I started making clothing for dolls when I was around 8 years old and have always had a love of anything miniature. My mother bought me a second hand sewing machine and I continued to sew part time while I worked in an office for 12 years. At age 28 I opened my first shop selling Haberdashery and offering a sewing service which I closed in 2015 to take up a post working with a local charity. I continued to make miniatures as a hobby until I took a leap of faith in 2019 when I decided to make it my full time job.
I particularly love Victorian and Edwardian Fashion. I would often watch something on television then try to make it in miniature. The internet has brought a whole new world of information and I find myself browsing through sites to find new and interesting items to make in 1/12th scale.
I work from home, in Kintyre, Argyll and I have a small office which is overflowing with miniature stock, sewing machines, printers and all sorts of crafting items. There is only space for one dolls house but I have another in the hall and the rest are in storage until I can get bigger premises.
I work alone (at the moment). I need help with posting and packing but I prefer to make every item myself and give it my full attention and expertise.
I exhibited at Miniatura in Murrayfield many years ago when it was still very much a hobby for me. It went really well but I have noticed over the years that Scottish Fairs seem to be dying out and as I live in such a remote part of West Scotland it can be very costly and time consuming to attend fairs in England.
Exhibiting at shows gives me the opportunity to meet other miniaturists and learn from their experiences. I can’t wait to meet some of my customers face to face, it will be really exciting….and weird….….I expect they would like to know what I’m like in real life too!
Right now I am creating new digital download kits. My kits were always pre-printed but as people find it easier to use the internet, the demand for instant downloads has risen. I also hope to offer clothing kits in the future. I love making wearable clothing for dolls and people are always asking to buy them as kits. It will take a fair bit of preparation but I hope to have them ready for Miniatura in October 2019.
http://www.zenasminiatures.com
mailto:info@zenasminiatures.com