The Little World

It would appear that one of the WA miniatures clubs set themselves a task this year to make miniature scenes in some of the decorative tin lanterns that are appearing on the craft and decor scene. As an old re-enactor who has used candle lanterns for years at camps I sort of applaud this on a tentative basis.

Of course, the hard-core re-enactor with his burning wick set in animal fat would pooh pooh a decorative tin lantern as much as he would an authentic one…but he is not being asked to give up his Little World for the ones envisaged by the dollhouse ladies. They are delighted to have such a good product ready for their touch.

The deliberate use of a third-party item to contain a Little World is nothing new – there have been ships in bottles for hundreds of years. Book cases, record players, coffee tables, and any form of enclosed space has been turned into a boundary for a little world. In this case the craft, garden, and furniture shops have come to the rescue. And unlike the people who try to build a little world inside a cast-off television cabinet, the Lantern Ladies have something that can he transported as easily as picking it up. It even has a hook or handle on the top to help.

a. Fairies, gnomes, and toadstools.

b. The Boudoir

c. The Collector’s Study

d. Pet Refuge

e. Tea In The Conservatory

f. Witchery

It sure beats putting tea-lights into them and letting them rust on the patio. Let’s hear it for the Lantern Ladies.