Advertise on podcast: Tiny worlds, Big Stories

What if “shining your schitt” isn’t just about furniture? In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I’m talking with Lindsay Burke, the funny, completely authentic creator behind @schitt.to.shine. Lindsay started Schitt to Shine in 2020 by rescuing and refinishing unwanted furniture. Then she found a broken, sticker-covered dollhouse and opened the door to an entirely new world of miniatures. Today, her miniature work is beautiful and understated, but what I love most about Lindsay’s account is that she doesn’t just share the pretty stuff. She shares the real stuff, too. We talk about why making miniatures gives Lindsay a place to play and quiet her brain, how creativity can help us process the hard parts of life, grief, therapy, motherhood, learning to let go of control, and what happens when we stop worrying so much about whether everyone else approves of us. We also talk about seeing the “good bones” in things (and people) and why Lindsay has become so passionate about choosing herself. And yes, we cried. 😂 One of the most powerful moments of our conversation comes when Lindsay talks about what she would say to the younger version of herself. It was one of the most powerful moments I've had on this podcast and has stayed with me. This is a conversation is about: ...making room to play. ....finding your people. ....giving yourself permission to be exactly who you are. And sometimes… it’s about taking the schitt and making it shine. ✨ ABOUT LINDSAY Lindsay Burke is the creator behind @schitt.to.shine, where she shares her miniature work, furniture transformations, everyday life, humor, and the messy-but-beautiful process of being human. 🎧 LISTEN: Tiny Worlds, Big Stories 📺 WATCH: Subscribe here for more conversations with miniature artists and the people behind their tiny worlds. Follow Lindsay: @schitt.to.shine Find me: Instagram: @lara_miniaturist **** Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.... Lara's art @lara_miniaturist @tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ #TinyWorldsBigStories #AugustRiche #MiniatureArt #Miniaturist #MiniatureArtist #SetDesign #Diorama #MiniatureWorlds #BestInMiniature #MiniatureMaking #DollhouseMiniatures #StorytellingThroughArt

In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I’m talking with August Riche (@augustriche)—a miniaturist, set designer, fabricator, and storyteller whose work moves between tiny worlds and full-scale production. August’s work is so much more than making things small. She uses miniatures to explore memory, architecture, Black culture, music, nostalgia, and the stories behind real places and people. She’s recreated iconic spaces in miniature, worked on projects connected to hip-hop culture, created commercial miniature work, and was also a contestant on Best in Miniature. We talk about growing up in Queens, the influence of graffiti and her creative background, how she found her way into miniatures, and what it’s like to turn real people, places, and cultural moments into tiny worlds. We also get into her experience on Best in Miniature, the unexpected ways miniature work has led her into full-scale set design and fabrication, and what happens when a passion for tiny worlds becomes part of a much bigger creative career. One of my favorite things about talking with other miniature artists is discovering that the tiny things we make are rarely really about the tiny things. There’s usually a much bigger story underneath. 🎙️ Watch the full conversation with August Riche and subscribe to Tiny Worlds, Big Stories for more conversations with miniature artists, makers, and storytellers. https://youtu.be/tFmrx-Bpjt4 Find August: Instagram: @augustriche https://www.augustriche.com/ Find me: Instagram: @lara_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Subscribe to the free monthly newsletter: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews #TinyWorldsBigStories #AugustRiche #MiniatureArt #Miniaturist #MiniatureArtist #SetDesign #Diorama #MiniatureWorlds #BestInMiniature #MiniatureMaking #DollhouseMiniatures #StorytellingThroughArt

What happens when you give a classroom full of eighth graders a cereal box, a pile of random stuff, and permission to create whatever they want? ✨ Tiny worlds. Big imagination. And sometimes… absolute magic. Jennifer Baxter is an eighth-grade art teacher whose miniature diorama project has captured the attention of millions online. But the real story isn’t the viral videos. It’s what happens to the kids in the process. They learn to collaborate. To experiment. To fail and try again. To notice the details. And, maybe most importantly, to discover that they really are artists. Jennifer and I talk about the impact that the eighth grade diorama unit has on her students, including why kids (and grownups) are so drawn to tiny things. She explains what happens when we give kids the time and space to get completely absorbed in making something. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/3soRqotweUk @mrs_baxters_art_class https://www.tiktok.com/@mrs_baxters_art_class Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Mrsbaxtersartclass/about Teachers Pay Teachers store - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/mrs-baxters-art-lessons #TinyWorldsBigStories #Miniatures #MiniatureArt #Diorama #ArtEducation #ArtTeacher #ArtInTheClassroom #Creativity #TinyWorlds #miniatureartist

What happens when one person takes her love of miniatures and turns it into something that brings an entire community together? In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I’m talking with Melany Kahn, the creative force behind the incredible Festival of Miniatures in Brattleboro, Vermont. What began with a few friends working on a dollhouse grew into a festival involving more than 100 artists, local businesses, schools, nonprofits, volunteers, and thousands of visitors. Melany shares how she dreamed big, built a team, created a plan, and made miniatures accessible to everyone. We also talk about the Festival’s amazing miniature museum, the power of tiny things to connect people across generations, and Melany's vision for Brattleboro to become a destination for miniature lovers from around the world. This conversation reminded me that miniatures are about so much more than tiny objects. They’re about creativity, memory, connection and community. And after hearing Melany’s story, I can’t wait to experience the Festival of Miniatures in person! https://www.festivalofminiatures.org/ https://www.instagram.com/festivalofminiatures Subscribe to Tiny Worlds, Big Stories for new episodes every other week, featuring the artists, makers, collectors, and fascinating people who make the miniature world so extraordinary. Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MPtRfQpGwBo

What 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 worlds PLUS: 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.com Direct 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/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

Can 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 community Whether 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/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

What 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 doors Susan’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/candyconstantly Best in Miniature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy2Eljcx3UU * * * Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

What 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 makers This 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/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

What 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/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

Chris 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/UeGcPSxykjM https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories ****** 🔗 Find Chris: Website: scalemodelhomes.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalemodelhomes ***** Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio

What 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 door Karen 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-retail The books: https://www.tinydoorsatl.com/book ***** Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bB4R14v3skY Lara's IG: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews

What 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/LNPdbs9g3sw Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

When Interior Design Meets 1:12 Scale Mastery | Kate Davenport Hilgenberg In 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 miniatures Kate’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_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews

What 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 purpose Tammie’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-white 2021 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_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews

There’s a moment in every artist’s life when creativity stops being optional—and becomes essential. In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Christine of Paper Doll Miniatures, whose journey into miniatures began not as a career move, but as a lifeline. Originally a photographer, Christine turned to building small-scale worlds during a long period of chronic illness that left her unable to work. What started as a way to stay connected—to purpose, to community, to creativity—slowly evolved into a deeply personal and professional practice rooted in storytelling. Today, she creates intricate, cinematic miniature scenes for major brands, blending design, filmmaking, and narrative into work that captivates both clients and audiences. But behind the beauty is a process that is both demanding and deeply intentional—projects that can take over 100 hours, built under tight timelines, all while navigating the realities of creative burnout and balance. In our conversation, we explore: – how creativity can carry us through difficult seasons – the evolution from hobby to profession – the art of storytelling through miniatures – the unseen labor behind brand collaborations – and the growing importance of the human touch in an AI-driven landscape Christine’s work invites us to slow down, look closer, and remember that even the smallest worlds can hold immense meaning. 🎧 Tiny Worlds, Big Stories is a podcast about the artists who build small—and the stories that make their work feel anything but. https://www.paperdollminiatures.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paperdollminiatures/ https://www.tiktok.com/@paperdoll_miniatures ********* Lara's art: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews