Each year, the Show brings together more than 100 U.S. and international artisans and dealers, including a number of I.G.M.A. Artisans and Fellows. They offer collectors unique, well-crafted 1-inch, 1/2-inch, and 1/4-inch scale miniatures from around the world.

Saturday, January 31, 2015

2014 Show coverage: Dollshouse World, England

Special thanks to Richard Jennings, Editor, for including the 2014 Good Sam Show in the February 2015 issue of Dollshouse World. The show report "Wealth of talent on show at Good Sam" showcases the work of 24 talented dealers over eight pages. For subscription information, email: support@ashdown.co.uk

Reminder: Click on any photo and it will enlarge.

Figure of Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey, 1:12 scale. From dealer Carla Gaustad, who specializes in superb handcrafted miniatures by leading international artisans. Email: jgaustad1@cox.net
An exact duplicate in 1:12 scale of the Downton Abbey Servants Bell Board by Dr. Ken Byers, Shaker Works West. Email: artisan@pacbell.net. Web: http://www.shakerworkswest.com 
One-of-a-kind 1:12 scale furred Jack Russell Terrier by Takumi Takanashi, Japan. First bred in the early 19th century for English fox hunting. Email: Takumi@minimalxanimal.com. Web: http://www.minimalxanimal.com

Dealer Kari Bloom, Miniton Miniatures - Upholstered Furnishings

With a background in art and design, IGMA Fellow Kari Bloom uses her graphic skills to create unique 1:12 scale furnishings. Her designs include Arts & Crafts, Art Deco & Retro, and unique whimsical pieces. She makes many of her own fabrics. Email: minitonmini@aol.com. Web: http://minitonmini.wix/kari-bloom

Arts & Crafts: Tiled Cube Chairs and Table, Screen.
Art Deco & Retro: Hand-painted screen, "Flame" sofa, boomer table.
Deskey Set: Leather "Streamline Moderne" inspired by designer Donald Deskey.
Deco Set: Lounge, Chair, and hand-painted Screen.
Whimsey: Buckle chair with Kari's own fabric, leather straps and brass buckles.
Handcrafted trunk, closed.
Handcrafted trunk, open. 

"Boho Patchwork Chairs Workshop" to make two chairs at Chicago International Show, April 14-15, 2015. An option for making all five chairs is offered. The additional chairs will be in kit form. http://www.bishopshow.com/workshopschedule.htm 

To see more of Kari Bloom's designs, to >here<.

Dealer Shellie Kazan: Shellie's Miniature Shop & Gift Shop

Long-time dealer Shellie Kazan shares some of her shop's Valentine's Day offerings. Shellie's Miniature Mania, San Carlos, CA is one-half Miniature Shop and one-half Gift Shop. Shellie carries a fine selection of artisan-made dollhouse miniatures, which she also sells on Ebay. Her delightful Gift Shop offers unique gifts and decorative items that change with the holidays and seasons. Email: shelliesminis@msn.com. Web: http://www.shelliesminis.com. Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/usr/shelliesminiatures






1:12 scale Valentine Day offerings from the Dollhouse Miniatures side of Shellie's shop.










 "Full-size" Valentine's Day gifts and decorations from the Gift Shop side of Shellie's.



Exhibit: "Puppet Theaters"

Anna McCuistion displayed her Puppet Theaters at the 2014 Good Sam Show. She is from the city of Ceres, located in Stanislaus County in the central San Joaquin Valley of California. She tells us, "The Puppet Theaters and Puppets were all handcrafted by me."





In 1:12 scale, the exhibit is 12" wide, 12" deep, and 12" tall. Photos courtesy of Connie Sauve, Exhibit Chairman.


Saturday, January 24, 2015

2014 Show Coverage: American Miniaturist Magazine

Don't miss the 2014 Good Sam Show report "Mini Treasures in Small Scale" which appears in the February 2015 issue of American Miniaturist magazine. The gallery showcases the work of 12 talented dealers who make 1:48 and/or 1:144 scale kits and other items. Each artisan has a full page displaying offerings at the show. 


The Romeo and Juliet Villa, Amalfi, Italy. Quarter-scale kit by IGMA Artisan Sue Herber. Contents sold separately. Email: sue@thing.com. Web: http://www.thing.com

To order a copy of the February 2015 issue of American Miniaturist magazine, phone Toll Free: 1-866-606-6587 or email: info@americanminiaturist.com.


Dealer Karon Cunningham, England: Collectibles, International Artisans & More

Karon Cunningham, England, carries an enviable selection of superb handmade miniatures by leading international artisans. For this week's Blog, I asked if she would share some 1:12 scale toys. (Look for other themes in future posts.) To see more of Karon's offerings, visit her website. Web: http://karoncunninghim.com. Blog: http://www.karoncunningham.com/blog/

Ride-on Elephant by Linda Wilson.

Crochet chicken in basket from Mariella Vitale, Italy.
Grumpy little duckling from Christel Kallies, Germany.
Noah’s Ark by Jaqueline Crosby, U.K.
Wooden niƫve (Old Norse) horses by Jeanet Dekker, Netherlands.
Stuffed animal toys in knitted jackets by Almundena Gonzalez, Spain.
Boomerang by Jane Woodham, U.K.
Clowns on sticks are by Sandra Morris, U.K.
Boxed farm animals by Silvia Leiner, Germany. 
Rabbit on stick by Julie Campbell, U.K.