Explore every episode of the podcast Tiny worlds, Big Stories
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Andersson of Chelsea Makes | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:44:36 | |
What does it take to turn childhood creativity into a full-time artistic career? In this inspiring conversation, Lara sits down with Chelsea of Chelsea Makes. Chelsea is a miniature artist whose journey spans cardboard Barbie house renovations, landscape architecture, and building intricate tiny worlds for major brands like Warby Parker, Barbie, and L’Oreal. Chelsea shares the behind-the-scenes reality of brand collaborations, the courage it takes to leave stability for creativity, and why tiny objects can hold enormous emotional power. In this episode, they explore persistence, creative community, and the surprising opportunities that can come from being just a little strategically persistent. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, too risky, or too unconventional to follow your creative instincts, this episode is your reminder that imagination is often the most reliable compass. **** Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ | |||
| Kylie White of Whitespace Miniatures | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:53:00 | |
In this engaging conversation, Kylie White shares her journey from a childhood fascination with miniatures to building a successful business centered around her passion. She discusses the healing power of her hobby, the importance of community, and the tools that have helped her along the way. Kylie emphasizes the significance of authenticity in her work and offers advice for aspiring miniature artists. As she reflects on her evolving style and future aspirations, listeners are inspired by her story of creativity, resilience, and personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Kylie's Early Fascination with Miniatures 02:53 The Healing Power of Miniature Design 06:00 Balancing Content Creation and Miniature Projects 08:58 Turning a Hobby into a Business 12:02 Father-Daughter Collaboration in Miniature Building 15:03 The Emotional Attachment to Miniature Creations 18:01 Building a Community and Marketing on Etsy 21:02 Advice for Aspiring Miniature Artists 24:02 Future Collaborations and Aspirations 27:05 Manifesting Dreams and Future Goals 30:03 The Journey of Creativity and Hobbies 32:55 Embracing Technology in Miniature Making 36:03 Finding Inspiration and Sources for Miniature Projects 38:58 Evolving Styles and Personal Growth 42:06 The Healing Power of Creativity 46:01 Community Connections and Collaboration 48:59 Honoring Childhood Dreams and Aspirations
https://www.kyliewhitespace.com/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteSpaceMiniatures https://www.youtube.com/@kyliewhitespace ******* Tiny Worlds, Big Stories YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@tinyworldsbigstories Lara's art: | |||
| Tom Haney automata artist | 10 Jan 2026 | 00:35:36 | |
Tom Haney, a skilled artist and teacher, shares his journey from childhood fascination with mechanical art to becoming a full-time automata artist. He discusses his training, transition to entrepreneurship, and the evolution of his creative process. Tom's unique approach to automata and his teaching experiences are highlighted, along with the challenges and rewards of his artistic career. Tom Haney, a creative artist, shares his journey of creating marionettes and kinetic sculptures, his influences, and the importance of curiosity in his work. He also discusses the challenges of showcasing his unique artwork and the significance of creativity in his life. Takeaways
Chapters
WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING of this podcast: www.youtube.com/@tinyworldsbigstories Website: https://www.tomhaney.com/ Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@tomhaneyartwork?si=OwGIJOb6qN6pTv0j IG: https://www.instagram.com/tomhaneyartwork/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tom-Haneys-Artwork/100057975912434/# YouTube Little Tybee band video: https://youtu.be/-erw7PWJqDU?si=2EIJ43mUbTqBpgWR ******* Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ | |||
| Paris Renfroe of PRD Miniatures | 04 Jan 2026 | 00:46:24 | |
What happens when a master furniture maker is asked to make something small — and takes it just as seriously? Paris Renfroe is a lifelong craftsman whose hands have always been drawn to precision and beauty. Before miniatures, he built custom furniture and cabinetry — full-scale pieces made with the same care and perfectionism he brings to his miniature worlds today. In this episode, we talk about the moment a single request for a tiny version of his work changed everything, the discipline behind his mid-century modern aesthetic, and how his miniatures grew into museum-worthy pieces collected around the world. WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tJaiGJIkJWg?si=xXxZJWRtUOdp4ZUw Paris' website: https://prdminiatures.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/prdminiatures/ ******************* Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ | |||
| Welcome to the Smallest Big World | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:09:03 | |
In this debut episode of Tiny Worlds Big Stories, host Lara Blair introduces her passion for miniature art and the community surrounding it. She shares her personal journey from a childhood love of dollhouses to becoming a full-time artist, creating meaningful miniature scenes. The podcast aims to celebrate the creativity of miniature makers and explore the diverse world of miniatures beyond just dollhouses, including dioramas and fine art. WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING ON YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZnHV7xkVZks?si=5OfNsEgmKVmTAIHI ***** Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ | |||
| Erica Meade of Mini House on the Line | 19 May 2026 | 00:57:24 | |
What happens when a high-powered tech career collides with burnout… and turns into tiny worlds filled with wonder? | |||
| Emma Oberle of Emma Bug Studio | 12 May 2026 | 00:34:18 | |
What happens when curiosity, creativity, and a box of dead bugs collide? In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with artist Emma Oberle (Emma Bug Studio)—the brilliant (and delightfully unconventional) mind behind miniature scenes starring real preserved insects. Yes… bugs. And yes… you’re going to fall in love with them. Emma shares her journey from a creative childhood filled with sewing, crafting, and tinkering, to studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), to navigating post-grad life during the uncertainty of 2020. What began as painting plant pots to cope with anxiety turned into a thriving art business—and eventually, the tiny, wildly imaginative bug worlds that captured the internet’s attention. We talk about:
And of course… we talk about the bugs 🐞 If you’ve ever felt pulled to make something—anything—this episode is your reminder that your curiosity might just be your compass. ✨ Don’t forget to watch on YouTube to see Emma’s work—photos included: **** https://www.instagram.com/emmabugstudio/ **** Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio | |||
| Rachael Harms Mahlandt of @PDXDinorama & Sidewalk Joy Project | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:54:37 | |
What if joy could live on your sidewalk? In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara sits down with Rachael Harms Mahlandt, co-founder of the Sidewalk Joy movement, to talk about tiny dioramas, mug exchanges, dino swaps, and the radical act of creating whimsy in public spaces. From growing up making miniature worlds out of cardboard boxes to studying neuroscience, working in marketing, navigating early motherhood, and eventually building a worldwide map of nearly 800 community joy spots, Rachael’s story is one of courage, creativity, and choosing connection over cynicism. They talk about: This conversation is about more than miniatures. If you’ve ever felt the urge to make something small that might mean something big — this episode is for you. 0:00 – Host introduction 0:42 – Rachael introduces herself 1:30 – Rachael explains how she got started 3:10 – Rachael talks about early challenges 5:25 – Rachael shares biggest career lesson 8:00 – Rachael on current projects 10:15 – Rachael gives advice to newcomers 12:00 – Closing comments from Rachaelhttps://www.instagram.com/pdxdinorama https://www.instagram.com/sidewalkjoy https://www.tiktok.com/@pdxdinorama https://www.pdxsidewalkjoy.com/ *********** Small By Design monthly newsletter: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art: | |||
| Lisa Swerling of Glass Cathedrals | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:45:03 | |
What does it really take to build a creative life that lasts? In this deeply honest conversation, British miniature artist Lisa Swerling of Glass Cathedrals shares the unexpected path that led her to create thousands of tiny boxed worlds over the past 22 years — and the mindset shifts that sustained her long before success arrived. Lisa opens up about:
This is a conversation about vulnerability, business, motherhood, resilience, glitter, grief, and the courage to keep making what feels true. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “really” an artist… if selling your work feels exposing… or if you’re trying to build a sustainable creative career without burning out — this episode will feel like a steadying hand on your shoulder. Because sometimes, changing the world doesn’t require shouting. Chapters 06:49 Life Transitions: From South Africa to London and California 12:10 The Artistic Process: Creating Miniature Worlds 20:21 The Meaning Behind Glass Cathedrals 28:17 Art as a Medium for Empathy and Connection 36:53 Advice for Aspiring Artists and Navigating the Art World
Website: https://glasscathedrals.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/glasscathedrals ******* Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories Small by Design newsletter for miniature lovers - | |||
| Roy Tyson of Roy's People | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:09:49 | |
Go behind the scenes with Roy Tyson, the contemporary artist known for his miniature figures interacting with iconic works of art. In this creative podcast episode, he shares how he evolved from tiny photography scenes to highly detailed shadow box installations featuring miniature people painting, erasing, and transforming famous art references — including his Damien Hirst–inspired dot series. We also dive into his commercial collaborations with major brands, how corporate commissions expanded his visibility, and how he founded and ran an artist-led art fair to create more supportive opportunities for emerging artists. Roy opens up about building gallery relationships, growing on Instagram, navigating the art market, and protecting creative time while traveling internationally. A must-listen for miniature artists, contemporary art lovers, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone building an art business with momentum. https://www.instagram.com/royspeople/ https://www.tiktok.com/@royspeopleofficial?lang=en ***** Subscribe to Small by Design newsletter, a monthly review for the miniature community: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories Lara Blair's art: https://instagram.com/lara_miniaturist | |||
| Chris Petersen of Scale Model Homes | 05 May 2026 | 00:48:20 | |
Chris Petersen builds more than miniature houses—he builds memory. In this episode, Lara talks with the artist behind Scale Model Homes, who transforms real homes into intricate, hand-crafted replicas filled with meaning. What began with childhood blocks and evolved through a career in healthcare has become deeply personal work rooted in nostalgia, loss, and storytelling. From recreating homes that no longer exist to crafting pieces that hold a loved one’s ashes, Chris shares the emotional weight behind his commissions and why no two builds are ever the same. They explore creativity later in life, the intersection of craftsmanship and art, and the surprising ways our homes stay with us long after we leave them. We talk about:
This conversation is about more than miniatures. It’s about memory, identity, and the places that shape us. ✨ If you’ve ever loved a home, lost a home, or longed to hold onto a moment—you’ll feel this one. WATCH ON YouTube: https://youtu.be/UeGcPSxykjM https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories ****** 🔗 Find Chris: ***** Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art | |||
| Nomxian - 18 year old prodigy diorama maker | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:37:01 | |
What happens when your very first diorama goes viral overnight?In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Nomxian, an 18-year-old artist whose abandoned building diorama captured millions of views and launched her creative journey in a way she never expected. We talk about:
https://www.youtube.com/@nomxian ******** Watch on YouTube: Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist | |||
| Kate Anderson Singer of Tiny Doors Atlanta | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:52:29 | |
What started as a kid making tiny furniture out of modeling clay turned into one of the most beloved public art projects in Atlanta. In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Karen Anderson Singer, creator of Tiny Doors ATL, to talk about her journey from a self-described “art kid” to building miniature doors that have become part of an entire city’s identity. We get into: -Her childhood obsession with creating (and making everything by hand) -Why she sees miniatures as a way to interrupt everyday life -The surprising origin of her first tiny door -How the community began interacting with and protecting the work -The reality of public miniature art (spoiler: it’s not easy) -Why imagination matters more than what’s actually behind the door Karen also shares what it really takes to install public art—from permits and insurance to navigating city bureaucracy—and why she doesn’t recommend it lightly. This is a conversation about scale, storytelling, and the quiet power of making people pause. https://www.tinydoorsatl.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bB4R14v3skY | |||
| Kate Davenport Hilgenberg of Davenport Construction | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:41:40 | |
When Interior Design Meets 1:12 Scale Mastery | Kate Davenport Hilgenberg In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with miniature artist Kate Davenport Hilgenberg— a retired interior designer whose dollhouses feel so real, you’ll question your eyesight. Kate shares how her journey began with a small black suitcase filled with “little fiddly things,” a father who was a meticulous builder, and a dollhouse rescued from the attic for her granddaughters. One magical moment — LED lights glowing inside a handmade cabinet dollhouse — changed everything. We talk about: • How her background in interior design shapes every build Kate’s Adobe house, Hawaiian beach house, Storm Cove, and Clue rooms show an extraordinary attention to detail — from scratch-built cabinetry to 200 individually wrapped miniature books. If you love miniatures, craftsmanship, or the magic of small things, this conversation is for you. 📌 Subscribe for more conversations with master miniaturists. https://www.instagram.com/davenport1_12construction/ ******* Lara's art: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: | |||
| Tammie Knight of Small Matters Miniatures | 07 Apr 2026 | 01:07:18 | |
What does it look like to carry your passion with you no matter where life takes you? In this heartfelt episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara sits down with master miniaturist Tammie Knight, whose work is as emotionally rich as it is visually stunning. From a childhood spent wandering New York City museums with a mother who believed art belonged to everyone, to building a decades-long career that spanned both corporate leadership and deeply personal creative practice, Tammie’s story is one of devotion, resilience, and purpose. Miniatures were never just a hobby. They were her constant. A defining moment at Parsons affirmed what she already knew deep down: this was her path. And yet, like so many artists, she navigated a world where creativity and career don’t always align, she continued to build her miniature worlds quietly, persistently, and with extraordinary care. In this episode, we explore:
Tammie’s work invites us to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with a sense of wonder. This conversation is a reminder that the things we love most—especially the ones we loved as children—often hold the key to who we’re meant to become. https://www.smallmattersminiatures.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tammieknightminiatures/ "Beyond Color" Exhibit: https://www.bedfordgallery.org/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/beyond-color-the-language-of-black-and-white 2021 Mic Drop Minis interview: https://anchor.fm/miniatureobsession/episodes/EP-30--Tammie-Knight---Small-Matters-Miniatures-e1bhdh6 "Raise Your Floor" article: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lathamturner_a-good-society-needs-floor-raising-institutions-share ****************** Lara's art: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: | |||
| Kristine Hanna of Paper Doll Miniatures | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:02:18 | |
There’s a moment in every artist’s life when creativity stops being optional—and becomes essential. In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Christine of Paper Doll Miniatures, whose journey into miniatures began not as a career move, but as a lifeline. Originally a photographer, Christine turned to building small-scale worlds during a long period of chronic illness that left her unable to work. What started as a way to stay connected—to purpose, to community, to creativity—slowly evolved into a deeply personal and professional practice rooted in storytelling. Today, she creates intricate, cinematic miniature scenes for major brands, blending design, filmmaking, and narrative into work that captivates both clients and audiences. But behind the beauty is a process that is both demanding and deeply intentional—projects that can take over 100 hours, built under tight timelines, all while navigating the realities of creative burnout and balance. In our conversation, we explore: Christine’s work invites us to slow down, look closer, and remember that even the smallest worlds can hold immense meaning. 🎧 Tiny Worlds, Big Stories is a podcast about the artists who build small—and the stories that make their work feel anything but. https://www.paperdollminiatures.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paperdollminiatures/ https://www.tiktok.com/@paperdoll_miniatures ********* Lara's art: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: | |||
| Anna Carey - fine artist | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:37:31 | |
What happens when memory, demolition, and neon light collide? In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara sits down with Australian artist Anna Carey, whose miniature architectural sculptures blur the line between reality and illusion. Known for her meticulously constructed small-scale buildings — later photographed with cinematic lighting — Anna creates motel rooms, suburban houses, and glowing psychic storefronts that feel both nostalgic and slightly eerie. At first glance, they appear to be real spaces. Look again, and you realize you’ve been fooled. In this conversation, Anna shares: • Growing up in 1990s Australia and the imaginative play that shaped her This episode explores illusion, nostalgia, and the psychology of scale and how small, constructed worlds can hold deep emotional truth. If you’ve ever felt drawn to abandoned buildings, neon signs glowing in the dark, or the quiet intimacy of looking into a tiny room, this conversation will stay with you. Because sometimes the smallest spaces echo the loudest memories. https://www.instagram.com/annacareyhere/ Merch: https://www.roomservice444.com/ Holiday home: https://www.rainbowbayretreat.com/rainbow-bay-retreat ******* Lara's art: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: | |||
| Miriam Stone Wilson of Miniature Werewolf | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:45:49 | |
What if the girl who was swallowed by the wolf… grew up to become one? In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara talks with Seattle-based miniaturist Miriam Stone Wilson, the imaginative force behind intricate public dioramas, including Postmaster Wanda, an octopus running a hidden mailroom inside a neighborhood parcel locker. We also talk about a stunning two-era Seattle home created for Vanishing Seattle at Bumbershoot. Miriam grew up in the Pacific Northwest imagining tiny woodland creatures, magical cottages, and bedtime stories told nightly by her father. These stories would later become her first miniature build: "Mrs. Witch’s Cottage". In this conversation, they explore: • Growing up in Santa Fe and the Olympic Peninsula surrounded by handmade dollhouses This episode is about magic. If you’ve ever believed tiny things hold enormous meaning, this one is for you. ******** https://www.miniaturewerewolf.com/ https://www.instagram.com/miniaturewerewolf https://www.tiktok.com/@miniaturewerewolf ******* Lara's art: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: | |||
| Parrish & Kris Bleau of PNW Miniature Shows | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:49:41 | |
What does it take to run a miniature business, produce two major miniature shows, raise a family, work full-time jobs—and still create tiny worlds people love? In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, I sit down with Parrish and Kris, the couple behind some of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite miniature flooring, siding, and custom miniature creations—and now the new owners of the PNW miniature shows. We talk about how childhood miniatures shaped their lives, how a woodworking project accidentally became a business, why miniature communities are unlike any other art community, and what it’s really like taking over two major miniature shows. You’ll also hear: • How their miniature business started during COVID PLUS: I’ll be attending the Portland miniature show this October interviewing artists, makers, and collectors live for future podcast episodes. If you love dollhouses, miniatures, tiny art, or creative businesses—you’re in the right place. **** Etsy: https://bleauscustomwoodwork.etsy.com Direct to consumer website: https://minibybc.com Miniature shows: https://pnwminiatureshows.com Dates for Portland, Oregon “Minis in the Rose City” 10/16 preview show, 10/17 & 10/18 open to the public preview tickets limited they include a 3-hour preview and a less hectic shopping experience - all 3 days pass prices are included Seattle Washington “Minis in the Emerald City” 3/5 preview show 3/6 & 3/7 open to the public Preview tickets limited* they include a 3-hour preview and a less hectic shopping experience - all 3 days pass prices are included **** Small By Design Newsletter Sign-up: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews Lara's art https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio | |||
| Katie Sieg of KayTeeKays Minis | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:40:30 | |
Can you really build an entire business around miniatures? WATCH ON YouTube: https://youtu.be/PAaugNEfhuo | |||
| Susan Canaday Henry of Candy Constantly | 26 May 2026 | 00:57:50 | |
What starts as a childhood escape… sometimes becomes the thing that changes everything. | |||