I had the best weekend of my life last weekend. As I said last post I attended a miniature convention last weekend, it was travel themed. It was three days of firsts (like my first workshop, convention ect.) and discoveries. I kick started the weekend with a wonderful class in which I made a purse shop in a purse frame. It was taught by Sylvia Supinski and I had a blast! I now know how to make rosettes and I'm sure they will begin to show up in my dorm room. It was a struggle at first because many of the techniques were completely new and I was nervous being around so many experienced miniaturists but I was welcomed by all. I quickly caught up and began to enjoy myself. Here is the finnished product and I am extremely proud of it.
Next were the round tables which were little classes where you could pick a project to do now or take it for later. I picked up a few kits, to tide me during the long hours of boredom that I know I will eventually feel, when I came across a table full of unfinished 1/4 scale rooms. Now I normally don't dabble in 1/4 scale, I'm purely a 1 inch scale girl but one little room in particular caught my eye and lured me in. It was one of only two with tile flooring and just too pretty for words, even as naked as it was. The next thing I know I'm sitting in a seat and listening as Shaun Crawford (the instructor of this particular project) explained how to dry brush. It slowly began to take shape as I pictured it and ended up looking like this.
I wanted the paint to look patchy as if worn by many years of wear an' tear ( the cracks just added to that image), with a deep oak colored door that was commom in castles. I think its going to end up as a medieval observatory or some other medieval room. I plan to create a stained glass effect on the door and maybe stick a real photograph in the window. I had so much fun that when I caught the previous years project out of the corner of my eye I willingly gave in and began again. This one was very funny looking at the beginning because Shaun advised painting only some of the bricks one color then repeating the process with another color, then dry brushing a lighter color over it. Again it turned out well, it did not look like it would in the beginning. I might turn this one into a treasure room or maybe a dragon's hoard.
I quickly spirited my new treasures up to my room for safe keeping and after a few hours of rest headed down to dinner. Dinner was fun and filled with conversation but the big plus was getting in to the dealer room early. I think my heart stopped when I saw all the tables filled with minis, I have never actually been in a miniature store before so it was a little overwhelming but I snapped out of it quickly and began to shop my heart out. I found everything I could hope for and much more. The first item I bought was a beautiful set of handmade wicker that is going to go in my dollhouse's sunroom.
I bought a few things including my very first doll. I saw her when I stopped by Gabrielle Schmidt's booth on the first day but by then I was shopped out so I left, only to buy her the next day. she is absolutely beautiful and will find her new home in my dollhouse as well.
The next stop was at Sue Veeder's booth, she makes wonderful painted cats and I bought one that seemed to pop out at me. He isn't named yet but he will be soon. I expect a commissioned piece from her to arrive in the mail soon.
The second banquet had an auction and it was loads of fun as well.
I came home from the convention with bags a little heavier and a smile stuck on my face. I just can't wait until next year!
