Today on the blog, we feature Shirali Patel, miniature artist and founder of Small IDEA, Ahemdabad. 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.   

Hi I’m Shirali, a Bio-Chemist by qualification and  a Fashion Designer and buyer by profession. I am from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

2. Why did you become a maker?  Why is making so important to you?   

After working for over a decade in Retail Industry, I felt saturated and left my corporate job to  pursue my passion for miniature. I am a self-taught artist and I have mastered this art after more than 11 years  of making mistakes and learning from those mistakes and experiments.

3.How did you begin smallIDEA

I was on a forced sabbatical living overseas and bored out of my wits, that when I decided to put my creativity at good use and started exploring the world of miniatures. I made and listed my products on few online international market place and saw a good response. And business started.

4. What is the story behind your brand name ?

It all started with an idea when I was in my corporate job. Back in 2008 when I was working in retail sector, to make my Pendrive easily identifiable, I  covered it with clay sculpted in form of a miniature shoe. That piece became a conversation starter, everyone loved it and wanted one! That was my small (miniature) idea that gave me a bigger idea  to make miniatures in form of day to day utility products

It’s been 10 years now that I’m sculpting miniatures and my quirky little utility and collectable products brings smile on many faces.

5. How has your business evolved over the years?    

After moving back to India my art has evolved in terms of quality and range and with that my business has also evolved. Today I not only sell online and customized but  I also participate in events and pop up shows across the country. I love to teach serious enthusiasts and newbies who are ready for couple of months of intensive internship.

6. Your work space. 

It’s cozy, and has everything from tv to tea booth. My  studio can comfortably sit 4 miniaturist, including me. It’s a fully equipped polymer clay studio. It has taken me more than 15 years of collecting tools, resources and raw material to build this studio. 

7. Your favorite work tool.

Toothbrush , needles and toothpicks, aluminum foils.

8. What is currently on your work table?

Currently on my mind is Chennai and on my table is various food articles related to Chennai 🙂

9. What is your personal favorite pick from your small IDEA right now? And why?

My favourite is Vadapav and it’s because of the love thought and energy I had poured into designing making of this piece. You have to see it to understand why..

10. What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart Makers Market.

You will find a mix of magnets, bookmarks, pendrives, bag charms , accessories and more…

Meet the Maker @
27th edition:  By Hand From The Heart Makers Market
2 – 3 – August 2019 , Friday – Saturday | 10 a.m – 9 p.m
Hanu Reddy Residences, No. 41/19, Poes Garden, Chennai 600086, India.

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