Tiny worlds, Big Stories

What if joy could live on your sidewalk?In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara sits down with Rachael Harms Mahlandt, co-founder of the Sidewalk Joy movement, to talk about tiny dioramas, mug exchanges, dino swaps, and the radical act of creating whimsy in public spaces.From growing up making miniature worlds out of cardboard boxes to studying neuroscience, working in marketing, navigating early motherhood, and eventually building a worldwide map of nearly 800 community joy spots, Rachael’s story is one of courage, creativity, and choosing connection over cynicism.They talk about: • The fleeting nature of time — and how it shaped her childhood • Motherhood, burnout, and reclaiming creativity • The first Dino Exchange (and what happened when it was vandalized) • The Mug Exchange that sparked a movement • Going viral on The Kelly Clarkson Show and NPR • Why joy is not frivolous — it’s necessaryThis conversation is about more than miniatures.It’s about belonging.It’s about community.It’s about keeping your heart open when it would be easier to close it.If you’ve ever felt the urge to make something small that might mean something big — this episode is for you.0:00 – Host introduction 0:42 – Rachael introduces herself 1:30 – Rachael explains how she got started 3:10 – Rachael talks about early challenges 5:25 – Rachael shares biggest career lesson 8:00 – Rachael on current projects 10:15 – Rachael gives advice to newcomers 12:00 – Closing comments from Rachaelhttps://www.instagram.com/pdxdinoramahttps://www.instagram.com/sidewalkjoyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pdxdinoramahttps://www.pdxsidewalkjoy.com/***********Small By Design monthly newsletter: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara's art:https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudiohttps://www.larablairartstudio.com/

What does it really take to build a creative life that lasts?In this deeply honest conversation, British miniature artist Lisa Swerling of Glass Cathedrals shares the unexpected path that led her to create thousands of tiny boxed worlds over the past 22 years — and the mindset shifts that sustained her long before success arrived.Lisa opens up about:Growing up creative but controlled — and how perfectionism shaped her early identityThe broken architect figurine that changed everythingWhy she didn’t call herself an artist for the first decadeThe enormous responsibility of creating commissioned pieces that hold people’s most precious memoriesHow trust between artist and collector makes or breaks the workWhy building a mailing list matters more than chasing algorithmsThe quiet power of “gentle shifts in perspective”This is a conversation about vulnerability, business, motherhood, resilience, glitter, grief, and the courage to keep making what feels true.If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “really” an artist… if selling your work feels exposing… or if you’re trying to build a sustainable creative career without burning out — this episode will feel like a steadying hand on your shoulder.Because sometimes, changing the world doesn’t require shouting.It requires small, meaningful acts of empathy — one tiny world at a time.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Early Creativity06:49 Life Transitions: From South Africa to London and California12:10 The Artistic Process: Creating Miniature Worlds20:21 The Meaning Behind Glass Cathedrals28:17 Art as a Medium for Empathy and Connection36:53 Advice for Aspiring Artists and Navigating the Art WorldYouTube video of podcast with images: Website: https://glasscathedrals.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/glasscathedrals*******Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstoriesSmall by Design newsletter for miniature lovers - https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara IG: https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio

Go behind the scenes with Roy Tyson, the contemporary artist known for his miniature figures interacting with iconic works of art. In this creative podcast episode, he shares how he evolved from tiny photography scenes to highly detailed shadow box installations featuring miniature people painting, erasing, and transforming famous art references — including his Damien Hirst–inspired dot series.We also dive into his commercial collaborations with major brands, how corporate commissions expanded his visibility, and how he founded and ran an artist-led art fair to create more supportive opportunities for emerging artists. Roy opens up about building gallery relationships, growing on Instagram, navigating the art market, and protecting creative time while traveling internationally.A must-listen for miniature artists, contemporary art lovers, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone building an art business with momentum.https://www.royspeople.com/https://www.instagram.com/royspeople/https://www.tiktok.com/@royspeopleofficial?lang=en*****Subscribe to Small by Design newsletter, a monthly review for the miniature community: https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsPodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstoriesLara Blair's art: https://instagram.com/larablairartstudio

What does it take to turn childhood creativity into a full-time artistic career? In this inspiring conversation, Lara sits down with Chelsea of Chelsea Makes. Chelsea is a miniature artist whose journey spans cardboard Barbie house renovations, landscape architecture, and building intricate tiny worlds for major brands like Warby Parker, Barbie, and L’Oreal.Chelsea shares the behind-the-scenes reality of brand collaborations, the courage it takes to leave stability for creativity, and why tiny objects can hold enormous emotional power. In this episode, they explore persistence, creative community, and the surprising opportunities that can come from being just a little strategically persistent.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, too risky, or too unconventional to follow your creative instincts, this episode is your reminder that imagination is often the most reliable compass.Website: https://www.chelseamakes.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/chelseamake...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chelseamakesc...Book: https://www.amazon.com/50-Makes-Moder...Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChelseaMakesCADomestika class: https://www.domestika.org/en/chelseam...

In this engaging conversation, Kylie White shares her journey from a childhood fascination with miniatures to building a successful business centered around her passion. She discusses the healing power of her hobby, the importance of community, and the tools that have helped her along the way. Kylie emphasizes the significance of authenticity in her work and offers advice for aspiring miniature artists. As she reflects on her evolving style and future aspirations, listeners are inspired by her story of creativity, resilience, and personal growth.Chapters00:00 Kylie's Early Fascination with Miniatures02:53 The Healing Power of Miniature Design06:00 Balancing Content Creation and Miniature Projects08:58 Turning a Hobby into a Business12:02 Father-Daughter Collaboration in Miniature Building15:03 The Emotional Attachment to Miniature Creations18:01 Building a Community and Marketing on Etsy21:02 Advice for Aspiring Miniature Artists24:02 Future Collaborations and Aspirations27:05 Manifesting Dreams and Future Goals30:03 The Journey of Creativity and Hobbies32:55 Embracing Technology in Miniature Making36:03 Finding Inspiration and Sources for Miniature Projects38:58 Evolving Styles and Personal Growth42:06 The Healing Power of Creativity46:01 Community Connections and Collaboration48:59 Honoring Childhood Dreams and AspirationsVisit Kylie at:instagram.com/kyliewhitespacetiktok.com/@kyliewhitespacehttps://www.kyliewhitespace.com/https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteSpaceMiniatureshttps://www.youtube.com/@kyliewhitespace*******Tiny Worlds, Big Stories YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@tinyworldsbigstoriesLara's art:https://www.larablairartstudio.com/https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio

Tom Haney, a skilled artist and teacher, shares his journey from childhood fascination with mechanical art to becoming a full-time automata artist. He discusses his training, transition to entrepreneurship, and the evolution of his creative process. Tom's unique approach to automata and his teaching experiences are highlighted, along with the challenges and rewards of his artistic career. Tom Haney, a creative artist, shares his journey of creating marionettes and kinetic sculptures, his influences, and the importance of curiosity in his work. He also discusses the challenges of showcasing his unique artwork and the significance of creativity in his life.TakeawaysMechanical ArtistryTransition to Entrepreneurship Creativity as a driving forceThe value of curiosity in artistic expressionChapters00:00 Evolution of Creative Process and Artistic Career22:16 The Creative Collaboration27:25 Navigating the Art World33:58 Honoring Creativity and CuriosityWATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING of this podcast: www.youtube.com/@tinyworldsbigstoriesWebsite: https://www.tomhaney.com/Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@tomhaneyartwork?si=OwGIJOb6qN6pTv0jIG: https://www.instagram.com/tomhaneyartwork/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tom-Haneys-Artwork/100057975912434/#YouTube Little Tybee band video: https://youtu.be/-erw7PWJqDU?si=2EIJ43mUbTqBpgWR*******Visit Lara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio/Visit Lara's website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

What happens when a master furniture maker is asked to make something small — and takes it just as seriously? Paris Renfroe is a lifelong craftsman whose hands have always been drawn to precision and beauty. Before miniatures, he built custom furniture and cabinetry — full-scale pieces made with the same care and perfectionism he brings to his miniature worlds today. In this episode, we talk about the moment a single request for a tiny version of his work changed everything, the discipline behind his mid-century modern aesthetic, and how his miniatures grew into museum-worthy pieces collected around the world.WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tJaiGJIkJWg?si=xXxZJWRtUOdp4ZUwParis' website: https://prdminiatures.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/prdminiatures/*******************Lara Blair's art: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio/

In this debut episode of Tiny Worlds Big Stories, host Lara Blair introduces her passion for miniature art and the community surrounding it. She shares her personal journey from a childhood love of dollhouses to becoming a full-time artist, creating meaningful miniature scenes. The podcast aims to celebrate the creativity of miniature makers and explore the diverse world of miniatures beyond just dollhouses, including dioramas and fine art.WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING ON YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZnHV7xkVZks?si=5OfNsEgmKVmTAIHILara Blair Art website: https://www.larablairartstudio.com/Lara Blair Art Studio IG: https://www.instagram.com/larablairartstudio/