Podcast
Tiny worlds, Big Stories
Hosted by Lara Blair · EN
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.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Parrish & Kris Bleau of PNW Miniature Shows
2w ago00:49:41Tap to summarizeWhat 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/
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Katie Sieg of KayTeeKays Minis
3w ago00:40:30Tap to summarizeCan 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/
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Susan Canaday Henry of Candy Constantly
May 2600:57:50Tap to summarizeWhat 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/
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Erica Meade of Mini House on the Line
May 1900:57:24Tap to summarizeWhat 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/
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Emma Oberle of Emma Bug Studio
May 1200:34:18Tap to summarizeWhat 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/
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Chris Petersen of Scale Model Homes
May 500:48:20Tap to summarizeChris 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
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Kate Anderson Singer of Tiny Doors Atlanta
Apr 2800:52:29Tap to summarizeWhat started as a kid making tiny furniture out of modeling clay turned into one of the most beloved public art projects in Atlanta.In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Karen Anderson Singer, creator of Tiny Doors ATL, to talk about her journey from a self-described “art kid” to building miniature doors that have become part of an entire city’s identity.We get into:-Her childhood obsession with creating (and making everything by hand)-Why she sees miniatures as a way to interrupt everyday life-The surprising origin of her first tiny door-How the community began interacting with and protecting the work-The reality of public miniature art (spoiler: it’s not easy)-Why imagination matters more than what’s actually behind the doorKaren also shares what it really takes to install public art—from permits and insurance to navigating city bureaucracy—and why she doesn’t recommend it lightly.This is a conversation about scale, storytelling, and the quiet power of making people pause.https://www.tinydoorsatl.com/https://www.instagram.com/tinydoorsatl/Shop & retail:https://www.tinydoorsatl.com/shop-retailThe books:https://www.tinydoorsatl.com/book*****Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bB4R14v3skYLara's IG:https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturistSmall By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
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Nomxian - 18 year old prodigy diorama maker
Apr 2100:37:01Tap to summarizeWhat happens when your very first diorama goes viral overnight?In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Nomxian, an 18-year-old artist whose abandoned building diorama captured millions of views and launched her creative journey in a way she never expected. We talk about:How a high school art project turned into a viral momentWhy she’s drawn to abandoned, weathered spacesBuilding detailed dioramas using recycled materialsThe pressure (or lack of it) after going viralChoosing to be a faceless creator and let the work speakBalancing architecture studies with a growing art platformWhat makes Nomxian’s work so powerful isn’t just the craftsmanship, it’s the feeling. Her pieces explore nostalgia, time, and the quiet beauty of overlooked places.If you love miniatures, storytelling through art, or seeing the world a little differently… this one’s for you.https://www.instagram.com/nomxiannhttps://www.youtube.com/@nomxian********Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/LNPdbs9g3swSmall By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's arthttps://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturisthttps://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstorieshttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/
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Kate Davenport Hilgenberg of Davenport Construction
Apr 1400:41:40Tap to summarizeWhen Interior Design Meets 1:12 Scale Mastery | Kate Davenport HilgenbergIn this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with miniature artist Kate Davenport Hilgenberg— a retired interior designer whose dollhouses feel so real, you’ll question your eyesight.Kate shares how her journey began with a small black suitcase filled with “little fiddly things,” a father who was a meticulous builder, and a dollhouse rescued from the attic for her granddaughters. One magical moment — LED lights glowing inside a handmade cabinet dollhouse — changed everything.We talk about:• How her background in interior design shapes every build• Why she redraws floor plans like a real contractor• The perfectionism behind her Clue room series• Learning laser cutters and 3D printing in her 70s• Shipping disasters (including a Santorini house lost in transit)• Why photographing your work reveals the gaps• The emotional healing power of miniaturesKate’s Adobe house, Hawaiian beach house, Storm Cove, and Clue rooms show an extraordinary attention to detail — from scratch-built cabinetry to 200 individually wrapped miniature books.If you love miniatures, craftsmanship, or the magic of small things, this conversation is for you.📌 Subscribe for more conversations with master miniaturists.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.https://www.instagram.com/davenport1_12construction/*******Lara's art:https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturisthttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
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Tammie Knight of Small Matters Miniatures
Apr 701:07:18Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like to carry your passion with you no matter where life takes you?In this heartfelt episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara sits down with master miniaturist Tammie Knight, whose work is as emotionally rich as it is visually stunning.From a childhood spent wandering New York City museums with a mother who believed art belonged to everyone, to building a decades-long career that spanned both corporate leadership and deeply personal creative practice, Tammie’s story is one of devotion, resilience, and purpose.Miniatures were never just a hobby. They were her constant.A place to play, to express, and to tell stories.A defining moment at Parsons affirmed what she already knew deep down: this was her path.And yet, like so many artists, she navigated a world where creativity and career don’t always align, she continued to build her miniature worlds quietly, persistently, and with extraordinary care.In this episode, we explore:The influence of childhood creativity and access to artFinding belonging and identity through creative expressionHolding onto your artistic voice while building a careerThe emotional and storytelling power of miniaturesAnd what it means to truly live in your purposeTammie’s work invites us to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with a sense of wonder. This conversation is a reminder that the things we love most—especially the ones we loved as children—often hold the key to who we’re meant to become.https://www.smallmattersminiatures.com/https://www.instagram.com/tammieknightminiatures/"Beyond Color" Exhibit: https://www.bedfordgallery.org/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/beyond-color-the-language-of-black-and-white2021 Mic Drop Minis interview: https://anchor.fm/miniatureobsession/episodes/EP-30--Tammie-Knight---Small-Matters-Miniatures-e1bhdh6"Raise Your Floor" article: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lathamturner_a-good-society-needs-floor-raising-institutions-share******************Lara's art:https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturisthttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up:https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews
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