Dolls House World Magazine

I’m just reading the novel The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert, and a couple of sentences jumped out at me: “The world had scaled itself down into endless inches of possibility,” Gilbert writes. “Her life could be lived in generous miniature.” What lovely phrases for us to keep in mind as we enjoy this wonderful, uplifting hobby of ours.
Cathy Brady, whose beautiful cottage adorns our front cover this issue, loves challenging her creative boundaries within those “endless inches.” A hectic work life meant Cathy had no time for minis until a sudden downturn in health forced her into early retirement. Needing a therapeutic project while she was in recovery, this cottage was the result.
Miniatures brought a special joy into Lisa Schrecengost’s life too. She had suffered from panic disorder and agoraphobia for over 20 years, rarely leaving her home, and feeling depressed. Discovering the world of miniature foods changed all that and became her passion and saving grace.
Donna Juracka’s special creativity knows no bounds. Her Carlson Cottage features many surprises, not least the sink fashioned from a Covid test strip. Donna even threw a cocktail party where she asked everyone to bring an appetiser and “something small from their recycling bin!”
Mercedes Spencer, who shows us how to make an antique iron bed, buys vintage hankies at second-hand shops whenever she finds them. She tells us: “They make perfect miniature bedding. I don’t like cutting them up, but sometimes it has to be done.”
Sandra Harding has once again come up with so many fascinating features for us this issue. She talks to Vicki Kennedy about her Wildflowers Galeria and discovers how Jürgen Maassen put together his spectacular butler’s pantry. Lots more besides from Sandra, who always writes (voluntarily I might add) with such joy and enthusiasm about the hobby she loves. A life “lived in generous miniature” if ever there was one.