"One of the great joys in creating miniature food is figuring out just how I might create whatever it is I'm currently working on. So being self-taught is something I'm proud of. I've learned techniques from others through some of CDHM's great tutorials but I've always then taken that information and made it my own.

"When I was first starting out, six or seven years ago, I emailed two amazing CDHM food artists about their techniques. I can't remember what I asked either one of them but I was amazed at their generosity and willingness to help a stranger learn their art. Betsy Niederer and Kiva Atkinson have both since become dear friends, but I think part of their original willingness to help me was because I just asked one or two quick questions to give me direction, which I then used to figure out for myself how to make whatever it was."

She also believes in the power of workshops, having learned the technique for working with two-part resin to create realistic beverages at the Chicago International Miniature show in 2004.

Palesch has now graduated from constant mini student to part-time teacher herself. She has conducted workshop tutorials on CDHM, written 10 how-to articles for American Miniaturist and Dollhouse Miniatures and has made two instructional DVDs on miniature baking and creating an entire Thanksgiving feast.

"I'm really proud of both of these DVDs and plan on making more in the near future if all goes as planned," she said.

Her home workshop space helps her stay focused and productive. Sometimes too much so, but when that happens husband Tom sends down reinforcements.

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