3 Blind Mice – Jan 2014

The first of the year’s shows ran tonight and is going on again tomorrow.  We’ve had some crazy weather in the area, so there were fewer vendors than scheduled at the 3 Blind Mice show.  But, I still found a lot of goodies!  :D

Unfortunately, the first vendor I visited didn’t have their name on the receipt and the setup didn’t follow the original vendor map.  :\  I bought a lovely rabbit hutch…more on this later.  ;D

A beautiful wrapped package…do those look like turnips?  Must have had rabbits on the brain.

And this awesome firewood stack!

From Debra Rundle, I picked up a lovely white vase, boxed games, a puzzle and clay, all very well made.

She also had a set of white mugs; I liked the shape of them.

The place where I found the most treasures was All About Miniatures. He had two lovely stair kits from Architect’s Choice.  They have individual pieces to make the base stairs.

With separate treads.

But, what sold me were the newel posts.  Look at these beauties!  :D

I picked up a wonderful Walmer triple bookcase.

And, a lovely tall finial.

There was a Walmer skylight kit that caught my eye, and Greg opened the package so we could see what it was supposed to look like assembled.

Erm…is that an ultrasound?!!  No kidding…that’s the kit photo on the instructions.  hahahaha!

Looks like you install this around an opening in a 1/4″ thick ceiling board.

“Glass” is included, but I have something in mind besides a plain window.

And, my welcome gift from the generous show organizers was this cute reindeer figurine.  Well, he’s a mini ornament, but I will snip that thread and use him as a figurine in mini.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
January 3, 2014 | 0 comments

Wee “c” Miniatures Show 2013

I went to the last local miniature show of the year Friday night, the Wee “c” Miniatures Show. This show has a nice amount of dealers with good quality minis and a room with finished houses, room boxes and vignettes where you can vote for “Best in Show.” It’s always wonderful to see other miniaturists’ work in person. I found some unusual items this time around as well as some staples I needed to get for current and future projects.

A delightful Arts & Crafts stand from Jancrafted, along with its half scale counterpart. I like using half and quarter scale items in my full size builds as accent pieces.

She had this lovely side table with interesting carvings and shapes.

I also picked up a more traditional side table.

This gorgeous Mackintosh chair from William Cambron Designs. I considered buying two, but I wanted to stay on budget.

A worn plate from WCD as well. The mugs are from a vendor that didn’t have their name on the receipt, and there is no map of vendors on the Wee “c” website.

He also had a set of unfinished turned bowls with lids.

From the unknown vendor, I also picked up this beautiful large green bowl.

This lovely silver bowl was only a dollar!

It is lightweight metal and wonderfully detailed.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
November 9, 2013 | 0 comments

The Bishop Show Fall 2013

The fall Bishop Show is a small show, but many of my favored vendors are usually there so it is always worth the trip.  And, you get to see the spring show workshops in person.  :]

From Carol’s Bloomers: white vase, white candy bowl, green pot.

From Wright Guide Miniatures: tools and a water spigot.

Vintage dum-dums and a seltzer bottle.

Tiny feathered fishing lure.

From Tiny-Tique: two Chrysnbon kits.

Hexagonal tile flooring.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
August 25, 2013 | 0 comments

New minis

Even though I don’t have a build started for this beautiful bed, it’s hard to pass up pieces that speak to me. I’ve noticed that if I skip over something, it tends to be sold out and out of production by the time I’m ready for it. I picked up this lovely bed from Regent Miniatures (a new name for a long time supplier on eBay).

It has wonderful vintage styling with crisp white upholstery.

I also had a recent business trip to Vancouver, British Columbia where I had a couple of days for personal touring, too. It was my first time there, and I definitely want to go back.

I had brought some needlework with me, but it was pretty much a non-stop series of events between meetings, meals and activities. During my off weekend, I stopped at Ross’ Miniatures in North Vancouver.  Mary was so helpful and friendly. I was able to find a number of interesting and vintage items.

This Timberbrook closet kit comes with working sliding doors and wood pieces to make an enclosed closet.

These are no longer made and hard to find.

I bought a number of packages of brackets for The Brownstone. The ones that came with the kit require assembly and since I plan to add to the overall structure, there would not be enough of them to go around.

I found a contemporary chair and side table.  I’ve never seen anything like these before.

While I was away, some fun new minis from Blake at A Bohemian Bazaar arrived at home. They are so well made and so tiny!

Categories: Furniture, Miniature Shows and Shops
June 29, 2013 | 0 comments

Bishop Show, day 2; 3 Blind Mice, day 2 – 2013

Gorgeous working clock by Halls Miniature Clocks from Small Treasures.

Perfect X-Acto knife from Ulus Miniaturas.  I bought his can opener last year.

Needles from Vilia Miniatures – same vendor for the thimble.

Ballerina flats from Patrizia Santi.  These came with a wonderful shoebox and bag.

Vintage photo and yarn from L. Delaney.  It was great to see her books and other printed minis in person, all great quality.

A lovely white pitcher from Templewood Miniatures.

Before April insists I made her buy things, let’s remember she’s the one who got me over to the Miniatures in Silver table.  She chose her items, and I picked up the pair she didn’t take.  :D

Back to the 3 Blind Mice show as well…

Pumpkin candy wand from A Pocket Full of Wishes.

Another Teresa Layman French knot rug kit.

Cootie game and more household/food items from Golden Acorn.  I had this game as a kid, and I think it’s still at my parents’ place.

Fabrics from Tiny Textiles & More.

A pint of perfect cherries from The Garden Path.

Beautiful vase from Jason Feltrope.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
April 21, 2013 | 0 comments

The Bishop Show 2013 – Day 1

I found quite a lot at the Friday preview at The Bishop Show.  :D

Gorgeous nightgown from Janet Middlebrook – this is so perfect for grandma and the Heritage.  I don’t have hooks installed on the doors yet, though.  :]  Janet had so many beautifully made clothing items from this delicate nightgown to intricately detailed historical costumes.  Simply beautiful work!

Pottery from The Enchanted Garden.  Lovely finishes!

Pottery from Jane Graber.  Beautifully detailed pieces.  The bird is a bank.

Wicker waste basket from Jane Graber.  The weaving is so fine on this basket.

Shoes from Spencer’s Nook.  I want these in real life size!  :D

Lighting from Ray Storey.  He’s always so personable and the quality of his items is wonderful.

I bought a pair of these.

Frame from Leeds.

Thimble from Vilia Miniatures.  Impossibly tiny with wonderful detail.

Box from Vilia Miniatures.

Working – yes, working – clothespins from The Little Dollhouse Company.

Owl trivet and tray by le mini di Pierluigi from The Little Dollhouse Company.

Travel items including a passport, airline ticket, postcards and brochure from Small Talk.  These are for the Brownstone, home of our world traveler.  :D

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
April 20, 2013 | 0 comments

3 Blind Mice Show – April 2013

Last night, I headed to the first of the local mini shows: 3 Blind Mice.  Since the IMA Show is no longer running, this show grew considerably in size. There were vendors all over!  :D

For The Art Studio, I bought a flag with a stand and a door mat from Designs by Janet.

They add a little welcoming whimsy.

I also purchased a few items for the mini fridge from Golden Acorn.

The white tray on the left is for the Studio, but the others are just to add to my accessories collection.  These are all from A Pocket Full of Wishes.

Also from this vendor are some decorative votives and a candleholder.

I’ve had my eye on these REAC Frank Lloyd Wright chairs for a couple of years, so I picked them up from William Cambron Designs – a vendor who always has a nice selection of modern miniatures.

From Mini Decorators, I found some great fabrics.  I’ve been looking for that one on the right for the past couple of years.  The one on the left is used to weave miniature carpets.  She had some nice designs, so I’ll give it try.  :D

The rug is from Designs by Janet but the vase and pot are from other vendors.

I bought two French knot rug kits by Teresa Layman.  I’ve never stitched one of these, but they look so perfectly in scale in miniature.

Two more lights from The Lighting Bug for an upcoming project.

I always buy birds from Barbara Ann Meyer of Mini Gems, but this time she had a tiny fox and Bastet statue that drew me in, too!

While I’m showing new minis, here are a few I picked up from All Small Miniatures when I bought the shingles for the Studio.  The stool is also for the Studio, but the other items are for my accessories collection.

The anchor will be for Jasper Inlet Light, and the vase will likely end up in the Heritage.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
April 19, 2013 | 0 comments

Wee “c” Miniatures Show – 2012

I went to the last local miniature show last night, and it is still going on today, the Wee “c” Miniatures Show.  I went with a modest cash budget and came home with extra funds. Unfortunately, most of my receipts didn’t have store names and the show program didn’t have a map of vendors, only a list of names.

Patricia M. Wehmeier Miniatures – she has a wonderful collection of vintage and unusual items, and I’ve purchased from her before at other shows. I bought from her a white vase and a set of colorful stacking bowls.  The basket is an Al Chandronnait creation from Greenhouse Miniatures (no website).

This unusual chair is also from Patricia.

I plan to paint it since the shiny mahogany finish doesn’t do it any justice.  :]

I also bought a fun wheelie bin from her table.

The same vendor where I bought the basket from had some nicely priced white china – Greenhouse Miniatures (no website).

I also picked up two larger wood frames from her. The other two frames are from other vendors.

I picked up some fabric, landscaping items and a large pack of fine gauge floral wire, which seems to be rather elusive in the local craft stores.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
November 10, 2012 | 0 comments

Bishop Show – Aug 2012

Technically, it’s still summer but the fall Bishop Show just came through this weekend. I had a small budget, stuck with it and even came home with money to spare.  :D

I bought a lovely rake by Sir Thomas Thumb.  I had found a leaf rake before, but this one is just so much more realistic.

Next is a mix of minis including a package of light bulbs and a box of hamster treats by Wright Guide Miniatures. The two colorful bowls are by Barbara Anderson Miniatures and were very reasonably priced for the good quality.

The best item I found while rummaging through a box of miscellaneous minis, which can often yield great items for next to nothing. These are the best pencils I’ve ever seen in mini, and they were only $1.50 each. I searched that box for so long and found only these two – a red one and a green one. The vendor was Small Talk.

They are so tiny!  :D

I had this notepad in my mini stash, and the pencils make it look too thick for proper scale.  Ha ha!  The books are borrowed from the Heritage.

Another find in the box was a bit of knitting for grandma.

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
August 12, 2012 | 0 comments

Quick (like bunny) trip to Bishop 2012

Mr. Rabbit is from K. Kuti Designs.

I am not a doll person, but I love animal characters. He was in the main display case for dolls away from the vendor’s table, so I had to wait until the last hour of the show to pick him up! I don’t usually go to the last day of the Bishop Show for the sake of my budget and my tired feet, but he was worth the trip! :D

Categories: Animals and birds, Miniature Shows and Shops
April 22, 2012 | 0 comments

IMA and 3 Blind Mice shows – 2012

I went to the IMA show first and then back to 3 Blind Mice in the afternoon.  I might go to the Bishop show again tomorrow.  There are fewer items here, because some of them I can’t show you just yet.  :D

Lighting Bug – love these bare bulb fixtures!  These are for the Heritage attic.

The Kennedys – I brought home the smallest piggy I’ve ever seen!  :D  I’ll attach this to a shelf somewhere and hope he doesn’t get the notion to wander off.

These beautiful pottery items are from the IMA show, but there was no vendor information on my receipt. I think they may be by Jason Feltrope.

Celtic Juju – a lovely birdhouse and two aged copper handmade pieces.  Hmm…the next sneak peek for the Spring Fling comes in the form of these three pieces.  ;]

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
April 21, 2012 | 0 comments

Bishop and 3 Blind Mice shows – 2012

I went to two of the three shows today and bought a lot!  :O  While I love it all and would like nothing better than to share it all…this post would be overwhelming.  :D  Here are just a few highlights.

Ray Storey Lighting – love his work, and he is a wonderful person to chat with.

Heidi Ott lighting – I saw these online but thought by measurement they seemed large.  But, in person, they are beautifully detailed and the clear glass makes them much more graceful than I had expected.  These might end up on either side of the bed in the Heritage.

Spencer’s Nook – this is a small key and leather fob.  Fantastic detail!  This will be for the Brownstone.

Paulette Svec – love this cat!  :D  It’s a beautifully made fabric stuffed cat with a bow.  I made something so similar in real life when I was young and instantly loved this!  She had many wonderful dolls and stuffed animals.

Sir Thomas Thumb – though I have a number of his tools and such, this time I ended up with a beautiful butterfly.  :D  I’ve put it on a hydrangea I already had.

Ulus Miniaturas – I have drooled over the beautiful miniatures José makes ever since I first stumbled onto his work.  The detail and realism are amazing.  If my mini budget were larger, there would be more of his things in my builds.  I brought home a vintage hand-crank can opener.  I use one of these in real life, not necessarily to be green but it saves counter space compared to an electric one and it’s something I’ve had so long I am just used to it.  :D

Taller Targioni – these are for the Heritage…a beautiful pair of opera glasses…

…and toys for grandma’s attic: a pair of too cute for words piggy and giraffe!

Jane Graber – a beautifully made and whimsical squirrel bottle and a lovely vase.

Patricia M. Wehmeier Miniatures – she has a wonderful collection of vintage and unusual items.  I bought a cane for the Heritage.  This complements Fran’s umbrellas beautifully!

And, a vintage toaster for the Heritage.  :D  Love this thing!

And, these candlesticks and elephant are for the Brownstone.

Alex Meiklejohn pottery – I have many of his pieces, but today I found this whimsical jack o’ lantern.

And, speaking of pumpkins…this isn’t from the shows, but it arrived in the mail today, so it gets grouped in.  :D  It’s a wonderful pumpkin birdhouse by WhimsyCottageMinis.  I’ve been picking up Halloween items for the Heritage since grandma really does it up for the holiday.  She does have the best haunted house on the block, after all.  ;]

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
April 20, 2012 | 0 comments