A big hello to more newbies to the Autumn Miniatura Show – and apologies for anyone who we didn’t get chance to chat to back in September. We will catch up with you in Spring – don’t let Miniatura’s Rob and Ann pass you by!

So, we start off with Wee Craft Hame. Jemma Stone is the craftsperson following in her mum, Sue Perkins’ footsteps. Sue ran Wee Property Centre from 1997 – 2010 and while Jemma grew up seeing and helping her mum work with miniatures, the Autumn Show was Jemma’s first show exhibiting her own work.

Jemma and Sue, Wee Craft Hame.

Jemma makes a range of handmade miniatures including animals, hats, shoes, Jewellery, soft furnishings, plants, flowers, pub games, hand carved signs – and other bits and bobs as she put it.  She also hand paints ready-made pewter Toby-jugs and picture frames.  “It’s been fun getting ready for the show,” said Jemma who lives in Carnoustie, Scotland. “My mum is my main inspiration for my crafting ability. I most definitely would not be where I am today without her.”

The Giant Dollshouse Project

At the show for the Sunday only was The Giant Dollshouse Project. This is a social arts initiative encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to make a miniature room in a shoebox around a theme. Using everyday materials and objects participants can build their very own unique dolls house space along with providing a personal story or explanation.

The aim is to show the importance of home and community, raising issues of homelessness, displacement and the importance of belonging. It also highlights the experiences of refugees and those without stable housing, aiming to emphasise what people have in common rather than what divides them. A thousand boxes have been made over the last ten years, and the project is still developing. Visitors to Miniatura took part in workshops throughout the Sunday. For more information visit : www.giantdolls’house.org

One of the workshops at The Giant Dollshouse Project.

Childhood nostalgia with LeoLola

LeoLola by Kelly. She makes retro and nostalgic rooms from childhood. She makes the furniture by 3D printing and then hand painting. She started in 2010 by using Polymer Clay and then gradually moved on to making 3D objects. On her stand you could find all sorts such as retro games consoles, to characters from favourite TV shows of your childhood. Everything was bright, bold and colourful. Kelly said that she was enjoying her first Miniatura and was being kept very busy talking to visitors about her work.

LeoLola by Kelly

Book Nooks with real books!

Hello also to Lindsay Mason of Black and Tortie, a name inspired by her two cats – one black and one tortie. Lindsay of Birmingham has loved making intricate paper flowers, whimsical mushrooms and quirky ceramic novelties for many years. Then she began to make uniquely themed book nooks about two years ago. She explained that she has always loved books and storytelling, so much so that she has been an English teacher for 20 years. Over the last couple of years she has seen a natural evolution with her love of miniatures, combining all the things that she is so passionate about.

A beautiful music room

Lindsay now gathers old books and creates a theme within their pages that matches the story. A lot of research goes into adding in that fine detail which makes her book nooks so fabulous. “Now, I channel my creativity and love of literature into handcrafted dioramas—tiny, magical worlds that capture the spirit of the stories I love,” explained Lindsay.

Her creations at the show included Sherlock Holmes’ sitting room, carved from an actual Sherlock Holmes novel. The room includes all the little intricacies that define him as a character. Another has a feast of Christmas fayre from a turkey to Christmas cake, and from pork pies, fruit and vegetables. All set within the pages of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

In her work Lindsay uses a blend of materials such as paper, polymer clay, wood, fabric, ceramics and even bringing her work right up to date with 3D Printing and laser etching. “Every project is a chance to learn something new,” said Lindsay.

A sumptuous scene from A Christmas Carol

Nanny Bean’s Workshops

At the Spring 2025 Miniatura Show, we discovered Nanny Bean’s Workshop. Rachel Kirby of Burton-on-Trent had set up a non-commercial stand demonstrating how to make her book nooks for just £10. She had also brought along her latest project, an historically layered apothecary dating from 1704 to 1974. This wonderful old chemist shop can still be found in Derby City. Cope and Taylor Apothecary opened in 1704 and became the first Royal Derby Hospital – the very first NHS commission. For 270 years it served as an apothecary, filled with all kinds of weird and wonderful medical cure ideas of the time.

Nanny Beans Workshop

For Rachel to furnish a model of this iconic shop is very appropriate, as she has been a nurse these last 30 years, and is also a carer. In her free time, Rachel runs her Nanny Bean’s Workshops, showing people how to create Book Nooks for under £10. And at the Autumn Show, Rachel was back with her book nooks and the apothecary. This time she was also selling whimsical book nooks and wonky pots with personalities.

We will catch up with more fantastic artisans with your amazing creations at the Spring show on 14th and 15th March 2026.

Thank you to Rob Tysall Pro Photography for the images.