Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Hello! I’m back from the IGMA show and want to share some of it with you.

But first, I think I wasn’t clear when I spoke about Don saying he would go with me. That was in reference to the November show in Philadelphia, not yesterday’s show. Don had to be in the city yesterday. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I went on my own. It takes 2½ hours to get there, as it’s actually north of Hartford. And I stopped at Trader Joe’s on the way back to grab a bouquet of flowers and something to eat. So it was a long day, but a good one.

The show was great. Some of my favorite vendors were missing, but there was plenty to see. It’s rather overwhelming when you first get there, so I take a 1st stab at seeing all the booths, then I go back and look more closely. And then a third time, to narrow down what I want to purchase.

I ran into 3 readers of this blog, which was absolutely lovely! First, Barbara and Janet, sisters who read the blog and who love dollhouses and miniatures. As I was looking at something or other, I heard “Claudia?” and it was Barbara, who had left a comment on the blog saying they would be there yesterday morning. We had a great chat and I so enjoyed talking to them; seeing photos of their dollhouses and their adorable dogs, talking about travel, and taking their picture.

Then, later, as I was walking around I heard another “Claudia?” I looked up and there was another Barbara, this time from NJ, who reads the blog, as well. We had a chance to chat a bit, though I was remiss in taking a picture. Sorry! Barbara, it was so nice to meet you and your friend. Thank you for reading the blog!

(Insecurity: I always worry that the “reality” of me will be disappointing to those blog readers that I actually meet. Hopefully, that’s not the case. I’m not fishing for a compliment, just being honest.)

Anyway, on with the show. I didn’t get as many photos as I would like, but here are a few.

Bubba’s Country Cupboards. I purchased that mustard-colored hutch from them last year. Their work is impeccable. Such incredible detail.

More from Bubba’s.

Hand turned wooden bowls, among many other gorgeous pieces, by Bill Studebaker of Studebaker Miniatures. Some of the woods he uses are exotic and gorgeous. Incredible work.

Some amazing miniatures from Tiny Doll House in New York City. They are located on the Upper East Side. I’ve been there once, but it was several years ago, and they’ve recently remodeled. Their display was fantastic and full of handmade originals by well-known miniaturists and many of the items were quite pricey. But, in the larger picture, I can see why. I see things there that I don’t see anywhere else. Check out the Alice and Wonderland table, the little theaters (do you know how much I wanted one?) the amazing handmade pottery.

This miniature set of a Clarice Cliff-inspired teapot, sugar, creamer, and plates had me salivating. You don’t want to know the price. I had a nice chat with one of the proprietors and am now going to make sure I get there sometime this fall.

Also part of the display by Tiny Doll House, this fireplace and urns – handmade in England. Oh my heavens. The chair on the right is extraordinary. It rocks back and forth.

More from Tiny Doll House: Some of these pieces are by Paris Renfroe, a well-known miniaturist who works in a modern style. I find this inspiring, as I’m now thinking of adding a fireplace to my modern dollhouse.

Just stop. These are so adorable.

There were so many miniaturists there and such excellence everywhere I turned. It’s an honor to see it all. I was there about two hours and then I headed home with my purchases.

Do you want to see them? I made them with my current projects in mind.

This Arts and Crafts/Craftsman table was made by Keenderson Miniatures. I was much taken with their work last year and regretted the fact that I didn’t buy a piece then and there. So I was happy to see Glen’s booth.  Glen lives in Canada and we talked a lot about Craftsman style houses, which are rare in that country. You remember that Don and I lived in a Craftsman bungalow in San Diego.

Isn’t this amazing? I can see it in either my little rescued dollhouse or in the antique dollhouse that’s in the den.

This covered cheese plate was made in England by Veronique Cornish. I found it in The Little Dollhouse Company booth. They are a well-known shop in Toronto. I can see this on the counter in my former-dump-rescue-soon-to-be-English-cottage.

Also from the same booth:

Two pastel bowls and two Christmas tree toppers. I’m thrilled about the toppers because my past efforts to fashion one on my own were a dismal failure.

From McBay Miniatures:

For my English cottage – this beautiful piece. How could I resist sheep?

And two larger-sized rugs, which are hard to find.

I love them.

And finally, from Maddie Gerig Shelly –

This gorgeous piece. You may recall that I bought a modern vase from her last year. I was quite taken with her work. She is the niece of the great miniature pottery artisan, Janet Graber. Janet wasn’t here this year as she is preparing for a show of her pottery.

This will go in the modern dollhouse.

There are plenty of things that I buy and make for my dollhouses that are inexpensive and do the trick. But I do like to collect the works of true artisans, as well. Having a signed piece with a story just adds another layer to the work. And you know I like stories!

There you go. A long post, but I hope an interesting one.

Happy Sunday.