PORT ANGELES — Bettee Miller had her first dollhouse when she was five years old.
Now 77 years later, the prolific “miniaturist” says she needs at least another 38 years to finish all her projects.
“It’s a standing joke among miniaturists that they will never have enough time to finish everything,” she says with a laugh.
Miniaturists make authentic scale models of everything from castles to sidewalk cafes, complete with figurines and landscaping and even lighted tiny campfires or chandeliers.
The laundry room of Miller’s home serves as her work space. Her finished projects are displayed throughout her kitchen, living room and sitting room. Her basement also is full.
Authentic castle
One of Miller’s current projects is an authentic medieval castle circa 1065.
It will be displayed at the Old Dungeness School House Doll Show during the second week of November.
The castle includes objects and artwork and costumed characters that are all authentic to the time period.
Miller said once you get into miniatures as a hobby, you must study the history of what you are making to get everything right.
If you put a 1920s-era chair in a 1700s-era house, people will notice, she said.
She’s been working on the castle for a year, and needs at least three more years to finish the six-foot by eight-foot display.
“I’ve got five feet to go,” Miller said.
