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 Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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