Have you always been crafty but wanted to try something new? Or just wanted to be around people that have the same kind of interest? Well that’s how I felt before I joined Ipswich Mini Crafters.
My Journey
I come from a family that has always used their hands. As a trade my father was a glassmaker and my mother a tailor. In my childhood, my dad was either building a house, making furniture, doing electronic, or extending his train set. And my mother was either doing the interior decorating or some kind of needle work.
As I was growing up, my dad was always eager to show me how to use one of his latest tools. And my mum taught me her trade in sewing. She also taught me how to tile, wall paper, garden, etc. I guess that’s where the love of making stuff comes from – My Parents.
In my adult life, I’ve also had the joy of building my house, renovating my home a few times, and designing my garden. There really isn’t much that I haven’t tried. But after 30 years and getting older, I was looking for something less strenuous to do.
Love of Miniatures
My favourite pass-time is making miniature furniture. I knew I enjoyed woodwork in high school but it wasn’t until recently (33 years later) that I remembered how much.
And it all started when I saw my husband’s sister’s dollhouse a few years ago. I was so envious that I wanted one for myself.
I rang different dollhouse manufacturers and they all told me they didn’t make them ready-made anymore as they got damaged in transit, but they did sell them as DIY kits. So, I thought why not? How hard can it be?
Well it turned out to be an awesome adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed it, in particular crafting the interior decorations. This is how my love of miniatures began.
Ipswich Mini Crafters
A couple of years after I completed my doll house, I came across an article mentioning that a miniature display was showing at my local Antique shop. So, I went down to have a look. They were of the old buildings of Ipswich (Qld).
It was the first time I heard of this. I never knew people did this kind of stuff for viewing. The buildings were beautifully made and very much like the original buildings. Most of them I clearly recognised. And this is where I came across some business cards telling me they were made by a local club called Ipswich Mini Crafters.
Feeling excited, a couple of days later I contacted the Club via Facebook and they were very welcoming. I have now been part of the club for 8 weeks and I look forward to my Wednesday nights and seeing the ladies. They are all so talented in their own ways. It’s been a pleasure getting to know them.
I also look forward in seeing Alan Lindup. (From what I have read, he’s been leading the Club since 1990).
Since I have joined Ipswich’s Mini Crafters, I have had the pleasure of visiting Alan’s home and seeing all of his beautiful work. He has everything from furniture to stage coaches, dioramas, buildings, etc. It’s like walking into a mini museum.
Alan has also been mentoring me in seeing details I’ve never noticed before in furniture making. He has also showed me how to recycle everyday items into something else – like making a vacuum cleaner out of an Asthma spray. He is so clever. I hope one day I can be just like him.
Right now, I am making furniture for my doll house. But I would love to do a diorama and enter it into a competition like all the other members have. But that’s another story that I hope I will be able to share with you all someday. By Alice Rasmussen-Wolno
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