Fairhaven Cottage
A Saturday-Sunday workshop with Bob Francis
(with permission from an original design by Suzanne & Andrew’s Miniatures)
Scale: 1:48
Price: $125
Fairhaven Cottage is the first kit that I have chosen to re-release from a series of three original kits known as “The Cottages of the Pacific Northwest” by Suzanne & Andrew’s Miniatures. It is based on an actual home in a town in Northern California. I hope to have the other two cottages ready for release sometime in later 2027.
This quaint little cottage features two floors of living space divided into 4 main areas. A kitchen and living room on the main floor, and a bedroom and hobby studio on the second floor. I will have furniture and accessories available separately to complete your cottage interior.
Of course, you can do the interior in any way you wish and are only limited by your imagination.
Tool List:
- Wood glue, “Yes” or Grandmother Stover’s glue, tacky glue ( I prefer Weldbond or Crafter’s Pick “The Ultimate” if you have it.)
- Toothpicks for glue application
- Optional: glue applicators with fine tip or glue syringes (I use one for each of my tacky and wood glues.)
- Masking or painter’s tape
- Pencil
- Fine/extra fine point Sharpie marker
- X-acto knife with spare fresh blades
- Tweezers
- Metal ruler – 6″ (for convenience but bring what you have)
- Assorted paint brushes and a paint palette (Dollarama has decent cheap brushes and palettes.)
- Acrylic paints in colours of your choice. I recommend buying real house paint sample pots if possible. (I got mine from Benjamin Moore during a sample sale – they are far superior to craft acrylics, and they contain a wood sealer which makes coverage much nicer)
- Stain for flooring – stain pens are most convenient but expensive for what they contain
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Cutting mat
- Gluing jig (large if you have it) or Legos to create a larger L-shape to help keep pieces square
- Magnification if you find it helpful (I use triple strength reading glasses when doing minis.)
- Work light and extension cord, if needed, since room lighting is not always optimal
French or English Happy Place Pavilion
A Saturday-Sunday workshop with Alberto Gozzi
Scale: 1:48
Price: $300 (Arrange payments with Alberto)
Imagine a graceful pavilion nestled within the grounds of a wealthy French or English estate, overlooking a tranquil lake or ornamental pond. Built during the 17th or early 18th century, this elegant retreat would have provided its owners and guests with a peaceful place to escape the formality of the main house – to enjoy a quiet meal, conversation, or simply the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
You will build the pavilion inside a generous 8” x 8” x 4¾” display box featuring a removable acrylic front to keep your finished masterpiece perfectly dust-free.
Learn how to assemble and finish the pavilion to achieve an authentic and beautifully aged appearance. You will explore techniques for construction, painting, colour selection, and detailing, with guidance on how to create convincing architectural finishes and period character.
The course will also introduce a variety of optional finishing techniques, allowing you to personalize your pavilion and create anything from a pristine country retreat to a gently weathered garden structure with the character of an historic estate building.
The aim is to create not simply a miniature building, but a little piece of history – an elegant pavilion that feels as though it has always belonged beside the water.
“My Happy Place” Roombox
A Saturday-Sunday workshop with Judith Blondell
Scale: 1:12
Price: $130
Welcome to “My Happy Place” Book Nook.
Immerse yourself in a rewarding, hands-on crafting experience and build a gorgeous, illuminated heirloom roombox. Designed for passionate miniaturists, this intensive 1.5-day masterclass guides you step-by-step through custom furniture assembly, upholstery, and miniature electrification.
You will build inside a generous 8” x 8” x 4¾” display box featuring a removable acrylic front to keep your finished masterpiece perfectly dust-free.
To maximize your crafting time, the flooring and wallpaper will be professionally pre-installed for you before class begins. You will build an elegant miniature bookcase from scratch and upholster a pre-assembled chair frame to suit your style. Bookshelf items are not included.
Wire and install a functional interior light fixture working with LED lighting. All batteries are included so your scene can glow instantly!
Class size is strictly limited to a maximum of 7 students to ensure personalized, one-on-one instruction.
Payment: Payable directly in class via Cash (strongly preferred) or Cheque.
Cancellation Policy: A $25 CAD cancellation fee applies to help cover advanced material preparation and supply costs.
Wicker Conversation Chair
A Saturday-Sunday workshop with Kim Stewart
Scale: 1:12
Price: $110 (Payable on the day of class via cash or cheque)
Discover the beautiful art of miniature weaving. In this intensive 1.5-day workshop, you will learn how to craft an adorable, heirloom-quality wicker conversation chair. Perfect for adding a touch of cozy elegance to any 1:12 scale scene, this class guides you step-by-step through the traditional techniques of miniature furniture construction.
Learn to construct a durable wicker chair on a sturdy wooden base, weaving fine waxed linen thread over flexible floral wire. Complete your piece with perfectly fitted seat cushions. All materials and instructions are provided, or you can bring your own 100% cotton fabric to match your specific decor.
Class size is limited to a maximum of 10 students for personalized, step-by-step instruction.
This workshop is ideal for beginner and intermediate students. Because this project involves intricate work, good hand-eye coordination is necessary for success.
Please bring your own basic toolkit to class, including:
- Portable work surface
- Focused task light
- 6” ruler
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Jewellery wire snips
- Paper scissors
- Fabric scissors
- Alligator clips
The Golden Gals
A Saturday-Sunday workshop with Cheryl Hubbard
Scale: 1:48
Price: $175
Step right into television history by bringing a famous sitcom living room to life with this quarter scale room box kit.
This immersive workshop guides you through building a detailed room box complete with iconic architectural features and handcrafted furnishings. You will build a charming living space featuring a dramatic sloped beamed ceiling and a working bamboo ceiling fan with built-in lighting.
The details don’t stop there. You will construct a raised rear floor framing a cozy fireplace, accented by exposed back-wall beams and a picture window overlooking the back lanai. You’ll also craft a small working table lamp and a custom sofa table.
Master a surprisingly simple technique as you build your own bamboo chair right in class, alongside pre-made kits for the matching sofa and an extra chair. To complete the lounge set, you’ll assemble a square bamboo coffee table and an end table. Finally, finish off the exterior of your room box with included specialty wallpaper.
Bob Francis will have fabulous 3D printed sets of the lovely ladies available on his sales table at the Artisan Market.
