3. SS across top of
3tr to 3 ch corner. *3 tr, 3ch,
3 tr, 3 ch* into loop, repeat
*to* 3 times and ss into top
of start treble.
Shell edging
Round 1 . SS in 3tr, 1 double
crochet into loop, *5ch, 1 dc
into loop *repeat to end and
ss into 1st dc.
round. You can alter the Round 4. SS across top Round 2. SS into 3 ch of
size by omitting or adding of 3 tr and into corner loop. loop, 7 ch, * 1 dc into next
rounds to basic shapes. *3tr, 3 ch, 3 tr into corner loop, 7ch *, repeat to end
loop, 3 ch, 3 tr into centre and ss into base of 7 ch
Basic square loop, 3 ch * repeat 3 times, loop.
Round 1. 3 chain, link with ss into start tr. Round 3. SS into 1st ch
slip stitch into 1st chain. Repeat rounds until de- loop, 3 ch as first tr, 10 tr
Round 2. 3ch (as first sired size is reached. I used into 7 ch loop, * 1 dc into
treble) 2 treble, *3 chain, 3 two more rounds but this next 7ch loop, 11 tr into next
treble* 3 times into loop, 3 will depend on your tension 7 ch loop * repeat to end
ch and slip stitch into top of and the type of cotton used. and ss into 1st tr.
3 ch start.
Materials:
n Fine crochet cotton or two
strands of embroidery silk
n 0.75 crochet hook
n 15cm square of material
n Small amount of stuffing
n Matching thread
n Needle
n Scissors
n Centimeter ruler
Abbreviations:
Ch=chain
tr=treble crochet
dc=double crochet
ss=slip stitch
10 AM I FEBRUARY
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PROJECT
Mini tutorials needed

We hope you have been
enjoying all of the wonderful
tutorials featured in American
Miniaturist. There are so
many impressive creative ideas
and new techniques in the
miniature community. We try
our best to find projects we
Finishing the cushion Round 4. 1 dc into top of
think our readers will enjoy,
Place your finished square 1st tr, *9 ch, 1 dc into 2nd
but we know there are more
on top of your material and loop * repeat to end, ss into
that we can find out there.
mark through with a light dc. If you would like to be a
pencil between the granny Round 5. SS into 9 chain part of this fun publication
square and the shell edg- loop, * 5 tr, 2 ch, 5 tr into please consider being one of
ing. This will give you your loop * repeat to end, ss into our valued contributors.
sewing line. 1st tr. We have great opportunities
Make up your cushion, Round 6. 1 dc in each of 5 for miniaturists who submit
stuff and sew up the gap. tr, 6 tr into 2 ch loop, * 1 dc tutorials such as credit towards
Place your crochet into each of 10 tr, 5 tr into 2 subscriptions and individual
square over the stuffed ch loop * repeat to end, ss issues. And, if you are in
into 1st dc. business, your tutorials might
cushion, matching up the
Round 7. SS to top of 6 tr, actually help promote what
edge of the granny square
1 ch, 1 tr into 2nd dc, * 2ch, you are selling. We’ll furnish
to the seams of the cushion,
you with these details after
stretching to fit. Back stitch miss 1 dc, 1 tr into next dc
your submission has been
through dc in shell edging twice, ss into top of 6 tr *
approved.
to secure the cushion. repeat to end and ss into
Imagine how much joy your
To finish, carefully iron top of 1st ch mini project could give others
out the shell edging. Round 8. SS into chain who share your passion for
loop, * 2dc, 3 tr, 2 dc into lrg this hobby!
Round cushion loop, missing next ch loop Send your step-by-step
Basic round 8 ch, ss into 1st out, 2 ch, 2 dc, 3 tr, 2 dc, into instructions and photos to
chain. top of 6tr * repeat to end Tutorial Submission, American
Round 1. 14 tr into ch and ss into 1st ss. Miniaturist, PO Box 219,
loop, ss into 1st tr. When making up the Kasson, MN 55944. You may
Round 2. 7 ch, 1tr into round cushion, before turn- also send your entries via
ing the cushion lining the email to auralea@ashdown.
2nd, *5 ch, 1 tr into 2nd tr
right way out for stuffing, co.uk. Please be sure to
into loop * repeat to end, ss
cut the notches out of edge include your name, address,
into 1st tr.
phone number, and email
Round 3. SS into ch loop, 4tr, to seam for a better finish.
address. We can’t wait to see
*2 ch, 5tr into loop *repeat to your projects!
end, ss into top of 1st tr. Enjoy your new cushion!
FEBRUARY I AM 11
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PROJECT
A Valentine cake
Shower your sweetheart with affection and mini treats
BY SOPHIE JACKSON
V alentine’s Day can

be a very special
occasion, so why
shouldn’t your dollhouse
family celebrate it too?
heart-shaped decora-
tions. Mix a small amount
of brown and black clay
to create a dark chocolate
color. Mix white and yellow
hearts should be no bigger
than a half inch. Bake on
your tile in the oven for no
longer than 2-3 minutes.
Once you have completed

these Valentine’s projects,
why not try adapting them
clay to make a creamy
white chocolate color.
Ensure your hands are
3 To save clay, form the
inside of the cake from
aluminum foil. Try using a
for birthdays, anniversaries, clean so the brown doesn’t bottle cap or other small
or other special occasions? transfer to the other clay. round object to help shape
Let’s get started on making a round cake. Gradually
a beautiful chocolate cake
with scrumptious fudge ic-
ing that you can share with
2 Roll out the dark choco-
late clay until it forms a
very thin log. Lay it on your
build up the foil to create
the cake shape.
your mini sweetheart. tile and shape the outline of

a heart. Roll the remaining 4 Use the brown clay
and spread it onto the
1 The first part we need to

make is the ‘chocolate’
clay even thinner and swirl
it randomly inside the heart
to form the decoration.
foil cake, making sure all
the silver is covered and
smooth. Roll the cake sides
Repeat with the ‘white and smooth the top on the
Materials: chocolate’ clay. The finished tile to neaten up the cake.
n Polymer clay: medium
brown, black, yellow,
white, pale pink,
translucent
n Aluminum foil
n Gold and red acrylic paint
n Gold ribbon
n Thin gold card
n Plain ceramic tile
n Craft knife
n Scissors
n Toothpick
n Ruler and pencil
n Small paintbrush
n Craft glue
12 AM I FEBRUARY
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PROJECT
1 2 3
4 5 6
5 Now mix some brown

and black clay, roll out a
large sheet of the clay, and
out a log and shape it to a
point along one side. Cut
slices from the log—they
in your fingers and once
the rose is big enough, cut
off the excess clay at the
lay it over the cake in the should look oval with a base and place it on the
same way as you would ice point like a leaf. Lay each cake. Repeat this step to
a normal cake. Use a craft slice onto the cake and make a few flowers for the
knife to remove the excess use a toothpick to mark top of the cake and around
clay and make the fudge one central and several the base.
icing nice and smooth. diagonal veins into the leaf.
6 Roll out two logs of the

chocolate clay and then
Overlap the leaves and
shape the edges with the
toothpick to make them
9 Now for the trickiest
part of the modeling.
Use pure white clay and
put them together and twist look ‘bumpy’. roll it out into very thin
them. Wrap them around logs, cut it into manageable
the base of the cake mak-
ing sure the joint is at the
back. Use a craft knife to cut
8 To make the roses, mix
pale pink and translu-
cent clay. Roll the clay into
lengths. Now with a tooth-
pick in one hand fix the
‘icing’ where your lettering
a slit in the top of the cake, narrow logs and flatten will begin. Holding the clay
and then take the heart them as much as you can. over the cake, gently twist
decorations and slot them Now start to roll up the it into the shapes of the
inside so they stand upright. clay, making sure the very letters using the toothpick
center roll is nice and tight, to help mold it and press it
7 Using the same dark

chocolate color as for
the heart decoration, roll
and then wrap the remain-
ing clay around it loosely to
make petals. Twist the base
down lightly. Be patient and
don’t push it down too hard
into the clay; you’ll want to
FEBRUARY I AM 13
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PROJECT
9 10 12
1 2
be able to take it off again

if you need to. Bake the
cake in the oven for 7-10
cake. Cut a square of gold
card and glue the cake to it
to create a base. Your cake
2 Create the box using
the template out of gold
card, score down the folds
minutes. is now done! and glue together. Use a
hole punch to cut circles
10 Now for the finishing

touches. Water down
some red acrylic paint and
Box of chocolates
Now we’ll create a
Valentine’s Day staple—a
from white tissue paper.
Stick each chocolate onto
a tissue paper circle and
lightly brush it over the lovely box of chocolates. draw it up to form a ‘case’.
roses. Wipe some of it off
right away with a piece of
paper towel so the rose just
has a light hint of red.
1 Save any leftover clay
from the cake and shape
it into little chocolates.
3 Brush gold paint onto
the heart-shaped
chocolates and once dry,
Make some into rectangles glue them into the box.
11 Now take a clean

paintbrush and apply
some gold paint. Dab most
and roll the rest into a log,
cut into slices. Point one
end of the slices and use a 4 Take a piece of gold
ribbon and stick it
of it off on a spare piece toothpick to indent the top across the corner of the lid.
of paper towel, and gently to create a heart. Finish by
brush it over the leaves to
give them a gold leaf look.
rolling out some very thin
logs of clay in contrasting
colors and zigzag them
5 Then cut a small
rectangle of gold
card, fold in half, and stick
12 Cut a strip of yel-

low ribbon and glue
it around the sides of the
across the top to decorate.
Bake for only one to two
minutes in the oven.
to the ribbon. Your mini
box of chocolates is now
complete!
14 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p012-014.indd 14 12/20/17 3:45 PM

Grammy Fudge’s
Garden Goodies
NEW
KIT!
You’ll love this quirky and fun creation—Grammy

Fudge’s Garden Goodies in 1/4 inch scale. Grammy Fudge
loves her lawn art and this is her garden shop, complete
with bird houses, fountains, gazing balls, and an
assortment of other fun items.
Grandt Line Products
1040 B Shary Court • Concord, CA 94518
tel: (925) 671-0143 • e-mail: grandt@pacbell.net
www.g r an d t l i n e. co m
www.manhattandollhouse.com
Celebrating our 41st year in business
Complete Online Dollhouse & Miniature Store, Unique Pieces,

Premiere Bespaq Dealer, Custom Projects and
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Wholesale & Retail Since 1976 122 Gallison Hill Road, Montpelier, VT 05602
866•646•1976
FEBRUARY I AM 15
04FE18_p015.indd 15 12/18/17 11:44 AM

MINI MAGIC
Miniatures used
as movie scenes
Photography and miniatures come together
to celebrate classic movies
BY DEB WEISSLER
O
ne look at Kristin Casten- recurring theme throughout fun to make but she yearned
schiold’s interpretations her life. to shrink them down to
of Disney’s mid-century As a child, she often played mini-size; perfect for that old
classic, Lady and the Tramp with her mother’s antique
Below left: Jim Dear giving his
and I could hear the late Peggy dollhouse, but remembers set- wife, Darling, an American Cocker
Lee’s sultry voice singing “He’s a ting aside the resident dolls in Spaniel puppy which she names
Tramp but I love him…” Kirstin lieu of dogs and cats. Interests Lady. Below: Lady enjoying a
does too! in photography, drawing, and happy life with Jim and Darling.
Right: These scenes introduce
The 1955 movie was just painting led her to pursue a the rest of the main cast, Trusty
one of a series of animal- BFA degree at Kutztown Uni- a Blood Hound, Jock a Scottish
related movies and books versity of Pennsylvania, where Terrier, and Tramp a mix breed.
Lady becomes aware of her
that captured her heart as a animals often took center
owners changed behavior while
child. With fond memories of stage in her work. pregnant and becomes alarmed.
growing up with Lassie, Rin When her mother intro- Tramp spends his time avoiding
Tin Tin, Benji, Beethoven, duced her to needle felting, the local dog catcher. Lady
shown meeting the new baby.
and other canine stars, Kristin was instantly hooked. Here we meet Aunt Sara’s bad
animals have become a Her 3D wool sculptures were cats Si and Am.
16 AM I FEBRUARY
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MINI MAGIC
FEBRUARY I AM 17
04FE18_p016-022.indd 17 12/21/17 2:08 PM

MINI MAGIC
Right: After the mischief with the

cats, Lady is taken to a Pet Shop
and fitted with a muzzle. She flees
in horror, only to be chased by a
pack of stray dogs. Tramp saves
the day and has an idea! These
scenes were set up using various
scrapbook papers and the pack of
stray dogs were a few more from
Kristin’s collection.
dollhouse languishing in her

parents’ attic.
“A college photography
project lead me to create a
series of images that told a
story involving childhood
toys,” Kristin recalls. Down
came the dollhouse to serve
as the perfect backdrop for
her photos. The results lead
to a series of projects, each
involving miniature animals
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MINI MAGIC
Above: This scene represents

Tramp sneaking Lady into the
zoo to ask the beaver for help in
removing her muzzle. The beaver
is yet another piece Kristin made.
It was created using a generic
plastic toy she picked up at some
point that was re-painted and
then furred.
telling a story. With the 1:12

scale dollhouse as inspira-
tion, she soon discovered the
world of dollhouse minia- by placing them in differ- Above: The most iconic scene from
the whole movie! She set them
tures–not new pieces, but the ent vignettes in order to tell up against scrapbook paper with
old and discarded she found a story. Recalling her love of various props purchased at the
at various yard sales, estate Hollywood’s iconic canines local dollhouse shop. She added a
sales, online, and at her local and felines, she decided to little lens flair on the computer for
a romantic lighting effect.
miniature shop. tell their stories. The joy of
“I loved the fact that I create a dedication to the cast
could take a worn out, well-
loved toy and give it a whole ‘I loved the fact of Lady and the Tramp.
“I bought and re-watched
new purpose,” Kristin said. “As that I could take the movie a couple of times,
I manipulated the figures to grabbing screen shots that
get the poses I desired, I began
a worn out, well- I wanted to create,” Kristin
to revisit the art of sculpting. loved toy and give explains. “It was an inter-
Having experimented with it a whole new esting challenge because I
various sculpture mediums
over the years, it was a natural
purpose. ’ wanted the dogs to resemble
the story’s characters, and
progression to make them in making a convincing minia-
miniature.” re-watching all those classic ture of a cartoon character is
Kristin used her pho- movies helped enhance her never easy.”
tography to document each work. After creating a dozen Kristin spent an entire day
figure she made, gradually or more famous animals, Kris- placing props, backgrounds,
developing a visual storyboard tin received a commission to and characters, and playing
FEBRUARY I AM 19
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MINI MAGIC
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MINI MAGIC
Left: Lady falls in love with Tramp

while overlooking the city at
sunrise. She ultimately decides
to return home but she gets
captured and taken to the pound.
Once Lady is picked up from the
pound she is comforted by her
friends Trusty and Jock, but when
Tramp appears all three turn
away from him.
Lady sees a rat in the baby’s
room and barks to get Tramp to
help defend the baby. Aunt Sarah
thinks Tramp was attacking the
baby and calls the Dog Catcher.
Jock and Trusty catch wind of
what has happened and chase
down the Dog Catcher only for it
to fall over on top of Trusty.
More scrapbook paper and the
50 cent car used again as well as scenes from the film despite and may not quite fit the
some plastic to look like water her limited budget. character exactly.”
puddles on the ground. “The farm house was pur- The idea of adding real
chased from an estate sale that hair to her characters to make
with camera angles and setups. was part of a huge collection them more lifelike fascinated
The result was twenty-four the owner had amassed over Kristin early on. Each dog
photos that tell the story of the years. The backgrounds and cat are hand-sculpted and
Lady and the Tramp; from are various scrapbook papers fur applied. “I have amassed a
Lady’s first appearance in a gift and calendars. The hard- huge collection of fibers from
box on Christmas morning to est part is those stories that alpaca to dogs and cats saved
the finale where Kristin’s cast require dolls. Often times the
eagerly watch their coun- small collection of dolls I do Below: These images show the
happy family all together again
terparts on television. Each own shows up in the same and introduce Lady and Tramp’s
diorama faithfully captures stories over and over again, little puppies.
FEBRUARY I AM 21
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MINI MAGIC
for me by a friend who is a placed props and an appropri- Above: This final shot is
groomer.” Kristin trims and ate backdrop illustrates that it something Kristin does for all the
miniature animals of Hollywood,
forms as she works, waiting doesn’t require a room full of it’s meant to show her miniature
between layers for the glue furnishings to tell a convinc- creations next to the original
to dry. Once the furring is ing story. In fact, in this case, animals of the story. A lot of times
she writes story boards before
complete, details are added less is more.
she begins shooting so she can
with paint or pastels. An
‘Kristin spent an
photograph any scene requiring
original figure sculpted over a the same background all at the
wire armature can take several same time.
hours to complete. entire day placing painting their own. That old
With each scene carefully props, backgrounds, dollhouse from the attic has
staged to match the movie, it and characters, and proven its worth more than
only takes a moment for view- once, and rest assured you will
playing with camera
’
ers to connect with the story see it again in future issues of
and its lively cast of characters: angles and setups. American Miniaturist!
Lady, the Tramp, Jock, Trusty,
and that naughty duo Si and
Am. Even the zoo’s beaver
As Kristin works her way
through Hollywood’s great H GETINTOUCH:
Heart “Felt” Canines
makes an appearance. Kristin’s animal stories, she and her Kristin Castenschiold
ability to capture selected film mom enjoy searching for great Email: heartfeltcanines@gmail.com
frames with just a few carefully props, as well as building and Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/kdc123
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PROJECT
Designing a dollhouse
These tips will help you get the most out of your house
BY FRANCES ROE
I f you are new to the hob-

by or have just got your
first dollhouse for Christ-
mas, follow these guidelines
by Frances Roe to help your
decorating ambitions get off
to a flying start!
Plan it out
Tempting as it may be
to jump right in and start
decorating, take some time
to plan and make con-
sidered decisions. Give
yourself a budget. Make
a floor plan and sketch in
where furnishings will go.
Compile a scrapbook of
colors and designs you like,
room treatments, furniture,
and inspirations. It will help
you focus your attention on
what you really want your
dollhouse to look like.
What goes on in that room?

It may be obvious what
kind of activities happen in
the kitchen, bathroom, or
bedroom, but living rooms,
hallways, drawing rooms,
and studies need to be
designed around specific
uses too. What activities
would take place in the
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PROJECT
chairs where your doll-

house family will sit.
Don’t block me out

Speaking of views, seeing
into each room of your doll-
house is just as important to
consider as the items that
you put in it. Group furniture
so that it does not obscure
the view into the room – you
might try taking digital pic-
tures of each arrangement
to see which layout is best
for the onlooker.
room you are decorating? tant feature in any room so
What possessions need make the most of them by
What are you looking at?
to be included and how creating a scenic vista at
So many times people think
would they be stored or dis- the back. Either cut a nice about the floor area of their
played? The little accesso- picture of a garden or view dollhouse room, but forget
ries you decide to include in an appropriate scale about the walls. I have never
are an ideal way to breathe from a magazine, or you seen a real house that has
a bit of personality into your can print something from absolutely no pictures, mir-
dollhouse. the Internet, use a photo- rors or paintings up on the
graph of your own view, wall, but I have seen plenty
Create a focal point or keep an eye out in our of dollhouses where the
As in our real, full-size Snippets section. Shrink walls have been forgotten.
homes, a focal point holds yourself down and pretend Shrink yourself down and
a room together. Fireplaces that you are sitting on the pretend that you are sitting
have traditionally served as
a focal point around which
furniture is arranged. In the
absence of a fireplace, you
might decide a window is
the focal point, or you could
create your own by using a
central display of pictures, a
sculpture, a flower arrange-
ment, or unusual furniture.
Make the most of your view

Windows form an impor-
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PROJECT
on the chairs where your Ask for help

dollhouse family will sit. Don’t be afraid to ask
Now, what walls would friends or colleagues
they be looking for their opinions. Join
at and where an online or local
would their field dollhouse club
of vision be? where you will mix
with other enthusiasts
Get touchy-feely off all abilities and interests.
Add interest to your interi- You’ll benefit from each
ors by experimenting with Bring the outside in others’ experiences
texture. Contrasting rough Don’t forget, balconies or and opinions and your
and smooth textures or outdoor living areas are enthusiasm will be treated
using luxury fabrics can also part of your dollhouse sympathetically. It’s a great
liven up a dollhouse room living space and need as way to learn more and
and add a new dimension much attention as you would make miniatures – not to
to it. This also takes the afford your indoor rooms. mention friends.
edge off any cost-cutting Remember also that bring-
you have done through ing natural objects, seasonal Most importantly, have fun
buying mass produced displays or plants into your creating your dollhouse
miniatures that may have a home will maintain a link and learning new skills as
cheaper finish. with the natural world. you go!
FEBRUARY I AM 25
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MINI FOOD
Miniature fruits
of her labors
If you need fresh vegetables and fruits for your
scene then Sharon Harbison can provide
BY DEB WEISSLER
N
ational Geographic refers miniatures are the ultimate
to folks like Sharon escapism; shrinking our world
Harbison as “food min- down to manageable size and
iacs”. According to their data, allowing makers and viewers
making tiny things in general alike to live in fantasy worlds,
is a billion dollar business that at least temporarily.
includes dollhouse miniatures, Sharon pauses for a
model railroads, museum moment and reflects, “A lot involving miniatures
dioramas, and all things small of people aspire to things, was when her family visited
and cute. but in the end you have to do the Museum of Science and
To the full-sized world what you’re good at. I never Industry in Chicago. She fell
that knows nothing about visualized when I was in art in love with Colleen Moore’s
miniatures, all of this detailed school that I would be doing Fairy Castle that was on
downsizing just doesn’t make this, but I truly feel this is display, as most young girls
much sense. Psychologists what I was meant to do.” would do at the age of ten.
of course hypothesize that Sharon’s first memory But that single visit was not
enough to light a spark of
miniature creativity. It took
a degree from the Newark
School of Fine and Industrial
Art and an assignment from
her employer to set her
on track for becoming an
established miniature artist.
“In 1978 I got a job with
my local recreation commis-
sion. They were holding a
Left: A kitchen prep table full of

fresh vegetables and fruits.
26 AM I FEBRUARY
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MINI FOOD
ing with polymer clay

and the broad scope of
subject matters she could
explore.
“Food is
everywhere;
supermarkets,
cookbooks, television,
and of course the
local miniature show and I Internet! I make all kinds
was assigned to contact deal- of food: fruits, and vegetables miniature food makes you
ers, make arrangements, and want to break out the pots
handle publicity. I was handed
a copy of then-Nutshell News
‘A lot of people and pans and cook up a mini
culinary storm.
for reference. My boss sug- aspire to things, Since retirement, Sharon
gested I attend the show to see but in the end you finds it easy combining home
the fruits of my labors. I was have to do what life and miniatures. “It can
impressed with the craftsman-
ship and wondered if I could you’re good at. ’ be picked up and put down
at a moment’s notice, and
do that too.” since I’m retired I can put in
Sharon began by making in sacks, plates, platters, crates, an eight-hour day if need be.
plants and flowers, debuting bowls, baskets, and market
at a Nutshell News event. She tables” filled with exquisitely Above: Pickled peppers, a
kitchen scale and a basket of
followed through with other crafted food that can span freshly picked radishes. Below:
shows and within two years cultures and generations. Her Farm fresh items in miniature.
her talents garnered a feature
in the magazine.
Almost a decade later
she was burned out and put
miniatures aside. Following
retirement a few years ago
she decided to try again, but
plants and flowers were off her
dance card. She decided to try
food because of her love work-
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MINI FOOD
Even skeletons can pull

off a good magic trick!
Left and above: Realistic caramelized apples

on a prep board and delicious cherries.
While it’s not physically tax- With a keen eye for details, Sharon attends miniature
ing, it’s hard on the eyes. Dur- Sharon sent photos of her shows in the Northeast, and
ing breaks I cook, shop, run work to the I.G.M.A. and her items are sold online by
errands, etc. I do try to put in they offered her a contract. S P Miniatures and Darren
at least a three-hour workday. The I.G.M.A.enable her to Scala of D. Thomas Fine
I have a lap desk so I can work meet and speak with artisans Miniatures in New York.
and watch television.” she rarely sees, as well as find- Her prices are wonderfully
As far as tools and materi- ing wonderful things to buy affordable, enabling her cus-
als are concerned, Sharon to pair with her own work. As tomers to fill their kitchen
now has her own molds and talented as she is, she always pantries and counters to
would like to try making relies on a critical eye for feed- their hearts’ desire.
her own clay one day. If back; in her case, her husband “I most enjoy thinking
she misplaces her needle is her best critic. up something new to make,
stylus, everything comes to “If he says “Well, look working through the best way
a screeching halt until she at that!” it means it’s very to make it, and ultimately
locates it. “I have a large good. “It’ll sell,” means it’s being pleased with the results.
collection of artist’s pastels okay. But “what is it?” means As to what’s new? Who
such as Pan Pastels, which are back to the drawing board!” knows! I never know what I
ground more finely than the Sharon laughs. “I learned in might be doing next.
pastel sticks, making them art school it’s hard to see what And I love talking to
excellent for putting the might be wrong with your and interacting with my
bloom on a peach or the red own work, but someone else customers. I get some of
on an apple.” can see it.” my best ideas from them,
so I welcome any and all
suggestions.”
H GETINTOUCH:
Sharon Harbison Miniature Food
Email: red0213@aol.com
Phone: (908) 492-8399
Web: www.spminiatures.com
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PROJECT
A charming basket
Fill a miniature basket with your favorite things
BY DANIELLE MULLER
M ake a basket
full of miniature
treats for some-
one special this month.
paper and cut it out (Step
1.1). Transfer it by hand to a
piece of cardboard (2 mm
thick) using your pencil or
marker (Step 1.2). Keep the
1 Print or copy the pattern

onto normal printing
printed pattern, you’ll need
it again later.
Pattern:
MEET THE MAKER:
Danielle Muller
“I am originally from
Luxembourg. My hubby and I
have lived in Germany for 12
years. We have two lovable
Maine Coon cats. I’ve been a
miniaturist for over 25 years
now and over the years, my
biggest challenge was to make
more and more items myself.”
Materials:
n Multi purpose glue n 1 piece of embroidery
n No-Sew fabric glue canvas
n Super Glue (optional) n Fabric of your choice
n Ruler n Embellishments of your
n Scissors choice (silk flowers, bows,
n Xacto Knife rhinestones)
n Cotton swabs n Ribbons
n Old paintbrush n Optional items for the
n Pencil or Marker basket handle : thin
n Tweezers leather strip, silk ribbon,
n +/- 2 mm thick cardboard braided waxed thread
FEBRUARY I AM 29
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PROJECT
1.1 1.2 1.3
1.4 1.5 2.1
2.2 2.3 2.4
Use your pencil to trace either a multi-purpose or a As shown in the next 3

the middle piece of your no-sew fabric glue. photos (Step 2.5 - 2.7), cut
pattern to check the I recommend using an the fabric above all 4 sides
measurements (it should old paintbrush to apply the of the basket and leave a
be 4 x 2 cm). Check the glue as evenly as possible, triangle to get a neat finish
rest of the measurements to avoid it leaking through on each corner.
too as shown. If they are the fabric (Steps 2.2 - 2.3). The trick is to cut notches
correct, then cut it out Start cutting the fabric all around, because it will
(Steps 1.3 - 1.5). as shown. It’s best to start give a much better finish
by making 4 cuts to the than to glue the edges in
2 Take a piece of fabric

of your choice and cut it
sides, all the way through
to where the cardboard
one piece.
at least 2 cm larger than the

pattern (Step 2.1).
Glue the cardboard
edges are. Then cut all
around and leave at least 1
cm of fabric all around the
3 Start by gluing the over-
lapping notches using a
cotton swab (optional) and
pattern to the fabric using pattern (Step 2.4). repeat this step for each
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PROJECT
2.5 2.6 2.7
3.1 3.2 3.3
3.4 4.1 4.2
4.3 5.1 5.2
side of the basket.(Step 3.1

- 3.3). Let the glue set for a
few minutes.
4 Once the glue has
completely set, start
by folding in all 4 sides
toothpick to apply the glue,
since you really won’t need
much. I find that the fabric
Once the glue has set, (Step 4.1) of the basket glue works best here, but if
turn around and check the and check if the edges you prefer, you may use a
borders and corners. Your look good. If they do, glue tiny little bit of super glue.
basket should now look like the edges together (Step Your basket should now
this (Step 3.4). Let dry. 4.2). I recommend using a look like this (Step 4.3).
FEBRUARY I AM 31
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PROJECT
5.3 5.4 5.5
6.1 6.2 6.5
6.7 7.1 7.2
5 Take your initial pattern

and transfer it to the
piece of embroidery can-
the canvas into the basket
using your paintbrush again
to apply the glue (Step 5.5).
ric (12 x 1.5cm) and glue
the cardboard to the fabric
(Steps 6.1 - 6.2). Just a little
vas using either a pencil or Set aside to dry. tip: always check that you’re
a marker, whatever works gluing it to the correct side
best for you (Step 5.1 - 5.2).
Cut it out. I recommend
cutting inside the lines here,
6 While your basket is
drying, let’s make the
handle. If you wish, you
of the fabric (inside).
Cut off the edges as show
in the photo (Step 6.5) and
since it will be a bit too can use different things to start by gluing the 2 little
large anyway. make your handle (see the overlapping notches on
Fold all 4 sides and list of items), but I decided each end first. Then put
insert it into your basket to to make mine using some some glue on one side of
check the size (Step 5.3). cardboard and a matching the fabric and fold it and
Adjust the sides by cutting piece of fabric. repeat this step with the
down the sides until it fits Start by cutting out a other side. Your finished
the inside of your basket piece of cardboard (11 x handle should look like this
perfectly (Step 5.4). Glue 0.5 cm) and a piece of fab- (Step 6.7).
32 AM I FEBRUARY
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PROJECT
8.1 8.2 8.3
8.4 8.5
7 Glue your handle to

the inside of the basket
using clamps until the glue
you want to add to yours
is entirely left to your own
imagination of course.
Should you have any
trouble with the pattern,
feel free to contact me and
has set (Step 7.1 - 7.2). I’ll gladly send it to you as
I made another basket a PDF (email: dmzminia-
8 Now that the basket

is almost finished,
let’s give it a nice finish-
and glued the handle
to the other sides of the
basket. You can fill yours
tures@gmail.com).
ing touch by adding some with whatever items you

embellishments. need for your ongoing
For this little basket, I project. Have fun creating
decided to add some wavy your own. A little Valentine
ribbon all around the out- basket would be perfect
side. Again, when gluing for this month!
fabric, the no-sew fabric
glue works best in my
opinion. It sets quickly but
still gives you a little time to
move back and forth (Step
8.1 - 8.3).
I added a little silk bow
to one side of the basket
(Step 8.4) and a silk rose to
the other (Step 8.5). What
kind of embellishments
FEBRUARY I AM 33
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PROJECT
Curtain draping
Dress up your dollhouse windows with a few steps
BY AURALEA KRIEGER
F or the most part,

this is a fairly stan-
dard way of making
draped curtains for a doll-
house. There is one extra
These won’t push open as
well as a real curtain would
and I wanted a nice view
outside the window. So the
less fabric the better.
step, I added a wire so my
curtains draped realistically
at the bottom.
Start by measuring the
1 Once you have your
width and height, add
an extra 1/8” on both sides,
portion of the window that an extra 1/4” on the bottom,
MEET THE MAKER: would be covered if the and about an extra 1/2” on
Auralea Krieger curtains were closed. In this the top.
case it is a double window
2
“I live on the Chesapeake Bay with two curtains, so I am I used a shish kabob
in Maryland and work remotely only counting one side as stick for my rod, so I
for this wonderful magazine. a window. I measured half wrapped the fabric over to
Dollhouses have been part of the window width and then determine how much extra
my life for the past 33 years, took off another 1/4” or so. I would need at the top.
but all things miniature have
held my interest since I was
very little.”
Materials:
n Fabric
n Ruler
n Tacky Glue
n Shish kabob sticks
n Wood cutters or saw
n Foam board
n Wire and cutters
n Pins
n Hair spray or Fabric stiffener
n Beads
n Super Glue
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PROJECT
5 8 13
3 Prep your rod by paint-

ing or staining and let
dry. I used a full stick so I
top right to keep it in place.
Then pin the bottom right
so it is straight.
TOPTIP:
When draping your
curtains let your fabric
could trim it down later.
8 Slowly work out where guide you. Try not to force

the pleats.
4 Glue over your side
hems with Tacky Glue.
Fold the top over the stick
your curtain pleats
will be. Use another stick
to slide under the pleat
(curtain rod) and glue so
you can still move the stick.
and pin on the sides of it.
Push the bottom wire snug
against the stick to make
12 Trim the curtain rod
with wood cutters or
a fine saw and glue on a
5 Cut a piece of thin wire

and glue it snugly in the
bottom hem. Run your nail
each bottom pleat. Slide it
out and then back under
the next pleat. Pin and
bead for each side with
Super Glue.
up against it to get it snug. shape the wire around the

stick and so on. 13 Use a piece of wire,
shaped like a hook, to
6 Lay the rod with the cur-

tain on a piece of foam
board and start pinning it 10 Spray curtains with
hair spray or fabric
hang your curtain rod.
I pushed mine through
pre-made mat board
down with sewing pins. stiffener. Let dry. window molding frames
and taped it at the back.
7 Start with the left sides

top, middle, and then
bottom. Then push the cur-
11 Take out your pins
and brush the pointed
ends over the holes left
That’s all it takes. Now go
get started! I bet you have
tain open and pin it at the behind to close them up. lots of windows to dress up.
FEBRUARY I AM 35
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MINI MAGIC
Winter wonder
inside the wall
Ilona Merritt created a magical hole in the
wall that changes with the season
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAI RAMBO
I
am now retired and, amongst Senior Citizens trips and trav- well as the Lakeland Minia-
other volunteer jobs, I am a eled halfway around the world ture Club. I also take an active
writer for the News of Sun with them. part in their annual show in
City Center. My role is to inter- In 2001, after I had moved June every year.
view and write about people of to Florida, I met my present The first house I built
interest to our community and husband who introduced me was a one-inch scale house
various organizations. I spent to the World of Miniatures for Santa Claus. It has been
most of my adult life work- through a friend. He has been displayed many times for our
ing with Senior Citizens as a my staunchest supporter and local Christmas tree lighting.
recreation director, primarily encourages me in my endeav- Recently, it spent the month
for the City of Toledo, Ohio, ors. I am a member of the of December on display at
division of recreation. Lakeland Miniature Guild Hospice House. This year
I taught many crafts and ac- and, with a friend, organized it will be on display for the
tivities to seniors and organized a Dollhouse Miniature Club
Below: A few of the tiny magical
bus tours for them. Eventually, here in Sun City Center. I
scenes in the display. Right: With
I started my own business as frequently teach projects to the hole in the wall there is a
Tour Director and organizer for the Sun City Center group, as winter village!
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MINI MAGIC
FEBRUARY I AM 37
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MINI MAGIC

Above: The scene lit up at night. ning ‘one more hole’ in the house, it inspired me to want
wall which will be full of tree a similar ‘hole in a wall’.
Shriners’ Christmas party at houses, animals, and various But, how do I convince my
which they host about 300 scenes in nature. husband that this is a neces-
first graders. sary project? Good fortune
It is hard for me to part Creating the display smiled on me because my
with things I have had such When I retired, I moved from wonderful husband already
pleasure to make. Therefore, a ten room house to a five had plans as to where to cut
my husband had a lanai room house and thought I the hole in the wall to display
added to our home and when could save space by working in my work and he was equally
I filled that space, he had quarter inch scale. But some- willing to help me with this
space for a studio added to times one can even make too large project.
the lanai. It overlooks a lake many of those! What to do? The concept is relatively
and makes it a delightful Put them into a closet? Seems simple. A place is needed
place to work. Since I a shame ... but why not? behind a wall where one
am retired, I work as my The idea to display my can build a display area. The
creativity leads me. work in this manner came dimensions are totally depen-
Presently, I am working on from Ron Mumfort, who dent on available space and
creating small shadow boxes owns a miniature shop in how many items one wants to
with 1” birds and these will be Orlando, Florida. When I saw display, as well as how it is to
Christmas gifts. I am plan- the ‘hole in the wall’ in his be displayed.
38 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p036-040.indd 38 12/20/17 4:05 PM

MINI MAGIC
My husband built a shelf

designed to carry a box up to ‘By using a
Above: An overview of the inside
of the closet showing the present
display in the hole and the stored
2’ high x 2’ wide x 4’ deep. mountain scene, the original content.
First, we removed the drywall elevation permits
from the inside of the closet houses so that the cars don’t
better visualization
’
and then cut an oval for the have the ‘drop off ’ look at
window on the outside wall. of the contents. the end. By using a mountain
Now my work started. scene, the elevation permits
First, I had to find a picture and a gazebo. They were all better visualization of the
frame that would be suitable in quarter-scale and none contents. Since this was to be
to view the display area. After of them had to be trimmed a day and night scene, more
searching the internet, I found down. I had made all of these lights were placed in windows
an antique oval frame with houses, either from a kit or which looked onto the street
a convex glass. A couple of from scratch. If you use 1” and I created street lamps out
sheets of gold leaf applied to scale house you will prob- of children’s beads so that the
the old frame brought it back ably have to cut them into night scene showed well. Lots
to new life. sections. of trees, vines and other land-
Years of building quarter- I choose to create a scaping material were used,
scale houses and a vivid imagi- mountain village with a street including flowers to brighten
nation did the rest. The first going through the center, but up the day scene.
‘hole in the wall’ display took the road makes a right hand The overhead lighting for
nine houses, a greenhouse turn just before the last two the day scene is a LED panel,
FEBRUARY I AM 39
04FE18_p036-040.indd 39 12/20/17 4:05 PM

MINI MAGIC
This cowboy seems to

have a helping hand.
Above: Two skaters in the park.

Right: A tiny Dalmatian looking at
the decorated pet shop.
1’ x 4’, over which we draped

a black cloth. Only the sheets
of plywood, the lights and
the black cloth were bought
extra. The surrounding walls
are large sheets of 1/4” ply- ‘Although I now live in The winter scene is also a
collection of previously built
wood, 2’ by 4’, covered with Florida, I always liked houses although some of them
watercolor paper on which I
painted the background. A
snow and Christmas. ’ were destined for the waste-
basket: snow is so wonderful –
few houses were made with However, when installing it can hide a multitude of sins!
core board and placed behind the electricity, all the wiring This time I had to build
the existing house to add must be kept the same. (One a few new buildings to add
more dimension. cannot reach in and turn on a to the display. For example,
The wiring was a test of pa- number of battery- operated the church was built for the
tience. I divided the layout into lights!) I used grain-of-wheat display, as were the build-
three sections and used two bulbs to fill in extra lights. ings for the Christkindl
large transformers, which were I divided this display into Markt (Christmas stalls).
placed under the end piece. two sections using two large I also placed a few small
Although I now live in transformers. However, the people into the scene. One
Florida, I always liked snow Christmas tree – with about might note the ice skaters,
and Christmas. Almost as eight lights – had to be placed children, a dog in front of
soon as I had finished the on its own transformer. This the pet shop, and, of course,
first ‘hole in the wall’ display, time, the background was a Nativity set in the center
I was already planning a new painted with watercolor and a of the town. And, yes, there
scene using the same area. The variety of pine trees in various is a sleigh pulled by horses,
process for the winter scene shades of blue. White became treetops glistening and chil-
was similar. the backdrop. dren—hopefully, listening.
40 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p036-040.indd 40 12/20/17 4:05 PM

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04MAY15_p002.indd 15 Time to Shop in the Museum Shop 4/23/15 10:51 AM
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Barre, Vermont 05641B

FEBRUARY I AM 41
802-477-6464
04FE18_p041.indd 41 12/20/17 2:35 PM
MY CREATIVE
SPACE
R This month we visit the workshop
ebecca has been in a
past showcase with her
beautiful miniature of miniaturist, Rebecca Stewart.
furniture. Let’s visit her in her
miniature art studio. I try to make all my miniatures collection of many things that
in the same place, however, make me happy.
How long have you been I’m known to go outside on
making miniatures? Officially a warm sunny day to create. I Do you keep your workspace
I have been making miniatures can also be found working on private or do you let other
since June 2015. miniature pieces when I travel people/pets in? I enjoy sharing
either by car or plane. the space with others, and
Where do you Fantastic conversation welcome visitors anytime.
create? A guest starter on an airplane!
bedroom that has Do you listen to music or
been converted Do you work at set times? the radio while you work?
into my “Creative I usually work on minia- Aside from the chirping of the
Space,” one might tures during the day when birds landing on the window
say, I have two my husband is at work bird feeder, I usually have the
spaces, as the room and our son is at school. space quite.
has an adjoining bathroom, I will admit, whenever I have
that space, has become my free time, you will find me in Name one thing that is
painting, staining and scroll my work space. It’s hard for me banned from your work-
saw cutting room. When I need to set strict times for creating, I space.? The only rule I have
larger pieces of wood ripped enjoy it so much! for my work space is no sports
down, out to the garage I go! allowed in any form! With my
What makes your space for husband working in collegiate
Do you always make your mini making so special? athletics, and having a son,
minis in the same place? My work space is a unique there’s a lot of sports.
42 AM I FEBRUARY
‘My work space is a unique collection of m
04FE18_p042-043.indd 42 12/20/17 4:05 PM
Describe your workspace in
five words. Organized,
bright and cheery (oops that’s
two words), inspiring, happy,
treasure filled (oops that’s two
words again).
What is the one thing that

your workspace can’t be
missing? The one thing my
workspace can’t be missing
is sunshine.

What or where would be your
dream workspace? I really
enjoy my current workspace,
however, I’m outgrowing my
space. I’ve been weighing the
idea of building a free standing
‘building/studio/cottage’ on our
property. This would allow me
to have more room and true
dedicated spaces for everything
that goes into creating minia-
tures and operating my Etsy
shop. My dad and I would
build the space.
on of many things that make me happy. ’

FEBRUARY I AM 43
04FE18_p042-043.indd 43 12/20/17 4:05 PM

MINI MAGIC
It’s all in the

tiny details
Roxanne Fern has a flair for creating scenes that
make you want to get to baking in the kitchen
BY PAM NORTH
D
ieting miniaturists better iatures in 2006, and opened miniatures. “I love what I do,”
have resolves of steel before her Etsy shop, turning the she said happily, “and I enjoy
being faced with Rox- endeavor into a full-time every moment of the process
anne Fern‘s miniature kitchen job in 2010. Initially, she that allows my passion to
vignette. Everything about it is was fascinated by miniature come across to others. I am
centered around the world of sculpted babies, and wanted excited every time I get an
food, and tiny, delicious-look- to try her hand at them, but idea or inspiration to create
ing baked pies, cookies, and soon she branched out into something in miniature, and
candies are part of the mon- miniature clothing, crocheted seeing a finished product gives
tage of items that she has so blankets, decorated cribs, and me a great sense of joy and
skillfully made, collected, and accessories (even adorable tiny pride in my work.”
mixed together. The New York pacifiers), for the babies. Combining home life
City artist recreates kitchen and Her journey into min- and miniature making
baking-themed miniatures in iatures soon turned into a
Below left: Roxanne has an
all scales, focusing mainly on full-time occupation, which extensive collection of metal
1:12 and 1:6 scales. she dedicates all of her time molds. Below: Each photo shows
She started making min- designing and building a wonderful attention to detail.
44 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p044-047.indd 44 12/20/17 5:02 PM

MINI MAGIC
can be challenging, but for erywhere: real life, television, Above: Miniature heart-themed
Roxanne they blend together magazines, and social media desserts are a great way to bake
with love on Valentine’s Day.
just fine. Her family fully sites such as Pinterest. “I love
supports her, and her young shabby chic and unexpected.
children think it‘s wonder-
ful, and love helping her
‘I love what I do, One of Roxanne’s projects,
a kitchen scene, is part of
come up with new ideas. She and I enjoy every her personal collection, and
can make miniatures in her moment of the includes some of her favorite
home studio and concentrate process that allows miniature baking items. She
on filling orders in the day- set it up as a background for
time while her children are my passion to photographing the constantly
in school, then work in the come across to evolving selection of kitchen
evening once the kids are in
bed. “I work best in a peace-
others. ’ minis that she makes. “It is
somewhat of a miniature
ful and quiet environment,” dreaming up new miniatures replica of how my real-life
she explained. to create that are fun, sweet, kitchen is coming along, and
She finds inspiration ev- perhaps a bit vintage, retro, or includes many of the vintage
FEBRUARY I AM 45
04FE18_p044-047.indd 45 12/20/17 5:02 PM

MINI MAGIC
Above: Two circus cakes are I made the display shelf to The cakes, wooden pieces,
ready to go on display. and other accessories were
showcase my vintage ice cream
and kitschy items I have col- containers, and slowly it all handmade by me. There are
lected and have displayed in has come together beautifully a few plastic and metal pots/
my ‘bakery-style’ kitchen. It as the mini kitchen of my pans and kitchen tools that
makes me happy to have it dreams.” were purchased and custom-
set up in my work space, and Materials used were: ized by me as well. A personal
I constantly am adding little wood for the furniture favorite for me are the holiday
things here and there to make pieces, photo card stock, sprinkle bottles that I’ve
it look as it does today. plastic, paint, glue, polymer recently created.
I started working on it clay, and printed fabric. “The I spent many hours sculpt-
about three years ago, after I cookies and donuts were ing each teeny tiny bottle out
built the baker’s table from made by a dear and talented of polymer clay, making sure
scratch, along with the tall friend of mine, Catherine to create enough colors that
cabinet that sits next to it Parsons from SweetPetite- I could mix and match to
displaying all of my favorite Shoppe. I love the polymer create a fun assortment. The
kitchen accessories. Next was clay miniatures she creates, glass bottles were sealed, given
the vintage plate rack that and they always work so hand-painted tops and placed
holds all my mini pots, pans, harmoniously in my kitchen in the wood rack I had made
and baking essentials. Then and baking scenes. for displaying them. It was
46 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p044-047.indd 46 12/20/17 5:02 PM

MINI MAGIC
Mini tutorials needed

We hope you have been
enjoying all of the wonderful
tutorials featured in American
Miniaturist. There are so
many impressive creative ideas
and new techniques in the
miniature community. We try
our best to find projects we
think our readers will enjoy,
but we know there are more
that we can find out there.
If you would like to be a
part of this fun publication
please consider being one of
our valued contributors.
We have great opportunities
for miniaturists who submit
tutorials such as credit towards
subscriptions and individual
issues. And, if you are in
business, your tutorials will
help promote what you are
selling. We’ll furnish you
with these details after your
submission has been approved.
Imagine how much joy your
mini project could give others
who share your passion for
this hobby!
Send your step-by-step
very time-consuming to create Above: Each nook on this shelf
instructions and photos to
is filled with mini magic. Mixers,
them, but well worth it. It’s blenders, straws, and books all Tutorial Submission, American
a mini replica of the real one add something special to this Miniaturist, PO Box 219,
I have in my own kitchen. I miniature scene. Kasson, MN 55944. You may
also loved recreating all of the also send your entries via
vintage ice cream containers and card stock she uses so email to auralea@ashdown.
in miniature, with all their soft much in her work. Realism is co.uk. Please be sure to
and pretty colors.” paramount in her endeavor, include your name, address,
Self-taught, Roxanne and inspiration comes easily phone number, and email
swears by a good pair of sharp to her, in real life, television, address. We can’t wait to see
your projects!
scissors as her most valuable magazines, and social media
tool for cutting the paper sites such as Pinterest.”
FEBRUARY I AM 47
04FE18_p044-047.indd 47 12/20/17 5:02 PM

ROADTRIP
DIRECTORY
roadtripdirectory
STAR
STARBUSINESS
BUSINESS VIRGINIA • USA• USA
VIRGINIA
Happily EverEver
Happily AfterAfter
20609 Gordon
20609 Park Park
Gordon Square, Ste. 110
Square, Ste. 110
Ashburn, VA 20147
Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: 703-777-1869
Phone: 703-777-1869
Email: lori@happily-ever-after.biz
Email: lori@happily-ever-after.biz
Hours: Tu-Sat 10-4 & by appointment
Hours: Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm
www.happily-ever-after.biz
www.happily-ever-after.biz
CALIFORNIA • USA CALIFORNIA • USA CALIFORNIA • USA

CALIFORNIA • USA CALIFORNIA • USA CALIFORNIA • USA
Dollhouses, Trains & More

300 EntradaTrains
Dollhouses, Dr & More Ms. Peggie’s Place
Novato,
300 CA Dr
Entrada 94949 Elegant Dollhouse 5063 Cass Street,
Celebrating Ms. Peggie’s Place
Phone:CA
Novato, 415- 883-0388
94949 1120 Fulton Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109
Elegant Dollhouse 37Celebrating
Years 5063 Cass Street,
20 minutes North of San Francisco Sacramento, CA 95825 Phone: 858-483-2621
Phone: 415- 883-0388 1120 Fulton Avenue, San Diego, CA 9210912-5pm
off Hwy 101 in Marin County Phone: 916-484-0411 37 Years Hours: Wed 12-7pm/Th-Fr
20 minutes North of San Francisco Sacramento, CA 95825 Phone: 858-483-2621
Hours: Wed-Fri 10-6, Sat-Sun 10-5 Hours: M-Sat 10-6 / Sun 12-4 Sat 10am-5pm/Sun 12-5pm
offwww.DollhousesTrainsandMore.com
Hwy 101 in Marin County Phone: 916-484-0411 Hours: Wed 12-7pm/Th-Fr 12-5pm
www.elegantdollhouse.com www.mspeggiesplace.com
Hours: Wed-Fri 10-6, Sat-Sun 10-5 Hours: M-Sat 10-6 / Sun 12-4 Sat 10am-5pm/Sun 12-5pm
www.DollhousesTrainsandMore.com www.elegantdollhouse.com www.mspeggiesplace.com
CALIFORNIA • USA DELAWARE • USA FLORIDA • USA
DELAWARE • USA FLORIDA • USA ILLINOIS • USA
Shellie’s Miniature Mania The Toy Box

732 Laurel Street Fingertip Fantasies 419 Brevard Ave,
San Carlos, CA 94070 401 Main Street, PO Box 544 Historical Cocoa Village
Phone: 650-593-4921 The Toy
Clayton, DEBox
19938 Phone: 321-632-2411
Fingertip Fantasies Phone: 302-653-8800
419 Brevard Ave, Tom Thumb Hobby & Crafts
Email: shelliesminis@msn.com Email: toybox@cfl.rr.com
401 Main Street, PO Box 544 Email: info@dollhouseminiatures.com 6001 W. Gross
Hours: Tue-Fri 10:30-5:30 / Sat 10:30-5 Historical Cocoa Village Hours: Tu-Sat 10-5 Point Rd.
Clayton, DE 19938 www.dollhouseminiatures.com
Phone: 321-632-2411 Niles, IL 60714
www.shelliesminis.com www.thetoyboxstore.com
Phone: 302-653-8800 Email: toybox@cfl.rr.com Phone: 847-869-9575
Email: info@dollhouseminiatures.com Hours:MARYLAND
Tu-Sat 10-5• USA Email: tomthumb6001@gmail.com
ILLINOIS • USA MINNESOTA • USA
www.dollhouseminiatures.com www.thetoyboxstore.com www.tomthumbcrafts.com
48 AM I OCTOBER
Forever Friends American Miniaturist

Tom Thumb
04FE18_p048-049.indd 48 Hobby & Crafts Dollhouses and Miniatures PO BOX 219 12/19/17 1:06 PM
6001 W. Gross Point Rd. 2105 Bishops Castle Drive Kasson, MN 55944
IOWA • USA MARYLAND • USA MINNESOTA • USA
Dollhouse Dreams Forever Friends American Miniaturist

820 Ave G Dollhouses and Miniatures PO BOX 219
Fort Madison, IA 52627 2105 Bishops Castle Drive Kasson, MN 55944
Phone: 877-875-6500 Olney, MD 20832 Phone: 866-606-6587
Email: brenda@dollhousedreams.com Phone: 301-774-3037 Email: usoffice@ashdown.co.uk
Hours: Tue - Sat 9am-6pm Hours: Call first for hours. Hours: M-F 9-5 CT
www.dollhousedreams.com www.foreverfriendsminis.com/shop www.americanminiaturist.com
NEW JERSEY • USA OHIO • USA OHIO • USA
Karen Aird’s Dollhouse Shop The Miniature Cellar

Hours: Mon,Tues, Thu, Fri. 10:30 - 5pm Dolls and Minis 12652 West Geauga Plaza
Sat 10 - 4pm, Wed & Sun - Closed 8068 Columbia Road Chesterland, OH 44024
24 W Oak Street Olmsted Falls OH 44138 Phone: 440-729-6464
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone: (440) 647-1519 Email: minicellar@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 908-766-3777 Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-6pm Hours: Tu-Sat 10-5
www.KarensDollhouse.com www.dollsandminis.com www.miniaturecellar.com
TEXAS • USA WASHINGTON • USA

Take a step in the right
direction.
This very affordable spot
could be yours!
My Doll House Inc.
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Email: shop@mydollhouse.com Phone: (206) 629-4095
Hours: M-Sat 10-6, Sun by appointment Email: connie@cjnminiatures.com
Like us on Facebook www.CJNMiniatures.com
www.mydollhouse.us Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30-5:30
Join in on the roadtrip!

For a small investment each issue, your miniature business
can be featured in our state-to-state directory!
Call 1-866-606-6587 or email sara@ashdown.co.uk

to add your business to the map today.
OCTOBER I AM 49
04FE18_p048-049.indd 49 12/19/17 1:06 PM

ARTIST S
n Some of our upcoming showcases
are: Animals, Valentine’s Day, Furniture,
Mother’s Day, Kitchen, Food/Drink, and
Miniature kits. If you would like to be
considered in these top miniature artist
showcases, email auralea@ashdown.co.uk
THIS MONTH WE SHARE OUR LOVE OF M
MO TIPTON
MONTANA
“Even as a kid, there was something about
miniature food that captured my imagination.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about
taking an image in my head and transforming it
into something I can touch and share with others.”
we
lovise! JULIA HENRY
th
TENNESSEE
“Sometimes it is hard or expensive
to find that one piece you want or it is
difficult to make from scratch. Molds
help with that process in that you can
make as many little plates as you want
or as many little desserts as you like for
your mini dining room or bakery.
H
Valentine’s Day you can have pink
and white sweets in your tiny kitchen.
Christmas time you can make green and
red festive desserts or china!”
50 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p050-052.indd 50 12/21/17 1:16 PM

T SHOWCASE
LOVE OF MAKING MINIATURES WITH MINI MOLDS TO INSPIRE AND HELP CREATE
ITINA KHOO
SINGAPORE
“The most wonderful part of making minis is when
people tell you that your creations look realistic and
they like them. Having mini molds is essential, very
convenient, and saves time. When I was a teenager
doing a business study project, which was a bread
business, I decided to made miniature bread out of
c
clay and showcased them in my presentation.
That is how I started creating polymer clay
m
miniatures and handicrafts.”
LUDI
is GEORGIA
ds “Molds can help kick start
an your creation. We do the
want
ke for H GETINTOUCH:
Whysper Fairy
hard work for you to save
time on sculpting them
yourself. The possibilities at The
k Julia Henry are endless and only limited
Email: whysperfairy@whysperfairy.com to your imagination.”
en.
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/WhysperFairy
n and
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/Molds4You
FEBRUARY I AM 51
04FE18_p050-052.indd 51 12/21/17 1:16 PM

FEDIERE LUCE
FRANCE
“I have been making miniatures for twelve years. My
main focus has been miniature food. If you are in
search of molds that are only for display then these
small, vintage “imitation metal” molds are a perfect
choice. They are very charming and are a great way
to decorate a kitchen or to use in staged a culinary
preparation scene.”
PEI LI
SINGAPORE
“What I love about making minis is
that it is a very tangible expression
of creativity and individuality. A
little part of me is in everything
I make. Having been making
miniatures for over 10 years, I can
see how I have grown as an artist.
Miniature molds are fantastic
supplies for anyone who’s
interested in this hobby. For a new
beginner, learning how to use
molds effectively can make the
overall process more enjoyable.
If you aren’t really interested
in sculpting, but are into other
aspects of miniature making such
as painting, coloring, and texturing,
this might be your favorite
miniature supply. Many advanced
miniaturists also make their own
miniature molds to speed up
the process of making minis.
It certainly saves a lot of time.”
52 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p050-052.indd 52 12/21/17 1:16 PM

PROJECT
Mini porcelain
Make your own porcelain dishware for display
BY INMACULADA BURGOS RUANO
M ake your own

miniature por-
celain pieces
by using a few items from
around the house.
end with a layer of glue and
then let it dry.
4 Smooth it down so there

are minimal wrinkles.
8 Cut some card stock for
a decorative accent and
glue it to the edge. Bend the
tips down on the sides and
harden with glue.
1 Wrap your chosen mold

with cling wrap and a
rubber band. This will help
5 The next day use your
fingers to lengthen the
mold so it is an oval shape.
9 Give the piece a few
layers of glue and let
dry completely.
you to remove it easily later Do all of the same steps for
on in the tutorial. the lid.
10 The plaster type putty
that I am going to use
2 Cover the cling wrap

with white glue and
then lay paper towel over it.
6 Wait a few days and
use a pencil to make
an even line and cut the
can be mixed with water
until it is thick. Add a little
white glue to it.
pieces evenly so they will fit
3 Cut away excess and

apply glue on the paper
together nicely.
11 Apply the plaster all
over the bowl and the
towel. Cut an oval piece of
paper and apply that onto
the glue. Do this for 6 layers,
7 Wait a few days for it to
dry completely and get
hard. You can then sand the
lid. The next day, apply the
plaster mix to the inside of
the bowl and lid. Smooth
edges if needed. the inside with your finger.
Materials:
n Round mold 17mm
in diameter
n Cling wrap
n White glue/Super Glue
n Paper towel
n White cover stock
n White Paper
n Fine sandpaper
n Plaster
n Craft paints
n Varnish
n Gold beads
FEBRUARY I AM 53
04FE18_p053-055.indd 53 12/20/17 4:25 PM

PROJECT
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8
9 10 12
12 The next day sand the

entire piece until both
of the pieces are smooth.
13 Now we will make the
handles and the base.
For the handles cut 4 card
14 Curve the ends
inward and paste as
shown in the photo. The top
You can also use a small stock strips of 2mm wide. (the longest part) should be
amount of water and your You will need 2 of them to inward with the upper curve
finger to smooth out any measure 15mm in length, wider than the bottom and
stubborn areas. You want it and the others to measure the bottom curve out. Harden
as smooth as possible. 20mm. with Super Glue.
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PROJECT
14
15 Cut the pattern for

the bottom, we leave
a little flange to assemble,
dry you can add all of your
decorative details.
shape it with the help of

something round. When
it is dry, glue it under the
17 Glue a decorative
jewelry finding on the
top of the lid.
bottom so that it is centered.
Let it dry and bend the foot
tips out. Harden with some
Super Glue. You can apply
18 Coat the entire piece
with varnish.
this with a toothpick to Have fun and make

smooth it out as many pieces as you like.
Above you can see I made
16 Paint your piece as

you like. Start with
your base and once that is
a platter. You can use nail
art and scrapbook embel-
lishments as well.
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PROJECT
Winter sweaters
Knit two winter sweaters for the mini kids
BY MARION BARLOW
T hese winter outfits

are fun to make
and will make yor
dolls look cozy. Or you can
display them elsewhere in
• Row 26: p
• Repeat rows 25 and 26 an-
other 5 times (11sts rem)
• Place rem 11sts on st
holder.
Materials:
n Pair of size 1.8mm
needles
n 2/16 mercerised cotton:
your dollhouse. B=black, o=orange, x=light
Front blue, b= dark blue,
y=yellow, w = red. Or any
Work as back to *
colors of your choice
• Row 1: k. n Teenage Heidi Ott doll
• Row 2: p.
• Work from chart Abbreviations:
• Row 3: k5, reading chart
k=knit, p=purl , st.st=stocking
from right to left k17 sts of stitch, inc = make a st by
motif k5 (27sts) knitting in front, then back
• Row 4: p5 reading chart of next st, tog=together,
from left to right p17 sts of rep=repeat, rem= remain-
motif p5 repeat rows 5and ing, patt= pattern, tbl= knit
through back loop, M= main
6 until 17rows of chart have
Boy’s sweater - back color yarn (Note: When
been completed carrying wool across and
• Cast on 26
• Row 20: p behind work, twist the yarns
• Ribbing: work. 6 rows in
• Row 21: cast off 2 sts k to together approx every 3 to
k1, p1.inc one st at end of 4 sts)
end (25sts)
last row (27sts)
• Row 22: cast of 2 sts p to
• Row 1: k
end (23sts) • Row 32: p
• Row 2: p
• Row 23: k • Row 33: k2tog, k1, k2tog,
• Repeat rows 1 and 2 an-
• Row 24: p turn
other 9 times
• Row 25: k2tog, k to last 2 • Row 34: p
• Row 21: cast off 2 sts, k to
sts k2tog. (21st) • Row 35: k2tog, k1
end (25sts)
• Row 26: p • Row 36: p2tog. fasten off.
• Row 22: cast off 2 sts, p to
• Row 27: k2tog k to last 2 • Return to rest of work
end (23sts)
sts k2tog. (19st) place next 5 sts on stitch
• Row 23: k
• Row 28: p holder. Rejoin yarn to 5sts
• Row 24: p
• Row 29: as row 27 (17sts) left on needle.
• Row 25: k2tog, k to last 2
• Row 30: p • Row 33: k2tog , k1, k2tog
sts, k2tog (21sts)
• Row 31: as row 27 (15sts) • Row 34: p
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PROJECT
from back st holder (36sts).

• Work 8 rows in k1, p1
• Cast off loosely.
To make up
Sew up the neckband and
left back raglan seam, sew
up the other three raglan
seams and then sew up
sides and sleeve seams.
Sew in all loose ends, turn
right side out, press lightly.
Turn neckband over to
produce roll neck.
Hat
• Cast on 36sts and work 6
rows in k1, p1 rib
• Row 1: and each alt follow-
ing row p.
• Row 2: k
• Row 4: k10, k2tog, k10,
k2tog, k10, k2tog.
• Row 6: k9, k2tog, k9,
k2tog, k9, k2tog.
• Row 35: k1, k2tog • Repeat rows 28 and 29 • Row 8: k8, k2tog, k8,
• Row 36: p2tog. Fasten off. until 7 sts remain k2tog, k8, k2tog
• Row 40: p.* • Row 9: p
Sleeves • Break yarn and leave rem • Stocking stitch 8 rows beg
• Cast on 20 sts 7 sts on st holder. with k row
• Work 6 rows in k1, p1 • Work second sleeve to • Row 18: (k2, k2tog) rep to
• Row 1: k. increasing 5sts * do not break thread and end.
evenly across themrow leave rem 7 sts on needle • Row 19: p
• St.st. 23 rows beg with p. (for neck). • Break yarn and thread
row through sts.
• Row 25: cast off 2 sts k to Neckband • Secure tightly, join seam,
end (23sts) • K7sts from second sleeve, fold back rib.
• Row 26: cast off 2 sts p to pickup and k3 down left
end (21 sts) front neck, 5sts from st Trousers
• Row 27: k2tog k to last 2 holder at front neck, 3sts • Cast on 34 sts (make 2
sts k2tog, (19sts) from right front, 7 Sts from legs alike)
Row 28: p first sleeve and the 11 sts • Row1: k
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PROJECT
Knitting chart for boy of sts (68sts)

• Row 47: p
• Row 48: k2tog, k31, k2tog,
k31, k2tog (65 sts)
• Row 49: p
• Row 50: k2tog. k29, sl1,
k2tog, psso, k29, k2tog
(61sts)
• Row 51: p (61sts)
• Row 52: k2tog. k26, k2tog,
k1, k2tog, k26, k2tog (57sts)
Row 53: p27, p2tog, p28
(54sts)
• Row 54: k2tog, k50, k2tog
(52sts)
• Row 55: p24, (p2tog)
Knitting chart for girl twice, p24 (50sts)
• Row 56: k36, turn.
• Row 57: p22, turn.
• Row 58: k24, turn.
• Row 59: p26, turn.
• Row 60: k to end.
• Row 61: p
• Row 62: k
• Row 63: p
• Row 64: cast on 3 sts. k, to
end.
• Row 65: cast on 3 sts, p to
last 3 sts, k3.
• Row 66: k.
• Row 67: k3, p, to last 3 sts.
k1, yf, k2tog.
• Row 68: k
• Row 69: k3, p, to last 3 sts,
k3.
• Row 70: k
• Row 2: p completed* • Row 71: k3, p to last 3 sts,
• Row 3: p • Break yarn and leave on k1, yf, k2tog.
• Row 4: k st. holder. • Row 72: p
• Row 5: p • Repeat 45 rows for 2nd • Row 73: k
• Repeat last 2 rows leg until *do not break yard • Row 74: p
until row 45 has been • Row 46: k. across both set • Row 75: cast off.
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PROJECT
• Sew leg seams and as far • Row 2: p • Row 36: p2tog. fasten off.
as front, cast on. • Work from beginning of
• Sew 2 buttons on front of chart Sleeves
trousers. • Row 3: K7, reading chart • Using M color cast on 20
. from right to left, k14 sts of sts.
motif, k6. (27sts) • Work 6 rows in k1, p1,
• Row 4: P6, reading chart • Row 1: k. increasing 5sts
from left to right, p14 sts of evenly across the row
motif, p7. St.st. 23 rows beg with p.
• Repeat rows 3and 4 until row
all 16 rows of chart have • Row 25: Cast off 2 sts k to
been completed. end. (23sts)
• Row 19: k • Row 26: Cast off 2 sts p to
• Row 20: p end. (21 sts)
• Row 21: cast off 2 sts k to • Row 27: k2tog k to last 2
end. (25sts) sts k2tog. (19sts)
Girl’s sweater - back • Row 22: cast of 2 sts p to • Row 28: p
• Cast on 26 end. (23sts) • Repeat rows 27.and 28.
• Ribbing: work 6 rows in • Row 23: k until 7 sts remain
k1, p1.inc one st at end of • Row 24: p • Row 40: p.*
last row. (27sts) • Row 25: k2tog, k to last 2 • Break yarn and leave rem
• Row 1: k sts, k2tog. (21st) 7 sts on st holder.
• Row 2: p • Row 26: p • Work second sleeve to
• Repeat rows 1 and 2 • Row 27: k2tog k to last 2 * do not break thread and
another 9 times sts k2tog. (19st) leave rem 7 sts on needle
• Row 21: cast off 2 sts, k to • Row 28: p (for neck).
end. (25sts) • Row 29: as row 27. (17sts)
• Row 22: cast off 2 sts, p to • Row 30: p Neck band
end. (23sts) • Row 31: as row 27. (15sts) • K7sts from second sleeve,
• Row 23: k • Row 32: p pickup and k3 down left
• Row 24: p • Row 33: k2tog, k1, k2tog, front neck, 5sts from st
• Row 25: k2tog, k to last 2 turn holder at front neck, 3sts
sts k2tog. (21sts) • Row 34: p from right front, 7 sts from
• Row 26: p • Row 35: k2tog, k1 first sleeve and the 11 sts
• Repeat rows 25 and 26 • Row 36: p2tog. fasten off. from back st holder. (36sts)
another 5 times (11sts rem) • Return to rest of work • Work 8 rows in k1, p1.
• Place rem 11sts on st place next 5 sts on stitch • Cast off loosely.
holder. holder. Rejoin yarn to 5sts
left on needle. To make up
Front • Row 33: k2tog, k1, k2tog. Sew up neckband and left
• Work as back to * • Row 34: p back raglan seam, sew up
• Row 1: k • Row 35: k1, k2tog. the other 3 raglan seams
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PROJECT
and then sew up sides and • Row 19: p k24, k2tog, k14.
sleeve seams. Sew in all • Break yarn and thread • Row 34: k2tog, k12, k2tog
loose end turn right side through sts. tbl, k22, k2tog, k12, k2tog,
out, press lightly. • Secure tightly, join seam, • Row 36: k13, k2togtbl, k20,
• Turn neckband over to fold back rib. k2tog, k13.
produce roll neck. • Row 38: k2tog, k11, k2tog
Skirt tbl, k5, k2tog tbl, k4, k2tog,
Hat • Cast on 60sts. k5, k2tog, k11, k2tog.
• Cast on 36sts and work 6 • Row 1: (k3, p1) to end. • Row 40: k2tog, k9, k2tog
rows in k1, p1 rib. • Row 2: (k1, p3) to end. tbl, k5, k2tog,tbl, k2, k2tog,
• Row 1: and each alt • Repeat first 2 rows 6 more k5, k2tog, k9. k2tog.
following row p. times. • Row 42: k2tog, k7,
• Row 2: k • Row 15: p k2tog,tbl, k4, k2tog tbl, k2,
• Row 4: k10, k2tog, k10, • Row 16: k k2tog, k4, k2tog, k7, k2tog.
k2tog, k10, k2tog. • Repeat rows 15 and 16, 5 • Row 45: rib 3 rows in (k1,
• Row 6: k9, k2tog, k9, more times. p1) to end.
k2tog, k9, k2tog. • Row 27: p • Row 47: cast off loosely.
• Row 8: k8, k2tog, k8, • Row 28: k14, k2tog, tbl, • Pick up and knit 6 sts on
k2tog, k8, k2tog. k28, k2tog, k14. seam from waist down.
• Row 9: p • Row 29: and all alternate • Next row: p
• Stocking stitch 8 rows beg rows, p until row 45. • Next row: k2, yf, k2tog, k2.
with k row. • Row 30: k14, k2tog tbl, • Next row: p.
• Row 18: (k2, k2tog) rep to k26, k2tog, k14. • Cast off.
last 3sts. k3. • Row 32: k14, k2tog tbl, • Sew seam until back
opening is reached button
for back fastener.
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HOUSE TOUR
Trials of a traditional
Tudor style house
Tom Thornton embarked on building a Tudor
dollhouse to his own unique specification
H
aving been retired for of an architect – so in true he had built model airplanes
some time, Tom Thorn- builder fashion he just put and boats, including yachts.
ton has tried many differ- a base down and it started Although he says that they
ent hobbies to pass the time. from there. weren’t any good, he would
Just over ten years ago he take them down to the local
decided that he would build
a dollhouse. He bought a
‘This being his river to sail them.
Tom continued: “I’ve had
number of books on the sub- first venture into a go at everything.” His wife
ject and, although he learned dollhouse building,
Below: A cabinet finished with
a few things from them (the Tom overcame hand-carved panels. Right: The
most important being that imposing exterior of Tom’s
problems as
’
the worldwide recognized Tudor house. Below right:
scale for a dollhouse is one- they arose. Tom Thornton the builder and
architect of this truly magnificent
twelfth), he didn’t find the Tudor dwelling.
help he required. The house is built in
Wanting to build a Tudor three parts to make re-
house he was unable to find decorating a much easier
any plans or drawings to help job; each section just bolts
so he set about building it to the one above. The beams
in his own way. During his are removed with the piece
research into the architecture of above, leaving the ceiling
the period, he learnt that Tudor intact and therefore easy to
houses were never built truly paint.
square, as the house was built This being his first
round the timbers that were venture into dollhouse
available. building, Tom overcame
During his working life problems as they arose.
Tom had for some time Although he had never
worked in the building built anything like it be-
trade, but not in the capacity fore, when he was younger
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HOUSE TOUR
Rose agrees that he is a very

handy man to have around
the house and is able to turn
his hand to almost anything
including the decorating and
plumbing. Tom started his
working life as a sign writer,
learning on the job with
an experienced writer. This
work helped when he went
into the motor trade and
painted car bodies. At this
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HOUSE TOUR

Above: The exposed roof beams

can be seen when you lift the
roof. This shows the careful
attention Tom has paid to every
detail of the house. Left: Another
handmade miniature cabinet
finished with hand-carved posts.
time cars bodies were not

sprayed with paint, but
hand-painted with many
thin layers being applied, fin-
ishing with layers of varnish.
Then Tom found himself
working for the railway as a
stoker on the locomotives.
He continued in this trade
after returning from service
with the Army during the
war. Now he spends many
hours in his workshop, not
only building in miniature
but full-size pieces of furni-
ture such as Welsh dressers.
He also has a love of
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HOUSE TOUR
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HOUSE TOUR
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HOUSE TOUR
Above left: The panelled dining

room is set for a banquet. Large
intricately carved cabinets and
chests stand around the walls.
The cart-wheel chandelier is
just one of the lights Tom has
made for the house. Left: The
kitchen is a hive of activity with
cook preparing more food for the
banquet upstairs. Meat is being
slowly cooked on the spit, and
more birds are being plucked
ready to be roasted. Above: There
is another large fireplace to be
found in the sitting room, with a
carved settle and other cabinets
featuring hinges and locks all
made by Tom. Right: The stout
cupboard in the kitchen will keep
all the mice and rats at bay.
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HOUSE TOUR
carving and when produc- until he was finishing the Why it is important as
ing the Tudor style furniture roof, that Tom discovered a miniaturist to have
for the dollhouse, each piece real miniature bricks and rulers for all units of
has been individually made tiles, and feels that the brick measurement.
and carved with his own fireplaces in the house would Our world isn’t as small as it
designs. Many of the pieces have looked better had the used to be, no pun intended.
have been copied from an real items been used for Since the invention of the
old book of furniture that them. His research into Tu- internet, we are able to
he found in a junk shop, dor properties also lead him communicate and share with
though he admits that he to including a ‘priest-hole’ in the rest of the world so easily
had to have help from his the attic rooms. so easily and different parts of
Grandson when it came to Tom and his wife Rose the world have different units of
working out the pieces in have three daughters, a son, measurement.
twelfth scale. His furniture twelve grandchildren and When creating a miniature
has the rough finish that all three great grandchildren, project, some measurements
can be crucial. Conversions can
pieces of that period had, many of whom have been
be tricky. Sometimes a rough
although many have beauti- involved in the dollhouse,
conversion will suffice but there
fully carved panels. not from a building point of are other times when even a slight
As he was not able to view but from researching mistake can alter the outcome.
find the right fittings for the and finding accessories – in- In this publication we try to
house, he set about making cluding the two ghosts that determine when it is acceptable
all of the lights, window haunt the hallways of the to round up or down to inches
catches, door hinges and house. Could they have been from cm or mm. But there are
roof beams. The floor boards the original occupants? times when it is more efficient
in the upper rooms hide all to give you a specific cm
the wiring. measurement instead of a slew of
Roof tiles have been decimals to inches.
individually made and at- Having a cm, mm, and inch
tached, with the chimney ruler is a great idea for those that
stacks built from real bricks, would like the most accurate
results from our tutorials.
topped off with ornate clay
Even if you are pulling some
chimney pots. It wasn’t
tutorials from the internet it will
Below: The house is topped save you time and frustration in
off with two large chimney the long run.
stacks each finished with
We will continue to do our
ornate clay chimney pots.
best to convert to inches for you
but please consider expanding
your units of measurements by
having a ruler for inches, mm,
and cm. We are very lucky to
have our AM family expand
across the globe!
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PROJECT
A passionate woman
This doll will spice up your Valentine’s Day
BY DANA
G reetings and wel-

come to our Red
Marie doll tutorial.
This feisty strumpet is full
of attitude and will show-
be found on Pinterest, and
YouTube videos. It is not my
invention.
Doll’s shoes
case two new doll-making
techniques. 4 I took a bit of polymer
and extended the toe
on the original porcelain
Preparing the base shoe. After baking, accord-
MEET THE MAKER:

1 Paint a wooden plaque
in a steel grey color.
Tear pieces of egg carton
ing to package directions, I
painted the shoes red and
decorated them.
DANA Burton and glue them on.
“I live in Wisconsin and enjoy Doll assembly
creating as well as teaching.
I have been making miniature
dolls for the past 30 years and
2 When dry, go over with
several layers of Mod
Podge (letting dry in be-
5 Assemble the doll as
desired and then take
a triangle cosmetic sponge
love traveling around the world tween layers). and make pannier shaped
to share my knowledge through padding. Or you can make
my workshops. I am excited
to share with the readers of 3 Lastly, dab on acrylic
paints, chalks, and
stains to your liking. This
American Miniaturist!”
flagstone technique can
Materials:
n Doll and doll stand n Wire cutters
n Pipe cleaner/cotton n Various beads, laces, trims
n Polymer clay for shoes n Cosmetic sponges
n Scissors n White florist tape
n Needle, thread, pins n Hair spray
n Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue n Small mister for hair
n Silk material and netting n Knitting needle
n Long nose tweezers n Ruler
n Glue Syringe n Various acrylic paints
n Viscose n Flowers, feathers, rhinestones
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PROJECT
the pads from polymer or cot- paint the base to match the doll, pries the skirt over the
ton. The only important thing flagstone. If you adhere base and peaks underneath
is the shape, so the silk dress the doll to the base before everything will be covered.
stands out from the body. dressing and are inexpe-
6 Glue the cosmetic

sponges on each side of
rienced she will wiggle off
the rod. 8 Cut small rectangles of
netting, gather and sew
on the doll’s base. After a
the hips and when dry, glue Directional dressing netting piece is sewed on,
two facing down. Then raise We are using small you can use long stitches
up her leg and put some rectangles of netting to to settle it down into the
padding on top so the dress form the impression of an proper place. View the pho-
will look right. After the glue underskirt and the proper tos for visual directions.
dries, you can cut and snip layering of the raised-knee Remember you are only
off excess to form whatever skirt. In miniatures, I am providing a foundation for
silhouette you wish. a firm believer of having the red silk skirt to go on.
things look correct rather After I dressed the doll
7 After I assembled the

doll, I pounded a long
thin metal needle into the
than being correct. If you
are a sewer you could sew
all the layers (petticoat,
completely, I inserted a few
more pieces of netting to fill
out any bare spots.
base and snipped it off at pantaloons, underskirt, With this doll, needle and
waist height. I then glued different skirt layers) but thread are your friends. Use
the doll to the rod with Su- she will look heavy and out them to gently pull (with
per Glue. If you are novice, of scale. With my directional stitches) in the netting to the
make your doll using the dressing method even if correct mass and shape.
regular doll stand and just someone picks up your The back is flat and the
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PROJECT
10
11 13 14
gathering is mostly in the until you are satisfied with Side panniers
front and sides.
Red skirt layers

the shape. And then glue
it to your doll. Just remem-
ber to leave the knee
13 Cut (2) 7” squares
of red silk. Fold the
edges to the wrong side
9 Cut a 5” x 10” piece

of red silk. Fold it in
half. With the right sides
(upraised leg) open.
Knee skirt drape

and glue. Use a light touch
or the Tacky Glue will bleed
through. Let dry.
together, glue both side
edges shut. When dry, turn
the right side out.
11 Cut (2) 5” x 2” pieces
of red silk. Using the
same technique, fold the 14 Gather around the en-
tire edge and pull tight
material in half and glue the for a pouf. Glue/sew on each
10 Glue the angel lace

along the bottom
angel lace to the bottom. side of the doll.
edge (see photo). Pin one

side to the doll, and then
hand pleat around the doll.
12 Hand pleat each piece
over the knee to look
like part of the dress is
Front gather
After I put both side pan-
niers on to form the skirt,
Hold in place with the pins draped over her knee. I had a little bald patch
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PROJECT
14
15 14
the entire doll shape will

change. 18 Piece cut a pretty
design from your
black lace, and glue it
Bodice around the top edge of the
15 Cut a strip 2 1/2” x

1” red silk. Turn the
top and the bottom edges
bodice.
Knee skirt drape
18
under to the wrong side.
19 Cut (2) 5” x 2” pieces
of red silk. Using the
in front. So I took another 16 Glue to the back of

the torso (over the
top of the skirt) and let dry.
same technique, fold mate-
rial in half and glue.
rectangle (following the
same technique) and hand Then wrap it around to the Sleeves
pleated it to cover her
raised leg and glued both
side edges under pannier
front of the doll, meeting
almost in front. 20 Glue the hand onto
thin pipe cleaner.
Wrap the arm with white
puffs. What a pretty skirt
– directionally dressed 17 Now cut a tiny tri-
angle shape out of
index card, and hold it up
florist tape to give it bulk
and also to keep the pipe
cleaner secure.
to showcase that pretty
ankle-shoe! to the front of the dress for
Hint! Do not STRESS
right now about the folds
and gathering on skirt.
the stomacher. When you
reach the correct size, cov-
er with the silk material.
21 Glue on a small piece
of netting around
the wrist. Then glue on a
By the time you get the Glue the stomacher on the decorative piece of lace to
bodice and sleeves on, doll’s front. extend the design.
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PROJECT
21 23
24 25
part of the shoulder and

the leg o’mutton top of
sleeve) the arm looks bent
in the correct position on
her hip. At this point add
bows, beads, flowers etc.
28 My necklace consists of
fringe trim. One piece glued
22 Next, cut a small

rectangle of the red
silk material and cover the
25 Cut out two 3” x 2”
pieces of red silk
rectangles. Turn the top and
pointing down and one
piece glued pointing up.
Then glue on small pieces of
arm as shown in the photo. bottom under to the wrong thread for loops. Lastly glue
This acts as a pipe cleaner side and glue. Join the side on the beads.
cover. (approximately 1 1/2 edges forming a tube.
x 1”). Gather the top and bottom Wigging
23 Gather 6” of black
silk ribbon, and glue
and slide on the arm to form
that top beautiful puff. 28 For a wigging cross,
put glue on a realistic
hairline on the doll’s head,
around the arm.
26 Insert and glue the
arm into the doll’s
then lay a strip of viscose
from the nose to the neck.
24 Glue the fringe in a

1 1/2” circle. Then
torso and glue a piece of
lace around the top.
Let the glue dry.
slide the circle down the

doll’s arm to make the
sleeve cuff. 27 Now, with a bit of
illusion (as in covering
29 Put a line of glue from
ear to ear, add an-
other strip of viscose from
72 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p068-073.indd 72 12/20/17 5:00 PM

PROJECT
30 31 32
ear to ear. When done, lift

up all the hair to back of
head. Let dry.
30 Carefully comb (with

a corsage pin) the
hair upward and spray
lightly with hair spray until
the viscose stands by itself.
31 Wrap viscose around

a knitting needle.
32 Pull the knitting needle

out, and you will have
a large curl (which you will
have to hold/glue in place). I
bent this over (U-shape), and
added two long curls for over
the shoulder tendrils.
33 Lastly, I glued some

small pieces of curl
along the sides of her face
to soften.
FEBRUARY I AM 73
04FE18_p068-073.indd 73 12/20/17 5:00 PM

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FEBRUARY I AM 75
04FE18_p074-075.indd 75 12/18/17 12:03 PM

PROJECT
Electric griddle
Make breakfast easy with this modern griddle
BY LINDA DAY
T his simple tuto-

rial for a 1:12 scale
griddle will help
your mini residents have a
hardy breakfast to start
particular wood stacked
3 pieces deep for height,
but you may have a thicker
piece.) Glue in place and
let it dry.
their day.
1 Trim the wood strips to

fit the edges of the 2” x
4 Cut and glue together
two strip pieces, and
file them into the correct
1” rectangle. shape for the control panel.
MEET THE MAKER:
Linda Day
“I have been involved with
2 Glue the center of the
strips to the edges,
leaving a bit of a lip on the
5 Cut a small piece from
a paper clip. Insert into
the control panel. Paint it
making miniatures longer than top and bottom. Sand the black.
I have been married, which corners smooth.
is fifteen years! I am also a
proud mother of two children,
a twelve-year old daughter 3 Cut pieces of wood
strips for the legs. (This
6 Cut a piece of strip in
half, file it to shape for
the handles. Glue to the
and an nine-year old son. step can vary. I used this ends of the griddle.
I am currently an official stay at
home mom to the kids, which
gives me more time to craft.”
Materials:
n Wooden shapes and strips
n Paperclip
n Wire cutters
n Wood glue
n Paint
n Sandpaper - or a small
nail file
n Craft knife
n Toothpicks
76 AM I JANUARY
04FE18_p076-077.indd 76 12/20/17 4:11 PM

PROJECT
2 3
4 4
7 Paint the entire griddle

with black craft paint.
You may need two coats.
9 The control can be em-
bellished with a photo
cutout, or a bit of paint or
TOPTIP:
I used balsa wood strips
nail enamel. A piece of since it is a softer wood.
8 Place the end of the

paperclip into the
wood on the bottom of
string or wire painted black
can be added for the cord.
A hole can always be
drilled into harder wood if
you prefer.
the griddle. Enjoy your new griddle!
JANUARY I AM 77
04FE18_p076-077.indd 77 12/20/17 4:11 PM

PROJECT
Dressing baby
Custom make several garments for a miniature baby
BY ANNE KEARNEY
I have designed many

crochet patterns for
Heidi Ott babies this
year and realized that I was
using the same yoke (neck
to underarm) for each item,
because it is quick and Basic yoke
cuts down on the amount of • Starting at the neck make
seams to sew to complete 20ch and work 1dc into
the garment. 2nd ch from hook and into
Using the same yoke each ch to end (19dcs),
pattern I have made jump- turn. (counts as 1htr), *miss 1dc,
ers, cardigans and dresses • Row 2 - 3ch (counts as 2htr 2ch 2htr into next dc,
and thought this would be 1tr), 1tr into same dc,2tr repeat from *ending with
a good project for both into each dc to end (38trs). miss 1dc, 1htr into next dc,
beginners and experienced • Row3 - 3ch (counts as 1tr), missing the turning ch at
crochet workers. Also, once 1tr in next tr, *2tr into next the end of the row.
this part of the garment is tr, (tr into next 2 trs, repeat • Row 8 - 2ch (counts as
done, it is relatively easy, from * to end, working 2 tr 1htr), (2htr 2ch 2htr) into
even for beginners, to alter in top of turning ch. (50trs). each 2chsp to end, finishing
the pattern on the skirt of • Row 4 - 1 ch, 1 dc into with 1htr into turning ch.
the dress or jacket to their each tr to end. • Repeat previous row until
own design. • Row 5 - Make armholes- you reach desired length for
1ch, 1dc into the first 7dcs, a short or long dress. Fasten
Materials: miss 11dcs, 1dc into each off, leaving an end for sew-
n 2/16 Mercerized cotton of the next 14dcs, miss ing up back and an opening
n DMC Dentelles 80s 11dcs, 1dc into the final to fit on to the doll.
One ball of either should 7dcs,(28dcs)
be enough to make all • Row 6 - 3ch (counts as 1tr), Alternative hem edge
four items
1tr into each dc to end. This Changing the pattern for the
Abbreviations: will be the waist so a ribbon hem edge makes it garment
can be threaded through special, and ribbon can be
ch=chain, dc=double crochet,
tr=treble, dec=decrease,
this row. threaded through this edge.
inc=increase Continue for a dress This is the edging pattern I
• Row 7-Increase row - 2ch used for the long dress.
78 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p078-079.indd 78 12/19/17 2:11 PM

PROJECT
• Repeat row 8 another six dc row end until right neck

times, then continue: is reached, 2dcs into this
• Row 15 - 3ch (counts as comer, 1 dc into each start
1tr), miss 2 htrs and work ch, 2dc into left neck corner,
*5trs into 2ch sp, miss 2htrs, 1 dc into each dc row end,
1tr into next htr, miss 1htr, 2dcs into tr row end, and
repeat from * working 1tr each htr row end and 2dcs
Christening dress have
into top of turning ch. into final comer, turn.
been worked straight, and a
• Row 16 - 3ch (counts as • Next row - 1ch, 1dc into
picot edging added.
1tr), 1tr into each tr to end. each dc up one front along
• Tapered (both alike)
• Repeat the previous row neck edge to the other front,
• Return to the 11dcs
twice more. and work the button-holes
missed on row 5 and rejoin
• Roy 19- 1ch, 1dc into 1st tr, as follows: 1dc into top
yarn to the dc before the
*3ch 1dc into top of dc just corner *2ch miss 1 dc, 1dc
first missed dc, work 1dc
worked, miss 1tr, 1dc into into next 2dc (one button-
here and into each of the
next tr, repeat from * to end, hole made), repeat from *
11 missed dcs, then 1dc
making a picot edging. to make another buttonhole,
into the stitch after the last
• Fasten off, leaving an end then 1dc into each dc to bot-
missed stitch, turn.
to sew the back seam on the tom corner, and fasten off.
• Next row - 1 ch, 1dc into
right and leaving an opening NB: No side or shoulder
each dc to end.
until doll is dressed. Ribbon seams to be sewn.
• Repeat previous row twice.
can be threaded through the
• Next row - 1ch, miss 1st dc,
tr row at the waist, and one Plain jacket or jumper
1dc into each dc missing the
or more of the tr rows at the Work the basic yoke pattern
last dc, turn (11 dcs)
hem of the dress. until row 6 is completed.
• Next row - 1ch, 1dc into
• Row 7-3ch (counts as 1tr),
each dc to end.
Patterned jacket 1tr into each tr to end, turn.
• Repeat previous row and
• Work basic yoke, as before • Repeat Row 7 for another
fasten off, leaving an end for
until row 7 is completed. 3 rows.
sewing of sleeve seam.
• Work rows 8 and 9 - (rs • Row 11- 1ch, 1dc into each
NB: Work one row less here
facing) Do not turn or fasten dc to end, turn.
for a rubber baby. There
off, but continue to work the • Repeat row 11 another 3x.
are no bulky side seams, or
button bands as follows: • Fasten off for a jumper.
shoulder seams, only sleeve
• Work 2 dcs into this cor- • For a jacket, work the button
seams and a back seam on
ner, 2dcs into each htr and and button-hole band (2 rows)
the dress and jumper. Sew
tr row ends, then into each as on the patterned jacket.
each seam neatly on the
right side and press. Once
Sleeves
you have experimented,
• For each garment, the
substituting different pat-
sleeves can be worked
terns below the waist, the
straight or tapered.
same idea can be used for
NB: The sleeves on my
ladies or girl’s outfits.
FEBRUARY I AM 79
04FE18_p078-079.indd 79 12/19/17 2:11 PM

THE
mini
SCOOP
n AM’s news page is devoted to keep-
ing busy miniaturists up to speed. Please
submit items of mini interest to auralea@
ashdown.co.uk or to American Miniaturist -
Mini Scoop, PO Box 219, Kasson, MN 55944.
Call out for smaller

scale minis February Highlights contest
A special call out to smaller We would love to know what your favor-
scale artists and hobbyists. ite highlights were in this issue of AM.
We urge you to send in your You could win this 1:12 knitting bag kit.
projects! It is difficult to find All it takes is a small paragraph for our
half inch, quarter scale, or random drawing!
even smaller and we would Send your entry to February Highlights
love to see what you’re contest, American Miniaturist, PO Box 219, Kasson,
doing. Let your mini friends MN 55944. You may also send your entries via email to
know as well. Email photos auralea@ashdown.co.uk. Please be sure to include your
to auralea@ashdown.co.uk name, address, phone number, and email address. The
for consideration. deadline for this contest is Friday, February 16, 2018.
Editor tip Share your minis

Many of you may already We would love to see
be aware, but his past your finished miniatures
year Aleene’s Tacky Glue using the tutorials from
came out with a new glue our amazingly talented
bottle. You don’t have to contributors. Don’t be shy,
keep your glue bottle send them in and with your
upside down in a mug permission we may show
anymore! I only noticed a them here or in minimail to
small amount of glue that inspire other creators.
dries up outside around Send in any creation from
the nozzle at times. This a past or present issue of
needs to be cleaned off American Miniaturist.
to assure a proper seal, If you have a creative idea
but otherwise the glue is for a tutorial to share just
always ready to pour. It’s write in and maybe you can
the small things that help! be the one to inspire.
80 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p080-081.indd 80 12/20/17 4:43 PM

WHERE’S ARTHUR CONTEST
Arthur was found in Ria Odijk’s Christmas
house on page 25 in the December issue
(AM176).We have randomly selected
Arlene from Denver, CO to be our winner
for this month’s Where’s Arthur contest. We
will be sending her a very special prize for Suitcase kit
helping us find Arthur. giveaway
But as you know Arthur loves to roam through each page Janny Warnaar is donating
and, as expected, he has once again wandered off while this French door kit to give-
we weren’t looking. Hopefully you can help us find him. away. Visit Artofmini.com
to see more.
Contest entries Table giveaway
To be eligible for the listed We are donating this ma- Recent winners
contests/giveaways please hogany 1:12 wood dining October Squint Box
indicate the name of the table to giveaway. Heather from Cedar Rapids, IA
contest/giveaway and AM Kit giveaway
issue number and send Nicole from Norwalk, CT
your entry to American Book giveaway
Miniaturist, PO Box 219, Susan from Washington, NJ
Kasson, MN 55944, or email December highlights
them to auralea@ashdown. Joyce from Kettering, OH
co.uk. Please be sure to Congratulations!
include your name, address,
phone number, and email Facebook feedback
address. The deadline for Arthur asked for ways you
this issue’s entry is Friday,
February 16, 2018.
Kit giveaway can make fabric stiff after
shaping.
Volker Arnold is donating
one of his ‘shop with shelves’
Marina Salume I have read
kits to give away (Kit shown
about these: Spray starch,
has been painted and as-
‘Super Hold’ hair spray, and
sembled). See more of his
glueing a piece of stiff paper
work here www.va-holz-
on the back of the drapery to
kunst.de/
keep the folds in place.
Karen Farnham I once

heard of gluing foil to the
Be sure to like and follow American Miniaturist back of fabric to hold the
magazine on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! folds in drapery.
FEBRUARY I AM 81
04FE18_p080-081.indd 81 12/20/17 4:43 PM

PROJECT
Decorative fan
A lady’s fan can speak the language of love
Q ueen Victoria and

Prince Albert
were role models
in Victorian society; others
aspired to their success
or took her final leave. He
should open a door for a
lady if he happened to be
in reasonable proximity.
He should lift his hat and
etiquette, the Victorians
invented new ways to play
at courtship. Items such
as fans, gloves and hand-
kerchiefs, flowers, painted
and conducted their court- say, “Excuse me,” when miniatures, or jewelry
ship with the goal of a he brushed against a lady set with gemstones were
perfect marriage. on the street. A gentleman given to sweethearts as
There were strict rules should always walk on the love tokens. Diamonds, in
of conduct for both sides outside when walking with particular, became popu-
to adhere to and make the one or more ladies and re- lar as engagement stones
right impression among move his hat when talking during the Victorian era.
polite society. For a start, to a lady. Love letters and cards
a lady should never chew Under this strict code of allowed the expression
gum in public, or gossip.
She should accept and
give compliments gra-
ciously, never use slang or
bad language and always
look for ways to better her
self spiritually, physically,
and intellectually.
A gentleman was ex-
pected to stand up the first
time a lady entered a room,
Materials:
n Card or fabric
n Sewing thread
n Needle
n Decoration (optional)
n Metal hoop
n Tassel
n An admirer
82 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p082-084.indd 82 12/20/17 4:45 PM

PROJECT
of deep emotion, which Victorian ladies and were

society thought improper indispensable in the hot
to be expressed, other summer months. This
than privately. Once a year period also saw fans used
however, Valentine’s Day as subtle instruments of
allowed complete freedom flirtation and consequently,
for written exchanges be- Valentine’s Day tokens to
tween sweethearts. be exchanged between
As commonly known, sweethearts.
these took the form of vari- Whether sent by a
ous card designs, such as steady beau or a secret
deeply embossed printed admirer, love tokens
cards with multiple layers were unabashedly sen-
of embossed paper lace, timental, pleading for
gold foil lace, satin ribbons, affection and pledg-
and pressed flowers. ing undying devotion
During the 1850s and happily ever after.
1860s, Valentines cards be- Even men alike
came particularly elaborate
and incorporated beads,
feathers, silk lace, velvet,
tinsel, even bits of mirror.
Some had easel backs, or
ribbon loops so they could
Pattern:
be hung on the wall.
Decorative fans were still
a common accessory for
FEBRUARY I AM 83
04FE18_p082-084.indd 83 12/20/17 4:45 PM

PROJECT
2
kept these tokens of affec- Make three pin holes and down through the
tion hidden in their bureau in each section, where second (or center) hole,
drawers, in their dressing marked, for the connect- then up through the third
tables, or tucked away in ing thread and one at the hole and round the back
the attic in boxes, to be base for the hoop ring. of the section to come up
cherished forever. through the center hole.
3
When not used as a Line up the fan pieces Carry it over onto the
love token, for the Victo- and run a line of stitch- next section so it comes up
rian lady, the fan was the ing through each sec- through the first hole of the
most elegant accessory tion (see diagram on Fan next section – and so on.
she could carry and was Stitching), securing each Place the sections so that
used as a secret language piece with a back stitch the sides are touching to
of love that could convey before going on to the keep your fan neat.
her feelings towards any next. Do not tighten the Once finished, attach to
advancing beau. thread in between each your doll’s hand and set her
With a little flutter of her section as you need the in your scene.
fan she could tell him that slack to allow the fan to
she was interested; ask close. (See diagram)
him to go away; say, “I am
4
sorry.” and hide a blush. Attach a ring
Fluttering a fan at different through each
speeds could indicate that piece at the base.
she was cross; just a little
5
upset; or even “I could be This method can form
won over.” the basic fan that will
Even a folded fan held at allow you to use all sorts
different heights or touch- of materials including
ing parts of the face sent paper, card and stiffened
out messages and if she fabric or feathers. Tassels
wanted to end a conver- can be added to the base
sation or tell a person to ring for extra decoration.
leave – she would smartly Now all you need to
snap her fan shut! do is find your beau
and practice your
Make a working fan sign language.
1 You can decorate the

individual fan sections
with colored paper, paint
Fan stitching
You have three holes
or any other decoration across the middle of
that will not hinder the each section of your
fan from opening and fan. Take your thread
closing easily. up through the first hole
84 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p082-084.indd 84 12/20/17 4:45 PM

86 AM I OCTOBER
04FE18_p085-086.indd 86 12/20/17 4:50 PM

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PROJECTS: I MUSHROOMS I FRANKENSTEIN CAKE I CANDY BOX
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Issue 169 Kathleen Savage Browning features the Westminiature Dog Show.
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love it:
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• A celebration cake • Pretty doll shoes • Stone fireplace
• Harvest storage box • Primitive bench • Mini play pen
• A mini fireback
• Wedding Bouquets • Ballerina Studio • Holiday Decorations

• Miniature Couples • Valentine’s Decor • Tiny Dolls
• A Celebration Cake • Mini Dog Show • Toy Store
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Scene by Deri Terry
3/21/17 3:31 PM
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Scene by Nora Mazonson
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Scene by
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04FE18_p087-088.indd 87 12/19/17 3:07 PM

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YOUIM
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88 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p087-088.indd 88 12/19/17 3:07 PM

UPCOMING
SHOWS
FEBRUARY 3-4 SAN DIEGO, CA www.phoenixminiatures.com, 480-466- Northview Rd. Waukesha, WI 53188.
The San Diego Miniatures Show & Sale 9691, phxminishow@gmail.com Classes, attendance prizes, and raffles,plus
will be held on February 3-4 at a NEW much more. Lots of room at the Expo
location: San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, APRIL 8 NEW CASTLE, DE center for displays. For more information,
8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA The 41st Annual First State Mini Club contact Teresa Zwiener at 314-277-2601
92108. Early ticket sales on website - www. Show and Sale will be held Sunday, April or tdminiatures@sbcglobal.net. Or visit:
sdminiatureshow.com. Show will run on 8, 10am to 4pm at the Clarion Hotel “The Miniatureshows.com
Saturday from 10am to 5pm & Sunday from Belle”, 1612 N. Dupont Highway (Rt 13),
10am to 4pm. Exhibits, sales, classes. On New Castle, DE 19720. Admission: $5 MAY 20 WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH
the trolley route or Show Parking only $8. adults, $2.50 children under 12, Seniors The 2018 Greater Cleveland Dollhouse &
For more information, email sd.minishow@ $4.50. Free parking, no taxes, quality Miniature Show & Sale will be held Sunday
gmail.com vendors and artisans, great exhibits, door May 20-10am to 4pm at the Willoughby
prizes, and make-and-takes. Visit www. Hills Community Center, 35400 Chardon
FEBRUARY 17 AUGUSTA, ME firststateminiclub.org for more information. Rd. (Rte. 6) Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
The 32nd Annual Whitefield Lions Club (This is an eastern suburb, just off I-271
Model Railroad and Dollhouse Show and APRIL 21-22 BOISE, ID & I-90, use the local lanes of I-271, not
Sale will be held on Saturday, February 17 Mini Les Bois presents its 38th Annual the Express). The show benefits Rainbow
from 10am - 3:30pm at the National Guard Dollhouse-Miniatures Show and Sale Babies & Children’s Hospital of Cleveland.
Armory, Western Avenue, Augusta, ME on Saturday, April 21, 10am to 5pm and Admission: $5, children 4-12 $2, under
04330. Featuring dollhouses, operating Sunday, April 22 noon to 5pm at the Best 4 Free. Raffles, customer appreciation
model railroads, model railroad dealer Western Vista Inn at the Airport, 2645 gifts, and a special sales table for kids 12
and dollhouse displays. Refreshments Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705. Door prizes, & under, where all sale proceeds go to
available. Admission: $5 adult, children raffles, displays, 1 inch scales, ½ inch Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.
under 12 free, family limit $10. For scales, ¼ inch scales and so much more! Lunch and snacks available. For more
information, contact Steve Laundrie (207) For more information, contact Bobbi information, contact Rosemary minicellar@
582-1410 or slaundrie@roadrunner.com Hargett (208) 377-9154 or minigalb@aol. sbcglobal.net or 440-729-6464, or Wendy at
com wsmale@windstream.net or 330-655-2350.
MARCH 3-4 TUKWILA, WA www.clevelandminiatureshow.com
40th Annual Seattle Miniature Show-March APRIL 26-28 SCHAUMBURG, IL
3-4. Doubletree Suites by Hilton, 16500 THE MINIATURE SHOW-3rd Annual. A JUNE 1-3 STURBRIDGE, MA
Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila, WA 98188. celebration of Artisans of Miniatures. Hyatt Sturbridge Dollhouse Miniatures Festival,
Doors open at 10am. Adults $7, children Regency Schaumburg, Chicago. April featuring legends and terrific newcomers,
under 13 free. Exhibits, classes, door 26-28. Thursday Afternoon Preview Tickets: will be held June 1-3 at Host Hotel on
prizes and more. Benefit silent auction to $25 (includes 3-day pass and Friday Cedar Lake, 366 Main Street, Sturbridge,
support Denver Museum of Miniatures, Happy Hour) $8 entry fee for both Friday & MA. Friday, June 1: Classes 9am-4pm. Full
Dolls and Toys. For more information: www. Saturday (includes Friday afternoon Happy and half day workshops. Workshops with
SeattleMiniatureShow.com, patbennett@ Hour) Saturday entry fee: $5 at the door. Fern Vasi, Debbie Young, Ruth Stewart,
seattleminiatureshow.com Free airport shuttle to and from airport and Connie Reagan. Saturday, June 2:
for guests staying at the Hyatt provided by pre-registered preview from 4 to 8pm
MARCH 17-18 PHOENIX, AZ The Miniature Show. Free shuttle between followed by post-preview pizza party. Early
The Phoenix, Arizona 40th Annual shows provided by The Miniature Show. sales, weekend admission, $18. Mail check
Dollhouse Miniature Show & Sale will Free parking at Hyatt. Free shipping to Molly Cromwell, 44421 Adare Manor
be held on Saturday, March 17 from anywhere in the USA for your purchases Square, Ashburn, VA 20147. Sunday,
10am to 5pm & Sunday, March 18 from (up to 5 lbs) Contact: Greg Madl, g.a.madl@ June 3-Show Hours from 10am to 4pm.
11am to 4pm at Arizona State University sbcglobal.net, www.theminiatureshow.com Admission: $7 Adults, $3 Children 12 and
West - University Center Building, 4701 under, after 2pm children free. Contact for
West Thunderbird, Phoenix, AZ 85069. MAY 18-19 MILWAUKEE, WI rooms at a special rate: (508) 347-7393. For
Admission: Adults $5, Children $2. Pre- The Dollhouse and Miniature Show will be class registration and more information:
show workshops, Exhibits, Sales, Door held Friday, May 18 from 4pm to 8pm and www.mollycromwell.com
prizes & Raffles. Free Make-and-take Saturday, May 19 from 10am to 4pm at
project for children. For more information the Waukesha County Expo Center,1000
For more information on listing your show, contact Sara Vix: sara@ashdown.co.uk OCTOBER I AM 89
04FE18_p089.indd 89 12/19/17 1:05 PM

HOUSE TOUR
A closet miniaturist
finally gets to play
Andrée Moreno waited twenty years for her
beautiful house that she will cherish forever
A
ndrée Moreno was a had a dollhouse in a lawyer’s
closet miniaturist when bookcase. “Oh, I was so
her children were young. excited!” Andrée exclaimed, as
She would go to garage sales, she remembered the meeting.
find a miniature and buy it “That night at dinner I couldn’t
for her children. “Then I’d get stop talking about it.”
home and put the tiny things
away for myself,” she said. One
day Andrée met a lady who
90 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p090-094.indd 90 12/20/17 4:46 PM

HOUSE TOUR
Left: The beautiful house built

by Andrée’s late husband
Gilbert, took over three years to
complete. Above: The steamer
trunk in the attic tells of the
family’s travels. Right: Just
outside, the nanny is stopped by
a lady who is talking to the
baby. The pram is by Laura
Kreckemeyer. Below right: In
the kitchen the cook is preparing
dinner for the family.
From that day in 1975, she

began collecting little things
for the dollhouse she dreamed
of having. Then in 1978,
when she and her husband,
Gilbert moved to Oregon,
she joined Mini Scalers and
opened a dollhouse shop.
Gilbert, who was a house
builder in the real world, start-
ed to build custom dollhouses
for some of Andrée’s custom- her house. It took him three doors and windows, and the
ers and for other friends. years of careful craftsman- delicate trims. Then at last be-
After two years the shop ship, as he sanded everything gan the tedious task of gluing
was sold, and during all this before giving it an undercoat. on over 3600 shingles that he
time, on Christmas or her Andrée wanted certain colors had handmade.
birthday Andrée would ask for and mixed the paints until The masterpiece now holds
a dollhouse, but still she did she got them exactly right. He center stage in Andrée’s living
not get one. then painted each part, sanded room. And, although unfor-
It wasn’t until 1993, that and put on another coat. He tunately Gilbert passed away
her husband began to design added all the lighting, the his spirit shines through its
FEBRUARY I AM 91
04FE18_p090-094.indd 91 12/20/17 4:46 PM

HOUSE TOUR
Top left: The dining room was

Gilbert’s favorite because of
its sparse décor. Left: The attic
holds lots of family memories
for Andrée. Above: The toy chest
design. The interior rooms are room through a passage re- is full of wonderful things to
large but contain the classic veals a part of the nursery. This play with. The children’s puppet
theatre. The antique green
appearance of the Victorian gives the dollhouse an aspect
metal bed in the nursery is from
era. As you gaze into each of depth and reality. Germany.
room, you will see other Andrée did the wallpaper-
rooms beyond. Look into the ing, furnishings and the many porch with its croquet set and
parlor, you can see the hall; little things she’d collected wicker chair is as much ‘lived
and from the master bed- over the years to complete in’ as any of the interiors. A
room, the tower room. the scenes, each room with neighbor’s nurse strolling by
A look into the child’s its own story. The front with her infant charge stops
92 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p090-094.indd 92 12/20/17 4:46 PM

HOUSE TOUR
Right: Great Grandma sits quietly

with her needlework and she
keeps an eye on the children.
Below right: In the parlour
Grandfather Lefevre has a visit
from a friend.
to talk to a lady who admires

the baby.
One of the daughters (a
Doreen Sinnett doll) is just
stepping out to go calling
on friends while the family
golden retriever is there to
say goodbye.
Above the porch the old
sea captain (a Vicki Newhouse
creation) has been gazing out
to search for any ships, but he
has dropped his binoculars.
Behind him is a fine telescope
the family uses for stargazing
on clear nights.
‘In the parlor a

visitor has come
to see Grandfa-
ther Lefèvre about
a painting she is
’
item with gleaming brass and Krucker Blauer epergne and
selling. white porcelain front, is the the gold punch bowl add that
latest version because Cook touch of elegance that makes
In the kitchen, the cook is threatened to quit if she had this room complete. One can
preparing the family dinner: to cook one more meal using sense the warm genial atmo-
mixing bowl on the work table the old black stove. Indeed sphere that must accompany
ready for cake making; dirty every detail is according to this miniature family’s meals.
dishes in the sink and lunch the period, including the cat In the parlor a visitor has
for the staff almost ready on sleeping under the worktable come to see Grandfather
the table. A canary in his and the pickling crock await- Lefèvre (he was made by
gilded cage (by the Kum- ing its next use. Andrée at a workshop) about
merows) serenades her while The dining room was a painting she is selling. They
she works. Gilbert’s favorite because of stand in front of the fireplace,
The stove, a nice new its sparse décor. The Ellen the gold metal basket is by a
FEBRUARY I AM 93
04FE18_p090-094.indd 93 12/20/17 4:46 PM

HOUSE TOUR
Above: Mother rocks the baby to

Eugene Kupjack. A parrot in glass bowl is kept well out of
sleep in the Master bedroom.
a domed glass case sits atop a the way of little fingers.
table near the bay window. iature world, the children
Upstairs in the sewing
room, Great Grandma has just
‘It wasn’t until occupy the attic level, for in
the dormer window of the
settled down to baby-sit the 1993, that her children’s room sits a puppet
children, and as usual, she’s husband began to theatre made by the Kum-
taken her needlework. On
the rear wall is the wonderful
design her house. ’ merows. This is the favorite
toy of the children who turn
organ made by her son, David the small crank to watch the
Moreno as a Christmas gift in In the attic much of the puppets dance.
1982. It is truly a work of art family’s history can be found. And finally, the nursery
and Andrée treasures it. A steamer trunk (Sylvia contains several antiques,
In the master bedroom, Rountree) tells of world trav- among them a green metal
the mother (a Cathy Hansen els. The shotgun, rifle, bow, bed from Germany.
doll) rocks the cradle of her quiver and arrows (by Roy Andrée frequently moves
youngest child. In winter this Peters) tell of long ago hunt- things around, if she acquires a
room is kept warm and cosy ing adventures, and a picture new treasure, she may well re-
by a German Spielwaren fire- of George Washington. arrange a whole room to show
place. A beautiful cranberry In this Victorian min- it off to its best advantage.
94 AM I FEBRUARY
04FE18_p090-094.indd 94 12/20/17 4:46 PM

PROJECT
A purse with style

Make an everyday bag with a few scraps of leather
BY VAL WARREN
T his bag is quick to

make and involves
no sewing. I use kid
glove leather for some of
3 Pull the tabs on the main
bag through each jump
ring and glue and fold over.
TOPTIP:
Keep your fingers clean
with a damp cloth while
my bags, but any scraps
you have may be suitable
in size and thickness.
4 Use a small piece of
tissue or paper rolled
and pushed into the bag to
working with glue.
to simulate a fastener on the

Although you can use other help it form the appropriate small leather flap.
more permanent glues, shape of the purse.
I have used Tacky Glue,
applied with a toothpick,
because it dries fast and
has a good grip.
5 Glue the leather flap in
place to seal up the bag.
1 Let’s get started! Glue

the jump rings to the
5 At this point another
jump ring may be used
ends of the handles, folding

over the ends as marked on Pattern:
the pattern. Allow to dry.
2 Make the bag by gluing

as shown on the pattern
and allow to dry thoroughly.
Materials:
n Scraps of leather
n Tacky Glue
n Scissors
n A toothpick
n Jewelry findings
n 4-5 jump rings
n Snipe nose pliers
n Tweezers
FEBRUARY I AM 95
04FE18_p095.indd 95 12/20/17 4:47 PM

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DOLLS HOUSE INTERIOR......................................99
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KITZ! .....................................95 projects, and fun

53in American Miniaturist.
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KENSINGTON COTTAGE MINIATURES...................98 pages
of gorgeous features. 08
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ISSUE 72
HOUSE OF
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MASTERCLASS Kathleen Holmes
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iniaturist.com CANADA $10.95 www.americ
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PROJECTS
acorn squash
• Arm chair
• Vampire hunter • Fabric sheet
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...............51
pot
• Pumpkin tea
MALGA ART............................................................99
• Antique books
• Bird cross stitch
MS PEGGIE’S PLACE ..........50

storelistings
MANHATTAN DOLLHOUSE.....................................15
Visit these fine stores that carry American Miniaturist
MINI ESTATES BY KAREN.......................................99 W Too cute
MY DOLL HOUSE ................51 magazines for your convenience. Please note: some of
to spook
Scene by
Silke Janas-Schloess
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PM 04SE16_p001.indd
8/24/16 2:37
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7/27/16
1:05 PM
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What is the Sturbridge Dollhouse Miniatures Festival?

What is the Sturbridge Dollhouse Miniatures Festival?

What shops can visitors find in Sturbridge?

What shops can visitors find in Sturbridge?

American

INSPIRING MINIATURE ENTHUSIASTS TO CREATE www.americanminiaturist.com

PROJECTS: I MINI PORCELAIN I STYLISH PURSE I CURTAINS

AM new front.indd 1 12/21/17 1:57 PM

04FE18_p002.indd 2 12/18/17 10:11 AM

Artisan Painted Furniture

Southern California Show

27134A Paseo Espada • Suite 304 • San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

2018 STURBRIDGE DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES FESTIVAL

SAVE June 1st - 3rd, 2018

Saturday, June 2nd

Sunday, June 3rd

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All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis that

Make several garments for a miniature

04FE18_p004-005.indd 4 12/21/17 2:00 PM

95 A purse with style

16 Photography and minis

36 Minis behind the wall

44 It’s all in the details

61 A Tudor style house

04FE18_p004-005.indd 5 12/21/17 2:00 PM

Make some tiny skis

T his miniature set of

1 Cut two pieces of iron

5 Cut two wood strips to vintage alpine look!

6 Soak the wood strips in until the glue is completely

7 Hold the rounded end

04FE18_p006-007.indd 6 12/20/17 3:40 PM

create the heel binding and

11 Cut 2 strips of thin

04FE18_p006-007.indd 7 12/20/17 3:40 PM

04FE18_p008-009.indd 8 12/20/17 3:41 PM

04FE18_p008-009.indd 9 12/20/17 3:41 PM

Fancy lace cushions

04FE18_p010-011.indd 10 12/20/17 3:42 PM

Mini tutorials needed

04FE18_p010-011.indd 11 12/20/17 3:42 PM

V alentine’s Day can

Once you have completed

your mini sweetheart. tile and shape the outline of

1 The first part we need to

04FE18_p012-014.indd 12 12/20/17 3:45 PM

5 Now mix some brown

6 Roll out two logs of the

7 Using the same dark

04FE18_p012-014.indd 13 12/20/17 3:45 PM

be able to take it off again

10 Now for the finishing

11 Now take a clean

12 Cut a strip of yel-

04FE18_p012-014.indd 14 12/20/17 3:45 PM

You’ll love this quirky and fun creation—Grammy

Complete Online Dollhouse & Miniature Store, Unique Pieces,

04FE18_p015.indd 15 12/18/17 11:44 AM