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Welcome, fellow miniature enthusiasts and collectors! D. Thomas Miniatures is thrilled to bring you a special open studio event, a captivating peek behind the scenes with some of the most talented artists who will be showcasing their breathtaking creations at the highly anticipated Tom Bishop International Miniature Show, kicking off the weekend of April 25th.



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As premier purveyors of fine scale miniatures and dollhouse miniatures, we're dedicated to bringing you the very best in the miniature world. Join us as we step into the creative spaces of these remarkable artisans, uncover their unique inspirations, and maybe, just maybe, get a tantalizing glimpse of the museum-quality miniatures they'll be presenting at the show.

Today, we have the distinct pleasure of featuring the incredibly talented Chris Toledo from Chris Toledo Miniatures.

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For those who already admire his exceptional artistry, you know the level of detail and craftsmanship he brings to each piece. And if you're new to his work, prepare to be utterly enchanted by his one-of-a-kind miniatures. Chris's creations are highly sought after by serious miniature collectors and often become prized possessions in dollhouse collections worldwide.

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Chris shares his journey into the fascinating realm of miniatures, a love affair that began in childhood. Discover how a chance encounter with "Nutshell News" magazine ignited a passion that has blossomed into a career crafting exquisite miniature scenes and architectural miniatures. His background in woodworking, influenced by his father, provided a natural foundation for the intricate detail that defines his work. From early dollhouse kits to creating his own unique miniature room boxes, Chris's dedication to the craft is evident in every meticulously crafted element.

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His artistic journey took him through architecture, fashion, and photography, each discipline leaving an indelible mark on his miniature art. This diverse background contributes to the unparalleled precision, design sensibility, and masterful use of color and materials seen in his pieces. For collectors seeking realistic miniatures and historically accurate miniatures, Chris Toledo's work is a true testament to artistry and dedication.

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The influence of architecture is particularly striking in Chris's creations, often evoking the grandeur of iconic displays like the Thorne Rooms and the meticulous detail of artists like Eugene Kupjack. His architectural room boxes transport viewers to another time and place, showcasing his deep understanding of design and proportion.

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Chris delves into his specific architectural passions, revealing a particular fondness for the 1920s and 1930s architectural styles. This era, with its rich blend of European influences and the burgeoning glamour of Hollywood, provides a captivating backdrop for his period miniatures. Collectors interested in vintage miniatures and art deco miniatures will undoubtedly be drawn to the elegance and historical accuracy of his work.

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At D. Thomas Miniatures, we understand the passion and dedication that goes into creating these tiny masterpieces. We are proud to showcase artists like Chris Toledo who elevate the art of miniatures to new heights. The Tom Bishop International Miniature Show is a premier event for collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces and connect with the artists who create them.

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Don't miss the chance to see Chris Toledo's latest creations, along with a curated selection of other world-class miniature artists, at the Tom Bishop Show this April. See you there!

Be sure to follow me on all my social media channels here, like and subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch my latest podcast and sign up for my newsletter updates on the latest happenings in the miniWorld, including my popular estate sale of top quality artisan miniatures to add to your collections!


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When it comes to dollhouse miniature art, few names stand out like Susan Scogin—a true master of character doll artistry. Known for her emotionally rich, handcrafted porcelain figures, Scogin has carved out a niche in the miniature world that captivates collectors and inspires artists alike. At D. Thomas Miniatures, we celebrate the finest miniature artisans, and Scogin’s legacy is a must-know for anyone passionate about collectible dolls and artisan miniatures.

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And we are fortunate to have a terrific assortment of 6 of her works from a collection that heads to auction later this month including 4 young girls pillow fighting ad 2 smaller children nearby. Sign up on my website for my newsletter updates so you are first to know all of the details.

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When it comes to dollhouse miniature art, few names stand out like Susan Scogin—a true master of character doll artistry. Known for her emotionally rich, handcrafted porcelain figures, Scogin has carved out a niche in the miniature world that captivates collectors and inspires artists alike. At D. Thomas Miniatures, we celebrate the finest miniature artisans, and Scogin’s legacy is a must-know for anyone passionate about collectible dolls and artisan miniatures.

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Discovering the Art of Susan Scogin: A Journey in Miniature Dollmaking

Susan Scogin’s love for figurative art began in childhood, when she would spend hours drawing people. That passion led her to study painting, but in an era where abstract art reigned, Scogin felt drawn back to the warmth and emotional depth of representational work. She eventually found her voice in sculpting miniature porcelain character dolls, capturing tender, often nostalgic scenes of domestic life.

Her early fascination with human interaction and body language shows in every one-of-a-kind piece she creates. Scogin’s dolls are more than just miniatures—they are stories frozen in time.

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A Signature Style in Dollhouse Miniature Character Dolls

Handcrafted from solid porcelain, Scogin’s character dolls are expressive, soulful, and meticulously detailed. Each figure is born through an organic sculpting process where Scogin allows the personality of the doll to evolve naturally. These aren't just dolls—they're lifelike figures imbued with personality, movement, and emotion.

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Her work particularly celebrates the intimate bond between women and children, echoing themes seen in the art of Mary Cassatt—one of Scogin’s biggest inspirations. If you’re looking to start or expand a collection of emotionally resonant dollhouse miniature character dolls, Susan Scogin’s work is a must-have.

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Why Collectors Love Susan Scogin’s Miniatures

As a longtime member of the National Institute of American Doll Artists (NIADA), Scogin’s work has earned international recognition and loyal fans. Collectors frequently showcase her pieces in elaborate scenes—like the popular “Mom, Come See!” vignette inspired by her doll "Beth."

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Each piece captures the fleeting moments of everyday life—children playing, a mother’s gaze, a quiet moment of reflection—making them perfect centerpieces in any high-end miniature room box or dollhouse display.

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Shop Susan Scogin’s Dolls at D. Thomas Miniatures

If you’re looking to shop rare, artisan-made dollhouse miniature dolls, D. Thomas Miniatures is your trusted destination. We’re proud to feature exclusive works by top miniature artists, including Susan Scogin. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of fine-scale miniatures, her work is a stunning addition to any collection.


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Explore the artistry of Susan Scogin and shop collectible miniature dolls today at D. Thomas Miniatures. And if you have a collection you are looking to find sell, please reach out so we can chat about how we can work together to find new homes for your dollhouse miniature treasures.



*This post was written with the help of AI technology.


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Marcia Backstrom was a renowned artist in the world of miniature art and character dollmaking, celebrated for her lifelike and expressive creations that captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike. Her work, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of human expression, has left an indelible mark on the art of miniatures.​ Several pieces crafted by Ms. Backstrom are available in my upcoming estate sale the D. Thomas Miniatures eBay Store here.

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Throughout her career, Marcia specialized in crafting 1:12 scale dolls, a standard scale in the miniature community where one inch represents one foot. Her dolls were not merely scaled-down figures but were imbued with distinct personalities and stories, making them stand out as individual works of art. Each piece showcased her exceptional skill in sculpting and painting, bringing to life characters that resonated with realism and charm.​

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Several of her notable creations included glamorous ladies of a certain age...each approximately 6-inches tall with her elaborately decorated costumes including hats and other accessories. Each of her creations exemplified her talent for infusing life, attitude and sass into her dolls. The "Grand Dam" doll, part of the latest estate sale features a well to do lady in lovely dress and irredescent coat, a very fancy hat and a fox stole around her neck.

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Marcia's dedication to her craft earned her the esteemed title of Fellow from the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA), recognizing her significant contributions and mastery in the field of miniature art. Her dolls are highly sought after by collectors and are cherished pieces in private collections and museums worldwide.​

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In October 2011, the art world mourned the loss of Marcia Backstrom after her prolonged battle with cancer. Her passing left a void in the miniature doll making community, but her legacy endures through her remarkable creations. Collectors and admirers continue to celebrate her work, ensuring that her artistic spirit lives on.

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Marcia's sister, Karen, has been instrumental in keeping her memory alive, engaging with the miniature community and sharing stories about Marcia's life and work. Karen's interactions provide a personal glimpse into the artist's world, highlighting the passion and dedication that Marcia brought to her art.

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My latest estate sale contains a number of Marcia Backstrom dolls and includes additional dolls, possibly crafted from her very popular kits or reproduced by manufacturers (still hand crafted) in Asia which serve as a testament to her enduring influence in the realm of miniature artistry. Marcia Backstrom's contributions to the art of miniature doll making remain unparalleled. Her ability to encapsulate human emotion and character in miniature form has set a standard of excellence and continues to inspire artists and collectors around the world.​

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Stay tuned for details as I complete the cataloguing process and make the estate collection ready for sale! Sign up right here on my website for my newsletter updates so you are first to learn all of the details! If you have a collection you are looking to sell, please do reach out and let's talk about how we can bring your dollhouse miniatures treasures to new loving homes!

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