Maiden America

Museum of Miniature Houses announcement....

2012-01-26T19:18:00.000-05:00

NAME is proud to b e a patron of the Museum of Miniature Houses in Carmel , Indiana and I am happy to announce to you the following information

The Museum Of Miniature Houses reopens Wednesday January 25th and is featuring an exhibition crafted by co-founder Suzanne Landshof. The museum has been closed since the first of the year for annual cleaning and maintenance of exhibits. Many new pieces will be presented for the first time.

Born in Iowa but reared in New Jersey, Suzanne Landshof grew to love the history and furnishings of the Northeast. Through family and several courses she acquired a basic knowledge of American furniture and decorative arts, especially in the 1720 to 1840 period.

Suzanne said that she was “always fond of small things and became interested in the vast world of miniatures over thirty years ago. It encompassed interior design, every art form, architecture, and an endless canvas for the imagination. We lived in Kansas City for ten years where I volunteered at the Kansas City Toy & Miniature Museum before and after they opened to the public in 1982. We moved to Carmel in 1985.”

In 1991, Suzanne Landshof, Suzie Moffett and Nancy Lesh, collaborated to found the Museum Of Miniature Houses & Other Collections, Inc. which opened in 1993. It is a volunteer run not-for-profit Museum with one part time employee. Their vision is to insure that collections of quality miniature room settings, houses, and individual pieces are not be lost to future generations.

The Museum's unique exhibits include furnished miniature houses, most scaled one inch to the foot and one-half inch to the foot, plus numerous single room scenes, and countless individual pieces of small scale furniture, needlework, and original paintings. The Museum features seven rooms of exhibits and a small shop selling miniature related items. It truly is a museum of fine arts in miniature

The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday 11 am to 4 pm and Sunday 1 to 4 pm.
The Museum Of Miniature Houses And Other Collections, Inc. 111 East Main Street, Carmel, IN, www.musuemofminiatures.org.

For photographs or more information contact the museum at 317-575-9466 or email info@museumofminiatures.org.

NAME 2012 National Convention- Charlotte Here We COme

2012-01-23T21:37:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Here We Come.. from the moment, I stepped into the airport to begin my trip until I helped turn off the lights in Charlotte this past weekend , I filmed our convention venue as it presently looks . You will see members of the Charlotte convention steering committee and NAME Board members at work.

I know ,you never get to see me as I am behind the "Flip Camera".I love this handy dandy little camera!
Enjoy watching this short video.Aren't we always surprised how our hotel transforms into a convention filled with a week's schedule of events and activities and all its excitement!

Yesterday is ....

2012-01-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

"Yesterday is history,
tomorrow is a mystery,
and today is a gift;
that’s why they call it the present."
- anonymous

Cherish today, because the difference you make today will shape your future. Everything we do has so many effects and as long as you remember that the present is the most important time, you'll be fine. Enjoy life, you only get to live it once. Carpe diem - seize the day!

The Solstice Tree Story

2011-12-29T09:30:00.001-05:00

The Solstice Tree Story from Clair- NAME member in Virginia

I sent you a photo of animals gathered around a Solstice Tree with roses on it. Later, I realized that people don't know the story behind the scene, so I'm sharing it briefly here. Selma Lagerlof, a Swedish author who died in 1940 and earned the Nobel prize for Literature in 1904, told this story, which my mother passed on to us when we were children: A poor woodcutter's family lived in the woods. It was Solstice (or Christmas), the time to give gifts to children. But there was no money for gifts!--what were the parents to do? Then the mother remembered something special from her childhood. She told her children to dress warmly, for they were going to take a walk in the woods near midnight. The kids put on their boots and scarves and best hats and coats and off they went. Their mother told them to be quiet, very quiet, so as not to disturb the animals. They walked through the snow a long way, when finally they saw a glade in front of them, and in it, a tall evergreen surrounded by all the animals of the woods, quietly waiting. Suddenly--at midnight!--the woods lit up as with sunshine. The snow melted and green grass showed, speckled with meadow flowers. The tree was bright with roses and their sweet smell pervaded the air. The animals gave out a great sigh, and were happy, for even as the light faded, the snow returned, and the roses fell from the evergreen, they had been given a promise--that Spring would come again--and so they returned to their burrows and caves and nests reassured, safe, and calm. So did the children, who had been shown such a wonder. And that is why it is said "Who were the first to cry Noel? Animals all as it befell!"

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T11:25:00.000-05:00

Christmas thoughts and miniatures

2011-12-17T20:20:00.001-05:00

Cary Yerves, NAME's 1st Vice President and I have been sending emails back and forth from Kentucky to California during this festive season . Upon receiving tthese pictures of his latest holiday room box, I emailed Cary stating I am booking a flight to visit him and joining him for this wonderful holiday meal!
Such a talented miniaturist Cary is!

I always enjoy seeing scenes like this because the food looks so real. I can smell it and even taste it.

The poinsettia looks just like the ones in my home. My home is taking on the smells of the cold weather foods and the time of non stop eating and nibbling.

Yes, today I made the heartiest stew, a new baked item- brownies and chocolate chip cookie dough baked together and the ever favorite chex mix! Each day, we add a new munchie to the kitchen table. Meals have now moved to the dining room as that kitchen table will soon be loaded!

I have begun preparing the shopping list for Christmas day meals- we are not traveling this year, it will just be Kirby, our son , Jay and myself. Jay joins me in the kitchen as we begin the day with either " Hot Browns" - my favorite Kentucky dish or Eggs Benedict.... followed by a table filled with dishes and plates of nibbling food- relish tray, hot dips and crackers/toast bites, deviled eggs; cheeses , hot scallops and water chestnuts wrapped in bacon , and more that last the entire afternoon.and add a wide variety of traditional Christmas beverages.

Christmas dinner is served early evening, by candlelight, our country vintage china and my grandmother's "silver" silverware, crystal glasses and the three of us, together, happy and healthy. Under the table you will find our border collie, Abby and my gold kitty, Odie waiting for a nibble.

The evening ends with my all time holiday movie... " The Christmas Story". By the way, I have already gotten the most wonderful Christmas present ever, I love it and will cherish it for the rest of my Christmases,

a red "Radio Flyer" Wagon !

Much love to the giver of this gift ! You know me so well!

Always have, always will

Should have bought it!

2011-11-22T13:44:00.000-05:00

I should have bought it when I saw it at Philly!

That drives me crazy when I do that to myself!

Success

2011-11-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

First, a new NAME DAY work center to share with you! From Becky Scroggins- Ohio.

Last time I posted, I was preparing for my local Art Council's first ever " Auction for the Arts". I am happy to let you know that my auctioneer voice along with some very wonderful residents raised over $3,000 for the Garrard County Arts Council! The Arts are ALIVE in tiny Lancaster, Kentucky.

NAME Day 2011

2011-10-04T09:59:00.001-04:00

Dream

2011-09-28T21:14:00.000-04:00

"They say if you dream a thing more than once, it's sure to come true."

National Association of Miniaturists Enthusiats - NAME Day

2011-09-25T19:22:00.000-04:00

Next week this time, I will be admiring my new work center and saying' What a fun day we had mining!

We shall remember...

2011-09-11T11:12:00.002-04:00

2011-09-04T15:05:00.002-04:00

Grasslands Road Estate Monogram Plaque/Step Stone Initial Letter O:... (clipped to polyvore.com)

I need to remember

2011-09-04T06:52:00.000-04:00

Winter Wonderland Workshop

2011-08-17T21:35:00.000-04:00

I thought you might like to see pictures of the project, raffle items and the exhibits at last Saturday's " Winter Wonderland Small Scale" workshop held in Evansville, Indiana. What a great day it was!

Roundtable kit from Cleveland Convention

2011-08-09T08:38:00.000-04:00

The NAME 2011 National Convention held in Cleveland was a whirlwind of activities. One of my favorite events held is the " Roundtable Kit" sale. $5 kits are created and sold by NAME convention attendees. Kits sold have gone through a selection process and every kit is a unique one. Many of the kits sold at the event will be available to purchase through a in the near future issue of NAME's " Miniature Gazette" magazine.

I offered a 1" scale retro record player kit. I want to share with you the completed project done by NAME's 1st Vice President , Cary Yerves.

NAME 2011 CONVENTION Souvenirs

2011-08-03T09:02:00.000-04:00

For months , years, I had to keep the secret of what the souvenirs gifts were to be for this year's NAME convention. As chairman of that committee- this duty is like being Santa Claus. Two weeks before convention, I finally realized I had over 3,000 gifts in my home. I do hope , everyone who attended convention loved the fact that we connected the gifts to music, the main theme of this year's Cleveland convention.
The lovely gown was made by Joanne Roberts from Penn.- it is the gown Anna wore in the " King and I", the NAME music stand really works, swivels, maybe lowered up and down and was made by Florida's wood miniature artist, Tom Walden. The third convention gift was the " Blue Suede Shoes" made by Sylvia Rountree.

The convention steering committee decided to give gifts which accompanied each main gift. With the gown came a wonderful shelf with peg( designed and parts cut by Dan Zerkel of Ohio and the members of the Lexington Blue Grass Miniature Society assembled the shelf), to accompany the music stand, several scores of music was given and Dan again designed , cut and had members of his club in Columbus assemble the sheet music holder. The last item, is the "Elvis Gold Record" plaque. The was designed by me and was produced by Laser Creations. Members of the steering committee than assembled the plaque.

NAME this year has extras of these items and will be offering them to our membership to purchase in an upcoming issue of our magazine, "The Miniature Gazette".

NAME Convention 2011

2011-07-30T17:47:00.000-04:00

NAME National Convention

2011-07-29T09:46:00.000-04:00

Where do I begin .... a wonderful convention.. I have so many stories- I shall add pictures and stories over the next few days.. I begin with photos from the Patron Party which kicked off the convention. I hosted the event which was held at the Cleveland House of Blues. The 31 one of a kind musical instrument pieces raised just shy of $6,000 for NAME. I was brought to tears.

Little Golden Books

2011-07-15T22:21:00.000-04:00

After 2 years plus of work, the NAME National Convention is just a few days away for me. 3,000 Souvenir gifts, 359 roundtable kits, 200 guitars, 150 Patron Party gifts, table exchange gifts, 500 gifts from me to each attendee that I get to meet and thank for supporting NAME , the planning of the Patron Party for 135 and the One of A kind Auction, the Red Dress Review planning, my A-3 business meeting, agenda,door prizes are packed, my Houseparty 2013 meeting is planned and then my Board meeting notebook is assembled and up to date, am I ready, well, is there room in my car for my luggage for 10 days worth of miniature madness?

Oops , I forgot my theme dinner a presentation to 50 people of my love for Little Golden Books and my gift of a 1/12" scale red pedal car made by me..but I decided to take a day for myself and headed to the Lexington Central Library where there is a showing of original art from Little Golden Books. I was in heaven! I wanted to see it before my NAME presentation and be ready to come back and attend a special lecture to be given by the author, Leonard Marcus who has frostbitten a book about the Golden Legacy, How Golden Books Won the Children's Hearts....... I can not wait to meet him and share my love for this marvelous books. Tuesday, July 28th- 6 pm, I am there early and in the front row! With by book in hand to be autographed and ready to give him one of my pedal cars.

Countdown to NAME National Convention- Cleveland

2011-07-06T20:22:00.000-04:00

The countdown begins...
3,000 convention souvenirs are packed and ready to travel to Cleveland for the 2011 NAME National Convention.
My theme dinner presentation and gifts are done...my table exchange gifts are packed, I have 500 little gifts to hand out , 500 announcements are ready to be placed at table seating at the Saturday night banquet announcing the Lexington , KY Houseparty to be held in May of 2013, I have my Zoot Suit on a hanger, my exhibits are packed, my A_3 Regional meeting agenda is ready to be printed and door prizes packed..

but yet I have a zillion things yet to do

Happy 4th Of July !

2011-07-03T18:52:00.001-04:00

Life in Kentucky

2011-06-27T17:03:00.000-04:00

The days are flying by as I get ready for the NAME national convention to be held this July in Cleveland.
Today was the day that the Overman's competed at the Garrard County Fair..
we were winners... and I had the best ever thing happen. I won the overall Grand Champion ribbon in the flower competition. The judge said, my glad was a perfect flower! I thought so too but never dreamed I would win over a gazillion flower entries.
My miniature entries - 4 entries took 1st place and a 5th entry into the "other doll" category won 2nd place.

We also won first place in Veggie Basket, cucumbers - pickling type and "other" category, mints, seconds in squash, beans, slicing cucumbers.. for having such a rainy year and so far a very short growing season - we are very happy and looking forward to the Kentucky State Fair competition.

To be auctioned at the 2011 NAME National Convention

2011-06-11T19:02:00.000-04:00

My NAME Miniature Club

2011-05-24T17:31:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share with you pictures of my "sisters" of NAME and my Blue Grass Miniature Society at ourl ast meeting. You will see our new officers and photos of several of our projects which will be on display at the NAME national convention in July in Cleveland.

As a member of NAME's Board of Trustees and the Cleveland Convention Steering Committee, my list of "to do's" is still a long one.

I hope you enjoy seeing a little bit of my wonderful NAME club.

A day trip

2011-05-23T04:58:00.000-04:00

A great place to visit when one wants to take a day trip!
George Vanderbilt Biltmore home..

A Club Visit

2011-04-26T14:52:00.000-04:00

A few days before Easter, I visited the Mini Junction Miniature Club of Cincinnati and held a basket making class.

Chocolate bunnies were made, tiny candies and eggs were added and everyone was ready for Easter!

Tom Walden Radio

2011-04-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

NAME, talented member, Tom Walden from Florida, has donated a "working" 1" scale radio to be raffled off in an upcoming fall 2011 Miniature Gazette magazine.

To be auctioned at the 2011 NAME National Convention

2011-03-27T21:31:00.003-04:00

This is my "Bewitching Screamway Piano" which will be auctioned off at NAME's 2011 National Convention Patron Party. This year's Patron Party will be held at Cleveland's House of Blues-a great way to kick off the convention with great friends, good food and the best blues one could hear! Twenty - nine NAME members, some being past NAME presidents, members of the Academy of Honor, special artists and present Board of Trustee members have taken a miniature piano/gramophone and have recreated it!

Things I love..

2011-03-12T15:02:00.001-05:00

Just a day of working on miniatures as I get ready for the NAME National Convention to be held in July in Cleveland , Ohio. I serve on the steering committee and today was to a meeting day in Ohio but a March snow storm canceled it and here I am with the sun shining and daffodils blooming! I am busy wrapping 375 souvenir gifts for convention goers. Convention is like a miniature holiday vacation.

Busy month of March

2011-03-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

I have been extremely busy preparing for the NAME National convention to be held in Cleveland this July.
I will be speaking at the main Theme Dinner about my collection of over 4,000 Little Golden Books and how I married a song, a little golden book with a miniature.

Each person who attends my dinner will receive as a souvenir gift a miniature pedal car which appears in one of my favorite little golden books.

My miniature club has also been busy working on their centerpiece for the convention- at the closing brunch held on Sunday of the convention, a lucky person at each table wins the centerpiece. The convention theme this year is " With a Song In My Heart" so our centerpieces will be so different as every maker of a centerpiece has selected one of their favorite songs to recreate in miniature. The club members have also been helping me with making 500 gifts- a gift for every convention attendee.

Those times together are what NAME is all about sharing but for me it is much more- these ladies have become my sisters.

2011-02-20T11:08:00.000-05:00

Howard Schultz, CEO Starbucks Coffee, Pour Your Heart Into It
Care more than others think wise.
Risk more than others think safe.
Dream more than others think practical.
Expect more than others think possible.

Spirited Castle Roombox

2011-01-31T14:23:00.001-05:00

This Spirited Castle Roombox was created by my fellow NAME member, Greg Bierck of Indianapolis. Before you begin to watch this Youtube video- turn my playlist off so you can hear the musci and sound which comes from this castle!

He is so talented and creative.Better yet, knows everything about the movement and sounds to be added to his castle. I had the pleasure of seeing this award winning castle last fall at the Miniature Dollhouse Museum and other Collectibles Show in

Carmel.

Where has the month of January gone too?

2011-01-21T15:18:00.003-05:00

I realized a bit ago that the month of January is almost over and so many miniature projects are waiting for my attention.
I have just returned from the NAME Board of Trustee meeting in Cleveland. The 2011 NAME National Convention will be held there this summer in July. This was a great meeting- the present Board members who I serve with represent every corner of the United States and really care about this association and its membership.

I am sharing with you pictures from the Cleveland hotel where our convention will be held.NAME DAY 2010 caused a great deal of excitement and I can also say, that the excitement over this project confirmed our hopes . The Board agreed to continue this NAME DAY as an annual event. A committee is working hard to have the 2011 project announced soon.
I also agreed to chair a 2013 Spring Regional Houseparty which will be for our membership who work in all scales.
My to do list is getting no shorter but I am happy to say .. that's ok, as I, oh, so love miniatures .

Peggy March - I Will Follow Him (Live) I JUST REALLY LIKE THIS SONG

2011-01-05T18:51:00.001-05:00

I won!

2011-01-04T21:11:00.001-05:00

I WON FIRST PLACE!!!! Farmers Market Marketing Activities Innovations!

The 2011 Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference and Trade Show will have something for anyone interested in fruit and vegetable production.
This year’s event convenes Jan. 3 in Lexington at Embassy Suites Hotel, and concludes around 5 p.m. Jan. 4.
A new component to the conference this time around is the Agricultural Innovations Contest for Market Growers. Central Kentucky Ag Credit is sponsoring the event that will highlight two categories of laborsaving designs and modifications growers have made to handle the unique aspects of field production. The two categories are Market Grower Mechanization Activities and Famers Market Marketing Activities.

I entered my new miniature farming crates, made for our Sheep in the Meadow and our Bluegrass Farmer's Market and of course the "Kentucky Proud" program which we are member of. I was mobbed after the awards presentation with people, men and woman, who wanted to talk to me! I will be featured in a magazine, speaking to groups and making crates.
I have lots of people to see and I am so excited.
I was honored to be able to speak to the attendees of this agricultural conference how my miniature world became married to our agricultural businesses.

Merry Christmas in a vintage way!

2010-12-24T14:10:00.000-05:00

I found the most interesting vintage pictures at this website:

http://www.shorpy.com

and there was this information about dollhouses!

December 1900. Christmas tree in the home of Wilbur and Orville Wright at 7 Hawthorn Street in Dayton, Ohio, three years before their famous flight. 4x5 dry-plate glass negative by the Wright Brothers.Their brothers, Reuchlin and Lorin had children -- one was an inventor of toys -- hence the dolls and miniatures.What great presents--the doll tea and dishes set, roller skates and some very detailed doll furniture, the train--a classic Christmas!

January 1901. Dayton, Ohio. "Bertha Wright, age five, niece of the Wright brothers, daughter of Lorin Wright," with some of her many Christmas presents. Dry-plate glass negative by the Wright Brothers.

Holiday

2010-12-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

Last year, the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz inspired Harrods department store. It was hard to misunderstand the theme: For the building's exterior, the company commissioned a design team to craft a 12-foot version of the Wicked Witch of the West's legs that looked as though they were peeking out from under the building. The ruby slippers were composed of 46,000 crystals, 500 pounds of glitter and 200 fiber-optic lights. The windows carried out the theme, depicting a variety of scenes from the famous film.
Photo: Iain Murray

Holiday

2010-12-17T20:31:00.002-05:00

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
— Dr. Seuss (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)

Holiday

2010-12-16T09:08:00.000-05:00

For two friends in Virginia

2010-11-27T09:57:00.001-05:00

When I saw this picture on the Country Living magazine website, I immediately thought of two of my most favorite people - Joey and Kevin... if I can recreate it in miniature- I am going to make this just for you, this is the perfect 2010 holiday tree for you- A YEAR TO REMEMBER!

My holiday ornaments - the search for....

2010-11-26T22:54:00.000-05:00

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS ORNAMENT? I can not find it!

My entire main Christmas tree is covered with Christopher Radko ornaments.
I search all year round for the perfect ornaments which have a special meaning to our family.
I givce ornaments all year long as gifts to my dearest of friends and family.
My son gets an ornament every year- now at the age of 27 - his own tree has quite the collection- a Caesar, a bar b que grill, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Cigar, White House, Wren House from College of William and Mary, basketball shoe, Deck of Cards, just to name a few- all beautiful glass -hand painted ornaments some are Radko, but all have the Radko look ..
My two nieces have received ornaments from me all the time I hope these are special ways of remembering them of something in their lives. I often think of what their trees will look like in their own homes.

I give ornaments for weddings, ornaments for birthdays, ornaments for graduations, ornaments for just about every occasion one could think of..in fact I leave a tree up all year round- the ornaments just change with the time of year.

SO this is the Radko ornament I am looking for .... Alice's Tree..... where are you?

Be Back Soon

2010-11-15T06:09:00.000-05:00

In my spare time

2010-11-14T11:07:00.000-05:00

Due to my husband's health issues, I have spent a lot of time taking care of our flock of Southdown Babydoll Sheep, a rare English "Miniature" breed of sheep. Little time has been spent on "miniatures" of the other kind.

It is very possible come spring time- 16 new lambs could be born. This is Rosie- at her first "show" she was not only the breed's champion ewe lamb but the overall grandchampion for the breed in the ewe division.
She will give birth to her first baby in spring of 2011. I love this picture and still can remember
how it felt to hold and cuddle her.

The journey back home

2010-11-08T12:54:00.000-05:00

Be Back Soon

2010-11-06T21:17:00.002-04:00

Babette will be back very soon....

Medical Issues

2010-10-21T10:04:00.000-04:00

For over a week Babette and her family have been dealing with some major medical issues.

A surgery is scheduled ... friends and family members thanks for your thoughts and prayers

... she hopes to be back soon.

Miniature Food - The Marie Antoinette Collection

2010-10-19T18:50:00.000-04:00

A Children's Song of the 1880's

2010-10-12T08:32:00.000-04:00

"Come said the wind to
the leaves one day,
Come o're the meadows
and we will play.
Put on your dresses
scarlet and gold,
For summer is gone
and the days grow cold."
- A Children's Song of the 1880's

Miniature Pottery Open House

2010-10-10T20:55:00.001-04:00

NAME Day in Kentucky

2010-10-03T19:16:00.000-04:00

The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts celebrated Oct 2 as our NAME DAY. Members all across the United States and internationally got together to put together a special "Hutch". The members of my club, Bluegrass Miniature Society invited members of the Louisville Miniature Club to come be with us. The pictures tell the story of what a fun day it was and hutches were actually finished!

today

2010-09-30T13:44:00.000-04:00

Fall is beginning to arrive- we are in the midst of pumpkin season, breeding sheep, setting out mums, setting up displays around the house announcing that summer has left. Days and nights are cooler - the taste of beef stew, chili and pumpkin bread sounds appealing. My studio is showing signs of witches and santas.
Next weekend, a blessing of the sheep will happen at a local winery which purchased 4 of our sheep( a ewe and 3 lambs). I am working on wonderful sheep miniature gifts to give to those in attendance to remember this event.
This Saturday is also the celebration of NAME Day- were members of NAME will get together and build a very special hutch. My local club will be joined by guests from the Louisville club for a fun day of friendship.

"When Pink Is Just A Color Again" - Kal Hourd, for Breast Cancer Awareness

2010-09-28T08:54:00.000-04:00

To be seen at the Cleveland Miniature Show

2010-09-26T13:43:00.000-04:00

Museum of Miniature Dollhouses and other Collectables Show

2010-09-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

Just a few pictures from last weekend's show and sale in Indianapolis, Indiana.

I won a first and two second place ribbons in their show.

I taught a class - broom from the Fantasia movie.

I had a wonderful time with my NAME A-3 region team members

Shopping and admiring wonderful exhibits!

Thanks to the Museum of Miniature Dollhouses and other Collectibles of Carmel, Indiana.

If you find her

2010-09-06T11:28:00.002-04:00

If you know where I can find her- let me know as I really want this doll!

More Whitledge roombox

2010-09-06T06:24:00.000-04:00

Whitledge Roombox donated to NAME

2010-09-05T15:22:00.002-04:00

"Ray Whitledge" roombox donated to NAME by Charles Tebbleman, Academy of Honor NAME member. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Tebbleman and delivering this room box and presenting it to the NAME' museum located in Carmel, Indiana

Kentucky STATE Fair

2010-08-26T21:58:00.001-04:00

Weeks have flown by and the Ky STATE fair competition was wonderful- My Dr. Dollittle won first place in 1:12 scale dolls and the winery - 2nd place in Kentucky Themed Vignettes.

My husband and I also have a large Farmer's Market Garden(s)
now we are talking winners- you will see here our winning Best Vegetable Collection entry ( what a beautiful best of show ribbon it won) I can now declare my husband to be the #1 Grower in Kentucky of Halloween Pumpkins.. of our 20 plus entries into competition- we were ribbon winners in all but one category.. amazing! Lots of blues!!!! Nothing like seeing that first place ribbon!

So here are pictures at random of my past two weeks - mainly ,fun at the fair...

Dayton, Ohio Miniature Show

2010-08-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

Just a few pictures of the Three Blind Mice Show in Dayton, Ohio held this past weekend. Great exhibits were on display, 7 people joined NAME,meet lots of new people and always have fun visiting with everyone!

Getting ready for State Fair Competition

2010-08-12T22:44:00.000-04:00

My three entries into the Kentucky State Fair Miniature competition are finally complete...
A doll which is my " Dr. Doolittle" vignette
Vignette with a Kentucky Theme- Wine Tasting in Kentucky
Roombox entry- The Witch's Table of Magic

A car load of exhibits, I shall take to Louisville Saturday morning. My club members have entered their wonderful miniature projects... then I travel to a miniature show in Ohio, ad a trip to see my niece in her Junior Miss pageant. A full weekend of fun!

If I haven't mentioned it... I now am a member of the NAME Board of Trustees- Member at Large- Fund Raising. I still remain my A-3 Region's Coordinator, soAugust is a full month of mini activities!

special things - I read and the saw today!

2010-07-28T20:16:00.002-04:00

and

"I want to see you when I open my eyes again....."

More Seattle

2010-07-28T20:14:00.000-04:00

Hat Shoppe Exhibit at the NAME Seattle 2010 Convention

Pink and Cute!

Seattle 2010 NAME Convention

2010-07-22T20:45:00.000-04:00

Club Meeting in Louisville

2010-07-12T08:41:00.001-04:00

I am soon leaving for the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts ( NAME) National Convention to be held in Seattle. Meeting to attend, sales room to "shop till I drop", seminars, sightseeing, exhibits to be seen, and lots of fun meeting new NAME members and visting with NAME members who I have not seen in over a year.

I wanted to share some pictures from the Louisville Club which I visited and shared NAME news with them - as a Regional Coordinator for NAME, I have met wonderful, creative people who have made my enthusiasm for NAME grow even more.

The one, the only - B B King in concert

2010-07-07T14:02:00.003-04:00

Just click the button to hear a few seconds of "The thrill is gone!"

Make sure you stop the playlist song- and

yes, he can make you want to " Rock Me Baby, All Night Long".

The one, the only - B B King in concert

2010-07-07T13:35:00.001-04:00

2010-07-06T15:16:00.000-04:00

When these days are gone, when all the love we gave to each other slowly fades away, when your smile or mine is only here as a dream, and when the golden words ‘I love you’ are scripts of the past you and I will always have the memories that were once moments, and I will always know that no matter what, I am and was loved by you.

Sigh.....sigh....sigh.

Love is Energy.... Pass it forward !

2010-06-30T20:30:00.000-04:00

BGMS Project

2010-06-28T09:56:00.003-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, I attended my BGMS work day!
I want you to see what we created with those simple Michael's Hutches. One of our members challenged us to " Fix Up the Hutch" - mine is the pink one.

Look what I won at the fair!

2010-06-26T22:29:00.002-04:00

Two champion ribbons! My french knot rug - Teresa Layman pattern- Champion in the Needlework Division. My winery - 1 inch scale- champion of the arts & crafts category.

Miniature flowers- a time of patience

2010-06-26T14:17:00.005-04:00

I had the opportunity to participate in a miniature floral workshop being taught by NAME member, Barb Bo of Kentucky. I must tell you, I learned that a wisp of glue, needle nose tweezers and patience are much required. There is no doubt in my mind, miniaturist who create such flowers are truly artists . A sense of color, botany make that miniature artist one we should admire .
My project - slow going- but once you get "the hang of it" brings you a sense of relaxation and wonderment as the arrangement begins to come alive.
Thank you ,Barb ,for a delightful day....

Workshop in Carmel, Indiana

2010-06-14T08:31:00.014-04:00

My Saturday Retro Kitchen Workshop 1/4" scale.
These two pictures show you what the completed project will look like.

Arriving and getting set up for a fun day!
This is my Michigan NAME New Member Welcome Chair, Vicki.
What a great friend.

More friends.....
Suzanne- one of the founders of the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, Inc. of Carmel, Indiana. A museum of the best miniatures, that leave you inspired and in awe. To her right is NAME headquarter staff member, Kim and to Suzanne's left is Marilyn. Marilyn is a member of Suzanne's club , volunteer at the museum and guru of the museum's fall exhibit/show and sale help in September in Indianapolis.

Making sure our kits have all the components. More friends.

This is Toni, another important NAME headquarter staff member-

I was thrilled to be surrounded by friends, and all oh, so talented. Left to right Helen, Dolora ( my Michigan State Representative, Kim and Rhonda. Did I mention I am the NAME A-3 Region - Regional Coordinator?
Workshop instructor Luci Hanson, creativity and talent all the way from Oregon.. A great instructor for a great project. In mid June I head to Seattle for the National NAME Convention.

Kitchens were available in the retro pink, harvest gold, avocado ,white and turquoise. Rhonda, the diva of shabby chic selected pink!

Here we are- members came from Michigan, Kentucky and Indiana to enjoy a day of friendship
and fun!

After holding the 1/4" scale retro kitchen in my hands, I quickly realized this past Saturday, that this scale takes some getting use to- first of all, my contacts were changed quickly to my glasses.
This wonderful workshop was conducted by NAME member and board member , Luci Hanson of Oregon . I am proud to say that with wonderful help, wonderful attendees and the fantastic new room of the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, Inc located in Carmel, Indiana
this was a first. The first time such a workshop was held in the museum and sponsored by the A-3 Region of NAME.
I came home amazed at the size of this kitchen, pondering how to give the room its touches of realism all in 1/4 inch scale.
These pictures take you from beginning to the end of the day. Give me a week or so and you shall see the completed project.

The Park Bench- The First Kiss

2010-05-27T21:59:00.003-04:00

I thought this was such a wonderful romantic story about a bench

I have one of these old benches in my garden. Mine is really in bad shape ( it came with the house when we bought it- maybe ,tomorrow I will make a trip to Lowe's, buy new slates and a can of black spray paint and give my bench a new life. Come to think of it I have a bench like this one in miniature size.

When my husband & I were first dating, we went on a walk around my sister’s neighborhood (I was staying with her at the time). A few streets away, there was a large house on a corner lot that had a park bench situated right next to the side walk and it was just begging us to stop and sit. Neil & I obliged and ended up having our first kiss on that bench.

Fast forward. Neil & I are married. It is Valentine’s Day and it’s an extra snowy winter. I come home from work, open the door to our little apartment and see an old, weathered park bench sitting in our living room. I was so confused. After asking Neil about it, I learned that he had been driving around my sister’s neighborhood each day after work for the past two weeks, trying to find the house with our bench again. It had been quite awhile since our first kiss by this point, and given that the city was blanketed in tons of snow, it made locating the bench very difficult.

He finally found the house and knocked on the door and asked the homeowner if he could buy their bench. The woman was a little confused and told him that he could buy park benches at any major hardware store. He went on to explain why he wanted to buy her bench. The woman thought that was the sweetest thing she’d ever heard and called her daughter on the phone to tell her what Neil was doing. She let Neil take the bench free-of-charge. He loaded it up into our tiny Honda CRX, drove across town, dragged it up to our third-floor apartment, and even had a little plaque made for it that says, “First Kiss, July 1, 2002.”

I feel as if I have been around the world and back

2010-05-10T21:25:00.003-04:00

Saturday's Workshop - Garden Shed

Barb's Floral Class

Hours, days, weeks have flown by and I realized I needed to post something... so here is my latest miniature news. In June, I am taking this floral class by Barb Bohlk. Barb's floral work is just wonderful. The class will be held at the Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville, Kentucky. Lucky again, as the museum is just 15-20 minutes from my house.

so this Saturday, I and members of my miniature club are participating in a first time work shop idea of Abby Vukovich of Evansville, Indiana. Abby is my NAME A-3 Region newsletter editor and I love her to pieces. She is so talented and when I saw this project, I knew it would be a hit. I also am hoping that this project is part of an A-3 Region event this fall to be held at the Kentucky Gateway Museum where the Kaye Browning Miniature collection is. ( Her collection is breath taking- museum quality miniatures- the best of the best) I love going there! In fact I was just there attending a lecture by miniaturist room box builder Bob Ott, IGMA member.
Add some Paris chocolates and macaroons, British tea and a few good maps and you can tell, I have been a busy, happy miniaturist!

Bluegrass Miniature Society club project

2010-04-28T12:39:00.004-04:00

At my last club meeting, each of us was given a Michael's unfinished cupboard. After sanding,
and a couple of coats of paint, we were told, "bring your completed cupboard to our April meeting".
How quickly a few weeks can go by and I promised myself that this time I would get my club project completed on time.

I repainted mine... sanded again , painted again adding this and that. I spent forever it seemed going through little boxes of miniatures I keep on hand for quick projects.
I still need to add a doily here and there, Maybe change the plant . Turn the little mouse sideways.
A little bit of this and a little bit of that but here is where I am with this fun club project.

A day with miniaturist extraordinaire, Alice Zinn

2010-04-21T20:09:00.010-04:00

I just realized I have not posted anything in awhile, guess I have been really busy, which, yes, I have been.
Yesterday, I traveled to the Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville, Kentucky where a
year ago, I started the " ball rolling" for my friend, Alice Zinn from Florida, to put on a workshop here in Kentucky. Alice had been a dealer at the Tom Bishop International Miniature show last week in Chicago and a year ago we talked about her stopping at a dollhouse/miniature museum on her way home to conduct a seminar/workshop. Lori Kagan- Moore , the museum curator, graciously allowed us to have the workshop in the wonderful community room. With hot coffee and snacks , plenty of table space and everything provided for us we began. At approximately 3 pm our creations were completed leaving us time to tour the museum and do some shopping in Lori's gift shop.
How very fortunate thirteen ladies joined together from all walks of life were able to enjoy not only Alice's charm, wit and her never ending techniques and tips, we made some new friends. We chatted and visited as we created the most marvelous oriental table. Alice's friend, Loraine , who traveled to Chicago to help Alice at her dealer table also sat down with us and made a table. Loraine in Chicago took Alice's class on making an Oriental Screen, using the same technique but larger and more detailed. I have also posted several other Alice pieces using the same technique that we learned. You will also Alice's creatures... I do intend on her making me a border collie of our own, Abby.
Three other members of my own miniature club, the Blue Grass Miniature Society of Lexington, Kentucky were also part of the group and you can see them hard at work in a few of these pictures from our day of play.

THANKS ALICE FOR A WONDERFUL DAY!

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T16:13:00.002-04:00

The story of Easter is the story of God's wonderful window of divine surprise.

New Lambs

2010-03-31T19:10:00.003-04:00

When I tell people we raise miniature sheep, they just do not quite understand this breed called
Southdown Babydolls. This is Gracie born 10 days ago, weighing in at 6 pounds. She will get no bigger than 24 inches in height, these sheep are tiny , wooly teddy bears. As you can see in this picture of Buttercup, who had twin girls.
Gracie has become my baby, bottle feeding as her mommy was unable to give milk. We have gone from every 4 hour feeding to every 6 hours. I have brought her home and yes, she follows me just like the song " Mary had a little lamb", she follows me everywhere. She will crawl right up in my lap, snuggle in for a nap if I am sitting on the floor. Potty trained too!
So miniatures have been put away for a bit ...

Cincinnati Minature Show

2010-03-23T15:02:00.005-04:00

Over the weekend past, I attended The Miniature Society of Cincinnati's 33rd annual dollhouse miniature show and exhibit.
34 dealers were in attendance, the crowd was wonderful, a buzz about 2010 and what is going on in this part of the world when it comes to miniatures. My connection is NAME and I do have a lot going on over the next two years. In July I travel to Seattle to attend the national convention
( there is a waiting list to be able to attend), I am traveling to Chicago for the international miniature shows, off to Cleveland mid April for a show and for a steering committee meeting of the NAME national convention 2011 to be held in Cleveland. Add in my own club's activities, a National NAME day event in Oct, several more shows and my own projects... it will be December before I know it ... her are a few pictures from this past weekend's show.. the vintage barn is now mine!

A favorite Quote

2010-03-15T22:28:00.001-04:00

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. I'll always be with you.”

Kentucky Gateway Museum in Maysville - a miniature museum event

2010-03-11T17:28:00.007-05:00

I traveled to Maysville, this week, to start making plans for a NAME A-3 Region event I want to host this fall and to have held at the Gateway Museum- Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection. If you are truly one of those people who can never see enough of the best of the best in dollhouses and miniatures this is a place you must visit.
Upon my arrival, for my meeting with Lynn David, the museum's Communications and Visitor Services Director , I was informed that a new exhibit was being installed in the miniature museum.
Here are pictures of what was going on and the newspaper article about it.

When you look at the facade of the Russell Theatre, each detail jumps out at
you, the ceramic tile encasing the box office, the wrought iron handles of
the double doors, all the way up to the urns topping the east and west
towers of the buildings.

The only difference between this facade and the real facade of the historic
theater is the size of the structure; everything else is replicated exactly,
all the way down to the design of the tile floor of the vestibule.

The newest addition to the Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection at
the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center has arrived and is now available for
public viewing.

The Russell Theatre miniature joins two other historically significantly
buildings to Maysville's downtown: the Cox Building and the Bethel Baptist
Church, which once stood on Fourth Street.

Browning commissioned the work to add to the ever-growing collection at the
museum and work began in May 2008, by artists Allison Ashby and Steven Jedd,
who also created the Cox Building and Bethel Baptist Church.

"It should serve as an inspiration for the community to want to save the
building," Browning said, referring to the ongoing efforts of the Rescue the
Russell organization to restore the theater, which was built in 1929 by Col.
J. Barbour Russell and hosted the 1953 premier of Rosemary Clooney's movie
"The Stars are Singing."

The next phase of the project is for Ashby and Jedd to create a miniature
which will showcase the interior of the atmospheric theater and will be on
display next to the facade miniature.

Ashby referred to the building as a jigsaw puzzle, because each piece is
individually crafted and painted before being assembled in its final form.

Taking almost two years to complete, a unique feature of this miniature
compared to others in the collection is the fact more than 1,800 of the
buildings 11,000 bricks are inscribed with someone's name, making this piece
more personal to the community than others.

The purchased bricks line the east and west towers of the theatre facade,
with the names turned inward, forming a time capsule of sorts for the
community.

In November 2009, during final work on the piece, local citizens could
purchase a brick for $1 and inscribe their name, or a family members name on
the brick, with proceeds of the fund-raiser going to KGMC and the Rescue the
Russell.

"All those good wishes are in that building, it's a good addition," Ashby
said of the brick project.

And while it is difficult to see all the fine detailing of the building
while standing on East Third Street and looking upward, the 1/12 scale
miniature allows visitors to view up close the architectural details that
went into the creation of such an elaborate building, which Barbour hoped
would be "what the Roxy is to New York."

Jedd and Ashby's work highlights such small details as the six "Comedy and
Tragedy" masks; the lions faces which serve as anchors for the chains
supporting the familiar green marquee with its heart-shaped Russell Theatre
signs at each end; and the orange and blue stripe on the bases of the
building's three urns adorning the top pediment of the building.

The couple created their work from pictures of the building, as well as
studying it from the street and while only the ceramic tiles encasing the
box office are real tiles, the replicas of the building's other terra cotta
tile work looks authentic due to as many as eight layers of paint to develop
the correct color tones and then coatings of varnish to protect the pieces.

To coincide with the premier of Clooney's movie in 1953, Jedd and Ashby also
researched movies of the same time frame so that movie posters are
accurately displayed in the display cases located near the box office.

Using archived collections of local newspapers, Jedd said the movie posters
created for the Russell Theatre miniature are actual movies that once played
to Maysville audiences.

The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center is located at 215 Sutton Street,
Maysville; for information contact 606-564-5865; to learn more, go to
www.kentuckygatewaymuseumcenter.org.

Alice in Wonderland

2010-03-07T20:29:00.003-05:00

I posted a long time ago about this movie, how I would be there right away when it opened. I saw it on Friday and it is wonderful, more than wonderful. I will see it again, buy it and watch it again and again. As a miniaturist who lives in a magical world every day, I think Tim Burton has created magic.
But then in this picture, I am the rabbit with the white top hat on, so I guess I have been living in an " Alice in Wonderland World" for a long time.
Tim Burton's version is filled with "there is just too much to see" moments. I felt like I missed seeing so much as there truly is so much to see and take in. As always, this is an adult movie, well, yes you can take your child but there are some scary scenes, the Jabberwocky is scary and when you watch the movie in 3-D, I jumped several times in the movie as I felt I was right there, I felt I could catch the butterflies, catch the dandelion seeds floating, danced with the Mad Hatter ( oh, yes Mr. Depp is truly a Mad Hatter!). It is a must go see movie... ONLY IF YOU BELIEVE that is.

Thank you

2010-03-06T09:45:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my friend, Roberta, who joined me in seeing Tim Burton's - Alice In Wonderland movie... see it in 3 D- the movie was beyond what I ever dreamed it would be about.
Your become fixed to the screen and every detail of this movie is a masterpiece of art in so many forms.

What a new day , a new spring can make you remember and reread..

2010-03-04T22:41:00.004-05:00

Egg Carton Castle

2010-03-03T12:18:00.003-05:00

I found this castle on a site called Suffolk Scrap Store. Lots of cute ideas what a person can do with "scraps" of this and that. Don't we all have a box(es) of stuff?

The perfect place to read...

2010-02-27T12:58:00.002-05:00

Invite friends over and let them eat cake =) This coach is entirely hand crafted from solid cherry wood and white oak. All the details are meticulous and intricate, for example, the wheels are made from one hundred individual pieces, the heart shapes in the wheels are spring loaded, panels are hand tapered and beveled, the contoured panels are as durable as a boat hull and the petal-like canopy, interior curtains and upholstery are 100% silk. At Posh Tots, price starts at $75,000.

IT"S FOR KIDS!

To the Rijksmuseum we shall go.. in Amsterdam

2010-02-23T12:28:00.002-05:00

This article and picture was sent to me by a friend, I have no idea where the article came from, but I sure wish, I was this person who could visit this exhibit..

to the Rijksmuseum. to see the "The Master Pieces" exhibition in the Philips wing. Lots of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer paintings with all the main works on display. Of course the paintings are nice, but for some reason we all are drawn to the dollhouses.

Seventeenth-century doll's houses were not children's toys, they were a hobby. In the 17th century, many wealthy Dutch merchants had collections of one sort or another, which they kept in display cabinets. The wives of these well-to-do gentlemen also had collections, which reflected their personal interests: often their homes. Some had large cupboards full of miniature furniture and dolls, replicas of a real home. These doll's houses were sometimes on a magnificent scale. Whenever an important visitor dropped by, the host and hostess would show their collections. The master of the house would open the drawers of his cabinet and explain the contents to his guests, while his wife gave a comprehensive demonstration of her doll's house. She would display the contents of the cupboards, reveal hidden spaces, light the lamps and would let real water gush from the fountain in the garden. Doll's house demonstrations sometimes went on for hours. for ladies, comparable to the cabinets in which gentlemen kept their collections. This is one of three seventeenth-century doll's houses that have survived intact. It was commissioned by Petronella Oortman, a wealthy Amsterdam lady. The house is remarkable in that all of the components are made exactly to scale. Petronella ordered miniature porcelain objects from China and commissioned furniture makers and artists to decorate the interior. It was extremely costly to create a model house like this. Petronella probably spent between twenty and thirty thousand guilders on her doll's house. In the seventeenth century she would have been able to buy a real house along one of the canals for that price.

Too many projects but ready to begin a tobacco barn

2010-02-21T16:15:00.005-05:00

YES, I have too many projects going on in the studio. I have everything ready to begin building a Kentucky Tobacco Barn and I need some miniature tools. I have been searching , found a few Tom Thumb tools I had packed away and am working on my buying list for the upcoming Chicago shows.

While searching the internet for tools I found this website called the Toolchest Site and found this wonderful article. Time to share with others again...

http://www.toolchest-site.com/william-robertson-miniature-tool-chest

It’s almost difficult to comprehend that this replica of an 18th century gentleman’s tool chest, packed with tools, is only 2 inches long. It is a masterful 1/12 scale reproduction based on the Hewitt chest at Colonial Williamsburg and is by celebrated miniaturist William Robertson.

The chest is primarily made from mopane wood which looks like mahogany in scale and oxidizes similarly. The secondary wood is Swiss pear.

There are also cast brass Rococo drop handles as well as beaded backplates. It should also be noted that the miniscule lock actually works, and the label on the underside of the lid is printed on 18th century paper — in lettering to perfect scale of course.

As you would expect from something so masterfully created, the tool chest was made with the same construction as the original chest. Tool trays and drawers are fully dovetailed with hand-sawn dust boards. The dividers are v-notched and crosslapped and the lid sides are tongue and groove.

Robertson’s tool chest contains all the same tools that were found in the original. All the tools work, even the plane’s tote (handle) is set a scale 1/8″ to one side as the original. The saw has 160 teeth to the inch. Robinson says that the hardest tool to make was the folding rule with 5 leaf hinge. It is about .030″ thick and hand engraved on boxwood. Things like the shears and dividers also have nice little joints.

Also included in the tool chest are a Kent-style hatchet, claw hammer, a riviting hammer, marking gauge, five gimlets, a smooth plane, backsaw, saw wrest, divider, awl, round file, burnisher, inside/outside calipers, bevel gauge, try square, three turnscrews, four brad awls, an oilstone in its case, three tanged chisels, a mallet and a beak anvil. As stated all the tools are fully functional, with blades made of steel. Other parts are made from brass with handles made of pearwood, boxwood, African blackwood, Bolivian rosewood and maple.

The chest and tools took about 1,000 hours to complete.

A Man's Miniature World

2010-02-19T21:14:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine, made a comment to me , "I'm beginning to get into this miniature stuff".
He had liked my presidential postings and the connection to miniatures. I have been searching for miniatures for "manly" roomboxes or settings so when I came across this diorama made by Wilco Machiels, I had to post them . I found these on Speedhunters. I have left the descriptions of the photos as I found them written on the Speedhunters website.

I AM IN AWE!!!! Read this:

Many model car enthusiasts, they start to build model cars and quickly realize that they have a long way to go before it looks like a real car. There's always the exception and that is Wilco... he started at the age of seven and has since then mastered the technique of building realistic model cars and dioramas like no other.

All the models and diorama's have been build in 1:24 scale and are made to represent the garage's from the 1960's. Wilco says "I love the nostalgic garages of the 1960's - dirty, a little cluttered and rather disorganized and untidy - I like to recreate them just the way they were". He always starts out with a model and then builds the garage around it, he often takes parts from other kits to enhance the look and feel of the diorama's.

The following is from his website....

My name is Wilco Machiels from the Netherlands

This site shows my hobby and passion, making GARAGEDIORAMAS. ( click here to go to his website) Only in 1:24 scale because this is the best scale to work in, detailed and not to big in my opinion.
The dioramas are fully scratch build made from pieces of plastic, wood andmetal. Mostly shoebox size with real 12 volt electric lighting.

I prefer garages from the past with their nostalgic looks (50-80's). I use plastic model car kits with many parts because they are high in detail.

Al my models are plastic kits from Tamiya, Hasegawa, Fujimi, Gunze, Revell, Italerei, Monogram, MPC and Airfix

The detail on this VW bus is amazing. The rust and the battered paint shows that it had a hard life, I'm guessing that it just unloaded the crate engine.

This more customized Beetle with its deep dish wheels is getting some work done on the rear. It looks like there is some welding going on, maybe a leaking exhaust?. The shop owner must have thought better be safe than sorry so he has a fire extinguisher at the ready.

This beetle is undergoing some major overhauling. It is getting a new engine and it seems that the drum brakes are getting refreshed.

This bus is getting a fresh lick of paint and maybe some rust removed around the arches. It is already rolling on some new wheels. Al the diorama's that Wilco makes feature real lighting as you can see on the wall.

Here we have a lot of spare parts that are scavenged from other models to make this diorama complete. Did you notice the Continental sign just right of the door?

This looks more like a donor car but it makes for a great addition to this diorama.

A scratch build tire exchanger.... just so you now that Wilco is truly a king amongst modelers. I'm amazed at all the details and still find new things to marvel at.

NOW THIS IS A MAN'S MINIATURE WORLD!

So to my friend, what do you think , has this caught your attention..

A new miniature idea... Noah's Ark

2010-02-19T12:04:00.007-05:00

I made a Noah's Ark room box about 8 years ago,
it is titled " Noah and Sons Travel Agency".
The room box has appeared in several magazines . I think I bought 6 copies of those magazines, I was so excited to see my work in a magazine at a Border's book store.
I am fascinated with Noah, the story, the lessons to be learned and the number "2". How that number has related to my life is a fascinating story. I liked these quotes and wanted to share them. Now to ponder do I order this kit or keep on looking. It too can go on my birthday wish list!

Noah’s Ark Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah’s Ark…
ONE: Don’t miss the boat.
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you’re 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN: For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you’re stressed, float awhile.
TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

I found this model kit.. a tiny scale but it might do.
I did find a kit - 9 feet long for $1,500 DON"T THINK SO

Continuing to honor President's Day

2010-02-17T09:41:00.007-05:00

To continue honoring President's Day, I wanted to share this link with you which takes you to a visit to Mt Vernon and wonderful pictures and explanations of this dollhouse replica of Mt. Vernon. Above is the real Mt. Vernon...

Two years ago, I lived approximately 30 miles from Mt. Vernon. I could see the Potomac River from my home in Occoquan. I was a member of the Mt. Vernon Miniature CLub, a marvelous group of NAME miniaturists who I miss very much.
Mt. Vernon has gone under a wonderful renovation and the visitor center is grand. Everytime I visited it, I learned something new about George and Martha ( by the way, the restaurant there serves wonderful lunches.)
I found this site by searching for George Washington clothes... I want to try and make a replica of his coat for a grand and large two room -roombox Williamsburg style I have.

http://www.justoutsidedc.com/Mount_Vernon_page_3.html

GO VISIT THIS SITE!!!!!

About this third page of Mount Vernon photos and comments .... it is all about the delightful doll house size replica of Mount Vernon that is located on the Mount Vernon estate in the Ford Orientation Center.

In honor of President's Day

2010-02-15T08:07:00.004-05:00

In honor of President's Day, this is the Springfield, Illinois home of President Abraham Lincoln.
I am putting this on my birthday wish list... and will start buying the matching furniture. I already have lots of Lincoln accessories and have planned on going to Lexington's Mary Todd Lincoln museum to begin making my list of items to represent her life in this home.

Staying Young with mini chocolates

2010-02-13T08:37:00.003-05:00

I SAY EAT CHOCOLATE
( this luxury truffle box can be found on www.linsminis.com from UK),
I just love this miniature. I plan on spending time tomorrow absorbing her website.
I am really hoping someday I am told Chocolate really does make a person stay younger. Here is a great message which if followed will surely add a few more years to my life.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. That's why we live smart.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop & dull living.' Experience new things...get out.

4. Enjoy the simple things...

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is..

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Sigh.....

2010-02-12T15:30:00.002-05:00

"i carry your heart with me
(i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it
(anywhere i go you go, my dear)"

e. e. cummings

Oh to be in love...

2010-02-10T09:02:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!
"Trip over love, you can get up. Fall in love and you fall forever." ." ~Author Unknown
May you be surrounded by those special sweethearts in your life ...and may love never leave your side..~

Paris-what color do I think of..

2010-02-08T15:57:00.003-05:00

When I think of Paris, I think of Pink...
I wonder why?
So what do I show you today - this entrance of BLUE, to walk into this entrance
room ( from a home in the Hamptons) ... heavenly and a great room to recreate in miniature.

then well, Super Bowl's are to be watched in a man cave aren't they. With A ROARING FIRE ( I WONDER HOW MUCH WOOD WE WENT THROUGH IN THE PAST WEEK) good food ( yes, chicken wings made by my son, a kentucky ham, good drinks, and snackies galore) and lots of excitement, twas a great game no matter who you wanted to win.

Pastry-- cookies extra special

2010-02-07T08:53:00.006-05:00

http://parisminiatures.blogspot.com

Visit this site for the most wonderful miniature French pastries you will ever see. Two very talented ladies in France have joined forces and their love for miniatures .
You will find delight in reading their delightful blog entries and very quickly go to their online stores.

Carl Bronson, another pastry making genius, is offering another wonderful class at the NAME 2010 convention, French pastries and he has a pastry shop workshop also. I took his chocolate decadence class last year and love making brownies topped with a walnut! In the past I took a class from Sue Ketchum learning how to make breads. So my french food making can begin with loaves of french bread, baguettes and chocolates. It's a beginning.

I was thinking about french scarves too... french perfumes...hmmmm..lots to think about and look for..

The place to be for the next 8 days waiting for Vaelntine's day

2010-02-06T08:39:00.012-05:00

Paris - with a name like mine , where else should a person be the next 8 days when romance is in the air.
The little nook - below- yes, a perfect room to recreate.. in miniature. So throw out all of this week's previous plans.. I shall be posting all week, pictures of Paris, what I find that can be,well, what I think, can be recreated in miniature.

http://www.uk.prince-de-conde.com/ the place for Valentine's Day

French knot rugs

2010-02-05T10:42:00.004-05:00

A rainy day makes it easy for me to curl up in a big chair and work on my 1/2 inch scale rug.
If only at that scale it took 1/2 the time.
I have sketched out 12 rug patterns and want to even tackle 1/4 inch scale rugs.

This little cabinet picture was sent to me by a friend... can anyone tell me who made this or where it came from- whose website? My friend was using Stumpleupon and yes, stumbled upon it and now can not remember where it come from..it is just the CUTEST ever cupboard