On October 15th I took a little trip to the Miniature Enthusiasts of Toronto (MET) Show. This being the second year I attended, I knew what I wanted, who was there and who took credit cards. Very important as some people are just cash and you have to ration. And in a stroke of genius, I remembered to grab business cards with my purchases so I could recall what came from whom. In the words of Homer Simpson, I am S-M-R-T.
I started off at Martha McLean Miniatures. I got my handbags!! Last year I got the black Birken bag, so my hopes were high and Martha didn't disappoint. The handbags are made by a South Korean artist, but she forgot the name.
Then I ran over to Small Scale Showcase who sells MiniFanaberia. Much easier (and no shipping) when you don't have to order on Etsy. I got my toaster!
Janice Crawley Miniatures was the next table over. I found a few pieces in her "dollar" bins and grabbed the little honey pot and the red fiesta wear jug. Her pieces are just beautiful.
I had seen Keenderson Miniatures on Facebook, and never made the connection until recently. Glen makes amazing pieces with such fine carpentry. I would buy it all! But I just grabbed the little acrylic stool because it was so cute.
Tremeers Treasures always has gorgeous rugs and stitched pieces. While the large rugs aren't in my price range (but very reasonable given they are 40 count and done in wool or silk), the small woven rug called to me along with the pillows. I also snagged a bowl Harvey Tremeer turned himself.
Off to Grandpas Dollhouse I went and did restrain myself. I grabbed a few small items....my favourite being the squirrel and frog made by IGMA artisan. Liz said she would look up the artist for me as she purchased a large number of pieces from the artist at the Chicago show recently.
Adrian Cooper of Eclectica does beautiful stained glass. But I fell in love with her koi ponds. One for now and one went into the "Christmas gift for me" bag for family.
Out Of The Ordinary has lots of fun small items. They have bins and bins divided by categories. And filled with so many interesting things. I was taken by all the booze bottles. And since I dislike my printers mini book printing results (and I can be lazy) I purchased a few books.
The best deals (and finely crafted pieces) came direct from the MET table, made by MET members. The kitchen hutch was made by Alberto Gozzi. The coffee and end tables were made by Gerry Brockhurst. I was just going to buy the end tables, but knew I would regret not getting the coffee table.....so I caved and got it. No regrets now!
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| Hutch by Albert Gozzi |
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| Tables by Gerry Brockhurst |
The candle holder (box) was made by Judith Carlson. The knitting bag and afghan were made by Margaret Taylor. The Christmas socks were made by Judi Surridge.
I found a few other bits and pieces, like 2 more ghost chairs to give me a set of 4. And some generic bar stools for my new build.
I left no stone unturned and got everything on my list. And just a little bit more. Thankfully this is a once a year thing....or I'd be in trouble. But, I might try to venture to the Brampton show this year too.
