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 232 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.
46
51
55
16
NEW Series!! Artisans In Miniature 3Artisans In Miniature ?
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How did you find the Online Magazine??
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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
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clubs….Historical reference sites…..Workshops…and more… it’s all there!
If you’d like to contact us, copy, paste and CLICK...
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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 [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…
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.comArtisans 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
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 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 12You 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
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)
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...
Blackberries
By AIM Member, Vicky Guile
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 handleRnd 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 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
'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
Jacob Marley
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 29Bellatrix
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
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:
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
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.
