Accessories from Karen Laisure, M&L/Minis by Karen

Karen Laisure, M&L/Minis by Karen, supplies many excellent quality items needed by miniaturists in their work. This includes quality handcrafted gilded frames, hand beveled real glass mirrors, pictures and art work under the Leeds name. She handcrafts realistic miniature flowers and plants, makes porcelain planters and pottery, porcelain dollhouse dolls, accessories, furniture, and more. klaisure@aol.com, http://minisbyKaren.com

Sampling of mirrors, picture frames, art, and framed certificates. Many sizes, shapes and styles available. Also samples of some available furniture pieces.

To see more of Karen Laisure's offerings, go here and here.

Florals and Foods by Laura Crain, Dollhouse Land

With great flair, Laura Crain of Dollhouse Land handcrafts innovative and imaginative floral designs in 1:12 scale. She also makes excellent miniature food. Her distinctive decor for all of the major holidays is a delight. All of Laura's creations are original, fresh, and of the highest quality. Her table is sure to bring a smile to your face. LauraCrain2@aol.com

Cat enjoying a fall day.

Harvest Fireplace.

Peddler's cart.

Witch with table.

Black Cats with table.

Woodland table.

To see more of Laura Crain's work, go here and here.

At the Show: Exhibits

This week's two exhibits are from the 2012 Show and were made from kits by Karen Cary's Miniatures. The first is a quarter-scale Windmill House from Judy Meyer, San Dimas, CA. The second is a quarter-scale Japanese House from Lisa M. Holm of Vacaville, CA.  Photos courtesy of Connie Sauve, Exhibit Chairman.

"The Windmill House was a class taught by Karen Cary," Judy Meyer says. "The fan blades actually turn using a battery operated motor. It is fully furnished and landscaped." It is quarter-scale and is 12-inches wide, 10-inches deep, and 15-inches tall.

"The Japanese House was done at Good Sam in the Fall of 2011," says Lisa M. Holm. "The class was given by Karen Cary."  It is quarter-scale and is 10-inches wide, 10-inches deep, and 10-inches high. 

Reminder: Look for an extra Blog on Wednesday, Sept 25

Don't miss our additional Blog post this upcoming Wednesday, the 25th. We will be sharing work from some of the fine artisans who will be attending the show. All Blog posts through Oct 2 are scheduled to appear at noon, Pacific Time.

Gil Mena: Fine Furniture, Paintings & Turnings

Gilbert Mena is an imaginative and innovative artist. His handcrafted furniture designs are unique and his oil paintings are outstanding. He also creates an eye-catching line of turnings. Gilbert's superbly outfitted cabinets and sideboard are not to be missed. Do stop by his table at this year's show. botanoshen@yahoo.com

Collector's cabinet filled with architectural models, scientific instruments, seashells, oil paintings, and natural objects.

Close-up of a classical miniature room cabinet.

Sideboard with cases filled with brass scientific instruments, faux ivory objects consisting of scrimshaw and fine turnery.

 Collection of burlwood turnings.

Some of Gilbert Mena's paintings photographed on the floor at the 2012 Good Sam Show.

To see more of Gilbert Mena's work, go here.

From Japan: Animal Figures by Takumi Takahashi

We are delighted that Takumi Takahashi from Japan is returning to Good Sam this year.
She makes marvelous dogs, cats and wild animals. All of her animals are 1:12 scale and made of woolen yarn and wire with handmade glass eyes. Here are a few of the animals that will be on Takumi's table at the show. takumi@minimalxanimal.com, http://www.minimalxanimal.com

Cats (left-to-right): Abyssinian, Calico, Blue & white, Scottish Fold

Dogs (left-to-right): Poodle and Pomeranian

Prairie Dog. (An animal native to the grasslands of North America.)

To see more of Takumi Takahashi's work, go here and here.

From Japan: Fine Furniture by Isako Furuhashi

We are very pleased that Isako Furuhashi, of Dollhouse Isako, Tokyo, Japan is returning to Good Sam this year.  She designs detailed 1:12 scale antique Japanese and Chinese style furniture and accessories. She also handcrafts unique modern furniture. Isako's craftsmanship is exceptional. Don't miss her table at this year's show. dollhouse@dollhouse-isako.com, http://www.dollhouse-isako.com

Lovely Tansu Chest and Paper Lantern

Finely detailed Tobacco Tray.

Detailed Wood Filing Cabinet. It has twenty drawers with brass drawer pulls to hold labels.

Modern Drafting Table.

To see more of Isako Furuhashi's work to here and here.

Fine Needlework & Kits: Natalia Frank

Natalia Frank of Natalia's Fine Needlework specializes in exquisite dollhouse needlework. She makes fine rugs, little pillows, Christmas stockings, shoes, upholsters furniture with petit point, and more. She also uses a scroll saw to cut miniature figurines, shelves and baskets. Natalia accepts commissions. scarletsails@live.com. For her patterns and kits go to www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com. She has a Blog: www.scarletsailsminiatures.blogspot.com

 Reproduction of an antique Konya rug, 18th Century.

Christmas slippers and matching pillow.

Fretwork Basket.

Upholstered JBM Settee with  petit point.

Reproduction of an antique Heriz rug, 18th Century. 1:12 scale.

Fretwork Shelves, 1:12 scale.

Reproduction of Le Chiffre d'Armour (Jean-Honoré Fragonard, France, 1732-1806). 1:12 scale.

From Canada: Modern Furniture & Lighting by Peter Tucker

Peter Tucker, Roomboxes Etc., Canada, designs furniture and working lights with an emphasis on modern from the late 19th century to the present. He also creates Art Deco and Arts & Crafts furniture as well as modern room boxes primarily of his own design. Peter works mainly in 1:12 scale and builds to order in scales ranging from quarter-inch to 2-inch. peter@roomboxes.com, http://www.roomboxes.com, http://roomboxes.blogspot.com

Acrylic table lamp with stone base.

Acrylic table light with rosewood base.

Acrylic topped "S" side or lamp table.

Acrylic topped "S" side or lamp table with lamp.

Inlay/marquetry occasional table.

Rosewood base light on low "C" table.

Siesta table made with dogwood and Jatoba woods, about 1.5 inches long.

To see more of Peter Tucker's work, go here and here.

Cortland Display Cases by the Doans

For more than 25 years, Cortland & Virginia Doan have been selling the Cortland Cases. Long time dealers at the show, their lighted cases allow the discriminating collector to display miniatures in an attractive dust free environment. Different styles and finishes are available. The miniature vignettes below were photographed at their table. The scenes are not available for purchase.  info@cortlandcases.com, www.cortlandcases.com

Lighted display case shows off a 1:12 scale scene with a tavern and bartender. The display case is available for purchase, but not the scene.

Lighted display case shows off a 1:12 scale. Christmas scene. The display case is available for purchase, but not the scene. 

To see more Cortland Cases with displays, go here.

Qtr-Scale Kits, Furnishings & Mice People by Sue Herber

This year Sue Herber of Bellevue, Washington is attending Good Sam for the first time. An IGMA Artisan in Smaller Scale, she makes outstanding quarter-scale miniature structure kits. Furnishings for each kit are available as finished, fully accessorized items. Here are some of the kits and wee character mice that Sue will be offering at the show. sue@thing.com, http://www.thing.com/sue/

Wee Twickenham 1/4" Kit. It has "The Feathered Nest" thatched home goods store, "Bee's Bonnets" half-timbered/shingled hat store, and "Cuppa Stand" (tea stand) of stone and thatch.

Mother Goose Cottage 1/4" Kit. Storybook cottage with small landscaped base.

Gnome Home 1/4" Kit: Two-story underground dwelling, cast gnome heads, stove, ladder, built-in bed cupboard and dresser.

Honeysuckle Cottage 1/4" Kit. Landscaping includes honeysuckle vines, grass, walkway, plants, porch trellis, and wishing well.

Tiny Town House 1/4" Kit with coach lamps, wallpaper, mural, two fireplaces, cobblestone base, and more.

Wee character mice, about 3/4-inches tall.