The miniaturists behind Creatin’ 2.0

Erica

Lindsay

Kelly

Why we wanted to do this

Lindsay’s Why

Hey hey!! My name is Lindsay and I first participated in the Creatin’ Contest in 2023. The kit was the Martin Stall and the inspiration I got just from seeing the kit was...batehouse. My Dad passed in 2018 and Grumpy Old Men was a favorite of his...I can hear his laugh and gasp for air while laughing right now thinking about that movie. So...the Grumpy Old Men Bait Shop was born!

I made over 500 bobbers out of red map pins and even made Max's lucky fishing pole out of clay. I never would have engulfed myself in touching every detail and making all those...out of my wheelhouse...things if it weren't for this contest. I was ‘hooked!

In 2024 I created a Circus inspired ballet studio...I know I know ...how do those two go together...well they shouldn't...but that’s the best part of this contest...YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOUR HEART WANTS TO CREATE!

When I learned the contest was ending...shot to the soul...no more random projects to look forward to and imagine and create for a year? What a bummer!!!

The miniature community needs this contest...not just because it’s a contest...but we need to create...we need motivators and people hearing out crazy ideas so they are encouraged to think more about their crazy ideas! We need to have mini goals and giant goals and things that push us and help is think differently! We need to learn new skills and try all the crazy stuff just to try!! This contest made me a better miniaturist and allowed for a space to just simply get lost...in miniatures.

Lindsay’s Past Creatin’ Contest Projects

  • Grumpy Old Men Bait Shop

    2023 Creatin' Contest Entry

  • Grumpy Old Men Bait House

    2023 Creatin' Contest Entry

  • The Ringmaster's Pirouette

    2024 Creatin' Contest Entry

  • The Ringmaster's Pirouette

    2024 Creatin' Contest Entry

Erica’s Why

I first entered the miniatures.com Creatin’ Contest in 2024. I loved that it provided both a constraint (the kit) and a deadline. It gave me a reason to start a new mini project, and a reason to finish it.

I created a miniature Bar/Restuarant that was inspired by the farm-to-table restaurants of Northern California, named after my dog, Pinto.

I was really excited to participate again in 2025, and disappointed to learn that the contest was put on hold when miniatures.com changed ownership. Still, I decided to keep making my project anyway, and to roughly stick to the original deadline. I ended up making something I really love (my miniature store, Pinto's Provisions), and I so enjoyed seeing what other miniaturists created from the same starting point.

Outside of mini-making, I’m the co-founder of a startup called Practice, which is focused on helping people find and nurture their creative hobbies, because creative making is self-care. The Creatin’ Contest almost feels like an extension of that mission: it gives people a reason to make something, and to make time for it, supported by light structure and accountability.

I'm really happy to be working with other miniaturists to help bring the Creatin’ Contest back for the community. Mostly because I believe we all need more reasons to spend time making things with our hands, and doing things that bring us joy. I'm excited to see how Creatin' 2.0 brings the community together again!

Erica’s Past Creatin’ Contest Projects

  • Bar Pinto

    2024 Creatin' Contest Entry

  • Bar Pinto

    2024 Creatin' Contest Entry

  • Pinto's Provisions

    2025 Creatin' Contest Project

  • Pinto's Provisions

    2025 Creatin' Contest Project

A note from The Benamy Family

(the previous owners of miniatures.com)

We are honored to hear that the Creatin’ Contest will live on amongst the community. It was always a fun way to connect with miniaturists everywhere and brought us a lot of joy over the years.

We wholeheartedly support your efforts and are happy to pass the torch. You have our family’s full blessing.

We can’t wait to see what everyone creates next, and we’ll be right there watching and cheering along.

Now get Creatin’!
The Benamy Family