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Tiny worlds, Big Stories: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Lara Blair
Here we celebrate the artists who craft small-scale magic — miniature makers, diorama dreamers, dollhouse designers, micro-world builders — and uncover the stories, creativity and techniques that bring these tiny worlds to life. If you love tiny art or create it yourself, you’re in the right place. Tiny worlds. Big stories. Endless wonder.
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- 6 days ago45 min
Jennifer Baxter: Dioramas in art class
What happens when you give a classroom full of eighth graders a cereal box, a pile of random stuff, and permission to create whatever they want?✨ Tiny worlds. Big imagination. And sometimes… absolute magic.Jennifer Baxter is an eighth-grade art teacher whose miniature diorama project has captured the attention of millions online. But the real story isn’t the viral videos. It’s what happens to the kids in the process.They learn to collaborate. To experiment. To fail and try again. To notice the details. And, maybe most importantly, to discover that they really are artists.Jennifer and I talk about the impact that the eighth grade diorama unit has on her students, including why kids (and grownups) are so drawn to tiny things. She explains what happens when we give kids the time and space to get completely absorbed in making something.YouTube video: https://youtu.be/3soRqotweUk@mrs_baxters_art_classhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mrs_baxters_art_classPatreon - https://www.patreon.com/Mrsbaxtersartclass/aboutTeachers Pay Teachers store - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/mrs-baxters-art-lessons#TinyWorldsBigStories #Miniatures #MiniatureArt #Diorama #ArtEducation #ArtTeacher #ArtInTheClassroom #Creativity #TinyWorlds #miniatureartist
- 2 weeks ago50 min
Melany Kahn of Festival of Miniatures
What happens when one person takes her love of miniatures and turns it into something that brings an entire community together?In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I’m talking with Melany Kahn, the creative force behind the incredible Festival of Miniatures in Brattleboro, Vermont.What began with a few friends working on a dollhouse grew into a festival involving more than 100 artists, local businesses, schools, nonprofits, volunteers, and thousands of visitors. Melany shares how she dreamed big, built a team, created a plan, and made miniatures accessible to everyone.We also talk about the Festival’s amazing miniature museum, the power of tiny things to connect people across generations, and Melany's vision for Brattleboro to become a destination for miniature lovers from around the world.This conversation reminded me that miniatures are about so much more than tiny objects. They’re about creativity, memory, connection and community.And after hearing Melany’s story, I can’t wait to experience the Festival of Miniatures in person!https://www.festivalofminiatures.org/https://www.instagram.com/festivalofminiaturesSubscribe to Tiny Worlds, Big Stories for new episodes every other week, featuring the artists, makers, collectors, and fascinating people who make the miniature world so extraordinary.Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's arthttps://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudiohttps://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstorieshttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MPtRfQpGwBo
- Jun 9, 202649 min
Parrish & Kris Bleau of PNW Miniature Shows
What does it take to run a miniature business, produce two major miniature shows, raise a family, work full-time jobs—and still create tiny worlds people love?In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Parrish and Kris, the couple behind some of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite miniature flooring, siding, and custom miniature creations—and now the new owners of the PNW miniature shows.We talk about how childhood miniatures shaped their lives, how a woodworking project accidentally became a business, why miniature communities are unlike any other art community, and what it’s really like taking over two major miniature shows.You’ll also hear:• How their miniature business started during COVID• Why they believe there is room for every artist• The realities of running miniature shows behind the scenes• How social media is changing miniatures• Their hopes for the future of tiny worldsPLUS: I’ll be attending the Portland miniature show this October interviewing artists, makers, and collectors live for future podcast episodes. If you love dollhouses, miniatures, tiny art, or creative businesses—you’re in the right place.****Etsy: https://bleauscustomwoodwork.etsy.comDirect to consumer website: https://minibybc.com Miniature shows: https://pnwminiatureshows.com Dates for Portland, Oregon “Minis in the Rose City”10/16 preview show, 10/17 & 10/18 open to the public preview tickets limited they include a 3-hour preview and a less hectic shopping experience - all 3 days pass prices are included Seattle Washington “Minis in the Emerald City” 3/5 preview show 3/6 & 3/7 open to the public Preview tickets limited* they include a 3-hour preview and a less hectic shopping experience - all 3 days pass prices are included ****Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's arthttps://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudiohttps://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstorieshttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/
- Jun 2, 202640 min
Katie Sieg of KayTeeKays Minis
Can you really build an entire business around miniatures?This week on Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, miniature artist Katie (@kayteekays.minis) shares how she transformed her love of tiny things into a thriving creative business with thousands of Etsy sales, brand partnerships, a loyal audience of over 192,000 followers, and a recognizable presence within the miniature community.From handmade miniature foods and convenience stores to tutorials, content creation, miniature conventions, sponsorships, and daily production schedules, Katie reveals what it actually takes to turn miniature making into a sustainable business.In this episode we discuss:• Building an Etsy miniature business• Growing a miniature audience on social media• Collaborating with brands and sponsored content• Balancing miniature making with content creation• Creating systems that allow for family life and flexibility• Miniature shows, community, and becoming a recognizable face in the hobby• How fandom, nostalgia, and shared interests build communityWhether you're a miniature enthusiast, creative entrepreneur, Etsy seller, content creator, or artist trying to build a sustainable business, this episode offers an honest look at the systems behind the tiny worlds.Subscribe for more conversations exploring creativity, art businesses, miniature artists, and the stories behind tiny worlds.* * *WATCH ON YouTube: https://youtu.be/PAaugNEfhuo @kayteekays.minis Etsy shop-:https://tinyurl.com/jen2bjna* * *Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's arthttps://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudiohttps://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstorieshttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/
- May 26, 202657 min
Susan Canaday Henry of Candy Constantly
What starts as a childhood escape… sometimes becomes the thing that changes everything.In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I talk with Susan Canaday Henry — a miniature artist whose work feels cinematic, emotional, and completely her own.We talk about:– Growing up creative in a practical household– Studying art in New York and trying to “fit” into the art world– The moment a dollhouse in an antique store quite literally changed her life– Why miniatures are about control, escape, and freedom– Her experience on Best in Miniature (and why it was harder than it looked)– The magic of Guild School + the miniature community– And how following what you love — without trying to monetize it — can open unexpected doorsSusan’s work is bold, imaginative, and deeply personal… from a permanent “birthday party” candy house to a glowing, futuristic dream home. This conversation is honest, funny, and full of those moments where you realize: maybe the thing you loved as a kid still knows the way.* * *https://candyconstantly.com/https://www.instagram.com/candyconstantlyBest in Miniature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy2Eljcx3UU* * *Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's arthttps://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudiohttps://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstorieshttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/
- May 19, 202657 min
Erica Meade of Mini House on the Line
What happens when a high-powered tech career collides with burnout… and turns into tiny worlds filled with wonder?In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with miniature artist and former VP of Design, Erica Meade, to talk about creativity, career pivots, and the surprising power of making things with your hands.After being laid off from a fast-paced tech startup, Erica found herself in an unexpected pause and used it to build something magical: a custom dollhouse for a “Tiny Client.” What followed was a creative awakening that reshaped her life.We talk about:✨ The moment burnout turns into breakthrough✨ Why creative hobbies are powerful self-care✨ The joy of making miniatures (and why details matter)✨ Her viral dollhouse reveal and the “joy transfer” effect✨ Building a creative life without monetizing everything✨ The rebirth of Creatin’ 2.0 with two fellow miniaturists✨ How her background in tech led to a new app for makersThis conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered:“What would happen if I gave myself permission to create?”If you’ve been craving more creativity, calm, or meaning in your life, this one’s for you.* * *https://www.minihouseontheline.com/https://ericameade.substack.com/https://www.practicemaking.com/https://www.creatinchallenge.com/* * *Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's arthttps://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudiohttps://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstorieshttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/
- May 12, 202634 min
Emma Oberle of Emma Bug Studio
What happens when curiosity, creativity, and a box of dead bugs collide?In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with artist Emma Oberle (Emma Bug Studio)—the brilliant (and delightfully unconventional) mind behind miniature scenes starring real preserved insects. Yes… bugs. And yes… you’re going to fall in love with them.Emma shares her journey from a creative childhood filled with sewing, crafting, and tinkering, to studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), to navigating post-grad life during the uncertainty of 2020. What began as painting plant pots to cope with anxiety turned into a thriving art business—and eventually, the tiny, wildly imaginative bug worlds that captured the internet’s attention.We talk about:How creativity can carry you through hard seasonsThe surprising joy of tiny thingsBuilding a business from scratch (and learning boundaries along the way)Why her art is intentionally silly, strange, and deeply humanBalancing a full-time job, chronic illness, and creative workLetting go of the pressure to “be one kind of artist”And of course… we talk about the bugs 🐞If you’ve ever felt pulled to make something—anything—this episode is your reminder that your curiosity might just be your compass.✨ Don’t forget to watch on YouTube to see Emma’s work—photos included:****https://emmabugstudio.com/https://www.instagram.com/emmabugstudio/****Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's arthttps://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudiohttps://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstorieshttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/
- May 5, 202648 min
Chris Petersen of Scale Model Homes
Chris Petersen builds more than miniature houses—he builds memory.In this episode, Lara talks with the artist behind Scale Model Homes, who transforms real homes into intricate, hand-crafted replicas filled with meaning. What began with childhood blocks and evolved through a career in healthcare has become deeply personal work rooted in nostalgia, loss, and storytelling.From recreating homes that no longer exist to crafting pieces that hold a loved one’s ashes, Chris shares the emotional weight behind his commissions and why no two builds are ever the same.They explore creativity later in life, the intersection of craftsmanship and art, and the surprising ways our homes stay with us long after we leave them.We talk about:The emotional power of recreating childhood homesWhy people cry when they receive their miniature housesThe challenge of turning architecture into artHis process—from Google searches to laser-cut precisionWhat happens when a custom commission doesn’t go as plannedThe most meaningful builds he’s ever created (including homes lost to fire and models that hold ashes)This conversation is about more than miniatures. It’s about memory, identity, and the places that shape us.✨ If you’ve ever loved a home, lost a home, or longed to hold onto a moment—you’ll feel this one.WATCH ON YouTube: https://youtu.be/UeGcPSxykjMhttps://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories******🔗 Find Chris:Website: scalemodelhomes.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalemodelhomes*****Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's arthttps://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio
About Tiny worlds, Big Stories
Here we celebrate the artists who craft small-scale magic — miniature makers, diorama dreamers, dollhouse designers, micro-world builders — and uncover the stories, creativity and techniques that bring these tiny worlds to life. If you love tiny art or create it yourself, you’re in the right place. Tiny worlds. Big stories. Endless wonder.
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