Books for the Magic Shop: It Begins with Spooky Tricks

As I really get started on this little magic shop, one thing that I know I'm going to be making a LOT of is books. Many, many books. But I knew that there was one in particular that I needed to make right from the start. It was always going to be the case that the very first book on the Mini Mountain Magic shelves would be "Spooky Tricks".

Back when I was in elementary school, there was nothing better than "free book day". Getting to wander into a classroom that was just COVERED in books and getting to pick one out just for you, for FREE? Seriously the best. And that's how "Spooky Tricks" came to be my first ever magic book. I loved this book. I still do. There are some really good tricks in here! (Even though I never could get my little brother into the box for one of them. Alas.)

Anyway, all that to say there will be MANY books filling Mini Mountain Magic, and they won't all be real books like this one (I would love it if they were, but I just do not have time before the show).

But this one had to be real. It had to be first. It was never going to be any other way.

Wishing you a magical Tuesday full of wonderful books in whatever scale you prefer.

- Wendy 

Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit! Happy May!

 

Years ago, a magical friend introduced me to the idea that when you wake up on the 1st of the month, the very first words out of your mouth should be "Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!" (or "White Rabbit! White Rabbit! White Rabbit!") and it will bring you good luck for the entire month. 

Dunno if that's true or not, but it is a superstition I practice. Hopefully it brings me luck. :) 

He taught me a few practices like that. Because of him, I drink the moon every month too. But that's a different story.  :) 

Wishing you a Magical May! 

- Wendy

Two Magical Miniaturists are Better Than One!

It didn't take me long to realize there was no way I was going to have as much fun making this tiny magic shop without my bestie and fellow magic-loving miniaturist, David of David's Dollhouse.

I've known David an awfully long time, and I honestly don't know why he still puts up with me (but I'm really glad he does). He's a master miniaturist AND a magic lover, so OF COURSE this project is going to be so much better with him involved.

Today we tackled some planning and put in new lighting. Did I think to get a picture of the old lighting before we started? No. No I did not. -facepalm-

But here's what the shop looked like when I first got it....

And here's what it looks like NOW with spiffy new LED lighting!

People might actually be able to see what's on those back shelves now! I am so excited! It looks amazing (though, WOW do I need to dust! D'oh!)

David already has some fantastic ideas for filling the shop, and now that the structure and lighting are sorted, we get to move on to the REALLY fun part: filling it with nifty, magical things. 

Stay tuned for more updates. I cannot wait to see how this all comes together. And David... thank you. It's always the best getting to work on something with you.

— Wendy

Where it Began - The Zig Zag

I think the moment I saw this 3D print file, this tiny magic shop was destined to happen.

The file is for a miniature Zig-Zag illusion, one of the most iconic props in stage magic, scaled down to 1:12ish. 

If you're a 3d printing type, they're available on Penguin Magic here - Creativity Lab 3d Print Files. I have all of them, and I've been very pleased with the ones I've printed out so far. But it was the Zig-Zag that first caught my eye and won my heart. 

The pieces are easy to print and the directions are super clear about how to put it all together. And it goes together VERY nicely, I think.

So yeah, the Zig Zag was probably what set this whole thing off, and it'll be the cornerstone of the whole shop (even though I think for display it'll be tucked off in a corner).

Just wait until I get the rest of the little illusions done. A few of them can be performed (and I will. With tweezers. :) This is going to be fun.) 

I'm so lucky to get to work on a project like this: combining magic and miniatures together. 

Back to the mini mines! Wishing you a very happy and magical Sunday! 

- Wendy  

Mini Mountain Magic - The Beginning

 

Hello! Welcome to the Mini Mountain Magic Blog!

My name is Wendy Wylde, and if you're here, you're probably someone who appreciates a little wonder. And that means you're in exactly the right place.

Two of my greatest loves are 1:12 scale miniatures and magic. I used to perform magic professionally, and I still make miniatures for a living. It's rare that these two worlds collide, but this little shop is bringing them together at last.

In September 2026, I'll have a sales table at the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys' annual Fall Show  and for the very first time, I'm also bringing something for the exhibit room! The show's theme is "150 Reasons to Love Colorado," celebrating the 150th anniversary of Colorado's statehood. Colorado has a rich and fascinating history of magic, with many beloved magic shops over the years, and I wanted to honor that legacy.

So I'm creating a 1:12 scale magic shop Mini Mountain Magic and filling it with all kinds of tiny magical things.

This blog is where I'll share what I'm making and why, and document the whole journey right up to show day. And honestly? Who knows what happens after that.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, welcome! I am so glad you stopped by. And now....the tiny curtain is about to rise. Find your tiny seat! The show is about to begin!

— Wendy