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| Every small detail is meticulously assembled |
Carefully crafted
Using a pair of scissors, Kim Anh carefully cuts a small piece of polka dot fabric, no bigger than a fingertip, folds it, and uses glue to shape it into a pillow. With delicate handling using a pair of pointed tweezers, the pillow is secured onto a tiny chair, no larger than half a matchbox, in just a short while.
Continuing her passion for tiny objects, Kim Anh shares: "Although it has been around for a long time, for many, miniatures, also known as small-scale models, are still relatively new. Nowadays, miniatures are popular among those who love collecting or assembling handmade products, such as dollhouses and roomboxes, which fit well with modern living."
Having had this hobby for over two years, the girl born in 2000 still prefers making miniature products by hand over ready-made ones. It's not just about the desire to measure, cut, and glue each small detail by herself; the joy also comes from the journey of creating and transforming these products.
Kim Anh says: "Although it takes a lot of time and effort, the results are truly meaningful. With my hands, I can turn plain pieces of fabric into blankets, pillows, mattresses, and decorations. Wooden pieces and cardboard become tables, chairs, and dried grass turns into trees and paintings. Each small detail gradually comes together, and with it, the happiness with each completed product grows."
For small roomboxes, Kim Anh only needs a few days to read instructions, cut, and assemble the details. For larger and more complex roomboxes, the time required can be measured in months. "Since I became passionate about this hobby, I have honed many skills. Along with meticulousness and patience, I have also expanded my imagination. Therefore, while with many models it is simply following instructions, there are still many details where I explore recycled materials, adding my personal touch and choices," Kim Anh shares.
Fascinating
Sharing a love for miniatures, Trang Anh's collection leans more towards collecting and arranging rather than crafting. Previously, ready-made roomboxes and dollhouses were hard to find as they were produced in countries like China, Japan, the US, and the UK, and were not very popular. Nowadays, with more people loving and collecting miniatures, many domestic brands have started creating beautiful and intricate roomboxes and dollhouses to meet customer demand.
Trang Anh says: "I discovered this hobby through various groups and really like roombox and dollhouse versions that reflect everyday life, like sugarcane juice carts and grocery stalls. Arranging and looking at these products is very cute, and it relaxes me a lot after stressful work hours." Currently, with the variety of models available, miniature enthusiasts can engage with the hobby at different price points, from hundreds to millions of dongs, or even for free.
Trang Anh shares: "In my opinion, that is also the charm of miniatures. Whether you have time or not, whether you are male or female, as long as you are passionate and put in the effort, you can create a small space that reflects your personal touch. When you don't have the means, you can make models of forests, landscapes, and houses from available materials. When you have more means, you can access more sophisticated, detailed, and expensive models. In any circumstance, miniatures are very fair and balanced."
To spread the passion for this hobby, besides regularly following miniature groups on social media, Kim Anh plans to organize workshops on making miniatures from easily accessible and recycled materials. "I hope that besides the models sold on e-commerce platforms, those who engage with this hobby can also create models with personal touches from scrap wood, fabric, stones, air-dry clay, cardboard, and cornhusks. This way, along with the diversity of materials and groups, miniatures will become increasingly known," Kim Anh says.