My Miniature Obsession: Crafting, Creativity and Community for Dollhouse Miniature Lovers.

In this episode of My Miniature Obsession, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Ariana Vernier of DIY Vernier Style—a former teacher turned full-time miniature entrepreneur. Ariana shares how a simple project for her daughter sparked an unexpected passion for miniatures, ultimately leading her to leave her corporate job and grow a thriving Etsy business. From laser cutting and 3D printing to shipping full-sized dollhouses across the country, Ariana walks us through the creative—and sometimes chaotic—realities of building a business from scratch. We talk about pricing challenges, packaging strategies, and the power of community, as customers bring her modern, beachy dollhouses to life in their own unique ways. Ariana also opens up about what’s next: expanding her product line, diving into custom furniture, and possibly even stepping into the world of miniature shows. This conversation is packed with encouragement for anyone dreaming of turning their creative passion into a full-time path—even when the road feels uncertain. 🎧 Tune in for a story about trusting your gut, following your joy, and making mini magic happen—one tiny step at a time. CONNECT WITH ARIANNA: website>>> ⁠www. diyvernierstyle.com 00:00 Introduction and Background02:15 Journey into Miniature Dollhouses05:34 Creative Process and Business Growth10:52 Challenges of Pricing and Shipping15:57 Community and Customer Engagement20:44 Future Plans and Aspirations LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com Mini Makers Club>>> https://stan.store/micdropminiaturesinstagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature free community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub

In this heartwarming episode of My Miniature Obsession, I’m joined by Joanna Campbell Slan—a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author, cozy mystery queen, and passionate miniaturist with over 80 books to her name (yes, one even about miniatures!). We chat about her love for the miniature world, how storytelling and crafting intertwine, and how creativity keeps us grounded, curious, and connected. Whether you’re a writer, a mini maker, or simply someone who believes in the power of tiny details, Joanna’s journey will leave you deeply inspired. PLUS—I’m sharing all the details on the brand-new Mini Makers Club: a digital subscription full of printable miniatures, tutorials, creative prompts, and a welcoming community—all at an affordable price. It’s the perfect way to grow your skills, boost your confidence, and make something joyful—every month. ✨ Listen now and learn how tiny things can spark big inspiration. CONNECT WITH JOANNA- linktr.ee/jcslan CONNECT WITH ME- micdropminiatures.com JOIN THE MINI MAKERS CLUB: https://stan.store/micdropminiatures

The theme of the August Mic Drop Miniatures Subscription Box was garage, but for me, it’s so much more than just oil cans and tool benches. It’s a tribute to my dad, my hero, and the life he built through hard work, generosity, and heart. In this special episode of My Miniature Obsession, I share the deeply personal story behind this miniature scene. My dad wasn’t just a mechanic, he was a helper, a believer in people, and a man who gave more than he ever asked for in return. Creating this tiny garage became a way to honor him, to remember him, and to share his spirit with the world. Whether you’ve experienced loss, carry big feelings, or are just looking for deeper meaning in your creative practice, this episode is for you. It’s about love, legacy, and how something as small as a miniature can hold something as big as a memory. 🧰 Want to build the garage with me? This box is available now at micdropminiatures.com.

In this episode of My Miniature Obsession, Rachel sits down with the incredibly talented Bleaus Custom, a standout voice in the world of modern miniatures. What began as a simple fix to a childhood dollhouse turned into a full-blown creative business. Unable to find the siding they needed, they made their own and never looked back. Now, their bold, modern aesthetic and stunning attention to detail have earned them three features in American Miniaturist magazine and a devoted following of makers and collectors. You’ll hear about: How Bleau’s business started and why it stands out Their creative process and approach to modern design The launch of their own miniature subscription box Tips for miniaturists looking to break the mold Whether you're deep into dollhouse design or just starting to explore the hobby, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and creative encouragement. 🔗 Find Bleaus Custom: Shop on Etsy: Bleau’s Custom Woodwork Website: minibybc.com Instagram@minibybc LET'S CONNECT: website- https://www.micdropminiatures.com⁠ instagram- https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures⁠ facebook- ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures ⁠pinterest- ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures⁠ miniature community - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub⁠⁠

Ever feel like your creativity just… disappeared? Like your inner artist took a nap and forgot to wake up? In this inspiring episode of My Miniature Obsession, Rachel shares 10 simple, joyful ways to reignite your creative spark—especially when life feels heavy, busy, or creatively stuck. Whether you're a seasoned miniaturist or someone who hasn't touched a craft in months, this episode will gently guide you back to that playful, creative part of yourself. These ideas are light, doable, and full of heart—and they’re not about being perfect. They’re about showing up, trying something tiny, and reconnecting with joy. What You’ll Learn: Why creativity sometimes feels hard—and what to do about it 10 easy ways to get back into making (even if you feel rusty) How miniature crafting can support your mental wellness A tiny creative challenge to try this week! 🎧 Listen in—and let your Mini Muse lead the way. LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub

After a year-long break, I’m back behind the mic and I’m sharing why I stepped away. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on burnout, creative silence, and the quiet return of inspiration. I open up about what it really felt like to lose my spark, how I gently found my way back, and why this podcast (and this community) means more to me than ever. If you’ve ever felt creatively drained, overwhelmed, or like you’ve lost your way, this one’s for you. There’s a place for you here, exactly as you are. What’s Inside: Why I paused the podcast What helped me reconnect with my creativity A listener message that moved me deeply A soothing, mini mindfulness moment What’s coming next in the podcast season Mentioned in this episode: LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub Mini Challenge:Take one small creative step this week—no pressure, just play.

In this episode I chat with Deb of Deb's Miniature Clothes! She shares how she got started with miniatures and gives tips and tricks on how to sew doll clothes for 1:12 miniature dolls. How to connect with Deb: Instagram - @debs.downtown.miniatures Etsy - @DebsMiniatureClothes Let's Connect! ⁠website⁠>>> ⁠instagram⁠>>> ⁠facebook⁠>>> ⁠pinterest⁠>>> ⁠miniature community⁠>>> --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

In this episode I chat with Jim from The Edge Of Tech, a Youtube channel (with over 107k subscribers!) that educates and entertains the 3D maker community! We chat about how 3D printing is changing the Dollhouse Miniature Industry. Also about how the rewards of making (just about anything for your dollhouse) far out weighs the challenges of starting with this technology! We explore the differences between FDM (printer using PLA filament) and SLA (using resin) and what are the best for Dollhouse Miniature Making. Jim gives his recommendations on the best printer for those starting and also for makers that are more advanced. Jim's Youtube channel is for anyone that's into 3D printing or wanting to learn. Definitely check it out: https://www.youtube.com/theedgeoftech If looking to purchase a printer please consider using these links below. In doing so, you will be supporting Jim's channel so that he can continue making great educational videos for us. Bambu Lab A1 Mini - https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2282157&u=3710420&m=138211&urllink=&afftrack= Bambu Lab P1S - https://shrsl.com/45agu Bambu Lab P1P - https://shrsl.com/4ffuu Bambu Lab X1C - https://shrsl.com/4ffux Hope you enjoy the episode! Connect with Jim: Instagram Discord Facebook Twitter: @theedgeofteck Connect with Rachel: website>>> instagram>>> facebook>>> pinterest>>> miniature community>>> --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Meet Amanda- Her love of miniatures began as a little girl. This passion for all things small (especially dollhouses), mixed with her love of watching remodeling shows, lead her to a career as an Interior Designer. We chat about her recent life/career pivot to follow her heart and passion. She has stepped away from designing real-life sized spaces and only focuses on tiny ones! We discuss the challenges and excitement to make such a huge life decision. I’m excited to see where this little adventure takes her! A few little facts about Amanda: -IGMA scholarship recipient 2020/2021 season -VP of Les Petits Collecteurs of South Fla, a NAME blue ribbon club -Licensed Interior Designer with close to 20+ years in the industry -Mom of the best kiddo in the whole wide world -Guest on the My Miniature Obsession Podcast Follow Amanda at: www.thedesignerdollhouse.com IG, FB, YT, Pinterest are all @thedesignerdollhouse ET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Chelsea Andersson is the maker and miniaturist behind ChelseaMakes. Her miniatures are used in television, stop-motion advertisements, and of course, to decorate dollhouses. Having started her professional career as a landscape architect, Chelsea enjoys design and understanding how objects and spaces are built. Outside of the office, she spent her time creating miniatures: tiny versions of a dream home she hoped to one day build. She crafted hundreds of tiny objects for herself, and for her hamster Martin, before deciding to share this love of making with other creators. She went on to design and manufacture a line of Do-It-Yourself dollhouses called Simplekits. Following an appearance on the NBC crafting competition TV show Making It, Chelsea was finally confident enough to pursue her love of making, and miniatures, full time. Today she lives in Connecticut with her husband Nick and cat Millie. Together they are working to renovate their dream home at full size. When not in her craft studio, Chelsea can be found hiking in the forest or working on home renovation projects. You can find Chelsea at: chelseamakes.com Instagram and TikTok Thanks for listening- I hope to hear from you soon! LET'S CONNECT: website instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook pinterest miniature community --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Meet Katie of Kayteekays_Minis! She's a stay-at-home-mom and mini-influencer, with a following on Instagram of over 50K! Listen as she shares how she made that happened and why she continues to fill our social media feeds with such wonderful mini content! Katie can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/kayteekays.minis/ and also on Etsy: https://kayteekaydesigns.etsy.com/ Thank you for listening! Hope to hear from you soon! Show Notes can be found at: https://www.micdropminiatures.com/blog LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Meet Maria McElroy! An amazing artist that brings her love of painting into another one of her passions... miniatures! Maria talks about her extensive Barbie collection, that dates back to her childhood, and is still growing today. Maria was the featured artist in the June 2023 Dollhouse Miniature Subscription Box. I hope you enjoy our conversation! LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Today's 'Mini Chat' is with Cathy Miller-Vaughan- the mastermind behind the Philadelphia Miniaturia! Cathy shares how her miniature journey started in 1990, when the Pat Bauder, the previous show owner, asked her if I would like to earn a few extra bucks for three days at the Philadelphia Miniaturia! What an amazing opportunity. Fast Forward several years, Cathy is not the owner of the Show! As the new show owner, her goals are to bring back that excitement that she had as a teenager, the kindness and compassion of people, and the joy felt from this industry. She shares how there is a “vibe” about a miniature show. It’s not something that can be described, it can only be experienced. The Philly Show, November 3, 4, & 5. 2023. Here is all the details so you can book now! www.PhiladelphiaMiniaturia.com LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

In this episode I chat with Kim, a former 2nd grade teacher. We chat about how her mini business grew so much and so fast that she quit her full-time job teaching and went full-time as a miniaturist. Learn about the struggles of starting a miniature business and also the huge rewards. Kim specializes in polymer clay, resin, 3D printing and laser cutting. You can find Kim here: https://www.instagram.com/magnolia.minis/ https://www.tiktok.com/@magnoliaminis https://youtube.com/@magnoliaminis LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Book lovers and miniature friends- this is an episode you won't want to miss! Meet Shaun as she shares her story on how she got started with miniatures and how it lead her to create a book nook with over 400 banned books from throughout history! Some banned book titles may shock you! She also shares her newest adventure- a miniature book club! So much fun! Enjoy! Connect with Shaun on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/528williamsway and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shauneeof528williamsway/ Show Notes can be found at: https://www.micdropminiatures.com/blog LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Anne-Marie is the maker behind LTW Miniatures. She specializes in tiny, hand sewn patchwork quilts, mainly in 1:12 scale. She loves to experiment with fabric to see how small she can go! Anne-Marie makes miniatures around her day job in marketing for a charity sector and caring for my young family. Making miniatures is what keeps her sane! I hope you enjoy our conversation. Please follow Anne-Marie on IG at: @ltwminiatures. She can also be found at: Ltwminiatures.co.uk Show Notes can be found at: https://www.micdropminiatures.com/blog LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Hello Friends! Its been awhile but I'm happy to be back to talk minis with yoU! Would you like to be a guest? Please join me in this new exciting season! Show Notes can be found at: https://www.micdropminiatures.com/blog LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/micdropminiaturesclub --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Listen to my 'mini' chat with Kate Esme Ünver, author of The Book of Mini: Inside the Big World of Tiny Things. In The Book of Mini, she selects hundreds of pieces of mini artwork and organizes them into sections on tiny food, pottery, extreme micro scale and more. The book also includes interviews with collectors and artists exploring their methods, influences, and how they came to adore everything mini. Its a must-have book for the tiny lover in your life. In 2012, Kate launched the ‘dailymini’, an online space that promotes miniaturists and the Art of Miniatures. You will want to check out her Instagram account, @dailymini, where she showcases the very unique and extraordinary miniatures from her vast collection and creations from other miniaturists from around the world. Connect with Kate here: https://www.blackdogandleventhal.com/titles/kate-esme-unver/the-book-of-mini/9780762466672/ Show Notes can be found at: theminidistrict.com/blog LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> www.theminidistrict.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

I wanted to share my experience from 2 Miniature Shows that I was able to attend this Spring in Chicago. The first being the Tom Bishop Show, which marked its 44th year of miniature show production this year! This show gathers miniature enthusiasts from all over the world; a half of million people have attended past shows to be exact! The second show I attended was a smaller show by T&D Miniatures, which was only an 18 mile drive. Please listen as I share my experience and the stories from all the amazing artisans I met. Show Notes can be found at: theminidistrict.com/blog LET'S CONNECT: website>>> https://www.micdropminiatures.com instagram>>> https://www.instagram.com/micdropminiatures facebook>>> https://www.facebook.com/MicDropMiniatures pinterest>>> https://www.pinterest.com/micdropminiatures miniature community>>> www.theminidistrict.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support

Are you ready for the the Largest West Coast Miniature Trade Show/Convention? Otherwise referred to as #minicon! Its a fascinating show that features all scales and types of miniatures. #nominiatureleftbehind In this episode I chat with Lisa of WeeBitTeeny Modern Mini’s and Paris of PRD Miniatures. They are (2 of the 3) masterminds behind IMoMA (International Market of Miniature Artisans). The show will be held in Las Vegas, February 2023. You can learn more about the show at: https://imomalv.com/ ________________ Show Notes can be found at: theminidistrict.com/blog Other links mentioned in the podcast: Mother's Day Miniature Box: micdropminiatures.com/shop Miniature Spring Show in Chicago: miniatureshow.com Monthly Mini Challenges: facebook.com/group/theminidistrict Ultimate Miniature Subscription Box: minisubscripitonbox.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/miniatureobsession/support