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