Two 2014 Good Sam Academy Classes

This is the last week to register for a Good Sam Academy workshop. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to take classes from top miniature artisans in their field. You will have lots of fun while learning advanced techniques in a relaxed atmosphere. Here are two more of the workshops to be held from Oct. 13-17 at our Morgan Hill, CA facility immediately following the show.

Students learn the woodworking techniques necessary to create a lovely New England Windsor Arm chair. Instructor: Mark Murphy, IGMA Fellow.

Students learn Silver Soldering techniques to fabricate two lovely desk lamps and one floor lamp. Instructor Jim Pounder, IGMA Fellow.

For detailed information about the 2014 Academy classes, go to: http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm. 

Send in your GSAM registration now and join the fun.

2014 Good Sam Academy Workshops

The September 1 deadline to register for an Academy Workshop is drawing close. There are still openings in the Guys from Texas class to make a fabulous 1:12 scale Frank Lloyd Wright room box. Jon Fish and Larry Osborn create some of the finest miniature structures in the country. Their craftsmanship is superb. The details are exquisite. They are fine instructors. Don't miss this rare opportunity to take their workshop in one of our relaxed and inviting Academy classrooms. A good time will be had by all!  

Click on any photo and it will enlarge.

Frank Lloyd Wright room box, 1:12 scale. Every detail flows into the next in this dramatic design. 18-inches deep x 26-inches wide. 15-1/2 inches tall.

The ever-so-talented IGMA Fellow Nell Corkin is offering a delightful 1:144 "Carpenter Gothic" style cottage (mid-to late 19th century). With over 30 years of experience, Nell is well known for achieving a high level of detail and realistic look in 1:144th scale. We are most fortunate this year to have Nell as an instructor at the Academy and dealer at the Show.

1/144" scale Victorian Cottage taught by IGMA Fellow Nell Corkin.

Interior of Victorian Cottage.

For detailed information, go to: http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm. Send in your GSAM registration now. If you have questions, contact Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. Phone 209-474-2870. Email: connie@thechinadoll.com. 

Good Sam Academy Registration Deadline is Sept. lst

The first year of the Good Sam Academy was a very special and successful event. A really good time was had by all! This year, we are offering the Second Annual Academy immediately following the show. The intent of the Academy is to give students an opportunity to learn how to make high quality miniatures from some of the leading miniaturists in their fields.

"The 2013 Academy was a resounding success," says Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. "We had incredible teachers, great classes to choose from, and wonderful catered food. A week of fun, miniatures and friends! What else could a miniaturist ask for?"

"The bright and well lighted classroom facility for the "Le Bon Marché" 2013 workshop was fabulous," says Bluette Meloney. She taught students faux finishes and trompe l'oeil painting techniques.

"If you are not having fun you shouldn't be in this class," Rik Pierce tells participants in his "Medieval Hunting Folly" workshop. Students learned how to use Creative Paperclay to make stone, bricks, etc., and lots more.

Student Carolynn Walden is having fun and working hard in Rik Pierce's workshop.

"Hot pizza straight from the wood burning oven. Wow! What a treat. Everyone felt this was one of the hallmark moments of our experience," exclaimed a workshop participant.

The deadline for registering for a 2014 Good Sam Academy class is September l and fast approaching. For detailed information about the Academy classes, go to:

http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm. Send in your GSAM registration now and join the fun.

2014 Good Sam Academy Workshops

Here are three more of the workshops that will be offered at this year's Good Sam Academy. The classes will be held from Oct. 13-17 at our Morgan Hill, CA facility, immediately following the Show. The workshop space is divine--airy, big and light. It is a fabulous opportunity to learn new techniques from miniature masters in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Come and join the camaraderie.

17th Century Still Life Oil Painting. Instructor Johannes Landman, IGMA Artisan.

Upholstered Wingback Chair. Instructor Kari Bloom, IGMA Artisan.

1:144" Scale Victorian Cottage. Instructor Nell Corkin, IGMA Fellow.

The Academy was designed to be an open environment where teachers and students interact with each other before, during and after classes. Seasoned miniaturists work alongside novices and are encouraged to work together and share ideas. One student wrote, "Instructors and students left with a sense of having been part of something much more rewarding than the organizers had hoped to achieve."

For detailed information, go to:

http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm. Send in your GSAM registration now. The deadline for registering is September l, and fast approaching. If you have questions, contact Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. Phone 209-474-2870. Email: connie@thechinadoll.com. 

2014 Good Sam Academy Workshops

Nine workshops will be held at the Academy from Oct. 13-17 at our Morgan Hill, CA facility immediately following the Good Sam Show. Miniaturists of all skill levels will have an opportunity to practice their craft and learn new techniques while having fun in a relaxed atmosphere. Here are three of the workshops being offered. The deadline for registration is September l, and approaching fast. Why don't you come and join the fun, too?

Click on any photo on the Blog to enlarge.

The Guys from Texas: Frank Lloyd Wright Style structure.

Deb Mackie: Western Show Saddle, Saddle Tree and Bridle.

Deb Mackie: Western Show Saddle, Saddle Tree and Bridle.

Cochise: American Paint Quarter Horse and Leather Halter.

For detailed information, go to:

http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm. Send in your GSAM registration now, before your favorite class gets filled. If you have questions, contact Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. Phone 209-474-2870. Email: connie@thechinadoll.com

2014 Good Sam Academy Ad

This Ad for the 2014 Good Sam Academy of Miniatures appears in the June 2014 issue of Miniature Collector magazine. Nine workshops will be held at the Academy from October 13-17 at our Morgan Hill, CA facility immediately following the Show. Classes will range from two to five days in length.

Click on any photo on the Blog to enlarge.

For information go to:

http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm. Send in your GSAM registration now, before your favorite class gets filled.  If you have questions, contact Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. Phone 209-474-2870. Email connie@thechinadoll.com

2014 Good Sam Academy Ad

We would like to share this Ad for the Good Sam Academy of Miniatures being held October 13-17 at our Morgan Hill, CA facility. It appears on the inside back cover of the July/August 2014 Dollhouse Miniatures magazine (Issue 40). It is also on the inside back cover of the July 2014 issue of American Miniaturist magazine (Issue 135). 

Click on any photo on Blog to enlarge.

For information go to:

http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm. Send in your GSAM registration now, before your favorite class gets filled.  If you have questions, contact Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. Phone 209-474-2870. Email connie@thechinadoll.com

2014 Good Sam Academy

Nine Academy classes will be held Oct. 13-17 at our facility in Morgan Hill, CA immediately after the 2014 Good Sam Show. Classes will range from two to five days in length. For information and to register, go to http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm.  If you have questions, contact Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. Phone 209-474-2870 or email connie@thechinadoll.com. 

Here are photos from Bluette Meloney's "Le Bon Marche" class offered at the 2013 Academy. An IGMA Artisan, she teaches a number of incredibly simple and unique faux finishes and trompe l'oeil painting techniques in her workshops. Bluette will be a dealer at this year's show. Be sure to stop by her table.

"The Academy classroom for my workshop is the best I've had in thirty years of instructing," says Bluette Meloney.

"The workshop space was divine--airy, big and light," says instructor Bluette Meloney. Pictured left-to-right with students Karen Connel, Judith Myers and Yuliya Klem. 

Instructor Rik Pierce chats with students Cheryl Shintaku (left) and Susie Chusid (right) during one of his visits to Bluette Meloney's classroom.

The Good Sam Show Academy

Immediately after the 2014 Good Sam Show, nine Academy classes will be held Oct. 13-17 at our facility in Morgan Hill, CA. Classes range in length from two to five days. For information and to register, go to http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm.  If you have questions, contact Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. Phone 209-474-2870 or email connie@thechinadoll.com. 

Here are photos from Geoff Wonnacott's two furniture workshops offered at the 2013 Academy. From England, Geoff is an IGMA Fellow in Furniture and will be a dealer at this year's show. Be sure to stop by his table.

Instructor Geoff Wonnacott with students in his well-equipped and lighted furniture workshop.

Geoff explains a technique to student Judy Pick to construct his Silver Table. "I learned how to use different tools and make a piece that looks professional," Judy says. "My friends couldn't believe I made it."

"Geoff's class taught me techniques and methods that can be applied to many different miniature projects," says student Larrell Howell, Santa, Maria, CA. "I am very proud of the piece I completed." 

"This (the Academy) was one of the most exciting experiences when it comes to miniatures that I've ever had," says Sharon Zanassi. She was a student in both of Geoff's furniture classes.

Announcing the 2014 Good Sam Academy Classes

The 2014 Good Sam Academy classes will take place October 13-17 immediately after the 2014 Good Sam Show. Nine classes are being offered.  See descriptions below. (Our next new Show post will be Saturday, May 24 and weekly thereafter until show time.)

GSAM class lengths range from two to five days. The participating instructors are all leaders in their selected fields and have been teaching their skills to miniaturists for many years. Why don't you come and enjoy the fun, too?

Our spacious facility in Morgan Hill, CA is 20 minutes from the Doubletree Hotel (where the Good Sam Show is held) and the San Jose Airport on Highway 101. There are open and enclosed classrooms, a full kitchen, and ample rest rooms. For class details, to register, and for hotel and meal information go to http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm

Wood fired oven pizza lunch at GSAM 2013.

Send in your GSAM registration now, before your favorite class gets filled! If you have questions, contact Connie Sauve, GSAM Director. Phone 209-474-2870 or email connie@thechinadoll.com

Geoff Wonnacott class at GSAM 2013.

Class 1: Upholstered Wingback Chair. Instructor Kari Bloom.

Students will learn upholstery techniques on a naked chair frame.  Skills include upholstering using foam, batting, cotton fabric, quilter's iron (provided), and how to make tassels. Kari will mail fabric swatches so students can mix and match up to five different fabrics. Students may also bring their own cotton fabrics.  One-inch scale. All skill levels. 3 days - Mon, Oct 13 - Wed, Oct 15, 9am - 5pm.  Projects will be completed in class. Register by Sept 1. If questions, contact Kari at 612-581-5698 or minitonmini@aol.com. Web: minitonmini.wix.com/kari-bloom 

  

Kari Bloom

Class 2: 1:144" Scale Victorian Cottage. Instructor Nell Corkin.

Charming "Carpenter Gothic" style cottage (mid to late 19th century) with ornamented bargeboards on the gable ends. Students will learn a wide variety of techniques for working in 1:144 scale with emphasis on methods developed by instructor over 30 years for achieving a high level of detail and a realistic look in 1:144 scale.  Some experience with accurate cutting and measuring in any scale is the only requirement for this class. Intermediate skill level. 4 days - Mon, Oct 13 - Thurs, Oct 16, 9am - 5pm. Likely to finish in class. Register by Sept 1. If questions, contact Nell at 517-381-1980 or miniminis@aol.com. Web: www.nellcorkin.com.  Blog: http://nell-miniminis.blogspot.com/ 

Nell Corkin, IGMA Fellow

Class 3: Ode to American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Instructors The Guys from Texas.

It is fun to imagine an ideal Frank Lloyd Wright room box. This one has all the unique features of his Late Prairie Style and Usonian (1950s ranch style) homes. Students will learn different techniques including how to finish a faux flagstone floor, an easy technique for stained glass, finishing hardwood, and how to apply other metallic and faux-finishes. One-inch scale. Intermediate skill level.  3 days - Mon, Oct 13 - Wed, Oct 15, 9am - 5pm.  Project will be finished in class. Register by Sept 1. Contact Jon and Larry should you have questions regarding the class. 830-624-9699 - Email: theguysworkshops@satx.rr.com

A Frank Conversation.  Ode to American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Jon Fish, one of the Guys from Texas

Class 4: 17th Century Still Life Oil Painting. Instructor Johannes Landman.

Students will master methods and techniques that will enable them to complete a 17th Century Still Life Painting. The painting is "A Still Life with a Pewter Flagon and Two Ming Bowls." On-inch scale. 5 days - Mon, Oct. 13 thru Friday, Oct 17, 9 am-5pm. Students should have a working familiarity with oil painting and have some experience with simple color mixing and other basic painting skills. Project will be completed in class. Register by July 31, 2014. Contact Johannes should you have questions regarding the class. Phone:  250-477-7927 or 250-580-7927. Email: jilandman@telus.net or janusflanagan@gmail.com  

"A Still Life with a Pewter Flagon and Two Ming Bowls"

Johannes Landman, IGMA Artisan

Class 5: Western Show Saddle, Saddle Tree and Bridle. Instructor Deb Mackie

To make this 1:12 scale Western Show saddle, saddle tree and bridle, students will learn leather crafting techniques. This includes tooling, stamping, embossing, simulated stitching, skiving (thinning the leather), dyeing and assembly. Intermediate skill level. The finished piece can be displayed on a stand, or will fit most 1:12 scale model horses. A choice of simple or more complex tooling designs will be available for students to choose from according to their skill level. 3 days - Mon, Oct. 13 - Wed, Oct 15, 9am - 5pm.  Project will be completed in class. Register by Sept 1, 2014. Contact Deb at 302-584-8840 or 302-584-8840 or email mare@whitehorsestudio.com with questions.

Deb Mackie, IGMA Artisan

Class 6: Cochise, an American Paint Quarter Horse and Leather Halter. Instructor Deb Mackie.

Many of us remember Cochise, Little Joe's flashy paint horse from TV's "Bonanza." Students will bring Cochise to life from a blank resin model using various painting and detailing techniques, and finish him with a silky viscose mane and tail. 1:12 scale. Finally he'll be adorned with a fine leather halter.  Skill Level: Beginner. 2 Days - Thurs-Oct 16 and Friday-Oct 17, 9am - 5pm.  Project will be completed in class. Register by Sept 1, 2014. Contact Deb at 302-584-8840 or 302-584-8840 or email mare@whitehorsestudio.com with questions.

Cochise, an American Paint Quarter Horse