(Kristine Lanigan – Enchanted Fairy Cottage)

Fantasy That Is Thrifty But Nifty

by Pam North
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Florida miniaturist Kristine Lanigan’s specialty is repurposing/upscaling vintage or gently used miniatures, and creating mini-works of art and paintings, all under her business name, Le Petite World Of Minis.
Her latest project started by searching for the perfect object in which to place her next work of art. That day it turned out to be a vintage box, most likely a doll case in its previous life, purchased from a thrift store. Soon it would become her Enchanted Fairy Cottage. 
A group of her miniaturist friends had put a challenge together. Members were asked to create a miniature scene using everyday objects. Kristine collected the materials needed for her project: paper, bass wood, tissue paper, glue, masking tape, metallic acrylic paints, paint brushes, battery operated tea light candles, vintage brooches, earrings, costume jewelry, beads, raw crystals, glass beads, tooth picks, postage stamp, soap dish, glue gun sticks, moss, ceramic and resin figures, plastic drinking straws, a travel size conditioner bottle, empty gum containers, yarn, white glue, artificial grass, Christmas ornament house, cardboard, frame board, matte sealer, scissors, blue glitter glue, metal skeleton key and lock, picture frame, and so began the task of bringing her newly acquired, neglected doll case to life. The tree bark, vines; and rock formations were painted and/or stained sections of tissue paper and masking tape. She built up the tiny house frame from an old Christmas display. adding basswood, vintage brooches, earrings, and other materials such as raw amethyst crystals and turquoise beads. Flickering tea lights and battery operated lights were used to illuminate the sky, ground, and water features. To obtain the right ambience, she lightly covered the bulbs with moss to soften the glow. “The more you look at the cottage the more you see,” she explained. “Every element in the room box is made from thrift store finds, inexpensive everyday objects tweaked by my own imagination. By far the most fun was creating all of the tree bark and vines - they just look so real! The most difficult aspect was hiding the wires, and setting the lighting, but my favorite part of the piece is the magical feeling you get when you look at all the small details, fairies, and jewels throughout it. I always have been drawn to miniatures, fairies, and petite ceramic animals. I love how something so fragile and cute can fit in the palm of your hand.” She has no plans to sell the piece, preferring instead to display it.
Kristine incorporates miniatures into her everyday life, saying, “I find my inspiration through my childhood memories, famous artists, my children, my love of animals, and from other miniaturists. I love combining my miniatures into my home life; it’s so important to me to have my children participate whenever possible. I don't believe all miniatures should sit on a shelf collecting dust; most should be enjoyed. My children know which ones are only for viewing, and not to be played with, and it helps that they have their own collections, too. The artistic part of miniatures is very calming to me, and a fun way to involve everyone. Family projects with miniatures are memories in the making! With a little time and patience you can learn all about miniatures. Finding the right people and processes may present some bumps along the road, but in the end you will be happy you stuck with it. Miniatures can bring so much joy, and we need more caring and creative miniaturists in our world. Finding time for myself sometimes is difficult, and sometimes I get so involved with a project I forget to take a break and recharge, but I love everything about miniatures, specifically how they can take you back to a time or place in a instant. Just the beauty of them can be irresistible. And they can bring you so much joy if you let them.” 
She sees a bright future for miniatures. “The possibilities are endless, and I do see more computerized technical advances.”
Kristine already is planning her next project. “I would like to create a series of these cottages, using more forest animals. It would be fantastic if I could convert an old Victorian-style mansion using some of the techniques I used in the fairy collage. I am so very grateful to have been able to bring this fairy cottage to life. I sincerely hope that it brings some beauty and inspiration to those who see it, and provides many people with inspiration and ideas for their own creations.Kristine I would love to be able to create and sell my own brand, workshops, and tutorials  and books, for everyone to enjoy, and I am working toward taking custom orders. I feel that miniatures should be something everyone can enjoy.

Contact information:
Name: Kristine Lanigan
Business name:Le Petite World Of Minis
Email:lanigan903@gmail.com
Phone:352-701-2242 (landline)
Address:2180 Fawn Lane Spring Hill Florida 34608