Kari
Bloom is no stranger to miniatures. Her father was an HO model railroad enthusiast.
But she didn't put her passion into making miniatures until she was an adult.
"I always wanted a dollhouse, but didn't think I would have the time or finances
to build one." Then her sister-in-law gave her a dollhouse kit which started
what a friend refers to as TON (Total Obsessive Need). It only made sense that
she named her new dollhouse 'Miniton Manor.' Since then, there hasn't been much
she is afraid to tackle miniature-wise except when it comes to running her miniature
table saw which is a necessary power tool.
Kari's furnishings reflect personal projects. She started making Art and Crafts pieces to furnish a roombox modeled after the bungalow where the Blooms lived early in their marriage. "I loved that house! We were just too busy with young kids to furnish it correctly. Now I can, just on a smaller scale." Her Morris chairs have been a success with Arts and Crafts collectors for years now.
Kari's 'Cocktail' furniture sprang from creating furniture for her daughter's own 'funky roombox.' Reaction to these were enthusiastic. "It's exciting to see a new generation interested in miniatures that aren't just Victorian anymore," Bloom said.
Kari lives in Minnesota with her husband Scott and her dog Tilly. Her son Jake is a Marine and her daughter Brita is studying nursing. She also is a graphic designer and makes darned good pickles.
Her work has been featured in American Miniaturist, Dollhouse Miniatures, Dollshouse Miniature Scene and Miniature Collector magazines. Her work can also be seen in the 2004 Rolls Royce Club book. Her furniture was displayed in the Children's Museuam of Philadelphia and in 2005, Kari was commissioned by Mikimoto America to do several pieces for their holiday windows in all four of their shops displaying their beautiful pearl jewelry.
Kari received her Artisian level from IGMA in October 2006.
In addition to the furniture shown, Kari welcomes custom orders. "I love the challenge!"
