More Chicago...Rik Pierce and DeCave Design!

I promised you last night that I would be sharing some Rik Pierce items with you and I'm not one to let my friends down.  For those of you that aren't familiar with Rik's work, there are TONS of pictures on his website (Frogmorton.com).  Rik and his wife are two of the most delightful people I have ever met. The pictures I'm going to share with you are of his newest piece, Rapunzel's Tower.  This structure sits on a fairly small footprint, but rises three stories into the air.  I can't even begin to describe it to you so I'm just going to toss some pictures at you.  If you are a fan of Rik's work or of fantasy creations, you may want to grab a napkin because there is going to be drooling.  Don't be embarrassed...I did it in person. At least you are at home. LOL

Ladies and Gentlemen....Rapunzel's Tower. Surrounded by water and only accessible by the main door.

The main door.  It is striking all on it's own.

 The main floor features a fireplace and inlaid floor.

 The mid floor has the same floor and a door leading to a small balcony (shown in next picture).

 The top floor was more simple (sorry, picture of room didn't come out) and had a door opening onto a small circular balcony.  You can picture Rapunzel up there letting her hair down for her Prince to climb.

Rik also had another structure up for viewing on his table.  This one is called Tanglewood. Gosh I love the names of his structures.  This was a small shop that could be done up in a lot of different ways.  It doesn't matter if Rik's pieces are small, one-story structures or large 3 story ones, the attention to detail is always the same and is magical!

I hope one day you will get to see some of his work in person. Pictures just can not do it justice.

Ready for some more pictures? I thought you might be! We were walking through the show on Saturday and a roombox caught my eye off to the side.  It drew me in like a moth to one of those bug zapper things.  Boy was I zapped.  As I stood there drooling and peering through the windows, I heard a small voice in my ear saying..."I made each of the 763 individual books on those shelves."  Huh? I turned my head and looked into the face of the creator of this masterpiece.  Gerry DeCave stood there smiling at me because I'm sure she knew what was running through my head.  I was looking at her roombox, "Windsor Antique and Rare Book Shop".  I just couldn't stand up straight and stop staring into it.  Finally, my manners slapped me around a bit and I stood up and introduced myself.  Gerry is an amazingly creative person who paints faux-finished furniture, creates STUNNING chandeliers and made a roombox I just wanted to crawl into and curl up with a book. (http://www.decavedesign.com/)

Gerry was so friendly. We stood there and talked for a long time, and then we talked even more on Sunday. I forgot to take additional pictures. You can see more on her website. There is even a message board inside the rare book section covered with messages. You just want to stand there and read them all.  Everything she does is stunning. You would never believe her faux-finishes aren't real burl wood or other exotics.  More drooling.  Please utilize your napkins now.



OK, I think now is a good time to stop and let you get some water.  I'll have more up tomorrow.

Till later!

More Chicago - "The Accolade" by Scott Hughes

One of the best things about attending the Bishop International Show in Chicago is meeting the artists and getting to speak with them.  So many of them love to talk about what they create, but one of the great ones that stands out is Scott Hughes of Scott's Lighting.  This man is truly a magician when it comes to creating miniatures and his lighting and craftmanship is topnotch.  He is a quiet man who loves to chat and we spoke to him on both Saturday and Sunday.  He even went out of his way to say hi to us when we saw him at breakfast Sunday morning.  On Sunday during the height of the rush we asked if he would mind if we took pictures of his massive creation "The Accolade".  This piece is based on the famous 1901 painting by Edmund Blair Leighton. Not only did he say we could take pictures, but he even opened up the front so I could get in and take some great pictures.  I hope you enjoy them. Just in case you are wondering, he was excited I was adding them to my blog.  Maybe one day I can convince him to get a website up to showcase his lighting. 

This is the original painting.  

The following pictures are from his creation. Keep in mind that he works in standard 1" scale. This is a BIG roombox.  He made everything other than the dolls. They were created by Fern Vasi.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to show the rest of my purchases and I think we'll take a tour of a couple pieces by Rik Pierce.  Rik is another master and I think you'll enjoy what he had this year!

Till later!

Chicago Update with Pictures

Hello everyone.

Well, I finally made it to Chicago yesterday after being delayed about 2 hours. That really dug into our miniature fun time, but at least we made it to the IMA show.

Today, we were up early and at the Marriott in time for some breakfast and then the show.  Can I just say that there is hardly anything more fun than spending about six hours looking at minis and talking to other miniaturists and artists.  I met so many talented people and we gushed and awed over their minis, but I really have to say that one of my all time favorite memories will be standing and talking to James Carrington for about a half hour, if not more.  Truly an experience and so much fun.

Now here is what I know you have been wanting to see.....pictures!!  Not a lot from the show itself, but pics of what I purchased will have to do.  LOL  Here are even two pictures of me taking pics of my miniatures.

Isn't this little skull with the tiny skeleton one of the cutest things you have ever seen?!? I adore him.

Now...Bishop Chicago International

Want to try something small? How about some 144 scale rooms.  These scenes are all by Nellie Corkin.  The mermaid is 1" scale

Here are some pics of what I purchased. 

Loving the basket! I think it will look great on the counter of The Mystic Path holding some fresh herbs.

I felt Madam Aspen needed some plants in the shop so I purchased the Celedon elephant planter to hold a fern and the hanging basket will also hold a green plant.

Plants did you say?  How about a great  Fern and Hydrangea kit?  I've never done a kit but these from Ambrosia have everything in them, including the pots.  I'm excited to get home and try them.

My beautiful Kwan Yin.  The detail on this tiny 1" tall brass piece is incredible. I'm going to have to find the perfect place for her.  I couldn't resist and she was the only one there.

Ray Storey had some amazing bottles at his table and at $10 each, it was hard to pass up getting one of each.  I think on the shelves in The Mystic Path they will make quite a striking impression.  WOOHOO!!

Well folks, that is all for today.  I'm hoping to have more pics to share after our trip to the show again tomorrow.  Stay tuned for more

Till later!

It's been a while....CHICAGO BOUND!!

Hi everyone.

First, let me thank all of you that sent notes and messages to me for the loss of my mother.  Some of you know that it has been a long drawn out process, but she is peacefull now and free from her worries and pain.

Thank you again.

As I'm sure you can imagine, it has been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but now I sit at Charlotte Douglas Airport, waiting patiently for my plane to arrive so I can board and take off for Chicago.  There were times that I thought the best thing would be to not take this trip, but I'm sure my mother would have given me a solid tongue lashing for spending money on tickets and hotel, and then not go.

Of course....this is an airport and that means delays.  My flight has now been delayed an hour but they have promised it wouldn't be delayed any further. HAHAHAHAHA....sorry, I just find "promises" from airlines and airports to be vastly amusing.  What they fail to understand is the amount of stress they are causing me because of the delay.  I've seen miniaturists to absolutly crazy when kept from their desire.  Please pray for patience for me. :-)

Ok, the plane is arriving and I should be boarding soon.  I hope everyone travelling to Chicago has a safe trip and if you see me running around, please say "HI".  I'm not wearing the tux jacket, but I'll probably be the loudest person there and I'll be the one with the GREAT BIG EYES from seeing all the wonderful things to see.  Oh...wait...there are going to be LOTS of great big eyes there.

More later after I get there and maybe get some pics to share!

Till later!!

Seems y'all like creepy stuff

Well the poll finished and it seems the majority of you folks would like a Haunted roombox.  Good thing cause that is what I have up my sleeve. 

I have a lot of things to finish first (including The Mystic Path) before I can start on that. I also have my big trip to Chicago to get done.  WOOHOO!!  I'm so excited.  Is it too early to start packing now? I know it is only a weekend, but with the luggage restrictions I have to pack very carefully to make sure I have room to bring goodies back with me.  I think a couple wooden cigar boxes should work nicely to protect my little treasures on their flight back to South Carolina.  Of course, that will limit my shoes.  Hmmmm....also need to pack laptop so I can update blog with show pics.  Gosh...It is going to be like a game of Tetris.  heehee

Speaking of my favorite little metaphysical shop, I was able to work on the curtain brackets this weekend, but they have not been installed and no pics have been taken.  I know...mean of me to tease with info and no new pictures, but is just the way I roll sometimes.  HAHA  Oh wait...maybe I should do a creepy laugh here since i know what is up my sleeve.  BWUHAHAHAHAHA!

I see you shiver with antici....pation. 

Till later!

How about a VOTE? Oh, and Chicago!!

Good morning everyone.

I know...two posts in less than 24 hours? You are thinking...what could Dale be up to? Is he perhaps not getting enough sleep?  Could the allergies be driving him crazy?  Both are probably true, but that isn't why I'm here again so soon.  (Although, the recent 85 degree weather and rain we had has caused the yearly cursed blooming of the Bradford Pears and a dramatic increase in my weepy-eyed look.  I love nothing much more than living in the South, but OMG...stop with the Bradford Pear planting. They are pretty for about a week and then they smell like old fish.  I will never understand the attraction to them but every developer feels the need to plant rows and rows of these trees in every community down here.)

Oops..enough ranting about my allergies and trees.  You can't say I didn't warn you from the very beginning that I tend to go off on little side trips before I finally get my tracks back to where they need to be.

First...I know most of you didn't notice the Poll I put up about a week ago in the upper left of my blog.  It is entirely my fault because I was distracted (see a pattern here yet) and forgot to tell y'all about it.  Forgive me.  I would love to get an idea from you what your dream roombox would be.  I think there are a couple days left on it.  Don't worry, I'm not tracking your vital information or anything. :-)  I just want to get an idea of what people want.  Personally, I'm leaning toward making a very haunted roombox (Disneyesque, Haunted Mansion type of thing)...but no more info on that yet.  That sure was a long way to go to just ask you to vote.  Thanks!!

Second.  I know that I mentioned way back when I first started this blog that I would be going to Chicago for the big Bishop International Show on April 8, 9 & 10.  I would love to know if anyone else is going and maybe there would be a chance to meet up somewhere or just say "Howdy".  I'm generally pretty friendly and I'm not afraid to holler across a big room if I see you.  I'm still leaning toward wearing a tux jacket with tails.  It just sounds like fun attire to me and how many people you think will be running around in a tails?

Till later!

The Mystic Path....Part 4

Hello everyone.  Also a big hello to all the new followers. I'm honored to have you all here on my little journey.

Sorry for the delay in posting, but I haven't had time to do any minis lately, but I was able to pop out something I have been excited about for a long time.  Finally, I have a crystal ball for our Madam Aspen.  If you remember the story, she is away for the night and there are some magical happenings going on while she is gone.  I thought a glowing crystal ball on her table would be a perfect addition.

I have had a big marble I found for a long time but wasn't sure how I was going to light it up so it had an eerie glow.  Well, it suddenly fell into my head that I would have to make a stand from polymer clay and that is just what I did.  Sorry I don't have any "in the making" photos, but it was actually pretty easy.

I thought I would create a base that looked kinda woodsy and earthy.  I put some Sculpey into my clay gun and pushed out some spaghetti thin strands and started wrapping and forming them into a woodsy shape. The hard part was keeping it deep enough to hide the bulb but still small enough to look natural and not too large for the table it would be displayed on.  Once i was happy with the look, off it went to the oven for baking.  15 minutes later I had a nice stand ready for painting.

I applied a base coat of a soft brown and then brushed it with a bronze powder and antiqued with black.

The bulb was wired through a small hole I drilled in the base and through the top of the table.  Initially, the light was way too bright so I used some green Gallery Glass paint to tint the bulb and painted small spot on the bottom of the marble.  To me, green is just eerie.  Nobody looks good in green light except maybe the Wicked Witch of the West.  I can't leave it wired for now as I'll have to get the outside of the box finished first, but I couldn't wait to show everyone what it looks like.

Till later!