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Meet the Miniaturist: On the Road to The Tom Bishop Show (pt 1)!

  • 2 hours ago

My latest Meet the Miniaturist open studio podcast featured several artists on their way to the upcoming Tom Bishop Dollhouse Miniature Show happening in Chicago during the weekend of April 25! (Photo below: Casey Bentz)

A Big thank you to the artists who were on to introduce themselves, share their working studio spaces and show us some of the miniatures they're working on to share at the upcoming show. (Miniature Uggs by Casey Bentz)

The Tom Bishop Show is the largest and most well-attended dollhouse miniatures show in the United States with an awesome assortment of artists from the US and around the world represented to show their work. (Image Below: Margie Criner from Itty bitty Mini Mart)

This is part 1 of 2 podcasts and Included in this event are Casey Bentz from Smallish Miniatures, Margie Criner from Itty Bitty Mini Mart and Tom Gottlick from Trianon Petit (below).

This was an awesome and informal way to get the know the artists and to take a peek inside their working studios as they prepare for the show.... If you like what you see, please like, comment and subscribe to my channel and shop my latest estate sales here: https://bit.ly/DThomasLink. If you have an collection you would like to have me sell on your behalf, please do reach out so we can chat!



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Why Miniature Collectors and Sellers Should Tune In!

At D. Thomas Miniatures, we promote miniatures every chance and celebrate artists like Greg Britton but also serve as a trusted partner for those looking to buy or sell fine miniatures. If you’ve built a collection over the years and are considering downsizing, or if you’ve inherited a collection and aren’t sure what to do next, we specialize in helping collectors connect with buyers who will appreciate these treasured pieces.

If you’re ready to explore options for selling your collection, reach out to me today. Let’s ensure these miniature masterpieces find the perfect new home!Many collectors are searching for reliable ways to sell their miniatures, and I’m proud to offer expertise in curating, valuing, and finding new homes for these beautiful works of art. Whether you have a collection of historic dollhouse miniatures, artisan furniture, or rare handmade pieces, we can guide you through the selling process with professionalism and care.

If you’re a miniature enthusiast, an artist, or someone looking to sell a miniature collection, I’d love to hear from you. At D. Thomas Miniatures, we are dedicated to preserving the artistry of miniatures while helping collectors and sellers navigate the market with confidence.


Visit D. Thomas Miniatures to learn more about how we can help you sell your miniature collection with ease and expertise.


Thank you for watching and for being an important part of the D. Thomas Miniatures Community - be sure to like my posts and subscribe to my social media channels. You can also sign up right here on my website for my newsletter updates so you're always up on what's happening in the mini world, my estate sales and events!


I hope you always #FindTheJoyInMiniatures


- Darren

D. Thomas Miniatures

SMALL TALK * ESTATE SALES * GALLERY






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Meet the Miniaturist: Carolyn Bergen and Explore the Art of Photography in her Magical Miniature World

  • Feb 25

In the captivating realm of miniatures, where intricate details and artistic passion converge, Carolyn Bergen from @DollhouseArtProductions on Instagram stands as a beacon of creativity and expertise.

Recently, I had the pleasure of diving into Carolyn' journey on a very special Meet the Miniaturist interview on my and my YouTube channel and uncovered how her artistic background transformed into a love for crafting detailed miniatures that capture the imagination and vividly expressed in her photography.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Carolyn has seamlessly blended her skills as an artist and writer with her fascination for dollhouses, creating a world of miniatures rich with stories and visual appeal. Her journey into miniatures began just over two years ago, a venture that evolved from her varied artistic background. With an education in fine arts she started painting large oils. She had a minor in photography and initially showcased her work in galleries, living the "starving artist" life. However, as she transitioned into family life, her creativity flourished in unexpected ways. She began creating art cakes and writing children’s books, a journey that serendipitously led her to miniatures.

"One day, it was just online, and I saw this kit for the store, and I was like, oh, you know what? This is my opportunity," Carolyn recalls. Her fascination with miniatures quickly developed into an artistic pursuit. She started by repurposing an old dollhouse for her daughter, observing how light filled its rooms. "When the sun came through the window, this house just took on a new life," Carolyn vividly describes her enchantment. "That's where I fell in love with miniatures. For me, it was the light coming in the windows; it was the blank canvas."

Photography plays a pivotal role in Carolyn's miniature creations, allowing her to capture the essence of her tiny worlds. Her Instagram account showcases her talent, as she adeptly uses natural light to enhance the intricate details of each scene. Carolyn describes her process: “At certain times of the year, you only have a limited amount of light, and my favorite light is sunlight. So I'm setting up scenes and moving the miniatures around very quickly.” Her dedication to capturing the perfect shot is apparent in the enchanting scenes she shares with her audience.

But Carolyn's journey doesn't stop with visual storytelling. She integrates her various skills—like 3D modeling and printing—to craft delicate pieces that bring each miniature scene to life. "The delicacy of these prints is what I'm obsessed with," Carolyn explains. "I usually will take a 3D print and incorporate another element into it, like upholstery, to make it more realistic."

Now, with a growing community on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, Carolyn is eager to expand her influence in the miniature community. Through her online presence and her Etsy store, Dollhouse Art Productions, she connects with fellow enthusiasts, sharing her journey and inviting others to explore the depth of miniature artistry.

For those eager to delve into the world of miniatures, Carolyn's advice is centered on creativity and experimentation. She encourages aspiring miniaturists to embrace natural light in their photography and to continually explore different techniques and materials. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, Carolyn Bergen's work offers a glimpse into the enchanting possibilities of miniatures, where art and imagination create worlds that captivate and inspire. Whether you're an avid collector or a curious beginner, Carolyn's meticulous artistry invites you to explore the magic of miniatures with fresh eyes and an open heart. Be sure to visit her Instagram and Etsy store for a journey into the delicate, detailed world she so beautifully creates.

A Big thank you to Carolyn for sharing her work, her insights and tips - we all look forward to following and seeing more of the awesome work you create in small scale!



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Why Miniature Collectors and Sellers Should Tune In!

At D. Thomas Miniatures, we promote miniatures every chance and celebrate artists like Greg Britton but also serve as a trusted partner for those looking to buy or sell fine miniatures. If you’ve built a collection over the years and are considering downsizing, or if you’ve inherited a collection and aren’t sure what to do next, we specialize in helping collectors connect with buyers who will appreciate these treasured pieces.

If you’re ready to explore options for selling your collection, reach out to me today. Let’s ensure these miniature masterpieces find the perfect new home!Many collectors are searching for reliable ways to sell their miniatures, and I’m proud to offer expertise in curating, valuing, and finding new homes for these beautiful works of art. Whether you have a collection of historic dollhouse miniatures, artisan furniture, or rare handmade pieces, we can guide you through the selling process with professionalism and care.

If you’re a miniature enthusiast, an artist, or someone looking to sell a miniature collection, I’d love to hear from you. At D. Thomas Miniatures, we are dedicated to preserving the artistry of miniatures while helping collectors and sellers navigate the market with confidence.


Visit D. Thomas Miniatures to learn more about how we can help you sell your miniature collection with ease and expertise.


Thank you for watching and for being an important part of the D. Thomas Miniatures Community - be sure to like my posts and subscribe to my social media channels. You can also sign up right here on my website for my newsletter updates so you're always up on what's happening in the mini world, my estate sales and events!


I hope you always #FindTheJoyInMiniatures


- Darren

D. Thomas Miniatures

SMALL TALK * ESTATE SALES * GALLERY






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Meet the Miniaturist: Jonathan Steadman, A Rising Star in the World of Miniature Design!

  • Feb 20

Meet the Miniaturist Jonathan Steadman from House of Mirth Miniatures and discover the artistry of this rising star in the miniatures world. Are you passionate about artisan dollhouse miniatures? Get ready to be inspired by Jonathan Steadman, an innovative miniaturist who's taking the tiny world by storm, and watch my latest Meet the Miniaturist broadcast and chat with Jonathan here on my YouTube channel:

Jonathan Steadman is a New York City-based artist with a extensive background in luxury product design space in the fragrance and home decor categories. He is now translating those skills, talents and his eye for high end design to collectible dollhouse miniatures while redefining the miniature art form.

His efforts and talents creating (full size) Christmas ornaments for luxury retailers and fragrance lineup is now transformed into his current passion for intricate miniature designs bringing a unique perspective to the world of tiny treasures from wonderfully crafted food miniatures, stunning topiary collections and nostalgic toys including his Barbie DreamHouse and doll in a box replicas in 1:12 scale.

Jonathan has an educational background in fine art and design and uses CAD design and 3D printing, along with traditional methods to bring his cutting edge miniatures to life. His work is inspired by vintage finds, holiday celebrations, and personal memories

A BIG thank you to Jonathan for sharing his work, his talents and story with us and we look forward to seeing more from this maker in the future. Be sure to listen to the full episode featuring stay tuned for more conversations with the world’s leading and up and coming miniature artists and collectors and don't miss out on discovering incredible artists like Jonathan Steadman!

Thank you for watching and for being an important part of the D. Thomas Miniatures Community - be sure to like my posts and subscribe to my social media channels. You can also sign up right here on my website for my newsletter updates so you're always up on what's happening in the mini world, my estate sales and events!



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Why Miniature Collectors and Sellers Should Tune In

At D. Thomas Miniatures, we promote miniatures every chance we can and celebrate artists like Jonathan Steadman. We also serve as a trusted consignment partner for those looking for buying and selling services for their fine art miniatures. If you’ve built a collection over the years and are considering downsizing, or if you’ve inherited a collection and aren’t sure what to do next, we are a professional organization specializing in helping collectors connect with an extensive network of enthusiastic buyers who will appreciate your precious treasured pieces.

If you’re ready to explore options for selling your collection, reach out to me today. Let’s ensure these miniature masterpieces find the perfect new home! Many collectors are searching for reliable ways to sell their miniatures, and I’m proud to offer expertise in curating, valuing, and finding new homes for these beautiful works of art. Whether you have a collection of historic dollhouse miniatures, artisan furniture, or rare handmade pieces, we can guide you through the selling process with professionalism and care.

Visit D. Thomas Miniatures to learn more about how we can help you sell your miniature collection with ease and expertise.


- Darren

D. Thomas Miniatures

SMALL TALK * ESTATE SALES * GALLERY





This blog post was created using the help of AI technology and edited by Darren Scala based on the transcript of the Meet the Miniaturing interview posted on Saturday, February 22, 2025 on YouTube.

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