Ispirato

This 1/12th scale parlor is my most ambitious miniature project to date. I made it at a weekend workshop run by VAME last month.

VAME = Victorian Association of Miniature Enthusiasts. Their annual show is on 13 and 14 July at the Mt Waverley Community Centre. It is well worth attending if you appreciate mini stuff!

 This room in a box features inserted walls, lit display cases flanking the fireplace and a window which is lit from above. I also added an overhead light and a free standing lamp. I’ve never done any intricate electrical wiring, but Jan, who designed the project, made it quite easy. I might add a lighted coal fire insert for the fireplace eventually. At the moment it just has some logs in it.

The bookcase is set into the wall and I made every single book from paper and balsa wood. I started making books for my schoolroom (see my previous post) and really enjoyed the process. Check out the bunny bookends which I made from two tiny metal rabbits purchased ages ago.

We brought our own fabric to the workshop and were taught to make the elaborate curtains. I put a magazine photo of a winter scene outside my window. The little dog looking out looks very much like my own little Jack Russell Terrier, Jasmine.

I had bought the harp on sale from a miniatures supplier and thought it suited the room. I made the stool to go with it.

I painted the fireplace to resemble white marble. I made the clock and put tiny pictures into the charm-size frames. I made a plate of tiny tarts for the famiy’s afternoon tea, which was set out by the maid, who has left to call the family to the parlor. I think the mother loves doing embroidery while the father and teenage daughter enjoy reading here. No dolls in my box, but I can imagine the space filled with tiny occupants!Â