One of my favorite museums in NYC is the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). Located in Columbus Circle, it is a very manageable 4 floors of exhibits. What drew me was their current show entitled Otherwordly: Optical Delusions and Small Realities. It consists of "small-scale hand built depictions of artificial environments and alternative realities" aka dioramas and scale models. Something most of us made as kids, these are grown-up versions that are just breathtaking. Amy Bennett created a tiny hospital floor with different rooms and then makes paintings of her models. Oliver Boberg designed a city block of what looks like the Bronx, circa 1980s. Each diorama has a large photograph mounted near it and looking at them, you can't believe they are actually photos of models and not the real thing. I love hyperrealism as well as dioramas, so this exhibit was made for me.
Here are some NewNew artists' use of miniatures:
Aminyitray's Found Ossuary is just over 1.25 inches tall! What a unique necklace this would make.

Wear a complete suburban dream complete with picket fence on your finger with JDavisStudio's amazing sterling silver ring!

This mini original art by LookCloselyPress will be just the right think to brighten up that little space!

Tiny, magical dragons by LaMuseKalliope can help make your wishes come true. Click here to see how!

For us caffeine-lovers, ProjectsbyCarm has created a teensy felted coffee and hot chocolate ornament!

Until next time, say hello to the johnny-jump-ups (the gorgeous mini pansies)!

LuCrafts

Congratulations to Gina R of Smithtown, NY, the winner of last month's Mother's Day Giveaway giveaway, which included a necklace, a set of stationery and a pillow! This month, we have an amazing collection of items geared more towards the testosterone-producing types of humans. See below for rules and good luck! For the outdoorsman, a category that includes those grueling trips to the post office, an ear-warming handmade helmet hat by Projects by Carm. The genius of this little guy is that it can be worn as is or under a bike helmet. Carm specializes in knitting, crocheting and felting and uses these techniques to make all sorts of functional and adorable items. Click here for one of my favorites!

Have you seen this show on Animal Planet called "Must Love Cats"? This cute guy travels the country to report on all things feline and even sings original songs about the cats he meets. I love this show. And if you feel the guy in your life "must love cats" then this print by Deborah Julian is just the ticket! Cats are definitely Deborah's muse - take a look at her reinterpretations of famous paintings that are made vastly improved - as is everything - by the addition of cats!

To round up this month's Father's Day offerings, Letters That Wow has contributed a framed, personalized sports-themed artwork! You choose any 3-8 letter name and any theme in LTW's shop. What a great addition to an office or den!

The winner of this giveaway will be announced on Monday, May 2 and our new June giveaway will be posted! To enter: 1. Make sure you are a follower of this blog. 2. Your comment is your entry. Only comments received by April 15 will be eligible. 3. One entry per person, but if you tweet, blog or facebook about this giveaway it gets you additional entries. Post a LINK back to your personal post right here in the comments section. 4. Winner picked at random. Winner must ship to USA address only (sorry!). 5. Items will be shipped individually. Best wishes.

LuCrafts

Let's Get Small with the {NewNew}

First Mondays Giveaway - Father's Day Edition!