Fantasy at the Fair

Two weekends ago I exhibited my Pixie Dust Miniatures (the brand I created in 2010 to sell scale fantasy miniatures to private collectors) at the Whimsic Alley Fantasy Fair on Wilshire Blvd. This buzzing marketplace of muggles is what LA Weekly referred to as the "best substitute for Diagon Alley" in 2009.

Here are some photos of my table in the Great Hall, which incidentally had floating candles beneath a sky facade. It wasn't the type of show I usually do but it was enormous (and profitable) fun and I met some great artists also exhibiting there.

Oh, and yes, there are sorting hats here because I was warned there would be a lot of HP fans about... but I never do this usually! If you ever visit my Pixie Dust Miniatures store you'll find only my own unique designs. ;)

Formal Address

I'm delighted to say that Tall Tales Productions has moved and is now to be found in Los Feliz, in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California.

My workshop / office will be based here, whilst workshop classes will be taught elsewhere and exhibitions will take place across the US and Europe (check back for schedule of events).

Really pleased with this space and took some photos to share yesterday. It was built in 1927 so it has Art Deco features and great hardwood floors. Now the fun task of unpacking 6 suitcases and many boxes...!

Hitting the Bottle

That's right - the frustration of awaiting the keys to my new place in Los Feliz (near Hollywood) has forced me to hit the bottle. ;) I can't really spread out and focus on any particularly expansive miniature sets right now, so I am tackling little props in bulk such as these hand-blown glass bottles and jars. I have them hand-blown by my glassblower in NY and I finish them off.

If molten gold, gathered moss, mugwort and soot are on your shopping list then look no further. As usual, I've made far more than I need and sell any extras at my online shop. They've been popular sellers for years and featured in a magazine in the UK in 2010.

Taking a quick break from Myrtle illustration.... I thought I'd share some photos of these glass bottles of magic matter against a matchstick...
(I took these photos back in 2010).

Cutting it in Burbank

I've had my work cut out for me these past few weeks. Literally cut out for me - I've got this brilliant new table saw which cuts all my wood for me so I don't have to struggle away with a handsaw - yippee!

My workshop is semi-unpacked in a space in Burbank until the end of the month when I get the keys to my new place in Los Feliz. So I've been focusing on sets and some furniture (including painting these chairs pictured below). Some sets will be 1:12 scale (the chairs are) and some will be 1:6. Of course some very large exteriors will be made on a much smaller scale (in cases I don't want to use matte paintings).

Aside from that, I just had a great mini break in San Francisco... you know what it's like being cooped up in a hotel room - felt like getting out and stretching my legs in an Alcatraz cell. Our prison tourguide was hilarious - definitely worth the trip if you're ever in the area.

Will have more to show when I am finally settled into my new place....!

miniature model sets, miniature sets, making miniatures for film, san francisco burbank film production

Wellies, Oxen and Angels

From Wellington, New Zealand, to Oxfordshire, England to Los Angeles in the US...!

After 18 months of inadvertently chasing winter, Tall Tales Productions and I have touched down on American soil. Yes... we're back and I am super excited about settling into a new space in Los Feliz (a brilliant area next to Hollywood and Silverlake), un-packing and getting down to a frightfully long list of commissions. I'll also be pitching 'Myrtle the Witch' as an illustrated children's book at the Bologna Children's Book Fair next month (well, my literary agent will be) so will focus on that before Myrtle movie sets and share some artwork here on this blog.

Out of Interest...
Having landed the other day, my first priority was shipping a Frog Prince engagement ring to its new owner so that he receives it in time to propose to his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. Just made it. See photos below (click to enlarge) and note that I just had a feature about my jewelry written up in a US magazine which comes out in May. Will share at that time.

Stay Connected...

Did you know that I recently created a Tall Tales Productions Facebook page? If you're too busy to check blogs but dip in and out of Facebook then click here to become a fan and stay connected to our news. ;)

Talent and Wonders Up North

Who would have guessed that only 2 buses, a tram, a train and a mini cab away from my Oxfordshire doorstep I could step into one of the world's leading puppet making companies and arguably the most exciting and innovative talent pool in the North West of England? 

Last Sunday I began my 5.5 hour journey up north to spend some time making miniature props in the fantastic workshops of MacKinnon & Saunders.
If you're not familiar with their work then imdb them at once. Their impressive portfolio includes fabrication of puppets, props and special effects for such films as 'Frankenweenie' (2012), 'ParaNorman' (2012), 'Corpse Bride' (2005), 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' (2009), 'Coraline' (2009) and so forth. Aside from their exquisite work in film and commercials they've worked on popular childrens' programming -  'Postman Pat', 'Bob the Builder' and 'Fifi and the Flowertots'.

I was nine years old when I first saw the Oscar-nominated short film 'The Sandman' (1991) - a stop-motion horror which stills inspires and amazes people today. Produced by one of the co-founders of MacKinnon & Saunders, it set a standard of brilliance which they have clearly maintained.

...So, as you can imagine, I was in heaven being in their magical miniature world! The talent there really was exceptional and the energy and enthusiasm for their beautiful creations was infectious.

Take a look below at this little snapshot of some of the work of MacKinnon & Saunders...