Busy Times!

Pub in rural Somerset, with campsite

Its been a busy few weeks filled with miniatures and non- miniature activities. And no sign of the pace slowing down! Actually I think its really us slowing down and getting less done in the time than we used to! But most of what we do is our choice rather than things we have to do - and that's a good place to be!
We recently had a few days away in our motorhome at an idyllic peaceful location in Somerset, and have just spent part of the bank holiday weekend at a local folk festival.

Thame Dollshouse& Miniatures Fair, February 2014

Of course, one of the things we really love is Thame Dollshouse and Miniatures Fair, in February. But the preparation for it goes on for months before, and we are well and truly on the road with planning for the 2015 event, on 21st February. Exhibitors are now listed on the website - we are still waiting for information, etc on a few more, so keep checking the website for more. This morning we collected the flyers from the printer. These will be posted out to exhibitors later this week, so should be appearing all over the place shortly!

I went to a local fair yesterday, and was able to chat with a couple of our exhibitors who had stands there, as well as looking round at a  range of other exhibitors, some of who I hadn't seen before. Several asked about tables at our fair, but unfortunately we can't take everybody who'd like to come.

Change and Progress

It is very interesting how things change and progress even while they appear to remain the same. We have been preparing the poster for the fair in 2015 and looking back over posters from the previous years. What stood out for us and also took us slightly by surprise, was that the fair has changed a lot over the last few years. A core group of the original Artisans has been coming each year, but the rest of the stand holders at the fair have changed every year, and most markedly over the last two years. 

These changes have been for a number of different reasons, but are mainly retirement, health and economic considerations. This has presented us with an interesting challenge each year. Who do we invite to fill the vacant slots, and how do we keep the standard of the Artisans at the fair at the expected high level, without doubling up and losing the variety and interesting range of products on offer.

Every aspect of life in the modern world is affected by the internet and the social media. Fashions change rapidly and competition is fast and furious, but we think there is still a place for the fair where people can come and look at and purchase the the things they want, and talk to the Artisans who make them. Even if people do not buy at the time, they can still build a wish list and buy it later. Seeing and talking about that special item keeps the interest alive.

                                                     Work by Victoria Fasken

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Website Update

The exhibitors page is now live and ready for your photographs to be up-loaded. Felicity is going to put some up next week, but these may be old ones.

Unfortunately Peter Clark is still undergoing treatment for his eye condition and will not be able to attend the fair in 2015. However, he hopes to be back in 2016. We wish him a all the best and hope he has a good recovery.

It is still a bit warm and sticky for miniaturing, but it is a good time to plan that next project or design your new dolls house. If you start in September, then the fair in February will be a perfect time to find things to fill it.

Thame Dollshouse & Miniatures Fair 2015

We now have thirty three confirmed standholders for 2015. Five more are on the provisional list. We are also contacting some more quality artisans to see whether they would like to attend the fair. 

Since we began organising the fair four years ago, there has been quite a change in the line up. Some artisans have retired, some have been unable to attend for various reasons and some have had a break and come back. This all helps to keep the fair fresh and interesting.

The list of exhibitors will go public in the next few days, so please check out the website and begin planning your day out . It is a long way ahead, but that just means you have longer to save up for that extra special item for your dolls house.

Saturday 21st February 2015.