(Carol Sherry)

New Twists on Miniature Furnishings

by Pam North

Carol Sherry, a retired high school Spanish teacher in Minnesota, got into miniatures purely by chance. 
About fifteen years ago, while scouting estate sales for full-size wooden furniture that she could paint, she found a large, partially completed doll house and a box of furniture, all bargain-priced at $20. She nearly passed it up, then reconsidered. Recalling that day, she said, “Knowing what I know now, I can’t believe that I even hesitated and came so close to walking away from my future passion!”
She began by painting the miniature furniture in the same style as the full-size pieces that she loved. Then she met other miniaturists at her local dollhouse store, and gradually the wonderful world of minis opened up for her. Now Carol makes punch needles, punch needle rug kits, and whimsical furniture and accessories, all under the name of Carol Sherry Miniatures. She finds her inspiration in color and design that is slightly nontraditional. “Much of what I do is inspired by the full-size designs of Mackenzie-Childs (a manufacturer of ceramics, and retailer of hand-painted imported furniture and home décor). Their combinations and patterns are visually exciting and inspire me to try different combinations. I am energized by their free-spirited, colorful whimsy.”
Highlighted in this article are several pieces of Carol’s miniature furniture, photographed at the Philadelphia Miniaturia Show. Three chairs are pictured. The wing-backed chair with the striped feet reflects how miniatures are changing with technology; in this case, the chair is 3D printed, with the basic form made of plastic. “A friend was looking for a technology-related focus for his son, and asked if I had anything he could help me with,” Carol explained in more detail, “so I showed him a chair I wanted, and together we worked on the design. I really enjoyed using different fabrics on the chair, and playing a little with colors and prints It is so nice to have a consistent basic form to upholster. The other wing chair is a fun variation, with the rolled arms shifted to the front, a wood base, and with the straighter lines it works very well. In trying different fabric combinations for this chair, I liked these fabrics together, and I decided that this shape highlighted the combination the best. The black chair is a purchased chair that has been revamped. The table started life looking much more traditional as well. It was a purchased table that I modified, using acrylic craft paints and cotton fabrics for the most part. Paint and fabric make all the difference! The Christmas trees are my interpretation of something Mackenzie-Childs did for their NYC store; they featured tall, full-sized Christmas trees made of broken pottery. Jumping off from that idea, I created my trees out of shells, beads, and jewelry findings to create a similar feeling in miniature. Another direct inspiration was the dress-form lamp. I really could not resist attempting my own version in miniature! The Bombay chest is a favorite base piece for me; I love the shape. This is a purchased piece, and I have painted it many different ways. This particular color scheme was in response to a customer request; I really like to be pushed out of my little ruts by special requests! Making miniatures brings me great joy, and I hope that spirit is communicated to people who see my work.”
Miniatures encompass many aspects, and Carol loves their variety. “If I don’t feel like painting, I can upholster something, or design a punch needle rug!” Correspondingly, there are difficulties, and Carol cited hers. “Time! I never have enough time! I have so many ideas, and even working on miniatures almost every day, I probably never will manage to make everything I envision!”
Tools are another realm miniaturists embrace, and Carol has her favorites. “For miniature upholstery I have this wonderful two-ended blade sort of thing! I think it was intended for use with clay. It is perfect for tucking in fabric or easing on trim. I love it, and I can’t upholster without it! And of course, the best brushes for painting are the old ones with only a few bristles left!
The future of miniatures is often in the thoughts of artists, and Carol is no exception. “I came to miniatures late and missed the ‘heyday’, but I think the hobby has matured and become more interesting. I continually am astounded by the artistry and skill of the miniaturists I encounter at shows. Today’s collectors are very sophisticated and appreciate the quality they see, but there is no denying that we are on the downswing as far as popularity goes. However, I believe that there will be a resurgence of interest, like we have seen with other crafts and hobbies.”
Changes in technology have brought new dimensions to miniature crafting, some of which Carol is embracing for future projects. “3-D printing has opened up lots of fun possibilities. I also am interested in thin leather for upholstery, using some fun colors.”

Contact Information:
Email:  Carol_sherry@comcast.net
Phone:  (763) 557-1160
Address:  7135 Willow Rd.  Maple Grove, MN  55369
Website: Carolsherryminiatures.com