A Day Out

On Sunday we went to Miniaturu. It was smaller than we remembered it , but the quality was back, and it was interesting to see some really good work. We spent some time chatting to the artisans who come to Thame, and to some whose work we did not know. Maybe one or two may wish to come to Thame in the future.

One question that kept coming up was people buying and selling on the internet and how this may be impacting on the fairs. I still think there is a place for fairs or how do people really get a feel for what they are buying unless they see it. Buying small items, or things you already know unseen from a trusted source, may be fine, but spending real money for a special piece must be a bit different. There are now so many media sites catering for every hobby, craft and sport, one could spend all day going from site to site. Digital photography and the services some web sites offer must make them very attractive but are they a substitute for the real thing?

Talking of media sites, we have been looking at pinterest. Do any of you use it, and how does it work? Any thoughts or experiences on how it may help us to advertise the Thame Fair would be welcome.

Malcolms' Miniatures

Back to Business

We have just returned from ten days in Crete where the temperature was 32 C, and the water at 25 metres down was 26 C. The water was clear and the visibility was 20 - 25 metres, so the diving was good. Felicity said the sunbeds were good as well.  A bit of a change in temperature here, but at least it is still dry.

It was interesting to see that all the shrines in gardens and by the road side were all about 1/12th scale. I did not go round with a tape measure to check, but they certainly looked that size. Also looking at some of the artefacts in the museum at Knosos, miniatures were being made 3000 - 4000 years ago. 

We have added Kattykorner to the exhibitors list and are hoping some others will be signing up in the near future. Kattykorner make some interesting and attractive things, and are quite different from the other stand holders at the fair. Their pictures will be coming shortly.

It is Miniatura this Sunday and we will probably be there for a change. We have often been away for this, or have returned just after the event. 

Piano by Beith Miniatures

Starting Early

Just as well we started on the Fair early, as  there are things that have had to be dealt with well in advance of their usual time scales. The dolls house magazines want the adverts earlier and this has had a knock on effect. I suppose we shall be so far ahead of ourselves, we shall meet ourselves coming back.   

 This may be a blessing in disguise though, as hopefully we shall not have any surprises just before the Fair, as we have had the last two years. Although, that has ensured we do not take anything for granted and we know becoming complacent only means trouble.

Leaflets have now gone out and anyone who would like more please ask. We even managed to get these done pre Miniatura which must be a first. 

Thame Dollshouse and Miniatures Fair has a facebook page. so please go on and like it as this boosts it's rating. Encourage others to do the same please.

We hope to have news of some more Artisans booking for February so watch this space.

Shoebutton Bears

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.