Sydnie Wagner’s passion for miniatures began with a ribbon.
When she was in elementary school, her uncle used to work at a flower store and would gift her ribbons that were used in floral arrangements. Wagner, of the Village of Charlotte, would use the ribbon to construct flowers and Barbie gowns.
“Basically, I’ve always loved doing something with my hands,” Wagner said.
She also enjoys knitting and crocheting, and she used to make outfits for her kids.
For decades, Wagner has been creating miniatures. Before arriving in The Villages, she used to offer workshops on how to build miniatures and has sold many of her creations. She currently teaches two miniature-related programs, Miniatures Makers and Small Wonders Miniature Club, to expose newcomers to the hobby.
“I just like passing on the knowledge and being able to help someone,” Wagner said.
She took over the Small Wonders Miniature Club from the previous leader six years ago and founded the Miniature Makers Club.
Wagner creates miniatures in a variety of sizes, such as 1 inch to a foot, 0.5 inch to a foot, and 0.25 inch to a foot. She specializes in making small meals and flowers and will purchase other items to finish her masterpieces.
Wagner wrote a book in 1993 on how to build miniatures of various meals.
Wagner has presented her small works as gifts to family members, despite the fact that she sells many of them. She even sent a miniature of herself to Ronald Reagan, who responded with a thank-you note.
Wagner likes to tell tales with her miniatures.
“To make miniatures you have to tell a story, and if you don’t tell a story, it’s empty, and that is my favorite part,” she said.
One of her small scales depicts the renowned book character Madeline, who is eager to discover what she may obtain from a bakery. Wagner has also created a number of miniatures with a Christmas theme. One depicts elves attempting to create Christmas treats while attempting to choose who should feed the reindeer.
“There’s all kind of things you can do.” Wagner said.
The Hibiscus Recreation Center hosts the Small Wonders Miniature Club on the first Tuesday of each month. Her Miniature Makers group gathers at the Chula Vista Recreation Center on the third Tuesday of each month.
Members of the Miniature Makers group focus on smaller projects, whereas members of the Small Wonders group work on larger projects, such as donation dollhouses. Both clubs produce miniatures that are scaled at 1 inch to 1 foot.
Dottie Madore is a long-time member of both clubs. The Village of Summerhill resident adores building things from the ground up, and she believes Wagner is an expert in the field of miniatures.
“She’s been in it a long time,” Madore said. “She knows all the tricks… I just think she is very knowledgeable.”
Wagner stated that she enjoys crafting miniatures and assisting others.
“I like to get them to be creative,” she said.