We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leslie Hopwood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leslie below.

Leslie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Beginning mini-makers enter the craft at a variety of ages and abilities, this is one of the things that make miniatures so interesting. A mini-maker who tells you they’ve been doing it since childhood probably began crafting tiny things from paper and scraps of fabrics and wood. Adults entering the craft often begin with a kit and once they have their fingers used to holding little stuff begin to branch off to what is most interesting to them.

A person does not have to make miniatures to enjoy miniature shows, magazines and other miniature events. A collector is as welcome as a crafter or artist of little things.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Personally I have been crafting and collecting miniatures since childhood. Like many others, once my children had grown I began to have a renewed interest in little things and was fortunate to learn there was a miniatures club in San Diego, called San Diego Miniature Crafters. It was in the club that the tradition of mini-making and collecting was encouraged by sharing projects, how-tos and sharing.

More than forty years ago San Diego Miniature Crafters committed themselves to hosting a miniatures show annually to support the hobby and the people who loved dollhouse miniatures. As the years have gone by, San Diego Miniature Crafters are unique in their endeavors because the annual miniatures show is organized and hosted entirely by volunteers.

The San Diego Miniatures Show & Sale brings together crafters, artists and collectors. A variety of vendors sell dollhouse scale miniatures. Sales items include one-of-a-kind artist pieces and kits as well as a variety of items in 1:12, 1:24 and 1:48th scale.

San Diego Miniature Crafters are proud to have been doing this as a nonprofit organization. Their commitment to the miniaturists has brought together more than forty thousand miniature loving people over all those years.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Nonprofits are not unlike any other business and when the San Diego Miniatures Show was forced to cancel their 47th annual event catastrophe could have followed if not for the dedication of the show committee. Corners were cut where those cuts would not compromise the event. vendors were contacted and excited to be back behind their sales tables.

It was a giant leap of faith. If no attendees attended this post-Covid show would be the last.

Its said that people with hobbies and interests turn to these interests in times of stress and it turns out Covid created a huge pent-up demand for a reopening of a Miniatures Show & Sale. Having missed a year, attendees and vendors alike were excited to be out and enjoying the San Diego Miniatures Show.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

For miniaturists, its not uncommon for someone to look at them and wonder what the attraction is. Why in the world would a person spent hours perfecting a teensy daisy or setting a pint sized table for a little kitchen?

Art can be like that. What is appealing to one is not appealing or understood by another. The drive to create or collect is individual and its process is as satisfying as the completed product. Almost universally, miniaturists will tell you that the creation of minuscule items or scenes is an escape from the mundane, a mini mental vacation. Often inspired by favorite memories, special people or events, miniatures create little time capsules not unlike a photo book.

For some, looking at these little creations is beyond their understanding. But everyone can appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and the loved memories that are now family heirlooms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sdminiatureshow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiego.minishow/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdminiatures

Image Credits
San Diego Miniatures Show & Sale