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A FREE MONTHLY Dolls House & Miniatures magazine written exclusivley by AIM members for dolls house collectors and enthusiasts. If you love all things miniature - you will love the AIM magazine. Each month's edition features FREE projects, articles and features all written by the worlds top international miniature artisans!Why not visit the AIM website http://www.artisansinminiature.com to find out more!Enjoy...!
Citation preview
Contents… September 2009: Issue No 15 Cover Image: Sandra Morris of Diminutive Dolls
Regular Features… 1 Editor’s Note: Read Bea Broadwood’s introduction & welcome to this month’s edition of the Artisans In Miniature FREE ‘downloadable’ magazine! 20 Antique & Vintage Corner: Celia Thomas takes an in depth look at a nostalgic 1930s Toy Theatre. 23 Crafty Tips: Learn the tricks of the miniature trade. 30 New On The Web: This month we take a closer look at the website of AIM member Pearl Hudson. 45 Well, It Happened To An Artisan: Read about the often strange lives of AIM members. 60 Through The Keyhole: Ever wondered what it would be like to be able to have a closer look at the working environments of AIM members? This month we take a peek at Elizabeth LePla’s unusual London work space. 64 Mini Aimers: Written and compiled by Margaret Pitts especially for younger miniaturists and the artisans of the future. 74 The Miniature Grapevine: Catch up on all the latest news and announcements from the international miniature world.
Special Features… 6 Cover story: Tiny Dolls In The Making ‐ AIM member Sandra Morris tells us about her fabulous tiny dolls. 8 A Tale Of Three Editors: Three professional editors take time out of their busy day jobs to give us an insight into their magazines. 12 Babies Of A Truly Miniature Kind: Doll Artisan and AIM member Ulkrike Leibling shares her adorable babies with us. 14 Happy Birthday AIM: This month the AIM association celebrates its second birthday, whilst we look back over the last two eventful years. 24 Our Journey To Miniatures: ‘World renowned’ doll artisans and AIM members; Jodi and Richard Creager, tell us in their own words how they accidently stumbled into the
world of miniatures.
12
14
24
Artisans In Miniature 2
32 Simply Silk: AIM member Linda Toerzey shares her beautiful miniature creations with us. 38 Meet The AIM Team: As part of our second birthday celebrations, find out more about the people whose hard work behind the scenes keeps the AIM Association ticking. 46 The AIM Gallery: This month we have a packed gallery of AIM members’ creations which celebrate the nostalgia of a childhood captured in miniature.
50 The Inner Peter Pan: AIM member Maia Bisson explains more about her work and the inspiration behind it. 54 The Lowther Arcade: AIM member Sandra Morris takes a closer look at the famous Lowther Arcade, in London. 56 Folk Art: AIM member Joyce Dorothy Hamill/Rawcliffe shares her love for this fascinating style of painting. 70 Miniatura Preview: Join us as we take a sneaky peek at some of the new ‘miniatures’ that will be on offer from a selection of AIM members at October’s world famous ‘Miniatura’ show.
Free Projects… 16 Blackberries: AIM member Vicky Guile shares her fabulous project for creating this seasonal berry. 19 Shopping Basket Crochet Pattern: AIM member Frances Powell shares her versatile 1:12th scale crochet pattern for a traditional shopping basket.
36 Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: AIM member and professional author Eliza Bentley shares her beautiful 1:12th scale cross stitch pattern for a traditional miniature sampler. 51 Paper Dolls: AIM member, doll artisan and professional illustrator Jill Bennett kicks off her new series of traditional paper dolls with an adorable Edwardian child named Arabella.
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51
55
16 NEW Series!!
Artisans In Miniature 3
Artisans In Miniature ?
Artisans In Miniature 8
CLICK…on Artisans In Miniature
How did you find the Online Magazine??
Did you follow a link? Did a miniature friend tell you about it?
...and do you already know about the Artisans In Miniature Website, and the talented members who have all helped create this Online magazine.?
If not, copy, paste and CLICK now – www.artisansinminiatures.com and come and meet us all. Founded in 2007 by Fiona (Bea) Broadwood of Petite Properties, the site has been created in order to showcase the fantastic work of the individual professional international artisan members who create beautiful and original scale miniatures for sale to the public. Together they form the Artisans In Miniature association. Since its launch the AIM association has rapidly grown and now boasts membership of over 200, including some of the most talented artisans within the miniature world! On the website you will find further information about them and their work; however, please note new pages are constantly being added and there are many members who are not yet included on the site... If you are a professional artisan who is interested in joining the association, you will find all the information there..... If you are wondering what Fairs may be on in your area – that information is there too… We have lots of links…to Fairs and Events Organizers…Magazines…Online Miniature clubs….Historical reference sites…..Workshops…and more… it’s all there!
If you’d like to contact us, copy, paste and CLICK... we’d love to hear from you!
www.artisansinminiature.com
Editor’s Note...
The AIM magazine productionTeam
(in 'first name' alphabetical order)
Bea (Fiona Broadwood) Editor: Editor's note
(Layout & Format Designer) office@petite‐properties.com
Celia Thomas
Features Editor Coordinator: The Miniature Grapevine / Antique & Vintage Corner [email protected]
Margaret Pitts AIM Columnist
New children's feature: Mini AIMers
Robin Britton AIM Columnist:
Crafty Tips / Yes It Happened To An Artisan / Artisan Street
Sandra Morris AIM Columnist:
Tales From The Toy Cupboard [email protected]
(Regular 'Author of' information
given in italics)
Please note all AIM members contribute to the magazine…
Dear Reader As September swoops in, it brings with it not only new teachers and new
school uniforms, but it also marks the start of a new season of miniatures
too.
May be it is the old and familiar ‘new term feeling’ that still echoes from
our childhood, which always makes September feel like a fresh start?
Or perhaps for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it is the lengthening
of the shadows and the cooling of the summer sun, that draws us back
inside to refocus once again on our wonderful ‘miniature’ hobby.
Whatever it is, September certainly has a buzz about it and this month we
take a closer look at the nostalgia of childhood, from the exquisite tiny
babies made by Ulrike Libelling to the launch of Jill Bennett’s fabulous new
series of traditional paper dolls.
September also brings with it AIM’s second birthday and on page 14 we
take a look back at what has turned out to be an eventful 2 years and if you
have ever wondered ‘who’ keeps the AIM Association ticking over, all is
revealed as we invite you to ‘Meet The AIM Team’ on page 38!
(Be warned they are a motley bunch!)
So, as AIM members collectively sharpen their pencils, open their books,
ready to begin a new season of miniatures, why not join us for a piece of
‘virtual’ birthday cake and settle down to enjoy this fantastic new issue of
the AIM magazine?!
Bea
Editor (& General whip cracker) September 2009 www.petite‐properties.com
Artisans In Miniature 5
Artisans In Miniature 6
By AIM Member Sandra Morris of Diminutive Dolls
Few things are more thrilling to the doll’s
house enthusiast than tiny toys.
Who can resist the fascination of a
Victorian or Edwardian Toy Shop, filled to bursting with all manner of vintage playthings?
I spend my working life striving to recreate vintage toys, games and playthings from many different periods.
However my first and abiding love is the Jumeau doll so beloved of generations of little girls, from the 1880’s
onward.
My own homage to these porcelain masterpieces, tiny toy dolls which range from just 1” to 1 ¾” tall, take
many hours to complete. They begin life as just a thimbleful of porcelain slip and undergo a magical
metamorphosis to emerge as a finished miniature work of art.
The range is constantly changing and evolving with many weeks spent in ‘research
and development’ both for the dolls themselves and their various costume styles.
There are many technical challenges, so I have had to develop new techniques and design and engineer
tailor‐made miniature tools to perform the delicate tasks involved in creating these tiny dolls.
A recent project has been to perfect a doll with real glass eyes which measure just
2mm in diameter! To say the least, this presents an ‘interesting’ challenge.
Tiny Toy Dolls in the Making
Imagine trying to work inside a head cavity no bigger than a
pea, manipulating tiny eyes only slightly larger than a mustard
seed.
Cutting the tiny eye holes requires surgical precision. Indeed I
use a specialist ophthalmic scalpel, whose tiny, incredibly sharp
blade in conjunction with a
powerful magnifying lamp, enable me to excise the eyes with
pinpoint accuracy.
My tiny dolls are made in much the same way as the porcelain
dolls of yesteryear, and go through many painstaking stages to
produce an authentic miniature replica.
After a low‐temperature firing to produce a stronger, non‐soluble ceramic casting, the inside of the eyes have
to be bevelled to the exact size and shape of the glass eyes, so that they will fit snugly into the eye sockets.
Again, I have had to make my own specialist tools to achieve this.
Other dolls are meticulously hand‐painted, using up to 7 different colours of china paint, which require 3‐5
separate firings.
Cheeks, lips, eyes, (iris and pupil) lashes and brows are all painstakingly painted, bringing each tiny doll to life.
Designing the costumes also requires extensive research. I use only the finest silks and cottons, including
delicate silk trims and soft, pure silk ribbons. In order to achieve just the right, mellow antique shades I often
hand dye silks, ribbons and lace so that costumes will be fully coordinated. I also have a boxful of lovely
original antique lace and trimmings dating back to the 1890s which are used for the most special little dolls.
The attention to detail is continued throughout the entire costuming process. For example, dolls are fitted
with silk underwear, a tiny chemise and silky trimmed pants or drawers.
They wear either tiny, delicate lace socks, or the softest silk net stockings,
often dyed to match their outfits.
Shoes or boots are made from tissue‐thin leather, or silk ribbon, according
to style, and may be decorated with tiny buckles or minute ribbon rosettes.
The costumes themselves are painstakingly researched from original
sources and images depicting dolls from the heyday of porcelain
dollmaking including Jumeau, Steiner and Bru.
Wigs are created from tiny handmade ringlets and curls. Pleated silk bon‐
nets are festooned with ribbons and feathers to complement each outfit.
When the final finishing touches have been added, each doll is nestled in
its own bespoke box and issued with a numbered, dated and signed certifi‐
cate.
They have found homes all around the world, from Japan to Canada,
Australia to Finland and hopefully, with the passing years, my little toy dolls
will become the doll’s house family heirlooms of the future ☺
www.diminutivedolls.co.uk ©All Text & Photos In This Item Belong To Sandra Morris
A Tale Of Three Editors... 3 Editors give us an insight into their magazines.
We are delighted to bring you a feature this month that includes input from editors of three UK dolls house
hard copy magazines, which can all be purchased from newsagents or by subscription directly from the
magazines themselves. These three magazines & their respective editors have played a vital role in the UK
miniatures industry for many years now, and practically anyone who is anyone within the miniatures world
have been featured in them at some time.
These magazines provide up to date information on the miniatures scene, including features and miniature
projects for their readership, whilst also acting as a gigantic retail window for us the artisans and other people
within the miniatures business.
We thought it would be fun to ask each editor the same eight questions. Their answers are varied and
extremely interesting.
(The editors are featured in alphabetical order of surname.)
CHRISTIANE BERRIDGE... Editor of the Dolls’ House Magazine
How long has this magazine been running?
The first issue of The Dolls’ House Magazine was in April 1998, so
we’re in our 11th year.
When did you become editor?
I took over from Jay Myers as Editor in September 2000. So I’ve been
at the helm for nearly nine
years.
How far ahead do you
plan each issue?
I plan at least three months
in advance, but also keep a seasonal view on issues beyond that –
so Christmas, spring and summer ideas are kept on file.
What are the main changes (if any) you have seen in
the miniatures industry since you have been editor?
The most obvious change has been an increase in interest in 1:24
scale. Now that more furniture and accessories are available in this
scale, more people are buying the houses (rather than just admiring
them) and filling them. This scale also enables hobbyists to continue Artisans In Miniature 8
Artisans In Miniature 9
collecting when they can’t accommodate a 1:12 scale house.
More retailers are going on line. You have to have a web presence today – and there has been an increase in
miniatures’ websites. This also reflects our growing use of Internet shopping as it becomes part of everyday
life.
As with any business the current economic situation is challenging everyone, and the miniatures business is
no exception. Sadly more high street dolls’ house shops are closing and some businesses are diversifying.
I suspect that this reflects a general decline in what could be termed ‘home handicrafts’.
Interestingly the top end of the market continues to do well. I suspect that people are spending money on
what they really want rather than making do, before upgrading. I guess you can’t beat quality!
Do you have an interest in a particular area of miniatures yourself?
I am a very creative person and enjoy making everything from dolls’ houses, furniture, food, dolls – you name
it and I’ve made it! I’ve been lucky to have two dolls’ house project books published (through The Guild of
Master Craftsman) to share my ideas with others. My second book reflects my favourite historical period –
projects for the Victorian dolls’ house.
I love finding miniatures in unexpected places – in art forms, in film productions or stage sets. Where I can, I
feature these in the magazine. My favourite so far has been the use of miniature crime scenes to train
policemen to be observant – a fascinating story!
Do you own a dolls’ house?
I own one large Victorian style dolls’ house, which I built to my own design. Over the last ten years though, 15
dolls’ houses have passed through my hands, as well as numerous room boxes and individual scenes. I also
have commissioned scenes on display in two local tourist attractions.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Because the subject of my job is also my favourite hobby it doesn’t always seem like work. I love showing off
the sheer diversity of miniature architecture and encouraging miniaturists to embrace all aspects of the
hobby. I get to handle some amazing miniatures even if I can’t own them!
I particularly enjoy designing the page layouts – I have a great team here who help me do that. I also want the
magazine to be a showcase for non‐miniaturists – to let them see just what quality and fun the hobby
encompasses – and I particularly enjoy the challenge of making sure our front cover design reflects that.
And of course – meeting fellow enthusiasts – both makers and collectors. You can’t beat talking about dolls’
houses with those who also love them like I do. I’ve met some amazing people – and catching up with some
of them at Miniatura is always a joy.
What is the most difficult part of the job?
Balancing the needs of the reader (beginners and long term hobbyists) with the commercial aspects that
make the magazine economically viable. Working to a tight budget can be frustrating so every decision is
checked and double‐checked. The strict deadlines can be frustrating – planning the Christmas issue at the end
of the summer seems bizarre – but being highly organised is the way that I cope.
JOYCE DEAN ... Editor of the Dolllshouse World magazine
How long has this
magazine been
running?
Since March 1989 – 20
years.
When did you become
editor?
This is my second time as
editor ‐ I took over again in
June 2007.
How far ahead do you plan each issue?
Each year we produce a features list, so everyone is
aware of themes that will be running in each issue.
Articles start being planned at least four months in advance.
What are the main changes (if any) you have seen in the miniatures industry since
you have been editor?
I think the main change has been that there is a much younger age group that is now involved in the
hobby. It is great, because they want new, modern houses and so this has a knock‐on effect across the
market; new ideas, new miniatures, and definitely a much higher standard of quality.
Do you have an interest in a particular area of miniatures yourself?
Just about everything. I love collecting beautiful pieces, especially miniature paintings ‐ but I also love
working on my next project, making items that I can share with other miniaturists.
Do you own a dolls’ house?
Yes, I do have a number of them.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Talking to other miniaturists ‐ finding out what they are doing, or their plans for their next project. Also I
get invited to meet some incredible people, miniaturists that just want to share their passion for the
hobby with our readers.
What is the most difficult part of the job?
Deadlines! It is so easy to get side‐tracked ‐ when a new story comes along I just want to follow it up
immediately. Artisans In Miniature 10
Artisans In Miniature 11
JANET KIRKWOOD ... Editor of Dollls House & Miniature Scene Magazine
How long has this magazine been running? Nearly 16 years
When did you become editor? September 2001
How far ahead do you plan each issue? For certain articles and regulars I can plan at least a year
ahead. For more current articles and projects, at least 6
months ahead. It varies so much as you are always
forward planning. I am now looking at our 200th issue
which is in 2011!
What are the main changes (if any) you have seen in the miniatures industry since you have been editor? The quality of the work has escalated. More, younger
makers are evident with fresh designs and ideas, which
is good; as the older ones retire the younger generation
takes over, which in return keeps this hobby alive.
Do you have an interest in a particular area off miniatures yourself? I have to say I do like the Art Deco and Arts & Crafts era. But then I do find the
Tudor period fascinating. I love delving into the history of a period, it conjures
up so many ideas.
Do you own a dolls house? Sadly I don't have room but I do have lots and lots of miniatures.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Providing enjoyment for miniaturists through the magazine. Meeting people,
pleasing people, helping people pursue their favourite hobby.
What is the most difficult part of the job? Not being able to fulfil everyone’s request at one time. There is just so much
I want to do but have to be patient and take each issue as it comes.
We here at AIM sincerely hope that each of these magazines continues to flourish for many more years to
come and would like to thank all three editors Christiane, Joyce & Janet for contributing to this feature.
• Dolls House & Miniature Scene Magazine: www.dollshousemag.co.uk
• The Dolls’ House Magazine: www.thegmcgroup.com
• Dolls House World Magazine: www.dollshouseworld.com
By AIM Member Ulrike Leibling
My name is Ulrike Leibling and I live in Thuringia ‐ the “Green Heart of Germany”.
I make baby dolls in real size and miniatures. All my miniature dolls are made from polymer clay
in sizes from 40mm to 170mm.
Last year I concentrated more and more on working in 1:12 scale. I am a self‐taught artist. Over the time I developed my own techniques using polymer clay for
clothes on fully sculpted dolls and love
the creative process of making each one
of my sculpts unique in detail and charac‐
ter.
All my work is one of a kind ‐ you will get
a unique creation.
I am happy to accept commissions. Feel
free to contact me to discuss your ideas
for a little baby and I will make your own.
Babies Of A Truly Miniature Kind...
Artisans In Miniature 12
You can see more of Ulrike’s work on her website
www.ulrikes‐ooak‐babies.de email: [email protected]
Ulrike also sells her work in her CDHM gallery ‐ www.cdhm.org/user/kulrike
and by private contacts.
©All text and photos by Ulrike Leibling
Artisans In Miniature 13
As the AIM Association marks its second year since its founding, we felt that we should take the
opportunity to use this month’s edition of the AIM magazine to not only promote the miniature hobby,
but also to celebrate our birthday and the success of AIM to date.
Founded in September 2007, the AIM Association initially began with a small handful of professional
artisans. However, like a snowball rolled over fresh snow down a steep incline, AIM has been
consistently gathering members and increasing its membership ever since. With membership of AIM now
standing at well over 200 and boasting many of the most talented miniature artisans from the world of
miniatures, AIM has surpassed everyone’s initial expectations.
Through AIM, professional miniature artisans are brought together and are able to support and
encourage each other. This unique, creative ‘online’ melting pot has also introduced international
artisans to one another and many exciting collaborations between members have followed and new
friendships blossomed. With members covering 6 of the 7 continents, AIM can truly be classed as a
worldwide success.
The current global economic climate has
affected all areas of business and the
miniature industry has indeed been no
exception to tough times. Over the last two
years AIM has worked hard to provide its
members with the opportunity for FREE
promotion and has always had a very simple
ethos and focus; to promote the work of the
real ‘makers’ and ‘crafts people’ of the
miniature world and to help support and
showcase their amazing work on a truly global
basis.
The jewel in AIM’s crown is certainly this
wonderful free monthly magazine, which
allows members to give something back to
the miniaturist community that supports
them. In such a relatively short space of time,
By AIM Member Bea Broadwood
AIM’s beautiful birthday cake was made by AIM member Catherine Davies of Dollshouse Heaven!!
AIM members have really seized on the concept of
the AIM magazine and have surpassed themselves
with their contributions to it. The magazines now
stands as a testament to the members of AIM and
will hopefully build, issue by issue, into a wonderful
free online resource for miniaturists everywhere!
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank
everyone in the miniature community who has given
their support to AIM over the past two years.
Although there are simply too many of you to
mention, we would however, particularly like to
thank the staff and editors of the following fabulous
magazines: The Dolls House Magazine, Dolls House
World and Dolls House & Miniature Scene and of course show organisers Andy Hopwood, Doreen
Jeffries, Gail Tucker and Charlotte Stokoe for their continued involvement and support of both AIM’s
ethos and its members.
Thank you.
Finally… I know that I am biased, but I am personally immensely proud of how AIM has grown and
developed into the professional association it is today. What started as a simple vision has turned into a
strong, global community. AIM members are an amazingly talented and friendly lot of people, a unique
group, who together have achieved so much over the last two years.
Rest assured, we will not be resting on our laurels… AIM has many fantastic plans for the future and no
doubt many, many more birthday celebrations to come!
Happy Birthday AIM!! “Congratulations to A.I.M. on reaching their second birthday. It comes as no surprise to
us at Miniatura that this great online community has gone from strength to strength
and we are proud to have supported the group from it's early days. We recognise that
A.I.M. gives miniaturists a secure forum which in turn allows top quality makers to
enjoy a free exchange of knowledge and support unhindered by many of the more
negative and invasive aspects of the internet. Many of the A.I.M. members are
exhibitors at Miniatura and anything that helps our exhibitors to flourish is always
going to be something we want to encourage…”
Andy Hopwood (Miniatura Organiser)
www.miniatura.co.uk Artisans In Miniature 15
Legend and folklore tells that blackberries must be harvested and eaten by Michaelmas (29th September).
It is said that each Michaelmas the Devil returns to bramble patches, where he landed when forced from
Heaven, to spit and curse the fruit and therefore leaving them completely inedible.
Of course this legend does not apply to miniature dolls house blackberries ‐ you can create and serve
these in your dolls house at any time of year.
To make 1:12 scale blackberries you will need…
• Polymer clay - black and translucent.
• Liquid polymer clay.
• Craft knife.
• Miniature ceramic bowl (or any other suitable heatproof miniature container).
• Cocktail stick.
• Baking sheet or ceramic tile.
• Polymer clay safe gloss varnish (if required).
Artisans In Miniature 16
Project...
BlackberriesBy AIM Member, Vicky Guile
you will need...
Step 1. For the blackberry mix ‐ blend 1 part
translucent polymer clay with two parts
black. Take a small amount of this mix and
roll into a cylinder approximately 1mm in
diameter.
Then cut into slices approximately 1mm
thick, for each blackberry you will need
around 20 slices.
Step 2.. Roll each slice into a ball in the palm of your
hand until you have enough for one
blackberry.
You will need to keep each piece in your
hand for the next step.
Step 3. Dip the end of the cocktail stick into the
liquid clay and use to smear a tiny drop
very, very thinly over the end of the index
finger of your other hand (the hand not
holding the clay!).
Pick up the balls of clay by gently pressing
your index finger on top of them.
Artisans In Miniature 18
Step 4. Carefully roll together in the palm of your hand, applying a little pressure to manipulate into one
blackberry, too much pressure and each individual part will blend into the other and you will end up with
one large non blackberry shaped ball. Your resulting blackberry should resemble this , as seen above.
Repeat steps 1 – 4 until you have enough blackberries for your requirements.
Step 5. If you are making a bowl of blackberries pad‐out the inside of your bowl with blackberry clay mix leaving
enough space for the top layer of blackberries. This step does not have to be perfect, a dimpled padding
under the blackberries will help create and uneven
and more realistic arrangement.
Apply a tiny dot of liquid clay onto the
padding and use this to “glue” your
blackberries into place one by one.
Continue until your top layer is filled.
Place the bowl and any spare
blackberries onto your ceramic tile or
baking sheet and bake in a pre‐heated
oven as per your polymer clay
packet instructions.
Step 6. After cooling, if required – this depends on your
brand of clay ‐‐ lightly varnish your blackberries.
Take this project one step further with more ideas for
blackberries... blackberry pies, crumbles and tarts, preserved in jars, or a miniature basket filled with
blackberries freshly picked from miniature hedgerows... enjoyable all year round!
See more of Vicky’s work at www.njdminiatures.com
©Vicky Guile 2009 – All text & photos belong to this author
www.buttercupminiatures.co.uk
1/12th Scale Crochet shopping Basket
By AIM Member Frances Powell
Abbreviations: Rnd –round; ch – chain; tr – treble crochet; sl –slip; st‐stitch; ( ) – repeat instructions between brackets as detailed in instructions; dc‐ double crochet; sp –space; Basket Materials required: Small amount of No 80 crochet cotton or No 70 Tatting thread, 0.75 mm crochet hook. (For stiffening instructions and materials see below) NOTE: This is worked in rounds apart from the handle
Rnd 1: 4 ch [last 3 ch forms 1st tr of round], 11 tr into 4th ch from hook, join with a sl st to top of 1st tr. [12 tr] Rnd 2: 3 ch [1st tr], 1 tr into same sp, (2 tr into next tr) around, join with a sl st to top of 1st tr. [24 tr] Rnd 3: 3 ch [1st tr], 2 tr into next tr, (1 tr into next tr, 2 tr into next tr) around, join with a sl st to top of 1st tr. [36 tr] Rnd 4‐8: 3 ch [1st tr], (1 tr into next tr) around, join with a sl st to top of 1st tr. Rnd 9: 1 ch [1st dc], (1 dc into next tr) around, join with a sl st to top of 1st dc. DO NOT FASTEN OFF, Handle 20 ch, then sl st into 18th dc from start of chain [on opposite side of basket], turn and work 25 dc over the 20 ch of the handle, join with a sl st to same place as start of 20 ch, turn and work 20 dc loosely over dc just worked and original 20 ch. Join with a sl st to side edge of basket in same place as handle and fasten off. Sew in all loose ends.
To stiffen basket: A. Traditional sugar solution method
1. Make a solution of two teaspoons boiling water to one level teaspoon sugar. 2. Stir until sugar is dissolved. 3. Place crochet in the solution until the crochet is completely wet through. Wring out excess solution or
sugar crystals will form on the finished work! 4. Pin the crochet out on a piece of corrugated cardboard or polystyrene covered in cling film, using
rustproof pins (as normal steel pins will rust and leave unsightly marks). Make a cylinder shape of plasticine or blu tak covered in cling film, with a slightly rounded end (to go inside and shape the basket). If necessary pin around the top edges of the basket to hold in shape. Pull the crochet into shape as you work around, making sure edge of the basket stays flat where the pins are put in. Pull the handle up into shape so it is curved as shown.
5. Leave to dry in a warm place for 24 hours minimum. Do not place anything in the basket until it has dried out completely
B. The item can be starched with laundry starch Work as above starting at 3 C. PVA Glue A solution can be made from PVA glue and water, however this will dry clear and slightly shiny. Proceed as from point 3 on sugar starching.
An ideal basket for collecting blackberries in…!
© Copyright F. H. Powell 2009 This pattern is for private use only and may not be reproduced in any form for commercial gain, including selling any item knitted up from these patterns without written permission from
Buttercup Miniatures
TÇà|Öâx 9 i|Çàtzx VÉÜÇxÜ By AIM Member, Celia Thomas
Mathew's Animated Empire Vaudeville Toy Theatre circa 1930s ‐ 1940s
This month, I am bringing you
something quite different!
I know this is not a dolls house or a
dolls house miniature in any shape
or form, but I think that many of us
who are passionate about dolls
houses and miniatures, could not fail
to find this little toy theatre
interesting. Just occasionally, along
with a vintage or antique dolls
house, I am offered other vintage
items too and this is how I acquired
the Mathews Animated Empire
Vaudeville Toy Theatre.
I obtained it from an elderly lady who was downsizing her home and reluctantly selling her childhood toys
including her dolls house, but who also wanted this theatre to go to a good home too. Initially I hesitated and
was thinking of turning it down until I actually saw it – how could I refuse?
There is something fascinating about items from the 1930s/40s era. The previous owner was given this in the
very early 1940s when she was still very young and remembers it being brand new and in immaculate
condition. It is thought that it originates from the late 1930s as it is unlikely that these would have been
manufactured much later during the Second World War.
On the whole, it is in good condition, with only just one or two little tears and child’s pencil scribble. It appears
to have been manufactured from a reinforced cardboard, very similar to the leatherboard that the 1930s
Dinky Dolly Varden collapsible dolls houses
were made from.
The original box still remains and it tells us
on the front
“Life like variety artistes”....
and goes on to say “A never ending source
of amusement for boys and girls.” The box
is in a slightly battered condition and all the
edges have been heavily taped over the
years to keep it all together.
Artisans In Miniature 20
Artisans In Miniature 21
The theatre itself measures
171/4" in width x 131/4"
high x 4" deep and the stage
is easily erected by gently
pulling into shape to stand
upright. Similarly it is easy
to put away again, by gently
folding it in concertina
style. This has been stored
well over the years, up in its
box in the loft I gather and
the colours are still glori‐
ously vibrant!
There would have been ten
puppets originally and most
are still in existence,
although all that’s left of
poor “Humpty Dumpty” are
his legs and "Sylvette " has
lost a foot. The others are in
excellent condition and
each have a taped loop on
the back that a metal rod is
inserted into.
T h e s e r o d s a r e
replacements but I am told
by the previous owner that
these are practically
identical to the original.
Due to modern health & safety issues these days, it is unlikely that these rods would be allowed in a
youngster’s toy! In the wrong hands, they could undoubtedly be a little dangerous!! The puppets are
constructed in such a way that they can jig and dance when moving the rod.
There are such delightful characters as Jolly Jinks‐The Pierrot, Pauline & Her Performing Pony
“Snowdrop”, Goldy Locks & Her Performing Bear and Sylvette ‐ The Glittering
Transformation Dancer , amongst others.
My favourite is TOM ‐ The Piper's Son With His Pig, fully clad in his Scotsman’s
regalia including his sporran; a character from the old Scottish nursery rhyme.
Artisans In Miniature 22
There is an open
groove along the
back of the theatre
wall so I guess the
rods were meant to
be inserted through
this in order to
manipulate the
characters or
alternatively they
c o u l d b e
manipulated from
above. To be
honest, after much
experimenting and
“playing” I found
t h a t c e r t a i n
puppets were more
versatile if the rods were held from up
above, as seen in the photo with Tom and
his pig.
Enchantingly, also included in the box is a
small sheet of paper which is the
"Programme" listing the characters in
order of appearance, starting off with an
"Overture" and ends in "GOD SAVE THE
KING"!
Hope you enjoyed this little peek of what
is quite a rare and lovely little vintage
toy. To see more, please visit my website:
www.ktminiatures.com
©Celia Thomas ‐ KT Miniatures 2009. All
text and photos belong to the author of
this feature.
Dear Readers… Miniaturists are the world's best unrecognised recyclers! At least, they are in Cheryl Clingen’s opinion and she could well be right. Take her latest idea for re‐using something that would otherwise be thrown away:
X‐ray sheets make wonderful pattern pieces that will last forever. I soak an x‐ray in strong bleach for about 5 minutes, then with a rubber glove on my hand, I used a cloth to wipe all the black stuff that comes off. Rinse and you have a sturdy piece of clear, bluish plastic.
Trace pattern onto x‐ray using a permanent marker, marking each piece with details.
If you have a paper pattern, use white craft glue to glue the whole pattern page onto the wrong side of the x‐ray plate (you will be able to see the pattern through the plastic).
Cut your pattern pieces out and save them in a plastic bag or photo album or a flip file with a label describing the pattern.
Using the plastic pattern, place on wrong side of material and draw around the shape. After sealing cutting lines with some of the above glue, cut out just INSIDE the pencil mark and you'll have a perfect cut‐out to work with.
I have lots of old x‐ray plates, but most people throw them away. Recently I visited an x‐ray dept in a nearby hospital and asked if they had some that were being thrown out, and they gave me a HUGE packet of them.
Don't bother trying to use scans or MRI x‐rays. The black stuff does not wash off.
Cheryl C (Certified South African Artisan and M.D.M NY) [email protected] www.MiniDollsFromAfrica.com Now that summer is drawing to a close in the northern hemisphere, nature has some free gifts to offer if we keep our eyes peeled.
Robin Britton suggests a few things we might look out for:
If you're out for a walk and see wild poppies, the seeds are worth collecting for 'currants' in fimo currant buns, fruit cakes and for putting in storage jars. They also make wonderful centres in miniature flowers, such as sunflowers, tulips and of course poppies. Take a look at the seed heads in your garden; some like nasturtium, clematis and pot marigolds, make interesting and weird contents for jars in your local miniature Witch and Wizard Shop. If you are worried about using ‘natural’ things in your miniature scenes, you can zap any unwanted ‘extras’ by sealing the seeds in a zip‐lock bag and leaving it in the freezer for a couple of days. Or you could put them in the microwave for a few seconds, but beware of exploding seeds!
A close look at the Herbs and Spices shelf in your local supermarket produces lots of ideas for filling storage jars. I particularly love the jars of mixed peppercorns with their wonderful colours, sesame seeds look like tiny almonds for putting on top of your fimo cakes, and so on. …. There is no end to inspiration if you are a Miniaturist!
Till next time… happy mini-ing!
Robin Britton Coombe Crafts www.coombecrafts.co.uk
'Our Journey to Miniatures' By AIM Members, Jodi & Richard Creager
It was a Dark and Stormy Night, the winds were howling
mournfully through the tall pines … the rain beat against
the windowpanes with unearthly tappings.
OK…I admit, this sounds like the beginning of a dime store
Horror novel but in reality I am describing an Oregon night
in 1977 when I first started to make Dolls.
Up to that point I had never even thought of making
anything that even resembled a Doll in either cloth or clay.
However, that night when everyone else was fast asleep, I
grabbed a pair of knee‐high stockings, opened up a pillow
on the couch, removed some ‘stuffing’ , grabbed a needle
and spool of thread…and the rest, as they say, is History!
That quite literally was my first venture into Doll Making.
32 years later and Richard and I are still at it… though with
different media and style. Our goal still remains the same;
to create art from the heart filled with character and
personality, charm , humour, and always with a ‘Makes you
think’ approach.
The next morning, even with Richard’s first remark, “What
the heck is that?” upon seeing my ‘Stormy Night Creation’,
our doll‐making journey was set in stone and oh what a
journey it has been.
Richard and I were both Fine Artists working in Oils, Water
Colour, Photography, Pastels and Pencil. Our subjects were
portraiture, trains, old Ghost Town Buildings, and
landscapes. From almost the time we met and married in
1975, Richard and I have been involved in some form of
Art.
Richard earned a degree in Photography from Brooks
Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California and an
art degree from UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am self
taught in all forms of Art but I come from a family of
Musicians, Scenic Painters, Set Designers ,and Lighting
Directors. So I did a lot of watching and learning as a child…
taking in everything. Artisans In Miniature 24
Professor Dumbledore
Professor Mc Gonagall
So a couple of years beyond the Dark and Stormy Night,
Richard and I are both fully involved with our new Soft
Sculpture Creations, myself with stitching the figures,
designing and making the clothing, Richard with all the
accessories and doing all the photography. We had great
teamwork going which is really one of the beliefs we had
from the beginning…build a good foundation first and the
building lasts longer.
Back then, our cloth characters were very much like
today’s clay figures ‐‐ each with its own personality,
humour, lots of detail and accessories.
Richard hand‐ carved pipes, fashioned brass and wooden
working parts, from cannons to shotguns, duck decoys to
Viking shields. No character was left out. We wanted to
try everything and it seems that we did.
With many years of Cloth Doll success under our belts, as
well as travelling to numerous shows, we had no way of
knowing we were about to make a Big Directional change
in our career once again.
We were designing works
for a California History
Museum Show we would
be attending in the Fall of
1989 and I was having
trouble getting enough
character into small, cloth
‘Tommyknockers’ I was
creating for our display.
While at the art store, I
picked up a box of clay
that I had never heard of,
called ‘Super Sculpey’.
Seems it was a perfect
clay to try, as it could
easily bake in a home
oven…. this suited me just
fine as I didn’t have a
kiln!!
Artisans In Miniature 25
Luna Penumbra & Teeter
Mandrake
Artisans In Miniature 26
This was the New Medium for me!! I got the character in the face I was after, and was even able to get the
size I wanted…around 8 inches. So not only did our medium change that day…but so did the scale in dolls.
In 1991 we were elected into membership of NIADA (National Institute of American Doll Artists). This new
adventure opened up a world of life‐long friendships and introduced us to new, original and innovative
works in the field of Doll Art.
Richard and I felt very blessed during the 1990s, receiving wonderful and generous coverage in various
Doll Publications and Books, which helped tremendously in our Doll Making Career.
This also was a time when we were expanding our character base to more detailed historic pieces from
African Tribes, Historic European, Asian, as well as Native American cultures. Our true love of research
helped to guide us in so many wonderful directions.
Professor Flitwick
As the ‘90s drew to a close we were yet again
looking to another change in our doll designs. With
a move to Arizona we were commissioned to create
our very first ‘miniature dolls’. Working in 1:12th
scale seemed almost impossible to me at first.
Richard kept drawing out on paper the exact size/
height the doll must be …and I just kept saying
“You have got to be kidding, there is no way anyone
can create this small”. Well, our eyes were in for a
Big Surprise. Richard and I were introduced to the
Wonderful World of Miniatures at the Phoenix Art
Museum and we were completely and utterly
blown away with amazement.
Like two kids peering through a candy store
window we saw our first Miniature Settings …the
lovely ‘Thorne Rooms’. Our breath was officially
taken away and we did not even realize it at the
time but once again our creative paths were being
altered.
Seeing something so small and so perfect
like this leaves its mark on you and we
wanted to learn as much as we could. We
finished the commission and enjoyed each
learning step, but wanted to learn more.
It was not until a few years later that we
began working miniature dolls into our
Doll Making repertoire on a regular basis.
As Halloween has always been a favourite
holiday of mine, it seemed very fitting that
some of our first characters should be
Wizards, Witches and Ghosts. There was
no turning back now as we were officially
hooked on the world of miniature dolls
and accessories.
We still created in Polymer Clay and even
though our dolls now ranged from 5 ½
inches to 6 inches tall, as with our 15‐16
inch dolls, each contains a full armature
throughout…. including hands, fingers,
legs and feet.
Artisans In Miniature ??
The Ghost of Abigail Brays
Ebenezer Scrooge
Jacob Marley
Artisans In Miniature 28
The challenge of learning new techniques and retraining your brain to think ‘Really Small’ … Richard and I
found to be both exciting and exhilarating.
Richard creates all of our doll accessories from either wood, brass, steel, stone, bone, paper or air dry clay.
After all these years, I am still Richard’s biggest fan…and I swoon still over each piece he creates, thinking he is
the neatest thing since sliced bread.
Over the last several years, Richard and I have been
very involved with one of our true passions…
anything Harry Potter!!! We love the
Books, the Movies, the Art …this is
what inspired us to visit Hogwarts on a weekly basis
if only in our minds.
Oh, to be Professors of ‘The Magical Arts’
…well you can’t blame
a couple for dreaming!
So the next best thing is for us to create many of the characters
from the story. We feel we have only just begun…there are so
many other directions to travel in the world of Magical and
Muggle Arts including building our very first ‘Setting’ and
backdrop…this is something we have dreamed about for
years now.
We are pretty sure that this will be yet another
portkey for us in our doll making career.
To work as a couple, side by side, 24/7, for so many
years tends to amaze some people … in truth…it is not
that amazing if you know your partner inside and out,
can anticipate creative direction, learn from each other
and first and foremost choose as your partner your
very best friend that you can laugh with, share with
and enjoy long journeys through new territory with…
this is the making of a Beautiful Working
Partnership…and marriage.
Email Address: [email protected]
Web Site: www.creagers.com
Blog: http://creagerstudios.blogspot.com
©All Text & Photos In This Feature Belong To Jodi and Richard Creager Artisans In Miniature 29
Bellatrix LaStrange
Each month we highlight a particular AIM
member’s new website and to continue this
feature we have chosen the website of Pearl
Hudson of
www.literatureinminiature.co.uk
Pearl tells us that she created the website
herself, and in fact was an IT professional
before she gave it all up in 2007 to concentrate
on miniatures full time, as this is her passion.
She says “I chose the design of my website as I
liked the layout. The pastel green shows off
the clear‐ cut images of the products and to
give more detail to my customers I have
created links to show the items in a dolls house
setting. I use my own dolls houses to show off
the miniatures so I have many settings in which
to place them.”
Literature in Miniature began in 2000 as Pearl
embarked on producing 1/12th scale books
with a realistic print size as she wanted books
like this in her own dolls house. Pearl goes on
to say, “The pages are printed on both sides of
the paper just like a real book.
At that time there were other book producers
around but they either produced books with a
concertina page effect or the print size was
large enough for me to read and therefore
unrealistic in 1/12th scale.”
Since 2007 she has expanded the range of
items to include ornaments and
other decorative items and has
also introduced a range of furred
animals and furred taxidermy.
New On The Web
Artisans In Miniature 30
Pearl’s website consists of seven main
headings down the left hand side of each page,
which makes her site very easy to navigate. As
you click on SHOP, you will find several more
subheadings clearly labelled, which helps the
shopper greatly in choosing which section to
click on. With sub headings such as Miniature
Books, Albums, Realistic Furred Dogs, Furred
Cats, Furred Other Animals, Realistic
Taxidermy Animals & Fish plus several others;
there is certainly a wide variety to choose
from.
Pearl’s GALLERY shows us an array of items that
are available on commission and tells us on the
website “We do cater for special commissions and
we will consider any request for furred or
feathered animals for the dolls house in 1/12th,
1/16th or 1/24th scales and can work from
photographs.”
The other main headings are the usual necessary
sections such as CONTACT, SHIPPING etc.
although there is an interesting heading called
THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Pearl says “I do a special
seasonal page e.g. EASTER, FATHERS DAY,
CHRISTMAS. I try to put together items that are
appropriate for the time of year as it could help
some miniaturists who are doing projects which
relate to the season ... a sort of follow on from the
themes run by the dolls house magazines.”
New items are continually being added to the
website so it worth checking back from time to
time.
This is a charming, easy to navigate website,
simply laid out and straightforward to read with
some lovely and unique items – worth checking
out. So if you haven’t already, do go and see
Pearl’s website at:
www.literatureinminiature.co.uk
Artisans In Miniature 31
Artisans In Miniature 32
Many people I talk to, stumble upon this hobby by accident. I was no exception. At the time I was running a
busy pub and restaurant. One evening, a regular customer came in carrying her latest Dolls House Magazine. I
just couldn’t believe that I was looking at dolls houses and was astounded at how real everything looked. She
offered to take me to a fair the following week and needless to say I was totally hooked. If anyone remembers
their first visit to a fair they will know exactly what I mean.
by AIM Member, Linda Toerzey
Artisans In Miniature ??
My husband then conspired
with another customer to
make me a dolls house for my
birthday. It wasn’t the most
sophisticated one I have ever
seen but it was mine and I
loved it to pieces.
I have always been a crafty
person and over the years
have tried my hand at
everything from dressmaking,
cross stitch, knitting, crochet
and working for an interior
designer. I realised that with
my new hobby I could
continue to do all of these
things, albeit in a much
smaller scale.
Twenty years later, my husband and I
have decided to give up the pub trade and
for the past few months I have been
concentrating on my miniatures full time.
Several years ago I started with a few
pairs of silk swags and tails which I listed
on ebay. At the time there were virtually
none around and certainly not in pure silk.
They went surprisingly well but after a
while became very repetitive to make. So
as my confidence grew I branched out
into four‐poster beds, festoon blinds,
mannequins, furniture and the list is now
endless.
As a rule, I prefer to work only in pure silk.
It pleats and drapes beautifully, and is
exactly the right thickness. I do
occasionally add a little floral cotton, but
it has to be an exceptional design.
I am known for being very ott with all of my creations. I love gold trimmings, diamante, marabou feathers
and often cover a piece with hundreds of minute gold beads.
Cottages and humble dwellings are definitely not my forte!!
Surprisingly, I have only exhibited at one fair so far. To be honest it was a complete disaster. My alarm
clocked died and we arrived with just an hour to set up. The hall was very uninviting as they so often are, and
the organiser very sheepishly explained that a lot of the exhibitors had cancelled because of illness, hence
we were plonked in the middle of this draughty room with very few stands either side of us.
The doors opened at 10am, well at least I think they did, but there was definitely no sign of a rush to get in. I
did get a lot of wonderful comments about my work but the general opinion was that it would go much
better at a larger fair where the emphasis would be on handmade items.
Needless to say, after several hours, many
gallons of coffee and endless smiling like a
Cheshire cat I did not sell much at all, and my
husband was in grave danger of slitting his
wrists!!
So for now I sell on ebay...
My website has many pictures of my past
work which I hope will give inspiration to
others who are looking for ideas on what to
put in their own houses. Most of my
commission work comes from here and I
hope to improve on it now that I have more
time.
It also has a Gallery section where I can add
pictures kindly donated by my customers
showing their dollshouses and any creations
I have made for them.
Fairs are still something I hope to venture
into, but I think I need a lot more advice
on the do’s and don’ts before I risk my
husband’s sanity for a second time.
If you have a house that needs a bit of
glamour I hope you will take a few moments
to look at my website. All of my contact
details are there together with a price guide
and details on commissions.
www.simplysilkminiatures.com Ebay – User id ‐ honeycuddlybunny
© Linda Toerzey 2009
Text & photos in this feature
belong to author
Cross stitch Project...
Artisans In Miniature 36
Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star... By AIM Member, Eliza Bentley
This little bear sampler is very quick and easy to make
– I stitched it in a little under 2 hours. The bear isn't
as complicated to stitch as it might appear. Basically
it's just a roughly bear‐shaped block of cross‐stitch;
it's the backstitch outline which gives it definition. It
is stitched over 1 thread of 32 tpi evenweave fabric with 1 strand of cotton thread (plus a little metallic
thread), so it doesn't use many materials.
I have specified the colours I chose to stitch the sampler, but any oddments of stranded cotton you have to
hand would do just as well. If you prefer a little blue bear, just reverse the colours and outline in a darker
blue (for the colours I have chosen, I would use Anchor Stranded No. 122 to colour match with the paler No.
120, Pale Blue). You may, on the other hand, wish to stitch a traditional brown bear, in which case his
nightcap can be any colour you chose – from shocking pink to dayglo orange!
• 1 x 5" square 32 count Evenweave Fabric in White. • Anchor Stranded Cotton: 24 Pale Pink; 20 Pale Blue; 896 Deep Pink. Anchor
Lamé 301 – Silver. • 1 No. 28 (fine) Tapestry Needle. • 1 x 4" embroidery hoop or frame. • 1 small square (to fit frame) of thick white card. • 1 small square of Photomount (clear double-sided self-adhesive sheet). • 1 Miniature Frame with at least a 1¼" x 1½" aperture. • Superglue for attaching your frame to your picture.
Fix your fabric in the embroidery hoop. If you don't have an embroidery hoop or if you want to use less
fabric, you can take a piece of mount card, cut a 2” x 2½” aperture in the centre and fix your
fabric to the back of the card with masking tape.
(I prefer an embroidery hoop because it holds the fabric more firmly, but this method works
perfectly well for miniatures).
You will need...
Stitch the sampler following the
chart, starting with the bear,
and working the cross‐stitch
block first before the outline.
One square of the chart equals
one thread of the evenweave
fabric and each cross‐stitch is
worked over one thread with
one strand of the stranded
cotton. The backstitch outline
of the bear and the text are
also stitched with 1 strand of
the stranded cotton, worked
over 1 or 2 threads at a time, as
you prefer. For the moon and
stars I have used 2 strands of
Anchor Lamé 301 Silver but any
metallic silver thread could be
used instead. If you use a
different metallic thread you
may need one or two strands,
depending on the thickness of
the thread you chose.
Finished stitched size of
sampler is 1” x 1¼”
approximately.
Mount the finished stitched sampler as follows:
Measure the aperture of your frame and allow about 2mm extra to overlap at the back.
Cut your fabric to size, making sure you have your picture centred.
Cut your white card and your Photomount to the same size.
Peel off one side of the back sheet of your Photomount and place your picture, right‐side up, on top of it,
making sure you avoid getting any creases in your fabric as you mount it.
Peel off the other backing sheet on your Photomount and fix your picture to the piece of white card.
Smear a little superglue to the reverse side of your frame (I use superglue gel and a sharpened matchstick in
order to put the glue exactly where I need it).
Centre and stick your frame to your picture and allow to dry.
And that's all there is to it! Your sampler is now ready to grace the wall of your nursery! I hope you enjoy
making it.
Contact Eliza Bentley at [email protected]
© Eliza Bentley 2009 – Copyright Of Text & Photos Belong To This Author
To make...
Artisans In Miniature 37
Artisans In Miniature 38
1. What is your role within the AIM association?
I am the (very proud) founder of AIM. I am also an AIM
forum moderator and the editor of the AIM magazine, so I
have plenty of work to do behind the scenes. I am a regular
contributor to the AIM magazine and also have the ominous
responsibility of running, editing and updating the AIM web
site too.
2. What does the role entail?
As far as being an AIM moderator is concerned, my main duties
are to keep AIM members informed and up to date with any
news or information that is relevant to the AIM association. I
am also responsible for helping members with anything they
need, as well as keeping the discussion threads active,
engaging and ongoing on the AIM yahoo forum.
Being the Editor of the AIM magazine, I work closely with the
fantastic 'AIM' team who collectively enable each issue to be
published every month. Celia and I also work together to
plan / co ordinate future content and generally bring existing plans to fruition, again with
the support and input of the magazine team too! I am ultimately responsible for the layout and formatting
of the magazine and then subsequently, the technical wizardry that publishes each issue and enables us to
offer our FREE magazine, online, to miniaturists all around the globe.
3. How long have you been a member?
As the founding member I would have to say that I was the first to 'join' when the AIM association was set
up back in September 2007.
4. What is your professional trade name and what do you make?
My miniatures business is called Petite Properties Ltd, but I also run my own publishing company called
LUMO Publishing. I am a professional dolls house builder, specialising in smaller scale authentic
Dear Reader… As part of our 2nd birthday celebrations, we
thought you might like to find out more about
the small team of artisans, who work behind
the scenes of the AIM association.
The AIM team, as they have become known,
are perhaps the core of the association; their
collective hard work, creativity and constant dedication, ensures that AIM continues to grow from strength
to strength…. and of course enables us to bring you this fantastic FREE online magazine, each and every
month! I am proud to be both a member of AIM and also part of this dedicated and inspiring team.
Bea...
Meet The
Team...
Bea Broadwood
architecture. I am also the author of a
number of 'how to books' written
especially for DIY loving miniaturists.
5.What do you like /enjoy most
about being a part of / member
of AIM...?
I love the friendship and professional
support that AIM offers. I work
alone, so contact with other artisans
really helps to brighten my day! Being
part of AIM is a real honour and I think
that the AIM magazine is a fantastic
showcase for the association, one that
really helps AIM to stand out in an
often crowded miniature world!
www.petite-properties.com
1. What is your role within the AIM association?
I am a member of the Editorial team and also an AIM Moderator
2. What does the role entail?
As an Editorial member I take part in discussion and planning for
the magazine, and work with our contributors. I look after 'Crafty
Tips', 'It Happened... to a Miniature Artisan' and 'Artisan Street'
and write some features and articles.
As a Moderator, together with Mags and Vicky, I assist
Bea with the administration of AIM and do my best to
be 'about' most days on the forum; welcome new
members, and help members with any queries that
may arise.
3. How long have you been a member?
I'm a very 'old' member and joined in October 2007
Robin Britton
www.coombecrafts.co.uk
4. What is your professional trade name and what do you make?
Coombe Crafts. I make character dolls in 1/12th and 1/24th scale using polymer clay, and some accessories
to go with them and the furniture made by my husband.
5.What do you like /enjoy most about being a part of / member of AIM...?
For me, Aim brings the excitement of being in regular touch with others who are as passionate about
individually handcrafted miniatures of all kinds, together with the enthusiasm and support of the whole
community ‐ and the opportunity to see wonderful artisan pieces that I might not otherwise see. I like
scribbling ‐ so I love my work on the magazine too.
1. What is your role within the AIM
association?
Moderator of Aim and a regular contributor to the
magazine.
2. What does the role entail?
Keeping members up to date with relevant
information and helping them with their enquiries/
needs. Helping to keep the forum active, informative
and fun. Helping and assisting the team in any way I
can.
3. How long have you been a member?
A member since October 17th 2007, one of the oldest members (in age too!)
4. What is your professional trade
name and what do you make?
I trade as Mags‐nificent Miniatures.
I make Period Food and many other related ac‐
cessories, working mainly in 12th scale and some
24th.
5.What do you like /enjoy most about
being a part of / member of AIM...?
Friendship and camaraderie with like‐minded
people, many of whom work at home, alone,
plus the ability to promote the work of Artisans
and to give and receive help, information,
support and feedback.
Mags Cassidy
www.mags-nificent.co.uk
1. What is your role within the AIM association?
Member of the AIM Moderators Team and AIM Membership
Secretary.
2. What does the role entail?
As a member of the Moderator Team my duties include
assisting members with any technical queries concerning the
AIM forum or with any other issues where my help may be
useful, keeping discussion threads flowing and working
closely with the other AIM Moderators to ensure a
successful future for the association as a whole. My role as
AIM Membership Secretary puts me in the position of being
the first point of contact for prospective members. I liaise
between the Moderator Team and prospective members
from the initial contact through to the ‘formal’ AIM
membership invitation (and I am always on the look‐out
for new members!).
3. How long have you been a member?
I’ve been a proud member of AIM since August 2008
4. What is your professional trade name and
what do you make?
I trade under the name of NJD Miniatures. Working in
polymer clay, I create realistic 1:12 scale food as well as
OOAK miniatures with a magical/witch theme.
5.What do you like /enjoy most about being a
part of / member of AIM...?
What do I enjoy most about being a member of AIM? Not
only are AIM members friendly, fun and caring, AIM is also a
fantastic place to gain support and advice from fellow
artisans, whatever the problem or query. With such a wide
variety of artisans working in every genre of handcrafted
miniatures from far reaching corners of the globe, you can
guarantee that someone will be able to help with expert
advice. The community spirit and respect that members
have for each other is outstanding, from wishing each
other well before big shows to offering a shoulder when
things aren’t going quite as planned. In a nutshell, AIM is a
warm and welcoming community of professional artisans
and I am proud to say that I can readily class each and
every member as a friend.
Vicky Guile
www.njdminiatures.com
1. What is your role within the AIM association?
Member of the AIM magazine editorial team, regular magazine
contributor and author of 'Tales From the Toy Cupboard'.
2. What does the role entail?
Brainstorming with other members of the editorial team,
discussing ideas/themes. I also maintain the AIM members’
database and work alongside the other members to promote
AIM.
3. How long have you been a member?
I've been a member of AIM since February 2008
4. What is your professional trade name and what
do you make?
I trade under the name of Diminutive Dolls and make tiny
vintage playthings for the discerning doll's house child!
5.What do you like /enjoy most about being a part of / member of AIM...? It is good to be a part of, and contribute to, an
association that promotes high standards of
excellence among miniature artisans. It's a really
friendly, helpful group, with lots of very talented
members from all corners of the globe. AIM provides
a forum for artisans, and through the free online
magazine, also gives something special back to the
collectors and enthusiasts who form the core of our
fascinating hobby.
Margaret Pitts
Sandra Morris
www.diminutivedolls.co.uk
1. What is your role within the AIM association? As part of the editorial team, I put together the
children's section of the magazine each month (Mini
AIMers). Today’s youngsters are the artisans of
tomorrow and I passionately believe in encouraging
them to take an interest in miniatures from an early
age.
I also contribute articles (particularly with a historical
bent) and projects for the main section.
In addition, I proof read every article that is submitted
for publication.
2. What does the role entail?
Being a team member involves contacting AIM members to coordinate articles and ideas within my remit;
designing, carrying out and photographing suitable projects for Mini AIMers ; doing research for my own
articles; having a good English Dictionary to hand when proof reading! I also try to tidy things up where
necessary and maintain the high standard that our contributors have set for the magazine.
Most of all, it involves working closely with the other team members, so that roles can be interchanged
when necessary e.g. when one of us is ill, or on holiday.
3. How long have you been a member?
I joined in the early days when there were still only 16 members.....so probably since November 2007.
4. What is your professional trade name and
what do you make?
I trade as MiniMilliner and as the name suggests, I make
hats! I also make lots of accessories, which can be seen
on my website.
5.What do you like /enjoy most about being
a part of / member of AIM...?
So what do I enjoy most? …Being part of such an
enthusiastic, energetic, inspirational group of people.
We may never have met in real life, but our common
bond of miniatures is the cement that binds us
together. The AIM magazine is the culmination of this
cooperation
and dedication.
1. What is your role within the AIM association
Member of the AIM magazine editorial team with the official role
of Features Editor Co‐ordinator. Also regular author of The
Antiques & Vintage Corner, Miniature Grapevine, and have joint
responsibility for the AIM Gallery and assorted features.
2. What does the role entail?
The role of Features Editor Co‐ordinator is to collate editorial and
accompanying photos from members each month and put in file
ready for proof reading; to ensure that editorial comes in on time
by the copy deadline; to encourage and communicate with
potential contributors; answer queries, generally brainstorm with
the rest of the editorial team and occasionally nudge Bea if she
forgets anything!
www.minimilliner.co.uk
Celia Thomas Artisans In Miniature 43
3. How long have you been a member?
I joined AIM in November 2007 as Member No
13!
4. What is your professional trade
name and what do you make?
I trade under the name of KT Miniatures and
specialise in making 1930s/1940s miniature
items, commissioned room scenes and also sell
vintage/antique dolls houses. Also organiser of
the annual Thame Dolls House & Miniatures
Fair.
5.What do you like /enjoy most
about being a part of / member of AIM...?
5. To be honest, I am very proud to be an active member of AIM and to have been part of the AIM magazine
right from the very beginning. I love the friendship and support from fellow artisans and the opportunity to
communicate with very talented artisans from all over the world. As I am passionate about what I do for a
living, it is very heartening to be able to converse with like‐minded individuals who can truly understand
what it is like being a self‐ employed miniaturist, as we can support each other in the good times as well as
the bad.
www.ktminiatures.com
Artisans In Miniature “An association of professional artisans, dedicated to promoting a high standard
of excellence in original handcrafted scale miniatures…”
The AIM website has been created in order to showcase the work of the individual artisan members whom together form the international Artisans In Miniature association. AIM was founded in 2007 as an association for professional artisans who create beautiful and original scale miniatures for sale to the public. Since its launch, AIM has grown rapidly and now boasts some of the most talented artisans within the miniature world!
On the AIM website you will find further information about the work of these international artisans and artists who provide further information about their work in the AIM online directory, which is free for all AIM members and can be found on the AIM website. New member’s pages are constantly being added to reflect our growing worldwide membership. So why not bookmark the site today!
Are YOU a professional miniature artisan?? Then why not join us?? AIM is completely FREE to join and inclusion in the AIM online member’s directory is also uniquely completely
FREE!
So...if you are a professional miniature artisan and you would like to find out more about joining the AIM Association please email AIM’s Membership Secretary: Vicky for more information:
www.artisansinminiature.com
Artisans In Miniature 44
Artisans In Miniature 45
We have heard some lovely stories about the misunderstandings that arise from selling on‐line. This happened to AIM member Carol Smith when she first started selling on ebay.
I actually have a collection of real life‐size collectable tins and items such as an old Oxydol soap powder box with contents. Some were very expensive so I have some idea of potential high value and desirability.
I listed some miniature Mazawattee tea tins clearly stating that they were 1.12 miniatures and gave the measurements. They were very inexpensive. I had someone buy one and they complained strongly that it wasn't a full size tin. I replied that I fulfilled what was needed, provided correct, specific information. After that, I could only rely on a potential buyer reading this. Common sense should have come into it. Mazawattee tea tins are highly desirable and very expensive, if you can find one. Surely someone buying these minis would wonder why I had so many, why were they ridiculously cheap (if they were real thing) and how on earth could I charge so little shipping for a 'heavy' tin!
I listed a box of kippers, once again clearly stating that they were a 1.12 scale dollhouse miniature. A man bought one and requested that it be sent to another address. I queried this as you are only supposed to send to the buyers address. He explained it was a present for his parents so I agreed and posted. Turned out he thought they were real kippers.
Yet again, someone not bothering to read the description‐or even looking at the category. Yet again, logic and common sense did not come into it. If I were to buy what I thought were real kippers I would want to know why they were so cheap, how could the postage for a heavy wood box be so little, how fresh were they, how would they be packed?...
And you probably won’t want to know about the buyer who bought a 1.12 clothes‐ horse with string vest & y‐fronts draped over it! I checked out his feedback and he only bought full size y‐fronts, often from sellers with fetish interest in their description. I mailed him to confirm that he realized it was a mini ‐‐‐ he did. One ebayer asked me how my pea & ham soup would be packed!!!
Carol Smith Email: [email protected]
Losing things seems to be a hazard of being a Miniaturist…..well our things ARE tiny! Here’s a frustrating tale from AIM member Cheryl Clingen:
Seriously I need help! I was working on an order to be collected from Parkhurst Fair at the end of this month, and decided to make two dolls at the same time, different styles, to see if I could be more efficient.
WAHAHAHAhahahaha! (hysterical laughter). Who am I kidding?
One of them just is not on my work table anymore. The other doll is there sitting on a chair looking smug. What happened? Did they have a cat fight? Or did something more sinister happen?
I worked on the missing doll on Monday and Tuesday, then she left the building, or so I think. My hubby and I have searched every room in the house, and I even got down and dirty and went through all the trash (yeuk!!!!). So, I've decided to just make a new one from scratch.
So much for being efficient! I've wasted 2 days looking for this bad, bad lady. Parkhurst Mini Fair is just a few weeks away and I'm fighting a losing battle getting stock to sell!
Any advice for me?
Cheryl Clingen (Certified South African Artisan and M.D.M NY)
Email: [email protected] www.MiniDollsFromAfrica.com
Well, it Happened to… A Miniature Artisan
Artisans In Miniature ??
The AIM gallery theme for this month is based around childhood and toys etc. Here is a tiny selection of just some of the work of our many talented AIM members who have some true delights to show you. From toymaker and paper dolls, to exquisite dolls and babies etc....even a tiny school calculator and mini train set! Do take some time out to feast your eyes on our gallery of childhood.
AIM Gallery For September
The Toy Maker...
Paper cut out dolls...
My Baby Sister...
1
2
3
8
Artisans In Miniature 46
Rose & Poppy with their dolls...
Artisans In Miniature ??
5
4
Baby in dress, plus “ooops a daisy”
....diaper and undies!
6
7
10
11
The Playful Puppy, a carved and jointed wooden dog doll
Partie de Colin Maillard
9
Model train table
12
Toy shelf for toy store
13
School calculator
Toy shop sign 14
Child’s play table 16
Boite Poupées
15
18
17
Some children called rose & Lisa
Artisans In Miniature 49
To view more of each artisan’s work, see their websites below:
Photo 1, 4, 5 & 8 created by Debbe Dixon Paver
www.cdhm.org/user/debbie
Photo 2 & 3 created by Cristina Alberti of Tot Petit www.totpetit.es.tl
Photos 6 , 7 , 17 & 18 created by Gina Gagnon of Lone Wolf Mini Creations
www.lonewolfminiaturecreations.com
Photos 10 & 14 created by Beatrice Thierus of Les Miniatures de Béatrice http://myminiatures.net
Photos 11, 12 & 16 created by Debbe Mize www.cdhm.org/user/trisscade
Photos 13 & 15 created by Carol Lester of The Dolls House Mall
www.thedollshousemall.com
Photo 9 created by Christine Shearer of DandelionFair DollHouse www.dandelionfair.com/dollhouse
Imagination, make believe, play, wonder; all
these words take us back to when we were
children.
As I read these words again I realize my
world is still full of them; my miniature world, a world that keeps our inner child young and full of life.
A look at a single miniature toy can spark our child‐like creativity and imagination. How delightful it is to
suddenly find your favorite toy perfectly reproduced in miniature! Or, maybe it’s a tiny doll you always
dreamt of owning, perhaps a game that evokes a sense of nostalgia or a stuffed animal that is simply
impossible to resist.
Not so long ago, I created a miniature toy which made me recapture the joy I felt while playing with its real
version: Paper Dolls. I used to love playing with them, creating stories or enacting my favorite ones,
especially Cinderella. I wanted to make a paper doll that one could play with. I then spent many nights thinking of a way of
making her clothes so that they could be changed, a very important feature to be able to play with her!
Finally the solution came to me and I made a magnetic paper doll. I was so excited to see the first tiny doll,
only 9/16” tall with a wardrobe of six different outfits ready for her to try on! I became a child again, back in
my room, inventing adventures, playing with my doll!
Now, many months later, I’m just as excited as that first day. Each time I make a paper doll I look at her,
invent a story and then design her box accordingly. Some are made to look like a book; others come with
different backgrounds, another with a booklet. They can all be set in many different ways because the
important thing is that you can play with them.
A dear friend used to tell me: “You must never loose your inner
Peter Pan”. As miniaturists, I think it’s safe to say that we’ll always
have a special place for one. There will always be something to
amaze us, inspire us and make us dream; just like when we were
kids.
There are more Twinkle Magnet Paper Dolls ready to meet you at
my website:
http://maiastwinkleminiatures.com
e‐mail: [email protected]
©All Text & Photos In This Item Belong To Maia Bisson Artisans In Miniature 50
Our Inner Peter Pan
By AIM Member, Maia Bisson
Artisans In Miniature 51
PAPER DOLLS Project By AIM Member Jill Bennett Introduction by AIM Member Margaret Pitts
A fantastic new project for you to try! We are delighted to bring you a super project this month from the
multi talented Jill Bennett.
Jill needs very little introduction in the world of Miniatures, as she is
famous for her exquisite dolls, all individual characters from a range of
historical periods and social strata; but she is also well known in other
fields.
As a writer, she has not only produced short stories, but also books for
teenagers, including horror, mysteries and ‘who‐done‐its.’
Her artistic talents also shine in the many books she has illustrated for
authors as diverse as Charles Dickens and Roald Dahl. Linked with this
are her visits to schools where she encourages children in literary and
artistic pursuits.
Her interest and achievements in Stage Design laid the foundations for
miniature creations and a detailed knowledge of historical costume.
As an acknowledgement of her contributions to hand crafted pieces of outstanding quality, Jill was made an
Honorary Life member (Platinum) of The British Toymakers Guild .
So, with all of the above, aren’t we lucky to be able to present you with Jill’s specially designed cut‐out paper
dolls? They are produced in two scales, 1/12th and 1/24th and each doll has its own set of clothes. When I first
saw them, I time‐travelled rapidly backwards (a long way!) to my childhood, when I spent many a rainy day
cutting out and playing with similar dolls. When the tabs eventually tore and the clothes no longer stayed on the
doll, I got out my crayons and paper and made a whole new set of clothes. Would that it were so easy (and
cheap) to produce a new wardrobe in real life!
Even better, is the news that this is just the first in a whole series of Paper Dolls from Jill Bennett. This one,
Arabella, is Edwardian and Jill plans to make dolls dressed in costumes from different periods of history and with
other themes for future issues.
Whether you have come across paper cut outs like these before or not, I’m sure you can’t wait to get started
printing out these lovely dolls, so it only remains for us to say a big thank you to Jill for this contribution to AIM
magazine.
You can see more of Jill Bennett’s work here: www.jillbennett.co.uk
Project...
Artisans In Miniature 52
Artisans In Miniature 54
The Lowther The Lowther Arcade Arcade
By AIM Member, Sandra Morris
As a miniature toymaker, I spend many hours
unearthing sources and references to toys and
games from many different historical periods.
During my extensive research into toys from the
Victorian period, I found references to an entire
arcade of toy shops, right in the heart of Victorian
London.
The once famous Lowther Arcade, which was
situated in the Strand in London, housed a whole
street of high quality toy and curiosity shops.
Sadly, only a few engravings remain of the glory days of this wonderful edifice, but there are a few
contemporary reports from the mid‐1800’s which document the heyday of this cathedral of toys.
“Nearly opposite the railway station, and running diagonally towards Adelaide Street, is the Lowther Arcade. It is
nearly 250 feet in length, and has shops on either side for the sale of fancy goods. As the admission is free, and
the place is considered one of the "sights" of London, it is continually thronged with children and their
attendants, buying toys at the French, German, and Swiss shops. The Lowther Bazaar, which flourished for a
time at the period of the great Exhibition in 1851, was on the other side of the Strand. Besides stalls for the sale
of fancy articles, it had many other objects of interest for the amusement of visitor”.
In particular, an article by the Victorian journalist, George Augustus Sala in 1859 describes the Arcade with
glowing praise in his article “Arcadia”.
“The Lowther Arcade is a tube of shops running from St. Martin's Churchyard into the Strand, very nearly
opposite Hungerford Market. This tube is light and airy, and roofed with glass. It is resonant with the pattering
of feet, the humming of voices, the laughter of children, the rustling of silken dresses, and buying, selling,
bargaining, and chaffering.
Enormous, preposterous, marvellous is Lowther in respect of toys. Look around upon the toys of all nations, and
for children of all ages, which give children such exquisite delight in playing with them ‐ which give papa and
mamma delight scarcely less exquisite in buying them. Cosmopolitan toys, too. Look at the honest, hearty,
well‐meaning toys of old England. The famous cockhorses of such high blood and mettle, that the blood has
broken out all over their skins in an eruption of crimson spots; so full of spirit that their manes stand bolt
upright, and their tales project like comets; such high and mighty cockhorses, that they disdain to walk, and take
continual carriage exercise on wooden platforms, running on wheels. The millers' carts, so bravely painted, so
full of snowy sacks, supposed to contain best boulted flour; but, in reality, holding sawdust.
The carriers' carts, the mail phaetons, the block‐tin omnibuses, the deal locomotives with woolly steam rushing
from the funnels, the brewers' drays, and those simple, yet interesting, vehicles of plain white deal ‐ exact
models, in fact, of the London scavengers' carts ‐ so much in request at Brighton and Margate for the cartage of
sand, pebbles, and sea‐weed, and sometimes used as hearses for the interment of a doll, or as Bath chairs for the
exercise of an unwilling poodle.
Can you look unmoved on the great Noah's arks ‐ those Edens of wooden zoology, where the mouse lies down
with the cameleopard (and is nearly as big) where the lion is on such familiar terms with the jackass as to allow
him to stand atop of him, with his hoofs in his jagged mane; where the duck is neatly packed (for more
commodious stowage) in the bosom of the tigress, and then stands on his head between the fore feet of the
elephant? Can you passively inspect the noble fluffy donkeys, with real fur, and the nicely equipoised panniers,
and harness of softest, brownest leather? And those desirable family mansions, the dolls' houses, with the capital
modern furniture, plate, glass and linen. And the glorious kitchens, with that bottle‐jack and meat screen and
dripping‐pan, at which was roasted the wooden sirloin of beef, painted and varnished. The boxes of red‐handled
carpenters' tools, which cut, and sawed, and chiselled nothing but children's fingers. The boxes of tea‐things ‐
now of wood, now of more ambition, tin and lead. The dolls ‐ from Missey's flaxen‐headed beauty, with the
moveable blue eyes and the elegant pink leather extremities, swathed in silver tissue paper, to Master Jackey's
favourite policeman, blue in attire, and very stiff, with a very glazed hat, an intensely legible number, and
varnished wooden boots. The fierce Hungarian hussar on horseback, with that cruel curved wire and counter
‐weight stuck through his entrails, with which he maintains an unceasing see‐saw. The drummer with moveable
arms. The musical toys, the accordions, the marvellous kaleidoscopes regarded at first as phantasmago‐
ria of delight; but, breaking, or being broken, soon disclosing to our great disappointment and disgust, nothing
but a disc of tin, a fragment of smoked glass, and some tawdry coloured chips? And such is life.
An infinity of other jou‐joux, such as India‐rubber balls, whips of all shapes and capacities for chair or cock‐horse
flagellation, skipping‐ropes, flutes, spades, rakes and hoes: all these are to be found in the toy department of the
Lowther Arcade.
These toys are sold by bright‐eyed damsels, and they are
bought by plump married couples, and pretty cousins, and
prim yet benignant old aunts, and cross yet kind old
grandmothers ‐ yea and by cross‐grained bachelors and
sulky misogynists, and crabbed City men. I have seen a man
‐ one of those men who were he but five‐and‐twenty you
would immediately feel inclined to call, mentally, an old
fellow‐ enter Lowther Arcadia by the Strand, looking as
savage, as ill‐tempered, as sulky as the defendant in a
breach‐of‐promise case, dragging rather than leading a
child; but I have seen him emerge ten minutes afterwards
with an armful of toys looking sunny with good humour.”
What I wouldn’t give to be able to travel back in time to a
sunny day in 1860, and wander through the Lowther
Arcade…..armed with notebook and camera of course!
www.diminuativedolls.co.uk ©All Text & Photos In This Item Belong To Sandra Morris
“Folk art”
Decorated Wardrobes,
Toy Chests,
Game Boards & More...
By AIM Member,
Joyce Dorothy Hamill/Rawcliffe
Artisans In Miniature 56
Artisans In Miniature 57
Many cultures around the world have their own style of folk art. I have always been fascinated by the many
styles of "folk art". Folk art is sometimes called the "Age Old Craft". When you hear someone say the word
"Folk Art", several definitions might come to mind. Such as, painted by the people, painted by the working
class, or by peasants. A hundred and fifty years ago when someone said folk art you may have thought of the
travelling, itinerant portrait painters. These folk artists from the different cultures around the world were our
artisans of the past, and we are the artisans of the present.
There are different styles of folk art in every culture. Folk art painted on furniture has origins as early as the
13th century in Europe. Many fine examples of decorated furniture and household goods are presently in
museums, castles, and homes all across the globe. Other areas of art that overlap with folk art are: Naive Art,
Pop Art, Decorative Art, and Outsider Art. All these forms of art have their own individual definition of the
type of art or style they define. You will find the name of these specific styles of art used interchangeably with
the term folk art. There are other styles of art from many different cultures that I have not listed, as the list is
long and varied.
Every artist designs and decorates their choice of items with their own style of adapted folk art. Some things
the folk artist considers are: surface, object, layout, design, brush strokes and colour. Most folk art styles are
based in traditional craft techniques within each culture. As an artist develops his abilities to paint these
different techniques in the different styles, he also introduces his own individual patterns and ideas within the
traditional form. Traditional forms of folk art are based in the specific cultures. You can on occasion
determine the type or style of folk art by the colours of the paint and how it is used. It may also tell you the
specific region or cultural area it comes from within the
traditional style. The traditional background colours
of several cultures are the darker ones, such as: black,
green, blue, and sometimes red. Other cultures prefer
lighter backgrounds, such as blue, yellow, and white to off white.
Folk art can be painted with pictorial inserts that may include: full‐masted ships to boats, elaborate castles to
cottages, lighthouses to bridges, and may include portraits of people, children, and animals. The profuse
clusters of flowers that may also dominate the decorated items occasionally are roses. There are other flowers
that may be added and they sometimes include naive daisies, prancing primrose, to hybrid flowers that come
from the strokes and imagination of the artists themselves, called fantasy flowers. Decorated pieces of folk art
may commemorate different anniversaries in our lives. Such as a birth, baptism, engagement, marriage, a
special gathering, retirement, and even a death. The items that are traditionally hand painted and
decorated with patterns of folk art are:
wardrobes, dressers, plates, crates, trays,
game boards, boxes, chests, wooden
kitchenware, but especially children's items
and toys.
There are many fine examples of folk art today
in our homes of the present and homes of the
not so distant past. Folk art has always been
associated with children's rooms or
nurseries.
Folk artists have decorated wardrobes, cribs,
layette tables, dressers, toy chests, and toys
for children, for many centuries. Some of
the toys they have hand painted and personal‐
ized with many different patterns and motifs
include wooden trains, planes, automobiles,
dolls and teddy bears, to the game boards and
game chests of the older children and
adults. The game boards may include the
games of Chinese checkers, checkers, and
chess. The other hand‐painted toys that
inspire imaginative play are: the sets of Noah's
arks, dollhouses, and wooden castles with all
the trimmings. Artisans In Miniature 58
Parents, family members, and friends like to give special gifts to special people. These special gifts can be
decorated and embellished with many different patterns that may include nursery rhymes or fairy tales. Every
culture has their own version of these stories. There are many versions of Snow White and the apple, the Snow
Queen and her chariot, and Wynken, Blynken, and Nod who sail away in a wooden shoe.
Many pieces of folk art such as game boards and chests have been played with for a while then put away till
the next generation comes along to play. Some items may be saved and passed down to their children, or
maybe to their children's children. The items themselves are unique pieces of cultural art. They have many
stories and memories attached to them. Folk art is very desirable and highly collectible.
Collectors, so to speak, are the keepers or protectors of the next generation’s memories. Many game boards
will hang on the wall, others will be put away in special places, such as a hand painted or decorated toy chest
for a rainy day.
Maybe… just maybe… when you least expect it… did you hear that?
It was not more than a whisper… did you hear a voice?
It was coming from the doll house over there… will you come play with me?....
and the rest is up to you!
To view more of Joyce’s work, go to: www.minilisticly.com ©All text and photo's are property of Joyce Dorothy Hamill/Rawcliffe " Minilisticly "
The small world of ELF By AIM Member, Elizabeth LePla
This month we take a closer look inside the miniature
world of ELF and see where Elizabeth LePla works at
her home in London near the heart of the capital of
the UK.
My small London flat has the dimensions of a good‐sized living room
in the average family home – but then you need to allow for the kitchen, the bathroom and my daughter’s
room! Forget the purpose built workshop and the garden shed‐converted‐to‐workshop, the space in the attic
or the spare bedroom, MY workshop is also my sitting room, dining room, bedroom, office, store room and
computer station, TV room and of course...spare bedroom!
You might say that my entire life is lived in miniature! Living and working in such a small area means that
every inch of space must be utilised to the full, and to this end I have built most of the furniture myself using
IKEA flat‐pack units! My main workbench is a kitchen worktop that runs right along one wall under the
window. To either side of the window are bookcases that house my files, records and reference sources. A
series of doors beneath the worktop conceal the contents while the room is in “sitting room mode” but behind
those doors are the raw materials that I use to create my furniture.
I’ve used a mixture of
kitchen and wardrobe
units to create purpose
built storage. Wide
wardrobe drawers are
perfect for timber, and
kitchen pan‐drawers
house plastics, metals,
laminates, paints, glues,
mirrors, sinks ‐ and the
saw when it’s not in
use! Kitchen storage
boxes fit perfectly in the
pan drawers, making
excellent use of all the
available space.
Artisans In Miniature ?? Artisans In Miniature 60
On the opposite side of the
room is my bed, built on yet
more kitchen units.
Cupboards at either end
support the slatted bed
frame leaving a large
enclosed storage area in the
middle. Here are the
displays I use at Fairs, and
yet more supplies. There
are even cupboards above
the bed – these are also
kitchen units, this time fan
cabinets, painted to match
the walls – this little trick makes them
“disappear” and means they don’t
make the room feel claustrophobic.
Nearby is my computer – a laptop (no
room for a desktop!) on which I do a
lot of the designing for the fitted
kitchens and bathrooms and process
the orders from my website.
The “real” work is done amidst chaos
on the table. At one time this was a
proper table – a folding table that
could be pulled out and seat six....but
as my business grew I began to run
out of office space and so the shelf
unit made its appearance ‐ and that
made it difficult to move the table.
Then I needed room for kit
components and another kitchen
cupboard took the place of the table
legs! Now if we have more than three
to eat, it’s finger food only – or eat
out!
Everything is a little topsy turvy in my
flat. The bed is built on kitchen units,
but at the entrance to the kitchen I’ve
used shallow bathroom units! And
even here living and working are
combined because along with the Artisans In Miniature ??
drinks and the cat food, the
breakfast cereal and the
biscuits, are the spray paints
and adhesives.
I share my workspace with our
cat Pud whose entire life is
dedicated to sleep . She does
occasionally wake up and
watch what’s going on outside
the window...but it’s soon back
to sleep again!
Although I live within 15 mins
of the centre of London and
one of the main roads out of
the city passes within 100 yards
of my flat, large Victorian
houses muffle all sounds from
the road and I live in a little
oasis of peace.
In the summer, the view from
my window almost resembles a
tropical forest. There is no
traffic, just the sound of birds
and the breeze in the trees, and
because I face south, the sun
streams in – highlighting the inevitable dust that covers
every surface! I usually have a big clear‐up when I come
to the end of a project, but in between whiles, the dust
accumulates and fragments of wood and scraps of paper
litter the floor.
If I stopped to clean up every five minutes – and believe
me, with the electric saw in regular use, the room is
rarely sawdust‐free ‐ I’d never get any work done and
I’d spend a lifetime vacuum cleaning, so I content
myself with the old adage that “a tidy house is the sign
of a wasted life” and my own belief that there are better
things to do in life than housework!
Of course there are disadvantages to living and working in the same space. It’s all too easy to sit down with
the morning cup of coffee – espresso in my case ‐ still in my nightwear, and once I’ve dealt with the
morning emails, start on the day’s work without a second thought. I don’t think I have a single item of
nightwear that isn’t liberally spattered with paint! It can also be difficult to stop working; I can’t simply
close the door and put it all behind me as work is everywhere, a constant invitation to “just finish that” or
“see if this works”.
However, there are advantages too. I don’t have to go elsewhere to answer the phone, or check my emails.
My files and order books are always to hand, and I can cook the meals and deal with the washing without
having to desert my workshop.
As summer turns to winter and the cold weather arrives and those with outdoor workshops retreat indoors
struggling to keep
warm, and wondering
when they will be able
to get back to work, I
can re lax and
appreciate the benefits
of living and working in
the same space. And
just occasionally, I do
clear the decks, and
simply sit down and
relax!
If you would like to see
more of what Elizabeth
makes in her miniature
world, why not visit her
website
www.elfminiatures.co.uk
©Copyright on all text and
photos in this article are
the property of
Elizabeth LePla
Artisans In Miniature 63
Compiled By AIM Member, Margaret Pitts (MiniMilliner)
Hello again Kids!
Have you heard the strange story of the Fairy Doors that started appearing in a town in America a few years ago? You can read all about it here in Mini AIMers and also find out how to make your very own fairy door.
But first…..
…do you remember last month how Mini AIMer Sarah and her Grandmother, Leilani, showed you how to create things from pistachio shells ? Well this month they have more brilliant ideas for you in their Trash to Treasures series! All you need to get started is an empty Chiclets box or a Tic-Tac box, which is similar.
Materials needed:
• Small Chiclets box or a Tic-Tac box
• Glue • Scissors • Scrap paper
Instructions Step 1 - Glue the open part of the little Chiclets or Tic-Tac box in place. Step 2 - Cut a piece of paper to go around the long part of the box and glue in place. Step 3 - Cut another piece to go around from the front to the back of the box and glue in place. Step 4 - Cut two thin strips and glue one to the top edge all the way around and another to the bottom edge all the way around for trim. You could use ribbon or ric-rac braid as trim if you prefer. .Step 5 - Cut a piece for the handle and fold sides in to make the handle neat and glue in place.
You can also make your luggage using fabric or soft, thin leather or suede.
Trash To Treasures...
Luggage
Artisans In Miniature 64
Or how about some pretty hat boxes?
To make the hat boxes, you will need:
• Wide ribbon ( I used yellow cotton and pink satin without wire for the yellow and pink
hat boxes. The blue one has wire and that part I used for the handle so it could hold the shape better).
• Narrow ribbon • Tacky Glue or Superglue • A few assorted flowers • scissors • A piece of thin card for handles • Two water bottle caps/tops per hatbox Instructions
Step 1. First, glue the two caps with the open sides facing each other. Tacky glue is easier, but if you use Superglue, ask an adult to help.
Step 2. Using the wide ribbon, cover the top and bottom of the caps making sure to overlap a little bit of the ribbon over the sides of the caps so when you add the other ribbon no part of the caps are showing. You can cut tiny slits along the ribbon so it folds over nicely. All you need is a little over the edge as the rest will be covered.
Step 3. Cut a piece of card for the handle and cover both sides with the narrow ribbon then glue one end of the ribbon to each side of the cap.
Step 4. Glue another piece of ribbon all the way around the caps using just a little bit of glue. Your caps should be all covered up now.
Step 5. Make a bow and glue it to the handle on the sides and add a flower to the bows.
Step 6. Glue beads to the middle of the hat box for decoration. You can add the beads either to the middle or to the top just a little below the rim .
Step 7. Glue a few silk flowers to the top and you are done!. You can see how I used the different beads and things on mine so use your imagination and add what ever you like to yours.
Artisans In Miniature 65
Smart handbags/purses
Materials needed: • Binder clips (check photo if you aren’t sure
what these look like) • Wire ribbon • Scissors • Glue
Instructions: Step 1. Cut a piece of ribbon to cover all sides of the binder clip making sure you have some to go into the sides. The ribbon should be longer at the sides so you have fabric to push into the side. Step 2. Put a little glue along the top edge just under the metal loops on the clip and glue in place. Do this to both sides, front and back. Step 3. Once the glue dries you can fold and push the sides in but not all the way as you want to cover the sides up nicely so fold the ends into a triangle shape . Smaller on the top and wider at the bottom, the shape of the clip. Step 4. Cut two pieces from the part that has the wire in it for your handles.
TIP: Sometimes the wire will have lose thread and you can trim it off and it will stay neat but if it still doesn't behave then try this. Cut two pieces of the fabric the length you want your handle to be and fold the sides in then fold again and you have perfect little handles.
The handles don't have to be wide so all you need is a very small piece of fabric. Step 5. Holding the clip open put a little glue on the wire/handle ends of the two handles and push them inside the handbag so they are in place. Once you close the clips, the handles will not come out. Step 6. Remove the binder clips by squeezing them towards the centre and you are done.
Note/Tips: Remember that you are not limited to just using wire ribbon as you can also use any other type fabric you like or have on hand. You can add little bead feet to your purse if you like by adding a tiny bead to each corner on the bottom of your handbag. You can also add a bead pearl to the top/centre of the purse to represent a closing clip.
Enjoy! See you next month ! Projects And Ideas Created By Sarah & her Grandma Leilani
This picture will give you some more ideas...
WOW! Wasn’t that great? Many thanks to Sarah and Leilani for their wonderful project ideas.
There is a town in Michigan, U.S.A. called Ann Arbor, where fairy doors seem to spring up all over the place…..and no-one knows who makes them!
A resident of the town, Jonathan Wright, may have been the first to spot one. He lives in a house that is over 100yrs old and often has to repair or renovate parts of it.
One day, when he was busy building a cupboard under the stairs, his children spotted a tiny door about 6” high. They opened it and saw a tiny staircase leading up to yet another door, but this one was always locked. Another time, he was putting in a new fireplace and the children discovered another tiny door! This one opened into a room with a curving staircase leading to a balcony……and another door! Then they noticed a second door in the room with a tiny window and sometimes they have seen a light go on and off through this window. They have also heard rustlings and muffled sounds. Spooky, eh? ….or have fairies moved in?
FAIRY DOORS... a true story!
Artisans In Miniature 67
Soon after that, more fairy doors began to appear all over the town, often in the street, in walls, lamp-posts, outside shops etc. The townsfolk were intrigued and the local children started leaving presents for the fairies: coins, sweets, tiny hats, books etc, which all seemed to have vanished next time they came by! Everyone loved it, the story spread around the world and now people in the U.K want fairy doors too. If you would like to make your own fairy door to put in your garden, here’s an easy way….and it just might tempt fairies to visit !
To Make A Fairy Door...
You will need:
• Air drying clay or polymer
clay • Small pebbles or shells • Cocktail stick (toothpick) • Card • Paint • Varnish
Decide how big you would like your door to be --- 5 or 6 inches is big enough --- and draw it on a piece of card. I decided to curve the top of mine but you could just have it straight if you wish.
Cut out the shape --- this is your template. Roll out your clay slightly bigger than your template and about ¼” thick.
Lay the template on top of the clay and trim round it. You could use a lolly (popsicle) stick or cocktail stick or a blunt knife to do this.
Remove the template from the clay and use your cocktail stick to outline whatever you like on the door ---a handle, hinges, bolts, a pattern perhaps.
I also marked out where I wanted to put tiny pebbles. You could use shells instead if you have some. Then I pressed them into the clay (I didn’t use glue).
I made a door knob and hinges from clay. I used the air-drying clay, so I dampened it and pressed them straight onto the door. If this doesn’t work with Fimo, say, you might have to bake the door first, add the extra bits, then bake again.
Artisans In Miniature 68
Copyright of text and photos belongs to their authors. Please note – although the projects in this column are for children, adult supervision is recommended at all times.
The authors cannot be held responsible for any accidents arising from these projects.
Artisans In Miniature 69
When the clay has dried (or baked), you can paint the door and add other touches, like moss, lichen, or even dirt! Finally, you will need to varnish the door with a weatherproof varnish if it is to be outside, and glue it in place. I suggest asking an adult to do this for you as they could use a VERY robust glue like araldite. (Tacky glue would wash off in the rain.)
Why not take a photo of your fairy door and send it to me, Margaret,
You might get it published in the next issue!
My grandchildren love my fairy door and always take something for the fairies, like flower petals, shells, coloured stones and anything shiny. The strange thing is, these things have always disappeared in the morning!
If you want to find out more about Fairy Doors, here are some websites to explore:
http://urban-fairies.com/OBSERVATIONS/
SIGHTINGSpages/SIGHTINGS1.html
http://urban-fairies.com/locationspages/
locations.html
http://urban-fairies.com/background.html
Photos in this article are copyright of Margaret Pitts (www.minimilliner.co.uk)
Preview... Anyone who has been lucky enough to visit the world famous Miniatura show will already know what a
fantastic celebration of dolls house miniatures it presents.
Held at the NEC in Birmingham, the autumn show will bring a huge number of quality exhibitors together
under one very big roof. At the forthcoming Miniatura show in October almost one fifth of the total
number of exhibitors will be AIM members, giving the AIM Association an extensive and tangible presence
at this prestigious event.
For most of the exhibitors at Miniatura, preparations for the show begin way in advance of the doors
opening and AIM members who will be exhibiting there next month are certainly no exception. Over the
last few weeks the anticipation and workloads for these artisans has been steadily building and their
collective stocks of midnight oil, much depleted!
On the AIM forum there has also been a definite ‘buzz’ in the air amongst those members who will be
exhibiting at what they affectionately call ‘The Big M’. Many of them will have new products, ranges or
limited edition miniatures to showcase and we thought you might enjoy a little taster of what is in store
for Miniatura visitors.
As AIM members create mainly hand crafted ‘one of a kind’ miniatures – sold on a first come, first served
basis ‐‐ visitors to the show on Saturday (when there is only a limited number of entry tickets) will certainly
benefit from having not only the first, but also the widest choice of these unique artisan pieces.
AIM members can also be easily identified as they will be displaying their AIM logo on their exhibition
stands. So do keep an eye out for them!
For me personally, each ‘Miniatura’ show is a high point in my busy fair schedule and like my fellow
colleagues at AIM, it is also one that I look forward to enthusiastically! I do hope that if you can, you will
take the opportunity to visit this very special show. Over the years Miniatura has become a flagship for the
miniature community, no matter which side of the exhibition table you stand and a place where, collectors
and miniature enthusiasts can find almost anything they desire, all in miniature of course!
Bea Broadwood Petite Properties Ltd / LUMO Publishing
By AIM Member Bea Broadwood
Artisans In Miniature 70
Mags-nificent Miniatures As always, something new especially for Miniatura from Mags of
Mags‐nificent Miniatures...
Set of Medieval Stocks complete with 'splattered' offender and
basket of rotten eggs and fruits, plus new Shabby‐chic and
Delicatessen ranges.
Good selection of Tudor and WW2 items available as normal
K Designs
K Designs will be exhibiting at Miniatura and will be showcasing Kate’s new modern 1:24th scale family along
side all the ‘old favourites of course.
Kate will also have some
1/12 children characters,
such as a sweep…
So lots for visitors to see on
the K Designs stand!
Artisans In Miniature 71
1:24th Scale Sweep
Tudor Pedlar Lady
Petite Properties Ltd
In addition to a wide range of beautifully made food, AIM member Carol Smith will have three new projects on her stand at Minaitura; Two small room boxes, a toilet and a walk in pantry and also a sweet shop.
Carol Smith
Along side ‘streets’ of new 1:24th scale property designs, author Bea (Fiona) Broadwood will also be launching her much anticipated second 1:48th scale book & kit ‐ Washtub Cottage.
The Corner Shop Book & Kit will also be on sale and is priced at £19.99
There will also be a limited number of completed quarter scale ‘Corner Shops’ made by Bea herself and available to purchase exclusively at the show.
As always Bea’s half scale houses will be sold on a first come, first serve basis, so why not visit the Petite Properties’ stand early, to avoid disappointment!
AIM Members who will be exhibiting at Miniatura, NEC Birmingham
on 3rd & 4th October 2009 ANN MARIE MINIATURES ANRO MINIATURES ARTFORGE BAGS OF CHARACTER GALE ELENA BANTOCK BELLA BELLE DOLLS JILL BENNETT COLIN BIRD COMPLEMENTOS PARA CASAS DE MUÑECAS CAROL COOK MINIATURES COSTUME CAVALCADE CRUMPLED & RUMPLED DATEMAN BOOKS ELLIE de LACY E.L.F. FIONA'S MINIATURE WORKSHOP GRANDAD'S MINIATURES ANN HIGH ‐ FINE MEDIEVAL MINIATURES DEB JACKSON DESIGNS K DESIGNS THE LITTLE HATTER MAGS‐NIFICENT MINIATURES MALCOLM'S MINIATURES MARY MYRTLE MINIATURES MERRY GOURMET MINIATURES THE MINIATURE GARDEN CENTRE MISS SALLY WORLD NICKY'S DOLLS AND CRITTERS NIKKI NAKKI NU OLDE CHARM MINIATURES (formerly Grandads Playroom) JOSEPHINE PARNELL PETITE PROPERTIES PLATT'S MINI PACKAGES GEORGINA RITSON HELGA SADOWSKI SHEPHERD MINIATURES CAROL SMITH STOKESAY WARE FINE FLOWERS IN MINIATURE / TEMPLEWOOD
MINIATURES MARY WILLIAMS DOLLSHOUSE DOLLS WILLOW MODELS
AIM members who will have their work displayed at the show:
Coombe Crafts Eileen Sedgwick Ooak Diddy Dolls
To find out more about visiting Minaitura
visit their website: www.miniatura.co.uk
Nicky’s Dolls & Critters
Nicky will be exhibiting at Miniatura with a series
of dolls based on the illustrations by Norman
Rockwell as well other well known artists. She
will also have a whole new series
of birds and animals ‐ making
Nicky’s stand at the show a
definite ‘must see’!
Tudor Cook...
The Miniature... GRAPEVINE
New AIM Members
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the
following new members who have joined AIM in the
past month:
HAT TRICK FOR AIM ONLINE MAGAZINE! Scribd have told us that our online AIM Magazine ‐
Issue No. 14 has made their 'Hot' List .....yet again!
That means we gain extra exposure on the scribd
site...and that makes it
three months in a row
for a 'Hot ward'
.....whoooaaa!!!
Well done to the team
and thank you to
everyone who has
contributed to the
continued success of
this magazine!
CONGRATULATIONS TO
THREE AIM MEMBERS! Three AIM members have recently won
significant awards from CDHM’s 3rd Year
Anniversary Celebrations.
Huge Congratulations to the following:
*Elisa Fenoglio of Italy has won the Miss CDHM
Doll Universe award under the Miss CDHM
Miniature Doll Universe Pageant category.
*Annemarie Kwikkel from the Netherlands has
won the CDHM Best Dressed Doll award under
the Miss CDHM Miniature Doll Universe Pageant
category.
*Nathalie Gireaud of France has won the CDHM
Best Cake Maker under the The CDHM Cake
Extravaganza category.
An achiemvent indeed! To find out more about
these awards and winners, see www.cdhm.org
Coombe Crafts Have Now Moved! Coombe Crafts have moved to:
8 Windmill Road,
Thame,
Oxon,
OX9 2DR
and Yippee!!
Now have a landline telephone again!
To contact us please telephone 01844 213022
Email and website addresses are unchanged:
www.coombecrafts.co.uk
Elizabeth Bentley Vynette Van der
heijden Sandra Keller Palesch
Michele Kelly Charlotte Deadman
Cindy Teh
Cynthia Howe Helga Sadowski Larry Marshall Carol McBride Paul Taylor
Richard Kuehn Jana Rowntree
NEW
Artisans In Miniature 74
Diminutive Dolls Unveils New Range
Of Wicker Toy Pram & Crib Kits! Over the summer we have been hard
at work perfecting our new wicker kits which
include toy prams and cribs in different sizes and
styles, from 1/12 child‐size down to teeny weeny!
Kits contain everything needed to complete your
chosen toy, including pre‐drilled wooden base,
wire uprights, waxed linen thread, pre‐drilled
turned wooden handles,
wheels with axle
as semb l i e s , p lus
comprehensive step by
step instructions,
illustrated in colour
throughout.
See the full range at
www.diminutivedolls.co.uk
and on our sister site
www.towerhousedolls.co.uk
New Additions From Charlotte Deadman I am a specialist designer/maker of 1/12th‐scale
millinery and in the 'Profile' on me in the July 2009
edition of DHM I noted that I
planned to expand my range
to include 1/12th‐scale
garments.
Accordingly, please see an
image of one of the first
additions to my forthcoming
new range: An entirely hand‐
s t i t c h e d , c omp l e t e l y
removable pure wool worsted
suit, lined with a striped, pure
silk taffeta and accented with
tiny white metal buttons and a fixed breast pocket
with handkerchief (the shirt and tie are the
Model's own and are not for sale).
Also pictured is the
latest in my Signature
range of 1/12th‐scale
Pure Wool bowler hats ‐
here, in a classic soft
grey to compliment the
suit ‐ accented with
pure silk and lined with
leather and pure silk, plus Maker's name. Again,
the bowler is completely hand‐stitched
(absolutely nothing is glued).
See Charlotte’s brand new website at
www.bear‐faced‐lies.com
News From Pamela J Pamela J tells us that her “Labor Day Picnic
Display” is in the September Issue of American
Miniaturist, along
with three tutorials
on making the Picnic
Table from clay, the
Hamburgers (raw and
cooked) and the
Devilled Eggs.
She also tells us that
her feature “ My Ladies
Boudoir” is in the Sept/
Oct. Issue of Dollhouse
Miniatures. It includes
a Tutorial on making
the curio shelf that's hanging on the wall.
Pamela J Nicholson http://pamelajminis.com
Change of Email Address Fran Casselman tells us that her new e‐mail
address will now be [email protected]
Artisans In Miniature 75
Artisans In Miniature 52
Don’t Miss A Thing!
Catch the latest news from all around the miniature world…
All FREE and fully downloadable at:
www.artisansinminiature.com Loads more fantastic
‘quality’ projects, articles & features
written exclusively by AIM members!!!
Written by artisans Enjoyed by miniaturists...!Please Note:
The projects included in this publication are not suitable for children under the age of 14* The miniatures featured in this magazine are collectors items and therefore unsuitable for children under 14*.
All projects are undertaken at your own risk. AIM does not accept responsibility for any injury incurred. All articles and photographs used in this magazine are copyright of their authors.
The AIM magazine’s content is for private use only and it must not be reproduced in part or in full for commercial gain in any form.
Each artisan contributor is responsible for their own work / contribution to the AIM magazine and retain full responsibility for their published work.
The authors/self publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any consequences arising from following instructions, advice or information in this magazine.
*with the exception of the Mini AIMers feature which is written especially for children under 14.
COMING nEXT MONTH…
www.artisansinminiature.com
See you again next month…!
Cristina Alberti
Jill Bennett
Eliza Bentley
Maia Bisson
Robin Britton
Bea Broadwood
Mags Cassidy
Cheryl Clingen
Jodi & Richard Creager
Catherine Davies
Debbe Dixon Paver
Gina Gagnon
Vicky Guile
Joyce Dorothy Hamill/
Rawcliffe
Jane Harrop
Pearl Hudson
Ulrike Leibling
Elizabeth LePla
Carol Lester
Debbe Mize
Sandra Morris
Margaret Pitts
Frances Powell
Christine Shearer
Carol Smith
Beatrice Thierus
Celia Thomas
Linda Toerzey
Guest Contributors
Andy Hopwood
Christiane Berridge
Grandma Leilani
& Sarah
Janet Kirkwood
Joyce Dean
This issue would not have been possible without the generous contributions from the following AIM members…
Many thanks therefore go to...