Masterful Miniatures: The Unparalleled Craftsmanship of Ferd Sobol

Ferd Sobol is a name synonymous with excellence in the world of miniature art. With a career spanning decades, Sobol, an IGMA Fellow has captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike with his breathtakingly detailed and intricately crafted miniatures. As a masterful miniaturist, Sobol's work is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the craft. I'm happy to have several pieces from this awesome maker featured in my latest estate auction and sale.

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Sobol's miniatures are renowned for their precision, attention to detail, and historical accuracy. Each piece is meticulously crafted to transport the viewer to a bygone era, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder. From intricately carved furniture to exquisitely rendered figurines, Sobol's work is a masterclass in miniature artistry.

At D. Thomas Miniatures, we are thrilled to have several of Sobol's remarkable works featured in our latest estate sale. This rare opportunity allows collectors and enthusiasts to acquire a piece of miniature art history, showcasing Sobol's unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of miniature art or looking to step up your miniature-collecting game, this sale offers a unique chance to own a piece of Sobol's legacy.Some highlights of the estate sale include:

• Breakfront

• Mirrored Vanity

• Sideboard

• Louis XV Desk

  
  

  

Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of miniature art history!

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AI Meets Artistry: How Marina’s Mini Life Created Ultra-Realistic Miniature UGG® Slippers

At the recent Westchester County Dollhouse & Miniatures Show, I experienced one of those moments when a miniature stops you dead in your tracks. It came in the form of a tiny pair of UGG® slippers, perfectly scaled, wonderfully finished and realistic!

When the artist, Marina Vitulli-Stanzione, from Marina of Marina’s Mini Life, revealed that she used AI-assisted technology to create them, I knew we were looking at the future of dollhouse miniatures. This blog post dives into that story—one filled with creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, new technology, and the continuing evolution of the miniature arts. (Photo Below: Marina with her Uggs!)

From Childhood Collector to Innovative Miniaturist

Marina’s love for miniatures stretches back decades. “My first dollhouse was built by my dad when I was around six or seven,” she shared. “I still have it—and all the furniture I played with growing up.” Over the years, her taste shifted from colonial styles to more modern aesthetics. With limited tools, she began making her own furniture:

“This was before I had any knowledge of laser cutters or 3D printers. It was just me, an X-Acto knife, and balsa wood from the craft store.”

Her Instagram presence grew during the pandemic, as collectors and creators found comfort and community in miniature-making:

“People started trading with me. Then my DMs filled with, ‘Can you make that for me?’ That was the beginning of turning a hobby into a business.”

Today, even while maintaining a full career as a professional hairdresser, makeup artist, and esthetician, she continues to produce miniature pieces for enthusiasts everywhere.

The Collaboration That Sparked an AI Breakthrough

The idea for miniature UGG slippers began during a creative meetup with fellow artist Casey Benz of Smallish Miniatures (photo above) known for her tiny shoes and textile work. “I told Casey, ‘How about doing an UGG slipper?’ And she immediately jumped in,” Marina said. “She cut the leather, showed me stitching techniques… but sewing is not my strength. I’m impatient—I want results.” While Casey’s textile expertise guided the early prototypes, the final breakthrough came by accident. After the meetup, Marina played around with the software bundled with her 3D printer:

“I stumbled onto this feature where you upload several photos of an object, and the software uses AI to generate a 3D model. I literally took the slipper off my foot, photographed it, and uploaded the images.”

What happened next was astonishing.

“Within a minute, a 3D rendering of my actual slipper appeared. Creases, shape, everything—even the worn-in look. I was shocked.”

Scaling, Printing, and Finishing: When Technology Meets Craftsmanship

With the rendering complete, Marina scaled the model to 1:12.

“My real slipper is a size 8, so I did the math and scaled it down. The first print wasn’t perfect—I had to tweak settings for a day or two. But then it came out beautifully.”

But Marina is clear: AI and 3D printing are only part of the magic. The finishing is what transforms a print into a fine miniature. She used multiple techniques:

• Flocking for the fuzzy lining

• Hand-cut felt for added texture

• Layered painting for the leather effect

• Aging and detailing to bring realism to life

As she explained:

“I’ve seen 3D printed things that people don’t finish—and you can tell. Painting and realism are everything. Without finishing, it goes straight into the garbage.”

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

Marina is the first to say that AI isn’t for everything.

“Some projects don’t need AI. But for something like a slipper—curves, softness, shape—it was perfect. I don’t have the digital sculpting skills to model that realism from scratch.”

As we talked, I summed up what so many makers feel today:

“The technology gets you to the part you love. It doesn’t replace artistry—it empowers it.”

Advice for Miniaturists Curious About AI

For artists thinking about adopting new technology, Marina’s advice is simple:

“Watch YouTube videos. Ask questions. Learn from others. The miniature community is so supportive. Technology changes every day—don’t be afraid of it.”

Where to Find Marina

You can follow Marina’s work and journey on Instagram at @marinasminilife.

She’ll also be exhibiting at : Philadelphia Miniaturia (the Philly Show!) and The Westchester Dollhouse & Miniature Show (returning next year)

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Written with the help of AI/edited by Darren Scala

D. Thomas Miniatures Featured at the Westchester Dollhouse & Miniature Show and Sale

This past weekend, D. Thomas Miniatures was thrilled to take part in the Westchester Dollhouse & Miniature Show and Sale, a long-awaited return of a dedicated miniature event to the New York City and Westchester County area. Held at the Women's Club of White Plains, in White Plains, New York. The show marked the first of what promises to be an exciting annual tradition—and the community turnout reminded us just how vibrant and passionate the miniature world truly is.

A Boutique Collection Featuring Ferd Sobel Masterpieces

Founder Darren Scala attended the show with mini helper, friend and mini cohort from HGTVs Biggest Little Christmas Showdown May Burnett, presenting a curated selection of standout pieces, including a special assortment of Ferd Sobel dollhouse miniature furniture from the Sharon Zanassi Estate. Collectors were delighted to see these rare and finely crafted examples of artisan miniature furniture—exceptional works by one of the most respected makers in the field. Show attendees were invited to get up close with museum-quality miniatures, explore the artistry behind Sobel’s work, and learn about the craftsmanship that defines fine miniature furniture—a perfect sampling of what D. Thomas Miniatures is known for. (Photo Below: Darren Scala with May Burnett)

Live Talks: Downsizing, Curating, and Understanding Fine Miniatures

One of the highlights of the day was Darren’s series of live, informal table talks. Throughout the show, he met with collectors to discuss:

• How to downsize or responsibly rehome collections

• What defines a fine miniature and what qualities to look for

• What makes a collection cohesive, meaningful, and valuable

  
  

These conversations were lively, personal, and deeply appreciated by attendees—many of whom are navigating the changing needs of their collections and seeking expert guidance. An assortment of treasures from the company's latest eBay estate auction and sale featuring pieces by a collector looking to downsize were on hand for viewing.

A Welcome Return of a Miniature Show to the NYC Area

It has been years since the region has seen a dedicated dollhouse and miniature show, and the excitement was palpable. To see collectors, enthusiasts, and vendors come together again—shopping, learning, connecting, and celebrating the tiny arts—was energizing and inspiring. The show served as a reminder of why community matters so much in the world of miniatures. People came not just to shop but to share stories, build friendships, and support the artisans and curators who keep this niche thriving. (Photo Below: Marina Vitulli-Stanzione from @MarinasMiniLife and photobomb by miniaturist May Burnett.

Huge Credit to Organizer Rosemarie Sandground

A special thanks goes to Rosemarie Sandground of Dollhouse Revivals, who executed the event flawlessly. From vendor organization to collector engagement, her dedication and enthusiasm were felt throughout the show floor. This event would not have been possible without her commitment to bringing miniatures back to Westchester.

Looking Ahead

For D. Thomas Miniatures, the Westchester Dollhouse & Miniature Show and Sale was more than an event—it was a homecoming. We hope to participate in many more shows in the years ahead and look forward to expanding this renewed energy in the New York miniature community.

To explore available miniatures—including Sobel pieces from the Sharon Zanassi Estate—visit DThomasFineMiniatures.com and check links here join our mailing list for updates on upcoming events, new arrivals, and collector resources:

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