October 2010, Issue 9
Dollhouse Tourism
Page 26
Continue Dollhouse Tourism
Once cut, each piece is brought to the desired shape at a grinding wheel. It is then stuck onto a short wooden stick, making it easier to handle, and its rough outer layer is ground down to the right thickness. At this point the artist makes a quick pencil sketch on its surface and begins to carve.
An electric mill-a drill with an abrasive bit-is used to eliminate the excess material. When the design has been roughed out, hand engraving begins with a series of different-size and extremely sharp tools called burins. The design has to be realized at exactly the depth that the shell changes color from light to dark. By cutting to varying depths, the skillful artist can produce the impression of transparent veils.
At last, an exquisitely detailed figure stands in relief against the background of the darker layer beneath! No two will ever be identical. They are indeed unique and delightful ornaments, true masterpieces in miniature.
There are many doll and dollshouse miniaturists in Italy that you can find right here in the CDHM galleries: Loredana Tonetti, Elisa Fenoglio, MiniAcquoline, Marcella Perodo, Cristina Minischetti, Mondodifavola, and me, Mariella Vitale just to name a few. We also have a monthly magazine in Italy, La Bacchetta Magica, dedicated to dollshouse miniatures.
If you come to Italy, there will be many things to see and visit that relate to miniatures!
Next stop, Spain.
Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures / CDHM