Anna Wybranowska – Wild About Flowers 

by Pam North
Born, raised, and still living in Poland, Anna Wybranowska didn’t know that miniatures and dollhouses existed until three years ago. “Miniatures were not a very popular thing in my country,” she explained, “although over the years since then, the number of miniature enthusiasts and dollhouse collectors has grown. I do remember that as a child I had a crude dollhouse made from an old shoe box. It had curtains in its little cut-out windows, and furniture made from matchboxes.During Communism, we often made our own toys because they were nearly impossible to buy. Years passed. and my hobbies changed to include handmade jewelry, wire wrapping, drying flowers, soutache (braiding), but I felt that something was missing. Then came January 6, 2013; I remember it as if were yesterday. As I was going through Facebook, I accidentally came across a photo of a miniature in 1:12 scale. Like a lightning strike, I fell in love! I started digging into miniature websites, and after only three months I had finished my first miniature project, a small workshop filled with all kinds of tools, as a gift for my father. Since then I spend every weekend creating.”
“My favorite things to work on are small projects, such as room boxes and bookends. I have made ten of them, including an Easter kitchen, a Christmas decoration shop, an autumn scene, an orangery, and a Christmas stand. I also have been building a dollhouse for over two years. I want it to be a small, rural cottage in which I imagine spending my holidays. I always try to do everything on my own, and perhaps that is the reason it takes so long. So far I have finished the living room, kitchenette, dining area, and porch. On the second floor, I am planning a big bedroom, a bathroom, and a terrace. I like simple, clean interiors. That is why I have decided to use white bricks inside. I am most proud of my miniature kitchen in which I have handmade every piece of furniture. I also like the fireplace in the living room. I can imagine sitting on the porch, drinking morning coffee, listening to the birds, and enjoying the flowers.”
“All my family support what I do, and my parents are my biggest fans. It is for them, that I write my blog, for they are interested in every new project or single miniature I am planning. Most of my projects were made for them, like the Christmas stand. I wanted it to be large and lighted, and I planned it to be the beginning of a series. Seeing it next to a decorated Christmas tree last year, and watching the children who could barely stop themselves from touching it, filled my heart with so much joy.”
“I still have so many things to do! I take inspiration from the things I see every day, everywhere - places I go for a walk, or for holidays, or even trips. I like what surrounds me, things I have experienced. I also create things which I desire to have. My miniature 'bucket list' is endless. Instead of crossing out the things that I have done, I keep on adding new ideas! However, I must admit that this year one of my biggest dreams came true. Not only did I visit the Chicago Miniature Show, but also I was one of the exhibitors there with my own booth, and could organize workshops with my friends. I am going to be back this year!”
A flower shop is Wybranowska's newly finished project. “I've always loved flowers, all kinds. As I do not have a garden, I totally filled my apartment with them. There is no better an addition to any interior then beautiful flowers. In miniatures it was the same. When I started making them, I couldn’t stop! I make them in polymer clay, and each one is unique, as I do not use any molds. Each new container never stays empty for long - vases, jugs, baskets, jars and even buckets are soon filled with flowers. Eventually I had so many of them that I knew I had to make a flower shop. I started it in 2014, and it was my first miniature shop project. It is a 4-walled room box with a small front yard. I wanted to have enough space not only for flowers, but also for gift items and some garden supplies. After looking at tons of photographs I finally realized that what I had been looking for was right under my nose in a local flower shop. It is a place that combines cut and potted flowers, tulips, orchids, gerberas, violets, small home decorations, and gifts. There also is the counter with its cellophane-wrap roll, and shelves with colorful rolls of ribbons, pots, decorative accents, packages of seeds, flower books, and garden tools.”
Last year Wybranowska started making miniature food, and her latest shop project is almost completed. Watch for her new bakery!