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/
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Small By Design monthly newsletter: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
Lara's art: https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio https://www.larablairartstudio.com/
Episode 7: Lisa Swerling of Glass Cathedrals
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
YouTube video of podcast with images: https://youtu.be/Zt0DwJZE9uk?si=dFVq24qLjttwvHr0
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 of Roy’s People
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/@royspeopleoffici
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 of Whitespace Miniatures
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
Visit Kylie at:
https://www.kyliewhitespace.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteSpaceMiniatures
https://www.youtube.com/@kyliewhitespace
Kylie mentions:
Episode 3: Tom Haney Automata artist
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
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
Episode 1: Welcome!
In this debut episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, host Lara Blair introduces listeners to the enchanting world of miniature art. She shares her personal journey into the realm of miniatures, reflecting on her childhood love for dollhouses and how it evolved into a full-time artistic career. Lara emphasizes the supportive community surrounding miniature art and her desire to inspire others through conversations with fellow artists. The episode sets the stage for future discussions about the diverse aspects of miniature creation, beyond just dollhouses, and invites listeners to explore the creativity and craftsmanship involved in this unique art form.
Takeaways
This podcast celebrates the magic of miniature art.
Lara's childhood love for miniatures inspired her career.
The miniature art community is incredibly supportive.
Expect thoughtful interviews with artists and their stories.
Lara aims to inspire listeners through creative conversations.
Miniatures encompass more than just dollhouses.
Art can be a source of joy and nostalgia.
Lara's journey reflects a transition from photography to art.
The podcast will feature a mix of interviews and solo reflections.
Listeners are encouraged to engage and share their thoughts.
Titles
Tiny Worlds, Big Stories: An Introduction
The Magic of Miniature Art
Chapters
00:00Welcome to Tiny Worlds Big Stories
01:40The Journey into Miniature Art
04:33Inspiration and Community in Miniatures
06:52Exploring the Broader World of Miniatures