Miniatures – Favorite Pieces in my Collection

I have a sizable collection of miniatures . . . everything from original artwork, to furniture and accessories. Most of the items are designated for specific dollhouses, but since a dollhouse setting is full of interesting items, it is often easy to miss noticing a truly wonderful piece. Because of that, the pictures I will post in this section are of items that I believe deserve a “closer look”. This will be a section to visit often, as it will be updated frequently. Some of the items featured here are crafted by the world-famous “Reutter of Germany” and Bespaq companies. Even more exciting is the fact that many of the items shown in this section are artisan pieces, and are, therefore, one-of-a-kind. I am very proud to feature the work of these talented miniaturists (including my own exceptioinal family members) in my collection, because while it is true that I do create many of my own miniature items, there are a great many things that others do better than I.

New:  The incredible set of tools and the lovely tool chest (shown below) were all created by miniaturist extraordinaire, Frank Coen.  I purchased them from a lady who had known him and bought them directly from him.  These even received the highest compliment possible . . . my Dad was utterly amazed by them,  and said Frank was obviously a master craftsman.

Tools by Frank Coen - 01A

This tiny oil painting, which is featured in the College Street House, is by my sister, Maxine Guy-Davis (Johnstown, Pa), and is based on a beautiful painting by Thomas Kinkade. In order to achieve the exceptional detail in this scale, she devised a paint brush from one of her own eyelashes and a toothpick. Amazing!

Featured in the Coppertop Cabin dollhouse, this exquisite landscape oil painting is also by my sister, Maxine Guy-Davis and, like the previous painting, is also based on a favorite Thomas Kinkade full-size painting. Once again, my amazing sister enlisted the aid of her trusty eyelash paint brush!

The next pieces are very special to me, as well. Both of these items are proudly featured in the College Street House. The lovely soup tureen was china-painted by my late Grandmother, Grace Middleton. She was such a fascinating lady, and an extraordinary artist. There is no doubt she shaped my life in a major (and positive) way. The photo after that is of the lovely and intricate 1:12 scale pie safe that my wonderful father, Ronald Guy made. It features custom-designed, tin-punched doors. I truly cherish these pieces.

The following pieces are fun items I found on Etsy (one of my top favorite web spots) . . . the incredible chairs are from Antje (see my links . . . Wishful Thinking Studios), and the dolls. which are even cuter in real life, are from a collector’s private stash. The tiny little needle-felted deer was purchased from the Lovable Treasures store and is just amazing. It looks so real. This will be a part of an extra-special project I am working on, and I think it will add an element of delight. The darling handcrafted cat rug was purchased from the JoleneCreations8888 store. I have an idea for a project that would be a great place to showcase this piece . . . after I finish the multitude of projects “in works”, I’ll get right on it!

All of the items in the next picture are featured in the Middleton Manor Haunted Mansion. Top Row (left to right): (1) Bespaq cabinet filled with hand carved Netsuke (Chinese) animal figures; (2) one-of-a-kind “Witch Hunter” doll by Jo Medvenics (England); (3) Inlaid Bespaq cabinet filled with a variety of handcrafted vases, figurines, and an exquisite handcrafted “Cricket Box”; (4) a handcrafted bird of prey. 2nd Row (left to right): (1) One of a pair of grotesque gartgoyles that guard the tower turrets; (2) a collection of Bespaq furniture – the chair & ottomon have been re-upholstered with vintage tapestry fabric which matches the vintage rug; (3) a vintage Bespaq ornamental table with a one-of-a-kind Redwing Blackbird carving by artist Doug Guy (I have no idea if we are related) and an original oil painting portrait from an Egyptian artist; (4) an exquisite handcrafted, handpainted clayictherium.

Both of the paintings in the picture below are featured in my Mexican hacienda dollhouse (see Casa Maria) and are original designs by my sister, Maxine Guy-Davis. The bird painting is done in the traditional Mexican folk-art style known as bark painting. The Virgin of Guadalupe painting features beautiful gilt detail. These amazing tiny works of art take much concentration and time to create . . . many thanks to my talented sister for such an incredible contribution!

Also featured in Casa Maria, this wonderful loom was carefully researched and created by my father. It was a very extensive project, with all of the details that he included to make it accurate. He also made several little shuttles to go with it, and I hope (one day) to get it and the shuttles threaded.

Last modified on: April 16th 2013.