Our Own Mini-Martha Stewart: Ivy Bishop and Sugar Street Miniatures

Cherry Creek Office Evolution Directorof Community Experience Ivy Bishop is not only an amazing office manager, she is also the creator and visionary of Sugar Street Miniatures! Nestled in Denver, Colorado, Sugar Street Miniatures is a treasure trove of
all things small and beautifully crafted. With over 4 years on Etsy and more than 800 + sales, this shop has clearly earned
its stripes in the miniature furniture community

The Story Behind Sugar Street Miniatures

When you step into the enchanting world of Sugar Street Miniatures, you can feel the joy, nostalgia, and artistry that goes into every piece. For founder Ivy, what began as a chance thrift store find during the pandemic blossomed into a full-fledged business! And not to mention a lifelong passion brought to life.

A Lifelong Love of the Tiny

Ivy has always had a soft spot for small things. As a child, she was a Barbie fanatic, always playing with them all the way until she was 13. What she loved most wasn’t just the dolls, but creating their little worlds, arranging their homes, and getting lost in all the tiny details. Beyond Barbie, she also collected miniature tea sets and tiny chairs, a sign that her love for miniatures ran deeper than just toys!

Later in life, a friend had gifted her a Victorian-style miniature diorama, a 1:12 scale dressing room. She was instantly hooked all over again. That thoughtful gift opened her eyes to the artistry and craftsmanship of miniatures as collectible pieces, not just playthings. From then on, Ivy began visiting the Museum of Miniatures and attending toy shows, picking up small treasures here and there to display around her home. While she never had a full dollhouse of her own, she always found ways to weave little minis into her world, keeping that childhood sense of wonder alive.

Memorable Milestone

One of the most memorable milestones for Ivy was selling her very first miniature. What made it so special was who bought it… a friend and mentor she had met on Etsy, the one who had encouraged her to try selling in the first place. When that order came through, it felt like everything had come full circle. The person who first believed in her work was also the first to support her as a customer. That small but meaningful sale gave Ivy the confidence to keep going, and that friend has continued to cheer her on
every step of the way.

Why “Sugar Street”?

The name is as heartfelt as the work itself… “My grandma used to call all of us grandkids ‘Sugar.’ She’d say things like, ‘Sugar, come give grandma a hug!’ When she passed, she left us a little money. I used some of it to invest in the business, and naming it
after her felt like the perfect tribute.”

The Hunt for Hidden Treasures

Today, Sugar Street Miniatures specializes in rehabbing and reimagining old miniatures. Each piece is carefully sourced from thrift stores, online marketplaces, and friends who know to keep an eye out. She describes her aesthetic as cottagecore meets shabby chic, always with an eye for quality craftsmanship. “It has to be solidly made, with good bones,” she explains. “Then I take it apart and give it a new life.” Her favorite makers include Bespaq, Sonia Messer, and Concord, whose fine minis provide the perfect foundation for creative transformation.

Looking Ahead

Sugar Street Miniatures continues to evolve, with big dreams on the horizon. “I’m moving into 3D printing and hope to design exclusive pieces just for Sugar Street. Ultimately, I’d love for this to be my full-time job. My dream is to be the Martha Stewart
of Minis,”. And yes, Ivy is still a collector herself, with a particular soft spot for miniature dogs that always travel with her to
shows.

Why Miniatures Endure

Miniatures have captivated people for over 5,000 years, and their charm shows no sign of fading. As Ivy puts it, “We’re all fascinated by tiny worlds. It’s an imagination bonfire.” From a Barbie-loving child to a pandemic-born entrepreneur, Sugar Street Miniatures is proof that the smallest things can hold the biggest magic!

What do you love most about working with miniatures?

What Ivy loves most about working with miniatures is the joy they bring her. Each piece she touches sparks a childlike sense of wonder, reminding her of the hours she once spent playing with Barbies, arranging their little worlds, and getting lost in the details. Miniatures let her hold onto that same magic, while also giving her the creative challenge of reimagining and designing as an adult. For Ivy, it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and artistry, the best of both worlds!

Why Sugar Street Miniatures is Special

In a world of mass-produced miniatures, Sugar Street Miniatures stands out for taking discarded parts, unfinished bits, or just forgotten vintage furniture and giving them new life in a scale that feels magical. Every piece tells a story! Maybe it once was something else, maybe it had flaws, and now it’s transformed. If you’re into miniatures, craft, décor with history, or building tiny worlds, this shop offers more than just items, it offers character. Sugar Street Miniatures specializes in 1:12 scale furniture
and décor with a distinct shabby chic aesthetic. Each piece has its own personality; think weathered paint, soft pastel
tones, distressed wood, and charming vintage details. From miniature beds and buffets to dainty mirrors and decorative jars, every item looks like it belongs in a storybook cottage!

We couldn’t be happier to spread the loveliness of Ivy with our community! And now, Ivy would like to give back to the community as well! Use discount code, “TINY15” for 15% off $25 or more with Sugar Street Miniatures!