Hello friends, I'm back!
I was looking back at my last post and I'm sorry that's it's been such a huge gap from then to now. My newest "mini" was a huge investment and completely worth it. The baby came in August and she's in perfect health. I had plenty of Braxton-Hicks contractions to make me think she was going to be early. Instead she was a week late. Bear with me a moment while show off our newest bundle, Natalie May.
Back in July, I started planning on attending the Good Sam Showcase in San Jose. I made hotel reservations and checked out the Friday workshops and the Good Sam Academy classes. I was very tempted to do the copper class with Alan Hamer, but I ended up missing the registration deadline. Having a new baby distracts you sometimes, or in my case all the time.
Then, as we got closer to the show, the hot-shot 9 year old got invited to the yearly Pop Warner Scholastics Banquet to recognize his awesome grades. However, it happened to be the same weekend as the mini show. At that point, we decided to divide and conquer. Husband stayed home and took the two big kids to the football game Friday, the banquet Saturday, then bird hunting Sunday. I took the baby and mother-in-law and drove over the hill and down to the bay.
I have to say, after wanting to go for years, it was great to finally get there!
First, there were so many nice people! Having a baby was a huge advantage because she was a great conversation starter.
Second, the minis were fabulous. There were displays in the hall of different scales by various local mini lovers. Here's a sample.
The IGMA table had some amazing items on display advertising the guild school courses. Someday I might go that route.
Tons of talented artisans filled the room, people I had heard of for so many years plus new ones. There were things I wish I had the budget to buy. Ferd Sobol's furniture. Takumi Takanashi's animals. Bluette Meloney's roomboxes. Miyuki Nagashima's porcelain. Lars Mikkelsen's furniture. Red Dragon Pottery. Shaker Works West. However, I managed to get a few awesome things without breaking the bank.
I ran into Jan Patrie of Autumn Leaf Studio. I used to visit with her back in my college days when she worked at the mini shop in Reno. She hasn't changed a bit.
There were also the free tools and techniques workshops before the show opened on Sunday morning, I had a chance to make a box of soap taught by Deb Laue of Dragonfly International (shown way below) and get some punch needle pointers from Sallie Evans. This was her project from the Friday workshop.
Now for the loot. I couldn't help myself. I have been in a city lacking any real miniatures for far too long.
Baby doll and crochet blanket from the estate sale. Pat Boldt undressed and unwigged child doll. I picked this one because the sly, sideways look reminds me of Haley. Peaches and cherries in a basket, mug of cocoa, and crock of pickles by Jan Patrie. The pink bunny came from the White Elephant sale.
Hairy Potter Craig T. Roberts vase and bowl. Green pothos plant from Marie Petrik .
Peony arrangement from Marie Petrik. I actually won the peonies as a door prize!
Blue hydrangea arrangement by Laura Crain. Janet Uyetake Tiny Towne Hawaii grape basket and champagne tray. These bunnies are from Sylvia Mobley.
Unfinished Bespaq rocking cradle from Maritza Moran because her painted goods FLEW off the table.
More bunnies from Judy Orr. Soap box project from Dragonfly International.
Fireplace from A and R Miniatures
Jewelry from Bobbie Johnson.
I found tons of goodies for Haley from the White Elephant sale. She asked for a couch, a side table, and bunnies and I came through for her. She was my assistant while I photographed all the loot at home. Some of her shots were pretty good. I think she has an eye it.
So there you have it. My big weekend in the Bay Area. Stay tuned for more minis because I'm all fired up with this fresh inspiration from the show! Bye for now.
