The Deckle Tiny Art Gallery

Big Dreams, Tiny Art: Our Gallery in a Cabinet Begins

At The Deckle Edge, creativity always finds a way, sometimes in the most unexpected places. And this time, it’s inside a beautiful glass cabinet that once belonged to my great-grandmother.

Recently inherited through my mother, this vintage curved display cabinet holds a lot of history, and now, it’s about to hold something entirely new: The Deckle Tiny Art Gallery.

I’ve always wanted to host our own exhibition in the store. A space to celebrate the incredible creativity of our customers, our team, and the broader creative community we’re so lucky to be part of. But between busy shelves and the daily rhythm of the store, that idea always felt a little out of reach. Making it tiny made it possible.

A Mini Museum for Mighty Talent

Currently under construction, the cabinet is being transformed into a miniature gallery space filled with tiny easels, framed artworks, and even miniature props and sculptures. Our very own Margot has been helping with some of the interior touches, and as we finalise the details and the space evolves, we know it will only get better.

What makes this project so special is the chance to celebrate what we see every day at The Deckle Edge. It always brings a smile to our faces to see what our customers create with the art supplies they buy from us. Seeing the clever and beautiful ways they bring their creations together and turn them into works of art is what makes it all worthwhile.

For now, we won’t be selling the art on display. This space is simply for showcasing and uplifting the artists who inspire us daily. We hope it encourages more people to visit the store, pause for a moment, and enjoy a little dose of inspiration.

In time, we may host themed exhibitions, charity showcases, or collaborative displays that support causes we care about. For now, it’s about making a small but meaningful space for art and the stories behind it.

Current Featured Artists

Elaine Hattingh

Elaine is the very first artist to exhibit in our Deckle Tiny Art Gallery, and what a beautiful beginning she’s given us. She created a special series of three 10 x 10 cm acrylic paintings, featuring bold and elegant aloes and proteas, just for this display.

Her work captures the beauty of South African flora in miniature form, and we’re so proud to have her launch this project with such care and creativity.

Make sure to visit her on Instagram to see more of her stunning creations:
@elainehattinghartist

“Miniature art is a genre that focuses on extremely small but highly detailed artworks, often requiring magnification to appreciate the full intricacy.”
— Wikipedia on Miniature Art

Miniature art has a rich history, dating back centuries. It gained prominence during the Renaissance and was often used to create small, intricate portraits, particularly in the form of illuminated manuscripts and detailed miniatures. As time passed, it became a popular medium among royalty and the wealthy, who would commission tiny portraits and decorative pieces. Despite its size, miniature art requires remarkable skill and patience to craft the fine details that make each piece a true work of art.

Today, miniature art continues to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the artists’ mastery of technique and their ability to capture large amounts of expression in small spaces.

Want to Get Involved?

We’ll be opening up submissions soon and would love to feature our customers’ and staff members’ tiny artworks in upcoming exhibitions. Keep an eye on our newsletter and socials for more details, pop in and chat with us in-store or email hello@deckleedge.co.za.