Episode 21: Parrish & Kris Bleau
What does it take to run a miniature business, produce two major miniature shows, raise a family, work full-time jobs—and still create tiny worlds people love?
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Parrish and Kris, the couple behind some of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite miniature flooring, siding, and custom miniature creations—and now the new owners of the PNW miniature shows.
We talk about how childhood miniatures shaped their lives, how a woodworking project accidentally became a business, why miniature communities are unlike any other art community, and what it’s really like taking over two major miniature shows.
You’ll also hear:
• How their miniature business started during COVID
• Why they believe there is room for every artist
• The realities of running miniature shows behind the scenes
• How social media is changing miniatures
• Their hopes for the future of tiny worlds
PLUS: I’ll be attending the Portland miniature show this October interviewing artists, makers, and collectors live for future podcast episodes. If you love dollhouses, miniatures, tiny art, or creative businesses—you’re in the right place.
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Etsy: https://bleauscustomwoodwork.etsy.com
Direct to consumer website: https://minibybc.com
Miniature shows: https://pnwminiatureshows.com
Dates for Portland, Oregon “Minis in the Rose City” 10/16 preview show, 10/17 & 10/18 open to the public Preview tickets limited they include a 3-hour preview and a less hectic shopping experience - all 3 days pass prices are included Seattle Washington “Minis in the Emerald City” 3/5 preview show 3/6 & 3/7 open to the public Preview tickets limited* they include a 3-hour preview and a less hectic shopping experience - all 3 days pass prices are included
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Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:
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Lara's art
Episode 20: Katie Sieg
Can you really build an entire business around miniatures?
This week on Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, miniature artist Katie (@kayteekays.minis) shares how she transformed her love of tiny things into a thriving creative business with thousands of Etsy sales, brand partnerships, a loyal audience of over 192,000 followers, and a recognizable presence within the miniature community.
From handmade miniature foods and convenience stores to tutorials, content creation, miniature conventions, sponsorships, and daily production schedules, Katie reveals what it actually takes to turn miniature making into a sustainable business.
In this episode we discuss:
• Building an Etsy miniature business
• Growing a miniature audience on social media
• Collaborating with brands and sponsored content
• Balancing miniature making with content creation
• Creating systems that allow for family life and flexibility
• Miniature shows, community, and becoming a recognizable face in the hobby
• How fandom, nostalgia, and shared interests build community
Whether you're a miniature enthusiast, creative entrepreneur, Etsy seller, content creator, or artist trying to build a sustainable business, this episode offers an honest look at the systems behind the tiny worlds. Subscribe for more conversations exploring creativity, art businesses, miniature artists, and the stories behind tiny worlds.
Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:
https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
Lara's art:
https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories
Episode 19: Susan Canaday Henry
What starts as a childhood escape… sometimes becomes the thing that changes everything.
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I talk with Susan Canaday Henry — a miniature artist whose work feels cinematic, emotional, and completely her own.
We talk about:
– Growing up creative in a practical household
– Studying art in New York and trying to “fit” into the art world
– The moment a dollhouse in an antique store quite literally changed her life
– Why miniatures are about control, escape, and freedom
– Her experience on Best in Miniature (and why it was harder than it looked)
– The magic of Guild School + the miniature community
– And how following what you love
— without trying to monetize it can open unexpected doors
Susan’s work is bold, imaginative, and deeply personal… from a permanent “birthday party” candy house to a glowing, futuristic dream home. This conversation is honest, funny, and full of those moments where you realize: maybe the thing you loved as a kid still knows the way.
https://candyconstantly.com/https:/
www.instagram.com/candyconstantly
Best in Miniature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy2Eljcx3UU
Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:
https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstorieshttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/
Episode 18: Erica Meade
What happens when a high-powered tech career collides with burnout… and turns into tiny worlds filled with wonder?
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with miniature artist and former VP of Design, Erica Meade, to talk about creativity, career pivots, and the surprising power of making things with your hands.
After being laid off from a fast-paced tech startup, Erica found herself in an unexpected pause—and used it to build something magical: a custom dollhouse for a “Tiny Client.” What followed was a creative awakening that reshaped her life.
We talk about:
✨ The moment burnout turns into breakthrough
✨ Why creative hobbies are powerful self-care
✨ The joy of making miniatures (and why details matter)
✨ Her viral dollhouse reveal and the “joy transfer” effect
✨ Building a creative life without monetizing everything
✨ The rebirth of Creatin’ 2.0 with two fellow miniaturists
✨ How her background in tech led to a new app for makers
This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered: “What would happen if I gave myself permission to create?” If you’ve been craving more creativity, calm, or meaning in your life—this one’s for you.
https://www.minihouseontheline.com/
https://ericameade.substack.com/
https://www.practicemaking.com/
https://www.creatinchallenge.com/
Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:
https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
Episode 17: Emma Oberle
What happens when curiosity, creativity, and a box of dead bugs collide? I
n this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with artist Emma Oberle (Emma Bug Studio)—the brilliant (and delightfully unconventional) mind behind miniature scenes starring real preserved insects. Yes… bugs. And yes… you’re going to fall in love with them.
Emma shares her journey from a creative childhood filled with sewing, crafting, and tinkering, to studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), to navigating post-grad life during the uncertainty of 2020. What began as painting plant pots to cope with anxiety turned into a thriving art business—and eventually, the tiny, wildly imaginative bug worlds that captured the internet’s attention.
We talk about:
-How creativity can carry you through hard seasons
-The surprising joy of tiny things
-Building a business from scratch (and learning boundaries along the way)
-Why her art is intentionally silly, strange, and deeply human
-Balancing a full-time job, chronic illness, and creative work
-Letting go of the pressure to “be one kind of artist”
And of course… we talk about the bugs 🐞 If you’ve ever felt pulled to make something—anything—this episode is your reminder that your curiosity might just be your compass.
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https://www.instagram.com/emmabugstudio/
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Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:
Episode 16: Chris Petersen
What if you could hold your memories in your hands?
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Chris Petersen of Scale Model Homes—an artist and craftsman who creates incredibly detailed miniature replicas of people’s homes. But these aren’t just houses… they’re vessels for memory, grief, love, and legacy.
Chris shares how a childhood box of wooden blocks turned into a second career after decades as a healthcare executive—and how he taught himself to design architectural models using laser cutting and software (including a now-discontinued tool he refuses to give up).
We talk about:
The emotional power of recreating childhood homes
Why people cry when they receive their miniature houses
The challenge of turning architecture into art
His process—from Google searches to laser-cut precision
What happens when a custom commission doesn’t go as planned
The most meaningful builds he’s ever created (including homes lost to fire and models that hold ashes)
This conversation is about more than miniatures—it’s about memory, identity, and the places that shape us.
✨ If you’ve ever loved a home, lost a home, or longed to hold onto a moment—you’ll feel this one.
Small By Design monthly newsletter for the miniature community
🔗 Find Chris:
scalemodelhomes.com
@scalemodelhomes
Episode 15: Karen Anderson Singer
What started as a kid making tiny furniture out of modeling clay turned into one of the most beloved public art projects in Atlanta.
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Karen Anderson Singer, creator of Tiny Doors ATL, to talk about her journey from a self-described “art kid” to building miniature doors that have become part of an entire city’s identity.
We get into:
-Her childhood obsession with creating (and making everything by hand)
-Why she sees miniatures as a way to interrupt everyday life
-The surprising origin of her first tiny door
-How the community began interacting with and protecting the work
-The reality of public miniature art (spoiler: it’s not easy)
-Why imagination matters more than what’s actually behind the door
Karen also shares what it really takes to install public art, from permits and insurance to navigating city bureaucracy and why she doesn’t recommend it lightly.
This is a conversation about scale, storytelling, and the quiet power of making people pause.
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https://www.instagram.com/tinydoorsatl/
Shop & retail: https://www.tinydoorsatl.com/shop-retail
The books: https://www.tinydoorsatl.com/book
*****
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bB4R14v3skY
Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
Episode 14: Nomxian
What happens when your very first diorama goes viral overnight?
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Nomxian, an 18-year-old artist whose abandoned building diorama captured millions of views and launched her creative journey in a way she never expected.
We talk about:
- How a high school art project turned into a viral moment
- Why she’s drawn to abandoned, weathered spaces
- Building detailed dioramas using recycled materials
- The pressure (or lack of it) after going viral
- Choosing to be a faceless creator and let the work speak
- Balancing architecture studies with a growing art platform
What makes Nomxian’s work so powerful isn’t just the craftsmanship. It’s the feeling. Her pieces explore nostalgia, time, and the quiet beauty of overlooked places.
If you love miniatures, storytelling through art, or seeing the world a little differently… this one’s for you.
******
https://www.instagram.com/nomxiann
https://www.youtube.com/@nomxian
********
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CYbBUZsayA8?si=7olf-TfyNL82gdBP
Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
Episode 13: Kate Davenport Hilgenberg
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with miniature artist Kate Davenport Hilgenberg— a retired interior designer whose dollhouses feel so real, you’ll question your eyesight.
Kate shares how her journey began with a small black suitcase filled with “little fiddly things,” a father who was a meticulous builder, and a dollhouse rescued from the attic for her granddaughters. One magical moment — LED lights glowing inside a handmade cabinet dollhouse — changed everything.
We talk about:
• How her background in interior design shapes every build
• Why she redraws floor plans like a real contractor
• The perfectionism behind her Clue room series
• Learning laser cutters and 3D printing in her 70s
• Shipping disasters (including a Santorini house lost in transit)
• Why photographing your work reveals the gaps
• The emotional healing power of miniatures
Kate’s Adobe house, Hawaiian beach house, Storm Cove, and Clue rooms show an extraordinary attention to detail — from scratch-built cabinetry to 200 individually wrapped miniature books.
If you love miniatures, craftsmanship, or the magic of small things, this conversation is for you.
Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:
Episode 12: Tammie Knight
From sneaking around a museum as a child—hoping to get locked in with the dollhouses—to becoming a master miniaturist whose work tells deeply personal, emotionally rich stories....Tammie Knight’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara sits down with Tammie to explore a lifetime devoted to art, detail, and meaning.
Raised by a mother who insisted that culture and creativity belonged to them, regardless of income,Tammie grew up immersed in museums, storytelling, and making. That foundation carried her through Parsons School of Design, where a single moment of recognition changed everything:
“That’s your passion. Do that.”
But Tammie’s path wasn’t linear.
She built a high-powered corporate career working alongside CEOs, all while quietly continuing to create intricate miniature worlds. she never let go of the thing she loved most.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
- The childhood experiences that shaped her artistic voice
- Balancing a demanding corporate career with a deeply creative life
- The magic and emotional pull of miniatures
- Her breathtaking, story-rich commissions (including her iconic Tiffany’s build)
- And how she continues to create meaningful, joy-filled work that connects with people on a profound level
Tammie’s work isn’t just technically stunning. It’s soulful, intentional, and filled with story. This is a conversation about artistry, identity, belonging, and the courage to keep honoring what lights you up.
Watch, listen, and step into her tiny but powerful worlds.
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Episode 11: Kristine Hanna
What if the smallest worlds could tell the biggest stories?
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara sits down with Christine, the artist behind Paper Doll Miniatures—known for her cinematic, story-driven miniature scenes and her stunning brand collaborations.
Christine’s journey is anything but typical. Originally trained in photography, she began creating miniature environments as a way to tell stories without leaving home—during a long period of chronic illness that left her largely housebound. What started as a creative workaround became a calling.
Today, she designs intricate miniature spaces for major brands, blending storytelling, filmmaking, and craftsmanship into highly detailed, visually compelling scenes. But behind every tiny faucet, perfectly scaled product, and glowing interior is hours—sometimes hundreds—of unseen work.
In this conversation, we explore:
• How Christine transitioned from photography to miniatures
• The role of storytelling in her creative process
• What it really takes to create brand miniatures (80–160+ hours per project)
• The evolution of miniature-making in the age of AI
• Why imperfection—and the human hand—matters more than ever
• Burnout, boundaries, and building a sustainable creative life
This episode is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at a niche art form that is rapidly evolving—and the artist navigating it with intention, resilience, and heart.
✨ Whether you're a miniaturist, an artist, or simply someone craving a slower, more thoughtful way of seeing—this one’s for you.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Follow Christine:
Episode 10: Anna Carey
Neon psychic shops glowing during lockdown. Miniature motels that feel cinematic and haunted. Architectural models so convincing they trick the eye.
In this full episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara talks with Australian contemporary artist Anna Carey about her captivating miniature sculptures and the photographic illusions that bring them to life. Anna builds detailed architectural models — suburban homes, motel rooms, storefronts — then photographs them so convincingly that viewers often believe they’re real spaces. Her work explores memory, disappearance, nostalgia, and the emotional resonance of built environments.
In this conversation, we explore:
✨ The childhood imagination that sparked her love of small worlds
✨ How demolition and vanishing architecture influence her practice
✨ The origin of her neon-lit “Psychic Works” series in Los Angeles during COVID
✨ Why flaws, aging, and slight deterioration make miniatures feel authentic
✨ The meditative rhythm of working at small scale
✨ Balancing motherhood and returning to studio life
Anna’s work exists in the space between sculpture and photography — between truth and illusion. It asks us to slow down, lean in, and reconsider what we think we’re seeing. If you’re a miniature artist, architecture lover, or someone drawn to nostalgic spaces that feel suspended in time, this episode is for you.
Art: https://annacarey.nethttps://www.instagram.com/annacareyhere/
Merch: https://www.roomservice444.com/
Holiday home: https://www.rainbowbayretreat.com/rainbow-bay-retreat
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Lara's art:
https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio
https://www.larablairartstudio.com/
Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
00:00 – Intro & Creative Beginnings
00:45 – Childhood Imagination & Miniature Influence
01:15 – The Origin of the Psychic Shop Series (COVID Inspiration)
02:20 – Why Miniatures? An Organic Evolution
03:30 – Viewer Experience: Mystery, Illusion & Double Takes
04:45 – Photography, Lighting & Cinematic Storytelling
06:15 – Sculptor vs. Photographer Identity
07:30 – Memory, Demolition & Preserving Place Through Art
09:45 – Psychic Themes & Invisible Worlds
10:30 – Life Between LA & Australia
11:40 – How Place Shapes the Work (Light, Film, Atmosphere)
12:30 – Becoming a Mother & Creative Shifts
14:05 – Letting Go of Neon & Exploring New Directions
15:00 – “Magic Making” Installation for Children
16:45 – Current Work & Future Landscape Ideas
17:50 – Nostalgia & Tropical Memory Influence
18:30 – Artists & Inspirations
19:45 – Set Design, Theater & Expanding Scale
20:30 – PhD Work & Conceptual Foundations
22:00 – Creating During COVID
23:10 – The Role of Art in a Changing World
24:20 – Why Miniatures Feel Comforting
25:00 – Time, Focus & Creative Practice as a Parent
26:10 – Materials, Tools & Process (Foam Core, Paper, Imperfection)
28:00 – Flow State & Creative Rhythm
29:30 – Inspiration: Film, Books & Mood
31:00 – Advice for Storytelling Through Art
33:00 – Knowing When a Piece is Finished
34:00 – Exhibitions & Where to See the Work
35:00 – Art Worlds: Australia vs. U.S.
36:30 – The Coffee Table Book Idea
37:45 – Nostalgia, Architecture & Visual Culture (Vegas, Palm Springs)
38:45 – Where to Find Anna’s Work
39:00 – Final Reflection: Honoring Childhood Imagination
#TinyWorldsBigStories #AnnaCarey #MiniatureArt #ContemporaryArt #ArchitecturalPhotography #DioramaArt #PsychicWorks
Episode 9: Miriam Stone Wilson
An octopus postmaster.
A Seattle home split between the 1990s and today.
A peri-menopausal werewolf retelling of Red Riding Hood.
Welcome to the brain of Miriam Stone Wilson. In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with fellow Northwesterner Miriam Stone Wilson (Seattle-based, Olympic Peninsula-raised) to talk about the magic of miniatures, public art, research obsession, and why storytelling is at the heart of everything she builds.
We talk about:
- The replica adobe house her mom built when she was two
- Growing up imagining magical creatures in the woods
- Honoring the USPS through “Postmaster Wanda”
- How work at Bumbershoot with Vanishing Seattle
- Why miniatures are wildly time-consuming (and why that matters)
- Calling yourself an artist — and what changed
- Creativity during uncertain times
- Failing forward
- Her massive in-progress project: a Jungian alchemy-inspired dollhouse retelling of Red Riding Hood as a peri-menopausal werewolf story
This conversation is funny. It’s thoughtful. It’s deeply Northwest. And it’s about reclaiming the magic we once saw everywhere as children. If you love miniatures, public art, storytelling, dollhouses, creative process, or women reclaiming transformation narratives. You’ll love this episode.
Tell us in the comments: Where do you still find magic in the world?
00:00 – Introduction: Meeting Seattle miniaturist Miriam Stone Wilson
00:29 – Childhood miniatures & growing up with handmade dollhouses
02:26 – Her unexpected path: linguistics, social work, and creativity
03:33 – The story behind Postmaster Wanda, the octopus running a secret Seattle mailroom
04:45 – Turning a broken parcel locker into joyful public art
07:02 – Building the infinity hallway illusion inside the installation
08:22 – How the project went viral and led to a King 5 feature
10:09 – The Seattle time-capsule diorama: Lucky to Have Met You
11:26 – Creating the piece for the Vanishing Seattle exhibit
14:04 – Where miniature ideas come from & the importance of research
15:02 – Creating miniature installations for libraries and public spaces
20:20 – The storytelling power of miniature suitcases
21:27 – Tutorial Tuesday and sharing techniques with the miniature community
23:07 – When Miriam began making miniatures seriously
23:36 – Mrs. Witch’s Cottage and honoring her father’s bedtime stories
25:12 – Rediscovering miniatures during the pandemic
27:08 – Why miniature art takes far longer than people expect
31:08 – Learning new tools: 3D printing and laser cutting
34:56 – Why creativity and joy matter during difficult times
37:57 – Finding time for art while raising kids
40:43 – Her biggest project: a Red Riding Hood–inspired transformation dollhouse
45:10 – Advice for beginners: start with imagination and recycled materials
47:36 – What success looks like as an artist
48:33 – Honoring the magic she believed in as a child
50:30 – Her very first miniature (a Barbie bed made from maxi pads!)
52:42 – Where to find Miriam online and closing thoughts
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https://www.miniaturewerewolf.com/
https://www.instagram.com/miniaturewerewolf
https://www.tiktok.com/@miniaturewerewolf
***********
Small By Design monthly newsletter:
https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk....
Lara's art:
Episode 8: Rachael Harms Mahlandt
What happens when you put joy on your sidewalk?
In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Rachael, co-creator of the Sidewalk Joy movement & owner of @PDXdinorama, the woman behind mug exchanges, dino swaps, tiny art installations, and a worldwide map of nearly 800 community-built joy spots. We talk about:
✨ Growing up obsessed with tiny (and giant!) things
✨ Moving every three years and learning about the fleeting nature of life
✨ Motherhood and feeling “buried in sand but buzzing with ideas”
✨ Building the first Dino Exchange in 20 minutes
✨ What she did when it got vandalized
✨ How whimsy became a global movement
✨ Kelly Clarkson, NPR, and the surprising power of small things
This is a conversation about choosing openness over retreat. About making something imperfect and putting it out anyway. About how one tiny act can ripple into connection across the world. If you love miniatures, community art, public joy, or creative courage, you’re going to love this one.
0:00 – Host introduction
0:42 – Rachael introduces herself
1:30 – Rachael explains how she got started
3:10 – Rachael talks about early challenges
5:25 – Rachael shares biggest career lesson
8:00 – Rachael on current projects
10:15 – Rachael gives advice to newcomers
12:00 – Closing comments from Rachael
https://www.instagram.com/pdxdinorama
https://www.instagram.com/sidewalkjoy
https://www.tiktok.com/@pdxdinorama
https://www.pdxsidewalkjoy.com/
**************
Small By Design monthly newsletter: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
Lara's art: https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudiohttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/
Episode 7: Lisa Swerling
What does it really take to build a creative life that lasts?
In this deeply honest conversation, British miniature artist Lisa Swerling of Glass Cathedrals shares the unexpected path that led her to create thousands of tiny boxed worlds over the past 22 years — and the mindset shifts that sustained her long before success arrived.
Lisa opens up about:
Growing up creative but controlled — and how perfectionism shaped her early identity
The broken architect figurine that changed everything
Why she didn’t call herself an artist for the first decade
The enormous responsibility of creating commissioned pieces that hold people’s most precious memories
How trust between artist and collector makes or breaks the work
Why building a mailing list matters more than chasing algorithms
The quiet power of “gentle shifts in perspective”
This is a conversation about vulnerability, business, motherhood, resilience, glitter, grief, and the courage to keep making what feels true.
If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “really” an artist… if selling your work feels exposing… or if you’re trying to build a sustainable creative career without burning out — this episode will feel like a steadying hand on your shoulder.
Because sometimes, changing the world doesn’t require shouting.
It requires small, meaningful acts of empathy — one tiny world at a time.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Creativity
06:49 Life Transitions: From South Africa to London and California
12:10 The Artistic Process: Creating Miniature Worlds
20:21 The Meaning Behind Glass Cathedrals
28:17 Art as a Medium for Empathy and Connection
36:53 Advice for Aspiring Artists and Navigating the Art World
Website: https://glasscathedrals.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/glasscathedrals
Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories
Small by Design newsletter for miniature lovers - https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
Episode 6: Roy Tyson
Go behind the scenes with Roy Tyson, the contemporary artist known for his miniature figures interacting with iconic works of art. In this creative podcast episode, he shares how he evolved from tiny photography scenes to highly detailed shadow box installations featuring miniature people painting, erasing, and transforming famous art references — including his Damien Hirst–inspired dot series.
We also dive into his commercial collaborations with major brands, how corporate commissions expanded his visibility, and how he founded and ran an artist-led art fair to create more supportive opportunities for emerging artists. Roy opens up about building gallery relationships, growing on Instagram, navigating the art market, and protecting creative time while traveling internationally.
A must-listen for miniature artists, contemporary art lovers, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone building an art business with momentum.
00:00 – Intro + early creativity
05:00 – Career before art (mechanic → pharmaceutical sales)
10:00 – Discovering miniature photography
15:00 – Starting Instagram + selling prints
20:00 – Pitching galleries + early exhibitions
25:00 – Launching an artist-led art fair
30:00 – COVID impact + creative reset
35:00 – Developing the shadow box / dot series
40:00 – Commercial commissions + brand work
45:00 – Traveling as an artist + finding inspiration
48:00 – Social media growth + advice for artists https://www.royspeople.com/ https://www.instagram.com/royspeople/ https://www.tiktok.com/@royspeopleofficial
Episode 5: Chelsea Andersson
What does it take to turn childhood creativity into a full-time artistic career? In this inspiring conversation, Lara sits down with Chelsea of Chelsea Makes. Chelsea is a miniature artist whose journey spans cardboard Barbie house renovations, landscape architecture, and building intricate tiny worlds for major brands like Warby Parker, Barbie, and L’Oreal. Chelsea shares the behind-the-scenes reality of brand collaborations, the courage it takes to leave stability for creativity, and why tiny objects can hold enormous emotional power. In this episode, they explore persistence, creative community, and the surprising opportunities that can come from being just a little strategically persistent. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, too risky, or too unconventional to follow your creative instincts, this episode is your reminder that imagination is often the most reliable compass.
What does it take to turn childhood creativity into a full-time artistic career? In this inspiring conversation, Lara sits down with Chelsea of Chelsea Makes. Chelsea is a miniature artist whose journey spans cardboard Barbie house renovations, landscape architecture, and building intricate tiny worlds for major brands like Warby Parker, Barbie, and L’Oreal. Chelsea shares the behind-the-scenes reality of brand collaborations, the courage it takes to leave stability for creativity, and why tiny objects can hold enormous emotional power. In this episode, they explore persistence, creative community, and the surprising opportunities that can come from being just a little strategically persistent. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, too risky, or too unconventional to follow your creative instincts, this episode is your reminder that imagination is often the most reliable compass.
00:00 – Why This Interview Mattered
02:15 – From Barbie Builds to Landscape Design
06:40 – Pivoting to Full-Time Miniatures
12:05 – Life After Making It
16:30 – Landing Brand Collaborations
22:10 – The Emotional Power of Tiny Objects
27:45 – Mid-Century Renovation → Mini Inspiration
33:20 – Community Over Gatekeeping
38:55 – Persistence + “Strategic Annoyance”
44:30 – Advice for Emerging Creatives
Website: https://www.chelseamakes.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chelseamake...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chelseamakesc...
Book: https://www.amazon.com/50-Makes-Moder...
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChelseaMakesCA
Domestika class: https://www.domestika.org/en/chelseam...
Episode 4: Kylie White
Kylie White
In this engaging conversation, Kylie White shares her journey from a childhood fascination with miniatures to building a successful business centered around her passion. She discusses the healing power of her hobby, the importance of community, and the tools that have helped her along the way. Kylie emphasizes the significance of authenticity in her work and offers advice for aspiring miniature artists. As she reflects on her evolving style and future aspirations, listeners are inspired by her story of creativity, resilience, and personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Kylie's Early Fascination with Miniatures
02:53 The Healing Power of Miniature Design
06:00 Balancing Content Creation and Miniature Projects 08:58 Turning a Hobby into a Business
12:02 Father-Daughter Collaboration in Miniature Building
15:03 The Emotional Attachment to Miniature Creations
18:01 Building a Community and Marketing on Etsy
21:02 Advice for Aspiring Miniature Artists
24:02 Future Collaborations and Aspirations
27:05 Manifesting Dreams and Future Goals
30:03 The Journey of Creativity and Hobbies
32:55 Embracing Technology in Miniature Making
36:03 Finding Inspiration and Sources for Miniature Projects
38:58 Evolving Styles and Personal Growth
42:06 The Healing Power of Creativity
46:01 Community Connections and Collaboration
48:59 Honoring Childhood Dreams and Aspirations
Listen on Apple podcasts
Visit Kylie at:
https://www.kyliewhitespace.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteSpaceMiniatures
https://www.youtube.com/@kyliewhitespace
Kylie mentions:
Episode 3: Tom Haney
Tom Haney
Tom Haney is a renowned automata kinetic sculptor whose whimsical, intricately engineered figures blur the line between art and storytelling. With decades of experience and a signature blend of craftsmanship, narrative, and movement, Tom invites viewers into tiny worlds where every gear, gesture, and character has meaning. In this interview, he shares his creative process, the evolution of his work, and the magic behind bringing sculptures to life.
Chapters:
00:00 The Magic of Automata
03:31 Early Inspirations and Artistic Journey
05:23 Transitioning to Full-Time Artist
08:03 The Creative Process of Making Automata
10:27 Evolution of Techniques and Materials
13:11 Commissioned Works and Unique Challenges
15:44 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge
18:11 The Intersection of Art and Music
19:20 Creative Collaboration and the Art of Puppetry
20:50 Influences and Inspirations in Folk Art
22:55 The Journey to Artistic Independence
24:06 Navigating the Art World: Galleries and Commissions
26:01 Essential Tools for the Creative Process
27:41 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge and Process
29:34 Honoring Childhood Creativity
31:18 Curiosity as a Driving Force in Art
32:12 Finding Passion Through Curiosity
34:30 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
Listen on Apple podcasts
Tom’s website: https://www.tomhaney.com/
Youtube channel:https://youtube.com/@tomhaneyartwork?si=OwGIJOb6qN6pTv0j
IG:https://www.instagram.com/tomhaneyartwork/
FB:https://www.facebook.com/people/Tom-Haneys-Artwork/100057975912434/#
Little Tybee band video: https://youtu.be/-erw7PWJqDU?si=2EIJ43mUbTqBpgWR
“Interdependence” video:https://youtu.be/jbuMU5WAYA4?si=6xCMEOaZVi9kURfE
Episode coming soon.
Episode 2: Paris Renfroe
Miniaturist Paris Renfroe is an industrial modernist artist.
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Paris Renfro, founder of PRD Miniatures, shares his journey from childhood creativity to becoming a renowned miniature artist. He discusses the importance of craftsmanship, the materials he uses, and his passion for teaching others the art of miniature making. Paris also reflects on the perception of miniatures in society and his aspirations for future projects, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of creating tiny worlds that tell a story.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Paris Renfro and Miniature Design
01:52 The Journey of a Craftsman: From Childhood to Miniatures
05:26 Transitioning to Miniature Architecture
09:41 The Birth of the Pod House
12:18 Exploring Materials and Techniques in Miniature Building
20:05 The Art of Lighting in Miniatures
22:58 Creating Unique Miniature Structures: The Wabi-Sabi Influence
25:03 Collaborations and Notable Projects
26:03 Creating Unique Miniature Spaces
27:42 The Art of Teaching Miniature Crafting
29:38 Innovative Approaches to Miniature Design
31:46 Collaborative Workshops with Professionals
34:40 The Evolution of PRD Miniatures
39:54 Understanding the Craftsmanship Behind Miniatures
41:45 Breaking Stigmas in the Miniature Community
46:11 Future Aspirations and Creative Visions
PRD Miniatures website: https://prdminiatures.com/
Instagram: / prdminiatures
