EP 50- Back to the Mic: Reigniting Joy, Creativity & Connection

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 outTheir creative process and approach to modern designThe launch of their own miniature subscription boxTips for miniaturists looking to break the moldWhether 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 WoodworkWebsite: minibybc.comInstagram: @bleaus_customLET'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 it10 easy ways to get back into making (even if you feel rusty)How miniature crafting can support your mental wellnessA 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 podcastWhat helped me reconnect with my creativityA listener message that moved me deeplyA soothing, mini mindfulness momentWhat’s coming next in the podcast seasonMentioned 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/micdropminiaturesclubMini 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>>>

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>>>

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

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

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

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

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