Ep55- From Teacher to Miniature Maker: Arianna's Journey Building Her Dream Career

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.com00:00 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 AspirationsLET'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.comJOIN 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 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