AIM IMag Issue 58

AIM IMag Issue 58 March 2016 by Artisans in Miniature

Making Wise Ones..

 I've been having a go at sculpting Owls again and I have to say I've surprised myself with how well they've turned out. 

They were all made with Super Sculpey and painted with Acrylics once baked. I still have quite a few to make to fill up Eeylops.

I found it helpful to use Google images for the colouring, when painting them.

I did find a lovely image of lots of Owls, all sitting together on a perch together. Might have a go at making it in miniature, it would look great in Eeylops.

Kensington Weekend 2015

Presents Wrapped & Welsh Cakes Packed

 Last Thursday, I travelled South for the Kensington Dollshouse Festival, which also coincided with my Friends 50th Birthday. I made sure that I had the presents wrapped and a copious amount of Welsh cakes for friends exhibiting at the festival and friends that I was meeting there.

On the Friday morning, I travelled into London, I was the first one of our KDF Crew to get there and ended up having a chat with Bob from Country Contrast & Paul from Country Treasures, who were outside, before I got in the queue.

The rest of the gang met me outside a little while later.We all seemed to get split up inside the venue, but all met up at 2pm outside under the tree. (Photo's to follow in another Post).

I went with a strict list this time and told myself that I wasn't going to let my heart rule my head. I wanted bits for Slug & Jiggers Apothecary and Eeylops Owl Emporium.

Petite Properties ~ Bea Broadwood

Petite Properties ~ Bea Broadwood

Petite Properties ~ Bea Broadwood

 Bea Broadwoods, Petite Properties stall that was jam packed, lots and lots of new kits and some that were retiring at the show. Managed a quick catch up with Bea and Mr Bea.

Carol & Tomas Kubrican ~ True2Scale Miniatures

Carol & Tomas Kubrican, from True 2 Scale were over from the United States exhibiting and it was lovely to finally meet them in person after following Carols Blog for years. Such a lovely couple. They had some fabulous Kits. One that really caught my eye was the Red Stove, inside the Oven was a miniature version again of the stove and the other was the Creep Coffin Kit. Brilliant.

Lidi Stroud ~ Basketcase Miniatures

The lovely Lidi Stroud, of Basketcase Miniatures, was also exhibiting all the way from Australia. Her Baskets are beautiful.

Bob's, Country Treasures stall was overflowing with yummy food's, enamel ware and some lovely wooden tables and dressers and as always the lovely Doreen was behind the stall. Managed to have a good chat with them near the end of the day.

Bob & Doreen ~ Country Contrast

Country Contrast

 I have to say, there were some absolutely fabulous stands with exquisite miniatures on Display. One of my favourites was Janny Warnaar's, Art Of Mini. Janny was really busy when I got there, but I did manage to say Hello to her lovely Hubby. Their stall was absolutely jam crammed with miniatures and the most fabulous Room Boxes filled with so much detail, they were absolutely beautiful. I have no idea how they had managed to transport it all over and keep everything looking immaculate.

Art Of Mini

Art Of Mini

Art Of Mini

Art Of Mini

Art Of Mini

I also had a lovely chat with Jenny Kelm of Kastlekelm Miniatures, who had some really unusual bits and pieces on her stall, but unfortunately I didn't get a picture.

Also caught up with Jane from Thimbleminis, who makes the most beautiful Prams, Pushchairs and other Baby equipment. Her modern Prams are fabulous. 

Jane Timms ~ Thimblemins

Thimblemins

Crumpled & Rumpled ~ Judith Laird

The Little Hatter ~ Annette Shaw

I also managed to catch up with Judith from Crumpled and Rumpled and her friend Annette from The Little Hatter. Think they were glad of the Welsh Cakes to get them through the day.

I did manage to buy a beautiful Owl from Aidan Campbell for Eeylops.

Aidan Campbell Miniatures

The Giddy Kipper

By the time I got to Julie Campbell and Jain Squires, both their respective stands were looking very empty. But we did manage a quick chat and a catch up.

I have to say I had a lovely day, all be it a long one and it was lovely to catch up with Friends old and new. But I know I missed a few on my travels around the show.

The lovely Jain Squires & Julie Campbell

Julie Campbell Doll Artist

Julie Campbell Doll Artist

Julie Campbell Doll Artist

A.I.M Advent Calender

The A.I.M Advent Calender is now on its 21st Door. Don't forget to pop over to the A.I.M website and see what's behind each of the other doors. There are some great tutorials.

AIM Advent Calendar Day 21

Eeylops Owl Emporium ~ Diagon Alley

 After visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour back in May, I came home and had a really good look at my own Miniature Diagon Alley. I think I've got the atmosphere just about right.

I really need to work on Eeylops, I know exactly how I want it to look inside and now having seen the real Eeylops, I'd like to try and replicate how they had the hanging cages and birds outside.

I took these pictures a couple of months ago, whilst playing around with my new Camera, but forgot to share. I also need lots more Owls...

Miniature Japanese Acer

Meant to show this some time ago. Can you remember back, when I was making all the Miniature Plants, for Desdemona's Garden?. Well I was playing around with some spare wires and thought I'd have a go at making a Miniature Japanese Acer. I have no luck with growing the real thing, as where we live, it gets to Wet and Windy in the Winter and scorching Hot in the Summer.
I followed no plan, but just twisted the wires until they looked a natural shape, wrapped them with Florist tape and painted them. I then painstakingly, punched, shaped, veined and glued on the leaves. It took hours, but I have to say I am really pleased with the end result. Just need to add some soil, to the pot and it will be finished..