Artisans in Miniature

Thursday, 12 August 2010

Meet our Members - Ana Anselmo

My name is Ana Anselmo and I am a scientific researcher, with a PhD in Environmental Biotechnology and I have a full time job in a public research lab. I was born in 1955, Lisbon, Portugal where I still live.

As miniaturist, I like to see myself of someone that loves to create things to the Contemporary dollhouse and room-boxes, covering all the things that are needed for its decoration, from furniture to decorative accessories, including lights, paintings, fabrics, rugs, etc.

About 2 years ago I decided to create my own pieces, all designed by myself from scratch and I also tried to improve my skills, doing some short courses on woodworking; at the present moment I have done 4 courses, which includes carving, cabinet making (joinery traditional techniques), inlay techniques and wood painting. These courses are for real scale work, but I try to apply the things I learn to miniature furniture at 1:12 scale.

I can't say that I have a specific source of inspiration, but I always look for things in the real world. I love Arts & Crafts furniture, but also all the philosphy behind the movement in terms of home decoration. I find Mission and Shaker furniture also very inspiring.

My work has been featured in several UK magazines, namely Dolls House World and Dolls House & Miniatures Scene and also in the online AIM Magazine.

Web page www.miniaturesforever.com

Email : anaanselmo55@gmail.com

Etsy shop: www.miniaturesforever.etsy.com

blog www.miniaturesforever.blogspot.com

Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Meet our Members - Amanda Speakman

My name is Amanda Speakman, I am reletivly new to the miniature food scene having only been making miniature food for around 18 months now. It all started a few years ago when my husband supprised me with a large victorian dollshouse for my birthday, knowing I had always wanted one since I was a little girl. I then spent the next year or so realy enjoying my new hobby furnishing and decorating over and over constantly changing each room trying to create the perfect victorian scene. The kitchen however never realy looked quite right, the room itself was fine with the cooks, old victorian range etc but something was missing. I then realised it was the food, just not quite right. Having traweld the internet whilst furnishing and decorating my house I had come across polymer clay but never actually used it, so I decided to give it a go, after a few failed attempts I created a realy nice baking scene of which I was very proud. That is when the bug bit, And now make a large selection of foods for any occasion.

I now supply my miniature foods to private collectors and small shops worldwide through my website, Ebay & Etsy stores.

Website: www.amanspeakminiatures.com

Private commisions always welcome and can be requested through my website contact form.

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/amanspeak

Ebay or Google search for: amanspeak

If you have questions, please contact me on the following address: mail@amanspeakminiatures.com

Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Meet our Members - Jain Squires

My name is Jain Squires. I live in North Yorkshire UK. I have been making miniatures for around 12 years now and for the last 4 years have been selling my giddy characters at fairs and online.

The characters are made from polymer clay and each one is hand sculpted. It is impossible to replicate them. I prefer not to repeat characters, I like to think people have a OOAK in every way.