In a world where the grand traditions of the Middle Ages might seem long consigned to dusty museum halls, one artist is breathing new life into an ancient craft—though with a decidedly whimsical twist. Jeff de Boer, a Canadian metalwork artist with nearly four decades of experience, has taken the art of plate armor and shrunk it down to an astonishing scale: he crafts intricate suits of armor for mice. Yes, you read that right—mice. And while no actual rodents don these tiny suits, de Boer’s creations have captivated audiences and inspired a new generation of artists and makers.
According to NPR, de Boer’s fascination with armor began in childhood, sparked by a visit to a museum in Calgary. The gleaming suits on display were more than just relics of warfare to him—they were a testament to human ingenuity and artistry. As de Boer puts it, "Armor is like one of the first evolutionary defenses against the hostile world. I mean, whatever amoeba has slightly tougher skin can go into hotter water. If you have an exoskeleton, you can survive the bite of some other monster." This early appreciation for the protective and symbolic power of armor set him on a path that would eventually lead to his unique niche in the art world.
De Boer’s father was a sheet metal fabricator, and young Jeff spent countless hours in the shop, learning the fundamentals of metalwork. His initial forays into armor-making were ambitious—full-sized suits, painstakingly crafted by hand. But as he soon discovered, the process was incredibly time-consuming. While studying jewelry making in art school, de Boer had an epiphany: what if he applied the precision and scale of jewelry to armor, but for a much smaller wearer? "I just remember handing that mouse in, and the teachers were silent. And they said 'Jeff, I don't think you have to worry about making jewelry anymore,'" he recalls. The response from his professors was immediate and encouraging, setting him on a path where mouse armor became his calling card.
It wasn’t long before de Boer’s mouse armor caught the attention of local galleries. His first commercial exhibition led to more opportunities, commissions, and eventually a reputation as the world’s foremost creator of miniature armor. Today, while he occasionally crafts jewelry or larger sculptures, his primary focus remains on these fantastical, metal-clad mice—and, on occasion, cats.
But why mice? As de Boer often hears from curious fans on social media, "It's just like the big why. Why? Well, you know — why make anything?" he says with a chuckle. For de Boer, the answer runs deeper than novelty. Mouse armor offers a canvas to explore universal themes: the underdog’s struggle, the protection we all seek, and the complex dynamics between power and vulnerability. "The idea that the mouse could find an edge, that it could put on a suit of armor and go out there. And maybe make a difference – I think that is what we are all dreaming about," he muses. "What would be all of our personal armor these days? And what would be our quest?"
His work resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like the little guy facing a big, intimidating world. The mouse becomes a stand-in for anyone seeking courage or a sense of agency. De Boer’s own journey as a small-scale artist, carving a niche in a world that often values the grandiose, gives him a particular empathy for his chosen subject. It’s a sentiment that many of his admirers share, as they see themselves reflected in the tiny, armored figures.
The artistry of de Boer’s work is not limited to scale. His mouse armor draws inspiration from a dazzling array of global traditions, incorporating design elements from Scandinavia, India, and Japan, among others. "The nice thing with mouse scale is that you get to do a whole lot of neat things. You get to explore all of the different cultures, all the different forms, and just modify it and compress it," he explains. The result is a collection of miniature masterpieces that are as diverse as they are detailed, each one telling its own story through the language of metalwork.
On October 9, 2025, de Boer brought his expertise to the Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, Washington, where he taught a workshop on mouse armor construction. The class drew students from a variety of backgrounds, united by their curiosity and admiration for de Boer’s craft. Among them was video game designer Thiago Vidotto, who hoped that learning the real-world techniques of armor-making would lend authenticity to his digital creations. "To make something real when it's digital, it needs to have imperfections, 'cause nothing's perfect," Vidotto noted. "So you have to learn where you can add the distress, where it could be a problem."
Another student, Laurie Raubacher, signed up both to improve her metalworking skills and because, as she put it, "I really appreciate the whimsical nature. Like, it's just there to be enjoyed." For Raubacher and others, the class was a rare opportunity to connect with an ancient art form in a playful, accessible way.
De Boer’s workshops cover everything from creating molds to punching and shaping metal, to the science of forging and soldering. While the subject matter might seem lighthearted, the technical rigor is anything but. Students leave with a new appreciation for the skill and patience required to transform sheets of metal into something both protective and beautiful—even if it’s only meant for a mouse-sized knight.
Importantly, de Boer is quick to clarify that his creations are not intended for live animals. The suits are works of art, not functional gear for rodents. Instead, they serve as conversation pieces, storytelling devices, and sources of inspiration. As NPR notes, de Boer’s hope is that these tiny metal-clad mice bring enjoyment and delight—and perhaps, encourage people to find their own armor and slay their own metaphorical dragons.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, de Boer’s mouse armor offers a reminder that even the smallest among us can dream big, and that art—no matter how whimsical—can carry profound meaning. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity, craftsmanship, and the timeless appeal of the underdog’s journey.
