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.
Oh my!!! Such artistry! From amazing choices, you found some lovely treasures. I am especially fond of the three-legged table with inlays! You have a remarkable eye. Glad that you went on your own and I was one who did misunderstand about Don. Even more impressive that he volunteered to do the big one with you.
Well to be fair, I think the way I wrote about it was confusing. You’re not the only one who misunderstood, so I think the error is mine.
Hello from your friend you’ve never met. Love all your purchases! As I was scrolling down (and before I saw your comment) I thought I bet you coveted one of those mini theaters! 😀
I did. I do! Thanks, Chris!
Again, if I had just been perusing the pictures, not knowing you were at a miniature show, I would have believed you were in an antiques / lovely store somewhere looking at actual furniture and pieces for MHC!!! They amaze me as to how they accomplish the scale on these pieces every time you show them. They are true artisans. And things like the artwork and china, vases, etc. ~~ there are no words!! I can only imagine the fun you have wandering those aisles at least 3 times!! One can only try to imagine what the BIG one in Philadelphia will be like. Glad Don will be with you at that one. Sensory overload, I imagine. What fun!!
Yes, sensory overload – even at this smaller show. I spent more money than I planned to yesterday, so we’ll see if November happens. It may not! Thanks, Chris.
Absolutely amazing! Thank you for posting all the photos as I had no idea that miniatures were so detailed and such works of art. I can see how one can get hooked on this hobby! Hmmm…
Oh boy, it’s very easy to get hooked, Suzanne! And then you’re a goner!
well, what a ‘fun day’ you had … good for you! seeing the gorgeous miniatures is such a treat- it’s hard to think those things are so very small but so beautifully detailed- I really have to be careful before I decide I need yet another hobby!!
as always, regards from this part of the country-
barb
Thank you, Barb! I am always blown away by the skill and artistry of miniaturists.
Oh…what a treat. Hard to believe those items you bought are really miniatures….they look so life-sized. As a matter of fact…I would love to have that vase in ‘real’ size. Such artistry!
We’ve been traveling northern Wisconsin and Minnesota for the last several days, so I finally got caught up on your posts. Glad to hear
Don will be accompanying you to Pennsylvania.
Now, I’m anxious to see your new purchases in your different houses…you are gonna have fun! ;)
I would love a vase like that, too! It’s just gorgeous.
Thanks, Donnamae! I hope you had a good time while traveling.
Oh yes…lots of fun…even climbed to the top of a lighthouse, though it was a short one. But…what a gorgeous view. Even saw some color, though not much with this unrelenting summer weather. I do believe it’s going to break this week. I sure hope so! ;)
We are in the midst of a heatwave but the colors are changing.
I enjoyed this post so much, Claudia! I have always loved tiny things and dollhouses, but I just can’t start another hobby. I can see it could be consuming. I love your purchases, especially the covered cheese plate. And the sheep picture I would like to have large and over my couch! Glad you had such a good day and thanx for sharing.
The cheese plate may be my favorite. They also had a couple with little mice as the handle. Adorable.
Thanks, Judy!
Oh Claudia! I don’t even know what to say. Such artistry. Such beauty. Such fun. It stretches my imagination.
How fortunate you were to be there. And TJ’s to boot. Quite the day!
TJs is an hour away from us, so I usually don’t go there. But if I’m in the vicinity, you can bet I’ll stop in. Thanks Trudy!
Claudia, It was so nice to meet you yesterday at the guild show. It looks like you found some lovely little treasures.
If you google v and r miniatures you should find Vaughn and Rachel in Wales who hand sculpt 1:12 Staffordshire goodies. The pieces are adorable and very reasonable.
We did get a kick seeing our photo. Keep in touch.
I will! It was a pleasure talking with you and Janet. I will google the Staffordshire miniatures.
xo
Oh, I enjoyed this tour so much; thank you, Claudia. What a treat to be able to go to such a show! I would be in Heaven and also Hell trying to choose what to buy on a budget. I’d probably have to go with a mindset as if it was a museum (look at, don’t touch, not available for purchase). How incredible is the skill of artisans out there, making such beautiful, unique miniatures?!! “Kid in a candy store…”
An aside: May I ask you about your recently-purchased love seat/sofa? I have the reupholsterer coming to the house on Tuesday to answer some questions about re-covering my 9-ft vintage sofa. I think it’s from the 1950s; been in my ‘family’ forever. In the meantime, since my husband isn’t entirely ‘high’ on the idea of reupholstering, we did a lot of sofa shopping yesterday at furniture stores. I need firm support and most of the sofas I just flopped around on; too poufy and pillowy. We’ve heard people speak of the merits of a FlexSteel sofa; there’s only one dealer in our immediate vicinity. Probably will be off to check them out later today. What were you and Don looking for and how did you choose? My reupholsterer showed me a not-very-old sofa he was working on (rebuilding it) in his shop; was cheaply made with plastic screws and fiberboard frame, saying that’s what you mostly get these days (and they don’t hold up). It’s hard to know which way to go; I haven’t had an otherwise new sofa for 13 years (it didn’t hold up well either) and it’s maybe the most important piece of furniture in a living room, and none of it is cheap, that’s for sure. It’s a major investment for us; I don’t want to make a wrong decision. It’ll likely be the last sofa we ever buy or refurbish; it needs to last for our ending years. I’ve been wrestling with the idea of reupholstering this old sofa of my family’s for the past six years, got close to a choice and then backed off, but we’re ready to dance, one way or another; we need a proper sofa (for our aching backs, most of all!).
I was looking for a specific style, so that’s what I searched for. But you can visit Interior Define’s website to see what materials they use. It’s very well made. It’s also very firm, a bit too firm to begin with, but we’ve definitely broken it in.
Our flop-on-the-sofa is the one in the den. It’s 25 years old and it’s slowly falling apart. But we’ll keep it as long as it lasts.
Thanks for responding; I’m glad to know of the Interior Define website. I knew you’d put careful thought into the purchase.
xo
Thank You Claudia for this exciting tour. All the artists are so talented. Enjoy your purchases.
Marilyn
I will. Now I just have to get work on the dollhouse project so that I can get it to the point where I can enjoy the little things I bought. Thanks, Marilyn!
I’m saving for next year for sure. That show is less than an hour from me. I’ve just given the place a new coat of paint and plan on fixing some windows and putting in baseboards etc. I have sheet hardwood floors for 2 rooms but unfortunately they are different stain colors which I don’t like. I’ll try to re stain one and see how it goes. I took out the staircase to make the “ master” bigger and will try to figure out how to put it back somewhere where it won’t look too silly. It’s good to have winter projects other than cleaning the basement!
Oh yes, Deb – you must go next year! It’s quite wonderful. I have to start in on the exterior of the cottage (the one I found at the dump) That’s going to be a big job!
It was wonderful to meet you, Claudia and you are just as warm and lovely in person as you are on your blog! It was a great show with such beautiful artistry. You’re right, takes several trips around the room to see everything!
Barbara in NJ
And even then I’m sure I missed some things!
So great to meet you Barbara – did you buy anything?
Just a little dish of caviar (!), and a kit to make a small French knot rug. But my friend Cathy bought a few items. The best was a 3 piece set of hand tooled leather luggage in saddle brown with emerald green trim. It was truly a work of art.
I saw those kits – good for you! I bet that set of luggage is gorgeous!
As the weather cools, it’s nice to have dollhouse season to look forward to. What an amazing selection of miniatures at that show! I’m challenged making accessories for the granddaughter’s AG dolls at 1:3 scale. I can’t imagine the time and care it takes to craft at 1:12! Worth every penny for the joy it brings you. I’m looking forward to seeing your new purchases make their appearance in your dollhouses!
I’m sure that you are every bit as lovely in person as on the Interwebs. Your caring shows through!
Thank you, Roxie, that’s very nice of you to say!
Oh my goodness…I am not a dollhouse owner but those country cupboards are absolutely unbelievable…wow. All your photos are amazing. Can’t wait to see where your new pieces will live! Looking forward :)
Aren’t they stunning??? If I had more money and more space, I would buy some more. But I am content with the one I have.
I love the pieces you chose to bring home, especially that lovely pastoral scene and the tree toppers! How fun is that! I fell in lust with those little theatres and the Quimper — and the Clarice Clift was unbelievably beautiful. I’m especially fond of your little Mission-style table. I can’t wait to see how you incorporate them into your doll houses!
I’m excited to find a place for them, but that will be a while! I have to do interior and exterior work yet. Thanks, Jeanie!