Heirlooms by Susan

Miniature 1:12th scale collectable art
High quality kits and graphics

A little bio on myself and my work/product

Many have asked me how I began my career in miniatures. I am completely self-taught only because I’m one of

those that can’t follow directions! I have to make it up as I go. I can’t stay within the “box”! I am always trying to

push the boundaries and taking very unconventional rou

tes. I suppose that is why I am not very good at teaching what I do,

as I make up new rules along the way and standard methods get tossed out. A Little History

My friend Nancy and I would visit the local dollhouse store. She decided to purchase a jewelry box filled with jewelry. I

saw it and thought it needed improving upon. First off, I thought it was much too big for the dollhouse scale. I went

home and made one smaller with smaller scale jewelry. I had so much fun I kept making more plus some vanity items. Nancy

who lives in Seattle took what I had made to an owner of a prominent doll museum. She was very excited and wanted to buy

more of my work. Someone wanted to pay me for having fun? From there my mind overflowed with the possibilities

of what could be created in miniature scale! Over 20 years and thousands of miniatures later, I am still not bored at creating as there is always a new idea or a

particular detail that I can use to continue in my quest for realism in the area of lady’s accessories from a bygone era. The possibilities are as endless as the fashion accessories are. Although I create in the time periods of the 1700’s to the 1930’s, my favorite era is the 18th century where woman’s

fashions began to be so extreme and exaggerated with the help of French Queen Marie Antoinette and her court. The details

and flourishes were beyond belief for one woman to wear! My love of history also plays heavily in my creations. I try to imagine how these ladies who came before us thought about

the clothing and adornment they so eagerly pursued, the great lengths they went to, and even the discomfort they endured in

the name of high fashion! To be able to recreate from a page of history is very rewarding. My Ongoing Quest

One of my most favorite things to do is search for antique and vintage treasures. I incorporate these materials into my

miniatures. I am constantly in search of the hard to come by textiles - laces, ribbons and trim, fabrics, rhinestones,

findings, old papers, and other unique “bits” and “bobs.”

I feel when I take something apart and incorporate the materials into a new miniature they live on in another art form. It

is a rather time consuming process but the results help me achieve a more realistic miniature piece. They have a special

patina and fineness that is unlike what we have today. I am thrilled and excited when rooting through an old box or dusty

shop to find just one gem to take home! I have also included, along with my miniature 1:12 scale items, a line of French fashion doll accessories. I have a

weakness for the many accessories that were created to go along with this antique doll. They now are in such scarce supply

and are very costly. I began to create some just to satisfy my creative urge. They met with such success that I decided

to keep creating more. While my main focus is miniatures, I will continue to add these for sale. I want to thank all of my friends, family, and “fans” for their continued support. Without you, this pursuit of mine would

not be possible! Kind Regards, Susan

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miniature artist Susan Harmon is recognized for her incredibly detailed lady's accessories in miniature. Over the many

years, Susan's work has been featured in numerous miniature magazines. Please see the Miniature Collector '05 issue for a complete bio, and American Miniaturist Nov/Dec '02 issue feature

article. Susan's work is also highlighted in Spain's Miniaturas of July 2002, no. 63, pgs 16-19, as well as in prized collections

and museums all over the world. Susan's French Fashion Doll accessories have received attention with a feature article in Doll Reader Magazine 9-09 issue

pgs 32-35