At ViVi’s Minis, I design and create dollhouse-scale accessories inspired by a lifetime of noticing the world’s tiny wonders.
I began making miniatures in the late 1970s. My focus was on quilled plants and a variety of small, inexpensive accessories that I sold through a local miniature shop. My burgeoning artistic career was interrupted by four years at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis - one of the early classes of women to attend - followed by a decade of active duty service. During that time, I flew in jet aircraft, traveled around the world, and started a family. I next spent many years working in aviation, counterdrug, and security programs in the federal government. We moved. A lot. My daughter attended nine different schools between kindergarten and ninth grade.
Over the nearly half century I've been working, I've visited 40 U.S. states and nearly 100 countries. These experiences have given me a sense of wonder and fascination with both natural and manmade creations. I never ceased being captivated by the smallest things and continue to enjoy turning life-size objects into life-like treasures.