Collectibles & Figures: Carla Gaustad

Carla Gaustad specializes in unique, exceptional miniatures by the finest international miniature artisans of our day. She has been a dealer at Good Sam for more than twenty years. Do stop by Carla's  table at this year's show. You are sure to be delighted by her exciting 1:12 scale offerings. 949-768-5636, jgaustad1@cox.net

One-of-a-kind toy dollies handcrafted by the talented Kathi Kuti, Canada.

Handmade pull toys by Amanda E. Skinner, U.S.

Offerings on Carla Gaustad's table at the 2012 Good Sam Show.

To see some of Carla Gaustad's prior offerings go here.

Dealer Carla Gaustad: Collectibles & Figures

Carla Gaustad specializes in exceptional miniatures crafted by fine international artisans and talented U.S. artisans who do not attend shows. Twice a year, Carla goes to a leading international dollhouse festival in England. She buys unique craftsmen pieces to sell to miniature enthusiasts at top shows here in the U.S. A dealer at Good Sam for more than thirty years, the beautiful selections on Carla's table are not to be missed. Tel: 949-768-5636. Email: jgaustad1@cox.net.

Clown doll and two Jack-in-Boxes by Lee Silverstein and Laura Collum.

Elegant lady reclining on a settee by Gale Elena Bantock of England.

Toy cabinet from France by an unknown artist. 

To see some of Carla Gaustad's offerings from past years, go >here<.

Dealer Carla Gaustad: Figures & Collectibles

Carla Gaustad, Lake Forest, California, carries a world-class selection of exceptional miniatures handcrafted by the finest artisans of our day. Twice a year, Carla goes to a leading international dollhouse festival in England to buy unique craftsmen pieces from gifted artisans. Tel: 949-768-5636. Email: jgaustad1@cox.net.

Lovely vintage bride with wedding bouquet hand-sculpted by Gale Elena Bantock, U.K.

Doll in box and doll in bed by Gale Elena Bantock, U.K.

Fashionable 1940s sophisticated lady with elegant, long opera gloves and theater-length cigarette holder. Hand-sculpted by doll artist Gale Bantock, U.K.

Handmade pull toys by Amanda E. Skinner, U.S.

From Downton Abbey, figure of Dame Maggie Smith portraying the caustic Lady Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. By doll artist Julie Campbell, U.K.

Toys by Veronique Lux, France and Laura Collum-Lee Silverstein, U.S. Rocking horse by Pat Kay of England.

Handcrafted dollies and standing screen. 

To see some of Carla Gaustad's prior offerings at Good Sam, go >here<.

Happy Holidays from the Good Sam Committee

To celebrate this most wonderful time of the year during December, each week we are delighted to share some Holiday themed miniatures created by Good Sam Show dealers. May the magic and wonder of the Holiday Season stay with you throughout the coming year.

All miniatures are 1:12 scale, unless otherwise stated. Reminder: Click on any photo and it will enlarge.

Look for Good Sam Show Christmas Blog posts and Facebook each week until the New Year.

Carla Gaustad: Collectibles & Figures
Anthropomorphic red fox Christmas vendor and Santa Boot with candy.

Carla Gaustad specializes in fine miniatures by talented U.S. and international miniature artisans. Twice a year, she goes to a leading dollhouse festival in England to buy exceptional craftsmen pieces. A dealer at Good Sam for more than thirty years, Carla's table is not to be missed.  jgaustad1@cox.net

To see offerings from Carla Gaustad in prior years, go >here<.

Larry & Betty Herman, Itty-Bitty Builder: Furniture, Accessories & Dolls
Two-story Christmas gingerbread house (or shop) in 1:12 scale and 1:48 scale.

Itty Bitty Builder has been a dealer at Good Sam for almost twenty years. The Hermans carry a fine selection of handcrafted country furniture, dolls, toys, porcelain and glass accessories. Larry also makes and sells his own handcrafted tables. Email: Hermanshow@aol.com

To see offerings from Itty-Bitty Builder in prior years, go >here<.

Bridget McCarty Miniature Pets
Miniature kitty getting into a lot of Christmas trouble.

Bridget McCarty Miniature Pets
Peppermint polar bears full of Christmas spirit. Each is 1.5" tall and made with soft plush.

Bridget McCarty creates an array of delightful one-of-a-kind 1:12 scale animals and fanciful characters. Her miniature pets are lifelike and full of personality. Bridget's charming scenes are imaginative and sure to delight. Custom orders are welcome. Email: aliceinteacup@yahoo.com. Web: http://www.BridgetMcCarty.com.  Facebook: Miniature Pets by Bridget McCarty.

To see more of Bridget McCarty's work, go >here<.

Tish Tierney, Versailles Fashion Dolls
Modern day Christmas Shopper, 1:12 scale.

Tish Tierney, Versailles Fashion Dolls, has been making dolls since 2012. She specializes in 1:12 scale porcelain dolls. Dolls are poured from various molds. She paints the faces with acrylic paint.  Costumes are researched and made with silks, other natural fabrics, and antique lace. She endeavors to give her dolls a realistic look and pose. Email: tishtierney@yahoo.com. Web: http://www.versaillesfashiondolls.com

To see more of Tish Tierney's work, go >here<.

Ruth Stewart, Stewart Dollhouse Creations
1:48 Brand new Gingerbread Houses made with silicone molds.

Ruth Stewart, Stewart Dollhouse Creations
1:12 Cupcake Platter full of Christmas Cheer.

For all the major holidays and other celebrations, Ruth Stewart offers a wide variety of kits and desserts in 1:12 scale and 1:48 scales. In addition, she makes molds, laser-cut antique doilies, tea sets, rugs, and lots more. Email: ruth@stewartdollhousecreations.com. Web: http://stewartdollhousecreations.com

To see more of Ruth Stewart's work, go >here<.

At the Show - Animals and Birds

This week's blog highlights some Good Sam Show dealers who carry miniatures with a theme of animals and birds. In 1:12 scale, these miniatures range from endearing household pets to fanciful anthropomorphic animals.


In business for over 35 years, Maria and John Fowler, The Little Dollhouse Company, Ontario, Canada, have been Good Sam dealers the last five years. They carry an attention-grabbing selection of artisan doll houses, miniatures, kits and accessories. http://www.thelittledollhousecompany.com/

Old style dollhouse bird cage handmade of painted brass by Mini di Perluigi, Italy.

For 33 years Carla Gaustad has been collecting and selling miniatures at shows only. She carries a unique selection of one-of-a-kind pieces from talented artisans in the U.S. and abroad. She also creates the occasional holiday item. Carla has been a dealer at the Good Sam show for 30 years. jgaustad1@cox.net, 949-768-5636.

Elegantly attired Afghan lady in lilac silk and lace from Carla Gaustad.

Rooster country gentleman by David Ward of England from Carla Gaustad.

Bridget McCarty, bridgetmccarty.com, has been making miniature pets and collectibles professionally for five years. She attended Good Sam for the first time in 2011. Bridget strives to give each animal and bird a personality that makes it utterly unique.

Playful white cat with rats in garbage.

Red Macaw. Custom piece for a collector who provided feathers the real life bird had shed.

Alvaro Rodriguez and Paola Ojeda, Taller Targioni, Spain, have been handcrafting 1:12 scale miniatures for 14 years. Alvaro concentrates on unique wooden furniture, gentlemen's accoutrements, and more. Paola specializes in distinctive sewing work tables, samplers, mannequins, jewelry boxes, plus more. They have been Good Sam dealers for two years. http://www.tallertargioni.com/

Dog pulling handmade mahogany wagon loaded with handcrafted luggage by Jose Maria Gomez. The wheels are cast in metal.

Dealer Carla Gaustad: Collectibles & Figures

Carla Gaustad, Lake Forest, California, carries exceptional miniatures from outstanding international artisans. She sells at shows only. Twice a year, Carla attends a major international show in England to buy one-of-a-kind craftsmen pieces. Her table is sure to delight. Tel: 949-768-5636. Email: jgaustad1@cox.net

To see past offerings from Carla's table, go >here<.

At the Show - Holiday Decor

A dealer at Good Sam for 30 years, Carla Gaustad specializes in selling original miniatures handcrafted by international artisans. She also designs an occasional holiday item utilizing her antique card collection. Striving for a collage effect, Carla mixes scales and assembles different objects to create collectibles such as the Christmas scene shown here. Tel: 949-768-5636, jgaustad1@cox.net

One-of-a-kind Holiday scene by Carla Gaustad.

2018 Show Preview

We will be previewing the 2018 Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures dealers with weekly posts each Friday until the show weekend.  Enjoy and plan on joining us in October!

Dealer Carla Gaustad, California

Carla Gaustad specializes in one-of-a-kind 1:12 scale handcrafted miniatures by fine international and U.S. artisans. Twice a year, Carla shops at a leading international dollhouse festival in the U.K. where she buys unique craftsmen pieces to sell to miniature enthusiasts at top shows here in the U.S.

This Victorian doll in a beautiful lace gown is by Gale Elena Bantock, England.

Dealer Takumi Takanashi, Japan

Takumi Takanashi as been a dealer at Good Sam since 2012. She specializes in one-of-a-kind 1:12 scale furred animals. Her work is exquisite, and her dogs, cats and wildlife figures sell out quickly. Web: http://www.minimalxanimal.com

Dealer Valeria Bonomi, Graffialuna, Italy

Valeria Bonomi, Graffialuna, Italy, designs fashionable ladies handbags, trendy high heel sandals and boots, and stylish hats on stands. She also makes chic designer sunglasses, wallets, diaries that open, and more.  Web: http://www.graffialuna.com

Shown here are Valeria's butterfly shoes with black/gold purse.

Dealer Lynn O'Shaughnessy, Arizona

IGMA Artisan Lynn O'Shaughnessy, sells as Jewelry & More. In addition to lovely miniature jewelry, she designs eyeglasses, bath and boudoir accessories, and more. She also offers natural gemstones and shells. Lynn will be offering two workshops: Class #10: Seashell Collection in Laser-cut Shadowbox. Class #11: Tiny Turquoise Necklace with Sterling Silver Accents.

Dealer Marty and Lisa Stark, Lilliput Land

Marty and Lisa Stark offer fine handcrafted dollhouse miniatures in 1:12 scale by world-renowned artisans. The Starks can also duplicate furniture from any picture sent into miniature dollhouse or room box furniture. Their website reflects a continued effort to find new, beautiful, and unique dollhouse miniature furniture. Web: www.lilliputland.com

Shown here is a handcrafted and hand-painted 1:12 scale dulcimer with stool.

Dealer Valerie Anne Casson, France

The versatile Valerie Anne Casson offers unique furniture, accessories, and toys. She handcrafts unique ceramic teapots, pitchers, and figures. She designs stunning upholstered French benches, silk tuffets, and delightful dressed mannequins. Valerie also produces wall paintings, lovely vanity toys, hand-painted toys and more.  Web: www.valeriecasson.com

Shown here are a hand-painted cupboard, side table, bookshelf, and toys.

Dealer Paula Gilhooley, Creations by Paula Gilhooley, Inc.

Paula Gilhooley specializes in Orchids, making over 100 different varieties. Her wide range of 1:12 scale and 1:24 scale flowers and floral arrangements include flower kits, flowers in planters, succulents in pots, and potting tables. She also creates food preparation tables, as well as assortments of cheeses and salami.

A rustic cheese table featuring a wide variety of Paula's handcrafted cheeses, handmade bread, and salami.

A table featuring olives and certainly extra virgin olive oil.

Dealer Jack Cashmere, Cashmere's Collectables

Jack Cashmere of Cashmere's Collectables specializes in exceptional 1:12 scale porcelain collectables. He designs colorful majolica plates, vases and tureens, with or without detailed three-dimension fruit and flowers. He makes exquisite Staffordshire figures, Wedgewood style vases, and more.  Web: http://cashmerecollectables.com

Shown here are two blue plates, one Chinese and one 17th Century English trade.

Two gorgeous majolica vases with applied flowers and foliage based on French styles.

Dealer Peg Puckett, Peg's Dollhouse

Long-time dealer Peg Puckett offers unique 1-inch, 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch scale miniatures. Many of her selections are from estate sales, which is one of her specialties. Peg has owned a miniature shop since 1982. Recently, she moved to a new location and sells in a shop next to her home.

Popcorn Cart

Gas Pump

Dealer Leonard Kuras, Rustall

Rustall is an easy to use four step weathering wash process designed to simulate a random, natural rust effect on 1:12  scale miniatures. Also used for scale model tanks, model trains, trackside junk, scale autos or trucks. Rustall will simulate rust on styrene, metal, cast resin and even paper.

Web: http://www.rustall.com/

Rusted vintage truck.

Rusted and aged vintage gas station.

2017 Show Previews

Preview photos of artisans and dealers attending the 2017 Good Sam Show.

Carla Gaustad
Carla Gaustad specializes in exceptional miniatures crafted by fine international artisans and talented U.S. artisans who do not attend shows. Twice a year, Carla goes to a leading international dollhouse festival in England. She buys unique craftsmen pieces to sell to miniature enthusiasts at top shows here in the U.S.    

Robin Betterley's Miniatures
Robin specializes in unique kits combining art and laser to create special vignettes, furniture and 1/4” houses and displays. She is always introducing new kits into her collection.    

Valerie Anne Casson, France. 
Valerie Anne handcrafts a line of ceramic teapots, pitchers and figurines. She makes lavishly attired French-style dress mannequins, upholstered French benches, silk tuffets, and delightful dressed beds. Valerie also produces wall paintings, handsomely appointed vanity trays, hand-painted toys, and more. She is also offering a Friday Workshop to make an artist's paint box.