The love of miniatures often begins when a soon-to-be artist sees a tiny, well-crafted object for the very first time. Or perhaps when he or she is presented with a cherished dollhouse in childhood.

Nathalie Gireaud, proprietress of Provence Miniatures in Eguilles, France, was of the latter variety. But her true miniature journey didn't begin until she became pregnant with her daughter Victoria.

"I've always loved miniature toys. When I was a child, my sister and I owned a doll's house that my mother made out of scratch. Miniatures were not so popular here in France, although we sometimes received some Lundby furniture as presents. I played a lot with it and also built some furniture and accessories myself, then I forgot about minis for about 20 years," she said.