Idyllic miniatures
Discover the world of Happy Village with Evi, the talented creator behind these magical miniatures.
Keep digging those dreams
Idyllic country cottages, seaside retreats and a wide expanse of whimsical buildings, including those inspired by some of our finest literature and favourite times of the year. Handmade from clay and mere centimetres in height, Happy Village is a place built on dreams and thanks to Evi, the architect and talented miniaturist behind these exquisitely hand painted buildings, it’s a world we can all inhabit and claim a piece of for our very own.
Evi has been long inspired by her beloved father’s creative skill and it’s clear that her own artistic flair was in the genes. “My sweet dad was always very arty about everything. He was a fine tailor for big shop brands forty years ago, but he always loved to draw and create. I remember starting to play with clay in my teens for school projects and I spontaneously started making cosy houses.” It was an enduring love for this form of creativity which finally saw Evi bring her exceptional miniature art to the world in 2012, opening her now popular Etsy store.
However, whilst many of us only find a single career path we are passionate about in the course of a lifetime, Evi has been fortunate enough to discover two, having led a fascinating career as an archaeological draughtswoman for many years. This was something which afforded her the enviable opportunity of using her artistic talents to record the indelible mark of history.
“I first began to work as an archaeological draughtswoman in my twenties,’ she explains. “It was the most fascinating job I could imagine! You could never be bored! I remember waking up very early in the morning with a smile on my face, wondering what ancient ‘secrets’ would be revealed each day and feeling so ‘privileged’ and proud to be a part of each archaeological team.” Evi stresses just how much she learnt from the archaeologists, topographers and university professors she worked alongside during her years as a draughtswoman and the influence they have had on her current artwork, teaching her the importance of never giving up on those all-important dreams. Whilst miniaturists’ favourite, polymer clay, has its place on Evi’s worktable from time to time, air dry clay is her material of choice, enjoying the ceramic style finish it provides for her finished designs, which are each completed with a sheen of satin varnish. She has very much developed her own signature artistic style and has been able to source copious inspiration from her travels and all the fun of the road trip. “I think there's nothing more
invigorating for an artist than to fill their head with new images, sounds, smells and experiences. Plus, I had the most amazing, carefree and joyful childhood with my beloved sister and cousins in our own happy village,” reflects Evi, going on to describe the many idyllic outdoor family lunches they all enjoyed together. “I've had a very tender and vivid idea of the ‘home sweet home' concept in my head since then.”
Summer by the sea
Evi's Greek homeland is a country bursting with incredible architecture, a resource just waiting to be mined in miniature, but has our intrepid artisan ever been inspired to recreate some of this and give that immersive sense of history that magical Happy Village twist? “I haven't ever made a miniature Greek house, isn't it weird?” she ponders. “But since some of my dear customers have also suggested this, I will definitely try to make some beautiful, Greek island houses in the future!”
However, being surrounded by the ocean has already proved a source of inspiration for Evi's evocative and diverse seaside designs. “If you live in sunny Greece, there's no way that you won't be inspired by the sea, the summer breeze, the delicious food and the beautiful surroundings.” She tells me, adding just how lucky she feels to be surrounded by the beauty of the coastline. This summertime range also takes inspiration from some of our traditional
“I feel truly happy and proud of myself each time I finish something tiny, especially if my lovely customers appreciate my work and purchase it. It means the world to me and gives me motivation to make more and different styles!”
British seaside favourites. There is even a fishy tale or two to be told. Standing at just 4cm in height, Evi’s Saltwater Fish Market depicts the building’s interior through a sculpted alcove which has then been carefully hand painted to include the catch of the day, providing the piece with a multifaceted depth. This level of intricacy can be seen again in the tiny carved inset windows and doors of her fish and chip shop, a fabulous design. Exploring the coastal theme further are a range of lighthouses and beach huts. Evi’s most recent beach huts, also just 4cm tall, are captivating, offering a glimpse of golden sands and azure blue waters, adding more than a glimmer of sunshine. You can almost see yourself sitting on the striped deckchair listening to the sound of the waves lapping at the shoreline.
A brush with detail
Whether it’s the miniscule bucket and spade outside the Beach Shop or chickens in the garden of a rural cottage, the sheer depth of detail Evi manages to incorporate into her miniature designs is incredible, but just how difficult is it to get those fine details just right when painting such miniscule designs by hand? “It is pretty difficult! Sometimes I need several days to finish a miniature with lots of details plus I have to hold my breath many times to make sure my hand is totally steady!” Evi admits. She does, though, find working in such small scale extremely rewarding and there is no doubting the delight she takes in each new work.
The Happy Village range already includes many different styles and with miniaturists’ attention already edging ahead towards this year’s autumnal themes, there will no doubt be many exciting pieces to come from Evi throughout the coming season. Her Halloween and Christmas ranges are both enchanting. My attention is also caught by a pale blue shabby chic cabinet, alive with rustic charm and so, so tiny. When asked if miniature furniture is an aspect of her work she would be keen to expand on, Evi is immediately bursting with the enthusiasm which radiates from her art. Indeed, this new range has already expanded to include a stove and sink!
There are evidently exciting times ahead and whilst balancing her inspirational artwork with the demands of family life, Evi also holds ambitions to begin taking pottery classes in the future, further advancing her creative repertoire as an exciting artist. But there is clearly only one place where her creative heart has found its home, and that is the happiest village in small scale.