About Jeepers Miniatures

A Christmas Special From Jeepers Miniatures

2011-12-28T13:10:00.006-05:00

Jeepers 1st Annual Trees for Charity Event

2011-12-11T16:21:00.003-05:00

Beginning Monday, November 7, 2011 we invited anyone to participate in our First Annual Christmas Trees for Charity event. You can still stop by Jeepers and pick up a free miniature Christmas tree to be decorated and returned to the shop for entry in the fund-raising competition. The tree must be mounted on a cardboard base not to exceed 6" square. All we ask is that participants agree to decorate and return the tree for display and judging throughout the month of December. Participants are limited only by their imagination! Create a country tree, a Victorian tree, a patrotic tree, whatever inspires you. Make your own ornaments, use beads, ribbons, whatever (non-food) items that you wish. Its all up to you. Its all for fun and a great cause. The trees will be on display in the shop throughout the month of December, during which time visitors will vote for their favorite tree by depositing money into the corresponding box above the trees. Anyone was welcome to participate. There are two categories: Youth (13 and under) and Adult. Prizes will awarded to one winner in each group. Trees are to be picked up the first week in January, following the event. Unclaimed trees will be sold.

Contact Jeepers (812-597-4346) for additional details.

All proceeds will benefit the Morgantown Community Kitchen. Trees will be on display the entire month of December. Vistors to the area and Jeepers are invited to choose their favorite. If you can't visit the shop, you can place your $1, $3 or $5 vote online using PayPal! The event is great fun and funds a great cause!

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED, BUT YOU CAN STILL SEE THE ENTRIES...

Click Here to see all of the entrants.

A Contest, a Party, a Class and a Job Opportunity

2011-11-06T21:04:00.011-05:00

Check out what we had to say in our November 2011 Newsletter by clicking here!

October at Jeepers Dollhouse Miniatures

2011-10-06T21:52:00.001-04:00

To read our latest e-newsletter and learn what's going on at Jeepers this month, click here

What's all the Talk About Quilts & Cabins?

2011-06-03T16:30:00.005-04:00

Check out what we had to say on the subject by clicking on the clicking here!

Jeepers Miniatures Mention in "Ghostly Hauntings of Interstate 65"

2011-05-13T15:45:00.000-04:00

Jeepers is mentioned in one of the stories by Joanna Foreman in her book Ghostly Hauntings of Interstate 65. Too cool! Check out the preview!

Hobbit House

2011-05-09T08:15:00.000-04:00

I wonder which came first, the story or the house. Here's another interesting home for living or recreating in miniature (even smaller than a Hobbit). This one would really require some thought to make the interior of its miniature counterpart both accessible and visible for the curious.

Takasugi-an

2011-05-08T08:22:00.000-04:00

Among the more unique houses posted on the This Old House website, I found myself fascinated by the Takasugi-an house. Visit their website to learn more about this interesting abode.

Jeepers May E-Newsletter

2011-05-07T11:26:00.000-04:00

...is now available here!

Unique Dollhouse Inspirations

2011-05-07T08:35:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, the This Old House website offers some wonderful inspiration for dollhouse enthusiasts. Homes vary drastically from across a community to around the world. These are delightfully inspiring domiciles. Can you imagine living in one of these unique homes? Of course, you can always challenge yourself to recreate in miniature! Time to get out the calculator and sketch book.

American House Styles

2011-05-06T08:27:00.000-04:00

Miniaturists and dollhouse builders are always on the lookout for something new and unusual to create. Inspiration and ideas come from a variety of sources. One example of a resource for American house styles is the This Old House website. Check it out.

I often find myself studying houses in my travels. When I notice something about a house that reflects a vintage design, classic line, or unique feature, I find myself drawn to it and when time allows I'll stop by and try to get a closer look or snap a photograph. What is your favorite house style? What characteristic about a house might turn your head? Have you ever discovered a real life house that you think would make the perfect dollhouse or miniature scale replica?

Miniature Punchneedle Rug Class

2011-04-29T08:34:00.000-04:00

Learn to do miniature punchneedle while creating a simple rug. All tools and supplies provided. Class will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 1:30 pm. Registration required by May 14, 2011.

Once you have learned the basic application taught in this class, you will be able to master finer stitching techniques for even more beautiful and complex rug designs as well as chenille bedspreads.

A Miniature Quilt Shop at Jeepers!

2011-04-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

Two-day workshop during which we will create a miniature quilt shop in a roombox. Materials and instructions for making a fabric bolt rack, magazine rack, fabric bolts, fat quarters, faux quilts, magazines, and a few simple accessories are included in the cost. A roombox, student's choice of wallpaper and flooring are also included. A list of additional supplies and materials will be provided at registration. Class date: June 11 and 12, 2011 starting at 10 am (till about 5 pm) each day. Class Cost: $155 (Registration and $75 deposit is required by May 28, 2011). Class size is limited to 6 students. Click here to register today.

Join us for a fun mini project that you can complete in the weekend!

Special Weather Announcement!

2011-02-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

Due to the winter ice storm moving across central Indiana (and many other areas), the shop will be closed today, Tuesday, February 1, 2011 and Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Road conditions here are hazardous and we are anticipating more icing and snow on top of what already exists. Be sure to call 812-597-4346 or check the website before heading to the shop.

Although the shop is closed, you can still shop online and take 15% off your entire order of regular-priced in-stock items. Offer may not be combined with any other discount or coupon. Purchases will be processed in order or receipt. Items are automatically removed from the website as they are ordered. Only available stock at time of sale processing will be discounted.

To use the coupon online enter code GRNDHOG and be sure to share this offer with friends and family.

Visit jeepersminiatures.com today!

Offer Expires: February 2, 2011

What's New at Jeepers Miniatures

2011-01-26T02:24:00.000-05:00

What's New at Jeepers Miniatures

Jeepers Open House

2010-12-06T06:15:00.000-05:00

You're invited! Click here for details.

September Newsletter from Jeepers

2010-09-05T09:07:00.000-04:00

Click here for a look at our latest newsletter.

Countdown to Reopening at New Location

2010-08-14T18:27:00.000-04:00

After much deliberation, we decided it is time to move. We discovered a lovely new space just up the road from our current location. The new location offers plenty of convenient parking right in front of the shop! We are working on our space plan at the moment and hope to create a wonderful workshop-classroom area for plenty of events and activities. Check back to follow our progress.

Another Creation from Jimmy Landers

2010-08-13T17:47:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite builders is doing it again. He has completed his most recent miniature home: Here's a slideshow of the final product, which he calls the Helmerich. Enjoy!

Van Cortlandt Manor

2010-03-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Nancy F.R. for sharing this link to the house that inspired the "low country house." She remembers that the plans for the house were originally available in a miniature magazine some 30 years ago. To learn more about the Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton on Hudson in Westchester, NY. click here

Bad Boy

2010-02-21T12:31:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share this cartoon I received in response to having built the miniature electric chair.

Winter White Sale

2010-02-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, when we are holding our annual in-store only winter white sale. If any item you purchase while visiting the shop is white (even a little), we'll take 15% off its regular price. Our winter white sale applies only to in-stock merchandise throughout the month of February. You'll be surprised how many mini things are white! Let the hunt begin.

Where's Waldo?

2010-02-01T14:56:00.000-05:00

Burr, it's been cold across the Country! I suspect that's why we have a unique visitor to Jeepers Dollhouse Miniatures website this month. Waldo, of "Where's Waldo" fame has dropped in for a visit looking for something fun to do indoors. He's spending the month discovering all that miniatures have to offer for children, adults and families. Your challenge is to find Waldo among the miniatures and information at our website.

He will be moving around the website starting February 1, 2010 and you know he doesn't stay in one place very long, so every week you'll have the opportunity to find him again. Don't wait, find Waldo today! The first person to find Waldo will win a $25 gift certificate that will be good online or in the shop. Everyone else who places an order for in-stock merchandise during February 2010 and tells us Where Waldo is located (use the order note section during the check-out process), will receive 15% off their order (we will apply the discount during processing). Sorry, but we will not be able to discount orders made with PayPal. Remember, each Tuesday, Waldo will move to a new location within the website. Where's Waldo will end on April 12, 2010.

Waldo has left the website temporarily beginning Friday, March 26th until 10 am Monday, March 29 while the website undergoes some maintenance. Your chance to win resumes Monday!

TM & © 2008 Entertainment Rights Distribution Limited. All rights reserved.

Video Tour of the Low Country Dollhouse

2010-01-12T15:27:00.000-05:00

In addition to the still photographs, we figured we try to include a video tour for a better look into this large house. Click the |> arrow to start the video.

The Miniature Electric Chair

2010-01-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

As is typical, we had a customer wandering around the shop studying miniatures. During his exploration, we chatted about miniatures and the amazing variety and styles available. He didn’t appear to be looking for anything in particular, but suddenly he turned to me with a sheepish expression on his face. “Please don’t think I’m strange, but I collect miniature chairs.” Being accustomed to miniaturists and the sometimes unusual items they request, I assured him I did not think him strange. His next statement did surprise me: “I’m looking for an electric chair.”

I’m sure my expression revealed my surprise. I must admit, it was an interesting request. He went on to explain that while he and his wife do collect miniature chairs, he is in security, and someone examining his collection noted that it did not include a chair that could be loosely associated with his profession. Thus began his hunt for a miniature electric chair. I was quite certain that I had never seen an electric chair in miniature, but I suggested that he leave his name and phone number and that I would try to fulfill his request.

Soon after he left the shop, I began my quest. I called several vendors who I thought might make such an item, I searched through my files of artisans, and I surfed the Internet. No luck. I did, however, stumble upon “Li'l Sparky” a You Tube video someone made on a battery operated miniature electric chair. Quite funny in a dark way, but not what I’m sure he had in mind. During the course of the next couple weeks, I asked and searched, but came up empty. Then one day I came across a website about “The Mystery Electric Chair.” Interestingly enough, the site included a schematic for a 19th Century electric chair; the origins of which the author was trying to learn. As I looked at the drawings, it dawned on me that the lines were simple and reproducible in miniature. Thus began the building of my electric chair.

I assembled the basic structure rather quickly, but then I was confronted with the problem of the electrical and wiring details. As I hunted through my various supplies, I found several components that I thought would work. While wiring and adding the fittings, I briefly considered electrifying it, but decided it was unnecessary. I was certain my customer wanted just the chair.

The entire process was delightfully weird, but fun. My family got a big kick out of the concept and the kids thought it was “cool” and “awesome.” It never ceases to amaze me what kids find cool! My daughter even posted a picture of it on her MySpace page. I learned more about the electric chair that I care to admit.

I was a little nervous the day my customer arrived to pick up his chair. He was delighted when I called to tell him we had a chair for him, and even more so when he learned that I had crafted it specifically for him. I held my breath as I took it from the box to show him. A huge grin spread across his face when he saw the fruits of my labor. He carefully turned it to inspect the details and just kept grinning. I guess I had a winner!

Interesting Acquisition

2010-01-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

Jeepers recently acquired two dollhouses from an estate. We are posting information on one of them here because we are looking for ideas and suggestions from creative and talented miniaturists. While we are offering it for sale, we are also exploring the possibility that we might remodel or modify the dollhouse. Feel free to jump in anytime with your suggestions and recommendations.

This dollhouse is about 57" wide, 31" deep, and 34" high. It is mounted on a wheeled platform, bringing it to an overall height of 56". Watch for a video tour of the interior.

Have you heard about the 3/50 Project?

2010-01-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

Support your brick and mortar shops! Learn how here:

Working Miniature Television

2009-11-04T20:52:00.000-05:00

Check out one of the newest technologies in dollhouse miniatures! Click the arrow on the video picture to see it in action.

Miniature Flat Screen TV from Scott on Vimeo.

To visit Jeepers Dollhouse Miniatures, for more information on the working dollhouse television for your dollhouse or roombox, click here.

Island Crafts

2009-09-10T15:28:00.000-04:00

We have been constantly updating our inventory selection. Be sure to check our our latest additions. Island Crafts: "Island Crafts & Miniatures produces a wonderful selection of metal miniatures ranging from 144th scale dollhouse furniture to amazing tools and historic period pieces. Island Crafts and Miniatures is handmade in the U.S.A."

September Stimulus Sale

2009-09-03T14:46:00.000-04:00

September 5, 2009 begins our September Stimulus Sale to help you get excited again about your miniatures. Now is the perfect time to drag that project out of the closet, out of the box, or from under the bed. There’s no better time than now to remodel that old dollhouse or complete the kit that’s been sitting around. Let us help with suggestions, ideas and 20% off!

We want to stimulate your creativity and spur on your opportunity to complete a mini project now. Maybe you know a little girl who would love that old dollhouse of yours. Or, just enjoy the pride you’ll feel when you complete that dollhouse your always wanted for yourself! You can finish a lot in the three months before Christmas.

Starting with the roof and working through the house, each Saturday in September, we are offering you 20% off a different item for building (or rebuilding) a dollhouse. Specific in-stock items will be on sale each Saturday only.

 Starting with the roof, you can take 20% off all in-stock paint and asphalt or wood shingles on September 5, 2009.

 September 12, 2009 is the perfect date to acquire new doors, windows, trims or stairs when all in-stock wood components will be 20% off.

 If you’re finishing the inside of your dollhouse or roombox be sure to stop at Jeepers on September 19, 2009 and choose from our broad selection of wallpapers and carpeting.

 Finally, on September 26, 2009 populate your dollhouse by choosing from our selection of dolls from playable to collectible when they are on sale at 20% off.

Remember select in-stock items are only on sale on specific Saturdays in September.

Also, be sure to watch for our grand-reopening of our website coming up in October 2009! We will be announcing new products and offering a variety of specials throughout the month of October….National Dollhouse and Miniatures Month. Watch your email for our official announcement.

We also just returned from a fabulous trade show and will be revealing our new finds over the next couple weeks. You’ll be the first to see many new items when you visit Jeepers during September.

If you want to be in the loop about what's happening at Jeepers, visit us online and signup for our newsletter.

We look forward to helping stimulate your mini-creativity!

A Dollhouse for Samantha

2008-08-05T10:37:00.000-04:00

Every once and awhile something happens that just touches your heartstrings. A few weeks ago I received an email from a customer who had taken on a labor of love for a little girl who lost all of her personal possessions in the June floods that ravaged the Midwest.

Alessandra and Joe Ferrerio didn't know a lot about Samantha, the daughter of an oncology nurse at the hospital, but they wanted to do something special for her that might help alleviate the pain of loss. Samantha is a 12-year-old whose bedroom was in the basement of her Columbus, Indiana home. Needless to say, while she and her family did not suffer personal harm, she lost all those things near and dear to a young lady. Hospital workers and Alessandra's church worked together to replace necessities like a bed and clothing, etc. for Samantha.

Alessandra is a nurse at Columbus Hospital in Columbus, Indiana, so she knows first hand the devastation of the floods. Columbus Hospital just opened its ER this week, but it will be months before it is up and running due to the massive damage done to the lower levels. She shared with me some of the stories of the tremendous effort on the part of staff trying to cleanup the hospital and help those who like Samantha and her family suffered from the flooding.

She told me the story about receiving a dollhouse kit several years back from a relative of a hospice patient. Although Alessandra and her husband were already building a dollhouse together, the patient's relative told her "you'll know what to do with it some day." When she remembered the dollhouse and its story, she knew she had found her "something special" for Samantha. I too found those words inspiring and knew I had to help.

"It just broke my heart," Alessandra said as she related the scene described by Samantha's dad when she arrived home after the flood (she had spent a couple of days at her grandparent's home). His eyes welled up as he said "when we brought her home she saw all her muddy belongings out on the front lawn and just sobbed and sobbed."

"I am sure at 12 your whole life is in your room," Alessandra added. "This will be an opportunity to inspire her to rebuild and stay a kid for a while more. And I imagine her with her own family someday passing on the dollhouse and the story of how it came to her."

I haven't done as much as Alessandra and Joe. They did the building and decorating (and a wonderful job at that). I've just tried reaching out to other miniaturists who might share one or two extra pieces of furniture they have on hand to fill the lovely dollhouse for Samantha.

To date we have a living room, compliments of Madison Avenue Miniaturists, a N.A.M.E. sanctioned club that meets in Franklin, Indiana; a kitchen thanks to "Army" Armstrong, a kind gentleman who happened to overhear a telephone conversation about Samantha while he was in the shop; and a bathroom and master bedroom (Jeepers own humble contribution). We have received several other offers for items that we expect to receive soon. If you have something you'd like to contribute, contact me at cheryl@jeepersminiatures.com.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed. I'm sure we will see one very happy and surprised young lady very soon. We are working on the details of the "reveal." Watch for updates! Our tentative date is August 24, 2008.

Click the picture of the dollhouse to see more pictures and watch the progress as we fill the rooms!

American Miniaturist Magazine

2008-06-12T06:27:00.000-04:00

A couple months ago I had an unexpected visit from a writer at American Miniaturist magazine who wanted to do a feature on Jeepers! What a wonderful surprise! Joyce Mori is a delightful lady who wrote a lovely piece on us. Thank you so much Joyce and the folks at American Miniaturist magazine.

Click on the magazine pages to read the article.

Short Slide Show

2008-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click on the arrow to see learn a little more about Jeepers Miniatures!

Announcing Jeepers Realty!

2008-05-02T07:24:00.000-04:00

We are frequently visited or receive calls from customers looking to us to buy or sell their dollhouse. Whether they need to downsize or would like to upgrade, the reasons are as diverse as the dollhouses they offer. For this reason, we decided to create Jeepers Realty, a website for dollhouse buyers and sellers to exchange miniature real estate. Take a few minutes and explore the website. Be sure to check back to see what new houses come on the market!

Our Brown County

2008-03-19T06:14:00.001-04:00

In April 2007 we were featured in Our Brown County. Click here to read the article.

A Peek Inside

2008-03-19T06:13:00.001-04:00

Click on speaker symbol at right to turn sound on or off.

Treasures of Indiana

2008-03-19T06:12:00.001-04:00

We are featured in the just released 2008 publication. You can pick up an issue of this beautiful coffee table book through the website or at Jeepers.