At the Show - Books & Workshop 2012

From the Netherlands, Tine Krijnen makes marvelous hand bound miniature books and other fine paper goods. At her Friday workshop, Tine taught students the first steps of bookbinding--including how to cut and measure book blocks, covers, glue spines, and more. Do-it-yourself kits are available for purchase on her website. info@miniatuurboekbinden.nl, www.miniatuurboekbinden.nl

Hand-bound miniature leather historical books, illustrated pop-up book, and detailed stamp album.

Illustrated pop-up books, leather books with fancy clasps and sheet music from Tine's table.

Handcrafted quarter-scale bookcase, loose books, and book stacks.

Tine with two students in her workshop. Everyone went home with "know how" and material to make 40 books.

Tine shows off a finished illustrated book. Leathers, kits and supplies were available for purchase at the workshop.

Previous post Tine Krijnen here.

At the Show - Food, Kits & Workshop

Ruth Stewart, Stewart Dollhouse Creations, creates in 1:12 and 1:48 scales. She offers cakes, cupcakes, pastries, tea sets, laser cut antique doilies, lots of kits, and more. Ruth taught a workshop at the 2012 Show on how to make a variety of miniature flowers. ruth@stewartdollhousecreations.com, stewartdollhousecreations.com

Halloween Cake House is offered finished and as a 1:12 scale wood kit, 3-1/2 inches tall. It is covered in polymer clay to mimic fondant. The railing, door, windows, spider webs and cats are laser cut. The pumpkins, roses and leaves are handmade. Ruth then uses her special frosting to decorate with vines and borders.

Interior view of Halloween Cake House.

Scarecrow cupcakes with handmade little hats and candy corn noses, 1:12 scale. Cupcake mold kit available on Ruth's website. In the future, she will be offering a tutorial, hats and candy corn to make the scarecrow cupcakes.

The Cupcake Emporium Kit comes with the base, back, Cupcake and floor, 1:12 scale. First put together and paint the cupcake bakery stand, display stand, prep table with all the fixings, table and chairs, and cupcake small display table. Then make all the cupcakes. Included are a frosting kit, cupcake trims, tutorials, and cupcake mold kit. Components also sold separately. stewartdollhousecreations.com/mcupckit02

In Ruth's workshop "Making Flowers From Clay" participants learned techniques to make petals, leaves, and mix clay. Students took home a detailed booklet on making flowers.

A blank sliceable cake and frosting were provided to help complete the cake. Students picked a vase for their bouquet.

Ruth Stewart holding the prototypes for the cake and a vase of flowers.

Previous Ruth Stewart post here.

Workshops scheduled for the 2012 Good Sam Show

By way of update, this year's show is scheduled for October 6th and 7th at the Doubletree Hotel San Jose, Bayshore Ballroom.  We will have 116 sales tables including 15 international dealers. New dealers include Maria Santos from Spain, Takumi Takanashi from Japan, and Natasha from New York.

There are eleven Friday workshops scheduled this year at the Hotel. The variety of the offerings is outstanding with exceptional teachers coming from all over the country. Eight workshops are in 1:12 scale, one is in 1/2" scale, and two are in 1/4" scale. The classes are held at the hotel. For more information to go The Good Sam 2012 Friday Pre-registered Workshops page.  The Workshop Application can be found at the bottom of the Friday Workshops page.

After the show, the three special classes listed below will be held in Morgan Hill. Go to Good Sam "Featured Workshops"  for details and registration information.

Class #1 - 1/4" scale. Debbie Young teaches "Trinity Circle" a Martha's Vineyard Campground Cottage. Oct 8 & 9.

Class #2 - 1" and/or 1/2" scale. Craig Roberts (The Harry Potter) teaches miniature wheel thrown pottery. Oct. 8, 9, 10.

Class #3 - 1" scale. The Guys from Texas teach "Teahouse of the Paper Moon", an authentic Japanese Tea House. Truly a masterpiece. Oct. 8, 9, 10.

At The Show - More on 2012 Workshops

We now have photographs of the featured workshop, "Teahouse of the Paper Moon" in 1" scale. It is full of the traditional details that tell the story of Chado--the tea ceremony. Taught by master builders Jon Fish and Larry Osborn of The Guys from Texas, the class is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, October 8-10. Go to Good Sam "Featured Workshops" for details.

Photos are now available for the Friday Workshop (Class #11), "Early Victorian Fortune Teller Booth with an original Judith A. Orr Fortune Teller Doll." Go to Good Sam 2012 Friday Workshops for more details.

At the Show - 2012 Friday Workshops

Below is detailed information about the eleven Friday, October 5, pre-registered workshops scheduled for the 2012 Good Sam Show. An exciting selection of classes are available from top-notch miniature artisans. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, it is a wonderful opportunity to build your know-how and skills. All of the workshops are held at the hotel. The Workshop Application can be found on Good Sam's website at the bottom of the Friday Workshops page.

The Good Sam 1012 Friday Pre-registered Workshops page is located > Here <

Class #1 - LED 101, Sunset on the Pacific with Luci Hanson

Scale:  Half Inch

Skill Level: All Skill Levels 

Cost: $65.00

Time: 9:30AM to 3:00PM

~~ Register by September 28, 2012 ~~

Luci has selected a panorama of the sun setting on the Pacific Ocean fronted by a patio with a BBQ on it, using the scene to teach you how to incorporate LED lighting into your miniatures. First you will learn about LEDs and using them, with a CD to take home to refresh your memory. Then you will finish constructing the scene and lighting it with LEDs. This class is perfect for learning new lighting techniques under Luci’s expert tutelage. NOTE: This class will be near the show entrance, not with the other classes. 

Class #2 - Rocking Horse and Porcelain Doll with Debbie Laue

Scale:  One Inch

Skill Level: All Skill Levels

Cost: $60.00

Time: 9:00AM to Noon

~~ Register by September 30, 2012, later please ask ~~

Deb will guide you through dressing the 2 year old toddler that fits on the rocking horse. You will also assemble and paint the rocking horse. This is a sweet half day class with an excellent teacher. You will enjoy it.

Class #3 - Christmas Teddy Bear and Trunk with Deb Laue

Scale:  One Inch

Skill Level: All Skill Levels

Cost: $45.00

Time: 1:00PM to 4:00PM

~~ Register by September 30, 2012, later please ask ~~

Debbie is offering this adorable 1 ¾” doll trunk decorated for Christmas and holding a tiny dressed teddy bear. Students will assemble the wood laser cut trunk and then decorate it for Christmas. You will also dress the small teddy that fits inside. A fun class for all skill levels.

Class #4 - Making Flowers From Clay with Ruth Stewart

Scale:  One Inch

Skill Level: All Skill Levels

Cost: $85.00

Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

~~ Register as soon as possible, only the first 15 registrants will be accepted ~~

Ruth is offering a class in learning how to make a variety of miniature flowers. You will learn wonderful techniques of making petals, mixing clay and making leaves. A blank sliceable cake will be provided for you to arrange your flowers around. Frosting will also be provided to finish your decorating designs.

You’ll pick a vase for your bouquet, and will take home a detailed booklet on making flowers. Come, have fun and take home a completed cake and lots of flowers! 

Class #5 - Victorian Dressing Case c.1838 with Geoffrey Wonnacott

Scale:  One Inch

Skill Level: Intermediate or above, please

Cost: $100.00

Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

~~ Register as soon as possible, only the first 14 registrants will be accepted ~~

This is your chance to take a class from IGMA Fellow Geoff Wonnacott with lots of learning and in only one day. He is a superb teacher with a delightful English sense of humour.

A typical example of many produced around this period, this rosewood dressing case is an elaborate small cabinet with a drawer, partitioned trays and a mirror in the hinged lid. The project will involve the assembly and veneering of the main box. A drawer will be made and fitted. A separate tray will be constructed and partitioned to neatly fit typical dressing accessories, such as tiny hair brushes, combs, glass bottles, hand mirrors, etc. The cabinet will be lined in silk.

This will be a busy day and completion is likely. However, you will have all the information and materials to apply the finishing touches at home if required. 

Class #6 - Afternoon Tea Gown with Valerie Casson of France

Scale:  One Inch

Skill Level: Intermediate or Above

Cost: $95.00

Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

~~ Register by September 21, 2012 ~~

You will learn how to create a gorgeous afternoon tea gown in silk, late Victorian in style. This is a very elegant design with its draping and trim. You may choose your colors from the blue, pale green or deep pink. NOTE: Please indicate your color choice on your registration form.

Valerie is a delight to take a class from, and what you learn can be applied to other costuming projects or anywhere in miniature where you use fabrics. 

Class #7 - Books and More Books with Tine Krijnen

Scale:  One Inch

Skill Level: All with good eyesight

Cost: $65.00

Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

~~ Register as soon as possible, only the first 20 registrants will be accepted ~~

Join Tine for her first time at our show. Tine will be assisted by Rachel Roet, both from the Netherlands. Tine and Rachel will guide you while you learn the first steps of bookbinding. In the morning we will make at least three (possibly more) simple books to practice how to cut and measure book blocks and covers. After lunch we will make an ‘old’ book with raised bands on the spine (with or without clasp). All books will have glued spines. A lot of fun, lots of books, enough to fill a library. You will go home with know how and material to make 40 books at home. 

Class #8 - Cat Haven Cottage with Karen Carey

Scale:  Quarter Scale

Skill Level: All Skill Levels

Cost: $125.00

Time: 9:00AM to Noon

~~ Register by September 10, 2012 ~~

On a quiet street not far from the heart of Canterbury, Kent sits a charming 2 story English cottage known locally as the Cat Haven. This quaint little cottage is the purrr-fect sanctuary for the strays of the commons. There are stairs to play on, lattice to climb and flowers to smell and, best of all, a marvelous thatched roof on which to sharpen their little claws. The cottage has 4 rooms, an attic, 2 hallways, and a greenhouse.

7-7/8” long x 5-7/8” deep x 7-7/8” tall, this cottage will be the envy of the neighbors. 

Class #9 - Tropical Party Foods & Mess Left Behind with Janet Smith

Scale:  Quarter Scale

Skill Level: Intermediate, please

Cost: $50.00

Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

~~ Register as soon as possible, only the first 10 registrants will be accepted ~~

Janet will help you create not only Tropical Party Foods, but also the Mess Left Behind in the Kitchen. Participants will use polymer clay, air dry clay, and a variety of pastel chalks, paints, jewelry findings and a set of pots and pans (from Debbie Young). Students will make a full spread of tropical party foods for their dining room table or patio, and all the bits and pieces left behind to put on their counters and stoves. Foods include tropical drinks in pineapple shells, tropical fruit salad served in coconut bowls, West Indian phlouries with mango chutney, Jamaican meat pies, and shish kabobs of chicken and fresh veggies and fruit. The kitchen mess includes the rinds and seeds from the fruits, the tops of the pineapples and dirty sauce pans and fry pans. 

Class #10 - Mirror, Mirror with Judy Kincaid of Brooke Tucker Originals

Scale:  One Inch

Skill Level: Intermediate, please

Cost: $85.00

Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

~~ Registration deadline coming soon. ~~

Join Judy and decorate this adorable dressing table and chair. The table and chair will start painted a plain off-white. You will receive fabrics and your choice of gold leaf (pictured), decoupage or faux marble to finish the dressing table top and a coordinating fabric. While we are “watching the paint dry” we’ll assemble various items to decorate the top of the dressing table. 

Class #11 - Early Victorian Fortune Teller Booth With an Original Judith A. Orr Fortune Teller Doll

Scale:  One Inch

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cost: $150.00

Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

~~ Register by September 28, 2012. ~~

Join Judy for a fantastic fantasy class making an early Victorian Fortune Teller’s Booth in 1” Scale. This class promises to be another eye-catching favorite in your miniature collection. Along with the Ornate Booth, you will receive an original Judith Orr Porcelain Fortune Teller doll to dress, wig and finish with detailing. This class is guaranteed to be a very mysteriously fun project!

Photo will be available soon in the Friday Workshops section of the Good Sam Show website.

At the Show - 2012 Featured Workshops

The three exciting Featured Workshops announced in today's posts are being held between Oct 8-10, 2012 after the 2012 Show. We have a spacious facility for our workshops in Morgan Hill approximately 15 minutes south of downtown San Jose on Highway 101. There are classrooms, a kitchen, and ample rest rooms. For students coming from out of the area, round-trip transportation will be provided each day from the Doubletree Hotel to the classrooms.

The workshop application form and additional information can be found on the Good Sam Show website at the bottom of the Featured Workshops page.

The Friday Oct 5 Workshops will be held at the hotel. We expect to post a list of the Friday classes in early June.

Trinity Circle 1/4" Scale - Featured Workshop 2012

Trinity Circle - A Martha's Vineyard Campground Cottage in 1/4" scale,

taught by Premier Teacher Debbie Young

Dates: Monday and Tuesday, October 8th & 9th

Time:  9am - 5pm each day

Cost: $165. 

Furniture for the house is sold separately.

The Campmeeting Association on Martha's Vineyard is made  up of over three hundred of these tiny unique cottages originally built between 1865 and 1880. The cottages are barely larger than the original tents they replaced and were built according to strict specifications. Using the same specifications, join Debbie and build your own unique campground cottage. This cottage is actually made by putting two cottages together - a common practice when more room was needed. The cottage has four rooms viewed from the side and an additional two rooms viewed from the back. Choice of gingerbread trims and color makes every one unique.


Students will learn about the history of the cottages as well as historic construction techniques. Using historic measurements, students will build their own campground cottage in much the same manner as those found in the campground of the Martha's Vineyard Campmeeting Association. A selection of reference materials will be available.

Note: All skill levels may take this class. A few very experienced in 1/4" may complete the project in class, some will leave with it virtually finished, and some will have a small amount of work to do when they return home.

Student Supplies and Tools Needed:  Bring a basic tool kit containing your favorites as well as an X acto knife, extra blades, ruler, tweezers, an assortment of paint brushes (for house paint and detail work) and scissors. To create unique cottages, students are encourages to bring their own selection of paints.

Making Pottery - Featured Workshop 2012

Making Pottery from Start to Finish in 1" and/or 1/2" scale,

taught by master potter Craig Roberts, The Hairy Potter

Dates: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, October 8th, 9th & 10th

Time:  9am - 5pm each day

Cost: $479 for all the pots you can make

In this class you will actually turn marble sized balls of clay into wonderful finished stoneware and porcelain pieces. We will make bowls, jars, vases, plates, pitchers, jugs, mugs and whatever else you'd like to try. Craig will show you how to make handles and lids on the 2nd day, and start decorating and glazing the pots from day one. Each student will make between 30 and 100  pieces in this class, the sky's the limit. This popular class has lots of one-on-one time with Craig, as well as lots of practice for everyone. The numerous handouts and the DVD reinforce everyone's retention of all of the information Craig covers over the three days. AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN! Pottery is an age-old craft, which can just mesmerize you as you learn how it's done. Opening the kiln is just like Christmas. This will be Craig's only west coast pottery class in 2012.

All Skill levels may take this class. Learning would include wheel throwing techniques for miniatures, including centering, opening, raising the walls, shaping the form, making/attaching handles and unloading of the kiln, a real 12 step process.