Believe it or not, but this lovely Musical Academy room is Constance Quizon’s very first completed room box. It took her about two months to complete as it took time to find the right things for the vision she had for this project.

Constance lives in the city of Fishers, Indiana in the United States. She has always loved miniatures and would buy them whenever she could afford them. But she never had a dolls house when growing up except for a Barbie one! She was – and still is however, very much into art and crafting.

Welcome to the Music Academy

“I love anything crafty,” Constance said. “When I was a girl all I wanted for Christmas or my birthday was craft kits. If I didn’t get them, I was so disappointed!”

Explaining how she got into dolls house miniatures, she said, “I really started to get serious about pursuing this about five years ago. I am a Real Estate Broker, and I was showing a property and there was a doll house in the garage /potting shed. It was locked and the key didn’t work. I could see it from the window, and I was mesmerized by it. I wanted it and tried to find a way to get it, but the property was sold quickly, and I missed out. Ever since I have looked for miniatures whenever I am in an antique shop and estate sales – which is a lot! And of course, on eBay. I have bought kits many times, started them but I just don’t have the time or patience to build it all from scratch.”

Climbing roses adorn the walls.

So, to begin with, Constance started painting miniature furniture, adding embellishments, distressing the pieces etc.  “I used to do this for big people furniture. I had a shop in Vermont called The Painted Cottage. Then this summer I started my first doll house room project.

“I chose a Music Academy room because I had purchased a miniature Petite Princess Piano/Harpsicord from an antique store a few years ago. I loved the detail of it, so I decided to work around that piece.”

Since finishing the Music Academy at the beginning of October, Constance has been working on art, painting a few pieces and some rugs. “I work very fast with rugs and art, I can do a few of those a day. I make the rugs on canvas and I decoupage the art onto anything that works. I also sew – so as for this project I made the green velvet drapes. Lots of room to improve at sewing miniature Drapery!”

The harpsichord was Constance’s initial inspiration.

Constance bought another room box the same as the Music Academy room from a gentleman on eBay at a very affordable price and is now raring to start another project. “All you have to do is glue the walls and floor together and you’re good to go!” she said. “My inspiration for my next project is some amazing blue velvet fabric which I purchased about a month ago. I am planning on recreating an exquisite Lady’s Boudoir.”

With so much going on, we wondered where Constance does all her craft-work. She answered, “To my husband’s chagrin I have taken over our bedroom – it’s quite big. Also, my daughter went off to college and has her own house, so I have moved my things into her bedroom as well. I’ve also set up shop in the dining room for my printer and ironing board that I use to make miniature rugs.”

Her husband takes it all in his stride and when she shows him another miniature, he tends to just say, “Oh brother!” and roll his eyes. “I just roll my eyes right back at him!” said Constance.

An elegant fireplace

“I was showing him my almost completed project and he said ‘Hey, you have a fireplace Where’s the chimney?’ So, I made one. And I had glued down the key in front of the front door and he said, ‘Well if you have a key there you need a mat to hide it!’ Sometimes we miss the obvious; so he actually was a big help!”

When it comes to research, Constance says she is addicted to Pinterest. “I look there for ideas. I have visited some miniature museum and have many miniaturists’ books. The French are always inspiring and there are so many wonderful miniature artists on Etsy.

“Also, the periods of Regency, Georgian, Empire, Rococo and some Victorian absolutely fascinate me. I love ornate architecture, silk, luxurious fabrics, and great attention to detail. Oh, If only I could step back in time!”

Looking down into the Music Academy

She is also inspired by many of today’s miniaturists. “Sue Cook Miniatures – I adore her architectural pieces; Anabela Miniature on Etsy – just lovely little things; Simply Silk Miniatures –  so dreamy and luxurious. My oh my! The list could go on and on…”

Constance has sold at shows over many years but not with Miniatures. “I do have an Etsy shop musthaveminiatures and also have added a Miniature category to my craft store. I am still working on both of those.”

“As mentioned earlier, I have always been crafty and can make, build or do many, many things. Sometimes it is hard to stay focused. I decided that owning an ecommerce craft store was the best affordable way to at least be able to look at, hold and offer these wonderful products that are out there today. I try to add fun, whimsical and not ordinary products to my inventory so hopefully if people stop by and shop at www.northstarcraft.com they will find some unique treasures for their craft projects.

To see more of Constance’s work, check out:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/musthaveminiatures

www.northstarcraft.com