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In Western Australia in the city of Mandurah is a site that will intrigue all miniaturists. A sort of miniature theme park, the Abingdon Miniature Village provides a re-creation of historic buildings located in the United Kingdom. The village which took four years to create has been open to the public since March 2003. Located on four acres, the Village is comprised on scale model miniatures surrounded by award winning floral gardens. In addition to miniatures to look at, one can also play a round of miniature golf, check out a miniature model train town, get lost in maze or...

In Japan, the Tokyo Bay Highway connects the city of Kawasaki to the city of Kisarazu. The highway is part bridge and part tunnel and the fourth longest underwater tunnel in the world. Where the bridge meets the tunnel there is an artificial island known as Umihotaru which is sort of mini mall with shops, galleries and restaurants. On Kisarazu is an installation of an amazing miniature castle created all in paper. Similar to the art of origami but on a whole new level is the exhibition called Umi no Ue no Oshiro or ‘A Castle on the Ocean’.

Green is in these days and miniaturists can get in on the recycling movement by using household items as a home for miniature displays. The sky is the limit with this type of project. Any household item that has an opening or an opening can be created could work. For example, a watering can either plastic or metal can be a wonderful shadow box. Take your theme for the miniature display from the container you use. For a watering can or flower pot shadow box make a miniature gardening display with...

Gerard Brion, an artist who lives in Vaissac, in the south of France decided he wanted to do something unique and unusual with his garden. He also likes to recycle which may have led him to his project which is Paris in miniature in his garden with all the landmarks being made from rubbish such as baby food jars, soup cans, and concrete blocks. The project which took Brion more than fifteen years to create has now become a popular tourist attraction.

There are so many wonderful books on the market about miniatures and dollhouses. There are fascinating books on the history of dollhouses, books on famous dollhouses around the world, books on the creators of famous dollhouses, beginner books on creating and decorating dollhouses in different period styles and books on how to make your own dollhouses using household items.

A favorite is The Dollhouse Decorator by Vivienne Boulton. This book is a how to book for miniaturists who want to create some of their own dollhouse furnishings or dollhouse dolls. You will find complete instructions...