Lady With A Unicorn

Lady With A Unicorn

Friday, October 14, 2011

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Getting Ready for the Holidays

Actually, this probably should have been written in July or August as it's never to early to get your holiday items made and ready to list.  I've been trying to follow this advice myself.
For me, it's not the creating part I have trouble with...it's the photography and the listing itself. Being creative, I see this as mundane and repetitive.  I know it's vitally necessary, but I don't have to like it.  So, I've come to the conclusion that it's my attitude about it that has to be changed.  Instead of it being a chore, I'm going to be really excited about presenting my latest creation to the world.
So, I'm committing right here and now that I'll get that part started in the morning...ok, maybe the afternoon. 

 I ALSO REALLY WANT TO EMPHASIZE...


As I've written before,  I like to give miniatures that I mail out an extra special touch.  Recently, I've been asked how I do it without spending too much money and cutting further into profits.
First of all, I'm a coupon freak....if there's a way to get a deal on something, I'll find it. I also look in the wedding departments of stores like Michael's and Wallmart.  I've found amazing deals on favor packages, little bags and beautiful stickers and ribbon.  I also check baby sections, home accessories, etc....you never know what treasure might be waiting in the most unusual places. Sometimes I've saved as much as 90% making these lovely wrappings more inexpensive than plain little boxes.  Also, need I remind readers to shop  I have actually received miniatures (from a very well known high end shop) where the items were each wrapped in toilet paper!!!  These were expensive collector items which should have been treated with more respect.  I wouldn't dream of sending out something wrapped like that! It also makes me think twice before ordering from them as it makes me wonder how well they care for their inventory.

ON THE OTHER HAND...

The other day I received an order from a favorite mini shop on Etsy and the packaging looked familiar.
It was the same heart shaped box, covered in tulle with white ribbon and a silver thank you.  It was the same packaging I'd sent her!  That gave me my chuckle for the day....I do the same thing:...recycle special wrappings that have been sent to me. I also save ribbons and other special little pieces...flowers, etc. and I like to make different combinations.
Perhaps some will think this is a little overboard, but I think the package should be a total experience for my customers.
So, as the holidays approach, dig out some of your Christmas tissue paper and  skinny ribbon you bought
 from Michael's or JoAnn's  with the 40% coupon and make your customers really feel that holiday spirit.
You might even  include a little treat, like a Hershey's kiss or miniature...which, of course, you bought with a coupon!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

I got nuthin...

     The other day I logged in and just stared at the screen.  After a significant amount of time, I shrugged my shoulders and said  "I've got nothing." I felt saturated, so totally engrossed in miniatures that I'd drawn a  blank.
     When this sort of thing happens to me, I know it's time to step back.  When you're as passionate as I am about miniatures, it's easy to get lost in it sometimes. I'll sit down with a project and totally lose track of the time. I'll think it's only been an hour and it's really more like five or six. Next thing I know, I'm scrambling to get dinner started, chores done, errands run, etc.
     Vacation time!!  As much as I wish it were some exotic location, it's just a little time out at home from what I love to do.
     There are other things I love...music (I'm a vocalist) and gardening...our three dogs...lunch with my husband.
     So....believe it or not,  I've begun scheduling  time away from miniatures. It's not as easy as it sounds, and it was difficult to do at first. I'd want to paint "just a half hour more" or repair that leg on a table.
     It's like this with everyone.  Life has gotten too busy.  Especially now with this economy, people are driven to do more and cram as much in as possible.
     I've now managed to take two whole days off from EVERYTHING...miniatures, housework that could wait, cooking dinner.  It's not impossible to do!!! (I just said that because I heard you say "I can't do that"!)
      Now I'm back with a fresh perspective and new ideas. Halloween miniatures are calling!
    
    

Monday, August 22, 2011

how we want our shop to be different

Of course we want our shop to be a reliable location for popular well known miniatures, but there's so much more we want to bring to the miniature public.

I  love discovering little known talent. (or at least new to me.)  Maybe someone just starting out that has a few pieces listed and doesn't realize just how good they are.  I'll usually buy a piece and analyze it.  If it meets my expectations, I may contact the artist and see if they're interested in being featured in the shop. Then we come to terms and hopefully it benefits both of us.

While we are still working out the website kinks (aren't we always?!?!) we are in the process of featuring several of these amazing miniaturists. 

Among them is a terrific miniaturist...Ann from  Ann's miniatures.  She makes unbelievably tiny wrapped candies, cookies, etc. I swear she has a shrinking machine, because they are perfectly proportioned and realistic!

Another, who is just coming on board is Melody Lamb, a gifted whimsical animal and faerie artist. You have to smile when you see her creations and she's been kind enough to offer them to me in 1:12 scale.

One of my favorites (ok...I'm prejudice) is my husband Steve.  There's never been a dull moment in our marriage and it comes through in his art...full of life and character.

So, when looking for miniatures, take the time to explore a stores artist sections, if they are lucky enough to have one.  I've seldom if ever been disappointed. 

If you're as passionate about miniatures as we are, you'll be amazed at the whole other world of miniatures ready to be discovered.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Mini points to ponder...

1. When there are mini glasses of juice, why is the mini pitcher still full?
2. When making little pumpkins, why do people think bright orange color and evenly scored lines looks even remotely real?
3. Who decided that miniatures and toys are the same thing?
4. Why do well meaning folks buy me "little" things no matter how ridiculous and HUGE even when I've explained what I do many MANY times?
5.  Why do I think of silly thing about miniatures and ponder?!?

OK...I admit  I'm a little obsessed (ok...a lot) with miniatures.  What is it about these precious tiny treasures that captures me everytime? It's not lust the size, it's the true artistic value and attempt at realism that fascinates me.  It's the purposeful imperfection of a piece...the dead leaf on a plant, or scuffs on little shoes.

I've been hooked since childhood.
I can pick up any item...button...string...plastic clothing tags and automatically try to think of a  "mini" way to use it.  I suppose it's easier to hide my hoarding because these things are so small. (did I really say hoarding out loud?!?!?!)  Once in awhile I'll go through a box of these odd little things and get the same kick as I get when I look at old cards and letters.  They will bring me back to the time and place when I found it. I'll also come up with new ways to use it. 
I have come to a point, however, when I can not save every little string or bottle cap.  I don't save outrageous amounts of  multiples anymore either.
I feel that way about collecting my mini's as well.  Remember when you first started collecting? I don't know about you, but I had to buy EVERYTHING!! These days I've become much more selective, much to the relief of my checkbook.
Go dig out a little box of your own...see what it reminds you of...you'll catch yourself either smiling or shaking your head.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

GLUE...The bane of my existance.

You've been there...you're so careful with every aspect of your creation, and then you see it: THE BLOB. (scary sounds from Psycho  ring in my head).

It was supposed to be easy to apply, great controll and dry crystal clear.  Not only does it do NONE of these things, it's not even holding very well. What a waste of time and effort.  Now I sit with my tweezers and straight pin trying to remove the little dried bits without ruining all my hard work.

My shelf is full of bottles, jars and pastes representing my glue graveyard. $$$$$ down the drain.

There is one, however, I'm having great success with: Ultimate Glue.  It's found in craft stores and sells for about $3.99.  I've glued everything from paper to wood and even fabric.  I transfer some to a little squeeze bottle  and it has good control.  I'm able to obtain the thin line I need and it doesn't drip. I like it much better for fabrics then adhesives made specially for that purpose.

I'd like to tell you that I discovered this myself, but I owe this great discovery to morezmore.com.
There I've not only found amazing suggestions, but  gorgeous dolls and the tools to make them. Lovely faerie fabrics, beads...the list could go on forever.   The sight is fascinating.   It takes you through the entire doll process...from armature through final accents.  They also tell you what the products are used for and show you  how to use them.
With that said, is anyone out there interested in some slightly used adhesives? I have a vast collection, you know.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Why rick rack should be outlawed!

I have seen the most beautiful miniatures quilts, blankets etc, only to have them trimmed in this horrible creation known as rick rack (or is it one word...don't care!)  I've never seen one done well...seldom (in fact I think never) in scale. Take the extra time to do your work justice. Just say NO to anything that goes  "ziz-zag"!!"

I've searched far and wide for trims (sans rick rack) that are appropriate for miniatures. Sandie's trims are some I've had great luck with.  I bought a bushel at a show once, knowing it would used down the road. Well....while it's been one heck of a long road, I'm still using them with great success.

I also like a product that I found at a scrapbook convention once. The company is  called Kreinik and they have trims that you can iron on.  You have to be careful to make sure you get the smallest width they have.  It's also a curious site.  You get transferred to a shop that sells it.  I've been trying to get an account, but still haven't heard from them.  I'll be downloading a wedding dress I've almost completed with a pink trim I used of theirs.

Our website is up and running: Lady With A Unicorn.com.  THOUSANDS of more items to list.  We've been able to offer wonderful prices on Bespaq.  I've also searched around the globe for amazing artisans.  There are  gifted artisans out there still waiting to be discovered. If you are one of them...we'd love to hear from you!

Speaking of being discovered...here's  hoping we catch on and are able to share our love of miniatures with you!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

My tiny world is taking over!!

How can such little things take soooo much room?!?!
A little bit here, a little bit there and I'm starting to believe I need an intervention on Extreme  Hoarders.

I have no trouble sorting and getting rid of things in the "real" world.  Where I get into trouble is when I find some random minute piece of something unrecognizable...I look at it from all angles. I KNOW I can use this for something...but where? Obviously, I have to save it or somewhere down the road I'll regret it.

23...45...ok... HUNDREDS of boxes later I find myself making the proverbial maze to be able to walk around. Intellectually, I have a grip on this. Emotionally, it's a work in progress.  I shutter when I think about how long this process has taken.

Instead of tackling this all at once, I'm removing one box at a time to another room.  Taking it away from everything else is very important.  This way I only concentrate  on the task at hand. I chuckle at some of my past purchases...the out of scale funky painted breadbox...the "crushed" nuts that look more like chunks of broken brown crayons. These are things so bad  I can't imagine what I must have been thinking.  I know in the beginning, I didn't want to insult the artist (I use the word very loosely) by sending it back and saying THIS REALLY SUCKS!!

I have learned that photographs can be deceiving.  I look closer, put it on my favorites list and get back top it after time passes.  9 out of 10 times after taking an second or third look, I delete it.

I've also bought shelves to suit my needs I started thinking outside the box.  It finally dawned on me that all the shelves were too far apart.  I purchased several stacking shoe racks...the white ones to build a custom closet with. The shelves are only 6 inches apart and six packages (twelve shelves) give me the storage I need without a lot of space.

Well...I'm up to box three. Anyone want three kittens in a box that look more like decomposed fuzz than kittens?

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

If I were 5 inches tall...

If I were 5 inches tall.....I'd be able to use the mini's I make.  That's how I judge what I make to see if it's good enough for my standards.

Is it true to scale?   Doesn't matter how great it is if it's too big or too small. It can ruin an entire scene by drawing constant unwanted attention to the object.

Are ALL the materials top notch?   Nothing worse than a beautiful mini "meal" served on a cheap, out of scale, too thick and just plain ugly dish.  One of my biggest objections...huge trims on dainty dresses, tree skirts, pillows etc.

Is every minute detail considered? There's a very creative 1/4 scale artisan out there who, in my opinion, ruins their projects by not sanding the items smooth. As above...only use trim that is matches the scale of the item!!


Is my package a welcome surprise?  Every time I get a mini package, it's like Christmas.  It's so much fun when I open one and find it nicely wrapped.  Sometimes there's even a really cool little gift!  I remember these sellers and try to visit often.

Don't forget to go that extra mile!!

Check us out!

etsy.com/shop/smullin2
ladywithaunicorn.com

Monday, June 27, 2011

Miniature pet peeves

1.Wonderful artisans (and even some fellows!) who put their wonderful creations on cheap ( and thick, out of scale) dishes.  I'll only buy from them when the items are loose so I can rearrange them on a nice plate. The plates, bowls and cups should compliment your work...not cheapen it!

2. We are Lady With A Unicorn....no naturally, we like unicorns.  I've received many....way toooo many over the years. There have been purple swirled, fake fur adorned with glittered feet and even one with a missing horn (isn't that a horse?!?)Thanks for thinking of us, (and I don't wish to be ungrateful)
but just because it's a unicorn doesn't mean they're cute, well made or anything close to scale. A 6 inch unicorn doesn't fit in my dollhouse.

3. Over charging for shipping!!! I saw the cutest item the other day...not more than a couple of ounces and they wanted $14.99 to send it to me!  Pass.  If my customers pay too much postage, I refund it right away. I've only come across a couple that have done the same for me.

4. Items listed as 1:12 scale, but when they arrive, they aren't even close.  I received a beautifully made picnic table once that was even too big for Barbie.  When I contacted them, they stood by their claim!

Send me some of yours!
Don't tell me it's people who write about pet peeves!

I'm on the hunt for miniature "cake" recipies!

Avid miniaturists....
Please send me your best recipe for making realistic looking cakes and bread. Amanspeak makes bread look so real you swear it can be eaten!
So far I've been told to add sand, clay crumbles, semolina...NOT to add semolina. Add organic materials...DON'T add organic materials!
 SO...
I'm really interested in what you've come up with.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

My World in Miniature

My first blog ever...Where my passion for miniatures came from.
I created my little world as a child.  It was clean and safe, with nice people and pretty things to wear.
The reality was a nightmare and the pretty clothes were worn gloves that I cut the fingers off and hung on "hangers" made from straight pins. The house was an old shoe box I'd found. What a magical place this was in the eyes of an eight year old! My escape....my little treasures.
I'd sit for hours with the Sears catalog and with pen and paper I'd make pages and pages of all the things I'd buy for it when I grew up. Catalog #'s..page #'s..item descriptions...down to the toothbrush holder! Soft sheets and fluffy towels, a far cry from my mattress on the floor and the towel we all shared.
It was all in my head...my wonderful little world.  Now I have a blessed life.  My husband is an amazing sculptor.  I met him when he was showing a friend a chair he had made out of a stick of chalk! It had tiny button backs...spindled legs and painted the color of wood.  I asked if he had ever heard of dollhouse miniatures. We've been together ever since.
We just opened our web store...ladywithaunicorn.com where we've gathered beautiful works from all over the world.  We also carry Bespaq at wonderful prices.  As we grow, so will our sight.
We also have a store on Etsy...etsy.com/shop/smullin2.
Miniaturists are some of the nicest people we've ever met.  I'm sure they lived in my fantasy little world.
Blessings always,
Sharon