There is a new store on etsy and it is offering some 1:6 doll furniture that is really special. I could not resist the Living Room set, and the photos here are of that set. One of the things I found special about this furniture is the weight. The pieces are heavy enough that they don't tip over or move while posing your dolls. What follows is my interview with Debbie, the owner of Napkin Maps on etsy.
Q: The name of your shop is unusual, how did you come to choose Napkin Maps?
Debbie:
Debbie:
My husband and I were coming up with a list of names for another business we are interested in. Napkin Maps ended up on the list and I just loved it! The name really has nothing at all to do with my work but something about it reminded me of "me".
Q: When did you start creating 1:6 furniture?
Debbie:
Q: When did you start creating 1:6 furniture?
Debbie:
Last year one of my granddaughters was showing me some doll furniture she wanted for Christmas. I felt as though we already had enough plastic in the "doll area" and wanted it to look more "real". I made a lot of furniture for her and everyone loved it. After enough people said "you should sell this", I decided to give it a whirl. So, really only a few months.
Q: What is your process? Do you make drawings? Do you start with one thing and go from there?
Debbie:
Q: What is your process? Do you make drawings? Do you start with one thing and go from there?
Debbie:
It's all about color for me. I usually start with a fabric swatch, and then start thinking about the wood. Light wood, dark wood etc. I start assembling fabric, wood scraps, paper, different textures, and start building a story. I do some photography as well and that is one of my favorite parts of this - getting the good picture. When I think I'm finished with some of the dioramas I have built, I sit back and ask myself what I would put in there if it were my house.
Q: The Fireplace set I purchased from you is exceptional in its detail. The chopped wood is to scale and looks perfect.
I noticed that you have re-purposed wood in some of your offerings. How do you choose your materials?
Debbie:
Q: The Fireplace set I purchased from you is exceptional in its detail. The chopped wood is to scale and looks perfect.
I noticed that you have re-purposed wood in some of your offerings. How do you choose your materials?
Debbie:
I used to do a lot of assemblage art and so have some old wood in my shop. Modern fabric mixed with old wood is really appealing to me. Everything I make is something I would want in my home (on a larger scale of course).
Q: Your style is a wonderful mash up of Mad Men meets Today’s Modern. Is that what we would find in your home?
Debbie:
Q: Your style is a wonderful mash up of Mad Men meets Today’s Modern. Is that what we would find in your home?
Debbie:
Yes, in some rooms of my home. The fireplace wall is something I've always have wanted to build in my living room. Until that day comes my motto is "make it small".
Thanks so much Debbie for taking the time to answer my questions. I love my Living Room. I am saving to buy the Spa Style Bathroom...!
Visit Napkin Maps here:
Next Up:
For awhile now I have been wanting to do a circus theme with my dolls. My doodles include props and fashions and animals...and I have finally started. The photos that follow are a peek into what will be coming. A work in progress.
Remember that comments made in April and May will get you entries into the next drawing. The prize will be one of my handmade creatures- I have not decided which one yet. When I do, I will post a photo :)
Cheers, PB
