(Bill & Gina Theesfield)

The Absolutely Perfect Backyard Deck

by Pam North

Bill and Gina Theesfield bought their first dollhouse together 30 years ago, spending countless hours assembling and painting it. Then, life got in the way. “We never decorated the inside, and no minis were ever moved into it,” Bill explained. “It sat in attic spaces for over 25 years until just recently, when we finally brought it down. We are thinking of turning it into a miniature haunted house; it certainly has all the run-down characteristics of a ghoulish abode. Alternatively, maybe we will turn it into the shining dwelling it was meant to be.”
Around 1994, the Illinois-based couple began making miniatures. Their work encompasses polymer clay food, furniture, small building constructions, handmade miniatures, and whimsical treasures, all in 1:12 scale. They own and operate an auction house in Wisconsin, managing to combine that endeavor with miniature-making. “Now that the kids are grown, there definitely is more time for miniatures. While our business takes priority, that’s only so we can make money to support our miniature life!” Bill remarked in jest. “We carve out time in the day to focus on any mini projects we might have going on. It's an incredible source of joy. We are able to spend quality time with each other, and make wonderful things that bring joy to others. It’s a win-win proposition!”
They find an endless amount of inspiration in the everyday world. “We see so many fabulous things coming through our auction house that we would love to turn into miniature. We also get design inspiration from magazines and Pinterest.”
Bill has a small workshop area in their warehouse. “It’s like a machine shop and wood shop, shrunk down to size, and it’s clean and organized. Gina works primarily on our large office desk with whatever project she is currently working on, and her area is a chaotic mess. That is the juxtaposition between an artist and an engineer, but it works for us!”
They sell their products through their Etsy store, at prices ranging from $4 to $350, averaging about $20. They also hope to participate in their second year of vending at the Three Blind Mice miniature show in Chicago this August. Some pieces they can’t bear to part with, however. “We have some items we’ve created that we simply adore, but perhaps these items are meant to go to someone else to bring them joy,” Bill reasoned. “We can always make another.”
They are primarily self-taught in mini-making skills, although Bill has a background in engineering, drafting, and machining of life-sized items which he translates into his miniature work. “With an engineering scale, X-Acto knife, and a needle tool, we can rule the mini world!” he claims. He does own up to one disadvantage, however: “Our failing eyesight! Getting old is not easy.”
Bill always has been a model builder, whether it was model cars, airplanes, or Lego sets. His very first project was a general store he made when he was seven. He is excited to be able to share his love of model building with others. Gina is an artist in many mediums and art forms, from dancer to potter to miniaturist and more. She is happiest when she is creating. Her art studio is packed, and her motto is, “She who dies with the most art supplies wins!” Their mutual love of miniatures is a strong bond. Gina says "It is easier to collect 100 miniature things than 100 cats." “She probably would rather have 100 cats,” Bill joked, but said, "The two things I love the most is model-making and spending time with my wife."
One of their recent pieces is an ultimate backyard summer party hangout: a cedarwood, three-level, entertaining deck in 1:12 scale. They had purchased several vintage miniature deck kits at an auction a year ago, and after the initial deck build, they decided they could improve on the overall idea and design. This resulted in a better-than-ever second deck, created by using building code proportions for the heights of the deck, railing, and stairs, and for the spindle spacing. They made the deck of their dreams, just smaller. It was nearly 100% handmade, the only purchased piece being the inner plastic of the jacuzzi. The entire deck design, patio furniture, fire pit, raised bed garden, and garden trug, were also totally their own. Other materials used were: basswood, glue, stain, cloth, paper, faux plants, and clay. The wicker look of the furniture was achieved by using woven scrapbook paper, coated with acrylic paint. Dried coffee grounds replicated the dirt in the garden beds, and the coal in the fire pit was simulated with chopped-up plastic bits.
Bill said the hardest part about making the miniature was deciding when enough was enough. “This piece easily could have turned into the Taj Mahal of decks if we hadn't forced ourselves to just stop. This build took a total of 40+ hours, and when we were done, it was exactly what we hoped and more. It was so much fun to create!”
The couple has favorite parts about the piece. Bill’s are its 3-tiered deck and the patio furniture, while Gina’s is the working jacuzzi that actually holds water and uses an air filter pump to make bubbles. She also loves that the flowers in the garden boxes that can be removed and changed with the seasons. They both found it fun to design the initial plans for an amazing deck, and  then to build it. At present, they aren’t ready to sell it, They built the deck as an excellent staging area for any outdoor items they will make in the future, but even more importantly, the deck was for Olivia, Gina’s miniature doll with her own persona and a back story on Instagram. They plan on a full summer of taking photos with Olivia on the deck.
The Theesfields have produced a tutorial for the garden boxes that could be used by other miniaturists to create their own dream deck. Their tutorial soon will be featured in an issue of American Miniaturist magazine. They also are considering running some miniature workshops in the future. “We would love to do that, as we love sharing our knowledge and art with others,” they said.
The future of miniatures seems optimistic to them. “We love the way that miniatures have evolved. There are more modern pieces available, and the quality of things has gotten better as people share their knowledge of the art with others. We can only imagine how even more amazing all the little things will be in the future. We also hope that more of the younger generation will engage in the hobby.”
They always are looking ahead for new projects, to keep creating and stretching their imaginations, As Bill explained, “We are hoping to acquire more mini tools for the workshop, and maybe to work on more outdoor entertaining pieces, such as an outdoor kitchen, pergola, and gazebo when time permits. We have a very cool She Shed in the works that is nearly finished. We also are planning on replicating our actual 1911 American Foursquare home with a dance studio in the back.”

Contact information:
Name: Bill & Gina Theesfield
Business name: Calico Garden
Email: Theesfield@gmail.com
Phone: (847) 445-1792
Address: 789 Main Street, Antioch, IL (check state)
Website: http://www.calicogarden.etsy.com 
Instagram?  Calico_garden
Twitter? Theesfield