We’re featuring more of our new exhibitors in today’s blog. And as we’ve just celebrated Easter and no doubt enjoyed an Easter Egg or two, let’s say hello to Erika Fidler of Little Deliveries. Erika provides a UK based postal service for Raptoor Crafting Miniature Products based in Finland and run by Angela Kinnunen.

So, if you’re wondering what that has to do with Easter Eggs, then take a look at how Erika displays Angela’s 1:48 scale kits. They are set in the most beautifully decorated real eggshells, using ostrich eggs and goose eggs as well as the smaller more usual duck, hen and quail’s eggs.

Erika, a retired district nurse from Lancashire, has been crafting all her life and has been perfecting ‘egg craft’ for the last 35 years. She buy the eggs ready blown and then decorates with beautiful vintage Swartz crystals – perfect for displaying Angela’s unique 1:48 scale kits.

Miniature Fabergé Eggs at Thomas’ Stand

Another new exhibitor creating tiny Faberge eggs is Thomas Murray, who many will recognise as a competitor in TV’s The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge. Thomas of Carlow, South-East Ireland enjoyed his first visit as an exhibitor at the Spring Show  selling his furniture kits, floral arrangements, picture frames, mouldings, fireplaces and patterns. Thomas told Miniatura that he particularly likes making costumes from history, choosing authentic historical patterns which he then simplifies for reproducing in kit form. Amongst the larger items he had on display were some beautiful 4-poster beds including the Palace of Versailles State bed.

Not a newcomer but we just had to dip into Eggers Delight’s work

Gail Parsons of Eggers Delight is no newcomer to Miniatura but just had to be included in this eggie inspired blog! Eggers Delight have been in business for over 20 years as an egg decorating company supplying everything egg craft artists need.

Gail said: “To decorate eggs – unlike Fabergé we use real eggs, from quail size up to ostrich. Most people tend to use goose as they are not too big and not too small. A lot of people just decorate the outside but once they are hooked, they then start the cutting process – drilling and cutting –  usually an oval in the front then making a scene or such with miniatures inside. Of course, you then get the seasoned eggers that put hinged doors on the front and cut intricate patterns. We supply everything they need and ship all over the world.

More exhibitors from Ireland…

Travelling from Northern Ireland, were Miniature Buildings by Lorraine & Ann. These two friends were running demonstrations over the two days revealing tips on how they customise kits by Petite Properties. Lorraine said: “We have been showcasing other miniaturist’s kits and products – Petite Properties in particular in addition to highlighting where we get our materials from, and the products that we use, right down to the glue we use. For example, we buy from The Silk Route, Hodges Haberdashery and Jane Harrop to name a few. We’re only too pleased to showcase other miniaturist’s products.”

Back home, the two friends belong to the Dolls House Miniature Enthusiasts Club, Northern Ireland, which celebrates its 35th birthday this year. Over time the club has raised over £50,000 for their local hospice and locally based charities – usually children’s charities. Lorraine and Ann really enjoyed their first time at Miniatura demonstrating their work rather than as visitors. “It’s been enjoyable showing how we elevate basic miniature kits to a greater degree of richness,” said Ann.

Sweet Briar Rose – Meet the Family!

Also attracting lots of attention was Sweet Briar Rose Miniatures who make hand-crafted cold porcelain flowers and floral arrangements, and hand-sculptured characters. Jasmine Simpson of Shropshire is the artist behind these miniatures, supported by her dad, Az Simpson, a builder who is now translating some of those building skills to miniatures.

They had brought along a variety of their models and dioramas including gardens, ponds and flower displays. It seemed that the more you looked, the more you saw. There were coy carp swimming in the pond, frogs on the lily pads and even slugs and snails in the garden!

Jasmine told Miniatura: “Dad and I joined our local miniatures group and I started to learn how to make flowers about 18 months ago. Diane Gould offered me the chance to learn how to do this which I absolutely love. I was introduced to Andy at the Autumn Miniatura, and now I have my first show stand. The reaction from people has been brilliant. The artists have offered tips and been very friendly. It’s been absolutely brilliant!”

There are Fairies at the bottom of Charlie’s garden

It was also a delight to see the fantasy creations of Charlie’s Magical Miniatures. Charlie Wallace works in 1:12 scale creating one-of-a-kind fairy dwellings as well as furniture, food, clothing and is now also venturing into making the fairies themselves. She is passionate about using sustainable natural materials and recycling as much as possible to help the environment.

Charlie said, “Living in Canterbury, I’m inspired by nature, the beautiful woodlands and architecture. How could I not believe in fairies coming from an area so rich in myths and magic?”

In her studies Charlie gained a BA (Hons) in Fashion Illustration at the London College of Fashion, but then discovered her heart lay in creating three-dimensional models. When her mum asked her to make her a fairy house during lock-down, she did just that, drawing a lot of praise and some commissions. Charlie realised her true calling and has not looked back since.

Alice is Weaving her Way to Success!

Specialising in 1:12 scale wickerwork, Alice of McKinstrie Miniatures in Edinburgh, makes hand-woven “wickerwork” using mercerized cotton and a water-based sealant. “The process I use means that the end result feels very similar to the touch to actual wicker,” explained Alice who makes a wide variety of wickerwork such as chairs, pet carriers, Moses baskets, storage baskets and other delightful novelty items. Amazingly, the Spring Show was the first time Alice had ever been to a miniatures show as a customer, a visitor or a trader!

Alice told Miniatura that she got her first dolls house in 2020, which was a dream come true. When it came to filling the rooms she found herself enjoying the process of re-creating items from her own childhood rather than buying things. The first item was a Lloyd Loom wicker chair that she had in her bedroom.  “Looking back I see now it was full of mistakes but I was pleased with it. I’ve kept it as a reminder of how far I’ve come. Next I made a miniature replica of my grandmother’s carpet. I found the process of improvement entirely captivating, and so began my love of weaving.”

More newcomer’s stories next time.

Photos by Rob Tysall Pro Photography.