All classes are in miniature 1:12 scale unless specified otherwise.
More classes are coming soon. Check back for updates.
July 23, 2026 is the registration deadline for all classes.
Registrations after this date at the instructor’s discretion. Cancellations received before July 23, 2026 will receive a refund to their original payment method minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued after this date as instructors will have begun shipping materials to the event. Some teachers will have kits that can be mailed after the event, but this is per teacher and shipping will be extra.
With all classes, we highly recommend students bring personal tools, lighting and magnification, based upon their personal needs.
Dollhouse Wiring and Finishing 101
Instructor: John Fowler
Thursday, August 6, 8:00am - 12:00pm
or Thursday, August 6, 1:00 – 5:00pm
Do you want to learn how to wire and finish your dollhouse? Then this workshop is for you.
This course teaches you what you need to know:
We look at how the wires are best hidden, and how we can plan grouping electrical items to make installation and trouble shooting in the future easier.
We will also delve into general building techniques, wallpapering, flooring, ceiling decoration as most of these skills go hand in hand with wiring your dollhouse.
Tools to bring: I will have enough tools for the class but if you wish to bring your own, I will be happy to help you adjust them. Throughout the class I will explain which tools I find useful and explain the different levels of complexity and quality of the tool we can use.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 12
IGMA Members $115 / Non-Members $125
Register for Thursday morning class Register for Thursday afternoon class
Fairy Mouse
Instructor: Beth Freeman-Kane, IGMA Fellow
Friday, August 7, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Students will create a beautifully detailed 1/12 scale Fairy Mouse in its natural habitat, a whimsical yet elegant piece that works perfectly as a standalone vignette or as part of a larger miniature garden scene. This project offers both artistry and storytelling, making it a standout addition to any miniature collection. Each student will receive a fairy mouse cast directly from Beth’s original sculpture (not 3D printed), ensuring crisp detail and expressive character that truly sets this piece apart.
Throughout the class, students will be guided step by step through fine-detail painting techniques designed to bring the mouse to life. Instruction will focus on color layering, shading, and highlighting to enhance texture and personality, making the finished mouse feel warm, lively, and full of charm. No guesswork, every technique is demonstrated clearly and at a comfortable pace.
In addition to painting, students will learn landscaping techniques using a variety of unique materials to create a natural, cohesive environment around the piece. From ground cover to subtle finishing details, the class emphasizes composition and realism while encouraging creativity and individual expression. This class is designed to be both educational and thoroughly enjoyable. Students will leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a delightful, finished project they’ll be proud to display, and quite possibly show off to fellow miniaturists who will ask, “Where did you learn to do that?”
Students supplies and tools needed: Tweezers, Fine scissors, craft knife, stylus or plant shaping tool, very fine paintbrush (round size 000 Windsor & Newton, Cotman is good), pin vise with size 78 drill bit (optional, can use instructor’s.) Good lighting and magnification strongly recommended.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Max. Students: 10
IGMA Members $240 / Non-Members $250
Painted Connecticut Blanket Chest
Instructor: Christine Hannon, IGMA Fellow
Thursday, August 6, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Students will learn decorative painting and aging techniques using a 1/12 scale Connecticut Blanket Chest artisan-crafted for IGMA by Pam Boorum. Under Christine’s guidance, students will create their own folk-art designs while exploring personalized color combinations inspired by historical examples.
Prior to the class, students will receive historic design options by email, allowing scaled templates to be prepared and ready for use during the workshop. Instruction will cover the full process, including design transfer, color mixing, brushwork, glazing, waxing, and distressing techniques to achieve an authentic aged finish.
The class fee includes all materials, the miniature blanket chest (approximately 1″ deep × 2.5″ tall × 3″ wide), and a selection of miniature brushes for students to take home. This class offers a wonderful balance of historical inspiration, hands-on technique, and creative freedom, resulting in a beautifully finished heirloom-style miniature.
Students supplies and tools needed: Magnifiers and extra lighting are recommended.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 12
IGMA Members $240 / Non-Members $250
Three Painted Hat Stands
Instructor: Christine Hannon, IGMA Fellow
Friday, August 7, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Students will enjoy a creative and engaging class painting three vintage-style hat stands in 1/12 scale (approximately 1.5″ × 1.75″ × 2″ tall). These charming pieces are perfect for a boudoir setting, a miniature retail shop, or simply to add a touch of whimsy to any collection.
The class will cover all essential steps, including surface preparation, design planning, brushwork techniques, and proper sealing to ensure a professional, long-lasting finish. Instruction will be presented in a clear, supportive manner, making the class suitable for a range of experience levels.
A variety of trims and embellishments will be provided for students who wish to create and add Art Deco–inspired fascinators or dimensional decorative collars, allowing for personalization and creative expression.
This class combines solid painting instruction with playful design elements, resulting in three delightfully finished pieces that students will be proud to display.
Students supplies and tools needed: Magnifiers and extra lighting are recommended.
Skill Level: All levels
Max. Students: 12
IGMA Members $60 / Non-Members $70
Faux Stained Glass Shades, Chandeliers & Bowls
Instructor: Ginger Landon Siegel
Friday, August 7, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
This fun and relaxing class introduces a simple and creative technique using a familiar product from childhood. Students will learn how to design, color, and shape faux stained-glass lampshades, chandeliers, and bowls, all created using Saran Wrap.
Instruction will include an overview of the different shrink-art products, how to properly prepare them, coloring options, shaping tools, and the unique heating process used to create finished pieces for 1″ scale miniature scenes. The technique can also be adapted to produce certain styles of pieces suitable for smaller scales.
Depending on individual working speed, students can expect to complete six to eight finished pieces during the class. Each participant will receive written instructions, design ideas, and access to a variety of shaping tools, along with trims, beads, and filigree elements to enhance their creations. To ensure nothing goes to waste, students will also learn a creative method for using the remaining shrink plastic after cutting out their designs.
This class offers an enjoyable, low-stress way to learn a versatile technique while producing multiple eye-catching accessories for miniature settings.
Students supplies and tools needed: A variety of colored pencils will be provided for use in class. Students can bring their own larger variety of color pencils. Magnification and extra lighting if needed.
Skill Level: All levels.
Max. Students: 15
IGMA Members $82 / Non-Members $92
Dressing Dolls in Miniature - Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
Instructor: Rachelle Spiegel
Friday, August 7, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
This class is designed for anyone interested in creating miniature clothing for dolls, mannequins, or display pieces within a collection or scene. Students will explore a wide variety of techniques used to construct miniature garments suitable for any scale , whether for a fully dressed figure or a carefully styled vignette.
Instruction will cover how to select fabrics appropriate to scale, fit patterns accurately to a doll or mannequin, and determine when to sew versus when to use adhesive for best results. Students will learn how to cut final patterns, create clean hems and seams, pleat fabric, execute faux smocking, and skillfully manipulate lace and ribbons. Additional techniques include tying uniform bows and creating custom trimmings such as silk roses and rosettes.
Each student will leave with hands-on samples of every technique taught, a fully illustrated instructional pamphlet covering all class material, and a selection of basic patterns to help jump-start future projects.
This comprehensive class offers practical skills, creative confidence, and plenty of inspiration, perfect for expanding any miniature wardrobe.
Students supplies and tools needed: Small, sharp fabric scissors, scissors for paper, fine pointed tweezers, glue applicator (glue syringe or squeeze bottle with small tip,) pencil, and ruler. Please bring magnification, small light and extension cord if you need them.
Skill Level: All levels.
Max. Students: 12
IGMA Members $85 / Non-Members $95