Sometimes I am enchanted with a single piece or vignette that I am not ready to put in a larger scene of a dollhouse or roombox so a small display under a dome is just the ticket. I can also rotate my treasures so things aren’t stale in my displays and my eyes can seek out the details up close when I am in the miniature mood.

This fall I discovered some small glass domes at Michael’s that allow me to display a seasonal favorite or special miniature.  They still carry them  but they keep moving them around in the store. Currently they are in the fairy garden section. They are inexpensive, running about $5 to $7 with several sizes.

Another cover for a small grouping is a cheese tray.  I got this one at the thrift store for $3. I will admit the glass is thicker than a dome and distorts things a bit but the price was right.  A footed glass cake stand is another option.   Garage sales and estate sales can provide some interesting covers if you keep your eyes open.

Re-purposed Cheese Tray

Humble Beginnings

Grouping of luggage

The luggage trio is by Bobbie Johnson of Colorado.  I made the other 3 pieces many years ago.  I am not sure who made the green trunk but I love the aged peeling affect it has  for a well traveled look.

Since I am on the subject of small displays, I wanted to share some of my favorites.  Not all are dome covered but  I wanted to share some eye candy.

Some great polymer clay creations

Spring Garden

Closer view of display

A captured gnome in a dome

Gnome figurine in a garden floral

The spring garden display and gnome floral is by Laura Crain of Dollhouse Land. I love her use of color.  Well balanced and feels like a bit of the outdoors captured.  They always perk me up in the winter.

The doll and 2 bunnies are some old favorites from the late 90’s.  I have two of the dolls by the same artist that I got in 1997 when I was on the East coast at a miniature show.  I have never seen her work since but love the detail.  They have viscose hair, lace trim and ribbon added to the pinafores.  All the rest is polymer clay. Here is the two dolls and their markings.  If you know the artist’s name, I would love to know it.

The bunnies are by Becky Delk.  She made lots of sweet children and animals in the 90’s. She was at the Denver show and NAME conventions when I was able to get some of her creations.  The detail is incredible with the dresses having checkered pattern, strips, etc all created with her manipulation of the clay.  They amaze me.  I think she burned out due to her work being so popular.

The small gatherings under a dome or cover is a much better way to enjoy your miniatures than tucked away in a drawer until you have a place for it in a scene.