The intricate process of creating “one petal at a time,” resulting in teeny-tiny flowers, tropical miniatures that adorn dollhouse tables is probably not 
suited to every personality. But, it is testament to the beauty of diversity that there are those exceptions, finding talented expression in people like Mary Kinloch, who derives comfort and relaxation in so painstakingly designing petite bromeliads, etc., using tweezers with a super fine point that can draw blood. The meditative process becomes addictive, and everything bad falls away. She’s been doing this for about 20 years, not that she doesn’t need a daily gym break. Self employed, her boss is lenient.
A native Floridian, whose grandmother first came to Clearwater in the 20s, Mary is a graduate of Clearwater High School and Jackson Memorial School of Nursing in Miami. Her remaining relative in the area is her brother and his family. With Mary, a retired 30-year nurse, live her current cats, Charlie ad Zassy (she has always had at least one).
Previously, a contributing artisan to display cases of Linda Young, known professionally as “Lady Jane,” a recognized leader in design and construction of clear and stained art glass greenhouses, conservatories and roomboxes, Mary became, in 1998, an IMGA (International Guild of Miniature Artisans) Artisan after submitting five pieces judged by the guild. In 2003, she submitted five more and was awarded the highest honor, that of Fellow member, earned only by those artisans whose work develops into the epitome of excellence. Members of the Guild Council for Fellow Selection carefully examine each entry for concept, workmanship and presentation.
Mary’s tropical miniatures, usually 1/12th scale, (one inch equaling a foot) are displayed in many private collections, as well as the Kentucky Gateway Museum, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures and Miniature Museum of Taiwan. She photographs and uploads her work, tiny petal designs, to eBay, http://stores.ebay.com/tropicalminiaturesbymarykinloch. You Tube also features Mary’s videos on “How to Paint Dollhouse Miniature Floral Laser Sheets” and “How to Assemble Dollhouse Miniature Quarter Scale Daisies.”
Last December, Mary invited Facebook followers to join a class on how to make miniature flowers. The group now claims 712 members from all over the world. Locally, she also taught a class on designing dollhouse miniatures at the Lakeland Miniature Guild’s 30th Annual Dollhouse and Miniature Show and Sale in June.
Although married here in 1990, Mary rediscovered Unity Church of Clearwater a year ago. Now active in WINGS and Service Saturday, she has found classes in “Effectual Prayer” and “Keeping a True Lent” particularly rewarding. Having felt snubbed in the church she attended as a teen, when she found that Unity people “are not like that,” she felt at home. She credits Leddy’s inspiration and the Unity teachings of the classes she’s experienced for enhancing a sense of finally “belonging.”