AIM Mag Issue 9

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Contents…

February 2009: Issue No 9

Cover Image: Coombe Crafts

Regular Features…

2 Editor’s Note: An introduction & welcome to this new edition of the Artisans In Miniature FREE ‘downloadable’ magazine! 3 The Miniature Grapevine: Catch up on all the latest news from the international miniature world. 5 Showing Us The Way: Celia Thomas, organiser of the famous Thame Show explains how this fantastic show came about. 10 Well, It Happened To An Artisan: Read about the often strange lives of AIM members 11 In The Dock: AIM member Colin Bird is put into the dock, read his fascinating answers to our in depth questions. 15 Fairy Celebrations & Festivals: Louise Goldsborough explains more about February’s celebration of Imbolc. 24 Crafty Tips: Learn the tricks of the miniature trade. 28 Tales From The Toy Cupboard: Sandra Morris brings you another instalment of her regular column. 39 AIMology: When genealogy and the world of miniatures meet... 40 The Miniature Kitchen: Mags Cassidy opens the door or her virtual kitchen ‐ Check out the fantastic fimo projects and other helpful information. 45 Antique & Vintage Corner: Celia Thomas takes a closer look at 1930’s Dolls House Furniture Manufacturer – “Pit‐a‐Pat” 49 Mini Aimers: Written by Margaret Pitts especially for younger miniaturists and the artisans of the future.

Special Features…

15 The Queen Of Hearts: Doll maker Louise Goldsborough shares her interpretation of this classic character. 16 Wood Or Wouldn’t: Sue Newstead’s poem, teaches us more about the delightful dummy boards that she loves to paint. 25 Muñecas, Títeres y Teatros desde España: AIM member Cristina tells us more about her amazing work, in her own language. 29 Home Front: Find out more about this eventful period of British history. 33 Uniform Gallery ‘On Parade’: AIM members share with us their veritable parade of miniature military personal. 47 Make Do Or Mend: Julie Campbell takes a nostalgic look back in time.

Free Projects…

8 The Magic of ‘Bufoam’: AIM member Arla Johnson teaches how to create these fabulously realistic ‘stone effect’ steps. 14 Knitting Project: Buttercup Miniatures provide us with a fantastic seasonally inspired ladies snood pattern. 19 Modern Kitchen Project: Written by Glynis Webb of Jasmine By Design. 27 Art Deco Picture Frame: Enjoy Jane Harrop’s wonderful 1930’s inspired 1:12th scale project. 36 1940’s Utility Slippers: Margaret Pitts shares her perfect wartime accessories.

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Artisans In Miniature 1

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Editor’s

Note...

The AIM magazine production Team (in 'first name' alphabetical order) Bea (Fiona Broadwood) Editor: Editor's note, (Layout, Format Designer & Publisher) office@petite‐properties.com Celia Thomas Features Editor Co Ordinator: The Miniature Grapevine / Antique & Vintage Corner [email protected] Dave Williams Production Manager: In The Dock / Historic Houses / Showing Us The Way / AIMology [email protected] Mags (Margaret Cassidy) Cookery Features Editor: The Miniature Kitchen info@mags‐nificent.co.uk Margaret Pitts AIM Columnist New children's feature: Mini AIMers [email protected] Robin Britton AIM Columnist: Crafty Tips / Yes It Happened To An Artisan / Artisan Street [email protected] 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… Copyright LUMO Publishing 2009

Dear Reader

It is no good, I can’t deny it: I love new year!

For me it has always been a time of new beginnings, fresh starts and most importantly; a time of clean, blank, pages. Personally, the flip of a new calendar has always marked the beginning of a season where all that has gone before is ancient history and the present marks a time of year that seems to feel so much more ‘hopeful’ than that of any other…

Since the last cork of the festive season popped, here at AIM we have been up to our eyes in preparation for the unveiling of this new February edition. Revitalised by the Christmas break and hot on the heels of Big Ben’s chimes, the change of year has signalled a ‘re launch’ of the AIM magazine. Indeed as the rest of the world collectively reached for the infamous fizzy tablets, we were instead hard at work putting the finishing touches to our ‘new look’ downloadable miniature magazine.

I am hopeful that you will agree with me when I say that all the hard work has paid off. The new format has allowed AIM members to bring you even more detail, even more content; all available to keep, store or reprint for FREE, simply at the touch of a button!

Issue No 9 now comes to you, complete with a fresh new format together with many exciting developments, all of which the AIM magazine team and I are sure you are going to love!

So, worry not… if your resolutions have started to fizzle out and you feel caught in the new year’s headlights or simply that 2009 has charged into your life with all the grace of an adolescent Labrador, relax… forget the diet… Instead seek solace here at AIM and take time out from the stresses and strains of real life to enjoy this very special and very exciting new issue of the AIM magazine!! Enjoy!

Bea

Editor (& General whip cracker) February 2009 www.petite‐properties.com

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The Miniature...

GRAPEVINE

New Look Directory on AIM!

It isn’t just our AIM magazine that has a new

look but our Members’ Directory on AIM’s main website too has a completely new look ‐ much more compact and easier to use. Do go and take a look if you haven’t already, you will find the link on the navigation bar at the top of AIM’s website. We would like to express our special thanks to the following AIM members who have given us permission to use their wonderful images as thumbnail links on this directory page:

Our Aim members are featured constantly in many magazines of varied disciplines all around the world. For example:

American Miniaturist Issue No 103

Gina Gagnon, AIM member from Montana, tells us that some of her dolls are featured in American Miniaturist Issue No.103

The latest issue (March) of Dolls House & Miniature Scene Magazine is certainly a bumper packed issue with contributions/photos/features from AIM members including a piece on AIM itself!

Dolls House & Miniatures Scene Magazine – March Issue No. 177

AIM has a super write up on page 36 of this magazine! Thank you to Janet Kirkwood the editor, who has given us half a page with information about who we are, our ethos and all about our AIM website plus this, our very own AIM magazine. Word is beginning to spread!

Several AIM members have been given a mention in the Kensington Dolls House Festival Christmas Show report, on page 34 and again in the general news section, on page 40 that features the same event,

and includes photos of items from Deb Jackson (Deb Jackson Designs), Debbie Dixon Paver (Debbie Cooper Dolls), Marcella Perodo (Minicaretti), Jain

Squires (The Giddy Kipper) & Bea Broadwood

(Petite Properties).

In fact contributions by AIM members are scattered throughout the magazine including several AIM members “how to make” projects; Kathryn Gray (Templewood Miniatures) has Part 5 of her “Period Flower Arranging” on page53. Celia Thomas (KT Miniatures) has Part Two of her “1940s Hallway Room Box Scene” on page 48.

Louise Goldsborough (Angelique Miniatures) has

part two of her “1940s Night Wear” project on page 74.

STOP PRESS!

Congratulations to our very own editor Bea Broadwood who has now become “Nanna Bea”, for the very first time. Her daughter Mo gave birth to Grace Mary Elizabeth on January 21st and everyone at AIM wishes them well. They now have their very own little miniature to treasure!!

2009 Greater Cleveland Miniature Show

and Sale ‐ To Help Raise Funds For

Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital

in Cleveland

AIM member Wendy Smale from the USA, tells us that she is involved in the 2009 Greater

Cleveland Miniature Show and Sale which will

be benefiting the Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. It is being held on Sunday April 26th 2009 at Willoughby Hills Community Center, 35400 Chardon Road (Rte 6), Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094, USA. This is an eastern suburb of Cleveland, just off I‐271 and I‐90. For more information contact www.wendysminiatures.com or see www.clevelandminiatureshow.org Holly Jo Beck Nicole Walton Marble Catherine Davies Troy Schmidt Celia Thomas Ellie De lacy Christine Berry Jennifer Elliot Janine Crocker Frances Powell Josephine Parnell Liz LePla Pat Carlson Deb Jackson Artisans In Miniature 3

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We Have A Winner Of

'Guess the Name of the

Doll' Competition!

AIM is proud to announce that Roberta Emms from Halifax, Canada has correctly guessed that the little toy doll's

name is Belle. So congratulations Roberta...your prize of a gorgeous tiny toy doll will be making its way over to you shortly from Diminutive Dolls’. A huge thanks must go to Sandra Morris of Diminutive Dolls for her kind donation of the prize. Sandra tells us that during February, she is offering kits to make this tiny toy doll, (dressed in the style of the Jumeau dolls of the 1890s) and in pink at a special offer price on her website:

www.diminutivedolls.co.uk

1940s Hallway Room Box – Now Up For

Auction For Breast Cancer Campaign

Several artisans and people within the miniatures industry have donated miniature items or materials in order to create this room box which is now up for auction to raise funds for Breast Cancer Campaign. The reserve has been set @ £75.00 and you can bid now by post or on the day at Thame Dolls House & Miniatures Fair. Full details of auction can be viewed at

www.ktminiatures.com/Auction_BreastCancerCampaign

Could You Be A Winner Of The Mini‐Aimers Competition?

The winner of the Christmas competition for young miniaturists is announced in the Mini AIMers column of the AIM magazine this month on page 49, so if you sent in an entry, perhaps you have won one of the lovely prizes on offer – go and take a look now!

Winne

r!!

AIM TO HAVE THEIR VERY FIRST

SHOWCASE TABLE AT THAME DOLLS

HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR

For the very first time, AIM will be displaying their talents at the charity Thame Dolls House &

Miniatures Fair, taking place on Saturday 21st February 2009 at Thame Leisure Centre, Oxfordshire, UK.

There will be a varied selection of AIM members’ work to showcase the members’ wealth of talent plus we will have one or two volunteer members on hand to answer any questions that the public may have.

At 3.00pm on the day, several super pre‐designated exhibits created by AIM members, will be donated to the Breast Cancer Campaign Sales Table and sold to raise funds for the charity. So do come along and say “hello” to us if you get the chance and see for yourselves our fabulous work.

New Website For Shepherd Miniatures

Aim Member Chris Shepherd (Shepherd Miniatures) has a brand new website, where you will find a wide selection of recognisable and nostalgic products to fill your house. The web address is as follows:

www.shepherdminiatures.co.uk

New AIM Members

A big WELCOME to new members Kiva Atkinson and

Thomas Saunders who have just joined AIM.

A New Look For The Miniatura Website

2009 has not only brought a new look to the AIM website and AIM Magazine, but changes have also been underway on the Miniatura website too. The organisers of Miniatura are proud to unveil their newly updated Miniatura website, which follows the launch of last year’s new Miniatura Newsletter. The ’new look’ website is now even easier to navigate and is packed full of helpful information about their forthcoming world famous shows and the fantastic array of exhibitors who can be seen at them. So why not visit their new look website today and book your tickets for next month’s S p r i n g M i n i a t u r a s h o w www.miniatura.co.uk

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When and why did you become involved with miniature fairs?

To be honest this is a long story but the very brief edited version is that I was involved in organising Thame’s local dolls house club’s first two charity exhibitions/fairs in 2004 & 2006 and as I had already been trading as KT Miniatures for several years by then, was given the job of pulling in the artisans using my contacts, to attend as stand holders in order to help fund each event.

Then during the latter part of 2006, the club’s structure went through big changes and its future began to look un‐ certain. It was whilst attending autumn Miniatura that same year that well known artisan Tony Knott, who had supported the first two club fairs, insisted that we just had to keep the Thame event going as it was so special and suggested that why not run this event on my own? My initial reaction was shock, horror and absolutely no way!!! But then husband Dave (ever an optimist) who runs oxnews.co.uk, an Oxfordshire commercial website, came up with the brainwave that if he backed it financially, we could then run it as a joint concern and still keep it as a charity fund raiser for Breast Cancer Campaign. By the end of that Miniatura weekend, I had 14 artisans verbally booked ...and the rest is history as they say. So in the February of 2007 we held our first official Thame Dolls House & Miniatures Fair, then again in 2008 and will be running the third one next February 21st in 2009.

Having lost my mum when I was just 18 months old and my maternal grandmother to this awful disease when I was a few years old, for obvious reasons the Breast Cancer Campaign is a charity that I am passionate about. Also because our fair is predominantly about raising funds for this charity, it makes it very different from any of the ordinary dolls house fairs and something special indeed. Sadly more and more people are being touched by this disease directly or indirectly, so we never seem to be short of people wanting to get involved in some way. Is this a full time occupation for you and what did you do or still do before you started in miniatures? No, being a fair organiser is most definitely not a full time occupation as we just organise the one big charity event a year, although it does take up a huge amount of my time to organise. Basically I am a full time professional miniaturist and have been trading since 1997 under the name of KT Miniatures. Originally, I embarked on a career in nursery nursing before my life evolved into miniatures, working in and around London in various establishments including the Princess Grace Hospital.

Do you own a dolls house or collect miniatures, if you do what is your most treasured piece?

Several of course....much to my family’s annoyance! My most treasured dolls house though is my vintage 1930s Hobbies House which I renovated and now take great delight in filling with old treasures, and the occasional more modern reproduction.

Do you ever get any strange requests regarding the fairs?

I have not as yet but there is always a first time for everything!

Do you have any hobbies? If you do what are they?

I love gardening, decorating, antique fairs, auctions and rummaging at car boot sales but of course never seem to have time to do any of these! Do you read books and magazines on Miniatures? If you do what is your favourite? When I first embarked on miniatures as a hobby I used to buy all the magazines monthly plus accumulated a large quantity of books. I do tend to peep at the magazines on the shelf in the newsagents nowadays and occasionally if something catches my eye will buy one. One of the very best books I can recommend if you are into the 1930s/40s era, although not a miniatures book as such, is the 1939 Army & Navy Stores Handbook...may be difficult and expensive to track down but there are still copies out there to be had.

This contains a huge wealth of information on all kinds of household furniture, equipment, clothing, products etc. that were available at that time…

just fantastic!

S

HOW

ing

Us The Way

Celia Thomas of Thame Dolls House & Miniatures Fair/ KT Miniatures

"Two lovely volunteers

on the Breast Cancer Sales Table"

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Showing Us The Way: Continued…

If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in miniature making, what would it be?

Find your own style, try and be different.

Do you think there is much if any, rivalry or jealousy between traders? Not that I am aware of....(she says with a discreet smile on her face). If you were told you could go back in time to visit a certain era, what period would you choose? Well that’s an easy one...I am absolutely fascinated by the 1930s era...I suppose because I have grown up hearing wonderful stories from people around me plus my childhood home was a 1930s Cotswold stone cemetery lodge. I just love the style of clothes, architecture, music etc. of that time. Are there any bad things in the Miniature world that you would like to see put right? Oh most definitely yes... plagiarism! This is one of my pet hates, where some unscrupulous person blatantly copies a miniaturist artisan’s own unique piece of work and then sells it as their own creation, undercutting on price...not nice and “just not cricket” ...as they say! I have heard some real shocker stories from fellow colleagues on this subject plus have had a bad experience myself. Sadly the way the law is, it is very difficult to take these people to task and they know it so yes, I would like to see changes in the law to make it easier to stop this disgraceful practice.

Do you think the Dolls house hobby needs more publicity?

Yes I do, as there is still this “geeky” misconception about the dolls house hobby and that it is mainly for eccentric elderly ladies & gentlemen! In fact as the hobby encompasses all ages and sexes, plus it is actually quite a very creative hobby which envelops social history too, we in the industry need to get this message across more.

Re the previous question, if you do, what do you think could be done to enhance its popularity? Hey...how about miniaturists own TV channel on SKY? (lol) What do you think to the mass produced imported items now available?

I think there is definitely a place for them but like most things, too much is a bad thing.

If you were told you could come back in a second life, what would you change? i.e. would you still want to come back as who you are now and would you still want to be involved in miniatures? I don’t think I would want it any other way! Do you consider yourself lucky to be able to do what you are doing? Absolutely...I feel very lucky indeed and privileged that I can help raise lots of money for Breast Cancer Campaign from organising Thame Dolls House & Miniatures Fair in a way that gives so much enjoyment to so many people in the process. Plus of course the rest of the year making miniatures for a living!

Have you ever had an embarrassing moment that has occurred from running a fair?

I suppose we did have a moment at our first event, when Dave in his haste of laying out the stand holders tables, managed to rip his jeans on a rusty nail from his crutch right down to his knee cap almost, exposing parts of himself that he would rather not have done plus wishing he had put on his best underpants that day! He tried to make a discreet & quick exit (from the Leisure Centre main doors) to his car to get home and change, however sadly the very moment he chose to make his move, he was greeted by about 30 excited young children and their parents (mostly young mums) who were coming in for their swimming lesson! Resulting in much laughter and finger pointing....and that was just from the mums!!

What was the first record or CD you ever bought?

I am so embarrassed now to have to admit it but it was a little single by the Tremeloes called “Call Me Number One”....a very long time ago & will give an indication of my age now!!!

One inch to a foot (1/12th scale) is the accepted standard, but more smaller scales are now becoming available, do these seem to sell as well?

I do think that 1/24th scale in particular is becoming increasingly popular. Considering how long the 1/12th scale has been going, how do you think the smaller scales will do in the long term? I could be here all day talking about scale and the variations of them over the years, because as a seller and collector of vintage/antique dolls houses too, I know there have been huge differences of scale with these miniature pieces from different generations and many people don’t realise that the smaller scales (as well as larger scale dolls house miniatures) have been around for decades. But generally I can see scale getting smaller and smaller with adult miniaturist collectors from now on, maybe one of the reasons being the logistics of having enough space to dis‐ play and store them?

If you were told you were to be marooned on a desert island and you could only take one CD, one DVD and one book, what would you choose?

The book is a hard one...not a big reader so would have to be on a practical subject that I would need help with such as cookery! CD....just love Coldplay...any of theirs, and DVD...Sleepless in Seattle...is one of those few films that I can watch over and over...as it is romantic, funny and has a happy ending. (If I could cheat and take two DVD’s ...the other would be Dirty Dancing)! Are you involved with fairs for any other hobby? No.

Do you think there is anything that cannot be produced in miniature?

Most probably not as our industry is full of such creative and imaginative people.

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Thame Dolls House

& Miniatures Show

Saturday 21st February

10.00 ‐ 4.00pm

Thame Leisure Centre

Oxford Road, Thame, Oxfordshire

OX9 2BB

Admission: Adults £2.50

Children £1.00

(Under 5’s free)

Showing Us The Way: Continued… What is the strangest question you’ve had since running a fair? Is Thame (Oxfordshire) near Glasgow??? Do you exhibit yourself at Dolls House/Miniature fairs? I have done so for years in my capacity as KT Miniatures at several of the larger shows, but not quite so many nowadays due to a number of reasons.

Do you get a buzz from running a fair or is it a nail‐biting affair?

It is terrifying and very stressful beforehand but really satisfying when the fair is in full swing to see people enjoying themselves and know that I have had a hand in that! Then of course utterly rewarding when it’s all over when we count how much money we have raised for the charity. I also feel terribly responsible for the artisans and want them all to do well as there is nothing more soul destroying for an artisan to go to the expense and effort of attending a fair and not making any money! Do you know if anyone famous has visited or still visits your fairs? If they have I was too busy to notice!

Do you think you have any advantage over your com‐ petitors, if so what is it?

Possibly one advantage is that being a professional miniaturist with years of personal experience of fairs behind me now, I do have a pretty good idea of the kind of things that artisans dislike and find irritating whilst attending miniature fairs, so do try to put those things right if I can.

What do you think the world of computers and the Internet have brought to the Miniature world?

I think the Internet has opened up huge, fantastic trading opportunities & possibilities for both artisans and the public alike. We all now have instant access at a touch of a button to literally all corners of the world.

Excluding the last question, have you seen any major changes since you became involved in miniatures? Since I began in 1997 as an artisan, there are certainly more professional miniaturists around these days with a much wider variety of items on offer. Plus there are far more miniature fairs taking place now than ever before, some people say there are too many. I see no problem with the quantity providing there is the quality.

Have you noticed any change in the number of visitors attending your fairs since you first started out?

Yes so far each time we have been lucky as the attendance has increased...so we are hoping that our third fair will see an even bigger increase but anything can happen on the day and just a simple factor such as inclement weather conditions (totally out of our control sadly) can have a huge impact on attendance.

Do you visit other fairs your‐ self?

Occasionally Miniatura and Kensington, if time & circumstances permits.

What would you consider to

be your greatest achievement, in your real life and in the miniature world?

In real life, it has to be my three lovely children, two grown up lads and a teenage daughter. From the minia‐ ture world indirectly, a wonderful moment has to be when Dave & I were invited to a reception at the House of Lords by the Breast Cancer Campaign as a thank you for monies raised over the years – a totally humbling and amazing experience. We met some lovely people from all walks of life with fascinating and inspiring stories to tell.

Do you have any plans to increase the number of fairs that you organise?

No, I think by having just this one special event each year, will help keep the uniqueness of Thame Dolls House & Miniatures Fair to stay fresh ‐ particularly now, as we are all in very strange economic times and people just don’t have lots of spare cash to spend in general, let alone on miniatures. Do you actually foresee a time when you will stop being involved with miniatures?

I sincerely hope not and obviously wish to go on doing what I love for as long as possible, which also includes the Thame Dolls House & Miniatures Fair.

And finally, if someone wanted some advice on exhibit‐ ing how would they be able to contact you?

They can contact me Celia Thomas by email or phone: [email protected]

01844 212520

or go to the Thame Dolls House & Miniatures Fair promotional page via www.ktminiatures.com

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The

Magic

of

“BuFoam”

By Arla Johnson, AIM Member

In this project Arla will show you how to make

some fabulous stone steps out of “Builder’s

Foam” or “BuFoam” as she calls it.

You will need

Builder’s Foam Paint: Hippo Grey & Quaker Grey by Delta Ceramcoat (or similar) Any light and dark should work. Small Piece Of Dense Sponge X‐Acto Saw X‐Acto Knife Dual Tip Stylus by Fiskars or Kemper (or similar) Fine Turf Green Grass by Woodland Scenics (or similar) Small Stiff Brush White Glue Hair Dryer Artisans In Miniature 8

Builder’s foam is available in Blue, Yellow and Pink depending on who the manufacturer is.

I have only worked with the blue, purchased at large building suppliers in a 2 inch thickness. That’s easy, and the price is right, but here comes the rub! One must purchase a 4 foot by 8 foot piece.

Remember the original use is to insulate homes and buildings in full size. Gather some friends or be prepared to have a lot of foam on hand.

The term “BuFoam” is a pet name that came from a silly situation where I almost got myself and a friend arrested. Be sure and ask for builder’s foam at the store.

The foam is smooth on both sides and there is no use for that, so once you have a manageable piece using your saw slice this off. Saw slowly for a rough texture, sawing too fast will tear the foam.

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Continued...

The step shape is created in levels with the saw.

Any depressions will be welcome to form irregularities in the stones.

Gesso is shown in the picture for the initial painting and I have now found that paint works as well with less mess.

Using the X‐acto knife, carve the shape of the stones and then drag the stylus through these lines to widen and create space and irregularities.

Corners should be trimmed off and shaped into round edges with the top of your fingernail.

Scratch some deep lines along sides and edges of rocks with your knife; even a few stabs here and there will be wonderful.

Apply dark grey paint with a stiff brush to tops and sides of your work being sure to scrub it into all crevices hiding all signs of foam. Paint on the bottom is only necessary should you want to hide the material from curious folks. Allow to dry overnight or if in an impatient state to get on, pin to another piece of foam and dry with hairdryer. Be sure to pin down, otherwise you will be chasing an object of wet paint. Once the paint is dry, proceed with the light grey paint and dab this on with an almost dry sponge. Touch the paint and then dab off most paint on to a scrap of paper.

Less is better to show the deeper color in the crevices. A light touch and a dense sponge work best.

When you are satisfied with the application of the lighter grey paint, run a small amount of any clear‐drying white glue in some of the crevices. Holding your work over a box you have spread the fine turf in, take a pinch and place over the glue. Tap to settle some in and tap remaining off into the box.

Continue in this manner to fill more crevices, but not all. Moss usually starts at the base and continues up. Copyright Of Text & Photos On This Project Belongs To Arla Johnson ‐ IGMA & AIM MEMBER Arla can be contacted by email: [email protected] See http://www.picturetrail.com/photos/arlamj for more of Arla’s work Artisans In Miniature 9

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M

any moons ago we were, with a very young family, living in a rambling house that had never been completely cleared

out by the previous occupant. Consequently, it took quite a long time

to work through, renovating and decorating. Finally we began to tackle the large living room.

It was a room full of doors – actually it was a house full of doors – and the only one with a fitted cupboard, alongside the fireplace. The cupboard was the floor to ceiling variety so held great promise, except that the door remained resolutely stuck. We kept leaving it for another time while we carried on with other work in the room and burned old wallpaper and such‐like in the fireplace, but eventually decided that we should have to force it open as no amount of gentle persuasion had any effect. So we did……force it open.

“A very bemused policeman hopped in his van…”

It was full – top to bottom – of WW2 ammunition! Live ammunition! To say that we were flabbergasted was an understatement, swiftly followed by panic! This was late l960s ‐ babies and toddlers in the house – no phone!

Impressively quick‐thinking husband ran up the road to the convenient nearby police‐station, which of course in those

Well, it Happened to…

A Miniature Artisan

AIM member Robin Britton of Coombe Crafts shares

her hilarious family tale...

days was manned, and explained our predicament. A very bemused policeman hopped in his van and came to see what was what. He couldn’t quite believe it either.

His very sensible answer to the problem was that he would immediately telephone the army, based about five miles away, and call for assistance.

“It was total madness!...”

My husband had other ideas – the first being to remove the lot as fast as possible. Taking absolutely no notice of the poor bemused policeman, and ignoring his protests, he dragged the boxes out of the cupboard, through the nearest door, out to the busy street and loaded them into his van – which the, by now, very nervous policeman, then drove very slowly away. Quite where he drove them to, we never

found out. When we think about it now, which we are unable to do, all these years later, without laughing – it was total madness!

And, the explanation for the hoard? The previous occupant had been an officer in

the Home Guard and the cupboard had been the local contingent’s ammunition store! Copyright Robin Britton www.coombecrafts.co.uk No part may be reproduced without expressed permission

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Questions by AIM Member Dave Williams

When and why did you become involved with miniatures?

I’ve always liked model making and using my hands, and became interested in miniatures in the early 90s through

my father Kenneth Bird who painted miniature watercolours.

Is this a full time occupation for you and what did you do before you started in miniatures?

I don’t have another job. I was previously a BT (British Telecom) Engineer and

took advantage of their very generous voluntary

redundancy scheme in

1995.

Have you ever had any special training for what you do, or are you com‐ pletely self‐taught?

I’m completely self‐taught

If you wanted to completely change what you make now, what would you like to make in miniature instead? Maybe something involving working with metal. Do you own a dolls house? No, I haven’t got room for one at the moment Do you collect miniatures? No What do your family and friends think of what you do and do they encourage you? I find most people are fascinated when they see what I do. Do you keep anything that you make? My Lath and Baluster chair that won the gold medal at the 1993 National Woodworker show, plus a few things from when I first started that aren’t good enough to sell.

What do you most enjoy making?

I enjoy making new things when I have the time. Half the fun is working out how to make something new.

Is there anything you make that you do not enjoy making and why?

My folding high chair. Now discontinued because it takes so long to make and is so fiddly.

Do you ever get times where you think of giving it all up?

Not giving it up, but there are times when I’d rather be doing other things. Such as when I’ve got loads of orders or busy preparing for a fair and it’s a lovely hot sunny day outside. I try not to let miniatures take over my life though. Do you read books and magazines on Miniatures, if you do what is your favourite? I don’t regularly buy any magazines. I have a few books on making miniatures and quite a few reference books on full size furniture.

Do you keep a notebook of ideas or future projects, or is everything you do, done on an impulse?

I keep a lookout for ideas when I am out. I like browsing antique shops and museums, and taking photos if they’ll let me. When I first started I got a lot of my ideas from the High Wycombe Chair Museum, the staff there were very helpful. Also I find eBay is now a good source of ideas.

Do you have a purpose‐made workshop?

Yes I’ve turned my back bedroom into a workshop. There’s definitely no room for a bed in there now.

Is your workshop full of very expensive machinery?

I have collected quite a bit of machinery over the years.

Do you work completely on your own, if not who helps you? Completely on my own, although my cat tries to help me sometimes. If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in miniature making, what would it be?

Don’t expect to get rich and don’t give up a full time job unless you have an alternate income.

Do you think there is much if any, rivalry between makers?

I haven’t come across much rivalry. Certainly with furniture there is plenty of scope for everyone to make something different, so there doesn’t need to be rivalry. Hour for hour, do your sales warrant what you do? In financial terms definitely not. Is there anybody from the miniature world whose work you really admire?

Alan McKirdy who made the most immaculate musical instruments, I don’t know if he still does, and of course the late Barry Hipwell.

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If a competitor came to you for advice, would you give it freely?

I usually give advice freely, although if I thought someone was going to be competing directly with me I might hold a bit back.

Are there any bad things in the Miniature world that you would like to see put right?

I can’t think of anything bad.

Do you think the Dolls house hobby needs more publicity?

More publicity would certainly be helpful. A lot of people still seem to think of dolls houses as just for little girls. Re the previous question, if you do, what do you think could be done to enhance its popularity? More press and TV coverage maybe.

What do you think of the mass‐produced imported items now available?

I think there is a place for it, not everyone can afford hand made miniatures. The design of some of the furniture amuses me though.

Do you consider yourself lucky to be able to do what you are doing?

Yes, very lucky.

What was the first record or CD you ever bought?

Probably something by the Shadows, I used to save up my pocket money and buy Shadows EPs. I’ve still got them some‐ where.

After buying from you, do you get many customers come back for more?

Of course they do. I have many satisfied regular customers.

One inch to a foot (1/12 scale) is the accepted standard, but smaller scales are now becoming available, do you make anything in smaller scales and if so what scales do you make in and what is your favour‐ ite scale?

My favourite scale is 1/12, but I do make some items in 1/24 scale when I have time or when people ask me.

Considering how long the 1/12 scale has been going, how do you think the smaller scales will do in the long term?

I think there will be increasing demand for 1/24 scale, simply because it takes up less space.

If you were told you were to be marooned on a desert island and you could only take one CD, one DVD and one book, what would you choose?

CD: Pink Floyd – Pulse. DVD: Home DVD of my dad’s surprise 80th birthday party. Book: the complete Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Do you only sell to the Dolls House fraternity, if not where else do you sell? I did make some miniature cricket bats and oars for a company making teddy bears once. Do you think there is anything that cannot be produced in miniature?

Given time I think anything could be produced in miniature. Whether it would be worthwhile finan‐ cially is another matter.

What is your favourite tool or material for working in miniature?

My favourite tool would have to be my thirty year old, original Austrian Unimat 3 lathe. When I first started this was all I had, but with all its various attachments it could do most things. I now have dedicated tools in place of the attachments, but still use the lathe for all my turning. My favourite material, well I only really work with wood. What is the strangest thing you have ever made or been asked to make? Oars for teddy bears?

Do you exhibit at Dolls House/ Miniature fairs?

I exhibit at Miniatura and the Kensington Dollshouse Festival.

Do you exhibit abroad, if not, is it something that you would like to do?

I don’t exhibit abroad. I’m a bit apprehensive about that.

Do you get a buzz from exhibiting or is it a nail‐biting affair?

I quite enjoy fairs and try not to get too stressed. I don’t believe in working right up until the last minute. I make what I can and leave myself plenty of time to pack and get ready.

Why do you think customers should buy from you instead of someone else?

I probably have the widest range of chairs. I pay great attention to scale and detail and try to make my furniture look as realistic as possible. I also provide a friendly personal service to customers with particular requirements.

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Have you ever sold one of your products to someone famous? I don’t think so, unless they were in disguise. Do you sell through the Internet? Yes, you have to nowadays.

What do you think the world of computers and the Internet have brought to the Miniature world?

Computers have made a tremendous difference and I would be lost without mine. Email makes it so much easier to communicate with customers the other side of the world, and anyone without a web site is definitely losing out in my opinion. I also use mine as an aid when building new pieces.

Excluding the last question, have you seen any major changes since you became involved in miniatures?

More fairs and more magazines. Probably too many for them all to survive.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement in the miniature world?

Winning a gold medal at the National Woodworker Show was an achievement at the time I suppose. Where do you see yourself in the miniature world in one year’s time? Hopefully with a few new items. Do you actually foresee a time when you will stop making miniatures? Not completely, I will probably just slow down? And finally, if someone wants to commission you to make something how could they contact you. Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0) 1304 214211 Web: www.colinbird.co.uk Artisans In Miniature 13

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Abbreviations: st‐stitch; k‐knit; p‐purl; dc‐double crochet; p3tog‐purl next 3 stitches together to make one stitch; ( )‐repeat instructions between brackets as directed. Materials required: Size 16 (1.5 mm) knitting needles, ½ skein 1‐ply wool (or small amount of No 80 crochet cotton which will make the work more open see green snood), shirring elastic or thin elastic cord, 0.75 mm crochet hook (optional) To make snood: Cast on 30 sts. Knit 1 row. 1st row: k 2nd row: k1, (k1, p1, k1 [all in next stitch], p3tog) to last st, k1. 3rd row: k 4th row: k1, (p3tog, [k1, p1, k1] all in next st) to last st. k1. 5th row: k Repeat rows 2 ‐ 5 until work measures 1¼‐inches (3 cm) or suitable length. Cast off, but do not break yarn. To make up: Holding the elastic against the knitting, work a row of dc (US single crochet) over the elastic into the edge of the knitting. Work round 3 sides of knitting, leaving cast off edge plain for front of head. If preferred the elastic can be oversewn onto the edge of the knitting. Draw up elastic to a suitable length and sew neatly to beginning and end of crochet or oversewing to fasten.

Project:

miniature knitting

Ladies Snood (c.1945, but also commonly worn during Victorian times)

1/12

th

Scale

© Copyright F. H. Powell 2009 This pattern is for private use only and may not be reproduced in any form, or reproduced for commercial gain including selling any item knitted up from these patterns without written permission from Buttercup Miniatures. Reproducing or transmitting this pattern by any means for any purpose other than for personal use constitutes a violation of copyright law. www.buttercupminiatures.co.uk Artisans In Miniature 14

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Fairy Celebrations

9 Yxáà|ätÄá

By Louise Goldsborough, AIM Member

g

he celebration of Imbolc or the Festival of Torches, takes place on 2nd February.

The alternative Christian festival is called Candle Mass.

Imbolc is at the time of the year when the longer,

lighter days are becoming more and more obvious. Traditionally, the goddess has recovered from the birth of the god and is beginning to wake from her long winter sleep. The god is now a young ener‐ getic child eager to bring warmth and fertility to the Earth

\

t is an Imbolc tradition that at dusk, every light in the house should be lit, if only for a few minutes. This symbolises the return of the Sun.

f

uitable food offerings for the fairy folk include all dairy produce as Imbolc also marks the festival of calving; also spicy, peppery foods (including curry!!!) and dishes containing onions and garlic. Spiced wines and raisins are another fairy favour‐ ite.

Imbolc is also a festival of purification and clean‐

sing after being shut in for the winter. A good time for clearing out cupboards! Text & Photos: Copyright Louise Goldsborough, AIM Member www.angeliqueminiatures.co.uk

“The Queen of Hearts she made some tarts, all on a summer’s day.

The Knave of Hearts he saw the tarts, And stole them right away!”

Lewis Carroll.

Q

ueen of ‘s

By Louise Goldsborough, AIM Member

Two one‐twelfth scale miniature porcelain dolls dressed in Tudor style costume.

The Queen of Hearts wears a red silk over‐gown, decorated with golden braid. Her under‐sleeves, front skirt panel and bodice insert are made in crisp white cotton printed with tiny red hearts and from her waist hangs a chain of tiny sparkling crystals. Underneath, the Queen wears white lace‐trimmed pantaloons and matching petticoat. Her painted red shoes are trimmed with frills of lace, black bows and red crystals. Around her neck is a ribbon choker with a tiny golden heart with red crystal centre and on her pretty blonde hair she wears a golden crown. The Queen carries a plate with two heart‐shaped jam tarts (where there should have been four!). The Knave of Hearts wears a smart suit of fine red silk, richly embel‐ lished with gold braid and trimmed with a ruff and sleeve frills of white lace. His shoes are made from real leather and have beautifully detailed golden buckles, set off well by his ivory cotton hose. On his head the Knave wears a black felt hat with a white curled feather and in each hand he holds a stolen jam tart…….he has even taken a bite out of one of them!

Text & Photos Copyright ‐ Louise Goldsborough www.angeliqueminiatures.co.uk

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AIM members Stephen and Sue New‐ stead make 1/12th ‐ and now ‐ 1/24th historical replica dummy board figures for the dollshouse.

To chime with the current magazine theme of ‘costume’, read on for some thoughts about dress depicted on dummy board figures, large and small.

Or Wouldn’t

?

By Sue Newstead, AIM Member

You know, at least you ought to know.. for I have often told you so. ‐A thank you to that august poet One Hillaire Belloc, for ‘twas he that wroteit… ( IN “Jim” )SORRY * ...About those clever Trompe L’oeil boards, those painted cut out wooden folk, Those cats and dogs made for a joke. * Back in the time of Lord and Sir In Good King Charles’s golden days Those dummy boards were ‘de rigueur’ which every wealthy home displays. * The clever Dutch, first had them there. The English being crafty, follow And cry “ St. George! this isn’t fair... Let’s make’em too and beat ‘em hollow! * And so we see, those in the know Creations from that far off day, Expensive, rare and just for show‐ But are they really what they say? * How do we tell....they could be fake? As anything that’s valued could Anyone at all could make An ‘antique’ board of painted wood. * And now we have to think again For, yes we know that boards are seen Of Armoured Knights and Merry Men Of Raleigh and the Virgin Queen. *

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In corsets, ruffs, with men in tights With lace and ruffles, jewels and bling You couldn’t help but guess to rights That they just aint the Real Thing * There’s Cavaliers from 1820 And Walt and Liz from 1902 And there’s 17th century lads a plenty With the twentieth century hairdo! * And passed off as the genuine piece By those who were out to deceive. And many’s the punter they managed to fleece Whilst sniggerin’ into their sleeve. * They copied costumes out of books They made them flowery, frilly, fey, Expressions knowing, modern looks, The face reflecting their own day. * All far too early for the art But made to look as old as trash With dints and cracks to look the part To make us spend our hard earned cash. * And then they copied famous men Like Rembrandt, with his style so clear And made them look historic when, They were really only made last year! *

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1) PastMastery figure of “Lady Sheffield” dummy board of an unknown lady modelled on a painting by Gainsborough. 19th c. Private collection in Canada. 5 inches. 2) PastMastery figure of Luigi Boccherini ‐Music Mas‐ ters range‐ signed and numbered limited edition. 4 3/4 inches 3) PastMastery Cat in a Box after a 17th century painting. Private Collection in the U.K. Cat‐ less than half an inch. 4) PastMastery Drouot Pair ‐ children from 1680 based on the English pair now in a Paris collection. 2 3/4 inches high 5) 19th century Elizabeth 1st and Sir Walter Raleigh American Unknown owner or collection. 4 feet high. 6) 19th century ‘16th century figure’ possibly made for the theatre. U.S. Collection. 4 feet high 7) 19th century Cavalier after a 17th century painting by Honthorst. Private collection in the U.S. 60 inches high 8)16th century boy ( 1930) Museum of Childhood Edinburgh. 36 inches high 9) PastMastery 1/12th figure of the Chateau de Malle girl with blue gloves.‐based on a dummy board from the very beginning of the 18th century. The Real Thing. 3 1/2 inches 10) 19th century ‘fake’ of a similar girl of the 17th century pairs of children ‐ the most commonly found dummy boards. Woburn Antiques Centre. 36 inches 11) Maria Tripp after a painting by Rembrandt ( 19th century ) Private collection in the U.S. 5 feet tall. 12) PastMastery figure of the Rotterdam sweeper 1720 Rotterdam Museum, Holland. 5 inches 13) PastMastery naive figure of the Wilberforce House gardener ( 18th century ) Wilberforce House Yorkshire. 6 inches 14) 1930’s French boy. An obvious fake? Paris collection. 3 feet high. 15) Pair 19th c. “cavalier” children in private collection in the U.S. Another just like it is for sale in London at present. 4 feet high So watch it when you see a figure A sweeper or a little laddie A baby or a garden digger You could be looking at a baddie. * How to find out what is needed? Costume is the easiest test. If our information’s heeded Then we’re sure to find the best. * Is the dress correct in places? Are the colours right and proper? Does the painting of the faces Do it right or come a cropper? * Have the makers followed fashion Of the age, the details glam? Is your Cavalier too dashin’? Is your lady’s frock a sham? * Still we’re doubtful? Ring no bells? Help’s at hand... save all your strife.. No longer stretch those ‘little grey cells’ Sue will help....Read “This Quiet Life” * Sue Newstead November 2008 www.pastmastery.com

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Materials Required:

5mm plywood: Mount‐card: Thin Cardboard: Glue: Tissue Paper: Paint: Floor covering: Kitchen Furniture Pack: Wall covering for exterior: Accessories to dress room: Characters

The Room‐Box

From the 5mm ply cut the following pieces, Base 16cm by 16cm, Back 16cm by 11cm . Sides 16.5 cm by 11 cm Following Plan A, glue the sides to the base, then the back section to the sides and base and hold together with an elastic band until the adhesive dries. (Picture 1 and 2) Whilst this is drying, you can make the false wall for the pantry.

Plan B

From the mount‐board cut a piece of board 17.5cm by 11 cm. Mark 3 cm in from each side edge and mark a doorway 7 cm in from each edge and 8 cm high. (Picture 3) Score carefully along 3cm lines marked in red on your plan, fold gently back, then cut out door hole, marked with diagonal lines on plan B. (Picture 4) Now taking the tissue paper, paste it to the walls of the box and both sides of the false wall. Do not correct rips or tears and leave creases, as these will form your plaster effect. (Pictures 5 and 6) Check false wall for fit (Picture 6) Do not glue in yet!!!! Again whilst this is drying you can make the shelves for the pantry.

“There’s no place

like home”

1:24th Scale Pro

ject

By Glynis Webb, AIM Member

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Project Continued…

Plan C

Taking some thin card (cereal packets are ideal for this) cut a piece 11.5cm wide by 18.5 cm long. Draw lines horizontally across the card at the following intervals starting at the top. 2cm: 1.25cm:1.25cm: 2cm: 1.25cm:1.25cm: 2.5cm: 1.25cm:1.25cm: 4.5cm left at the bottom. (Picture7). Carefully score along these lines (in red on your plan) and fold the 1.25cm spaces to form the shelves.(Picture8).Glue and clamp the shelves until dry. (Picture 9) At this point you should check your shelves for fit and trim to size if necessary. Try your false wall also. (Picture 10). You are now ready to start painting. Take your paint and cover all the walls of the box and both sides of the false wall. Paint your shelves once the adhesive has dried and you have removed clamps. Patchy painting adds to the effect of this kitchen. Paper and paint the outside of the box, (Picture 11). I used wallpaper and painted it, but you could choose your own effect. Now add some floor covering. (Mine was scrap‐booking paper, from a craft shop. (Picture 12) Of course there is a good range of 1/24th papers available to create floors and walls etc from craft and dolls house shops. Now you can dress your pantry shelves. There are many free printie sites on the internet that you can download for personal use, failing that you can buy bits and pieces for your shelves from the many suppliers across the country or make your own. Once you are happy with your pantry shelves you can age them using tea dye varnish or a coffee wash. (Pictures 13 & 14). Glue the shelves into place on the back wall, leaving a space for your false wall. (Picture 15). Now glue in your false wall and you have a completed pantry with not too much fiddling!! (Picture 16)

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To tal wi d th fo r false wall is 17 .5 cm Si de Wal l 3m Sid e Wall _3cm s Main W all 11.5cm _Door 3. 5cm

B

Project Continued…

Kitchen Plans:

AIM member Glynis has also provided these helpful work plans to assist you in the building of your 1:24th scale project...