Contents

A peek at Rik Pierces workshop for Duddingwells Tea Room.

March 15 Issue #143 www.americanminiaturist.com Price $7.95

CANADA $10.95 CAD. UK 5.25

PROJECTS: Cinnamon rolls Mini quilt

Kitchen equipment Shabby chic bed
Welsh cupboard Flower planters

Regulars Features
A place to dream 6 Mini mail 9 Duddingwell
!
om

The talented Rik Pierce

m it

Scene by Eva Perendreu

We love to hear from our

de is
y.c
ca to v
fta e
ra ur
yc e s

offered a fabulous five-day

m B

readers and share their

words on these pages. miniature workshop.
04MA15_p001.indd 1 1/27/15 1:53 PM

American Miniaturist
68132 250th Avenue
Kasson, MN 55944
72 Itty bits 18 Quarter-inch condo
The latest news and notes Monica La Porta shares
Phone: (507) 634-3143
Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587 in the mini world, and our her most precious quarter-
Fax: (507) 634-7691 newest contest winners. inch-scale condo with us.
Email: info@americanminiaturist.com
UK: AM, PO Box 2258 85 Snippets 24 Team work
Pulbrough Leon and Jacky Miles,
RH20 9BA
Cut out your very own
Great Britain family photos, magazines, share their up-market
Tel: 01903 884988 and wallpaper. manor and memories.
Publisher:
Kelly Johnson 88 Show dates 39 Doll artist
Email: kelly@ashdown.co.uk
Mark your calendars Jamie Carrington shows
Editor:
and plan to attend these his latest works of
Auralea Krieger
Email: auralea@ashdown.co.uk shows around the country. miniature art in AM.
Advertising & Marketing:
Sara Vix On the cover: Scene by 44 Dream room
Email: sara@ashdown.co.uk
Eva Perendreu. Eva Perendreu made a little
Customer Service: place to relax and get cozy.
Email: usoffice@ashdown.co.uk

Distribution: 55 Smiling Princesses

Alex Schwemmer
Email: uswarehouse@ashdown.co.uk
Soraya Merinos new
Designer: miniature spring and
Auralea Krieger winter collections.
Ad designer:
Alison Smith 66 Music stage
Lauren Nielsen Barbie Cohn Andreason
Contributors: makes a mini tribute.
Joanna Bentom, Jamie Carrington, John Clayton,
Barbie Cohn Andreason, Kris Compas, Gemma 74 A little home
Figueras, Mandy Groves, Monica La Porta, Soraya
Merino, Leon and Jacky Miles, Claire Mitchell, Eva Claire Mitchell has her
Perendreu, Amanda Phillips, Rik Pierce, Martha Puff. heart set on making a
dream come true.
Issue 143
March 2015 82 Miniature exhibit
Published by Ashdown Broadcasting
Historic dollhouses and
Subscription rates:
miniatures made in the
1 Year (12 issues) $76.99 USA 1700s and 1800s.
Canada $121.99 CAD, UK 79.99
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Mandy Groves wonders
Europe 193.99, ROW $239.99 (US Funds) when did the hobby of
American Miniaturist (USPS# 021-053 ISSN # miniatures first begin.
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Ave., Kasson, MN 55944. Subscription price is
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All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis that
copyright will be vested in the Publisher who assumes all rights worldwide,
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to the instructions and photographs that we publish. The work may be
published in the magazine, our i-Mag, ebooks, CDs and bookzines as well as
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free to teach and sell your work. All that we ask is that you wait a minimum
of 6 months after the publication of the issue before teaching the design or
selling your own instructions. We dont allow you to re-publish the design
featured in other books or magazines without prior consent.

AM143_Contents.indd 4 1/27/15 2:00 PM


Projects
9 Cinnamon rolls
Lets all make some miniature
toasty cinnamon rolls with
Amanda Phillips!
33 Shabby chic bed
Make this sweet miniature
bed with the guidance of
miniaturist Kris Compas.
52 Mini quilt
Gemma Figueras genrously
shares steps on how she
made her Lone Star quilt.
62 Flower planters
Spring into action and make
some garden planters along
with John Clayton.
65 Kitchen equipment
Transform these everyday
items into believable
miniature kitchen equipment.
90 Welsh cupboard inspired by another to try something new. We
Joanna Bentom shows
us how to make a classic
Welsh cupboard.
AM143_Contents.indd 5
Welcome
This issue of AM is bound to amaze and inspire
you. One of my absolute favorite miniature artists,
Rik Pierce, shares tips from his five-day workshop,
and then Jamie Carrington, who I was thrilled to
finally meet at the Philadelphia show last year, has
graciously shared some of his recent dolls with
us as well some of his techniques. Soraya Merino
gave me a ginormous smile with her newest
collection of princesses and Eva Perendreu has
created another cozy and happy mini scene.
We also welcome some new contributors and
give our thanks to our devoted ones. All of them
make each issue a speacial treasure.
Something important that I have noticed is
how much we, as miniaturists, depend on one
another for inspiration, the passing on of skills,
and overall encouragement. This is a hobby that
is much more social than one might think. Most
miniature artists are happy to give tips that will
help new, or even established, artists flourish on
their mini journey.
Time and again I read how one artist was
need each other to keep advancements going in
our craft. We learn from the best and then add on
to that to make it our own.
American Miniaturist magazine is a wonderful
tool for putting all mentioned above into play. Just
by flipping through these pages you will witness
the generosity in this hobby. So a big Thank You
to all miniaturists who have helped another create
and explore!
1/27/15 2:00 PM

minimail
Star letter
This months Star letter was
written by Eleanor Kilham
who felt compasion for a
contributor. We truly love
to share your projects and
letters with our readers, and
it means so much to us that
you take the time to write!
To thank Eleanor for her
wonderful letter, we will be
sending her a very special
project DVD. Please keep
your letters coming.
We love learning about
you and your projects and
hearing your comments
and ideas. We always look
forward to reading your
thoughtful letters!
Star letter
The article by Amanda
Philips, A Christmas
Mini Story so touched me. I felt
Amandas conflicted emotions
when she received a gift she
didnt want, her excitement
in discovering dollhouses and
their refurbishment as she got
older. As well as her guilt and
remorse in having disposed of
a gift her mother had lovingly
and painstakingly crafted for
her. And A Christmas story
finally, the A Christmas
mini story
search for, Amanda Phillips comes up
miniature plan to make her with a big
long lost Christmas dreams mothers
and the thrill W come true.
hen I was a little
girl, I went to private
of finding
school. I got up very
early in the morning so
that
my mom, an LPN, could
go
to work. My dad worked
as a
supervisor in a foundry.
This
meant that I had to have
the very
a
baby-sitter at around 4:45
a.m. i saw the little
Naturally, bedtime came
early
because I was exhausted
by
the end of the day. It was
then
that my mother began
on her big surprise for
to work
same model
me.
My mother had always
loved dollhouses. Her neigh-
bor had one when she
was a
little girl, and shed go
there
to play with it. In the late
1980s, she began building
of dollhouse
a Bar-
dollhouse from a kit. She
likely willingly, and
purchased it from the local
Ben Franklin store (a place
I Barbies I had. Now I had
miss very much!). At night,
shed pull the pieces from
the
to re-gift
guest room closet and
begin
to work. She spent months
on this project. She painted
it
just like the photo on the
box,
and added little flowers
in the
flower boxes. She punched
to her
82 American
Miniaturist
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82
6 American Miniaturist
AM143_MiniMail_p006-007.indd 6
out and assembled furniture
and added a Victorian
family.
When Christmas came
near,
she added a bow and placed
the dollhouse next to the
tree.
On Christmas day, I was
not
enthused. I was a tomboy.
I and whatever other critters
shingles over it with
and i realized that mom
must have put them on
one by one. it was then
that i knew i had to save hopes that theychildren
that dollhouse.
spent most of my time
playing
outdoors and I had a few
bies, but I didnt wear
dresses
I certainly didnt ered
play with anything but
the
a thought of my dollhouse.
dollhouse and my Barbies
didnt even fit in it. I couldnt
understand why anyone
would have thought
get this for me.
I played with it, but only
with my Sylvanian Families
mouse family. Beyond
that, it
sat and collected dust.
It col-
AM is your magazine, and we want to hear from
you. Write to: MiniMail, American Miniaturist, 68132
250th Ave., Kasson, MN 55944. Or email: auralea@
ashdown.co.uk. Letters may be edited if necessary.
Amanda Phillips mother with her new dollhouse from the past.
mother. Wow. What a wonderful Inspired to create
and cathartic story! I love these In my younger years, I always
glimpses inside the lives of fellow said I wanted to be a Gypsy and
miniaturists and hope AM will never settle down anywhere. I
continue to feature them. would just travel all around in
my Gypsy caravan. After reading
Eleanor Kilham the article A traveling mini
Hingham, MA treasure I think I might just do
that, in miniature. I also enjoyed
an outdoor table set, decorative
lected that dust, that is,
until
my friends came over and
the
fun began. We tore the
flowers
out of their boxes, filled
the
dollhouse with grass, grasshop-
pers, crickets, snakes, mice,
would fit inside. We colored
all
crayons and sharp-
ies and made a mess of
it.
This made my mother
sad,
so she gave the dollhouse
to
a co-workers
with
would enjoy
it and give it love. I never
thought about it again
until I
was nineteen.
I was at a thrift store and
there was a Federation-style
dollhouse. It was dusty,
cov-
in crayon, full of sticky
stuff, and chipped in places.
I
and
the hopes my mother must
have had for me. She must
that I would trea-
sure it as an heirloom
and give
it to my own daughter
some-
day. I saw the little shingles
and I realized that mom
must
have put them on one
by one.
10/23/14 5:21 PM
1/27/15 1:56 PM
 Duddingwells Tea Room

A peek inside
the workshop
The talented Rik Pierce offered a five-day
workshop for Duddingwells Tea Room.
Martha Puff takes us for an inside visit.

I
n September 2014, Rik Pierce liked the name and decided glass windows, aged plank
offered a five-day Workshop to use it. floors, and brick fireplaces.
for Duddingwells Tea Room The 1:12 scale structures I I want there to be something
at Shellies Miniature Mania, design are reminiscent of me- interesting to see wherever
San Carlos, CA. We asked Rik dieval English half-timbered you look.
if he would share the journey, buildings, with a touch of For Duddingwells, I in-
and he tells us: whimsy thrown in. I incorpo- cluded a bow window in the
My wife and I have traveled rate distressed timbers, wiggle Tea Shoppe to provide the
extensively through the rural wood, fanciful brickwork, illusion of a larger room. Bow
English countryside so that I stonework, and constant windows achieved widespread
could examine Medieval and changes in textures. I add lots popularity during the Victo-
Tudor-style construction from of architectural details, leaded rian era.
the 1400s onward. On the mo-
torway going down to Lewes
in the U.K. to check out a
Norman castle, we chanced
upon the real Duddingwells
Tea Shoppe. We stopped to
have scones and tea. While
that Tea Shoppe has no
resemblance to my design, I

Right: The complete kit at each

students workstation includes
Gatorfoam parts for the structure,
any wood parts and floors, the resin
castings for doors, windows and
ornamentation. In addition to all
paints and glues, Rik provides a set
of clay tools and a little hand saw to
rough up the timbers. Also included
is a general instruction handout,
not specific to any kit.

American Miniaturist 9

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 Duddingwells Tea Room

Above: The remaining rustic roof beams are stained
and glued together to dry. It is around this time that Rik
demonstrates how to make the leaded glass windows.
Some students like to work on the windows while
assembled parts are drying or at night.
Above: After the inside plaster has dried, students are
instructed to turn over the wall pieces and glue the
distressed wood beams in place on the outside. Then
channels are cut for electrical wiring and covered with
heavy-weight white Bristol paper.

Above: To assemble the first and
second levels, the walls are glued
together on all sides, and then
glued to the base/wood floor.
Above: On the second level, the cross beams to support the loft
floor are glued into place in the channels that are precut. The
wood plank ceiling/loft floor is added. The roof beams are fitted
and glued into place. After the glue is dry, Rik demonstrates how
to put on the slats to support the tile roof.

American Miniaturist 11

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 Duddingwells Tea Room

Left: The last

day of class, Rik
demonstrates
how to make a
faux slate tile
roof reminiscent
of a historical
handmade slate
tile roof. This
is also when
students glue
the structure to
the base. (Note:
For instructions
on how to
make a faux
slate tile roof,
see Rik Pierces
comprehensive
tutorial
published
in Dollhouse
Miniatures
magazine,
Jan/Feb 2012
(DHM25).

Left: While Rik

does not supply
landscaping,
he shares some
easy landscaping
techniques with
students.

American Miniaturist 13

04MA15_p009-014.indd 13 1/29/15 12:00 PM

 Duddingwells Tea Room

Rik shares
some tips
on creating
a Flagstone
Path!
On the last
day of class,
Rik Pierce
demonstrates
how to make a
flagstone walk:

Step 1: Roll out a strip of

Paperclay about 1/8 thick.
Let dry. Break into pieces
to make the random size
flagstones.

Step 2: Lay out the path on

your chosen surface. Then use
a thin, tacky coat of yellow
carpenters glue to fasten
down. Let dry.
Step 3: Paint with a thin wash
of dirty water consisting of
two drops of Delta Ceramcoat
Dark Burnt Umber and two
drops of Delta Ceramcoat
Black in a half-cup of water.
This will tone down the
flagstones. Let dry.
Step 4: Add moss between
the flagstones. Moss and
other ground covers are
readily available from
suppliers of model railroad
scenery.
Above: Rik Pierce, with the
Frogmorton Studios students.
to make leaded windows, and
do simple wiring.
The 5-day class goal is for
students to have the structure
put together and to learn all
the techniques necessary to
finish the structure. I tell stu-
dents to take it one step at a
time and do your best. AM
Look for the exclusive feater
showcasing the Rapunzels
Tangled Tower, the latest fan-
tasy structure by Rik Pierce,
in the upcoming May/June
2015 issue 45 of Dollhouse
Miniatures magazine!
GET IN TOUCH
Rik Pierce
Frogmorton Studios
12917 NW 42nd Court
Vancouver, WA 98685
Phone: 559-635-8225
Email: rik@frogmorton.com
Upcoming 2015 Workshops
April 13-16 - Rapunzels
Tangled Tower, Chicago
International Show
April 26-30 - Duddingwells
Tea Room, Texas Miniature
Showcase
June 18-23 - Flourish &
Blotts Bookstore, Miniature
Designs of Georgia
June 25-29 - Fair Rosamonds
Bower, Miniature Designs of
Georgia

14 American Miniaturist

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 Cinnamon rolls

Homemade
cinnamon rolls
Lets make some miniature cinnamon rolls
with Amanda Phillips! Get out your tiny
rolling pin and roll up your sleeves.

C
innamon rolls are one of and seal them together by rolling
my favorite treats, but I over them with the rolling pin.
hardly ever make them. I
guess thats because its easier to
pop open a can of store bought
rolls than it is to make them
from scratch. The best part of
cinnamon rolls, of course, is the
process of putting icing all over
them. I love it when the icing
gets all gooey and melts! Tools & materials:

Step 1: Mix 1-part white clay,
1-part translucent, and 1-part tan
clay. Blend them together and
roll them out flat. Roll out the
same amount of dark brown clay.
Step 2: Layer the dark brown
clay on top of the tan mixture
l Polymer clay: white, Step 3: Use a craft knife to cut
translucent, tan, and dark out a long strip of clay. Make sure
brown
one end is smaller than the other.
l Translucent Liquid Clay
l Gloss varnish
l Chalk pastels: yellow,
orange, and brown
l White oil paint
l Craft knife
l Mini rolling pin (I use a
nail tool)
l Tweezers
l Large soft-bristled
paintbrush
l Fine paintbrush
l Plastic lid or dish for
mixing paints Step 4: Cut the ends off the clay
l Baking tile or tray strip. I prefer to do this at an
angle on each end.

16 American Miniaturist

04MA15_p016-017.indd 16 1/26/15 12:05 PM

 Cinnamon rolls

Step 8: Bake according to the

manufacturers instructions. Once
cooled, apply gloss varnish to
cinnamon roll icing and to any
exposed dark brown clay.

Place your finished cinnamon

Step 7: Mix 10-parts Translucent
Liquid Clay with 1-part oil paint
and apply it to the top of the
cinnamon roll.
rolls on a baking tray or plate.
Ive added a plate of icing, made
from the Translucent Liquid Clay
and have added some to my
knife as well. AM

Step 5: Roll the clay up, with the

tan clay on the outside. Cut the
extra off to size.

Step 6: Apply yellow, tan, and

then a dark brown color to the
areas of the roll where the oven
would have browned the bread.

American Miniaturist 17

04MA15_p016-017.indd 17 1/26/15 12:05 PM


those dolls to look more
realistic. My inner-
miniaturist was already
demanding to be let out,
yet several decades had
to pass before that would
happen.
I have always wanted
a proper dollhouse, but I
owned my first one only
after my daughter was
born. While we were still
living in Italy I used to
buy a weekly-pub-
04MA15_p018-021.indd 19
Quarter-inch condo
Above: Glue from a glue gun fills
the tub to look like bath water.
lished magazine about the art
and craft of dollhouses. Each
issue came with a different
part of a dollhouse to be built
according to what I thought
were fairly simple instructions.
I remember the guilty plea-
sure of waiting for the new is-
sue to be released and discover
which item of the house would
come next. As an adult, I ex-
perienced the simple joy that a
child can feel.
The dollhouse turned out to
be a disaster in the making.
We moved to the States while
the magazine was still being
published, and I had to wait,
not so patiently, for my mother
to bring the remaining issues
with her when she visited the
next summer. It took me two
years to put the skeleton of the
house together. But it looked
Left: Everything in this little kitchen
was a joy for Monica to create.
American Miniaturist 19
1/27/15 9:42 AM
 Quarter-inch condo
crooked and ugly. To my
excuse, it was my first attempt
at building a dollhouse and I
am not so good at following
instructions.
But my motto is, Never
give up. Never surrender, so I
visited the local miniature store
and enrolled in one of the last
classes Brooke Tucker taught
called The Country Kitchen
Room Box.
Barely a word of English in
my arsenal, but I had a blast
creating everything in the room
box from scratch. The class
lasted two days and I even
managed to show my miniature
vases to Mrs. Tucker who com-
missioned several of them for
a room box she created for The
Miniatures Museum of Taiwan.
20 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p018-021.indd 20
After discovering the world
of room boxes, realizing that
miniatures came in all shapes
and sizes and that was liberat-
ing for me.
Although I was still trying to
finish my first dollhouse, the
sheer space it occupied made
me wonder about how many
others I could possibly fit on
the designated table before
running out of space. The lo-
cal store had started carrying
quarter-inch kits and I was fas-
cinated by how much could be
accomplished in such a small
space. I immediately bought
those plastic sets of furniture
in 0 scale that everyone who
has ever built miniatures has
learned to love and hate at the
same time. Only later, at the
Above: This cozy little living room
has fireplace and handmade arm
chair to rest in while reading, or
writing a good book.
Seattle Miniature Show, I saw
this adorable condominium kit
in quarter-inch scale and I had
to have it.
I love all my mini-creations,
but this kit has a special place
in my heart. To decorate those
small rooms I hunted for the
strangest materials. I made a
dollhouse for the girls bed-
room by painting a Monopoly
piece. Vases and floral com-
positions are a mix of plastic
beads and paper flowers I
made from cutouts and floral
stem wires.
The water inside the bathtub
1/27/15 9:42 AM
 Quarter-inch condo

is clear glue that came straight
out of a glue gun, and so
were a few of the items in the
kitchen. The doll and the food
and some of the decorative
plates on the wall were made
of polymer clay. Wallpaper
borders decorated the walls.
For several weeks, I re-
member not throwing away
anything, always trying to
reuse scraps of paper or plastic
to create a piece of furniture
or any other decoration that
would make the rooms more
lifelike. I cut pictures from
catalogs to make the rugs, the
paintings, and the mosaics.
I bent pieces of copper wire
to build the couches and I
upholstered them with fabric
chosen for its small pattern.
One-inch scale teacups became
lampshades.
My condo for tiny people has
been on the shelf for quite a
few years now, but a minia-
turist is always a miniaturist,
and, even if life has a way to
take many detours and I am a
full-time author now, I often-
times keep objects just for the
possibility they could become
something else entirely.
In fact, my husband has
been wondering for the last
month why I washed and kept
a sardine tin can. Any other
person would see it as rubbish.
I see it like the frame for a
whimsical 1:144-scale vignette.
Maybe a fairy garden? Or a
patisserie? The possibilities are
endless. And even if I build
my fantasy worlds from words
nowadays, I still look at my
collection of miniature maga-
zines and wonder at the talent
Monica La Porta is Italian
and landed in Seattle
several years ago. Despite
popular feelings about the
Northwest weather, she finds
the mist and the rain the
perfect conditions to write.
Being a strong advocate of
universal acceptance and
against violence in any form
and shape, she is also glad
to have landed precisely in
Washington State. She is
the author of The Ginecean
Chronicles, which is a
dystopian/science fiction
series. She also published
two other series: Elios & Gaia
and The Immortals.
of so many artists out there
who create miniscule master-
pieces with nothing more than
glue and scrapes of wood. AM

Monica hand-painted small floral

vines on the bedroom furniture and
included a tiny dollhouse within
this quarter-inch-scale room box.

American Miniaturist 21

04MA15_p018-021.indd 21 1/27/15 9:42 AM

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04_MA15_p022-023.indd 22 1/28/15 4:45 PM

 Dollhouse tour

A dollhouse
built by two
Husband and wife, Leon and Jacky Miles,
share their up-market manor and memories
of being in service. By Laura Quiggan.

H The couple are avid

usbands can be respon-
sible for being the start
of many things, particu-
larly if they are as generous as
Leon Miles. Wife, Jacky, knew
this when she married him
of course, but on Christmas
morning in 1997 she awoke to
see a large parcel by her bed.
It was a dollhouse, something
show goers and have
that Jacky had mentioned been from the start of
wanting in passing on many their involvement in the
occasions. Leon, obviously
a good listener, took it all in hobby.

24 American Miniaturist

04MA15_p024-032.indd 24 1/26/15 12:05 PM

 Dollhouse tour

Above: The scullery stairs, previously concealed by an internal wall, is complete with all of
the items nessarsy to do the wash and keep things tidy.

Right: Mrs Meadows and Ivy are busy at work in the well stocked kitchen.

28 American Miniaturist

04MA15_p024-032.indd 28 1/26/15 12:06 PM


Make a shabby
chic mini bed
Make this sweet miniature bed with the
guidance of miniaturist Kris Compas. She
will walk you through it step by step.
I
n the last issue of American
Miniaturist (AM142) Kris
showed us how to craft a 1:12-
scale mattress and box spring set.
Now it is time to make a shabby
chic bed for them to rest on.
Step 1: Trace the footboard
pattern onto foam core. This will
be a mold that we will use to
shape the footboard using card
stock. I have glued and stacked
five pieces of foam core together.
If you want, you can glue card
stock onto the curved edge to
even up the outside.
Step 2: Cut three pieces of card
stock to 43/4 (121mm) x 11/2 (38).
Step 3: Use yellow wood glue
to adhere these three pieces
together.
04MA15_p033-038.indd 33
Step 4: Bend the three pieces
around the footboard mold and
hold with rubber bands. Let this
dry over night.
Step 5: Trace the headboard
pattern three times and then cut
those three pieces out.
Step 6: Glue the three
headboard patterns together
using yellow wood glue. Smooth
the surface with your hand.
Step 7: Cut, from mat board, eight
pieces measuring 3 11/16 (94mm)
in back and one pair in front.
Shabby chic bed
Tools & materials:
l Yellow wood glue
l Foam core
l Card stock
l Craft knife
l Ruler
l Pencil
l Mat board
l Clamps
l 400 grit sandpaper
l Paint
l Rubber bands
l Toothpicks
l Decorative paper punch
x 1/4 (7mm) for the bedposts.
Step 8: Glue these together, two
each. When you are finished you
should have four pairs glued
together.
Step 9: Glue the posts to the
headboard by gluing one pair
Glue them together below the
headboard and clamp until dry.
Make sure the posts are flush
with the edge of the headboard.
American Miniaturist 33
1/29/15 12:38 PM
 Shabby chic bed
Step 10: Measure between the
posts and cut three strips of card
stock 1/2 (13mm) wide.
Always, always dry fit before
gluing!
Step 11: Glue them together and
then glue them to the bottom of
the headboard.
Step 12: Measure 7/8 (22mm) up
from the top of the card stock
strip you just glued on and make
a mark on each side.
34 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p033-038.indd 34
Step 13: Cut three strips of card narrower. I then glued these onto
stock to fit between the posts, the top curve one at a time.
5/16 (8mm) wide. Glue the strips
together and glue this strip
onto the headboard on top of
the marks you made leaving 7/8
between the two strips of card
stock.
Step 18: Remove the footboard
from the mold.
Step 19: Cut sixteen pieces of
mat board at 11/2 (38mm) x 1/4
Step 14: Trace the top of the (7mm). Glue them together
headboard pattern on card stock. in pairs just as you did for the
Measure 1/4 (7mm) down from headboard posts. When finished
the top edge and draw a new you should have eight pairs.
line. Cut this new pattern out.
Step 15: Trim off 1/4 (7mm) each
side, (thats where the posts Step 20: At the bottom of each
are). Dry fit this pattern on the side cut a notch, 1/8 (3mm) x 1/2
headboard and trim if needed. (13mm).
Step 16: Trace three of these Step 21: Cut 2 sideboards
new patterns on card stock. Glue from mat board 1/2 (13mm) x 6
these pieces together. Dry fit and
then glue the top curve onto the
headboard.
Step 17: For added decoration
I cut three more top curve
patterns and then trimmed them
1/29/15 12:38 PM

Headboard pattern
(153mm). Glue one sideboard
into each notch.
Step 22: Now, you can glue the
pair of posts to the outside of
each side of the footboard. Clamp
until dry. When the posts are dry
you can remove the clamps.
Step 23: Glue on the other pairs
of posts just after the curve of
the footboard.
04MA15_p033-038.indd 35
These next few pictures show
a shorter Q-tip instead of a
toothpick. I used the short Q-tip
before it dawned on me that the
EASIER route would be to use a
longer toothpick as the base for
the legs. So please envision a
longer toothpick instead of the
shorter Q-tip.
Step 24: Cut four toothpicks 1
(2.5cm) long. Measure the legs of
Shabby chic bed
Footboard pattern
the headboard, they should be
5/8, but you measure your legs to
be sure. Mark that length on your
toothpick. Next, measure 1/16
down from that mark and make
another mark. This new mark is
where the paper will be glued for
the winding.
Step 25: Ive made the marks
on the Q-tips where I will glue
the paper for winding in the
photo. Make these marks on your
toothpicks.
American Miniaturist 35
1/29/15 12:38 PM
 Shabby chic bed
Step 26: The legs are decorative
turnings, we are going to make
them with paper. Cut a piece of
paper 6 (153mm) wide. Now,
measure 5/16 (8mm) at the top
left corner, mark. Lay a straight
edge at this mark and to the
bottom left corner. Cut this with
your craft knife.
Step 27: For the next triangle
measure 5/16 at the bottom left
corner, mark. Use the straight
edge and cut to the top left
corner. Make 4 triangles. You
started with a straight edge on
your paper, so your triangles
have one straight edge and
one slanted edge. I marked the
straight edge with an x.
Step 28: Glue the triangle
onto your leg. You will have a
toothpick with 2 marks 1/16 apart.
Glue the top straight edge to
that second mark you made on
your toothpick.
36 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p033-038.indd 36
Step 29: Apply a little glue to the
paper and wind, keeping the top
even. With the straight edge on
one side of the triangle we were
able to keep the top even and
get this shape.
Step 30: In this photo you can
see Ive added more paper. I cut
paper 1/16 and a little wider, not
an 1/8, just a little wider than a
1/16. I glued the paper as I wound
5 to 6 times around the leg.
Step 31: I have my toothpicks
a little longer that an inch here.
Can you see the 1/16 at the top
where the Q-tip stops and the
toothpick starts? I had to drill a
hole and insert it, but you have
started with a toothpick so you
wont have to do this as I have.
Step 32: Drill holes into the
bottom of the posts to receive
the legs. I want you to dry fit
the legs before gluing. You can
shorten your toothpicks a bit
if needed, but glue at least 1/4
into the post. I have the 1/16
space between the post the first
decorative turning?
Step 33: Cut 2 strips of mat
board about 5/16 (8mm) wide
and 5 7/8 (149mm) long. These
are the bed rails. Dry fit these
before gluing in, they should be
even with the end of the side
boards. Butt-glue these to the
sideboards. Let this dry.
Step 34: Cut yourself some 1/4
wide strips, Ive cut too many
here. I went crazy with my paper
cutter!
1/29/15 12:38 PM

Step 35: These strips are glued
to the footboard, top and bottom
on the outside and to the top on
the inside. Cut and dry fit these
strips before gluing. Glue on
the layers one at a time, glue on
three layers.
Step 36: Showing the inside of
the footboard.
Step 37: Ive cut some narrower
strips, they are probably 1/16.
I cut them by eye. These narrower
strips are glued on one at a time,
three layers just as you did for
the wider strips. Be sure to dry fit
before gluing.
04MA15_p033-038.indd 37
Step 38: I have found and
bought some great precision
glue bottles and tips. The tip on
the right does not come with a
bottle, but I think it will fit onto
the smallest Tacky Glue bottle.
Use up the glue and put the new
tip on for your wood glue.
Step 39: To cover the layers of
card stock I cut a strip of card
stock and glued this onto the
edge of the headboard and
posts. I also cut a strip to cover
the edge of the side of the
headboards posts.
Shabby chic bed
Step 40: Trace the top of the
footboard onto card stock for a
cover. Cut out and trim and dry
fit then glue it onto the top of
the footboard.
Step 41: I used a boarder punch
for the surface decoration on the
footboard and headboard. I also
added a diamond on the top of
each post. I punched three of
everything and glued on each
layer separately.
Step 42: Im using toothpicks
for the post knobs. Cut off the
pointed tips of the toothpicks
and sand them round. Cut them
in half to make six knobs.
Step 43: We are going to wind
paper around the toothpicks.
These triangles will have both
American Miniaturist 37
1/29/15 12:38 PM
 Shabby chic bed
sides slanted. To do this cut a
piece of paper 8 (203mm) wide.
From the top left corner measure
1/4 (7mm). Use a straight edge
from this mark to the bottom left
corner and cut the first triangle,
discard this one.
Measure 1/4 from the bottom
left corner and use the straight
from that mark to the top left
corner and cut the first triangle.
Measure from the top left
corner, use the straight to the
bottom corner and cut the
second triangle. Continue this
way until you have cut six
triangles.
Step 44: Measure 1/16 from
the top of your toothpick and
mark. Glue the wide end of the
triangle to the toothpick and
start winding, adding a little glue
as you go.
Step 45: Drill holes in the top of
the posts for the knobs. Dry fit
38 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p033-038.indd 38
first then glue the knobs in.
Step 46: Glue the headboard to
the sideboards. From the picture
you can also see Ive glued pieces
of mat board to fit between the
rails to hold more of the mattress.
Step 47: I dont like butt gluing
because it doesnt hold well.
So score and fold a piece of card
stock and glue it in the corner
where the sideboard is glued to
the headboard. This will help the
headboard stay on a little better.
Step 48: Let the bed dry before
you start painting. I painted the
bed with Deltas Magnolia White
and I used acrylic gesso to fill in
the paper lines on the legs and
knobs. Then I sprayed it with a
satin clear finish.
Next, I used Deltas Lisa Pink
and mixed a glaze with it to
paint around the bed. Then I
took a dark brown and glaze
and dabbed in the corners and
cracks. After that I used 400 grit
sandpaper where I thought it
needed it. I sprayed the entire
thing with a clear satin spray, and
it was finished!
I do hope you try this. Its not
hard to do. It would also make a
great club project. I think it will
be a real special piece in your
miniature bedroom. AM
Have fun, expand on it, make it
better, just keep making minis!
1/29/15 12:38 PM
 Doll artist

An artist
Extraordinaire
The wonderful doll artist, teacher, and writer,
Jamie Carrington, shares his latest works of
miniature art with AM. By Martha Puff.

M
y journey as a doll artist, teacher and writer. He He also has a range of work-
maker began some has achieved the status of shop videos on sculpting and
thirty years ago, says IGMA Fellow in Figures. All costuming in 1:12 scale.
Jamie Carrington of London, of his imaginative character A popular instructor, he
England. Jill Bennett and figures are individually hand- regularly offers workshops to
I went into partnership to sculpted and dressed by him. share his skills in doll making
create a range of 1:12-scale Each one is a unique work of and costuming with others. I
figures, and I discovered the art. While he may repeat a so look forward to every class
world of miniatures. With a figure, no two are the same. I teach. Its where I learn
background of fashion, theat-
rical costume and Art College,
it appeared to be the perfect
scale and job for me.
We worked, as everyone
did then, in porcelainthe
only medium available.
Though I wanted to produce
more realistic characters, the
collectors werent ready for
that then. After three years,
Jill and I went solo and I
searched for a new medium
in which to work. Then, I
found polymer clay and my
life changed.
Today, Jamie is recognized
as leading miniature doll

Top: Jamie Carrington.

Right: Ethel Le Neeve.

American Miniaturist 39

04MA15_p039-043.indd 39 1/29/15 10:22 AM

 Doll artist
new things from my students
which help keep my work
fresh and alive.
While the dollhouse world
was a mystery to me, I have
always had an interest in
small scale work. I love the
restrictions and proportions of
scale and mainly worked from
the start in 1:12 scale. A few
years ago, I gave myself the
challenge of half-scale, and
love it. I thought it would be
impossible to dress a figure
the way I wanted to do, but
that is not only possibleit is
fun!
The main attribute that
Jamie gives his character fig-
ures is that they have to tell
a story to the viewer. With a
drama and dance background,
40 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p039-043.indd 40
the figures must have life.
Even a still figure should have
movement.
His favorite figures to cre-
ate are from the 18th century
because of the social and
political history of the time.
His favorite figures
to create are from the
18th century because of
the social and political
history of the time.
I dont restrict myself to only
that time period, however.
Collectors inspire me to dis-
cover new periods and genres
in which to work. And, I
dont trap myself in the time
Above: This romantic masked duo
are titled Moonlight Proposal.
it takes to make a figure.
I allow the character in front
of me to take its own time.
Jamies range covers the
entire life span of humans
from childhood to old age.
Although, as I age, the older
face and body fascinate me.
Breathing life into a figure is
paramount to me. I must feel
that the figure has something
to tellotherwise, its just a
doll. Fortunately, Im fascinat-
ed by the human race. I dis-
cover a pose or a face when
walking around the streets
that tells me something about
the person. Then its back to
the workshop to attempt to
recreate what Ive just seen.
1/29/15 10:22 AM

I find it best to have a time
period or era in mind when
I sculpt. My favorite tool is a
wooden bamboo satay stick
(skewer) shaped to my needs.
After sculpting is complete,
I work on the makeup and
costuming. The figure often
evolves into an entirely differ-
ent character than the one I
first thought of making.
Born in Nottingham, then
a fashion city, Jamie was
brought up in the clothing
industry. Fabric has always
interested me. I mainly work
in natural fabricssilk and
cottonand when I can find
04MA15_p039-043.indd 41
it, rayon. Color and color
scale are vital. With printed
cotton, for instance, Ill often
turn the fabric to use the back
My workplace is in
the old coal cellar of
my apartment. It is in
complete chaos, which is
how I like to work.
of the print for a subtler look.
The effect Im always after is
gravity and swear by spray
starch. I drench the com-
Doll artist
pleted costume and gently
pull the fabric down into
position. Thenand this is
importantlet the whole thing
dry completely.
For costume details, Jamie
uses unique trimmings and
accessories to give garments a
special touch. Im constantly
on the search for suitable
laces, trims, and threads that
one day I may find useful.
Like most doll makers, Ive
a stash of boxes of them
waiting for the right costume.
Also, wigging is the best way
Below: This trio are titled, The
Ghosts of Bumscweek Hall.
American Miniaturist 41
1/29/15 10:22 AM
 Doll artist

of completing the figure to

give the correct suggestion
of period. Hairstyles and the
methods they used to create
them are important.
My workplace is in the old
coal cellar of my apartment. It
is in complete chaos, which is
how I like to work. Every so
often, it all gets too much and
Ill have a clear out. I promise
myself to keep it that way
but it never happens. Before
long, Im right back to chaos
againand comfortable.
My work schedule is to
usually arrive down there at

Right: The Tudors in 1:24 scale.

Below: Arlechino (the Harlequin)

from Commedia dellarte, created in
1:24 scale.

ten in the morning and just

plod on. Though, Ive often
found myself back there at
two in the morning with
a good idea. Im always
surprised at the latest things
on my worktable. It may be
something inventive that
another doll maker has taught
me. Sometimes it is a differ-
ent tool that gives me a fresh
look. I like to keep an open
mind and discover new things
all of the time.
I love taking on commis-
sions, though I have strict
rules about it. I never take
a deposit, but get the col-
lector to give me all of the
information about the figure
needed. Then, I make it at
the right time, and maybe

42 American Miniaturist

04MA15_p039-043.indd 42 1/29/15 10:22 AM

 Doll artist

Left: A miniature portrait of Chaucer

writing the Canterbury Tales.

teacher that will change their

way of working. Happens to
me all the time!
Looking to the future, my
plan is to constantly learn

Looking to the future,

my plan is to constantly
learn new things and get
better at what I do.
new things and get better at
what I do. Ive never planned
ahead, but much prefer to
see what life hands me on
a daily basis. The fact that I
keep showing up for life is a
miracle, and I enjoy whats
been given to me. AM

have another go if I can see

a better way of doing it. Ill
send a picture, and only then
does the collector decide if
the figure is needed or not.
That way, neither of us feels
pressure and Ive enjoyed the
process.
When asked how to be-
come a professional doll mak-
er, Jamie shared that it is not
a magic formula. Grab hold
of anyone willing to share
their skills. Go to any class
in any subject that might be
of use, with a teacher you
like. And, you might just
have something to show the

Right: The fabulous Zena De White.

American Miniaturist 43

04MA15_p039-043.indd 43 1/29/15 10:22 AM

 Dream room
Dream a
mini dream
Eva Perendreu made a little place to
relax and get cozy. Then she filled it with
sentimental minis from special friends.
T
his scene was made
for a contest presented
by the 2010 Barcelona
Miniature Fair, but it had been
on my mind for a long time.
If I were to title this piece it
would be called My Dream
or perhaps My Refuge
because I would really
like to live in a room
like this although
larger closets would
need to be installed. In
real life I have spent
twenty years living in
duplex penthouses, so
I wanted a room with a
story behind it.
This piece is about
things that I like, my
passion for miniatures,
and the fantastic world
of miniatures friend-
ships as it contains
many gifts that have
been given to me by my
family and my miniatur-
ist friends.
My dream would be
for this bedroom to exist
in full scale. It feels so cozy
44 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p044-049.indd 44
and is full of many pretty
things including my books,
plants, a cat, and a stained
glass window on the top floor.
The sunlight casts perfectly
over the bed, which is ideal for
loafing on lazy Sundays. The
old building has lots of person-
ality with stone walls and tiles.
This scene started as an
inexpensive rectangular
wooden box with a lid. I cut
one side to slope the ceiling
and cut another piece of
wood for the lid. My father,
Frances, helped me fit the
sloping roof. To complete
the triangular hole left in
the wall, I asked him to
make a real stained leaded
glass window for the up-
stairs. Stained glass is one
of his hobbies so he was
the perfect person to ask.
On the first floor, I made a
hole in the side for the large
window and my father gave
me a piece of clear glass to
use for the window instead
of plastic.
Everything in this little
room is handmade. The
stones on the sidewalls are
Left: The exterior of this room box is
just as lovely as the inside.
1/27/15 10:50 AM
 Dream room
There is an unopened parcel
tied with string and a forgotten
open drawer with the tiniest
bra hanging out. The mirror on
the wall was originally a fridge
magnet.
I struggled a bit construct-
ing the stairs and the cupboard
under them while making the
upper floor, but in the end it
turned out quite well and I am
more than happy with it. As
you go up the stairs youll see
a jug made of paper containing
real dried roses from Angeles
and the beautiful macram
with a flowerpot made by
Sabiha. There is also a picture
of Alphonse Mucha because I
am an admirer of his work.
Upstairs there is a felted cat
48 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p044-049.indd 48
playing on the floor
with a ball of yarn; it
was a gift from Hanna.
It took me several days
to think of a way to
make the railing, but in
the end I came across
a photo in a decorating
magazine and decided
to use toothpicks, wire
inside of scoubidou
thread, and paper
leaves.
The letterheads, en-
velopes, and amazing
mini pen on the desk
were a gift from San-
Above and below: There are so many
dra. The romantic postcards
tiny details in this project to inspire
that are in the open drawer decorating a room in miniature with
and the box bottom are from very small found treasures as well as
Montserrat. Notice the small creative handmade ones.
1/27/15 10:50 AM
 CALIFORNIA USA
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300 Entrada Dr
Novato, CA 94949
Phone: 415- 883-0388
20 minutes North of San Francisco
off Hwy 101 in Marin County
Hours: M-F 10-6, S-S 10am-5pm
www.DollhousesTrainsandMore.com
CALIFORNIA USA
Pegs Dollhouse
2271 Melbrook Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707)823-3478
Open daily 9-5 call for appointment.
FLORIDA USA
The Toy Box
419 Brevard Ave,
Historical Cocoa Village
Phone: 321-632-2411
Email: toybox@cfl.rr.com
Hours: Tu-Sat 10-5
www.thetoyboxstore.com
INDIANA USA
Jeepers Dollhouse Miniatures
69 W Washington St,
Morgantown, IN 46160-0335
Phone: 812-597-4346
Hours: T & Th 10-7, M-W-Sat 10-5
www.jeepersminiatures.com
50 American Miniaturist
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CALIFORNIA USA CALIFORNIA USA
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1120 Fulton Avenue, 5063 Cass Street,
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Phone: 916-484-0411 Phone: 858-483-2621
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CALIFORNIA USA DELAWARE USA
Shellies Miniature Mania
732 Laurel Street Fingertip Fantasies
San Carlos, CA 94070 276 Brick Store Landing Road
Phone: 650-593-4921 Smyrna, DE 19977
Email: shelliesminis@msn.com Email: info@dollhouseminiatures.com
Hours: Tue-Fri 10:30-5:30 / Sat 10:30-5 www.dollhouseminiatures.com
www.shelliesminis.com
GEORGIA USA ILLINOIS USA
Miniature Designs Tom Thumb Hobby & Crafts
3555 Lawrenceville Hwy 6001 Gross Point Rd., Nile, IL 60714
Lawrenceville, GA 30044 Phone: 847-869-9575 (F: 847-869-9574)
Phone: 1-800-413-2040 Phone: 847-869-9575
Email: dollhouses@miniaturedesigns.com Email: tthc@sbcglobal.net
Hours: Tues-Sat 10-6 / Sun 1-5 Hours: M-F 10-6 / Sat 10-5 / Sun 1-5
www.miniaturedesigns.com www.tomthumbcrafts.com
IOWA USA MARYLAND USA
Dollhouse Dreams Forever Friends
613 Ave G, Fort Madison, IA 52627 Dollhouses and Miniatures
Phone: 319-372-0599 2105 Bishops Castle Drive
Toll Free: 877-875-6500 Olney, MD 20832
Email: brenda@dollhousedreams.com Phone: 301-774-3037
Hours: TF 9:00-5:30, Sat 9-Noon Hours: Open most days/weekends
www.dollhousedreams.com www.foreverfriendsminis.com/shop
24/01/2015 09:52
 roadtripdirectory Add your business to the map, call
1-866-606-6587 or email sara@ashdown.co.uk

MICHIGAN USA MINNESOTA USA MINNESOTA USA

Spanning the Nation, from coast to coast, youll find a listing of shops in every state for your next traveling adventure! Whether its a day trip or an
extended vacation, take a road trip and venture out to visit these fine full service miniature shops to find your next miniature treasure.
Miniature Makers Workshop American Miniaturist Little Enchantments
28120 Woodward Ave, 68132 250th Ave. 5013 Ewing Ave S,
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Phone: (248) 549-0633 Phone: 866-606-6587 Phone: 612-746-4040
Email: dollhousetoo@gmail.com Email: usoffice@ashdown.co.uk Hours: Tu-F 10-7 / Sat 10-5
Hours: T, TH, F, SAT 10-5, W 12-8 Hours: M-F 9-5 CT Monday by appointment
www.miniaturemakers.com www.americanminiaturist.com www.littleenchantments.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE USA NEW YORK USA NEW YORK USA

AM_24 p92-p93.qxd 3/17/2005 10:09 AM Page 93

ate register
Earth & Tree Miniatures
276 Route 101 #1
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5031 W. Lake RD Rt. 394 D. Thomas Fine Miniatures Call TOLL
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Phone: 603-673-8707
Mayville, NY 14757
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Lincoln City, OR 97367 (541) 994 4647
A FULL SERVICE MINIATURE SHOP On the Beautiful Oregon Coast
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or e-mail forPlaza
other hours & directions InPENNSYLVANIA
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& Flooring Electrical Supplies, Lighting on the Beautiful Oregon Coast Kathy Russe
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American Miniaturist 51
NEW YORK WHILE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -
Custom Cats
heavenly wonderland
crafts and miniatures
Visit "My Doll House"
at 6000 Broadway in Alamo Heights. and Stained
04_MA15_p050-51.indd 51 Hand crafted miniatures.
Dollhouses, Miniatures, & Collectibles.
24/01/2015 09:52 by Sue Veeder
210-930-5363
Doll house kits, furniture, IGMA Fellow
 Mini quilt

A star quilt
in miniature
Gemma Figueras generously shares steps
on how she made her Lone Star quilt to
decorate her 1:12-scale Amish farm.

I
t was seventeen years ago is enough. Additionally a piece Tools & materials:
when I began to make of white fabric to be used as
patchwork; I was making my background will be needed. l Fabric
first dollhouse and I needed a l Scissors
miniature bed cover, but it took l Measuring stick
me more than ten years to finally l Cutting basis
make one. This was because real l Erasable pen
size patchwork quilt making was l Basic sewing materials
my passion and I spent all my l Sewing machine
free time creating quilts.
Some years ago I got back into The order is as follows:
miniatures and I finished my first A+B+C
mini quilt. Since then, I have B+C+D
made multiple mini quilts using C+D+E
different patch techniques. Step 2: Take the five fabric pieces
Recently I completed my and cut several strips. They will
Amish farm, which was featured be named A,B,C,D,E.
in AM139 and as expected
I added some mini quilts to
properly complete the scene.
My favorite one was the Lone
Star quilt.
This tutorial will show how to
make your own mini quilt based
on the Lone Star model.

Step 1: To begin, we need to Step 3: Sew them together at

have five different fabrics with in groups of three by hand
the smallest pattern you can or, if possible, using a sewing
find; a fat quarter of each one machine.

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 Mini quilt
square pieces of 2 x 2 fabric. add
a 2 x 2 square of white fabric
between each of the star points
to create a background and sew
four of them in the corners.
To do this you will have to do
a Y-seam. Pin the square in place
to one of the star points (rights
sides together) sew from the
point of the star into the angle.
At this point, keeping the needle
down on sewing machine, lift
pressed foot, turn fabric and align
white fabric and the adjacent star
point, lower the presser foot and,
smoothing fabric as you go so as
not to create a pucker, continue
to end of second star point.
Step 11: Now continue inserting
the other five white squares
between the remaining star points.
Step 12: From that point
everything is easy: Just sew the
strips (I have cut the first strip to
54 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p052-054.indd 54
, the second to 1
and the third to 1);
it will depend on the
bed height.
Step 13: Now put the
wadding between
the top and the back
fabric like a sandwich.
Quilt the sandwich
as desired to joint the
three pieces. Draw
the quilt with the
erasable pen; erase
the lines when quilted would be and continue all around quilt.
completed. Stop 4 before meeting starting
point. Pin the edges and join the
Step 14: For the quilt edge or two pieces together. Sew and flip
binding, cut a 1 strip as long as to the back of quilt.
the perimeter of the completed
quilt. Measure around outside Step 15: Hand stitch, whipstitch,
OF THE QUILT and add additional binding to the back of the quilt.
few inches extra. Place raw edges
of quilt top and binding strip Now our Lone Star quilt is
together, right sides together, completed. Drap across a mini
and pin along one side. Sew bed or hang on a wall. AM
with 1/4 seam allowance. Turn at
corners creating a mitred corner
1/29/15 12:04 PM
 Miniature dolls

Can you come

out and play?
We are proud to be the first to showcase
Soraya Merinos new miniature spring and
winter Smiling Princess collection.

T
hese wonderful minia-
ture characters are full
of energy and excite-
ment! Take a break from the
conservative and have some
fun with Sorayas newest col-
lection of smiling princesses.

The idea of making

these freckled
mischievous girls was
initially inspired by the
television character,
Pippi Langstrump.
They will surely pull a
smile out of you as you
remember what is was like
to be a carefree child full of
wonder and mischief. Her
journey in creating them
was a fabulous one as she
describes in this feature.
The idea of making these
freckled mischievous girls
Right: This cute little freckle-faced
mischief maker happily reminds us
of the childhood phrase, Nanny
nanny boo boo!

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 Miniature dolls
Above: These two lovely red heads
are having fun in the sun with their
pull toy and beautifully crafted
sweaters to keep out the chill.
Right: This little one has such a
beautiful sullen expression and big
blue eyes that tell a story.
to inspire me to start creating
my first miniature girl with
red hair. However, I did not
58 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p055-061.indd 58
well as you can see.
Out of all the dolls I
have made they have
become my favorite.
After setting about
making them, I was
able to create sixteen
different girls in just
a few months time.
I kept some of them
for my own collection
and the rest of them
are for sale through
my Etsy shop. A col-
lector bought the en-
tire Spring Child 2014
collection recently
and Im anxious to
make more of these girls
until 2014. After recently
finding one of my doll
books with Anne Mitra-
nis dolls in it, and after
having sculpted faces
for almost twenty years, I
decided maybe it was time
for me to try to make one of
those girls with an exagger-
ated smile. And it went very
1/27/15 10:55 AM
 Miniature dolls

that the girls are wearing. The

cart toys were made by my-
self, but the animals are from
unknown artists.
I truly needed to get all
the dolls that I so clearly
envisioned out of my head
and into a miniature art
form. I feel happiest when
Left: All dressed in blue, this
miniature princess is happy to play
outside after a long winter.
Below: Truly inspired by Pippi
Langstrump the pigtails are wild
and free on this little girl.
It is the whisper we call
intuition that leads me.
Im always surprised at
the finished doll because
I had no idea who it was
going to be.
Im making dolls and am
able to produce what was
in my imagination. I do love
to make red-haired girls,
but my favorite part of the
process is accomplishing the
expressions on their faces,

see the scene she will

create with them.
The girls are made
from polymer clay
with porcelain arms
and legs. The biggest
challenge in creating
them was making
such small teeth and
still being able to
get a natural smile
(as well as other
expressions) without
compromising their
appearance.
They are exactly as
I dreamt they would
be and I enjoyed
enhancing them with
beautiful clothing. I
would like to mention
Conchi Alvarez who
made the wonderful
perl cotton cardigans

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 Miniature dolls
sculpting, painting them, and
making their wigs. They are
so wild and red!
The prices of the girls are
between $169 and $249, de-
pending on the quality of the
finished doll and the accesso-
ries that come with her.
There are a small percent-
age of the people in the world
who are not partial to red-
haired girls with freckles as I
know from experience, but I
always thought a person with
60 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p055-061.indd 60
red hair was someone special
and original.
I hope my red-haired
girls can show people
how beautiful a fun-
hearted girl with freckles
can be.
The German doll maker,
Annette Himstedt, is also one
of my favorite artists. In an
Left: Hoop rolling, also
called hoop trundling,
is a favorite game for
these two girls.
Far right: A group photo
of the fun-loving Winter
Princess collection.
Far left: A group photo
of the rambunctious
Spring Princess
collection.
article I read about
her, she mentioned
that she started
putting freckles on
some of her dolls
and was surprised
when a few custom-
ers said they would
prefer no freckles.
She did as she
pleased, though,
and put freckles on
all of her dolls!
I hope my red-
haired girls can
show people how
beautiful a fun-
hearted girl with
freckles can be.
I cant imagine something
more beautiful than red hair
shimmering in the sunlight
it is so gorgeous! AM
1/27/15 10:55 AM
 Mini planters

Planters for
your garden
Spring into action and get a head start
on your summer garden. Fill these classic
planters by John Clayton with flowers!

P
lanters originate from the
Palace of Versailles, the
home of the French Royal
family near Paris. At the end of
the 18th century continental
gardeners were coming to this
country to lie out elaborate
gardens for the English royalty
and aristocracy.
The planters were a feature
for many of the gardens and
they still remain in most of them
today. As you see, the models I
have made are in mahogany and
white paint but other colors can
be used, such as light green or
blue. Note that the same method
applies to both styles of planter.
Tools & materials:

l Small grain mahogany

l Pine wood
l Plywood or mat board
l Saw
l Stanley knife
l Glue
l Scriber
l Satin finish varnish
l Paint
l Paintbrush

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 Mini planters

Step 1: First cut the four

legs to the same length
and chamfer each end of
the tops and bottom of
the legs.

Step 2: Cut the cross

beams to equal lengths
and cut a slot 1mm wide
x 1.5mm deep along the
length of one side to take
the panels.

Step 3: For ease of

assembly the panels are
cut in a single piece and
then scored to give the
appearance of paneled
pieces.

Step 4: Fit the panels

to the cross beam and
ensure that the planter is
square and that the legs
all sit firmly on the base
of your garden. Sand
if needed to get them
even.

Step 5: Cut the planter

base piece just under the
inside size of the planter
frame, and paint silver all
over it so that it replicates
metal.

Step 6: Paint or varnish

the planter to the color or
finish of your choice and
allow to dry.

Step 7: When dry,

assemble the base inside
the planter as shown on
the next page. AM

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 Mini planters

Last Word contest

Do you have a miniature
story or project you would
like to share with us? Each
month, we select one such
special story to publish on
pages 97-98 in that issue of
our magazine, and we want
to be able to feature your
special mini project in an
upcoming issue!
Your special project
will inspire us as well as
our readers more than
you know. We urge you to
share your own vision and
creativity. Tell us a little
about you and the project
you want to share, where
you got the inspiration, and
how you made it all came
together.
Please keep your
stories around 500 words,
accompanied by a few
pictures of you and your
special project so that our
readers can enjoy it as well.
It could be your work on
Below: The
those two pages of a future
base is cut AM issue!
slightly Send your entry to Last
smaller than Word writing contest,
the planter American Miniaturist, 68132
frame; ready 250th Avenue, Kasson, MN
to insert and
55944. You may also send
fit against the
frame. your entries via email to
auralea@ashdown.co.uk.
Please be sure to include
your name, address, phone
number, and email address.
The deadline for our next
Last Word writing contest is
Friday, March 20, 2015.

64 American Miniaturist

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 Kitchen equipment

Kitchen pots
and trays
Transform these ordinary everyday
items into believable miniature kitchen
equipment for your dollhouse.

A
s we all know, dollhouses
and miniatures can be an
expensive hobby if you
buy everything yourself.
Take a closer look at some of
the everyday items you have
around the house and youll be
surprised at the number of things
that, with a few minor alterations,
make believable doubles for
other things. This clever idea for
industrial saucepans and baking
tins comes from the highly
creative Fantasia Dolls House
Club in Kingston Upon Hull
and would be so simple to do
yourself.
Step 2: Find a button to match
the diameter of the scoop to use
as the lid for the pot.
Step 3: Glue the upside down
button onto the pot.
Step 4: Paint the pot in the color
of your choice. The example here
is silver, but you could also use
cream enamel.
Tools & materials:
l Baby milk scoop
l Button with shank
l Lozenge and tablet
containers
l Craft knife
l Super Glue
l Paint (silver or cream)
such as packaging, and foil.
Step 3: Like the pot, either spray
the containers silver, or use
cream enamel trimmed in green
for an alternative look. AM

Kitchen pot
Step 1: To make the large pot,
cut down the length of the Baking Trays
handle on a coffee scoop. Step 1: Simply
collect as many
different pill, tablet,
and lozenge
containers as you
can find.

Step 2: Remove all

identifying marks,

American Miniaturist 65

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 Music stage

well as Bob Reeds Left and below: A close

son, Robin, took up of the fan doll shows
over the sticks as all of the amazing detail
Fern Vasi put into this
drummer for the
miniature piece.
group, keeping it
all in the family.
Throughout their
career, they backed
Frankie Valli and
the Four Seasons,
played dates with
Jan and Dean,
Frankie Avalon,
the Rivieras, Lou
Christie, Los
Straitjackets, and
countless others.
When all the
members had
retired from their real jobs in the band to an en-
the financial world, the men tirely new genera-
joined the revival movement tion of music fans,
of the popular bands of the making the 60s
60s touring again through song a modern-day
the U.S. and Europe. The earworm, one of
exposure of the song on those songs that
the Internet, in movies, TV continually runs
shows, etc., has introduced through your brain
Below: There is even a tiny crate of long after the tune
band T-shirts for the fans. has stopped play-
ing. again came flying out of its
Weird Al cage, landing at #3 on the
Yankovic was quot- charts in the UK!
ed in the November
2006 issue of Rolling The Trashmen in miniature
Stone magazine as Their fan base continues
saying this about to grow as they tour, so it
Surfin Bird: Its seemed the perfect time
everything thats to create a visual memory
great about rock depicting the great fun and
and roll distilled excitement that has been a
into one song, and part of our lives for so many
in 2011, almost fifty years. I began with a Grand
years after its first Room Box display kit from
release, Surfin Bird Houseworks. A large board

68 American Miniaturist

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 Music stage

Winslow, rhythm guitar on Above and

stage right, and Bob Reed, right: All the
bass guitar on stage left. provisions the
band could
The guitars were the fantas- ever need are
tic creations of the late Ken on, or under,
Manning of Canada. I made this marble
the amplifiers by covering a counter. An
manicurists block buffing assortment
of beverages
file with leather, adding the and even the
logos from bent wire. Fern smallest book
Vasi made the fan in a poodle of matches!

70 American Miniaturist

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 Music stage

skirt who is waiting for an

autograph. The album, as
well as CDs on the bar, the
posters and the t-shirts were
all scaled down using the
computer. The spotlights are

It was so much fun

to put together and it
represents amazing
achievements on many
levels.

from Lemax and the fantas-

tic microphones are from
Stockton Miniatures. It was so
much fun to put together and
it represents amazing achieve-
ments on many levels.
A-well-a, everybodys
heard about the bird. Bird,
bird, bird, b-birds the word.
A-well-a, bird, bird, bird, the
bird is the word AM

American Miniaturist 71

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 AMs news page is devoted to keeping busy miniaturists up
to speed. Please submit items of mini interest to auralea@
ashdown.co.uk or to American Miniaturist - Itty bits, 68132
250th Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944.

March Highlights contest Four great things about

1. Even if you dont have an IOS device (Tablet
We would love to know
or Smart Phone), you can still enjoy the Apps,
what your favorite highlights
Magazines, and Interactive magazines (like BeadMe
were in this March issue of
and Knitsy).
AM. You could win this book:
2. You can enjoy the regular issues of American
Titanias Palace A Fairytale
Miniaturist, Dollhouse Miniatures, and Dolls House World
Dolls House (published by
digitally by ordering single issues on your computer.
Den Gamle Skole, 2012), is
3. All the wonderful Apps are available for purchase
a new presentation of this
and you can view them right on your desk top!
famed dolls house by Laura Beatrice Ricks. All it
4. You can take so many different types of classes...
takes is a small paragraph for our drawing!
across so many different types of crafts!
Send your entry to March Highlights contest,
Visit www.mycraftacademy.com today!
American Miniaturist, 68132 250th Avenue,
Kasson, MN 55944 or email to auralea@
ashdown.co.uk. Include your name, address,
Nursery basket giveaway
phone number, and email address. The Gabriele Layne has donated
deadline is Friday, March 20, 2015. this nursery basket to giveaway!
Send your entry to nursery
basket
giveaway issue
143 American
Wheres Arthur? Miniaturist,
Arthur was He is surely roaming 68132 250th Ave., Kasson, MN 55944,
found on page around searching for or fax them to (507) 634-7691, or email
11 visiting Evas something interesting them to auralea@ashdown.co.uk. Please
caravan in the Januray to get into as he explores be sure to include your name, address,
issue (AM141)! the many pages of this phone number, and email address.
We have randomly selected magazine. The deadline for this contest is Friday,
Cheryl Haubrock, of Send your sightings to March 20, 2015.
Scottsdale, AZ to be our Wheres Arthur? Issue 143, Snowman Cookies
winner for this months American Miniaturist, 68132
Wheres Arthur contest.
giveaway winner
250th Ave., Kasson, MN
We will be sending her a 55944, or fax them to (507) In our January issue
very special Project CD for 634-7691, or email them (AM141) Jen Tuttle
helping us find Arthur. We to auralea@ashdown.co.uk. donated some
hope you enjoy this gift! Please be sure to include delicious snowman
But as you know Arthur is your name, address, phone cookies to giveaway.
an active little fellow and we number, and email address. We have randomly
are afraid he has run off to The deadline for this contest selected Anni Pirrello of Redford,
get into mischief again! is Friday, March 20, 2015. MI to be our winner for this Snowman
Can you help us find him? Good luck! Cookies giveaway contest!
Congratulations Anni!

72 American Miniaturist

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 Ideal house
A lovely
little house
With an eye for interiors and her heart
set on making a dream come true, Claire
Mitchell makes a delightful dollhouse.
T
he Country Store by The
Dollhouse Emporium is
perhaps one of the most
popular styles of dollhouse
to be embraced by collectors.
We have seen it presented in
varying adaptations, such as a
shop, pub, city home, or rural
country residence.
Perhaps one of the reasons
that this particular model is
so appealing is that it doesnt
74 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p074-081.indd 74
have to be a store, as it is not
obviously designed to be so.
It is a manageable size, looks
For a start, by using
furniture with the
same style and finish
Claire had achieved a
homogenic look to her
rooms.
welcoming with two attractive
bay windows at the front and
when complete, extras can
be purchased, such as a base-
ment and conservatory. Coun-
try Store is a good all-rounder
and we never tire of showing
you the different interpreta-
tions readers have put in to
making it their own.
The furniture could be
identified as mass produced,
which it is, but
ironically it is
responsible for
creating a bal-
ance and correct-
ness that may
not have been
so evident with
craftsman made
furniture. For a
start, by using
furniture with
the same style
Left: Two small hot
water bottles are on
the bed. Once they
are filled, the bed
will have cozy warm
spots for cold toes.
1/27/15 1:35 PM
 Ideal house

the room with

two welcoming
cups of hot coffee.
Spending less on
some items meant
I could spend more
on the things that
really mattered.
Perhaps being
an avid reader of
Home and Life-
style magazines
has helped to
give Claire a good
understanding of
room layouts, or
maybe it is just
Right: The dining
room has an open
floor plan that leads
into the sitting room,
which is full of house
plants.

Above: A beautiful
gown and a tuxedo
hanging on hangers
are evidence of a
romantic evening.

Right: A bathroom
with all the proper
necessities.

the other without

feeling that there
had been a harsh
change in style;
thus avoiding
random compila-
tions.
The house has
been done to a
budget to allow
me to even have a
hobby, explained
Claire, entering

76 American Miniaturist

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 Ideal house
by spilling the stain all over it.
The attention to detail
outside the house is as good
as within, if not better. I loved
the way the garden is effec-
tively worn at the front. The
window boxes are overflowing
and the side garden is well
worth a snoop for interesting
80 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p074-081.indd 80
things, including a badger
peeking out of the foliage and
two dove cotes that Claire
rethatched herself.
Despite wanting a dollhouse
for years, Claire was too
superstitious to buy anything
for it until she actually got
the house and put it together.
Left: A badger pays a visit
to this beautiful garden.
Then the exterior
had to be done first
and here, the roof
tiles serve as a prime
example of Claire
spending money on
the things that really
matter.
They were very
expensive, she ad-
mits. But well worth
doing. As a result
of these early days
embarking on ambi-
tious DIY jobs, Claire
now feels she has
grown in confidence
in tackling things she
thought she couldnt
do. Husband Neil also helped
out with areas of DIY, and has
always been supportive.
When Neil did the exten-
sion he took it outside and cut
holes in the side of the house.
I couldnt look until it was all
over and put back together,
Claire remembers.
1/27/15 1:35 PM
 Ideal house

Neil did a sterling job and of turning Brock House into sure and amusement in the
enjoyed it so much that he has something comical is too discovery of miniature bottles
invested in a shop kit, which great, so the dolls stay away of Bacardi the first time. It is
he intends to turn into a pub. for the time being. Even their somehow a captivating house.
Others have been influenced 18-year-old son and his friends It had the same effect on us
into trying the hobby through are fascinated by it. Hulking when we went to visit even
Brock House. Claires friend great lads come in and say, though we are familiar with
started by making polymer Can I just have a look? miniatures. So, Country Store
food; the apples, cookies, and Then there are the couples is definitely a property of
cherry pie, and now she too friends who come to dinner many guises, but as far as suc-
has got herself a dollhouse. and disappear for over half an cessful interpretations go, this
Brock House is pretty much hour as they take great plea- one receives top-marks. AM
full to look at, but
there are still one or
two things that Claire
needs to turn her atten-
tions to. Having done
a lot of the needlework
in the house herself,
she wants to knock-
out a few more pairs
of curtains. Then
there are always work
surfaces, as opposed
to rooms that need a
little re-arranging and
perhaps one day soon
the study will get the
magnifying glass, or
the carved chess set
that Claire would so
like to find.
Interestingly there
are no dolls, but it
doesnt look empty
without them. Claire
admits that if she did
go for a doll it would
be one from Carol
Bulls Bags of Charac-
ter. For now the risk

Right: This small painting

of the village has only just
been started.

American Miniaturist 81

04MA15_p074-081.indd 81 1/27/15 1:35 PM

 Miniature exhibit

An antique
exhibition
Historic dollhouses and miniatures made
in the 1700s and 1800s, will be exhibited
at No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath, UK.

T
hese amazing objects
are part of the private
collection of Liza An-
trim and will be on display
for the first time from 9 May
- 8 November 2015. This is
a rare opportunity to engage
a wide range of people with
the heritage of childhood and
will reveal a fascinating social
history of the period.
Ten dollhouses will be on
show in the Brownsword
Gallery and within the rooms
of No. 1 itself, an authentic
Georgian townhouse revealing
life above and below stairs
nearly 250 years ago. The
Small Worlds exhibition will
include a dollhouse made
in Bristol for the children of
local chocolate maker Fran-
cis Fry in c1840 (The Fry
House). The oldest dollhouse

Top and right: The Bellamys House is

on display at the exhibition.

Far top right: Interior and exterior of

The Fry House dollhouse.

Far bottom right: A lavish mini room.

82 American Miniaturist

04MA15_p082-084.indd 82 1/27/15 1:37 PM

 dealerlistings
If you wish to see American Miniaturist magazines
How to area please encourage your favorite
in your Howshop
to
to call and order at 1-866-606-6587

The list of shops here are a list of businesses who have opted to carry American Miniaturist
magazine and some conduct their business exclusively online and do not have regular
business hours. We encourage our readers to contact dealers before making a trip to any of
the businesses you see listed here.

ARIZONA ILLINOIS MONTANA VIRGINIA

Kitz! Lollys On a Smaller Scale BitsN Pieces of Ghent
www.minikitz.com 1054 Dundee Ave 805 16th St West 400 W Olney Rd., Suite E
Phoenix 85044 Elgin 60120 Billings 59102 Norfolk 23507

Tom Thumb Hobby & Theresas Dolls & Gifts

CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON
Crafts 5908 Eastside Hwy
Elegant Dollhouse Darlenes Dollhouse
6001 Gross Point Rd Florence 59833
1120 Fulton Ave 511 117th Ave E
Nile 60714
Sacramento 95825 Edewood 98372
Treasure Chest of Crafts
INDIANA 1612 Benton Ave Alki Beach Miniatures
Miniature Cottage Shop
Jeepers Miniatures Missoula 59801 2622 Alki Ave SW, Ste 102
1260 Main St
69 W. Washington St. Seattle 98116
Morro Bay 93442
Morgantown 46160 NEW HAMPSHIRE
Earth & Tree CJN Miniatures
Ms. Peggies Place
276 Rt 101 9675 Firdale Ave
5063 Cass St MARYLAND Amherst 03031 Edmonds 98020
San Diego 92109 Forever Friends
2105 Bishops Castle Dr
NEW JERSEY REST OF WORLD
COLORADO Olney 20832
Mini Merchant
Denver Museum of CANADA
11 Patterson Ave
Miniature Dolls and Toys Craftables
1880 Gaylord St MICHIGAN Midland Park 07432
Miniature Makers 15 Beechmont Crescent,
Denver 80206 Box 3333 Spruce Grove
Workshop NEW YORK
28120 Woodward Ave AB, T7X 3A6
Norms Doll House Chautauqua Miniatures
Royal Oak 78067 Edewood 98372
7300 S Colorado Blvd 5031 W. Lake Road
Centennial 80122 Mayville 14757
The Wee Dollhouse GERMANY
Shoppe Firma Sammlerliebe
CONNECTICUT Niagara Hobby & Craft
Narzissenstr. 26
Time Machine Hobby, 140 South River Ave Mart
Holland 49423 3366 Union Road Hess, Oldendorf 31840
LLC
71 Hilliard St Buffalo 14225
Stock your store with
Manchester 06040 MINNESOTA
Little Enchantments OHIO American
FLORIDA
5013 Ewing Ave S Dolls and Minis Miniaturist
Minneapolis 55410 8068 Columbia Road Call toll free at:
Rons Miniature Shop Olmsted Falls 44138 1-866-606-6587
751 W. Colonial Dr.
Orlando 32804 MISSOURI
Treasure Hill VERMONT
4746 State Rd. J Real Good Toys
The Toy Box 10 Quarry Hill
419 Brevard Ave Fulton 65251
Barre 05641
Historic Cocoa Village 32922

American Miniaturist 87
71

04MA15_p087.indd 71 1/28/15 4:11 PM

 showdates
2015
MARCH 7
SARASOTA, FL
Mini Spring Cleaning is $5.00 for adults and $2.00
Flea Market. Ramada
Waterfront Sarasota. 10am
3pm. Same location as
Molly Cromwells January
Miniature Show. For more
information, please contact:
Loismarshall@comcast.net
or Maryb49@verizon.net.
MARCH 7-8
SEATTLE, WA
Seattle Miniature Show.
DoubleTree Suites by
Hilton - Seattle Airport/
Southcenter, 16500
Southcenter Parkway,
Seattle, Washington
(located in Tukwila).
Doors open both days
at 10am. Free parking!
Handicap accessible.
Food on location.
Workshops. Childrens
classes - free. Exhibits.
New website: http://www.
SeattleMiniatureShow.
com. Contact: Pat Bennett.
Phone: 503-362-6012
evenings & weekends.
Email:PatBennett@
SeattleMiniatureShow.com
MARCH 14
BOCA RATON, FL
Les Petits Collecteurs of
South Florida will hold
their Dollhouse Miniatures
Show and Sale on Saturday,
88 American Miniaturist
04FE15_p088-089.indd 88
March 14, 2015 from 9:00
A.M. to 3:30 P.M. at the Boca
Raton Community Center,
150 NW Crawford Blvd., Boca
Raton, FL 33432. Admission
for under 12. There will be
many dealers, a large exhibit
room featuring Whats
Cooking?, free Make It and
Take It demos, and lunch
facilities. Workshops will
be held on Friday, March
13th, 2015. Proceeds from
our show benefit Kids In
Distress and AVDA. For show
information, contact Marilyn
Freedman, mfreed9917@
aol.com. Website - http://
sites.google.com/site/
lespetitsclub
MARCH 22
NEW CASTLE, DE
First state Mini Club of
Delaware (FSMC) will host
the 38th annual Show and
Sale on March 22 at the
Clarion Hotel The Belle,
1612 N. Dupont Highway,
New Castle, DE 19720 from
10am to 4pm. Admission:
$5 adults, $2.50 children
under 12 and $4.50 seniors.
Dollhouse & Miniature
Exhibits, quality vendors
and artisans, door prizes,
peoples choice voting,
refreshments, free parking,
no sales tax! Rte. 13 North at
I-95 by Delaware Memorial
Bridges. Partial proceeds
to charity. Please, no baby
strollers. Info: show@
We always advise checking
times and dates before
traveling. We wouldnt want
you to drive 500 miles to a
show thats been canceled.
firststateminiclub.org or
www.firststateminiclub.org.
APRIL 18
WORCESTER, MA
Friends Thru Miniatures
Club is presenting their
14th Fun Day on April 18,
2015 from 8am to 4:30pm
at Greendale Peoples
Church, 10 Francis St.
Worcester, Massachusetts.
Breakfast, lunch, door prizes,
a souvenir, silent auction,
exhibits, and workshops.
For more information call
Sandra at 860-377-0685 Or
e-mail her at: iluvministoo@
yahoo.com.
APRIL 18-19
BOISE, ID
35th Annual Mini Les Bois
Miniature Show and Sale
located at Best Western
Vista Inn at the airport, 2646
Airport Way, Boise, Idaho.
Saturday 10am-5pm and
Sunday noon-5pm. Adults
$4, children (5-12) $2. No
strollers please. For more
info, contact Bobbi Hargett
c/o Mini Les Bois, PO Box
4482, Boise, Idaho 83711-
4482. minigalb@aol.com.
(208) 377-9154.
MAY 1-2
FENTON, MO
The St. Louis Dollhouse and
Miniature show will be held
May 1 from 4pm to 9pm and
May 2 from 10am to 4pm at
1/29/15 12:03 PM
 the Stratford Inn, 800 South
Hwy Dr, Fenton, MO 63026.
Admission is $5.00, free gift at
the door. Attendance prizes,
drawings, and raffles. There
will be workshops Friday and
Saturday. Free Kids Make and
Takes both days. Come join
us for a great weekend of
miniatures, fun, and friends.
For more information:
Miniatureshows.com
ortdminiatures@sbcglobal.
net. T & D Miniatures 2599
Willow Brook Park, Fenton Mo
63026. Phone: 636-296-3818.
MAY 30-31
STURBRIDGE, MA
The Sturbridge Miniatures
Festival will be held May
30 & 31, 2015, Saturday
& Sunday (First weekend
after Memorial Day) at the
Host Hotel on Cedar Lake,
366 Main Street/Rte 20,
Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Special show room block
price. Reserve now:
508.347.7393. Show Includes:
SaturdayPre-registered
Preview 5-8, $18 Early
Sales, Weekend Admission,
Cash Bar & Refreshments.
Mail reservation to: Molly
Cromwell Presents, 44421
Adare Manor Square,
Ashburn, VA 20147. Sunday
Sales Room open early for
Preview Attendees. General
Public 10-4. $7 Adults, $4
Children. Pre-registered
Workshops Friday & Saturday.
JUNE 7
BURNABY, BC,
CANADA
The West Coast Dollhouse
& Miniature Show & Sale
04FE15_p088-089.indd 89
will take place June 7, 2015
from 10:00am to 4:00pm at
Gizeh Hall, 3550 Wayburne
Ave, Burnaby B.C. Canada.
Sponsored by the Miniature
Club of B.C. Adults $6.00,
Children $2.00, Family
$14.00. Vendors, exhibits,
hourly door prizes, charity
raffle, lots of free parking
and food available. New
vendors and exhibitors
always welcome. Contact
Joanne Bailey, ijbailey@
Web: http://
westcoastdollhouseandmini
atureshow.webs.com
JULY 12
FOGELSVILLE, PA
The 38th Annual Dollhouse
and Miniatures Show and
Sale, sponsored by the
Lehigh Valley Miniatures
Club Small on Scale, will
be held at The Holiday
Inn, Exit 49A off I-78 onto
Rt. 100 South. First right
on Penn Drive, then turn
right. GPS info: 7736
Adrienne Drive, Breinigsville,
PA 18031 610-391-100010
AM 4 PM $5.00 Adults
(4.50 with coupon),
$1.00 children under 12.
Exhibits, free parking, food
available. Free childrens
class. Show information:
Jo Roseberry570-620-
0810jolen1@verizon.netor
Mary Breidinger 610-762-
8370mbreiginger4547@
gmail.com. Check
our website:www.
lehighvalleyminiatures.
comfor more show
information and to print
a discount coupon.Show
proceeds benefit charities
and educational endeavors.
AUGUST 1-16
EUROPEAN TRIP
Explore Alpine Villages of
Europe Aug 1-16, traveling
from Italy to Germany, Austria
and Switzerland. Contact
Molly Cromwell 703 200
5341 or reserve now with
Grand Circle Travel: 1 800 597
2452, press 2 and give them
our Group Code G5 20068
mollycromwell@aol.com for
more information
DECEMBER 1-9
EUROPEAN TRIP
Christmas Markets along the
Danube with Molly Cromwell
and kindred spirits. From
Nuremberg to Vienna.All
meals included, onboard mini
miniatures show, workshops
- dealers, bring your wares.
Reserve now with Grand
CircleCruises: 1 800 597
2452, press 2 and give them
our Groups Code: G5 20068
and departure date. Contact
www.mollycromwell.com for
more information.
To add your event to the
American Miniaturist Show
Dates calendar for a nominal fee,
please contact Sara Vix.
Email:
sara@ashdown.co.uk.
Phone: (507) 634-3143
Fax: (507) 634-7691
Mail:
Show Dates
American Miniaturist
68132 250th Ave Kasson, MN
55944
American Miniaturist 89
1/29/15 12:03 PM
 Welsh cupboard
Construct a
mini cupboard
Joanna Bentom shows us how to make
a classic Welsh cupboard, suitable for the
home or even a country restaurant.
T
he dresser first appeared
in Britain in the early 17th
century, as a side table
with drawers. In the late 17th
century it acquired the addition
of pot boards (shelves for pots)
above, to resemble its namesake
the dressoir, from France.
Dressers were particularly
popular in Wales, northwest
England and southwest England,
with slightly different styles in
different areas.
In Wales and southwest
England they typically had open
racks and an open base below
pot boards, whereas in north
Wales and northwest England
nearly all were built closed,
with individual boards behind
the shelves and a cupboard
base. Some mid-Wales dressers
combined the two styles.
Step 1: Cut out all the pieces
from the appropriate wood
sheet as per the materials list.
Putting the dresser back to one
side, stain all the remaining
pieces.
90 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p090-094.indd 90
l PVA glue
Step 2: Mark dresser back lightly
with a pencil, at 20mm intervals,
from top to bottom (beginning
and end section will need to
equal 19.5 to fit in evenly). Score
well using a metal ruler and a
Stanley knife. Repeat on the
other side and then stain. This
will resemble individual planks,
often used for backing dressers.
Tools & materials:
l Ruler
l Pencil
l Hacksaw
l Aryldite/metal glue
l Sandpaper
l Mini metal files
l Dremel drill or small
hand drill
l Wood of choice
l Wood stain of choice
l Pegs/clips
l Stanley knife
l Metal ruler
l Doorknobs x 2
l Drawer knobs/pulls 3-6
Step 3: Lay your dresser back
down on your work surface and
glue on the two dresser sides (B),
making sure that they align with
the bottom and top and stand at
right angles to the back.
Step 4: Take each of the three
shelves and score a line long-
ways, 5mm in from the back
edge. Use a round mini needle
1/26/15 12:40 PM
 Welsh cupboard

Measurments
Dresser front:
Template A from 3mm wood (cut 1)
Dresser sides:
Template B from 3mm wood (cut 2)
Dresser worktop:
Template C from 3mm wood (cut 1)
Dresser back:
139mm wide x 170mm from 3mm (cut 1)
Dresser floor:
139mm x 42mm from 3mm (cut 1)
Dresser tops:
X 145mm x 27mm from 3mm (cut 1)
Y 148mm x 29mm from 1.6mm (cut 1)
Z 151mm x 31mm from 1.6mm (cut 1)
Shelves:
139mm x 17mm from 3mm (cut 2)
Shelf:
139mm x 20mm from 3mm (cut 1)
Cupboard sides:
60mm x 42mm from 3mm (cut 2)
Drawer housing floor:
41mm x 41mm from 3mm (cut 1)
False cupboard fronts:
41mm x 41mm from 1.6mm (cut 2)
Cupboard front strips:
8mm wide strips of 1.6mm thick
Drawer fronts
Large: 40mm x 12mm from 1.6mm (cut 3)
Small: 35mm x 7mm from 1.6mm (cut 3)
Drawer floor:
33mm x 40mm from 1.6mm (cut 1)
Drawer sides:
42mm x 8mm from 1.6mm (cut 2)
Drawer back:
33mm x 8mm from 1.6mm (cut 1)

file to run along this line gently,
Step 3 making a small groove for your
plates to rest in when displayed.
Step 5: Glue the shelves between
the dresser sides; narrow ones in the
bottom area and wider at the top.
Make sure you leave enough space
between them to fit in your plates
as these can vary in diameter.
Step 6: Check that your worktop
(C) fits, then glue in place. Make
Step 4
sure it is laying flat or everything
will roll off!
Step 7: Take your three dresser
tops (X, Y and Z). Gently round off
the front and side edges only of
Y and Z. Glue Y onto X, then Z on
to Y, so that the back edges of all
three are aligned and the sides
and front of Y and Z protrude
slightly. Peg these together
whilst they dry, or they will curl
up at the edges. Glue this entire

American Miniaturist 91

04MA15_p090-094.indd 91 1/26/15 12:40 PM

 Welsh cupboard
top assembly onto the top of
your dresser and leave to dry,
weighted down.
92 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p090-094.indd 92
Step 8: Take your false in your doorknobs. Glue these
cupboard door fronts and cut fronts onto dresser front (A)
your 8mm strips to
fit inside, around
the edges. Stain
any newly exposed
edges and then
glue in place. Drill
a very small hole
at the position
indicated on the
template and glue
1/26/15 12:40 PM

in positions indicated on the
template.
Glue each small drawer front
centrally onto each large drawer
front. Glue on your drawer pulls
or drill a hole in the center and
glue in drawer knobs. Glue the
two outer false drawer fronts in
place as indicated on dresser
front template (A). Put your
middle drawer front to one side.
Step 9: Check that your dresser
front (A), fits under the worktop
and over the dresser sides, but
dont glue in yet! Turn it over
so that the inside is facing you
and now you will glue in the
cupboard/drawer housing. Take
the tow cupboard sides and glue
one either side of the aperture K,
making sure that the top edges
align with the top edge of the
dresser front. This will leave space
04MA15_p090-094.indd 93
Welsh cupboard
at the bottom to glue in the
dresser floor.
Glue the drawer-housing
floor in, sliding it in between
the two housing sides. You may
find this easier gluing all three
together, supporting each other
as they dry. Make sure the sides
are parallel to one another and
the drawer-housing floor aligns
with the bottom edge of the
drawer aperture M. Leave to dry
thoroughly.
Step 10: Glue this entire
assembly onto the dresser back,
under the worktop. Leave to dry.
Then glue in the dresser floor and
leave to dry.
American Miniaturist 93
1/26/15 12:40 PM
 Welsh cupboard

Tip: When gluing and
pegging the pieces together
to dry, use some soft fabric
between your pegs and the
wood to prevent the pegs
from leaving marks.
drawer bottom. Allow it to dry
thoroughly.
I hope you enjoy trying your
hand at this little project and
that you will find the perfect
place to put your new miniature
cupboard! Have fun filling it with
your favorite plates, dishes and
accessories. AM

Step 10: Make your center

drawer by gluing the two sides
and back around the drawer
floor. The back fits in between
the two sides. Glue the remaining
drawer front onto the drawer
so that it is 1mm below the

94 American Miniaturist

04MA15_p090-094.indd 94 1/26/15 12:40 PM


cales
in Plants, kits, and
144th, 1/4, 1/2 and
n Karatjas
san@sdkminiatures.
com
website www.sdkmin-
nis 4all
seum of
ls and Toys
.1053
T@aol.com
Sun 1-4
Denver, CO
DT.com
ADVERTISERS'Plants,
INDEX kits, and furniture in 1/144th, 1/120th,
..................................... 82
........................................9
seum.............................9
........................................9
niatures.........................9
..................................... 75
..................................... 57
..................................... 17
..................................... 17
..................................... 17
..................................... 17
..................................... 17
..................................... 17
........................................3
........................................2
..................................... 74
..................................... 99
..................................... 69
..................................... 17
..................................... 69
p................................. 69
..................................... 33
04_MA15_p095-096.indd 96
Index
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ARENE AND KATES.........................95 KITZ!...................................................95
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96 American Miniaturist
22/01/2015 09:02

The history of
miniatures
The Stone Age was better known for
mammoths than for miniatures, but
Mandy Groves suspects otherwise.
~Photos courtesy of Linda Boltrek of Gingerhouse Antiquities.
H
ave you ever wondered
who first thought of
building a dollhouse?
I know that its possible to
trace dollhouses, or baby
houses as they were then
referred to, as far back as
the 16th century, but surely
someone thought of building
a home for their dolls before
then?
Ive done a little research
on this topic and Im pleased
to report that archaeologists
have found fragments of an
alabaster doll with movable
arms from the Babylonian
period. This is good news,
but it seems that Stone Age
man either didnt make dolls
out of a material that would
stand the test of time, or else
he was too busy fighting off
saber toothed tigers and creat-
ing cave art to make dolls.
I just cant believe that
Stone Age children didnt
have dolls. I mean, give a
piece of plasticine to anyone
old enough not to eat it and
Ill guarantee that theyll
04MA15_p097-098.indd 97
fashion it into some kind
of human form (or part of
it). Stands to reason then
that Stone Age man would
also squish a bit of mud or
clay into a human form and
perhaps top it off with a little
mammoth hair.
Recreating oneself is a basic
human instinct. Even the
smallest child likes to draw
a primitive human form, and
human role play is a funda- BC, which are highly decorat-
mental basis for our childrens
primary education. There-
fore, I can only presume that
Stone Age little miss would
demand a suitable residence
for Stone Age Barbie. Im not
suggesting that Stone Age dad
would rush home from a hard
days mammoth hunting and
set to work on Stone Age Bar-
bies beach hut, but its prob-
able that someone propped a
few pieces of stone together
to make her a cave.
Iron Age man would have
had far more materials at
hand, and its probable that
Iron Age Barbie would have
Miniature history
had a far more adventurous
wardrobe, perhaps extend-
ing to a hand woven piece of
cloth. House-wise, she may
have moved out of the cave
and into a hut made of sticks.
Egyptian Barbie really had
it good; although we dont
know for a fact if she ever had
her own home. Archaeologists
have discovered wooden and
clay dolls dating back to 2000
ed and encrusted with jewels
and precious stones. Its also
believed that when an Egyp-
tian girl was deemed too old
to play with her doll that she
dedicated her to a goddess;
that certainly beats ending up
in a yard sale.
Its not until the 16th centu-
ry that we have real evidence
of a dollhouse. These houses
were made purely for a lady to
display her miniature collec-
tion. Wealthy ladies would
collect miniature pieces from
around the world and spend
hours sewing and embroider-
ing soft furnishings. These
American Miniaturist 97
1/26/15 12:40 PM
 Miniature history
houses are often to be found
in fabulous condition, consid-
ering their age, and have obvi-
ously never come into close
contact with a child.
Now isnt that refreshing?
We all know that children are
the last people who should
be allowed to get their grubby
paws on a dollhouse and now
we have proof!
During the 18th century,
someone decided that the
place to put your dollhouse
was inside a cupboard. I really
cant see why that should be,
but I suspect that some un-
imaginative individual heart-
lessly ridiculed someones
dollhouse, which led them to
hide it away in a cabinet for
fear of further reprisals.
Dollhouses are often used
as teaching aids, encourag-
ing young children to com-
municate effectively through
Below: The houses are by the German
Company Moritz Gottschalk, from
1900-1920. They were one of the
more desirable houses for collectors.
98 American Miniaturist
04MA15_p097-098.indd 98
role play. Many young ladies
of good social standing were
given dollhouses so that they
could practice managing a
home. These houses were of-
ten made by the estate carpen-
ter, and some even survive to-
day, filled with an assortment
of pots and pans with which a
young lady could learn the art
of domestic bliss. If you think
about it, our friend Barbie is
still educating our daughters
in the skills needed to run a
home. Albeit in the shape of a
Day-Glo pink telephone with
which to order pizza.
It was the Edwardians who
really fouled things up. Their
ethos of allowing children
to be both seen and heard
took dollhouses both into the
playroom and into a bad state
of repair. This lack of respect
for the dollhouse has contin-
ued with us through the post
war years and straight into the
21st century. Of course there
are some exceptions where a
foresighted parent placed the
dollhouse
on a high shelf away from
temper tantrums and jam,
but as anyone who collects
vintage dollhouses will agree,
its rare that one is found in a
reasonable state.
Im not against children
having dollhouses; theres
some lovely indestructible
ones on the market that come
complete with furniture you
can stamp on to your hearts
content.
There should always be
hope that todays wallpaper
scribbler will be tomorrows
miniature artisan. After all,
if Stone Age little miss
hadnt clamored for Stone Age
Barbie, wed all be stuck for
something to do on a rainy
Sunday afternoon. AM
Below: This kitchen is by Moritz
Gottschalk, model number 3430.
They came in three sizes in 1903.
This has the original paper on the
floor and walls. The doll is from
the Brittany region of France. See
more of Linda Boltreks antiques
in an upcoming issue of Dollhouse
Miniatures.
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