Artist Hand-Sculpts Anatomically Correct Miniature Animal Sculptures

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

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Squirrels, ducklings, and mice are already pretty cute as they are, but they’re even more adorable in miniature. Artist and  biologist Fanni Sandor crafts tiny animal figurines that are small enough to perch on your fingertip. Each anatomically correct, 1:12 scale dollhouse miniature is hand-sculpted from polymer clay, before being painted with realistic details.

Sandor has been captivated by all things miniature since childhood. She created her first sculpture at just six years old—made from toothpicks, candle wax, paper, and glue—and hasn’t looked back since. “In my country, there (are) no traditions of the 1:12 scale miniature making,” she says. “In my twenties, I met the first professional miniaturist’s work through the internet. I was completely fascinated.”

Applying her background in biology, Sandor’s goal is to make her miniatures as close to their real counterparts as possible. She first studies photos of her subjects, before making prototype sketches. Once she’s ready to start making her model, Sandor uses a variety of tools to meticulously sculpt each piece from polymer clay and wire. After baking, the artist then uses a small chisel to refine the animal's form, and then brings them to life using paint. She sometimes adds faux fur and feathers to make fluffy creatures even more realistic.

Check out some of Sandor’s dollhouse miniatures below and find more of her teeny-tiny critters on Instagram. If you’re dying to hold one of her cute creations in your hands, keep an eye on Sandor’s Etsy shop for new listings.

Artist Fanni Sandor crafts animal dollhouse miniatures that are small enough to perch on your fingertip.

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Each tiny critter is sculpted from polymer clay and painted by hand.

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Applying her background in biology, Sandor’s animal miniatures are all anatomically correct—but at 1:12 scale.

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Dollhouse Miniatures by Fanni Sandor

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Miniature Animals by Fanni Sandor

Fanni Sandor: Facebook | Instagram | Etsy

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Fanni Sandor.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Staff Writer and Video Editor at My Modern Met. She earned a BA in Fashion and Textile Design at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Originally from Northern Ireland, she lived in Berlin for many years, where she fostered a career in the arts, dabbling in everything from illustration and animation to music and ceramics. She now calls Edinburgh home, where she continues to work as a writer, illustrator, and ceramicist. Her ceramics, often combined with hand-painted animation frames, capture playful scenes that celebrate freedom and movement, and blend her passion for art with storytelling. Her illustrations have been featured in The Berliner Magazine as well as other print magazines and a poetry book.
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