This was the question Cheri Voellmann, better known as Polkadot Toadstool, asked herself when she first started creating miniatures.

"When I first started out, my miniatures would grow. I'd be sure to calculate what size it needed to be to scale, measure my work. But by the time I was done, it would be way too big. This is when I discovered how tiny differences are really big when working in a little world," she said.

Her creations are one of a kind, a style that suits her well.

"I primarily make Sculpted Art dolls and miniatures, though sometimes my whims have me sculpting other things as well. I don't stick with one thing or one style. I enjoy the experience of trying something new, which is why OOAK work fits me so well."

The Austin, TX resident finds inspiration all around her for her 1:8 and 1:12 creations. "Austin is a wonderful city to live in if you enjoy the arts. It has a fun artsy vibe that is inspiring." Even with inspiration all around, she has her mother to thank for starting her down the sculpting path.

"My mom made artdolls for many years, Donna Tibbs of Cameo Moon. A few years ago she gave me some clay and after about a year I tried my first doll. From there I was hooked, I couldn't believe I made a character that I could hold in my hands! Miniatures followed a little over a year ago as I was making props and such to go with the dolls, I later learned about scales, because dolls need stuff," she said.

Her dolls and their stuff lean towards the fantastical and imaginative.

"I love children's books, and most of my work has a bit of the storybook feel. I didn't plan it that way, but as I started making more art and seeing the pictures together, I noticed that my love of children's books can be seen in the characters and that made me happy. The idea of a person or creature existing only as an idea that gets brought into our world fascinates me. I love the artists who turn fantasy and imagination into being whether it's in a sculpture, a painting or 3D characters in movies."

Her love of the fantastic has lead to many collectibles finding their way to her shelves.

"I have several small collections of art dolls, black cat art and Alice in Wonderland themed things. I have a small collection of miniatures but recently got a big doll house, so that collection is rapidly growing," she said.

This passion is also the reason behind her choice of a favorite season.

"I love spring. Everything is so colorful. Here in Texas the heat and the dryness take out many of the bright colors during the summer, fall and winter. But spring is so bright and green; it reminds me of when the Wizard of Oz goes from black and white to color."

When she isn't working on miniatures or dolls, Cheri is a voracious reader of more than just children's books and is an accomplished animal trainer who enjoys spending time with her family and home schooling her daughter.

"When I'm spending time with my family, I'm having fun no matter what we are doing. I enjoy spending time with animals and training animals. I've volunteered in animal rescue for eight years and have animals of my own. I say I have 35 pets, including the ones I work with in animal rescue. But at home there are actually five, two old dogs and 3 crazy cats. Katie, Pinky, Pippen, Amelia, Matilda," she said.

She has a corner workshop at home courtesy of her husband.

"My husband bought me this old tank of a retro metal desk that's where I frequently work. It's big and indestructible. However I created myself a to-go kit, with a box of tools and such so I can carry it along to places easily."

One of the most important tools in this kit is pins and needles, her favorite tools for tiny work. With her future wish to delve into the 1:24 scale, these will be even more important.

Her pieces are for sale in her Polkdot Toadstool, and on Etsy and range between US$5.00 and US$250.00.