Collecting Miniatures

July Creations

2009-07-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few items that I've made this month.

A selection of vases and a bowl as a commission.

Some Meringues, just like my sister makes!

And some tiny little perfume bottles. These were fun but really fiddly to make.

I can't believe it's nearly the end of July. Only 9 weeks 'til Miniatura, Eeekks, I'd better get cracking!

New website

2009-06-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have been working hard this week creating a new website. I was never totally happy with the last design and have been wanting to change.
Well I have finally done it!
I would love some feedback about it if anyone has time.

www.fionasminiatureworkshop.co.uk

Do you love it or hate it?
Would you like a particular feature that is not offered?
Do you have any problems viewing it?

Any constructive criticism gratefully received.

Thank you

Recent work

2009-06-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well this blog has been somewhat neglected of late, so I thought I would show you some of my recent creations.

I recently bought some metal filigree findings when I bought a harp for the lamp. I was rather pleased that this little pedestal jar turned out just as I had envisioned. This is available to purchase at http://www.cdhm.org/user/fmw

This gorgeous lamp is made from Laburnum wood and Red Swirl Acrylic. It works and has a replaceable candle bulb. Available on ebay http://shop.ebay.co.uk/merchant/fmw1969 until the 13th June.

I have also been experimenting with chinese/japanese lacquerware effect turnings and this is one of them. Available through my CDHM Gallery http://www.cdhm.org/user/fmw

With summer nearly here, I decided to make this BBQ. I love the way the charcoal looks, although you probably can't see it very clearly in this photo.

Now I often get asked for 24th scale items so I have been making up some of my packaging in 24th & 48th scale. I think I will offer 24th scale from now on but as for the 48th, I think it is far too fiddly to be viable!

I have had my little boy at home ill the last couple of days. So I haven't been able to get into my workshop. To keep me busy I had a chocolate box making frenzy!!! I bought the papers from ebay. They are Laura Ashley designs and a few of them are even flocked. Perfect!!

Well I think that's it for now. I will be back soon with some more of my miniature creations.

My profile in The Dolls House Magazine

2008-08-20T07:04:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

Click on the image to get to my photobucket album. Then click on "article pgs 1-4" to see the whole profile.

Thanks for looking!

Recent Turnings

2007-10-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of our latest creations.

Amboyna Burl Ornate Pedestal Jar

Black & White Art Deco Vase

Fantasy Storage Jar

Poisoned Chalice

Coral Ornate Jar

Thanks for looking.
Fiona

Miniature Turnings

2007-05-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Having inherited my Dad's wood lathe, I am now able to turn my own range of miniature accessories.

Here are a few examples of turnings to date.

Handmade Artisan Miniatures

2007-03-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

New pieces from Fiona's Miniature Workshop include this modern bakery counter with a selection of cakes and cheesecakes. All the cakes are textured to make them look real.

You can almost smell the aroma of freshly baked bread with this bread display. The shelves have a rustic feel which is the ideal backdrop to the large variety of breads on display.

It's market day in miniature with this fruit & veg stall.

And finally, this cheese tasting counter with a wide selection of cheeses.

All these miniatures have been handmade to a very high standard. They are collectors pieces and not suitable for children.

If you have any questions or would like us to make a special piece for you, please contact us by email fionasminiatureworkshop@talktalk.net

Kind Regards

Fiona

COMMISSIONS WELCOME

2007-02-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

This miniature cake was made from a recipe card picture. If you need a specific item for your 12th scale dolls house why not see if Fiona's Miniature Workshop can make it for you. All we need is a picture of the item. It will be made especially for you and therefore will be a "One of a Kind" miniature.
Contact fionasminiatureworkshop@talktalk.net for more details.
Check out our website at www.fionasminiatureworkshop.co.uk

WIN a selection of modern groceries

2006-06-20T23:44:00.000-07:00

This prize draw has now ended.

Congratulations to J. Hurry from London who won the selection of miniature groceries.

We raised £75 for Duchess of Kent House Trust charity in Reading.

This money will go towards the upkeep of the Palliative Care Centre and the services it provides.

The Duchess of Kent House Hospice offer specialist palliative care to those suffering from life-shortening conditions, focusing on quality of life and the alleviation of distressing symptoms.

I have chosen this charity in memory of my Dad who passed away recently. They gave him and my family the help and support we needed during his illness and we are very grateful to the staff for all their efforts.

My Dad could often be found in his workshop building miniature furniture or turning accessories for my Mum's dolls house, which he built for her.

It was my Dad who started my interest in all things mini and I have had the family's support and encouragement for everything I have done since.

Thank you for your interest.

Kind Regards

Fiona

Calling all Miniature Pet Shop Owners

2006-03-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

New additions to our collection include a range of Dog Food and Small Animal pet food.

Take a look in our New Look miniatures store www.fionasminiatureworkshop.co.uk

Modern Branded Packages

2006-03-14T00:46:00.000-08:00

Are you making a shop, supermarket or house?
I made a general store for my daughter a few years ago and could not find good quality, modern packages to fill it with.
Fiona's Miniature Workshop now has a large range of 12th scale packages. We have spent the last few months in talks with various companies to bring you a collection of miniatures ideal for your modern scene.

Here are some of the comments already received......

We all think they are fantastic !!

Thank you very much it is brilliant, amazing.

The clarity is so good on the cover and the little pages that actually open. Everybody here in our department was amazed by it.

They are great!

They look excellent, well done.

They are fantastic – how do you do it??!

Take a look for yourselves at www.fionasminiatureworkshop.co.uk

Making Miniature Bears

2005-09-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

These miniature bears are great fun to make.

They are made from Chenille sticks, or pipe cleaners to ordinary mortals.

Take a look at Tiny Teddies' website for details

http://www.tinyteddies.150m.com

I found this company on ebay, they have some lovely looking bears.

I decided to get a book and have a go for myself. This is one of my first attempts, she is quite sweet. I find it fiddly doing up the ribbon but the rest is easy.

Why not have a look for yourselves?

Printables sites

2005-09-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of the items that I put together for my victorian house.

The packets are all made from printies that I got from http://www.geocities.com/boopmini40/
They have a good selection of packages to choose from.

If you know of any good printables sites, let us know.

Kitchen dresser complete with Vegetable stock pot, preparation board and various cans and packets

Introductions

2005-09-28T01:36:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Fiona Bateman.

I started this blog because I enjoy collecting dollhouse miniatures.

I was also able to turn my hobby into a business when I had to leave my full time job to look after my young family. I enjoy working now!

I have several dollhouses, an antiques shop, a general store and a victorian house nearly built.

I try and make as many of the miniatures as I can. I like working with new mediums when possible. Lately I have been making miniature bears out of chenille sticks (pipe cleaners). They are great fun to make.

I have an online store which I have recently started. I designed and built the website myself which involved quite a steep learning curve, because I knew nothing about the subject.

I don't think I did a bad job!

Check it out at http://www.fionasminiatureworkshop.co.uk

How about you? What sort of miniatures do you collect?
Tell us about your collection.
If you have a miniatures business then feel free to promote it here.

Bye for now