My Hope

It is my hope that DollhouseDecoratingBlog will help miniature enthusiasts, arts and craft hobbyists and antique collectors learn about the history and the artisans that created this miniature art form.

I have had a life-long love affair with dollhouse miniatures, beginning when I went to an exhibit of Christmas miniatures at my daughter’s day school. An elderly lady who made room boxes, dollhouses and furniture said we were so lucky to have a miniature store in a nearby town, the Cabbage Patch. I met Douglass Bitler there, and she became my informal mentor.

I had a Bachelors degree in Art from the University of Miami and a Masters in Art Education from the University of Akron. This qualified me to teach in a prestigious private school for a pitiful paycheck. But there were perks. My two children got free tuition, and we were in school at the same time. I had little money to spend on my new hobby and had to learn to make as many items as possible. This is where Douglass was a God-send, teaching me the tricks of the trade. She would take me aside and she me how to fabricate the things I needed.

Keeping Memories Alive

My main inspiration for the projects I tackle has always been keeping memories alive. An early room box was my great-grandfather’s general store. Will Hunt had an amazing life. He was part of a posse that ran James out of Huntington, West Virginia and lived long enough to watch Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. While you watch this 1 ½ minute video, think about the memories you want to keep alive.

Resurgence

There is a worldwide resurgence of interests in dollhouse miniatures. I am especially happy that young people are finding the joy of recreating life in a small space. I hope I can encourage them by bringing the history of miniatures to life, drawing everyone’s attention to the great dollhouses and miniature room boxes that exist in museums and private collection, and the artisans that created them. They are the mentors from whom we can all learn.

Susan Downing