Greetings from Detroit!

Hello. I have been addicted to miniatures for several years. I haven't tackled a dollhouse but am enjoying room boxes and other scenes. I also make jewelry and quilt but it seems like I have ignored those hobbies and concentrated on the miniatures! I am looking forward to participating on the forum. Thanks, Laura.

Hi Mary,
This is the first time in 16 years that I have had a puppy. We just finished obedience class and I am not sure which one of us was really trained.
The way I wrote the note, you would think my name is Laura. Actually, I was thanking Laura Grey.
I appreciate your welcome note!

Sharon

Hi Sharon,

Sorry for getting your name wrong. He looks like a little angel I'm sure he'll get there in the end.

We rescued a lurcher(cross doberman/greyhound) in April 2008 and he is only now starting to calm down, he still has many "kiddy kipper" days - but we love him.

Do you make any of your miniatures? I like to make the soft furnishings, dress dolls , make hats, hat boxes, in fact I like to try most things except furniture.

Any ways I'd better get back to work.

Take care

Mary

Hi Mary,
Thanks for the encouraging dog words!

Actually, my daughter and I usually work together on miniatures. We just finished a roombox that represents my son's bedroom over his school years. We made a lot of the items from the 70s and 80s: Weebles, Slurpee Cups, school projects that he did, an aquarium, barbells and weights, Kermit the Frog, etc. We tend to make accessories rather than the big pieces. We are now making faerie gardens that are quite elegant. Definitly have more projects, than time.

It sounds as if you have tried a lot of different techniques and varied projects. I would like to start making fabric items. I have only tried very basic curtains, quilts and bedspreads.

I truly admire you for rescuing your dog. I have no doubt that it takes a lot of time, patience and doggie hugs. Sounds like he is doing just fine.

Sharon

Hi Sharon

Not heard from you for a while how's that pup doing and how are your miniatures coming along.

My lurcher is becoming more loving by the day, he's a real big softie!!!

Mary x

Hi Mary,
How nice of you to send a message! The puppy, Skipper, has finished his second round of obedience classes and is still a wild child but has definitely earned his spot in my heart. I was determined not to love him so much after losing my last two on the same day. Needless to say that determination didn't last long. He is a sweetie.

My daughter and I are working furiously to finish the fairy projects we have in process. We are going to try our hand at the Chicago show. Primarily we have fairy landscapes, but a few roomboxes also. Wish us luck!

Hope all is well with you.

Sharon

Hi Sharon....welcome! I'm just across the border in Ont.
Do we get to see some photos?
hugs Karin

P.S. when is Chicago? Wishing you good luck there!!

Thanks for the good luck wishes. Chicago is the Tom Bishop show on August 28-29. I think we have considered all the details -- now, just to finish the projects! We have made about 50% of the things that go into the fairy landscapes so it is fairly slow, but rewarding. Right now the bulk of the perfume bottles are beads and earrings and glue waiting for assembly! I am eager for the show and nervous at the same time. We have done quite a bit of commission work but this will be our first show.

remember your camera. I'm sure we'd all love to see your booth. For that matter I'd love to see some of the things that you make.....whether that's roomboxes or perfume bottles.
I found a really nice tutorial on using beads to make angel tree toppers so need to pay a visit to Michaels & see if I can find beads shaped like wings.
hugs K

Good luck with the show, Sharon. I have just started to do miniature fairs but nothing as grand as a Tom Bishops but then I only sell tools and craft items for the miniaturist e.g. adhesives, fimo etc. plus a selection of handmade kits e.g. bunka rugs, perfume bottles, jewellery stands and even bread. It is very exciting doing a fair but also very nerve racking before hand. My second fair is tomorrow and I spent all last night checking everything and even semi assembled my stall to check I had everything But it's worth it as I love miniatures too. I'm taking my hubbie with me to take some photos this time as I hadn't thought about that on my first fair and I wish that I had a record of it now.
Good luck again and enjoy every minute and please tell us all about it afterwards.
Cheers Linda
Milton Miniatures

Hi Sharon

Great to hear from you so glad Skipper is doing well, you can't fail to love them can you!!!!

All the luck in the world for the Chicago show, isn't that a rather large show. Sounds like your stock is well on its way - can't wait to see some pics.

I'm presently dressing dolls for my house, I've posted some pics to the dolls house section.

Cracker, Harry and Kujo my three dogs are all fine- absolute softies all three, love them to bits.

Keep in touch.


Mary x

Hi Sharon good luck for the Tom Bishop show, I hear it is a brilliant show to attend.

Hi Sharon

Hope you are well. How did the Tom Bishop Show go?

Mary x

The Tom Bishop show was an amazing experience. We met all the other exhibitors who were very friendly and had a lot of tips for the newbies. The customers at this Chicago show actually asked quite a few questions about the Chicago International show in April. That seems to be the premiere event. The show was well-organized and fun to participate in -- however, the economy has struck the miniatures world as well as everywhere else. We did find out that setting up the tables (we had two) was a lot more fun than packing up to go. Finished components like perfume bottles, candleholders, wrapped packages, etc., seemed to sell better than finished roomboxes. The other exhibitors did tell us that even after 20 years of doing shows, it is impossible to predict what will sell at any given show. We were only two tables down from Nantasy Fantasy and I can only say that her work is exquisite. It's exhausting but we are definitely interested in doing more. I'll post more as I think of it. Thanks again for all your well wishes.

Sharon

Hi Sharon...glad you did well & more important that you enjoyed yourself! Personally when I do a show (I sell antiques) I prefer packing up to setting up; it's like 1 hr to take apart for every 3 hr to set up. And like the miniature shows, at every antique show different things sell. At the show that I did in Feb every decorative plate that I had sold & I could have sold tons more; in July I brought 3x the plates & only had 2 sell.
What I enjoy most is the interaction with the customers & the people just walking by.....as well as with the other dealers of course.
When you have the info for the April Chicago show, could you pm me? If the weather isn't too crappy, I might just drive down & take it in. How big would you say it'd be?
hugs Karin

Hi Sharon

So glad all went well at the show. Just had a look at Nantasy Fantasy - see what you mean - the dolls are so full of character - quite brilliant.
Do let us have some pics of your work - when you catch your breath that is.

Take care and look after Skipper.

Mary x

Hi Karin -
I believe that the Chicago International show is April 16-18 and will have about 140 exhibitors. It is at the Marriot at Chicago O'Hare airpot. All the information is on bishopshow.com I haven't attended but the exhibitors I just met raved about it. So, I am going to attend even if we don't get to exhibit. There is quite a waiting list to be able to exhibit. There are also many classes available during the show. I think it would be well worth the drive!
Sharon

Hi Mary,
You know I was determined not to like Skipper after just losing my other two dogs and I have to tell you now that he is 9 months old, he is a total joy. I just love him so much.
He could improve on the obedience but I suspect that is my fault not his as I think everything that he does is so cute -- like opening the wastebasket by himself by pushing on the lever.

I am coming down from the high of the show. We haven't unpacked everything because we are hoping to get into the Philadelphia show and a couple of others. It is quite late to apply so the prospects are doubtful. I will post a few pictures of our display. Thanks for remembering the show and Skipper.
Sharon

After I saw your post about the Chicago International show, I went on the web site. Also the lady I went to see today, has exhibited there.....she also raved! Much as I'd love to attend the classes, I'm afraid if I went, we'd have to re-mortgage the house to pay for all my purchases.....I know what I'm like when I shop. That's why I stay out of malls!

Chelle wrote:

Well you did spend 50% more than you intended with the lady you drove to see. I'm as bad . We are going to the Westmorland County Show next Thursday (Agricultural Show) and it is a tool Fest, will have to keep my hands in my pockets

no, I only spent 33% more than I meant to. My problem is keeping my cards (credit & debit) as well as my cheque book at home & not carrying them with me.