Aim Mag Issue 13

Contents… JUNE/JULY 2009: Issue No 13 Cover Image: The Miniature Garden Centre, by kind permission of Liz Eddison

Regular Features… 2 Editor’s Note: Read Bea Broadwood’s introduction & welcome to this summer edition of the Artisans In Miniature FREE ‘downloadable’ magazine! 6 Fairy Celebrations & Festivals: Louise Goldsborough explains more about ’Litha’ at Midsummer. 10 New On The Web: Each month we will highlight a particular AIM member’s new website and this summer we are delighted to feature the fantastic web site of: Debra Jackson of Deb Jackson Designs. 13 AIM pleased to meet you: Find out more about the highly talented members of AIM. This month read Jane Harrop’s fascinating answers, to our questions... 14 Click On AIM: Find out more about what AIM has to offer. 15 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 Janine Crocker’s work room in sunny Lanzarote. 22 Well, It Happened To An Artisan: Read about the often strange lives of AIM members. 31 The Miniature Kitchen: Mags Cassidy opens the door to her virtual kitchen and along with a little help from her fellow ‘foodies’ at AIM ‐ This month why not try your hand at making Mags’ ingenious 1:12th scale BBQ? 41 Antique & Vintage Corner: Celia Thomas shares her top tips for anyone considering buying their own antique or vintage dolls house. 45 Mini Aimers: Written and compiled by Margaret Pitts especially for younger miniaturists and the artisans of the future. 59 The Miniature Grapevine: Catch up on all the latest news and announcements from the international miniature world. Special Features… 3 Fun At The Summer Time Event: Enjoy our AIM member’s gallery as we share the fun of miniature fairs, fetes and carnivals! 7 Traditions & Folklore In June & July: Margaret Pitts shares her fascinating insight behind just some of the old tales and rhymes about these two summer months. 9 Wardian Cases: AIM member Debra Jackson takes a closer look at these beautiful botanical display cases. 11 A Report On… Kensington Dollshouse Festival: AIM’s roving reporter Sandra Morris (albeit for the day!) shares with us her visit to the world famous London show. 23 If You Want To Get Ahead, Get A Hat!: AIM member’s share their beautiful miniature millinery. 29 Puppet Theatre: AIM member Cristina Alberti tells us more about the art of performing with miniature puppets. 34 A Tall Story: ‘MiniMilliner’ Margaret Pitts explains the interesting history behind the iconic top hat. 35 Candyfloss & Sticky Lollies: AIM members explore the ’edible’ treats at their miniature fairground. 37 Scene Of A Women’s Institute Sales Table: AIM member and food artisan Carol Smith shares her interpretation of this traditional and mouth watering display. 44 Tales From The Beetle House: AIM member Robin Britton revisits an evocative summer time memory from her childhood. 51 Stepping Down: AIM member and author Bea Broadwood (Fiona) explains why she will be ‘stepping down’ this summer. 54 An Idiots Guide To Knitting: AIM member and knitting expert Frances Powell share her top tips for miniature knitting. 55 Wedding Cake Tips: AIM member Catherine Davies Shares her top tips for creating a miniature cake. 56 History Of Wedding Flowers: AIM member Kathryn Gray reveals more about wedding flora. Free Projects… 19 1:12th Garden Bench: AIM member Jane Harrop teaches her effective way to create a timeless and traditional garden bench. 26 Knitted 1:12th Picnic: Frances Powell shares this fantastic seasonal miniature knitting pattern. 27 How To ’Fake’ Embroidery: AIM member Christa Chayata teaches us her simple, yet highly effective way to ’cheat’ at 1:12th scale embroidery. 39 Golf Bag Project: AIM member Kathy Brindle takes us through her step by step guide to creating a traditional and elegant golf bag. 57 Tutorial ‐ How To Bend Wood: AIM member Colin Bird shares tips and techniques for bending

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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)

office@petite‐properties.com

Celia Thomas Features Editor Co Ordinator: The Miniature Grapevine / Antique & Vintage Corner [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…

Dear Reader Back in the depths of winter my head was full of exciting new plans for

my own cottage garden. My horticultural daydreams were awash with

beautifully manicured lawns, overflowing herbaceous borders and lazy

afternoon naps in the shade of the apple tree.

Indeed as the wood‐stove glowed and the north winds blew I looked

forward to the summer time, when climbing roses would ramble

happily over stone walls and my garden would be filled with the aroma

of alfresco cooking.

It was all going to be so wonderful…

Sadly it seems that this time around the calendar I have simply not

been able to find the time to put any of my green fingered plans into

practice in my real life garden.

Instead, whilst my back has been turned, Mother Nature has quietly

and stealthily been busy doing ‘her thing’ and although my cottage

garden is indeed filled with the sight and scent of high summer’s

flowers, on closer inspection my herbaceous borders [and grass] are

crammed full of more weeds than I could politely shake my trowel at…

However whilst bindweed has been busy taking hold in my borders,

AIM members have been working hard to once again deliver a wide

variety of articles, projects and features that together celebrate the

very best of summer ‐ albeit in miniature of course!

But for now... As I stand in the evening light wistfully surveying my

cottage garden, I am left with only one nagging thought…

“Where exactly, amongst the tangle of nettles and bindweed…

did I leave the BBQ?”

Bea Editor (& General whip cracker) June / July 2009 www.petite‐properties.com

Artisans In Miniature 2

Summer is coming, and now the sun is shining (we hope), so it’s time to get outside and en‐joy yourself… all the fun of the fairs, fetes and carnivals! Where are you off to in your miniature world? A visit to the circus perhaps, or putting on your most flamboyant costume for the parade… Fairground food, from your childhood… a toffee apple or huge, fluffy, pink candyfloss… or a ride on the gallopers… or a swim in the open‐air pool ?

Fun…At The Summer Event!


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Come with us again and see where else our Miniature Artisans will take us….

Me?... I’m going gardening! See you on the next page...


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We hope you’ve enjoyed our summertime fun – and the work of the talented artisans. All the artists are listed below and the Copyright for photographs are held, individually, by them, and may not be reproduced without expressed permission. Now – do please have a look at more on their websites.

Picture 1: Marsh Mees

www.sassyminidolls.com

Picture 2: Jain Squires

www.giddykipperdolls.com

Picture 3. & 5: Robin Britton

www.coombecrafts.co.uk

Picture 4: Debbie Dixon‐Paver

www.cdhm.org/user/debbie

Picture 6: Mary Williams

www.dollshousedolls.co.uk

Picture 7: Julie Campbell

www.bellabelledolls.co.uk

Pictures 8. and 9: Louise Goldsborough

www.angeliqueminiatures.co.uk

Picture 10. and 11: Linda Master

www.miraclechickenurns.co.uk

Picture 12: Kay Shipp

www.heirloomsinclay.com

Pictures 13. and 14: Georgina Steeds

[email protected] (These two photographs & Cover image by

kind permission of Liz Eddison.) Artisans In Miniature 5

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Fairy Celebrations 9 Yxáà|ätÄá

By AIM Member, Louise Goldsborough

The festival of Litha is celebrated on the Summer Solstice around 21st June and is also known as Midsummer. This is definitely the Fairies’ favourite festival and one where traditionally, humans are more likely to see the Fae. Litha is one of the most magical of celebrations, held when the Earth Goddess is at her most

fertile and the Sun God is at the peak of his strength. Flowers and plants are blooming and crops are growing in the fields. The weather is warm and mild and all of nature seems to be celebrating. One of the most popular practices at this festival is the leaping of the bonfire, said to e n c o u r a g e f e r t i l i t y , purification, health and love.

Suitable food offerings for the Fairy Folk include all things summery such as fresh strawberries or peaches, fruit juices and clear spring water. Honey is always a firm favourite either in a little dish or spread on bread or biscuits. Remember to enjoy the festival yourself too! Sit in the garden a while and watch the butterflies and birds……….one of them could be a fairy in disguise!

Best wishes, Louise www.angeliqueminiatures.co.uk

Litha (Midsummer)



UÜ|à|á{ fâÅÅxÜ gÜtw|à|ÉÇá 9 YÉÄ~ÄÉÜx

by Margaret Pitts (MiniMilliner) The month of June ushers in Summer (hopefully!) in the north‐ern hemisphere. The name of the month is derived from the Roman goddess Juno, goddess of marriage and childbirth. June has always been a traditional time for weddings, going back as far as medieval times when baths were taken once a year during this month, in readiness for marrying. The old rhyme tells us:

Á`tÜÜ|xw |Ç à{x ÅÉÇà{ Éy ]âÇx? _|yx ã|ÄÄ ux ÉÇx ÄÉÇz {ÉÇxçÅÉÉÇAË

This month is often referred to as ‘Flaming June’, probably on account of the roses that should be in bloom at this time of year, but also the many other summer flowers both cultivated and wild which are in abundance in gardens and hedgerows. In some areas, notably in Derbyshire, the flowers are used to decorate wells and springs and other water features. This is known locally as ‘Well Dressing’. The farmers keep a close eye on the weather all year round as it can affect their livelihood in all sorts of ways. Sayings from folklore include these:

Áj|á{ yÉÜ t ãtÜÅ ]âÇx gÉ Ñâà à{x ytÜÅxÜ |Ç àâÇxAË

And

Á\y ]âÇx |á wtÅÑ tÇw ãtÜÅ \à wÉxá à{x ytÜÅxÜ ÇÉ {tÜÅAË The longest day of the year falls on or around the 21st June as the sun is at its most northerly point. One of the largest gatherings to celebrate this event, is at Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

There is a famous circle of ancient standing stones, thought to be thou‐sands of years old, where crowds of people wait for the rising sun to strike the ‘Heel Stone’.

]âÄç is reputedly one of the hottest months in Britain, but this doesn’t preclude rain.

In fact according to folklore, certain dates during July were used as indicators of how much rain could be expected during the rest of the month:

Á\y à{x y|Üáà Éy ]âÄç ux Üt|Çç ãxtà{xÜ? Ágã|ÄÄ Üt|Ç ÅÉÜx ÉÜ Äxáá yÉÜ yÉâÜ ãxx~á àÉzxà{xÜËA

Perhaps better‐known is the rhyme about St. Swithin’s Day which falls on the 15th July:

ÁfàA fã|à{|ÇËá Wtç? |y à{Éâ wÉáà Üt|Ç? YÉÜ yÉÜàç wtçá |à ã|ÄÄ ÜxÅt|ÇA

fàA fã|à{|ÇËá Wtç? |y à{Éâ ux yt|Ü? YÉÜ yÉÜàç wtçá |à ã|ÄÄ Üt|Ç ÇÉ ÅÉÜxAË

Since records have been kept by the Met office, there has been little evidence of any truth in these old sayings! But rain or shine, children can’t wait for the end of the school year when they are released from their desks to spend whole days playing.

Many areas have traditional fairs, carnivals and processions at this time of year, hoping to make the most of the fine summer weather. One of the more unusual outdoor events is “Hot Pennies Day” which has

been celebrated since the thirteenth century in Honiton, Devon on the first Tuesday after July 19th. The event is announced by the Town Crier who, accompanied by the Mayor, leads the procession. A garlanded pole with a glove on the top is carried through the town, with the proclamation “No man shall be arrested so long as the glove is up!” The procession takes in many pubs along the route where pennies are thrown to the local children. This commemorates the day the town received its Royal Charter and the affluent villagers gave money to the peasant children.

The 25th July is St. James’ Day which is also known as ‘Grotto Day’ in some parts. James was a disciple of Jesus and before that, he and his brother John were fishermen. So around the coast of Britain, shells are collected and used to decorate grottoes made by the children to remember James’ links with the sea.

Many thanks to the AIM artisans who have kindly allowed their photos to be used in this article. Please check out their websites to see more of their lovely work.

Akke Ris [Water feature] www.miniakturen.nl

Annmarie Kwikkel‐Smit [In Class] www.byannemariedolls.com

Cheryl Clingen [Bride] www.MiniDollsFromAfrica.com

Robin Britton [Town Crier] www.coombecrafts.co.uk

Cristina Alberti [Summer Nymph] www.totpetit.es.tl

Wendy Smale [Shell Collection] www.wendysminiatures.com

The photo of Stonehenge is by kind permission of J.C.Pitts


Dr Nathanial Bagshaw Ward (1791‐1868) was a physician with a passion for botany, having around 25,00 specimens in his own private collection; but in the choking smog of Victorian London he was dismayed that his plants failed to thrive. He noticed, however, that any fern spores which germinated, did so in his jars of moth cocoons. Armed with this knowledge he commissioned a carpenter to build him a tightly enclosed glass and wood structure, and the first Wardian case was born. Since the 16th Century, English botanists had been travelling the world, collecting specimens, but they had always been restricted to seeds, corms and rhizomes; with the arrival of the Wardian Cases the transportation of live plants now became possible. The first test of the new cases came in 1833 when Dr Ward sent cases of plants to Australia, a journey of several months; the plants arrived in good condition. Dr Ward's cases became invaluable in the expansion of the collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Robert Fortune used the cases to smuggle 20,000 plants from Shang‐hai to establish the first direct competition to the tea growers of China by setting up the plantations of Assam. Specimen collecting was extremely popular with wealthy Victorians. Ferns and orchids were particular favourites; and as the stories of the Wardian cases trickled through, demand for more decorative and elaborate versions surfaced ‐ this time to be displayed in drawing rooms or studies. Some were quite large, allowing room for many plant specimens, while others were just big enough for a single plant, like the pieces I've re‐created and illustrate here.

Copyright Debra Jackson www.debjacksondesigns.com

This article and related photos may not be used or reproduced without expressed permission.

Wardian Vtáxá

By AIM Member, Debra Jackson


NEW On The Web…NEW On The Web…NEW On The Web…

Each month we will highlight a particular AIM member’s new website and to continue this feature we have chosen the website of the

amazingly talented

Debra Jackson of Deb Jackson Design

www.debjacksondesigns.com is an attractive and unique website that

has been created by Deb Jackson herself. As soon as you click on this website, you know you are in for a treat and something very different indeed as you immedi-ately see a Gothic Folly. Deb, who is based in Staffordshire, has been a profes-sional multi-media artist now for just 15 months but already is making her mark within the miniatures industry by producing a diverse range of dolls house items covering many periods of time and subject matter.

Deb modestly tells us that due to her legendary technical ineptitude, she chose a web host that provides all that’s needed to build your own website – a company aptly named www.doyourownsite.com She tells us that she was designated a readymade template but fortunately the choice was perfect as it was one that she would have chosen anyway......it was just meant to be!

There are 11 navigation buttons down the left hand side, which includes all the normal pages you would expect to find on a website such as Home, Contacts, Guestbook, Events etc. but then there are other sections that are well......just mind blowing!

Deb has an Exclusive Items Page which shows specific items that are to be avail-able for her next impending fair that she will be exhibiting at. At the moment of writing this review, Deb is featuring exhibits specifically available for the Kensing-ton Dollshouse Festival, which include the most gorgeous artist cases that has the tiniest brushes and weenie ceramic pots, paints etc. - simply fabulous!

Then there is Deb’s Shop Page which is split into various categories which makes it easy for the shopper to see at an immediate glance which sections may be rele-vant to them. The categories range from all kinds such as Centrepiece Items, Femi-nine Items, Gentlemen’s Apparel, Writing Equipment, Pawnbrokers Shop Counter With Display Boxes, Religious....in fact the list just goes on. Deb tells us that her shop changes frequently as she is constantly working on new subjects.

Plus there is the section of Debs Portfolio Of Completed Work – simply breathtak-ing! There are all kinds of photos on there of previously sold work ranging from the weird and wonderful such as an Obstetric Set, Sprung Man Trap and even a Torture Rack, to the more sublime and attractive Travelling Apothecary Box, Gents Snuff Box Collection, A Cobblers Bench and even a Sculptors Table. In fact the list is endless... far too many weird and wonderful items for me to list here. Deb tells us on her website that “her ultimate goal is the satisfaction of her custom-ers”. Well judging from the comments on her Guestbook and on her DJD Informa-tion Page, with comments such as “Simply Marvellous”, Beautifully Done”, “Stunning Work” etc. we think that Deb has a huge and successful career ahead of her in the miniature world. A truly fabulous website.... and you really must go take a look for yourself at the first opportunity...if you haven’t already!

Report On …

^xÇá|ÇzàÉÇ WÉÄÄá{Éâáx Yxáà|ätÄ London, 2009

By AIM Member Sandra Morris

This year in May, The Kensington Dollshouse Festival celebrated 25 years as a fair which celebrates the very best in the world of miniatures. I first attended the fair as a visitor 22 years ago, and was absolutely amazed at the quality of workmanship and the incredible imagination of those ‘pioneer’ exhibitors. Since then I have gone only very occasionally, each time marvelling more at the inexorable improvement on already perfect pieces. After over 20 years as a miniature artisan myself, I was delighted to appear as a showcase exhibitor last year, and also to teach two different workshop sessions prior to the fair. However this year, I promised myself a special treat, in the form of a Friday ticket, to spend the day revelling in the very special atmosphere that is Kensington. It was very strange to visit a fair in a capacity other than as an exhibitor. I’ve been doing fairs for 20 years and I was amazed at how different it felt being on the ‘other’ side of the stand.

Firstly, there was the novel experience of standing outside in a queue which stretched out from the Town Hall, down the steps, and round the corner into Hornton Street, ending who knew where. Usually in the 30 minutes before opening, I’m frantically putting the finishing touches to my stand, and trying to establish a feeling of calm. Waiting in the queue with hundreds of other collectors, feeling the excitement and anticipation mounting, was something I discovered I had really missed!

As a seasoned fair‐goer, I had come well prepared.

I had mapped out my route; going straight to the exhibitors I most wanted to see first. I was wearing comfortable clothes, and more importantly, shoes, and had my pen and notebook to hand. The buzz in the main hall was immediately apparent, and I recognised some of the frantic last minute frenzy of several exhibitors, rushing to complete their preparations as the trickle of visitors became a torrent.

It was interesting to note that lots of collectors were heading straight for specific exhibitors, rather than starting at one end and working their way around. However I didn’t have time to peruse the buying activity of my fellow collectors as I was a woman on a mission and not to be distracted.

As always, the standard of work on display was jaw‐droppingly amazing. I was also surprised to see so many exhibitors whom I saw at Kensington on my first visit back in 1987….most notably Stokesay Ware, (I bought one plate from them in ’87!) David Edwards (ditto tiny cotton reels), the Robersons (although I have long coveted one of their gorgeous prams, sadly I have never owned one) and Country Treasures…….among several more.


Amongst the newcomers, one particularly caught my eye, David Brookshaw, whose wonderful antique tools were a feast for the eye. (See Right)

I lost count too of the number of AIM members who were exhibiting, proudly displaying their AIM credentials.

After a tiring but inspiring day, I returned home with a warm glow. The future of miniatures is surely in good hands if Kensington is anything to go by. This fair continues to set the standard for miniature artisanship and I hope it will continue for another 25 years.

It was a rare treat to see so much outstanding excellence under one roof and KDF is rightly judged to be one of the premier fairs on the UK circuit, along with the highly respected Thame Fair and the fledgling Worthing Fair, both of which also champion

the creativity and originality of the miniature artisan.

Fairs are the life blood of our wonderful hobby, and it was refreshing to experience one which is steadfastly supportive of the highest standards of miniature workmanship.

Happy Birthday KDF!

The Main Hall ‐ Kensington Dollshouse Show

David Brookshaw


AIM pleased to meet you!


Can you tell us a bit about your life before Miniatures? When I left school, I worked in a bank. At the same time I made buttons and badges out of polymer clay, which I sold at craft fairs. After my first daughter was born I left the bank, but continued with my craft business.

What attracted you to miniatures in the first place? As an offshoot to the buttons and badges I started decorating boxes with teddy bears’ picnic scenes. One day when I was exhibiting at a craft fair, about sixteen years ago now, I was chatting to a chap at my stand and he told me about all of the tiny dolls house miniature accessories I could buy to go with my settings. Luckily for me, there was a Miniatures Fair on at the Cresta Court in Altrincham the following weekend, where I was stunned with the perfectionism of the pieces on display and I decided that I definitely needed to learn a little bit more about the hobby.

What was your first purchase? Warwick miniatures kitchen items.

Who do you most admire in the miniature world? A difficult choice, as there is so many very talented miniaturists around. I have always loved the creativity, delicateness and finish of Gale Bantock’s work though.

What miniature items do you most covet? A scene made by Gale Bantock.

As a child, what were your favourite toys? I don’t remember a favourite toy, but I was creative from a young age and I was always making something or drawing from a young age. My favourite things were my coloured pencil crayons, sticky tape, scissors, glue and paintbrushes.

What made you decide to specialise in teaching and writing books on miniature making? After starting a Dolls house miniatures club in Poynton shortly after visiting my first miniatures fair, and presenting quite a few of the monthly projects, I decided a few years later that I would like to teach miniature making on a more regular basis and went and asked at one of my local colleges. Luckily for me the administrator had a dolls house and thought it was a great idea and my teaching started from there. I then gradually progressed to travelling around the country teaching miniatures workshops and sharing my ideas by writing three books on miniature making.

Do you have any hobbies unrelated to miniatures? I try to tap dance and I like walking and keeping fit. The best thing outside my miniature life though is my two lovely daughters, aged 17 and 13, who I enjoy spending time with, as I know that eventually they will soon be off doing their own thing. I do have my name down for an allotment though, for when that happens.

Any phobias? Not so much phobias, but sometimes the night before I am teaching a workshop I dream its for real, but have forgotten something crucial to the project, and let everyone down.

Fantasies? An offer from America for an all expenses paid trip to teach some workshops over there and sell my work, fol‐lowed by visits to all of the wonderful craft stores I keep hearing about.

See more of Jane’s fantastic work here: www.janeharrop.co.uk

This month AIM MemberJane Harrop, well-known for her books on miniature-making and her workshops, agreed to be

the subject of this feature and tell us the inside story!



CLICK…on Artisans In Miniature

How did you find the Online Magazine??

Did you follow a link? Did a miniature friend tell you about it?

...and do you already know about the Artisans In Miniature Website, and the talented members who have all helped create this Online magazine.?

If not, copy, paste and CLICK now – www.artisansinminiatures.com and come and meet us all. Founded in 2007 by Fiona (Bea) Broadwood of Petite Properties, the site has been created in order to showcase the fantastic work of the individual professional international artisan members who create beautiful and original scale miniatures for sale to the public. Together they form the Artisans In Miniature association. Since its launch the AIM association has rapidly grown and now boasts membership of over 190, including some of the most talented artisans within the miniature world! On the website you will find further information about them and their work; however, please note new pages are constantly being added and there are many members who are not yet included on the site... If you are a professional artisan who is interested in joining the association, you will find all the information there..... If you are wondering what Fairs may be on in your area – that information is there too… We have lots of links…to Fairs and Events Organizers…Magazines…Online Miniature clubs….Historical reference sites…..Workshops…and more… it’s all there!

If you’d like to contact us, copy, paste and CLICK... we’d love to hear from you!

www.artisansinminiature.com

New Regular

Feature..!


Just off the coast of Africa lies the island of Lanzarote, one of the seven Canary Islands. It is possibly one of the most striking islands with dramatic contrasts between black volcanic landscapes, white houses and golden beaches. We have camels and donkeys, enough local wine to float a ferry, traditional dress on fiesta days, Carnival in February, and some of the most breathtaking views to be found on a small island. I live in an old apartment building in the capital, Arrecife, just a five minute walk from the harbour, through winding streets and alleyways. There are some beautiful parts of the island, many of which attract visitors from all over the world, but Arrecife has a special charm all of its own. For years, while my children were small, it suited me to perch on a high stool in the living room so I could keep an eye on them and keep my work out of reach of three pairs of tiny, inquisitive hands. The entire work surface was a pull‐down bureau which measured a mere thirty inches across and, as you can imagine, once I had pulled out a few materials I used to end up with about five inches of work space. You will get an idea of the chaos from

the photo! Just before Christmas two things happened more or less at once, I realised that my children weren’t babies any more (gulp!) and my mother‐in‐law decided to move a vast amount of furniture that we had been storing for her in a room at the front of the apartment for the past eleven years. All of a sudden I had an empty room to play with and, before anyone else came up with a better idea, I decided to turn it into a sitting room‐cum‐workroom. I had to work fast…the never ending wave of Lego, dumper trucks and small plastic animals was starting to creep closer and my darling husband was muttering about “…more room for the TV”.

Before you could say, “multiple stacking plastic storage boxes” I had bought a second hand Ikea unit, run up some lovely light muslin curtains, and covered a couple of armchairs with cream throws. For the 10 euros I found a wonderful swivel chair on wheels with a back that feels like someone big and strong has his hands on your spine (oooh!). I had wanted the room to be a little haven of tranquillity, comfortable but elegant, practical but somewhere that I would enjoy spending time, whether working on miniatures or enjoying a glass of wine and making yet more plans for my own unfinished dolls house.

By AIM Member, Janine Crocker


In order to make the room look less like a workroom, I fixed a rail to the ceiling in the form of a partition and hung curtains which would hide larger boxes and items and save the cost of putting up shelving or cupboard space. I also made a matching curtain to cover the front of the lower unit and hide the plastic boxes from view when the room was being used as a sitting room. Until this point my outrageous collection of ‘multiple stacking plastic storage boxes’ had been living all over the house, under beds, behind chairs etc. ( I had been unable to pass a Chinese ‘1 euro’ shop for several years without stopping to buy a couple of these wonderful boxes and they were starting to take over a little bit.) Strangely enough I am not a particularly organised person but when it comes to my fabrics and trims I just have to have everything where I can find it easily and could become certifiable if I was unable to lay my hands on the exact shade of silk organza when I needed it…and I know I’m not alone in this! The boxes nearest to my desk hold small pieces of fabrics, ribbons, lace, feathers, beads, and trimmings organised mostly by colour, with speciality and vintage items being stored separately. The drawers are full of tiny pots with yet more beads and things like pleaters, tassel makers, and glues. I don’t use many different ‘tools’ so I’m not quite sure why the plastic box on the desk is so full…but I’m sure all the bits will come in useful…one day! Also on my desk I have an assortment of all those teeny tiny bits of trim that would be lost forever if I put them away. The dolls that you see have come from customers. My treasured hat blocks have pride of place of course and were made for me by my good friend and arti‐san David Brown, in the UK. I don’t have any music or TV in this room. I love the sound of silence once everyone has gone to bed (apart from the sound of the sax player who lives upstairs ‐ very ‘New Orleans!) and can quite happily sit up until the early hours of the morning when I get involved in a project. I still often take things into the TV room to work on while the children are awake or to watch a film with my husband. Artisans In Miniature 16


Having only worked in this room since Christmas there are a few things that I would still like to change. A larger table would be lovely as the current one is very small but I have come to the conclusion that, no matter how much space I have, it will be completely filled when I am working on something and I will still end up with the same tiny free patch. I would also love a large glass bookcase to display completed work…but for now it really is my favourite little room and such a treat to have somewhere for all my ‘bits and pieces’ to live. If you have enjoyed reading about Janine’s ‘work‐space’ in Lanzarote, do go to her website and see her wonderful hats and other goodies.

Copyright Janine Crocker www.missameliasminiatures.com

Last Chance to Win this fabulous Flapper Doll kindly donated by

Mary Williams of www.dollshousedolls.co.uk

All you have to do is simply answer the following question:

Which period in history is this Flapper Doll from?; is it…?

a) Victorian (1800s)?

b) Art‐Deco (1920s‐30s)?

c) Swinging Sixties (1960s)?

Please email your answer either a/b/or c along with your name, address &email to AIM editorial member:

Margaret Pitts at [email protected] marking the subject line Flapper Doll Competition

Rules of Competition Due to overwhelming demand we have extended the closing date, which will now be June 31st 2009 and any entries received after this date will not be accepted. At the beginning of July, one winner will be picked randomly from all correct entries and notified by email. We can only accept one entry per person. The winner will be pub‐lished in the August issue of AIM online magazine. NB. This competition is open for the general public only, sorry AIM members are un‐able to enter.

We at AIM would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Mary Williams of www.dollshousedolls.co.uk

for the kind donation of this doll!

Good luck!!!!

Competition

Artisans In Miniature “An association of professional artisans, dedicated to promoting a high standard

of excellence in original handcrafted scale miniatures…”

The AIM website has been created in order to showcase the work of the individual artisan members whom together form the international Artisans In Miniature association. AIM was founded in 2007 as an association for professional artisans who create beautiful and original scale miniatures for sale to the public. Since its launch, AIM has grown rapidly and now boasts some of the most talented artisans within the miniature world!

On the AIM website you will find further information about the work of these international artisans and artists who provide further information about their work in the AIM online directory, which is free for all AIM members and can be found on the AIM website. New member’s pages are constantly being added to reflect our growing worldwide membership. So why not bookmark the site today!

Are YOU a professional miniature artisan?? Then why not join us?? AIM is completely FREE to join and inclusion in the AIM online member’s directory is also uniquely completely FREE!

So...if you are a professional miniature artisan and you would like to find out more about joining the AIM Association please email Bea for more information:

AIM’s Membership Secretary: Vicky Guile Email: [email protected]




Project...

Garden bench (in 1:12th Scale)

By AIM Member Jane Harrop

Wooden garden seating has

been around for centuries, and

in particular the garden bench

used to rest those weary bones

after a days gardening, or to

just sit and admire Mother

Nature.

3/16in (4.5mm) by 3/16in (4.5mm) obechi strip wood: Two 2 13/16in (71mm) for back legs Two 1 3/4in (44mm) for front legs Two 1 5/16in (33mm) for seat supports 1/8in (3mm) by 1/4in (6mm) obechi strip wood: Three 3 1/2in (89mm) for long supports Two 1 5/16in (33mm) for stretchers 1/4in (6mm) by 3/16in (4.5mm) obechi strip wood: Two 1 5/8in (41mm) for arms 3/16in (45mm) by 3/32in (2.5mm) obechi strip wood: Five 3 7/8in (98mm) for seat slats Nine 1 1/4in (32mm) for back slats 1/8in (3mm) obechi sheet wood: Two 5/16in (8mm) by 5/16in (8mm) cut in half diagonally for seat supports

You Will Need...

1. Take the arm pieces and shape one narrow edge on each as shown and one end of the wood as shown. Use coarser grade sandpaper initially, followed by a fine‐grade sandpaper to smooth.

2. Take the long support pieces and round one long edge on each wood piece using fine‐grade sandpaper.

3. Take the seat slats and round the long edges on one side of the wood only.

4. Take the back slats and gently round the long edges. Repeat the procedure with the front and back legs, the two stretchers and seat supports. Lightly stain all of the wood pieces. Apply the stain sparingly to avoid the wood warping.

1

2 3

4

5

5. Position a back slat wide side down and centrally between two of the long support pieces. The long support pieces should be positioned wide side down and the rounded edges face outwards. Position and glue into place. Measure and mark 3/16in (4.5mm) from each end of the construction and glue another two back slats into place. 6. Position and glue another two back slats centrally in the two gaps, followed by another on each side, leaving an equal distance between each. Leave to dry thoroughly.

7. Take a back leg, front leg, stretcher, seat support and stretcher and position and glue together as shown on the photo. Note: the stretcher and arm pieces should be positioned wide side down. Repeat the procedure with the remaining pieces, ensuring that it is constructed as a mirror image. Leave to dry thoroughly.

6a 6b

7


8. Position and glue the sides pieces, with the side where the stretcher is inset facing outwards, on to each end of the back construction. The seat supports should run in‐line with long supports, and the inset side of the back construction should face forwards. 9. Take the seat slats, and position wide flat side down to rest on top of the seat support pieces. Initially glue one at the front and one at the back, followed by one centrally. Glue the remaining two centrally in the two gaps. Take the long support and glue in‐between the front legs, in‐line with the seat supports in the side pieces. The rounded edge of the long support should face up‐wards and the piece should be in‐set in‐between the two legs. Glue the triangular seat supports immediately below the long support at the front of the bench, one in each corner with the grain running vertically.

© Jane Harrop 2009 Website:

www.janeharrop.co.uk

8

Well, it Happened to… A Miniature Artisan


It happens to us all – the ‘makers’ – we have an idea… and then all we have to do is find a way…

AIM member, Anne Walden‐Mills shares this with us, and she calls it…

"When Inspiration Fails" I usually dress a series of dolls, be it by era or type. The theme this time was brides, and I wanted something different. Not the traditional embroidered meringue with veil etc, etc! I had made them! I searched books and the web but nothing grabbed my fancy. Whether it was over the airways or just through the ether, I was suddenly thinking of the girl from San Francisco with flowers in her hair. What would she wear? A caftan of course, but something special, not the caftan I wore to cover my pregnant bump! They were not at all suitable for my bride even in that permissive age. She needed something more diaphanous and ethereal. Fine soft fabrics, in gorgeous colours are very hard to find, unless you dye them yourself.

Many of my friends were into dyeing and I admired their efforts, they produced some wonderful effects. That was all right for them, they were dealing with yards; I only wanted a few inches. Bought dyes were no use; they come in too large quantities. For mixing, my friends will use a bath; over‐dyeing with indigo is their thing. (If you try using this method, do remember to wash the bath out well before bathing, or you will look as though you have been experimenting with woad.) This was no use for me, my small quantity of fabric, would disappear down the plughole.

So what to use? I looked in the cupboard to see what was there. I often dye with vegetable dyes, such as onion skins and red cabbage, but they don’t give the shades I was looking for. What about food colouring? Well at least I wouldn’t kill anyone if they were stupid enough to eat it!!! The red and yellow was astounding, very psychedelic. I dyed finger bandages to use as stockings for future Tudor gentlemen and ladies of ill repute, but not what I envisaged for my bride. (Note: Must try more of this in the future.) Still searching through the cupboards, inspiration dawned ‐‐ paints!

I have ruined lots of good clothes by not changing prior to painting. The tubes of acrylic paint would do, so I wet some silk and spread it on the draining board and worked the paint into the fabric using my fingers, and a large paintbrush to make swirling shapes in the paint. I had forgotten how much fun finger painting was. Whoops! Forgot the rubber gloves! Well too late now. I knew that if I left the paint to dry in the fabric it would set hard….. I had already found that out on my best dress. The effect I had achieved was just right, swirling shapes in the water ‐colours of blue and green. With trepidation I let cold water wash all the paint away and hung my piece of fabric up to dry. I ironed it whilst still damp and was pleasantly surprised by the result.

I cut out the caftan keeping an eye on the design and reinforced it with beads and sequins. I dressed the doll in sandals and finished off with porcelain flowers in her hair. I called her ‘Arethusa’, after a Greek water nymph.

Anne Do have a look at Anne’s beautiful work on her website

www.anrominiatures.com Artisans In Miniature 22

If you want to get ahead, get a

If that’s true, these delightful miniature people are certainly

going places!

They say a hat completes an outfit, but these hats are

masterpieces in themselves.

AIM members have excelled themselves to bring you some of their finest millinery feats.

1

2

3

4

5


(Top Right) This elderly gentleman looks so proud to be escorting his beautifully attired lady in her

elegant hat… and not to be outdone, he has donned his best top hat

This next group might have

stepped straight out of the Ascot

scene in a production of

‘My Fair lady’.

The black and white hats and

outfits are exquisite.

8

6

7

9

11

10

12



And finally, here are a stunning selection of hats which would be perfect for a visit to modern-day Ascot...

With thanks to the

following artisans for allowing us to use

their photos. If you would like to see

more of their work, take a look at their

Websites...

• Hat 1 Elisa Fenoglio www.elisafenoglio.it

• Hat 2 Mary Williams www.dollshousedolls.co.uk •

Hats 3,4,5 Debbie Dixon‐Paver www.cdhm.org/user/debbie • Hat 6,7,8 Annemarie Kwikkel‐Smit www.byannemariedolls.com •

Hat 9,17,18 Janine Crocker wwwmissameliasminiatures.com (With thanks to Julie Campbell www.bellabelledols.co.uk for making the lovely mannequins).

• Hats 4,5,6,10,11,12,13,14,15,16 Margaret Pitts www.minimilliner.co.uk

•

13

14

15

16

17

18



1/12th Scale Knitted

Car Rug or Picnic Rug By AIM Member Frances Powell

Abbreviations: st – stitch; k – knit; p – purl; ( ) ‐ repeat in‐structions between brackets as detailed in text. Notes: When carrying wool across behind work, make sure it is loose and does not pull work. This design is best knitted in pure new wool, so the blanket resembles a woven woollen rug, (cotton and acrylic yarns will give a different final result). Finished size: approx 3¾‐inches (9½ cm) square Materials required: One pair size 14 (2 mm/US size 0) knitting needles, 1‐ply wool (25m in each of Red, yellow and blue) Using Red cast on 41 sts Knit 4 rows Change to pattern: Row 1: using red k. Row 2: k 3 red, (p 2 yellow, p 1 blue, p 2 yellow, p 1 red) to last 8 sts, p 2 yellow, p 1 blue, p 2 yellow, k 3 red Row 3: k 3 red, (k 2 yellow, k 1 blue, k 2 yellow, k 1 red) to last 8 sts, k 2 yellow, k 1 blue, k 2 yellow, k 3 red Row 4: k 3 red, carrying yellow wool loosely across behind stitches of this row, (p 5 blue, p 1 red) to last 8 sts, p 5 blue, k 3 red. Row 5: k 3 red, (k 2 yellow, k 1 blue, k 2 yellow, k 1 red) to last 8 sts, k 2 yellow, k 1 blue, k 2 yellow, k 3 red. Row 6: k 3 red, (p 2 yellow, p 1 blue, p 2 yellow, p 1 red) to last 8 sts, p 2 yellow, p 1 blue, p 2 yellow, k 3 red Row 7: using red and carrying blue and yellow loosely across behind work k to end. Rows 8‐49: repeat rows 2‐7 five times. Break off yellow and blue wool and continue in red. Knit 3 rows. Cast off. Sew in all loose ends and using a warm iron and damp cloth, press lightly on the wrong side of the work, pulling work into shape as you press. Once pressed the individual stitches will come together more as the wool shrinks slightly.

© 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

www.buttercupminiatures.com


How To ‘Fake’ Embroidery On

A Dress.

By AIM Member, Christa Chayata.

Project...

Materials… 1. Glue (original tacky glue.) 2. Any colour of thread. 3. Little half pearls (this can bereplaced with any thing you want to decorate it with such as tiny flowers, pieces of lace or even Swarovski stones.) 4. A dress pattern (I chose a brides dress for this project). 5. Glue for jewellery. 6. Adhesive tape. 7. Scissors. 8 .The fabric that you will apply it on (best to use a fabric that is a bit translucent.)

You Will Need...

How to start…

First start by cutting out the dress pattern from the fabric you want to use. As you can see I have chosen a bride’s dress. Draw a simple “embroidery” pattern that will suit the design of the dress, onto some paper. Then cover it with “see through” adhesive tape (this keeps the pattern from sticking onto the fabric or rubbing off the pattern on to the fabric) and lay the “embroidery” pattern under the fabric. Hold it in place with some extra tape. Apply a little glue to the thread with a needle.

Make sure your hands are clean and put the thread onto the fabric following the long lines of the pattern then at the end, cut the thread. Do the same with the short lines. Do this bit by bit. Every time add just a little glue onto the thread and do this for the whole pattern. Here is a photo of how it could look.

If you are not sure how the completed project would look, you could make a sample with some spare material before you use the real fabric, in order to get the feel of how much glue to apply and how to follow the lines of the pattern.

This photo shows the back of the dress. It is made with the same “embroidery” pattern, but I have created it vertically instead.

When the pattern is completed you can add the pearls, with jewellery glue or add whatever else you choose for decoration.

Have fun creating…..and use your imagination. When finished, your dress could look like this wedding dress.

© Christa Chayata. Www.home.wanadoo.nl/ichayata/dolls.htm


Puppet TheatreBy AIM Member, Cristina Alberti



The art of performing with puppets has gained

great importance since the late eighteenth century. Writers and

musicians have given special attention to this fantasy world

and devoted much of their time and work to it. The fascination

and enthusiasm for these figures and their movements

continue.

Puppets can be found as all kinds of characters…. even

characters to represent freedom of expression and political

criticism of society; they become caricatures of celebrities,

especially politicians, and there are a plethora of companies

offering satirical puppet features for television and other

media outlets.

I have worked for some time, to recreate the wonderful world

of the French, Guignol puppet theatres, in miniature.

My puppet theatres are inspired by classic children's stories,

which were designed to entertain the little ones at home.

A marionette is a puppet or a doll or figurine, in cloth, wood or

other material, used to represent characters in plays. The

voice is used very skilfully, to create character, but is always

shrill, sharp and false; in France, a cleric who was a marionette

in a religious play, where the Virgin appeared, had a voice high

‐pitched like a woman.

History The use of dolls or puppets, was known to the Greeks, who

called them neurospasta, meaning an object set in motion by

ropes. Moving head, eyes, and hands, ‐ it appears to be a

person alive and vibrant. Such puppets or figurines, were used


by the Romans to amuse and entertain the public and,

without doubt, the Romans took this from the Greeks.

The Guignol Guignol belongs to the world of puppets and marionettes but have

their own distinguishing characteristics. Its origin is French; it is

said that the creator of Guignol was a man named Laurent

Mourguet, a dentist by profession in the city of Lyon.

To entertain patients, and make them forget the pain, he invented

stories, acted out with glove puppets who moved behind a desk;

this occurred around the year 1795, shortly after the French

Revolution.

Mourguet became very dear to his contemporaries and his

memory was perpetuated with a bust erected in a square of the

old city of Lyon.

The characters were representations of those Guignol people;

their aspirations, problems and calamities, all presented in festive,

and satirical tone to entertain viewers, young and old. The central

character was named Guignol, and gave his name, in perpetuity,

for such representations.

The professional performers who operate the puppets were called

puppeteers from the outset, because the puppet is handled, and

performances were, and are, usually outdoors, in yards or in the

interior of the inns.

‘The Puppet Theatre’ and all photographs are the Copyright of Cristina Alberti

www.totpetit.es.tl

and may not be used or reproduced

without expressed permission.

Each month Mags Cassidy of Mags-nificent Miniatures opens the doors to her very own ‘virtual’ miniature kitchen, to share with readers: top tips, new products, news and fantastic miniature food related projects written by either herself or by her fellow ‘foodies’ at the AIM Association…


Make your own BBQ...

• A Pizza Table (keeps the cheese from stick-ing to box lid on takeaway Pizza)

• A ‘plastic canvas’ circle • Piece of black card • Tacky glue • Grey Mineral Stones (I bought a jar from a

craft store) • A lid from a Spice Jar or similar (mine is a

lid from a bead storage tube) • Silver and Black Paint • Paintbrushes

Cut the canvas circle to fit the lid. Paint the Pizza Table and lid with black paint. Paint the canvas circle with silver paint. When dry, glue the grey mineral stones into the lid. Glue silver canvas circle onto the lid. Glue the lid onto the Pizza table. Cut out a piece of black card – this can be straight or curved. Glue card around the sides of the BBQ . When dry, paint over the card so that it matches the BBQ. You are then ready to put food of your choice onto the silver grill.

Mags Project & photographs copyright

Mags‐nificent Miniatures 1998‐2009

You Will Need...

Instructions...


If you would like a Vegetarian option to place beside your BBQ then how about these?

Vegetarian BBQ Packages from Fiona’s Miniature Workshop (www.fionasminiatureworkshop.co.uk) Copyright Fiona’s Miniature Workshop

Cool items for Hot Summer Nights.

One of our new members, Betty Hagen has been busy making miniature Lemonade and Lemon Pie. Good citrus fruits are plentiful at this time of year in California. Betty loves to pick soft fruit from the local farms near the Northern Californian coastline, which she uses to make cool lemonade for those really hot, summer evenings.

If the real food and drink is as good as Betty’s miniature items, then I am going to invite myself to Betty’s home for a short holiday! www.gamekitty.etsy.com

Pictures copyright Betty Hagen 2009.


Potato Salad Preparation Tables...

Two Aim members have been busy making Potato Salad preparation Tables... Photographs copyright Debbe Mize www.community.webshots.com/user/debbem101

These would be perfect for your summer scenes or dolls house garden. (Below) Photograph copyright Pamela J. Nicholson. www.pamelajminis.com

Debbe Mize

Debbe Mize

Pamela J. Nicholshon Artisans In Miniature 33


A “Tall” Story g{x [|áàÉÜç Éy à{x

gÉÑ [tà‹ By AIM member Margaret Pitts

The top hat today is associated with splendid occasions such as weddings, Ascot etc, (otherwise known as a “ posh do”), but this was not always the case.

Back in 1797 when the first top hat appeared in London, it almost caused a riot. The wearer, John Hetherington, apparently terrified passers‐by in the street to such an extent that ….. ”women fainted, children screamed, dogs yelped and an errand boy’s arm was broken when he was trampled by the mob.” Hetherington was accused in court of wearing “a tall structure having a shining lustre calculated to frighten timid people” and was bound over to keep the peace in the sum of £500, which was an enormous amount of money at that time. In fact he was only wearing a taller, black silk version of a beaver riding hat that was quite common at the time and when all the fuss had died down, the black silk “tall” hat began to gain in popularity.

The original hats were made from beaver fur and in order to soften the pelts, they were treated with mercury nitrate, a highly toxic chemical. The hatters who were in regular contact with this poisonous substance often developed serious mental and psychotic problems and it is said that is where the phrase “as mad as a hatter” originated. Possibly because of this, tall hats were also made in a variety of other materials, including straw, leather and even wood. They also came in several different colours such as brown, white, grey, green and maroon, as well as the more traditional black.

The first black silk top hats were made in Florence around 1760 from “plush” or “shag” and by the early 1800s they were being produced in England. The wearing of a top hat by Prince Albert set the seal of approval on the style and the nineteenth century became the hey‐day of the top hat. The height of the crown and the width of the brim fluctuated between the decades, but they reached such ridiculous proportions that a Frenchman, Antoine Gibus, invented a collapsible top hat specifically for opera‐goers when there was no longer room for them in the cloakrooms! Another Frenchman attained notoriety by being the first conjuror to pull a rabbit out of a top hat in 1814.

Although the collapsible top hats were normally associated with the opera, they also played a part in British politics until as recently as 1998. In the House of Commons, members wishing to raise a point of order during a division were required to wear a top hat. Large numbers of these hats obviously took up a great amount of space, so collapsible ones were kept permanently in the House for this purpose up to just ten years ago.

Sadly, silk plush top hats are no longer made. Production stopped around 1980 when the owners of the last looms (two brothers in Lyon) fell out and the looms were destroyed. Making new looms would be prohibitively expensive, together with the fact that each top hat requires a large amount of silk, cut on the cross, so it is unlikely that the manufacturing of these beautiful hats will ever be resumed.

On a happier note, there are still many vintage, refurbished hats to be found (at a price) and if you happen to have one in the attic, it could be worth a bob or two! Of course grey felt top hats are now seen at Ascot and are also very popular at weddings, so the tradition lives on…….. just in a different colour and fabric………and nobody faints or screams at all ! Copyright Margaret Pitts www.minimilliner.co.uk


CANDYFLOSS & Sticky Lollies! It’s sunny and hot…and we’re off for a walk around the Miniature Fairground created by the AIM artists, to see what summer sweet treats we can find; to remind us what fun it was to lick a lolly…….and buy a bag of popcorn!

We can watch the spinning, bright pink threads of the candyfloss, and smell the caramel of the toffee apples, and hot, sugary doughnuts.

1.

3. 2.

If these super pictures reminded you of when you were eight, you’ll want to know who created these miniature treats, and see some more of their work. The artists are listed below and each holds the Copyright for the photographs, which may not be used or reproduced without expressed permission.

Looking out for the wasps, we can queue for an ice-cream, or try to knock down a co-conut and crack it open when we get home – a real summer treat!

4.

1. Debbie Dixon‐Paver ‐ www.cdhm.org/user/debbie

2. & 7. Margaret Cassidy ‐ www.mags‐nificent.co.uk

3. Catherine Davies ‐ www.dollshouseheaven.co.uk

4 & 5. Betsy Neiderer ‐ www.betsyniederer.com

6. Marsh Mees ‐ www.sassyminidolls.com 6.

5.



Scene Of A Women’s Institute Sales Table By AIM Member, Carol Smith

The Women’s Institute has been going since 1915 would you be‐lieve....and was initially started with two very precise aims; to help revitalise rural communi‐ties and to encourage woman to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. Since then, the or‐ganisation has become a much loved national institution with literally thousands & thou‐sands of members, their aims much broader nowadays from when it began over 90 years ago and in fact is now the largest women’s organisation in the UK.

AIM member & IGMA Artisan Carol Smith, an extremely talented food maker, has made

just about anywhere in the UK! Now take a look at the detail – ‘the realism is simply astounding! Carol tells us “I have been making miniatures for over 20 years now and obtained my IGMA Artisan certificate in 1996 after my friend, the late Barry Hipwell, encouraged me to try for it.

I no longer have a price list as I hate being tied down to making pre‐ set items and I only exhibit at Miniatura now.

If you would like to contact me, my ema i l add r e s s i s [email protected] and although I do not have a website as such, you can see my work on: www.e t s y . c om/ shop . php ?user_id=6590817 and my Etsy Shop name is STARSGEMINI3.” © Copyright of all photos in this feature belongs to Carol Smith 2009



Project... 1:12 th Scale…

Golf Bag

Materials… Heavy paper i.e. brown paper. Small amounts of fine leather. Check fabric. 6 tooth picks.

Tacky glue. Small piece of thin card. Silver/gold pen. Silver/gold thread. Snap fasteners. 6 cm of wire for bag handle.

You Will Need...

It is a good idea to have purchased the golf clubs before starting this project so the tube can be altered to size...

Cut a 8cm x 6cm from the paper . Roll and glue the long edges to form a tube.

When dry glue one end of the tube onto thin card, this forms the base.

As soon as the glue has dried, cut carefully around the base.

Take a piece of leather and glue to the base, leaving some excess around the edge.

Gently snip into the circle so the excess can be glued up and around the tube.

Next glue the fabric onto the tube, making sure that the seams are neat.

The Bag...

Trimming the bag...

Cut a thin strip of leather to glue around the base, so that the base is neat and the fabric is covered by the leather strip. Cut another piece of leather twice the width of the piece that went around the base. Make a mark down the centre of this strip. Glue half the width around the top of the base; when dry glue the remaining half inside the tube.

1 2 3 4

7

8

5 6

By AIM Member, Kathy Brindle

Using the patterns provided cut one large pocket and one smaller pocket from card. Glue fabric over both.

When glue has dried trim or snip the edges inward and glue excess to the back.

Cut a very thin strip of leather and glue around the edges of both pockets.

Large pocket: cut the ends off the tooth picks to represent golf tees. With another thin strip of leather, start gluing the thin leather strip in the centre of the large pocket. Glue a little of the leather, glue a golf tee then a little leather; continue this way till you reach the other side of the pocket.

Small pocket: glue a strip of gold or silver thread up the middle to represent a zip.

When both pockets are dry, glue on either side of the golf bag leaving a gap in the centre for a small, leather trim to be glued hanging down. To make it easier to glue the pockets onto the bag, bend gently around the bag and hold for a few minutes.

A gold/silver pen can be used to make stud marks around the top of the bag.

Pockets... 9

10

11

12

13 14

Paint the wire black if necessary and bend 1 cm over so it resembles a walking stick. Glue and centre this up the back of the bag, making sure the handle is above the top of the opening.

Pockets...

Wheels...

15 16 17


Take a length of toothpick, measure and cut to fit towards the back of the base. Paint this black and add a snap fastener on either end. These are the golf bag wheels. Glue the wheel structure in place towards the back of the base. Use a small piece of toothpick painted to match the wheel base as a stand/support. Glue near the front of the bag base.

www.kathybee.net ©kathyb 2001

18 19


TÇà|Öâx 9 i|Çàtzx VÉÜÇxÜ By AIM Member, Celia Thomas

In this month’s feature, Celia shares her expert advice to give anyone who is a novice in

the antique and vintage world, some useful points to consider when purchasing your first

either antique or vintage dolls house.

Some Points To Consider When Buying Your First Antique Or Vintage Dolls House

Many years ago I was told by a well seasoned dealer that the word “antique” means something which is

over 50 years old and “vintage” means something which is at least 10 years old. So it is this terminology

that we have always used as a basis when selling antique and vintage dolls houses. It is extremely impor‐

tant to be aware that although the old dolls houses were originally manufactured as toys, many would not

pass today’s health and safety standards. Therefore many will most definitely not be suitable for children

any longer and should be looked upon as a collector’s item only.

These houses often may be badly splintered, contain lead paint, some even have real glass windows which

would now be deemed hazardous, stray rusty nails, or screws and sharp edges, particularly on the com‐

monly found tin windows. The price of antique and vintage dolls houses are usually based on age, condition

and rarity so simply the older and rarer an item is, the more valuable it will be providing it is in a reasona‐

bly good condition. Purchasing an antique or vintage dolls house is not normally a cheap exercise, unless

you are incredibly lucky, however another wonderful aspect to this hobby is that in most cases, your an‐

tique or vintage dolls house will gain in value over the years so could be looked upon as a sound future in‐

vestment.

“Whatever the incentive you have for choosing to buy an antique or vintage dolls house,

my advice would be the same…” *Buy A Dolls House That You Like

*Consider Size

*Consider Condition

*Consider Scale

*Buy A Dolls House That You Like

Many of the old dolls houses ooze nostalgia (some of them don’t) and there is a wide variety of styles to

choose from. Many will have been manufactured but there are a lot of fantastic home made dolls houses

too. Whatever you like will be down to personal choice, (I adore British 1920s/30s houses but not so keen

on the Victorian or European style ones).

Dolls house architecture and furnishings tend to reflect the trends of the time and serve as a useful

illustration of social history. For instance G&J Lines produced some wonderful Gothic style dolls houses

with huge windows, plus turrets, balustrades etc. at the end of the Victorian era and during early 1900s.

1930s houses made by Tri‐ang, Amersham and plans/components from Hobbies tended to be based on the

mock tudor style architecture which was so popular back then.


Also Tri‐ang (along with other manufacturers) did bring out a “Modern Dolls Houses” range in the 1930s,

very art deco design with flat roofs, the biggest being about 52” in length, absolutely huge. Dolls houses

manufactured post war 1950s tended to be in 1/16th scale and commonly with tin lattice or square win‐

dows which were so readily available back then (real finger and knuckle scrapers they were, I can tell you

that from vast experience)!

*Consider Size... Some of these antique dolls houses can be huge and even when you are given the dimensions it is still so

easy to miscalculate, particularly if you have fallen in love and been utterly seduced by one. So think where

you would put it eg. in your lounge, on a particular shelf or maybe tucked away upstairs in a special

room? If space is at a premium do not buy a really wide dolls house such as Tri‐ang Stockbroker. They are

fantastic to look at and delightfully romantic in style but not everyone has room for a 4ft long and 27” high

doll house. There are many smaller alternative antique/vintage dolls houses instead to choose from, some

could even be tucked away in a box when not in use. A prime example of a collapsible dolls house is the

1930s Dolly Varden dolls house made by Meccanno/Dinky company. It was constructed of leather board,

which was a type of strong cardboard therefore quite flimsy. Needless to say many of them didn’t survive

the war and post war years, inevitably they are now deemed rare and very valuable, along with their ac‐

companying 1/24th scale dinky furniture which suffered hugely from metal fatigue.

*Consider Condition... Condition will play an important part on the price that you will pay for your antique/vintage dolls house.

This does not only mean the obviously visible such as woodworm, missing windows or water damage but

also whether it retains any original features or whether it’s been renovated. Strictly speaking, the more

damage an old house has sustained, less original features or the more renovation that has taken place, the

less valuable it will be.

*Consider Scale... The antique and much older dolls houses are often a real mismatch of scales eg. my 1930s Hobbies house

has a 1/12th scale front door and huge windows, whereas the interior doors are small, almost like 1/16th.

The ceilings are different again…so what furniture do you choose? With a house like this where scale is all

over the place, I advise people to buy furniture that they like and forget about scale. The really old dolls

houses were often like this, and in many cases the scale was even larger than 1/12th…more like 1/10th or

even bigger.


To me, not having everything absolutely perfectly in scale is part of the attraction with

these old houses and adds to the character. Post war 1950/60s, the size settled down

more or less to the 1/16th scale and these furnishings are a lot easier to find.

“And finally…” Chipped paint and genuine wear and tear can contribute hugely to the character of an old dolls

house. However, as with any antique, these old houses need to be treated with respect and great care. I

always advise customers that unless the house is so dilapidated and completely without its original doors,

windows etc, I would strongly advise not to mess with the original fittings and furnishings otherwise you

could immediately devalue the house and could do untold damage to the fabric of the building.

If you feel you cannot live with scruffy wallpaper, then you can create alternative wallpaper card walls and

insert them loosely over the top of the original. Alternatively furniture and rugs, mock lino flooring etc can

be used to loosely cover any flaws. This topic will be covered in greater depth in a later article.

Personally I adore old dolls houses and find them delightfully intriguing and fascinating but do realise

that they are not everyone’s “cup of tea”. Family and friends, who are not so sympathetic to my

wonderful old items, have been known to refer to them as my “dodgy old tat”! But there is a saying that

“one man's junk is another man's treasure” and how true that is.

So, my final piece of advice would be before you purchase an antique or vintage dolls house ‐ if you

cannot bear worn, scruffy dolls houses complete with chipped paint, slightly stained wallpaper, random

woodworm holes and mismatched scale windows and doors then antique or vintage dolls houses may

not be right for you and instead it may be worth considering a reproduction dolls house that you can

create into something more to your taste.

Celia Thomas © Copyright ‐ K T Miniatures 2008

www.ktminiatures.com

y grandparents had a beetle‐house at the bottom of

their very long garden; other folks had privies and

netties or outside lavs, but theirs had acquired the name that

stuck for ever, because so many black beetles lived in the

cracks and crannies. Newspapers hung on a hook – no posh

toilet paper then – a pile of books and papers provided a little

light reading for a long stay, and a candle and box of matches

was provided for dark nights.

“stinging nettles that did just that - sting!...” The view from the beetle‐house was magic. To the right an old red brick wall, somewhat mossy and crumbly, was

festooned with bright yellow stonecrop that rooted where it dropped and the tiny, fairy‐like, ivy‐leaved toadflax.

At its damp base the ferns flourished alongside the stinging nettles that did just that – sting – if you brushed too

close.

To the left was a great higgledy‐piggledy pile of ancient, weathered, terracotta pots and saucers, in various states

of decay, and all rooted in a tangle of grass and scarlet field poppies that had seeded across the gardens? The pot

collection provided a home for the usual creepy crawlies, toads, mice and the odd lizard in the summer. Both the

local birds and the cat had the pot pile staked out.

The traditional cottage garden was a great varied mix of plants, and whatever it looked like, it was far from

random. If there was room, there might be a fruit tree, but certainly vegetables, fruit and herbs were planted

alongside and amongst the flowers to provide food and traditional remedies as well as colourful, scented vases of

flowers. The overall effect was jam‐packed growth and colour, and it is still a popular style of gardening. So, the

view through the door of the beetle‐house, down the long path to the house, was very much that kind of garden.

"rampant loganberries, jostled with some rather wonderful roses..." A huge pear tree, too tall now to ever be picked, shed vast quantities of ripe pears which slammed onto the

borders and attracted swarms of wasps. The stray gooseberry bush, and rampant loganberries, jostled with some

rather wonderful roses, and the

path was edged with radishes,

carrots, snapdragons and cottage

pinks. Flowers flourished in big

clumps and seeded and grew as

nature intended, so there were

wonderful plant combinations, with

Madonna liles, Michaelmas

daisies, giant red Oriental poppies

with sooty black centres, all coming

into flower and going over in the

proper order, marking the changes

in the season.

Copyright Robin Britton 2008

www.coombecrafts.co.uk

Tales From…

The Beetle HouseBy AIM Member, Robin Britton

M

Compiled By AIM Member, Margaret Pitts (MiniMilliner)

Hello again Kids! I hope you enjoyed last month’s project to make a bed for your pampered pet. This month we are going to make a kennel for a much tougher kind of pet! But more of that later…. First, I must share with you my delight at receiving a photo from a Mini AIMer of a doll she has made herself. Annabel is 9yrs old and has made this fairy doll herself: This is what Annabel told me about making her doll: "Once you get going, it is quite easy, but you can't always do it first go or quickly. Doing the hands is difficult and so is doing the face, because of using different tools." Very Well Done, Annabel ! You have made a superb job of it and we hope to see more of your work in the future. I hope this will inspire more of you to send me pictures of your work. We should love to feature them in the magazine.

This is the last in our Tool Box series, so by now you should be building up a good collection. I thought it might be interesting to see just how many tools you have acquired, so just for fun, try this: We have looked at the main areas of gluing, measuring and cutting, so if you have got anything in your toolbox to glue, measure or cut, give yourself 10 points for each category --- a possible total of 30 points.

The Tool Box...


Now let’s think about all the other bits and pieces that come in handy….and not necessarily in the way they were intended to be used. To start you off, I have tipped everything out of my tool box and photographed them (well most of them --obviously NOT empty crisp packets, sweet wrappers etc), to give you an idea of the kind of things I mean. Some of the things have obvious uses, some are a bit more obscure. Give yourself 1 point for each similar thing that you have. (There are 20 things altogether in the photos, so that would be another 20 points.) Rubber bands are handy for holding pieces together whilst the glue dries, so I keep a few dif-ferent sizes.

Cocktail sticks have lots of uses, including gluing tiny areas or fine lines; if you dampen the end (I lick it, but I shouldn’t encourage you to do things like that!), you can pick up tiny things….beads, leaves, sequins, etc. -- a piece of spaghetti works the same way; if you are making something from Fimo, you can mark tiny details in the clay. I’m sure you will think of lots more things you can do with them --- just make sure you have some in your toolbox. Fine wire can be bent and twisted into loops, hooks, flower stems etc. Cotton buds can be dampened and used to remove excess glue, tiny creases in ribbons or fabric….and the centre bit makes a good rolling pin for smooth-ing tiny bits of clay etc. Pencils and paintbrushes need no explanation, but there are other things you can do with them; if you remove the rubber from the end of the pencil, you have a tiny cutter for Fimo food or flowers; if your

pencil has straight sides, it can be used as a ruler and the other end of the paintbrush is handy for making small holes. (Above) Needle files in round and flat shapes are good for shaping tiny pieces of wood. Screwdrivers.

(Right) These are called wax carving tools and I picked them up very cheaply on a market stall selling general tools. The different ends suggest a range of creative ideas, although I have never carved wax with them!



Wet Wipes are a must! It is impossible (in my case anyway) to make minis without getting glue, paint, felt-tips etc on hands so it’s essent ia l to keep c lean ing up . Tweezers…..something else I have several of…..are vital for picking up and holding tiny bits and pieces. Both straight and curved tweezers work well. Film canisters are handy for transporting tiny, delicate things. They can also be used for water if painting, or indeed for mixing and storing paint or glue. (If your parents read The Guardian newspaper, they will laugh and tell you hundreds of uses for film canisters.)

Self-healing cutting mats probably won’t fit in your toolbox, but never-the-less they are something you will need, if only to protect the furniture in your house! You can probably tell from the state of mine that I don’t just use them for cutting! Another thing you may have spotted is my initials on some of my things. This is worth doing if you go to a club or a group workshop as everyone will have similar things and it is easy to get them mixed up.

Masking tape is useful when having a ‘dry run’ at assembling a project as it will hold things together temporarily. Sellotape is handy as long as it can’t be seen! The yellow items are disposable Micro

Brushes. They have tiny cotton tips and can be used for fine painting or gluing. Paint or glue can be mixed on a square of foil, or the foil can be crumpled to support Fimo items during baking. The little plastic dishes are actually from wedding favours, but you can count any little pots or jars. Clips or pegs can hold things whilst the glue or paint dries.

Small pliers can be useful to get a firm grip on little pieces, but adult help may be needed.

And finally (below)…..my favourite tool…..an old, broken dental tool from a vet ! No, I don’t know what it was used for and I don’t want to know ! It comes in handy for so many things—it is double ended and even the middle section is useful as it makes a lovely pattern in clay etc., but I don’t really expect you to have one of these!

if you scored 30 for the first part and 20 for the second, you could have 50 points so far. Finally, give yourself another point each for any other ‘tools’ you have, that we haven’t mentioned yet. Now let’s see how well you have done:

50 points or more: FANTASTIC ! Would you like to take-over writing Mini AIMers?! 40 to 50 points: Excellent! You must have an amazing set of tools. 30 to 40 points: Very Good! You are well on your way. Less than 30 points: Keep trying…..you will get there!

This month’s project is for a dog kennel.

You will need: ⇒ Thick card or mount board ⇒ Tacky glue ⇒ Strong scissors or an adult with a craft knife ⇒ Paint ⇒ Sandpaper


Project Time...


Look at the template and cut out these shapes from card: Base: 6cm x 5cm Sides (cut 2): 6cm long x 5cm high Back: 5cm wide x 5cm high plus 1.5cm for the apex (triangular bit) Front: Same as back but cut an opening the size you prefer.

Step 1. I was lucky enough to have brown card, but if yours is white, paint it brown. It is best to paint both sides so the card doesn’t warp. Paint the edges too, or you can use felt tip instead of paint.

Step 2. Glue the back to the base. Lego bricks are useful to keep things straight un-til the glue is dry.

2

If you have any questions, comments, ideas, suggestions, please email Margaret: [email protected]

Copyright of text and photos belongs to Margaret Pitts Please note – although the projects in this column are for children, adult supervision is recommended at all times.

The authors cannot be held responsible for any accidents arising from these projects.


Step 3. Glue the sides to the base and the back. When that has dried, glue on the front and put a rubber-band round to hold it in shape until it is dry.

Step 4. Using a fine brown felt tip and a ruler, draw lines to look like planks of wood. If you have any lolly sticks left

from the Planter project, you could glue them on in-stead.

Step 5. Fold a piece of paper to work out the size of the roof. Use

this as a template to make one from card. Score lightly down the middle so that you can bend it in two until it fits. Glue it to the back and front, and hold it in place with an elastic band until the glue dries.

Step 6. If you are lucky enough to have green sandpaper, cut it to size and glue it on the roof. Otherwise you can paint your sandpaper but glue it on first. If you wish, you can glue a length of chain just inside the kennel.

Step 7. Add your pet’s name so he knows where he lives!

3 3

4 5

6 7


Stepping Down…

By AIM Member, Bea Broadwood (Fiona)

When I started out as a professional dolls house builder I was told that to attempt to establish a business

focused purely on 1:24th scale properties was tantamount to professional suicide. However, as with most of

the advice I am given, I ignored it and Petite Properties Ltd was created. Over the years I have since lost count

of the number of half scale dolls houses that I have built and as time has passed by it has appeared to me that

the miniature world just keeps getting smaller!

Nowadays when I am at shows I can see first hand that the array of half scale miniatures available has greatly

increased and despite the current ‘gloomy’ financial climate, ‘smaller scales’ seem to be a booming area of

miniatures. Indeed when I am exhibiting, I wish I could have a pound every time a miniaturist told me that they

were “running out of space” and as a result they were having to “step down to a smaller scale”… as without

doubt I would then be able to hang up my wood working tools and go snooze in the sun, with a comfortable

nest egg…

Personally and professionally I have always enjoyed working in the much loved 1:24th scale, however recently

due to public demand I decided to take the plunge and go that

little bit smaller...

I must be honest, the thought of working in 1:48th did not set

my heart a flutter and before ‘having a go’ I was somewhat

bemused at the enthusiastic and unwavering support that the

quarter scale clearly enjoys. However, despite my initial

reluctance, I was completely surprised to find that I loved every

minute! Safe to say that what originally began nearly two

years ago as just an experiment, quickly escalated and

developed into the production of a whole new series of how to

books.

As a result of my writing and experimentation I have found that

quarter scale houses, cottages and shops can be brought to life

using nothing more complicated than small pieces of cardboard

off cuts or every day scrap materials. Indeed whole streets can

be built and displayed in only the most modest of spaces.

Despite the smaller scale, the illusion of ‘detail’ can still be

easily accomplished and stunningly life like architectural dolls

houses can be built and filled...

Washtub Cottage: In 1:24th scale (Right) & in 1:48th scale (Left)


For those of you who are new to this smaller ‘quarter’ scale and for those who are feeling tempted at the

thought of embarking on a 1:48th scale project for the first time, I feel that I should pause for a moment to

clarify the ‘mathematic bit’ of working in this adorable smaller scale.

The ratio or scale ‐ 1:48 simply translates into:

So for example, a measurement of ¾ inch x 1½ inches given for a 1:48th scale door, would translate into a 3 foot

x 6 foot door if it were to be made up in real life. It is also worth noting that the 1:48th scale is sometimes re‐

ferred to as quarter inch scale or quarter scale, as when compared to the larger and more common 1:12th

scale, (1 foot = 1 inch) it is quite simply: a quarter of the size…

Of course what this all means in

‘miniaturist terms’ is that 1:48th scale

dolls houses take up hardly any space

at all!! So lots of them can be collected

and enjoyed!!

The Petite Properties’ new quarter scale series

has been such a lot of fun to write and the

concept behind it is a very simple one…

The series is based on a fusion of scratch building

techniques and simple kit construction.

Each ‘How To’ booklet in the series is

accompanied by its very own ‘precision cut’ dolls

house kit. The booklet teaches the reader how to

assemble and bring their 48th

scale dolls house kit to life, using

imaginative techniques ‐ all

clearly explained through detailed

step by step instructions.

The pictures above are taken from the ‘Corner Shop’ book by Fiona Broadwood...

1 foot = ¼ inch


Each booklet & kit package features a different quarter scale property allowing readers to ‘pick & mix’

property designs in order to create and build their very own unique quarter scale street scenes.

The series was officially launched in May at the prestigious Kensington Dollshouse Festival and kicked off

with the release of book 1, which features a traditional and classic Victorian inspired shop, just perfect for

the corner or starting point of your 1:48th scale street.

The Kit & Book package for the Corner Shop is £19.99 (Plus P&P) and can be ordered via the Petite

Properties’ website or bought from the Petite Properties exhibition stand. (Please see our website for our

full fair schedule…)

Book 2 from the series will be released very soon and features the delightful ‘Washtub Cottage’ (See

below) Finally though, do remember there are many more booklets on the way, collectively featuring a huge

variety of houses, cottages and shop designs to choose from, build and enjoy, in this wonderful smaller

‘quarter’ scale… www.petite‐properties.com

So why not join me in stepping down a scale… or two??

Copyright Petite Properties Ltd / LUMO Publishing


By AIM Member, Frances Powell of Buttercup Miniatures Even if you are an experienced knitter in human size, if you have never knitted in miniature before don’t expect to start with a complicated lace or Aran pattern.

Before you start knitting an item in miniature… 1. Try some of the ‘larger’ sized miniature needles first; they are more rigid and easier to work with especially for a first attempt. 2. Get used to the tiny needles by knitting a few rows of stocking (stockinette) stitch using ANY yarn you have available. You will find it takes a few rows to adapt to the feel of the needles and be comfortable handling them. 3. Now introduce the very fine yarn, (if you try to do this before you are used to the needles your brain will not cope) knit a few rows with the fine yarn to get used to the feel of the knitting. 4. You may find you need a magnifier to see the stitches clearly, those that hang round the neck are best to use to start with. It is better to discover this

before you start on a pattern that requires really fine needles and yarn. You may find the knitting needles prick your fingers as you knit; this can be ‘cured’ by wearing a rubber thimble (available from stationers shops for counting money) that is turned inside out, so the smooth surface is on the

outside.

Introducing a pattern… 1. Start with something fairly simple with no shaping, like a blanket or cot cover. 2. When you have mastered this move on to something with a little shaping, then you are ready for the tricky stuff like lace and Arans. Start with a pattern for an adult doll and until you are confident do not attempt patterns for baby dolls.

Things that make life easier when knitting… 1. Try to have no distractions, like the TV, as if you drop a stitch it is easier to start again than to pick it up. This can be heartbreaking if you are casting (binding) off. 2. Dropped stitches that you do manage to pick up WILL ALWAYS show. 3. Knit in lighter colours to start with, dark colours will be easier when you are more experienced. 4. Place a cloth in a contrast colour on your lap so the stitches show up better. 5. Always keep your hands clean as when an item is washed it may go out of shape, shrink, grow or lose any mothproofing. 6. Don’t be tempted to go for acrylic wool if the pattern says wool, the design will not look the same when it is finished.

7. Don’t be tempted to buy cheap wool because you get a huge hank of it for the same price as a skein of mothproofed wool. Some 1‐ply wool designed for human clothes is not strong enough to use in miniature knitting If using pure wool, make sure it is mothproofed. It can be heartbreaking to find a piece of knitting you spent hours doing and put on display has been attacked by moths.

You should now be ready to embark on your first miniature knitting project… © Copyright F H Powell 2008

www.buttercupmianatures.co.uk Title Cartoon by AIM Member Simon Wilday ‐ www.wildayswizzardworkshop.co.uk

Knitting...

You can make your wedding cake as simple or as complicated as you like. Whatever your choice of design and decoration, you may find the following tips of help when using polymer clay for your cake...

1/ Put the cat out. Polymer clay attracts dust and fluffy bits more effectively than any vacuum cleaner. Cat hairs

can appear from nowhere and embed themselves deep into the clay – even when you haven’t actually got a cat –

so it is important to keep your working area and tools scrupulously clean. Nail varnish remover is excellent for this.

2/ Cutters are wonderful for cutting out shapes but you need to take care when using them since it is all too easy

for the middle of the shape to bulge out when pressing down on the cutter. Once the cake is cooked, you may

need to slice the top very carefully to provide a flat surface.

3/ If you want graduated squares (or oblongs) for a tiered cake and don’t have the appropriate cutters, try using an

omnigrid. This is a special plastic “overgrown ruler” type tool used by quilters for the accurate cutting of material

and templates. I have found it works very well for polymer clay – especially when using it with a tissue blade.

(See picture).

4/ If possible, once you have cut out your shapes, do not lift them from the tile, but bake them first in situ.

5/ Don’t be tempted to varnish any of the

finished surfaces unless you specifically want

something to shine. I have personally found that

un‐varnished clay makes for very realistic icing.

6/ Once you have your basic shapes cooked and

assembled, you can decorate your cake to your

heart’s content. If using ribbon, you will find the

silk variety much more pliable on such small

shapes than polyester and they therefore appear

to sit more naturally.

7/ Remember with polymer clay that so long as

you do not over‐heat the oven and burn the clay,

you can re‐bake as many times as you like if you

want to keep adding to your cake.

8/ Let the cat back in!

Catherine

WEDDING CAKE Tips

By AIM Member Catherine Davies

www.dollshouseheaven.co.uk Artisans In Miniature 55

Flowers and herbs have been used at

wedding or joining ceremonies since the

time of the ancient Greeks. Flowers,

plants and herbs were used initially as a

crown that the bride would wear and

were considered to promote fertility and

a gift of nature. The garland was

considered to be a symbol of love and

happiness and was worn by both the bride and groom.

The bridal bouquet and garland was originally made of herbs and bulbs of garlic, it was said to have magical

powers to ward of any evil spirits that may harm the couples future and also the herbs, which were eaten by the

couple, were said to promote fertility. The herbs used had different meanings and properties just as flowers had

in Victorian times. For example ivy in a wedding bouquet assures good luck, lilies signify purity, apple blossom,

better things to come and the herb myrtle is supposed to bring good luck.

Kissing knots were made of flowers and herbs in the Tudor period and this was suspended over the couples

head during the marriage service, it was made of roses and rosemary tied together, this was then taken to the

head table at the wedding feast – smaller nosegays using roses, rosemary and other herbs, were placed beside

the plate of every guest who were at the wedding feast, these flowers were chosen for the guests to ensure

them happiness and long lives.

The small hand held posies regain popularity in the Victorian times when Queen Victoria carried a ‘Tussie

Mussie’ containing herbs, during her marriage to prince Albert – brides during this era often carried bouquets

containing just one type of flower which expressed the sentiments she felt for her new husband – roses were

seen to expressing her love, lilies were again for purity and red poppies were for a time popular as they

expressed the pleasure her husband had brought into her life. Although many of the flowers still used in

bouquets have traditional meaning nowadays the flowers are used to compliment the personal tastes and

colour schemes of the wedding.

During the early part of the 20th century the small posies went out of

fashion and cascade arrangements came into popularity, even during

recessions brides preferred larger bouquets, however nowadays

there is not one type of preference, cascade, posies and hand held

flowers all have there place. In a modern miniature wedding scene or

wedding room box any type of arrangement would be excellent – but

for an accurate historical perspective the following would apply: Tudor – hand held herb posy Regency – long cascade flowers, ferns and ivy Victorian – early part, long cascade arrangement – latter part, small hand held posies. Edwardian – cascade of flowers Art deco period – feathers and single flowers 1940’s & 50’s – time of austerity – simple posies or single flowers

Kathryn

History of Wedding Flowers

By AIM Member Kathryn Gray

www.fineflowersinminiature.co.u Artisans In Miniature 56

Tutorial... I am often asked at fairs how I bend the various

parts of my Windsor chairs. So this is an explanation

of my method of bending wood.

Choosing Your Wood... First you need to choose the wood. For a shallow

curve such as the top rail of a chair, just about any

wood will bend. However for something like the

hoop of a wheelback chair or the bent arms of a

double bow chair you need to take more care in

choosing the wood you use. The only way really to find out if a particular wood will bend is to try it. I have

found different samples of the same wood can behave completely differently. I had some apple once, which

you could almost tie in knots, but my latest stock of apple won’t bend at all. The same goes for cherry; I have

some that will bend and some that won’t. One wood that does consistently bend well is yew and this is what I

use for most of my bending. You also need a piece of wood with nice straight grain running as near as possible

parallel to the edge with no “runout”. The photo below should make this clear. The top piece should bend

nicely but the grain of the second piece runs out towards the edge and this is where it will break.

By AIM Member, Colin Bird.

Making A Mould The next thing you need is some sort of mould or jig to form the

wood into the required shape. The photo below shows a simple

mould I use for the top rail of my armchairs. Just take a piece of

wood big enough to contain the part you are bending, plus a bit at

each end. Mark, and cut out the shape that you want, using a fret

saw. I use an electric saw but a hand fret saw will do if you keep it

upright. Sand the cut surface smooth, drill a hole in each end and put

a couple of bolts through to clamp the two halves together. The

photo should make it fairly clear.

The same principle can be used for other shapes and here is a

selection of other moulds and jigs that I use ‐ See right…

The Bending... The conventional way of bending wood is to steam it. For miniatures though I use a

much easier method, I put it in a saucepan of water and boil it. Boil for about 10

minutes to half an hour depending on the thickness of the wood and how much you’re

going to bend it. If it doesn’t bend easily, try putting it back and leaving it a bit longer.

Don’t let it boil dry though…. I’ve done this a few times and wondered what the funny

smell was coming from the kitchen. When it’s ready, carefully remove from the

saucepan, quickly place in the mould, tighten up the two bolts and leave to dry in a

warm place. Artisans In Miniature 57

I usually put mine on top of my central heating boiler or hot water tank.

I’ve even put it in the oven when I’ve been in a hurry, but use a very low

setting if you do this. Thin pieces will usually be dry in a day, thicker pieces

I leave for several days, or up to a week if I’m not in a hurry. The water will

raise the grain so sand to get it nice and smooth.

Other Tips... Although I don’t usually use steam, sometimes very tight bends can do

with a bit of extra persuasion by holding over the spout of a boiling kettle.

Square sections can tend to twist when bending, so what I do here is bend

a piece about half an inch wide or so and then slice off the individual parts

afterwards using a thin circular saw blade in my table saw. I do the same

thing with narrow strips and the photo below shows the laths of a lath

back chair being cut. Don’t attempt this though unless you’re very experi‐

enced at using a table saw. Use a couple of sticks to push the wood

through and keep your fingers well away from the blade.

Finally, below is a photo of a very elaborate jig I made for a recent commission of an

American continuous arm settee. This took quite a bit of planning and careful

measurement, but as you can see from the finished result it turned out quite well.

To see more of Colin’s fantastic work visit his website - www.colinbird.co.uk

Copyright Colin Bird 2008


The Miniature... GRAPEVINE

New AIM Members

The Ranks Of AIM Are Ever Growing! We would like to extend a warm welcome to the fol‐lowing artisans who have joined AIM in the past few weeks...

Everyone here at AIM would like to congratulate the following talented AIM members who have recently being granted Artisan Status with the International Guild of Miniature Artisans – IGMA.

Elisa Fenoglio, Barbara Brear, Sara Alvarez

“Hot Award” For AIM!

The latest edition of our AIM magazine has won a “Hot Award” from Scribd and was listed in the number one slot of their hottest new updates category!!!

The number of hits on our May issue was much higher than the last two issues and at this rate I think it will soon be the most popular issue to date.

Martha of Martha McLean Miniatures

Betty Hagen of Live Mini

Helen Woods of Living in a Miniature World

Fran Casselman of Fran Made Miniatures

Jill Miles of The Miniature Cake Shop

Kathi R. Mendenhall of La Petite Belle Patterns

Olga Asensio De Haro of Chryser Miniaturas

Joyce Barmore of Mostly Art

Nicky Cooper of Nicky's Dolls & Critters

Nikki Rowe


NEWA Double Whammy For Deb Jackson!

AIM member Deb Jackson of Deb Jackson Designs tells us that she is going to be featured in the July issues of both the Dolls House World magazine and the American Miniaturist.

Readers Comments It is always good to hear comments from readers of our AIM Online Magazine.....here is another one we thought we would share with you all!

AWESOME AWESOME Your new magazine is just awesome! A de-light...a wonder...a real treat! I stumbled on your website by accident searching for an American magazine called Miniature Collector that I used to subscribe to. All thoughts of that flew out of my head as soon as I downloaded AIM. I am so thrilled I called all my mini friends here in New York State and they are just as delighted. Thank you so much for all the time and ef-fort you must spend putting together such a fantastic creation! You have made my mini day!

Kelley Raunec

A STAR IS BORN … The Times Online ‐ on 21st May carried a report and a short film about The Kensington Dollhouse Festival ‐ AIM members Terry Neville, Liza Lawrence and Simon Walker were all mentioned, and Terry Neville of Dateman was featured showing three of his books.

Born to be a star, Terry!


At The Heart Of The Home...

Dave Williams at www.harvington.com, well known for his paintings and miniature picture frames, has his new, faithful replica fireplaces featured in the ‘Just In’ spot in Dolls House Magazine – June issue.

Available in both 1/12th and 1/24th scales, there is also one to be won in the competition in this issue!

In Print... Both KT Miniatures – www.ktminiatures.com

and Buttercup Miniatures – www.buttercupminiatures.com

are featured in very nice reviews in WEB FOCUS in the June Issue of The Dolls House Magazine.

Celia Thomas who runs KT Miniatures, specialises in unusual 1930s and 1940s hand‐ made miniatures, as well as antique dolls house items – and also hosts The Thame Dolls House Fair. Frances Powell, of Buttercup Miniatures ‐ celebrates 10 years in the miniatures business this year; her website is packed with outstanding miniature knitting, patterns, haberdashery and more. She tells us that she now takes PayPal on her web shop.

FLAPPER DOLL COMPETITION Did you enter last month’s competition to win the fabulous Flapper Doll, made by Mary Williams? If you did, you will be waiting with bated breath to see if you are the lucky winner.

Well, you will have to wait a little longer as we have decided to extend the clos‐ing date for ONE MORE MONTH !

So if you didn’t get round to sending in your entry last month, you are still in with a chance. But don’t delay, take an‐other look at the May magazine (p.15) and email your entry to Margaret from the editorial team by June 30th: [email protected]

Brand new 1:48th series from

Petite Properties The Corner Shop Book & Kit

package was released at Kensington Dollshouse Festival and promptly SOLD OUT…!!!!

A second batch of the Corner Shop package is on the way and pre‐orders are also now being taken for the second quarter scale property in the series: Washtub Cottage.

For further details see the Petite Properties website:

www.petite‐properties.com or email [email protected]

Cover Girl…

Pamela Nicholson of Pamela J Minis – has her lovely ‘ Log Cabin for Dad’ featured in the June issue of American Miniaturist on pages 6‐14. …and it’s featured on the front cover as well. It’s a great Father’s Day present……

NEW!!


COMING in August...

Catch the latest news from all around the miniature world…

All FREE and fully downloadable at:


Loads more fantastic projects, articles & features written exclusively by AIM

members!!!

We are getting better & Better...

so Don’t Miss A Thing!

Please Note: The projects included in this publication are not suitable for children under the age of 14*

The miniatures featured in this magazine are collectors items and therefore unsuitable for children under 14*. All projects are undertaken at your own risk. AIM does not accept responsibility for any injury incurred.

All articles and photographs used in this magazine are copyright of their authors.

The AIM magazine’s content is for private use only and it must not be reproduced in part or in full for commercial gain in any form.

Each artisan contributor is responsible for their own work / contribution to the AIM magazine and retain full responsibility for their published work.

The authors/self publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any consequences arising from following instructions, advice or information in this magazine.

*with the exception of the Mini AIMers feature which is written especially for children under 14.

Issue 14Issue 14

Written by artisans, Enjoyed by miniaturists...!

Cristina Alberti Akke Ris

Fiona Bateman Colin Bird

Kathy Brindle Robin Britton

Bea Broadwood Julie Campbell Mags Cassidy

Christa Chayata Cheryl Clingen Janine Crocker

Catherine Davies

Debbie Dixon-Paver Liz Eddison

Elisa Fenoglio Louise Goldsborough

Kathryn Gray Vicky Guile Betty Hagen Jane Harrop Deb Jackson

Annemarie Kwikkel-Smit Linda Masters Marsha Mees Debbie Mize

Sandra Morris Betsy Neiderer Margaret Pitts Frances Powell

Kay Shipp Wendy Smale Carol Smith Jain Squires

Georgina Steeds Celia Thomas

Anne Walden-Mills Mary Williams

This issue would not have been possible without the generous contributions of the following AIM members…

Many thanks therefore to...


See you in august…!

Documents

Aim Mag Issue 13