Squirrels, ducks, and mice are cute as they are, but they become even cuter when they're miniaturized. Artist and biologist Fanni Sandors handcrafted miniature animal figurines are small enough to fit on your fingertips. Each 1:12 scale mini animal is handcrafted from clay and then painted for realistic detail.
Since childhood, Sandow has been fascinated by all things miniature. She created her first sculptures, made from toothpicks, candle wax, paper and glue, when she was only six years old and has never stopped since. "In our country, there is no tradition of 1:12 scale miniature production," she said. "In my twenties, I encountered the work of the first professional miniature painter through the Internet. I was completely fascinated."
Using her background in biology, Sandow aims to make her miniature animals as close to real as possible. Before making prototype sketches, she first studied photos of her subject. Once hes ready to begin making his models, Sandow carefully sculpts each piece from clay and wire using a variety of tools. After baking, the artist uses small chisels to detail the animals' shapes, then uses paint to bring them to life. She sometimes adds faux fur and feathers to make the fluffy creatures more realistic.
Artist Fanny Sando’s handcrafted animal toy models are tiny.
Each tiny critter is sculpted from clay and then painted by hand.
Using her background in biology, Sandow’s animal models were dissectedIts all super realistic - but in a 1:12 scale.
