Brandaen brings a beautiful look at a less-than-beautiful era in late 19th-century New Orleans, when lovely ladies practiced a particular profession in a specific district called Storyville. Brandaen's thorough research inspired the authentic look he wanted, and his attention to detail required hand placement of more than 3,000 clay bricks. Based on his photos of New Orleans, he designed the ornate wrought iron work and commissioned a former NASA employee to laser-cut the intricate pieces. He made the downstairs lighting fixtures, and the dolls wear handmade costumes of the period.

Congratulations Brandaen on winning Second Place (and a $300 Gift Certificate) in the 19th Creatin' Contest from HBS/miniatures.com.

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of Brandaen's intricate New Orleans manor!

Michelle's MiniTown Loft underwent major renovations - including soaking, forming and clamping layers of hardboard to create the curved walls - to become the half-inch scale fairytale setting she envisioned, but the moody foggy background was a happy surprise on the day she set aside for photos. Wallpaper stonework, Sculpy quoins and spackling stucco went into crafting the bears' cozy den, which is roofed and wrapped with shingles made from painted watercolor paper. It's nestled into a base of Styrofoam, surrounded by rocks made of aluminum foil with plaster of Paris. The figures and some landscape materials came from a model railroad supplier. She is proud of her project and has received compliments from family and friends, but says her third-place win is "like icing on the cake!"

Congratulations Michelle on winning Third Place (and a $200 Gift Certificate) in the 19th Creatin' Contest from HBS/miniatures.com.

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of Michelle's storybook masterpiece!