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Building an artisan dollhouse miniature collection is a journey filled with passion, creativity, and countless memories. You’ve probably spent years attending miniature shows, connecting with artisans, and carefully curating exquisite pieces. Every miniature tells a story—and together, they showcase your artistry as a collector.




But what happens when it’s time to downsize your miniature collection? For many collectors, this stage can feel overwhelming or emotional. These pieces aren’t just objects; they’re works of art representing talent and dedication. However, downsizing doesn’t have to feel like a loss—in fact, it can be one of the most rewarding chapters in your collecting journey.


Why Downsize a Miniature Collection?


Life Transitions – Moving to a smaller home? Downsizing for retirement? Sometimes collections outgrow the space we have for them.

Sharing the Joy – Passing your miniatures to other collectors allows these treasured pieces to continue being loved and displayed.

Preserving Value & Legacy – Rather than leaving your collection in storage, selling or consigning miniatures ensures they remain in circulation and appreciated for years to come.




Benefits of Passing Pieces to New Collectors

  • Honor the Artists – Every miniature in your collection represents hours of skill and creativity. Downsizing gives their work new life and continued recognition.

  • Protect Your Investment – Professional representation ensures your pieces are sold for fair market value.

  • Keep Your Curatorial Role – Downsizing is a continuation of your legacy as a collector. You’re still shaping the future of these pieces by choosing where they go.




Why Partner with D. Thomas Fine Miniatures?


Downsizing is more than a transaction—it’s about respect, trust, and legacy. At D. Thomas Fine Miniatures, we specialize in selling dollhouse miniatures, consigning miniature collections, and connecting collectors with the right buyers.


When you work with us, you’ll receive:✔ Expert Evaluation – Accurate representation of your artisan miniatures for the best pricing .✔ Global Reach – We connect your collection to serious collectors worldwide.✔ Professional Marketing – High-quality photography, detailed descriptions, and featured exposure on our website, social media, and curated sales events.✔ Personalized Service – We handle everything from start to finish so you can downsize stress-free.


The Beauty of Letting Go

Downsizing your miniature collection is not about giving up—it’s about continuing the story. When done thoughtfully, it honors the artisans, your role as a curator, and the passion that built your collection.



Ready to start the next chapter?👉 Contact D. Thomas Fine Miniatures today for a private consultation on how to sell or consign your dollhouse miniatures with integrity and care.📩 Visit www.dthomasfineminiatures.com to learn more.


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Exciting Finds Every Sunday


The Sharon Kay Zanassi Estate sale is currently underway, featuring over 300 lots listed each Sunday through September 14 in my eBay store. More about the sale HERE. This sale is packed with must-have miniatures for collectors. Here are some of the more surprising, delightful, and intriguing pieces available. Click on the images to view the listings and place your bids!



Featured Items


Vintage Style Leather Luggage Set


  • Description: This set includes a unique wig case with a wig inside, crafted by an unknown maker.

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Rusty and Weathered Kitchen Pots and Pans


  • Description: Made of metal, these pots and pans showcase a rustic charm. They are unsigned and from an unknown maker.

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Ferd Sobol's Hardwood Metamorphic Desk


  • Description: This desk features a retracting chair, a drawer, and a decorative inlay top.

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Porcelain Platter of Spanish Green Olives


  • Description: Stuffed with pimentos, this platter is made of polymer clay by an unknown maker.

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Upholstered Hardwood Telephone Chair


  • Description: This chair includes an extending table top and a coordinating bench, crafted by Ed Norton, complete with a metal phone.

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Abstract Porcelain Bud Vase


  • Description: Measuring just about one inch high, this vase can hold five buds and is designed by Ron Benson.

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Carol Hardy's Lace Bobbin Striped Fabric Pillow


  • Description: This unique pillow is displayed on a hardwood stand.

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Basket of Mushrooms


  • Description: A delightful piece crafted by an unknown maker, this basket adds charm to any collection.

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Pete Acquisto's Victorian Sterling Silver Spooner


  • Description: This exquisite spooner comes with 12 individual spoons, perfect for collectors.

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Grandma's Fortune Telling Booth


  • Description: A whimsical addition to any collection, this booth is sure to spark joy and curiosity.

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More Treasures Coming Soon


Stay tuned for more treasures as new lots are added for the next part of this sale. Click below to preview:


Imagine a world where tiny things spark immense joy, and everyday household items become masterpieces in miniature. For Sharon Kay Zanassi, a dollhouse miniature collector from California, this world has been a lifelong passion. She was born in Sacramento and raised in San Francisco where she had a career on the Pacific Stock Exchange floor for Dean Witter. Sharon's journey into the realm of miniatures began in the late 1970s.


Sharon Zanossi of Petaluma,California with her granddaughters Josephine and Mallory
Sharon Zanossi of Petaluma,California with her granddaughters Josephine and Mallory

With a keen eye for the unique and an innate talent for spotting hidden gems, she built an impressive collection that spans decades. While she dabbled in needlepoint, it was miniatures that she returned to as she was always drawn to tiny things. With the help of her daughter Lisa, Sharon is downsizing her extensive collection of miniatures in the latest estate sale from D. Thomas Miniatures: "A Tiny Life, the Sharon Zanassi Collection" happening now through September 14, 2025.


Sharon Zanossi with her grandchildren
Sharon Zanossi with her grandchildren

As a skilled room box builder and a long-time member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME), Sharon's collection reflects her dedication to the craft and miniatures hobby. She regularly attended the Good Sam Show and took classes in miniature making. Her daughter fondly recalls attending NAME picnics and miniature shows, including the Marin Miniature Show, which Sharon helped organize with her partner Pam Pansini in 1984 through the end of the 1990's. Sharon's reputation among dealers and collectors was strong and built on her exceptional taste and enthusiasm for one-of-a-kind pieces. Dealers would often set aside their most intricate and unique pieces for her to discover and collect. Sharon has a particular interest in the work of Ferd Sobol, master miniaturist and IGMA Fellow who crafted some of the most beautiful fine scale furniture in miniature. There are more than a dozen miniatures made by Mr. Sobol in the sale including rare and intricate pieces such as his metamorphic and Louis XV desks.

Some of the Work by IGMA Fellow Ferd Sobol Featured in the Sharon Zanassi Collection
Some of the Work by IGMA Fellow Ferd Sobol Featured in the Sharon Zanassi Collection

The upcoming sale of Sharon's collection through D. Thomas Miniatures is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of miniature history. As Sharon prepares to move into an assisted living facility, her daughter is helping to gather her treasured items that have brought her mother so much joy over the years. With memories of rummaging through Geoffrey Bishop's famous "outcast" trough and running "tabs" with dealers, Sharon's daughter is ensuring that her mother's legacy lives on through her remarkable collection.


The Door to Heaven by Geoffrey Bishop, part of the Zanassi Collection
The Door to Heaven by Geoffrey Bishop, part of the Zanassi Collection

This sale is not just about collecting miniatures; it's about sharing and owning a piece of Sharon's story. With her unique eye and passion for tiny marvels, Sharon's collection is a testament to the power of dedication and creativity. For an opportunity to participate in a small piece of miniature history, discover the Sharon Kay Zanassi Collection of dollhouse miniatures which is happening right now in the D. Thomas Miniatures eBay store through September 14.

Just a "Tiny" Assortment of Treasures Featured in the Sharon Kay Zanassi Collection
Just a "Tiny" Assortment of Treasures Featured in the Sharon Kay Zanassi Collection


A BIG thank you to Sharon for sharing her wonderful collection with us and for all her contributions to the mini world and to her daughter Lisa Zahorenko for all her exhaustive efforts in helping to bring this collection to the mini world!


Source: Lisa Zahorenki (Sharon's daughter), written with the help of AI, edited by Darren Scala


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