Meet Carolyn
I have been an avid miniature enthusiast for almost 30 years. I was introduced to the hobby by my sister-in-law, a collector, as well. She had a beautiful custom-made castle which my daughter, Veronica (then 7 years of age), was fascinated with. I purchased Veronica a dollhouse and this began our adventures to dollhouse shops looking for food, furniture, etc. Not long after I married my husband, JP, there was a Molly Cromwell dollhouse show at the Holiday Inn at Tyson's Corner, VA. This turned out to be a family affair with both of our daughters attending. Like all first-time show attendees, we were overwhelmed at what was available in miniature; needless to say, we were impressed.
Veronica grew up and her enthusiasm took a back seat to her family, however, I became hooked! I found a local miniature shop, "Connie's Miniatures from the Attic", operated by Gary and June LaPorta, where I "played" and taught numerous classes. Gary and June encouraged me to start my own cottage industry, which I did in 1993, and sold my creations at local shows. I joined a miniature club, "Miniature Maniacs of Northern Virginia" located in Fairfax City, Virginia. I can honestly say that we were maniacs (sadly this club, has disbanded). Being a member of this club helped to further my love for miniatures; wow, was I in miniature heaven! Another up-and-coming miniature enthusiast joined the club the same day I did, and has become my dearest and best friend, Colleen P. Walker.
I joined the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) where I eventually became a life member. I am also a member of the Cottage Industry Miniaturists Trade Association (CIMTA). I joined the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA), and in October 1998, I was elevated to IGMA Artisan. I continue to sell my products at shows around the country. My husband, JP, is my greatest asset as he is my "reality checker". I have made souvenirs for two (2) NAME Regional House Parties and one (1) National Convention. My articles have appeared in several magazines: Dollhouse Miniatures, American Miniaturist, and the Miniature Gazette. I love to teach and am currently doing so at Miniature Designs in Lawrenceville, GA. I also travel to other states to teach as well, and plan to continue doing so. In addition to the products I make, I also welcome special orders.
My husband, JP, and I retired in 1994 from careers with the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, DC. We moved to Tiger, Georgia, from Oakton, Virginia, in 1999, and have lived in beautiful Rabun County since that time. I sell retail under the name Miniatures by Carolyn McVicker and wholesale under the name MCM Enterprises.
In addition to my enthusiasm for miniatures, I am a Reach-to-Recovery volunteer with the American Cancer Society (ACS), as well as a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC).