At the Show - Exhibit

From the 2012 Good Sam Show, this week's exhibit "Sara's English Kitchen" is by Janet M. Oliver from Poulsbo, Washington. It is a wonderful little room box, loaded with details. There is something interesting to see wherever you look. Photos courtesy of Connie Sauve, Exhibit Chairman.

"I made this kitchen from scratch, including most of the furniture and all of the plants," says Janet Oliver. "I had been collecting the English pottery and the glass filled jars for years. I have been creating miniatures for twenty-five years and love doing all the detail."

From the Chairman - New Magazine Cover

The 2012 Good Sam Show has an exhibit on the cover of the April 2013 issue of American Miniaturist magazine. The project is a 1:12 scale greenhouse entitled "A Place to Dream." It was made by floral artist Jan Kimbro, who has a feature article in the issue. The greenhouse took First Place at the May 2012 Folsom Fiesta State Day in Sacramento, California. Jan has been a dealer at Good Sam for the last five years, and sells as "Jan's Flower Shop & More."

If you would like to order a copy of the magazine, email usoffice@ashdown.co.uk or go to http://www.craft-club.com/usa. Downloadable issues and overseas shipping available. 

GSAM Instructor Rik Pierce

Rik Pierce of Frogmorton Studios is a very popular instructor in the U.S. and abroad. He uses Creative Paperclay for all of his 1:12 scale designs. Students learn an amazing variety of techniques in his workshops. Rik's imaginative structures conjure up images of English rustic Medieval and Tudor buildings. Each design has its foundation in history, with a lot of whimsy and fantasy thrown in. Rik prides himself in giving viewers "a lot to look at!" rik@frogmorton.com, http://www.frogmorton.com, http://frogmortonstudios.shutterfly.com/

Rik is teaching a "Medieval Folly with Conservatory" workshop at the Good Sam Academy of Miniatures on October 14-18, 2013. For more photos and registration information, go to: http://goodsamshowcase.miniature.net/goodsamacademy.htm

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A commission.

Fair Rosemund's Bower workshop.

Fair Rosemund's Bower workshop.

English Thatched Roof Cottage workshop.

Hobbit House workshop. 

Workshop for Ratty's House on the river bank. Inspired by Wind in the Willows (Kenneth Grahame, 1908).

Storybook Cottage workshop.

One-of-a-kind Medieval Lighthouse made into a Tea Shoppe.

One-of-a-kind Medieval Lighthouse made into a Tea Shoppe.

At the Show: Animals & Collectibles

The ever-so-talented Bridget McCarty has been a dealer at Good Sam since 2011. Time and again, she creates charming little scenes with her 1:12 scale furry animals and characters. Stop by Bridget's table at this year's show as you are sure to be delighted with her imaginative creations. aliceinteacup@yahoo.com, http://www.bridgetmccarty.com, bridgetmccarty.blogspot.com,
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miniature-Pets-By-Bridget-McCarty/133772454555#

Mama cat and her babies in an eye-catching bed dressed in cotton, lace and ribbons.

Two darling little rabbits and puppy. Silke Janas-Schloesser of Germany made the little fairy holding the puppy.

Bichon dog and tabby cat inside a rustic chest.

"Off With Her Head." A delightful scene created with Alice in Wonderland characters. Photo taken on showroom floor.

Alice in Wonderland tea party scene loaded with details.

"Coco & My Buddy" basket.

A baby Siamese miniature cat doll.

Morkie in a silly frog hat. Custom order.

At the Show - Exhibit

The "Tudor Rose Cottage" was displayed at the 2012 Good Sam Show. It was created by Connie Sauve, the Exhibit Chairman. It is a charming little 1:12 scale Storybook cottage with a fairytale quality about it. She brought it to life in a very artistic and skilled manner.

"I started this cottage in 2005, right before I was diagnosed with breast cancer," Connie says. "Working on the cottage every Wednesday at the local mini shop helped me get through the whole cancer process, so I call it my therapy house. I filled the cottage with a lot of things I love, giving it an eclectic feeling. The cottage is made from scratch, and I also made the artist figure." Photos provided by Connie.

Celebrating Easter with Good Sam Dealers

Spring is in the air, and Easter beckons. To celebrate the season, we asked a few of the Good Sam dealers to share some of their cheery Easter decor and springtime offerings. They have done so, and we bring a warm welcome to Spring and Easter to you in this week's Blog. Enjoy!

Garden bunny in a crate with spring poppies, daffodils and Easter eggs. Created by Laura Crain, Dollhouse Land.

Easter & Spring Flowers

Laura Crain of Dollhouse Land has been a dealer at Good Sam since 2008. She crafts 1:12 scale flower designs that are fresh, imaginative and whimsical. Her distinctive Easter and Spring decor is sure to delight.  Laura also makes miniature 1:12 scale food. Look for her table at this year's Good Sam Show. LauraCrain2@aol.com

Chocolate Bunny in cart with Spring flowers and Easter eggs.

Garden Gate in Spring with wee Easter chicks.

Spring Flower Cart.

Garden Bunny in a cart with Spring flowers and ornamental cabbage.

A lovely Spring/Easter floral arrangement entitled "Angel Flowers." 

To see more of Laura Crain's designs, go here

Easter Decorations & Finery

This will be Larrianne Hilditch's third year to attend Good Sam. For more than thirty years, she has done business as Larrianne's Small Wonders in Ventura, California. She also offers workshops. Larrianne is the exclusive retailer for Lori Ann Potts women's and men's finery. They share a table at Good Sam. Go to Larrianne's website for details and pricing on her Easter, Ladies Essentials and Bakery items shown here. Tel: 805-289-1508, larriannes@sbcglobal.net, larriannessmallwonders.com

More Easter Decorations & Finery

For the past seven years, Shellie Kazan has been a dealer at Good Sam. For more than thirty years, she has operated Shellie's Miniature Mania in San Carlos, CA. She specializes in exceptional international artisan miniatures, Bespaq furniture, dolls, accessories, lighting, dollhouse kits, and more. Shellie also offers workshops by fine miniature artisans. 650-593-4921, shelliesminis@msn.com, www.shelliesminis.com

Shelf unit with Easter treats/Spring flowers.

Wicker pram by Wilhelmina. Baby sold separately. White rocker holds baby doll. Basket with Easter Bunny/clothing. Little dolly in pink and handmade rug.

Doll in green silk. Green hat/parasol and Easter Egg on wicker dresser by Rhea's Wicker. Basket of wrapping paper. Wicker bench by Warling.

Mauve trimmed hats and white stand with flowers.

Pretty hat/parasol with pink roses (sold separately). Bouquet of roses. Wicker Coffee Table by Warling.

Hat with coral-orange trims by Nancy Manders. Orange floral arrangement.

Decorated Easter chair. Wicker Table by Uncle Ciggie. Calla lilies in glass vase. "Decorating Easter Eggs" on newspaper. Ornamental kale in pot. Two rabbits.

Collection of well-dressed dollies. Wicker chair by Uncle Ciggie.