Jennifer Baxter: Dioramas in art class

What happens when a filmmaker and art director brings his problem-solving brain to the world of miniatures? For Alex Diaz, it leads to 3D printing, custom-built miniature sets, animatronics, and an entire rock opera starring a band of peg dolls.In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I talk with Alex about his unexpected path into miniature making, from studying film at NYU to creating an unforgettable Barbie-doll promo for *Vanderpump Rules* and building a career in television and commercial art direction.Alex approaches miniature making like a puzzle. He starts with a sketch, identifies the constraints, breaks the project into pieces, and figures out whatever skills he needs along the way. We get into his learning process, his growing use of Blender and 3D printing, and why he makes a point of sharing both what works and what doesn't.We also talk about Pegged, his ambitious miniature rock opera featuring an animatronic peg-doll band. What began as a technical challenge has grown into a whole creative world of characters, miniature sets, music, puppetry, short films, and an interactive website.Plus, Alex shares what it's like to balance commercial work, personal projects, social media, and raising two young kids and why staying flexible may be one of the most important skills a creative person can have.IN THIS EPISODE:- Alex's early creative interests and path into film and television- The Barbie-doll project that helped launch his career with Bravo- How art direction and filmmaking influence his miniature work- Learning new skills through experimentation and problem-solving- Blender, 3D printing, and creating custom files- Sharing the learning process with the miniature community- The making of *Pegged*, his animatronic miniature rock band- Building a creative business while balancing family and work- His dream of bringing miniature-based television back to lifeWATCH with visuals: https://youtu.be/IWV2h7wWjygFIND ALEXhttps://www.instagram.com/alexdiaz.xyzYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexdiaz_xyzhttps://bio.site/alexdiaz_xyzFOLLOW THE PODCASTInstagram: @tinyworldsbigstoriesFind me:Instagram: @lara_miniaturist****Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk....Lara's art@lara_miniaturist@tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/#TinyWorldsBigStories #AugustRiche #MiniatureArt #Miniaturist #MiniatureArtist #SetDesign #Diorama #MiniatureWorlds #BestInMiniature #MiniatureMaking #DollhouseMiniatures #StorytellingThroughArt

In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I’m talking with Natasha Sawyer of Viva Design Miniatures.Natasha has built an enormous online audience around her beautifully detailed vintage dollhouse restorations and miniature interiors—but what I found especially interesting is how much she had to learn along the way.She didn't start out knowing how to build, use the tools, create videos, edit, or figure out how to tell stories online. She learned it all as she went.We talk about:• Learning to be a beginner—and being willing to “get through the suck”• Why Natasha intentionally shares her failures and the things that don't work• How she taught herself so many of the skills behind her miniature work• The unexpected community that has grown around her work• Why she doesn't gatekeep where she buys her miniature supplies• What she thinks her audience is really coming to her page for• The difference between Natasha the person and Viva Design Miniatures the brand• Learning to take up space and become more comfortable being seen• How miniatures helped her find joy again• The reality of turning creativity and content creation into a full-time jobNatasha has also shared much more about her personal journey, including her cancer experience and the very personal story behind a dollhouse she created for her son. I chose not to revisit those stories in depth here because she explored them so beautifully and candidly with Becky Gannon on Mad About Miniatures. If you'd like to hear that part of Natasha's story, I highly recommend listening to that conversation as well: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reclaiming-your-joy-through-miniatures/id1561837995?i=1000750448170Instead, I wanted to explore what happened alongside and after that journey: the creative life she built, the community she found, and the very real work behind those gorgeous miniature worlds.Find Natasha:https://www.instagram.com/vivadesignminiatureshttps://www.instagram.com/natashafindsbalancehttps://www.vivadesignminiatures.com/Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5_Bo3D-XTO8Find me:Instagram: @lara_miniaturist****Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk....Lara's art@lara_miniaturist@tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/#MiniatureArt #Miniaturist #MiniatureArtist #MiniatureWorlds #MiniatureMaking #DollhouseMiniatures

What if “shining your schitt” isn’t just about furniture?In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I’m talking with Lindsay Burke, the funny, completely authentic creator behind @schitt.to.shine.Lindsay started Schitt to Shine in 2020 by rescuing and refinishing unwanted furniture. Then she found a broken, sticker-covered dollhouse and opened the door to an entirely new world of miniatures.Today, her miniature work is beautiful and understated, but what I love most about Lindsay’s account is that she doesn’t just share the pretty stuff. She shares the real stuff, too.We talk about why making miniatures gives Lindsay a place to play and quiet her brain, how creativity can help us process the hard parts of life, grief, therapy, motherhood, learning to let go of control, and what happens when we stop worrying so much about whether everyone else approves of us.We also talk about seeing the “good bones” in things (and people) and why Lindsay has become so passionate about choosing herself.And yes, we cried. 😂One of the most powerful moments of our conversation comes when Lindsay talks about what she would say to the younger version of herself. It was one of the most powerful moments I've had on this podcast and has stayed with me.This is a conversation is about:...making room to play.....finding your people.....giving yourself permission to be exactly who you are.And sometimes… it’s about taking the schitt and making it shine.✨ ABOUT LINDSAYLindsay Burke is the creator behind @schitt.to.shine, where she shares her miniature work, furniture transformations, everyday life, humor, and the messy-but-beautiful process of being human.🎧 LISTEN: Tiny Worlds, Big Stories📺 WATCH: Subscribe here for more conversations with miniature artists and the people behind their tiny worlds.Follow Lindsay: @schitt.to.shineFind me:Instagram: @lara_miniaturist****Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk....Lara's art@lara_miniaturist@tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/#TinyWorldsBigStories #AugustRiche #MiniatureArt #Miniaturist #MiniatureArtist #SetDesign #Diorama #MiniatureWorlds #BestInMiniature #MiniatureMaking #DollhouseMiniatures #StorytellingThroughArt

In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I’m talking with August Riche (@augustriche)—a miniaturist, set designer, fabricator, and storyteller whose work moves between tiny worlds and full-scale production.August’s work is so much more than making things small. She uses miniatures to explore memory, architecture, Black culture, music, nostalgia, and the stories behind real places and people. She’s recreated iconic spaces in miniature, worked on projects connected to hip-hop culture, created commercial miniature work, and was also a contestant on Best in Miniature.We talk about growing up in Queens, the influence of graffiti and her creative background, how she found her way into miniatures, and what it’s like to turn real people, places, and cultural moments into tiny worlds.We also get into her experience on Best in Miniature, the unexpected ways miniature work has led her into full-scale set design and fabrication, and what happens when a passion for tiny worlds becomes part of a much bigger creative career.One of my favorite things about talking with other miniature artists is discovering that the tiny things we make are rarely really about the tiny things. There’s usually a much bigger story underneath.🎙️ Watch the full conversation with August Riche and subscribe to Tiny Worlds, Big Stories for more conversations with miniature artists, makers, and storytellers.https://youtu.be/tFmrx-Bpjt4Find August:Instagram: @augustrichehttps://www.augustriche.com/Find me:Instagram: @lara_miniaturisthttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/Subscribe to the free monthly newsletter:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews#TinyWorldsBigStories #AugustRiche #MiniatureArt #Miniaturist #MiniatureArtist #SetDesign #Diorama #MiniatureWorlds #BestInMiniature #MiniatureMaking #DollhouseMiniatures #StorytellingThroughArt

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

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

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/

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/

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/

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/