The Tiny Things Edition
This week I'm thinking about tiny things. I’ve been thinking about a lot of big stuff lately and it’s definitely time for my brain to switch gears. Last weekend, I had to accept the fact that I’m a grown up and deal with buying stock, and setting up retirement accounts, and actually learning about 401Ks, and hahaha it sucked so much.
This week I’m crossing my fingers the Texas power grid that left us all to freeze in February will keep the AC on this summer. Meanwhile, the pandemic lingers and political squabbles are raging on. That’s too much big stuff for now.
So, let’s ignore all of that and think about tiny things because they’re adorable and soothing AND they make us feel like giants — a reminder that we are each big enough to handle all of the big things around us.
Are you ready? Let’s get small.
It’s the little things
I had no idea that watching tiny pancakes being made would be such a pleasant experience. The videos at Miniature Space feature a pair of hands making an edible, albeit tiny, meal. There is no sound other than that of the careful preparations and it creates an almost meditative atmosphere.
I stumbled upon this Gawker article about tiny food videos and I feel like I could have written it. They speculate that the videos are so addictive because they trigger an AMSR (autonomous sensory meridian response). The short explanation: they can trigger low-grade euphoria, pleasant feelings, and relaxation. Go watch a few and see for yourself.
Small but mighty
I’m obsessed with tiny art and the work of Slinkachu presses all the right tiny buttons for me.
“The scenes … aim to reflect the loneliness and melancholy of living in a big city; the universal sense of being overlooked, lost and overwhelmed. But along side this there is always some humour in my works. The modern world can be a preposterous place to live and I encourage empathy with the tiny people struggling to get by.”
In the same vein, I’m fascinated by the whimsical, but powerful tiny art shows created by McKay Lenker.
Looking at people who are looking at something; indoor art set outside; the tiny scale — it’s all the right stuff. Just when I think it can’t get any better, well, there’s this:
These outdoor miniature scenes “for mice” are AMAZING.
They’re fantastically detailed and the art collective never announces the location; they’re just magical little worlds left to be discovered. I NEED ONE.
Acorns > Oak Trees
No tiny things edition would be complete without talking about my other favorite thing in the world — tiny books. This is a great tutorial if you want to try to make your own.
We have a new 3D printer, so I opted to print my own tiny books and they’re my favorite thing in the world. Not only are they tiny, but they have a SECRET COMPARTMENT.
I printed a bunch of them because I love them so much. SO, I’m giving one away and covering the postage to mail it. If you want me to send you your very own tiny, secret compartment book, leave a comment below. I’ll randomly pick one person next week and mail you your own tiny book! Why? Because tiny things are good and amazing and everyone needs them in their life.
Alright, my fellow giants, it’s time to get back to the full size world, but we don’t have to go alone. Tiny potato is here to cheer us on!
Until next time,
Ava
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