N.A.M.E. National Convention 2011

Last weekend, Mr. True2Scale and I attended our first N.A.M.E. National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. We had a fun time getting to know fellow miniaturists, eating great food, and shopping for items for my soon-to-arrive Tuscan house. And...a visit to Cleveland isn't complete without touring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After all, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the meat dress!

This year's convention theme was With a Song in My Heart. The souvenirs given to the attendees reflect the musical theme.

The 1:12 scale souvenirs were a dress worn by Deborah Kerr in The King and I, made by JoAnn Roberts; an adjustable music stand by Tom Walden; and blue suede shoes by Sylvia Rountree. The steering committee made a gift to complement each souvenir, including a wooden wall hook for the dress; sheet music and a storage box; and a framed, gold record of Blue Suede Shoes.

A portion of my table at Mini Mart.

The convention provided me with my first opportunity to sell my mini kits at a show. I sold as part of the Mini Mart, a 2-hour Thursday night frenzy that left Husband and me breathless and exhausted! Thank goodness for the help of a kind friend who assisted with writing receipts.

On Friday, I took a class from Shannon Moore and learned to make a corner chair. It's a beautiful piece that I some day hope to finish and post a picture. I REALLY do want to finish that chair!

I spent part of the weekend enjoying the exhibits. I was especially fond of the design and construction of the Three Gables display, a home for three different shops. Here are some of the creative exhibits at the NAME National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio (the photos taken with my phone do not do them justice!):

Three Gables created by Sue Ann Ketchum,
designed by Greenfield Creations; 1:12 scale

Holiday House at Christmas by Karen Marsh;
1:48 scale

The Greenhouse at Christmas by Karen Marsh;
1:48 scale

Part of a large exhibit, The Shops at Maxwell Square by Terri Maxwell;
1:12 scale greenhouse and florist shop.

Interior of the greenhouse.

Working fountain surrounded by shops.

Hunny House by Karen Marsh; 1:48 scale

I'm Back!

Ok, you know that you've been gone a long time, when you open up Blogger and the entire dashboard has changed! Was my last post really over a month ago?

During that time, Hubby and I visited Spain and attended the NAME National Convention in Ohio (I will post later with pics from NAME). While in Spain, I had to find a miniatures shop to feed my addiction! In Madrid, I enjoyed a nice chat with the proprietress of Puck and purchased some delightful things. One of the items is a lovely plate made by Ana Felipe, who is part of a family of craftsmen who work in miniature, the Felipe-Royo Family.