Barbara Jones, Cupertino, CA: Turnings

Working in 1:12 and 1:24 scale, Barbara Jones, Cupertino, CA prefers fruitwoods such as pear, apricot, cherry and orange for her woodturnings. She also enjoys turning acrylics. Her main source of inspiration comes from those turners who turn full-size artwork. Barbara also serves as advisor to the Chairman of the Good Sam Show Committee. Email: northbaj@att.net

Brown Mallee Burl Collection. (Brown Mallee is a species of Australian eucalyptus.)

Manzanita wood floor standing vase, calabash bowl and mantel vase.

South African pink ivory wood bowl and rosewood tray.

Natural edge pear wood bowl on left. Natural edge nandina wood bowl on right.

Segmented collection of glued up slices of wood. Larger 1:12 scale turnings are cherry and walnut. Smaller 1:24 scale turnings are maple and walnut.

Oval turning in maple, with walnut base.

Green acrylic bowl, cherry red acrylic candy dish, Corian goblet with captive ring. 

Betel nut vase made from the seed of the areca palm. The betel (areca) tree is found in Guam, Pacific tropical islands, Indonesia, India and eastern Africa. 

Koa wood vase. (Koa is a rare Hawaiian hard wood.) 

Look for turnings by Barbara Jones on the table of Sarah "Sallie" Anne Evans, Strawberry Creek Designs. An IGMA Fellow, Sallie Anne specializes in handcrafted rugs and other fine needlework items.

Dealer Lauren Jorelle: Whimsies, Curiosities & Collectibles

Lauren Jorelle, Seattle, Washington sells as "Scaling Down the Past." Her "Natural History Museum of Whimsy" offers uncommon and quirky mini creations handmade with love and laughter. She says, "My miniatures are representations of things I've always been passionate about: Archaeology, Natural History, and Prehistory. Email: scalingdownthepast@gmail.com. Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/scalingdownthepast

Lauren Jorelle's line includes miniature animal rugs, heads and magnets--along with faux and real fossils. She makes whimsical dinosaurs, shrunken heads, wood carved tribal masks, spears, tiny glass dome displays, and more.

Exhibit: "Big Top - Santa Cruz"

The Santa Cruz Miniature Guild decided on a circus theme for its Exhibit.  Member Marian Allen, Aptos, California shared: "We met regularly for several months making and gathering items from members to present our Big Top-Santa Cruz exhibit. It was great sharing ideas and talents to make it happen."

In 1:12 scale, the exhibit is 20" wide, 15" deep, and 20" tall. 

Photos courtesy of Connie Sauve, Exhibit Chairman.

From 2014 Good Sam Show: Steampunk Tinkers truck/house

We are sharing one exceptional handcrafted miniature this week by IGMA Fellow Ron Gill and wife April, Wildwood Dollhouses, Michigan. (Due to major house renovation, the writer for the Good Sam Blog lost access to her computer work station this week. Look for our regular Blog postings to return next week.)

One-of-a-kind Steampunk Tinkers truck/house lit with LED lights in all rooms. It is 12" long, 9-1/2" wide, and 21" high.

"We have been making structures in all scales for over 35 years, both realistic and fantasy pieces," Ron Gill tells us. "This is our only business and we love doing it." Email: wwdhms@aol.com.

Dealer Maritza Moran: Furniture & Accessories

Maritza Moran, Maritza Miniatures, offers unique romantic furnishings in 1:12 scale. She coordinates the themes/style, colors, fabrics and finishes for each display with great imagination and flair. Maritza's interior designs, craftsmanship and use of materials is exceptional. Email: maritza@maritzaminiatures.com. Web: http://www.maritzaminiatures.com. 

Interior design by Maritza Moran on the cover of DollsHouse & Miniature Scene (January 2015, issue 248). 

To see more of Maritza Moran's work, go >here<.

Dealer Carol Wagner: Flowers, Plants & Vines

IGMA Fellow Carol Wagner hand cuts and hand-paints realistic 1:12 scale roses, flowering plants, vines, bonsai, orchids, and more. All of her designs are outstanding, and have great detail. Do stop by Carol's table at this year's show. You are sure to be delighted. Email: bobncar1254@gmail.com. Web: http://carol-wagner.com/miniatures/

Garden scene with rose vine. Wheelbarrow by Alan Hamer filled with larkspur, petunias, geranium, lilies, roses, lobelia and ivy. Hosta, sandwort, mallow Nile lily, and grass cover the base. Geranium in Braxton Payne pot hangs from post.

Macramé Hanging Geranium.

White Orchid.

Collection of houseplants on J. Getzan handcrafted baker's rack.

Roses in porcelain pedestal bowl made by Jack Cashmere.

Bonsai elm.

Gorgeous red rose tree.

Rose bush with Kerri Pajutee furred cat.

Pink-tipped white table rose.

Window box over-flowing with blooms and ivy. 

Gorgeous one-of-a-kind Wedding Bouquet. 

To see more of Carol Wagner's work, go >here<.

Dealer Shellie Kazan: Shellie's Miniature Shop & Gift Shop

For more than 30 years, Shellie Kazan has owned Shellie's Miniature Mania, San Carlos, CA. One-half is a fine miniature store. The other half is a charming gift shop with eye-catching reasonably priced items and special occasion cards. "The Queen of Everything" is the display theme for Mother's Day. Email: shelliesminis@msn.com.  Web: http://www.shelliesminis.com

Here is a selection of "Mother and Child" themed 1:12 scale miniatures.

Shellie's fine selection of Mother's Day gifts include unique jewelry, purses, accessories, toiletries and delightful cards for mom.

To see prior Shellie's Miniature Mania offerings, go >here<.

Shellie's eBay miniature offerings: http://www.ebay.com/usr/shelliesminiatures  

Shellie's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellie.kazan/