Grass and Tree Trunk
  • Bishop Show April 2022, day 2

    I went back to Chicago International on Sunday and found a few more treasures.

    MiniGio. I rounded out the potholder collection with the cactus set.

    Taller Targioni. A wee rabbit dressed for cooler weather and a tiny owl figurine.

    Lilliput Land. Delightful wood turnings by Bertie Pittman.

    Heidi Ott. Always a wonderful selection of lighting, fabrics, doll clothing and accessories.

    Ferranti Miniatures. A lovely green glass bottle. I just love this shape!

    Laser Creations. I have no idea why I need popcorn containers, but I do. What sold me is they are laser cut, so just a quick snip here and there to release from the page.

    They have a wonderful selection of laser cut wood inserts for Houseworks traditional working windows as well as for single and double French doors. I will definitely be shopping here again. The fit is perfect.

    Small Things Bright & Beautiful. A fabulous folk art piggy bank.

    Puppenstübchen. I looked at this egg sign on Friday but didn’t get one. There was only one left on Sunday, so I figured it was meant to be.

    Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
    May 2, 2022 | 0 comments

  • Bishop Show April 2022

    First time since 2019!!!  So good to be there and see so many people again. Chicago International is running through tomorrow so there is still time to shop if you’re in the Chicagoland area.

    Lamis Minis. I hopped right up to Pia’s table first, because I wanted bunnies!  I was second in line, so after the first person shopped (not for bunnies), I was able to go just a bit bonkers.

    I picked up another skunk not shown here for a friend who could not attend the show and got the mom and baby for myself.

    I also picked up a snail for another friend and got a mouse and a snail for myself. Poor Pia had to do a lot of rearranging after all that.

    Jane Graber. I usually visit Jane’s table right away as well, but this time it was three people deep and all the way across. The booth looked like locusts had swept through. I did go back and was able to pick one bowl and mug.

    Puppenstübchen. Last time, they had a great deal more kits.

    But, their finished accessories and furnishings are also lovely.

    Castle Crafts. New kits here, but I also picked up some that I didn’t already have. The suitcases came in different colors, and the papers included were shown on the back. Very easy to go through and see what you’d like.

    They also had these lovely baskets of mushrooms.

    Arjen Spinhoven. I always enjoy seeing Arjen, and I believe this was his first time at the Bishop Show. I was happy to see his table was very busy every time I passed by.

    Ulus Miniaturas. Considering my real life purchase not long ago, the tape dispenser made the most sense. And where there’s tape, there’s glue.

    MiniGio. I bought the pineapple set awhile back but bought the watermelon set at the show.

    Bindels Ornaments. Another vendor I always enjoy seeing. They have the best selection of bits and bobs as well as packaged kits and lots of examples on what you can make.

    Oiseau deNim. I have known Peiwen through blogging for years, but this was the first time we’ve met in person. We giggled and hugged, and it was so wonderful! :D  She makes the most amazingly detailed tiny miniatures and sells molds for you to make things yourself.

    Creations by Lynette. Lynette is not only a talented ceramics maker but was a delight to meet!

    Chris Toledo Miniatures. Seeing photographs of his work is one thing, but if you ever can get to a show where he has his roomboxes, you must go. The attention to detail and wonderful finishes are top notch! What’s especially wonderful is you can purchase some of his fixtures as DIY. :D

    Véronique Lux. I love her storybook animals. :D

    Menutmon Kits. They didn’t have many kits with them, though they are available on the website.

    Dragonfly International. I always find goodies at this table.

    Categories: Animals and birds, Miniature Shows and Shops
    April 30, 2022 | 0 comments

  • Chicago Spring Showcase of Miniatures April 2022

    The Chicago Spring Showcase of Miniatures is on through today, so you still have time to shop if you’re in the Chicagoland area.

    T&D Miniatures and Dollhouses. Vases, and a fox in a scarf that I didn’t know I needed. :D

    Wellies for Fern!

    These might be old stock. They were in a bag stapled to a piece of cardboard, and I saw only the one pair. They are smaller than the usual rain boots I see for dollhouses and therefore perfectly sized for Fern. Umbrella by FranMadeMinis.

    Mini Mansions. Brass match holder with long matches. The brass has a marvelous patina.

    Suzanne’s Dollhouses & Miniatures. I’ve seen this piece in mahogany before but never blonde wood. The lighter color shows off the lines so well.

    Mod Pod Miniatures. Retro cat wall clock.

    Jo Anne Roberts. Always a great selection of fabrics.

    And a bin to find treasures.

    A Little More in Miniatures. I just love the floral arrangements at this shop. They also sell the pieces/supplies to make your own as well, including the chairs with the pots just waiting for plants.

    Dollhouse Auctions & Sales. This was a fun table of random bits. I especially liked the mini packaged toys. There was a lot to choose from.

    KMWohrstein. I swear I had an anvil, but I must have put it in a safe place. Now I have another. The toolbox opens and is clearly marked in case there’s any confusion. :D

    I love this small shop vac. Perfect for when you don’t want to drag out the big beast.

    Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
    April 30, 2022 | 0 comments

  • Bunny pull toy

    I found these kits at a local mini show years ago. Each kit comes with all the things you need and detailed instructions.

    I added wood pieces for the hands and a bead for the pull rope. I skipped the whiskers, because I worried it would ruin his face if there were any mishaps, but I’ve since painted the tiny heart on his chest like the kit drawing. :D

    It was a fun, quick and cute project!

    Categories: Miniatures
    April 17, 2022 | 0 comments

  • Fern, a wee cutie

    This lovely girl is Fern, made by the talented Rebecca at The Old Thread House. You can see Rebecca’s fine work on her Instagram page as well.

    It’s not easy to snag one of these delightful mice, but I managed to nab Fern back before Christmas. She arrived safely from the UK, and she didn’t pack light!

    Being a seamstress, I was able to remove her mittens without damaging her or them. The scarf was already removable. I heated the glue to remove her boots, but the glue did stain and damage her tights. So, I’ve gotten her some warm socks until I can remake leggings for her. :]

    I bought her a chair and ottoman from 2StinkinCuteMinis. I think she will need her own house someday, but she can at least relax in my living room for now.

    I want to make her a spring outfit for the coming warmer weather (I already have a hat for her). Oh, the ideas and plans I have…not enough hours in the day.  :D

    ———-

    Most suitcases and umbrellas by FranMadeMinis; fuzzy socks from Freedom Miniatures; sideboard by Minterior; grapes by Rina Vellichor; Miss Charlotte mouse doll from PamelaJunksMinis.

    Categories: Fern
    April 15, 2022 | 0 comments