Tips for Collecting and Creating Miniatures
Is it Expensive to Become a Doll's House Collector?
May 30, 2009
Collecting miniatures for doll's houses can be an expensive hobby but it does not need to be. In fact, half the fun and fascination for serious enthusiasts is to see what one can make for a doll's house out of little more than beads, toothpicks and other small, discarded household items.
It is a good idea to decide exactly which project to proceed with first, research the period, decide on a budget then finish it completely before proceeding in an orderly fashion to the next project.
Make and Create Instead of Purchasing Miniatures
Magazines may show techniques for creating miniatures in a particular field or point one in the direction of classes. There is a wealth of 'how to' information on the Internet. There are classes available where miniature enthusiasts are usually very willing to share knowledge and ideas. It is often possible and great fun to make miniature household items out of polymer clay.
Find a Local Miniature Club and Get Organized
Miniature Clubs often have workshop days when items are created or days when members trade their work. Local clubs may have discount agreements with local shops, on line suppliers or crafts people. Local libraries usually have lists of miniature clubs in a specific area with information and times.
Some miniature clubs and doll's fairs have a 'scratch box' where all manner of small items and odds and ends are donated or recycled.
For any specific areas of interest, it is a good idea to keep the local miniature club organizers informed or have a notice pinned on the club notice board.
There is nothing more money or time-consuming than being disorganized. Small plastic boxes, which are clearly labeled for example, tools, clay, scissors, beads, ribbons etc, will mean that one is better equipped to improvise when the time comes to look for or make a miniature item, as opposed to rushing out to the nearest craft store.
Miniature World and Related Artists
Often miniatures are created across disciplines. For example, some miniature artists will make some miniature art portraits or may even be commissioned to do so, or a model plane store might have miniatures dolls or paints available. A bonsai club may have small trees that are suitable for a miniature doll's house garden, ceramics expert may have made some tiny crockery items etc.
Yard Sales, Thrift Stores, Auction Houses and Dealers
Miniature doll collections may show up on various on line sales sites. A little time spent in researching exactly what one wants to buy and deciding on a price range will help to eliminate wasting time and effort.
Magazines for miniature or doll collectors may have information about clubs, shows and upcoming sales in different areas. Club newsletters or classified adverts may advertise events or deceased estate sales.
Auction houses are a good choice to visit regularly if one's passion is antique miniatures. Talk to local stores – the owner or salesperson may be willing to call if particular items show up in a job lot. A $2 box in the back lot of goods at an auction may contain several items one may have spent years looking for.
Watch for Emerging Artists and Specialists
In their first few years the work of new miniature artists may be much more reasonable than it will be when they have made a name for themselves. They may be willing to create certain pieces on commission and be willing to adapt to a certain requirements or budget.
The most common and easiest ways to start a miniature doll's house hobby is to start simply by purchasing an old doll's house and then painting, carpeting and re-decorating it. On becoming more experienced, one can then migrate to more ambitious miniature projects which at that point may require one to make a greater investment of time and money.
