In a time when expansion and development are in full force around the globe — from buildings to cities and scientific advancements — many have been taught that “bigger is better.” But we’d argue that’s not always the case: Sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages.
To show the beauty of little and lovely creations, we’ve rounded up 19 miniature artists who create tiny, intricately detailed pieces. Below you’ll see paper animals, pretty purses, and oil paintings, all that can fit in the palm of your hand (and some on the tip of your finger).
Each handmade work of art is a reminder to see the world from a different perspective, one that forces you to pause — and maybe even squint — in awe.
Ana Sofía Casaverde | Mini Purses and Paintings
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Peruvian artist Ana Sofía Casaverde, a miniature and origami artist, makes everything from paper animals smaller than a fingernail to mini recreations of famous artworks like Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” In August 2023, Casaverde was featured in Vogue for a specific collection: her mini masterpieces that recreate Chanel, Hermès, Fendi, and Jimmy Choo purses.
Although the bags are tiny as can be, Casaverde ensures they’re fully functional. “It’s important to me that all the pieces work, that you could maybe put things inside,” she told the publication. “Wouldn’t it be so fun to do a ‘what’s in my bag’ with it?”
Miniature Space | Mini Meals
The artist behind YouTube channel Miniature Space creates teeny-tiny dishes, including dumplings, noodles, pancakes, pizzas, and more. According to the account, which has over 3 million subscribers, all the miniature dishes are edible, and the ingredients are sourced from Japan.
In addition to showcasing delightfully micro servings of comfort food, Miniature Space’s videos are oddly soothing to watch. As toast crisps, dumplings steam, and cakes rise, you’ll enjoy the creations coming to life against beautiful backdrops of tiny kitchens and living rooms.
Julia Cissell | Mini Butterflies
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An artist from Tennessee, Julia Cissell crafts colorful butterflies that are so tiny, you may have to squint to see them. According to her Etsy page, the butterflies are made by hand with polymer clay, nylon fiber, and super glue — and a very close attention to detail.
Beyond butterflies, Cissell also makes tiny snails, flowers, fish, and other intricate beauties.
Slinkachu | Mini Outdoor Art Installations
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London-based artist Slinkachu creates scenes with miniature figurines — model train set characters that he remodels and paints — that capture everyday moments with wonderfully peculiar twists. On his page, you’ll see a couple dancing in a wine bottle, a person shaking hands with a cockroach, and a group of swimmers taking a dip in a puddle.
Since 2006, Slinkachu has been known to “abandon” his art on street corners to “encourage city-dwellers to be more aware of their surroundings,” according to his website.
Nastasya Shulyak | Mini Felt “Bumps”
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Nastasya Shulyak is a wool artist from Moscow who currently lives in the country of Georgia and creates wholesome felted creatures she calls “bumps.” Some bumps are yellow, others are pink, and many have flowers and seedlings sprouting from their heads — but nearly all of them are adorned with a small, sweet smile.
David Iriarte | Mini Furniture
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From a little “grand piano” to a tiny console table, the Spanish artist David Iriarte brings his experience in woodworking to his miniature furniture creations. The pieces are intricately carved and casted, maximizing the grandeur in the tiniest of spaces.
Helen Levi | Mini Ceramics
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Helen Levi, a ceramic artist based in Queens, New York, makes mini mugs that double as ornaments, as well as “mugnorahs,” which are one-of-a-kind, itty-bitty versions of menorahs.
As a maker and appreciator of miniatures, Levi also has a vintage vending machine in her showroom filled with “home goods-themed minis.” She wrote in a caption: “It fulfills my childhood love affair with both tiny things and NYC street activities.”
Levi also makes traditional-sized ceramics, and her collection includes mugs, clocks, candlesticks, tumblers, bowls, and more.
Lorraine Loots | Mini “Paintings for Ants”
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Over the past decade, Lorraine Loots has built an extensive collection of miniature art, ranging from her “paintings for ants” and “postcards for ants” series to custom eye pendants and rock art.
In Loots’ videos, you can see the South African artist using her fingernail as a palette and adding the finishing touches with the thinnest of thin paint brushes.
Derrick Lin | Mini Everyday Moments
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“An observer of the tiny moments of ad agency life, figuratively speaking,” Derrick Lin creates tiny scenes of familiar, day-to-day activities like waiting for the train, playing with a pet, and lying on the couch on a sick day.
Lin, originally from Taiwan and now living in the United States, also shares thoughtful captions, offering a glimpse at his process, including the unconventional canvases he uses (such as milk cartons and coffee mugs).
Natasha Bieniek | Mini Oil Paintings
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Australian artist Natasha Bieniek makes masterful oil paintings that fit in the palm of your hand — they’re so small you may want to grab a magnifying glass to observe the pieces in full detail.
Bieniek has a special interest in biophilia, so many of her pieces illustrate lush plants and gardens. However, she also creates incredibly realistic and stunning miniature portraits.
Juho Könkkölä | Mini Paper Human Figures
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Finnish origami artist Juho Könkkölä makes “expressive human figures” from single sheets of paper. On his page, you’ll see paper sculptures of people sitting in chairs and standing with hands crossed, along with more fantastical pieces like Vikings, samurais, and colorful wizards.
Willard Wigan | Mini Sculptures
Willard Wigan, an artist, sculptor, and storyteller from England, creates miniscule scenes that fit in the eye of a needle. Per the BBC, he even uses eyelashes to decorate certain elements and has to hold his breath to make sure his pieces are as precise as possible.
On his website, he explains he was diagnosed with dyslexia and autism at 50 and has used art as a creative outlet while also raising awareness for mental health and the environment. So far, he has achieved two Guinness World Records and was named a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to art.
Tatsuya Tanaka | Mini Mitate Art
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With nearly 4 million Instagram followers, Tatsuya Tanaka is a miniature artist who harnesses the Japanese method of mitate art, which often involves using images to create designs that have “imaginative, simultaneous, and multiple layers of meanings,” per ViewingJapanesePrints.net.
Tanaka’s tiny scenes feature familiar objects being used in surprising ways: In one piece, a compact mirror is a bed; another shows a banana as a bath; and another a chip as a rag. And to ensure his art has the desired effect on viewers, he consults important people in his life. “I ask my sons what they think,” he told Tokyo Weekender. “If they don’t know what it’s meant to be or their reaction isn’t positive, I’ll think twice before posting it. It’s a good way to get an objective opinion, and sometimes they give me new ideas.”
Raya Sader Bujana | Mini Houseplants
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Raya Sader Bujana makes realistic houseplants and flower jewelry out of paper. On the Barcelona-based artist’s Instagram, you can see her using a tweezer to meticulously weave flower baskets, refine leaves, and put the finishing touches on each pretty plant.
More Mini Artists
Miniature art comes in so many fabulous forms, including mini clay food, flower bouquets, and even absurdly tiny music boxes. Here are a few more of our favorite makers.
Odin Parker | Mini Music Boxes
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Cristina Hampe Art
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Tierra Sol Studio | Micro Plants
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Middle Kingdom | Mini Vases
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Roo Pottery | Miniature Pico Mushrooms
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