From Daycare to Dollhouses When she is not caring for children through her daycare center she is busy with her hobby— crafting custom miniatures, commonly known as dollhouses. MeShelle Keel is gaining increasing popularity for her elaborate designs which are extravagant enough to make the wish list of both adults and children alike. People marvel at her miniature designs. They wonder where she learned how to build them, but Keel attributes her talent to years of cultivating her hobby. “I have had no formal training,” said Keel. “I have always been fascinated with structure, architecture, building etc. Since the age of four or five, I loved to draw and sketch homes. In high school I would go and buy wood and build things in our basement. Now, as an adult I build them. Keel says for years, her busy schedule prevented her from building her designs. However, when she found herself home caring for twins that she bore prematurely, in her down time, she took to her hobby and since continued honing her craft. “I have been at it for the last 18 years consistently, she said. Keel, who has since survived Cancer twice and finds building designs therapeutic. “My homes are one-of-a-kind houses that I build. I “kit-bash,” --that is, I take a dollhouse kit, take it apart and completely reconfigure it,” Keel said. “I mostly build the houses. I decorate them and electrify them. I love doing restaurants because not only do I build the design, I make all the food out of polymer clay, so it looks like real food you’d find in a real restaurant.” These days Keel builds her designs in her home showroom, however by Jan 1, she hopes to open a showroom/office in either downtown Pinole or El Sobrante. Patrons will be able to purchase her designs or order custom designs that she would build. She also kits, food and place settings for other enthusiasts to enjoy. Patrons will be able to purchase supplies, such as wall paper, flooring, shingles etc.—all the things a person can buy to enhance their dollhouse. 70 MARKETPLACEcontrac osta .com november 2014 By Kia Croom In addition to selling the designs and supplies at her showroom, Keel hopes to provide a space where hobbyists can come in and work on their own miniatures and get help as needed. For those thinking of taking on miniature design as a hobby, Keel has a few words of advice. “Start out with a room box-that is one room and decorate it the way you like,” she laughed. “Secondly, don’t over spend trying to furnish your design. Supplies and furniture is really costly.” Keel says when she first started out she couldn’t afford to buy the furniture and appliance for the designs. As a result, she learned to make her own. She recalls making her own food and place settings before moving onto building her own furniture and appliances. “I make and manipulate normal everyday things into items for the miniature. By me being thrifty, I’m saving money and I’ve also learned how to make my miniatures unique. Lastly, Keel recommends exercising patience, when nurturing this hobby.
Contra Costa Marketplace - Nov 2014
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