Join the MiniCals Club for NAME Day 2021

June 10, 2021June 7, 2021Leave a comment

Saturday, September 25, 2021, 10 am
M&L Precision, 18665 Madrone Pkwy., Morgan Hill, CA

MiniCals and Through the Looking Glass are inviting area NAME members to take part in the 2021 NAME Day project, “Tiki Time.” There will be door prizes, a silent auction, shoebox sales, exhibits, gifts, breakfast and lunch.

Cost $45

For more info, contact Ruth Heisch.

The 2021 NAME Day project is a tiki bar.

This information is offered as a service to the community of miniature enthusiasts. If you know of a miniature related event or have information/photos to share, please contact the N.A.M.E. N2 Region Webmaster.

June Miniature Events

May 30, 2021June 7, 2021Leave a comment

Check out these events happening this month:

Tuesdays (ongoing); 4pm Pacific
Mini Cyber Club (MCC) Hosts Escape from Quarantine Meeting (Zoom)
Join other miniaturists in conversation while working on minis.
More info

Wednesdays (ongoing); 4pm Pacific
Round TUIT Roundtable Work Sessions (Zoom)
Debbie Young hosts a weekly online meeting on Wednesdays to work on Roundtables – not just hers, but any and all Roundtables you have acquired over the years. Share the Roundtables you have recently completed, pick up assembly tips and visit while you work.
More info

Fridays – every other (ongoing); 10am – 1pm Pacific
NAME UFOers Meeting (Zoom)
Join Debbie Colombo as she hosts a bi-weekly meeting to work on UFO’s. If you don’t have any to work on don’t worry…you can work on any project you would like to…or join us just to chat. This is just a few hours to visit with others while working on miniatures.
More info

Beginning May 26, 2021 (UPDATED)
Peg Pucket’s Dollhouse Shop Retirement Sale
Santa Rosa, CA
Longtime dollhouse shop owner and miniatures dealer, Peggy Pucket is clearing her miniature inventory and personal miniature collection from her 40+ years in miniatures. Great prices. Many hard to find and out of production pieces. Browse the contents of her vast miniature inventory located in the quaint cottage just behind her main house. Come early for the best selection. Limit of 4 customers at a time. Please wear a mask. Call ahead to make an appointment 707-823-3478.

May 31 – June 6, 2021
NAME Garage Sale
Kits and stuff needed for kits.
More info

June 12, 2021, 10 am Pacific
NAME Workshop: Wedding Cake with Betinha Murta (Zoom)
To receive the kit in time for the class, order before May 28, 2021. Sales for this kit close on June 12. Orders placed May 28 -June 12 may not arrive in time.
More info

June 19, 2021, 11 am Pacific
NAME Gift and Gab with Pete Acquisto (Zoom)
Sales for this Gift & Gab close on June 19th. Your Gift may not arrive prior to the session, especially if ordered after June 9.
More info

June 20, 2021, 10 am Pacific
NAME Workshop: Roses & Calla Lilies Bouquet with Charrita Teague (Zoom)
To receive the kit in time for the class, order before June 6, 2021. Sales for this kit close on July 20. Orders placed after June 6 may not arrive in time.
More info

June 26 & 28, 2021, 10 am-2 pm Pacific
NAME Workshop: The Wedding Night by Fern Vasi (Zoom)
2-day class. To receive the kit in time for the class, order before June 12, 2021. Sales for this kit close on July 26. Orders placed after June 12 may not arrive in time.
More info

Find upcoming events on the calendar page of the NAME N2 website and at create.miniatures.org.

RESCHEDULED: Peg’s Dollhouse Shop Retirement Sale

May 22, 2021May 21, 2021Leave a comment

The sale has been rescheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
Location: Santa Rosa, CA

Longtime dollhouse shop owner and miniatures dealer, Peggy Pucket is clearing her entire miniature inventory and personal miniature collection from her 40+ years in miniatures. Great prices, including $1 and $5 tables. Many hard to find and out of production pieces, as well as collectibles. Custom room boxes and dollhouses including lithographed houses; Bespaq furniture and more.

Browse the contents of her vast miniature inventory located in the quaint cottage just behind her main house.

Come early for the best selection. Limit of 4 customers at a time. Please wear a mask.

Call ahead to make an appointment 707-823-3478.

RESCHEDULED: Peg’s Dollhouse Shop Retirement Sale

May 17, 2021May 21, 2021Leave a comment

The sale has been rescheduled to begin on May 26, 2021.
Located in Santa Rosa, CA.

Come early for the best selection. Limit of 4 customers at a time. Please wear a mask.

Call ahead to make an appointment 707-823-3478.

Openings for the MiniCals Attic Workshop

May 11, 2021May 11, 2021Leave a comment

MiniCals is going ahead with the attic workshop on Saturday, May 22, 2021 in Morgan Hill, CA. There are a couple of spaces still available. Safety precautions will be in place and social distancing for work and lunch (bring your own lunch). Masks required. Cost $75. For more information contact Ruth.

MiniCals and Through the Looking Glass will host NAME Day’s “Tiki Time“ on Saturday, September 25, 2021 in Morgan Hill. Cost TBD.

Inspiration for the attic room workshop.

May Miniature Events

May 1, 2021May 21, 2021Leave a comment

Check out these events happening this month:

Entire month of May
N.A.M.E.’s Create site is hosting “Kits, Kits and More Kits”
Beginning with the first three weeks of May, there will be opportunities to purchase specials from some of your favorite of kit makers. There will be a new kit maker featured every two days. Check the calendar to see who is selling today and who is coming up later. Some will have an offer for an exclusive kit, some will offer discounts or some free shipping. Be sure to check every single day because the offers will disappear when their time is up.
More info

Tuesdays (ongoing); 4pm Pacific
Mini Cyber Club (MCC) Hosts Escape from Quarantine Meeting (Zoom)
Join other miniaturists in conversation while working on minis.
More info

May 9 – June 13 (Sundays), 2021; 10am – 1pm Pacific
NAME Workshop: Neverwas A Steampunk House on Wheels with Michelle Miller
Online via Zoom
More info

May 26, 2021 (ongoing)
Peg’s Dollhouse Shop Retirement Sale
Santa Rosa, CA
Longtime dollhouse shop owner and miniatures dealer, Peggy Pucket is clearing her miniature inventory and personal miniature collection from her 40+ years in miniatures. Great prices. Many hard to find and out of production pieces. Browse the contents of her vast miniature inventory located in the quaint cottage just behind her main house. Come early for the best selection. Limit of 4 customers at a time. Please wear a mask. Call ahead to make an appointment 707-823-3478.
More info

May 22, 2021; 11am Pacific
NAME Workshop: 1″ Miniature Funny Cake with Bethina Murta
Online via Zoom
To receive your kit in time for the class, you must order before May 7.
More info

May 23-30, 2021
NAME Quick Minis
NAME’s Create site will have Quick Mini kits to go with the Steampunk theme for the Quarter Scale NEVERWAS workshop scheduled for May and June; as well as, kits in other scales and more traditional styles.
More info

May 29, 2021; 10am – 2pm Pacific
NAME Workshop: It’s a Steampunk World with Cat Wingler
Online via Zoom
Dress a 1″ mannequin and make a hat and accessories.
More info

May 29, 2021
NAME Lunch and Learn with Terri Maxwell (Zoom)
Terri is known for her unique, creative approach to completing kits and she will share how she approaches her projects and where her ideas originate.
More info

May 31 – June 6, 2021
NAME Garage Sale (kits and stuff needed for kits)
More info

Find upcoming events on the calendar page of the NAME N2 website and at create.miniatures.org.

April Miniature Events

April 1, 2021Leave a comment

Check out these events happening online this month:

Tuesdays (ongoing); 4pm Pacific
Mini Cyber Club (MCC) Hosts Escape from Quarantine Meeting (Zoom)
Join other miniaturists in conversation while working on minis.
More info

April 17, 2021; 9am Pacific
NAME Workshop: Spring Flower Basket in various scales with Pamela Ridgely
Online via Zoom
Order the workshop kit before April 2, 2021. Sales for this kit close on April 17.
More info

April 18, 2021; 10am Pacific
NAME Workshop: 1″ Spring Is Coming Tea Set with Bethina Murta
Online via Zoom
Sales for this kit close on April 17.
More info

April 24 & 25, 2021; 1pm – 5pm Pacific
NAME Workshop: Make a Witch or a Santa, Sculpting in Quarter Scale with Cat Wingler
Online via Zoom
NOTE: This class is full but is taking names for a waiting list and may be offered more than once.
More info

Find upcoming events on the calendar page of the NAME N2 website and at create.miniatures.org.

Tutorial: Make a Book Scene

March 6, 2021March 5, 2021Leave a comment

Debbie Young brings us this “Little Book Scene”.

The project is pretty much made out of a book, and some balsa wood, so it is easy to do with what you have around the house. It turned out to be so much fun to make, Debbie thought you might enjoy making one as well. So, for all the members (current and potential) that visit NAME’s Create site…please enjoy this free tutorial.

Debbie used an old Winnie the Pooh book, but this would be great with any book…think Harry Potter or A Christmas Carol or Sherlock Holmes… …anything you would like to curl up with and read.

Click here for the instructions to make your own!

Announcing NAME Day 2021

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021Leave a comment

The purpose of NAME Day is to unite and involve all NAME members by doing the same project on the same day at different locations throughout the US and internationally. Participation in an event may occur in clubs, locally, statewide, regionally, or online.

NAME Day will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Expanded events (or areas with conflicting dates) should occur as close to this date as is reasonably possible. Please check with the local coordinators to make sure that the event is still happening during the pandemic.

Project: All events will center on the same project – “The Tiki Bar.” Plans for the project will be provided in 1”, 1⁄2” and 1⁄4” scale as soon as they are available. Some cutters may produce kits for 1/144” scale. Perhaps you would want it on a beachfront? Maybe in the backyard by the pool? How about a Tiki Bar ambience at a ball game or county fair? Maybe just a scene on it’s own? You can serve cold drinks using the cooler that is a part of the project for storing ice, store your glasses, bottles, whatever on the shelves, put some nice bar stools in front to sit on and relax. You might want to do some landscaping around the bar, include some little tables and chairs around a patio. So many options and this will be a complete project this year. Only for 2021. No further projects to wait a whole year for.

One 1″ free kit will be available for groups who register their events with the NAME Day Committee but they will not be shipped out until mid-April, 2021. Cutter lists will be posted in April also.

Cutters will have accessory kits for sale so you will have to check their websites and offerings.

Contact Barbara Thornton-Hill to register your event. Still not meeting in person at facilities? How about a Zoom Event? Several groups found those to be satisfactory in 2020. You can have the fun of sharing with others and also the privacy of assembly in your own workspace.

More information about NAME Day in the N2 Region will be posted as it becomes available.

March Miniature Events

February 28, 2021Leave a comment

Check out these events happening online this month:

Tuesdays (ongoing); 4pm Pacific
Mini Cyber Club (MCC) Hosts Escape from Quarantine Meeting (Zoom)
Join other miniaturists in conversation while working on minis.
More info

March 20, 2021
MiniCals Spring Fling Potluck and Flea Market POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
M&L Precision, 18665 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill, CA
Contact Ruth Heisch, grouchybeartoo@aol.com for more info and to reserve a space.

March 27-28, 2021; 10am Pacific
NAME Workshop: 1″ Scale Captain Jack Book Nook with Bonnie Helterhoff
Online via Zoom
Order the workshop kit before March 12, 2021. Sales for this kit close on April 27.
More info

April 9-11, 2021 POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 6-8, 2022
NAME All-Scales Houseparty in Portland, OR
More info

Find upcoming events on the calendar page of the NAME N2 website and at create.miniatures.org.

MiniCals Workshops Postponed

February 2, 2021Leave a comment

The MiniCals have postponed their workshops until further notice. For more information, please contact Ruth Heisch.

February Miniature Events

February 1, 2021February 4, 2021Leave a comment

Check out these events happening in the NAME N2 Region and online this month:

Tuesdays (ongoing); 4pm Pacific
Mini Cyber Club (MCC) Hosts Escape from Quarantine Meeting (Zoom)
Join other miniaturists in conversation while working on minis.
More info

February 6-13, 2021
Peg’s Dollhouse Shop Downsizing Sale
2271 Melbrook Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Good prices and hard to find items. Call Peg to make an appointment 707-823-3478. Please wear a mask.

February 14, 2021; 11 am Pacific
NAME Lunch and Learn: “I Love My Table Saw” with Pete Boorum
Online via Zoom
Make yourself some lunch or a snack and find a comfortable chair to join Pete Boorum ‘Smaller than Life’ as he describes the features and operation of the Proxxon FET table saw. Topics covered include set up, operation, blade changes, trouble shooting, use of accessories and what different blades are available and where they are used. There will be a question and answer session at the end. More info

February 14, 2021 POSTPONED UNTIL FEB. 12, 2022
35th Annual Miniature Fantasy Show and Sale
Courtyard by Marriot Hotel, 6333 Bristol Pkwy, Culver City, CA
The show has an exhibit room for viewing and a sale room for purchasing. Artists working in miniature come from around the country to display and sell their work. More info

February 20, 2021
MiniCals – Shabby Chic Garden Workshop POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
M&L Precision, 18665 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill, CA
Contact Ruth Heisch, grouchybeartoo@aol.com for more info.

February 20, 2021; 10am Pacific
NAME Workshop: Happy Easter Time with Betinha Murta
Online via Zoom
Sign up deadline for this class is January 5.
More info

February 27, 2021; 10am Pacific
NAME Workshop: Oxalis & Spanish Eyes Vine in 1/4 Scale or 1″ Scale with Charrita Teague
Online via Zoom
Your choice of scales. Sign up deadline is February 11.
More info

NAME Providence National Convention Update

January 13, 2021Leave a comment

The Convention is being postponed until July 2023.

From Sea to Shining Sea…. Due to the stormy waters (COVID-19) concerns, the NAME Board of Trustees and the Providence Steering Committee has decided to move our 2021 National Convention to July of 2023. Yes, 2 years. We hope you will plan on coming to Providence in 2023. (Indianapolis will be held in 2022, dates pending at this time). We feel that is in the best interest of our members and their families under the current situation. We are all very disappointed that we must delay our Convention.

Those who have already sent in registrations will be refunded. Please give Kim Ash time at the NAME office to process these refunds. All dealers, workshop instructors, and theme luncheon presenters will be contacted and refunded any fees collected. Please watch for future updates regarding the new dates. Dealer applications and workshop/theme luncheon application deadline dates will be announced later.

We encourage dealers, instructors and members to utilize the new Create Platform (create.miniatures.org) to stay connected with NAME. The site offers opportunities to take classes, participate in the new Gift & Gab, purchase Quick Mini Kit options available to members and non-members. Only NAME members will be able to teach or sell at this time. Another way to stay connected during these times is to check out minicyberclub.com which is a NAME online club. Check out the NAME PODS on Facebook. Watch the NAME website for updates and future events.

If you have made reservations with the Crowne Plaza, Warwick, RI under the NAME block, those will be cancelled automatically next week. If you made reservations directly with the hotel, please call and cancel your reservations.

Thank you,
Leanne Kirsch, Convention/HP Liaison
Roy Moore, President
Kim Carlson, Hosting Chair Providence 2021/2023
Joanne Kelsall, Assistant Chair Providence 2021/2023

NAME Portland Houseparty Update

January 7, 2021January 6, 2021Leave a comment

The NAME Portland Houseparty has been postponed to May 6-8, 2022 due to COVID.

NAME is requesting participants to stay registered to hold their spot. No further changes to your registration will happen at this moment. If you do decide to cancel your tickets, you will receive a full refund and not be charged a cancellation fee.

If you haven’t registered for the houseparty but would like to attend, please submit your registration as soon as possible. You will be added to a wait list and notified as soon as a spot becomes available. The registration form is available from the NAME website .

Join the “Something Out of Nothing” Challenge

January 6, 2021January 5, 2021Leave a comment

By Cat Wingler and Debbie Young

What do you do when you need something but you can’t find it? Or you can find it but you can’t afford it? What is your favorite solution? Why, we make something out of nothing, …or actually, we make something out of something else.

The Challenge….

The challenge for January is to make a miniature something out of nothing (something not a miniature, lol), something you might have laying around the house. You may use any thing that is not a kit, or is not already a miniature item. For instance, we all remember that using a plastic take-out jelly container and a grommet makes a dandy kitchen sink. But, did you know a tuna can and a ping pong ball can make a Baby Ben Clock display case? We’ve included the directions to do that as the January project. I used mine to display the mini New Years Eve hats.

Get a prize…

Show NAME your favorite new “something out of nothing” idea. Take a picture of your new miniature item, add a short paragraph about what you used and how you did it, and send it to Debbie Young, yngathrt@gv.net. Make sure to include your name and mailing address. You’ll get a prize for sharing and we’ll put them in a Gallery in February on the Create site.

Visit NAME’s new website, create.miniatures.org to download the instructions for making the clock and to find more info about the January challenge.

Parting with a Collection of Miniatures?

January 5, 2021January 12, 2021Leave a comment

Are you ready to do some winter cleaning for a fresh start to the new year? Do you have minis that you are ready for someone else to love? Here are some options to consider:

Donating
NAME is seeking donations for the monthly online Estate Auction. If you are looking to downsize your collection or dispose of an item or more, please consider donating it to NAME. Donations of miniature furnishings, accessories, building materials, and tools are encouraged. NAME does not accept large dollhouses because they are difficult to store and move. For local inquiries, please contact the NAME N2 Region Coordinator, Barbara Thornton-Hill. If you are located outside of the N2 region, email Rhonda Keef.

Selling
Craigslist.org, a Facebook selling group/marketplace, or an estate business may be helpful if you’re selling a large dollhouse.

If you are located in Northern California, you may wish to try the following:

Annual miniature flea market held in March/April in Morgan Hill, CA (contact Ruth Heisch).
The Elegant Dollhouse shop in Sacramento, CA offers a parking lot sale on the first Sunday of May. Contact Barbara Taplin, ‭(916) 484-0411‬. Barbara also purchases and sells miniature/dollhouse estates.
Debbie Heard in Lodi, CA, offers appraisals and may purchase some items. website.

Win this Santa Doll and Support NAME

December 3, 2020December 2, 2020Leave a comment

Doll Artist, Cat Wingler has donated a 1″ scale Santa doll to be raffled off on Christmas Eve. Tickets are $1 each. The funds will go toward maintaining the new NAME website, create.miniatures.org.

Tickets will be available for purchase until Dec. 24, 2020, 9 am (Pacific).

Click here to buy tickets.

The December Calendar of Fun from NAME

December 1, 2020December 1, 2020Leave a comment

Get ready to end 2020 with a month of fun and daily surprises at the new NAME website for making: create.miniatures.org. The website team has a wonderful December surprise. Debbie Young has enlisted the help of some of the NAME dealers and instructors, and has created a “December Calendar of Fun.” Starting December 1st, and continuing on each day up to the 24th of December, there will be a special treat to open. It may be a raffle, a roundtable, a tutorial, a one-day discount on a website or even a Zoom meeting that you may want to attend. You will want to come back each day and see what the surprise for that day will be.

Check create.miniatures.org for the link each day from December 1st to 24th, 2020.

Create an Attic Room with the MiniCals

November 26, 2020November 23, 2020Leave a comment

January 16-17, 2021
MiniCals – Attic Room Workshop
M&L Precision, 18665 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill, CA

The MiniCals will be hosting a workshop to create a 1″ scale attic room with a Tudor style exterior. Contact Ruth Heisch, grouchybeartoo@aol.com for more info and to reserve a space.

Thank you to Rhona Lee for the photos.

Online Auction of Items from Dollhouses, Trains & More Store

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020Leave a comment

Items from the former Dollhouses, Trains & More store (Novato, California) will be sold via online auction.

Items include: Santa Land Christmas pieces, Halloween related pieces, a large amount of geode stones, jewelry, furniture, and other assets from the Dollhouses, Trains, & More store.

The online auction catalog is located here. Registration is required for bidding.

Auction opens: December 1, 2020
Auction closes: December 3, 2020
Sale Preview by appointment only
Asset removal: week of December 7, 2020
Location: 300 Entrada Dr., Novato, CA 94949

More information:
Tim Stack
(909) 455-5727
tstack@svdisposition.com

Dollhouse Beautiful…Minis are Going Mainstream

November 16, 2020November 15, 2020Leave a comment

House Beautiful magazine gave 11 designers the same Victorian dollhouse and $500 to decorate it any way they wanted. See the results.

The video showcases one designer’s Dollhouse Beautiful.

Check Out These November Mini Events

November 6, 2020November 15, 2020Leave a comment

October 16-18; November 13-15; December 4-6, 2020
Wine Country Show – Limited Preview
Lodi, CA
Debbie Heard is accepting reservations to attend a monthly “preview show.” Individuals or a very small group of people may contact Debbie to reserve a time.
More info

November 7, 2020; 10am – 1pm Pacific
NAME MaKitz (Zoom session)
Pamela Ridgley of SDK Miniatures will host an informal online session. You may ask advice about the London Flower Cart (MaKitz), or just visit for a bit.
More info

November 8 & December 6, 2020
Trellis with Planter Box (Zoom workshop)
Deb Laue from The Itty Bitties miniature club will provide instruction online for creating a 1:12 (1″ scale) trellis box with a climbing rose. Cost: $65 plus $5 postage. Registration: deb@dragonflyintl.com
More info

November 14, 2020; 9am Pacific
NAME Lunch and Learn (Zoom session)
Amanda Kelly will introduce online viewers to the world of 3D printing.
More info

November 14, 2020; 10am – 1pm Pacific
NAME Lunch and Learn (Zoom session)
Kristie Norman and Cindy McDaniel will host an informal Zoom session. You may ask for advice about your Olde Cottage (MaKitz), furnishings, or just visit for a bit.
More info

November 21 -or- November 28, 2020; 9:30 am Pacific
Gingerbread Kaffeeklatsch and Build Day (Zoom session)
Participants will be working on their choice of a micro or 1:48 gingerbread kit from True2Scale – regardless of when it was purchased. This is a free session hosted by Carol Kubrican (True2Scale). Registrants will choose which date they prefer to participate (first come basis).
More info and registration

November 21, 2020
Christmas Magical Snow Cake (Zoom workshop)
Betinha Murta will be teaching how to work with cold porcelain and make silicone molds to create a 1″ scale cake with a Christmas design. All parts included in the kit. Cost $125.
More info

November 28, 2020
Making 1″ Scale Christmas Cookies from Molds (Zoom workshop)
Ruth Stewart will be teaching how to use molds and decorate Christmas cookies. Participants will receive 6 Christmas molds with the class kit. Cost $145.
More info

Find the latest information about miniature events happening in the NAME N2 Region on the calendar page of the N2 website.

A Webinar About Miniatures

November 5, 2020Leave a comment

In this video, Darren T. Scala, from D. Thomas Fine Miniatures shares his passion and talks about the history of miniatures — from ancient times in Egypt, through the Renaissance, all the way to the modern era — in which they currently enjoy a renewed interest and have become a pop culture phenomenon.

If you are unable to click on the video above, you may click here to view the webinar.

NAME Online Garage Sale

October 17, 2020October 16, 2020Leave a comment

DATES: October 21 – 27, 2020
LOCATION: create.miniatures.org

The garage sale benefits NAME. New items will be added daily to the website. Be sure to log on to create.miniatures.org with your NAME membership number (instructions are on the website).

Here is a preview from Alician Pearce, who is sorting and preparing the items for the garage sale: https://create.miniatures.org/node/46

Online Event: Gingerbread Kaffeeklatsch and Build Day

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020Leave a comment

DATE: Saturday, November 21, 2020
LOCATION: online, via Zoom

Participants will be working on their choice of a micro or 1:48 gingerbread kit from True2Scale – regardless of when it was purchased. This is a free event hosted by Carol Kubrican (True2Scale). More info and registration

Register for a Zoom Workshop: Trellis with Planter Box

October 8, 2020October 7, 2020Leave a comment

DATES: Sunday, Nov. 8 & Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020.
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

Deb Laue from The Itty Bitties miniature club will provide instruction online for creating a 1:12 (1″ scale) trellis box with a climbing rose.

This is a 2-session class taking place via Zoom. On Sunday, Nov. 8th, participants will assemble the trellis box and the climbing rose bush. On Dec. 6th, the geraniums and all of the filler flowers will be completed.

All the artwork will be provided with step-by-step instructions on how to make the various flowers.

Cost: $65 plus $5 postage. The class price includes all the supplies needed to make the project, including 5 specialty paper punches and the laser cut planter box. The only tools participants need to supply are scissors, tweezers, and tacky or turbo tacky glue.

If you already have punches that you’d like to use, Deb will adjust the class fee by the cost of any punch you don’t need sent to you. The class uses the following punches: Small – Tri leaf, Hydra cluster and Cedar Sprig; Mini punches – the Daisy and Bell Flower or Cherry Blossom.

To sign up for the online workshop, email deb@dragonflyintl.com

Join Mini Cyber Club for an Online NAME Day 2020

September 9, 2020Leave a comment

The 2020 NAME Day project is the sink and cabinet for the craft room.

October 3rd (1″ and 1/2″ scale)
October 24th (1/4″ scale)

With the unfortunate damper on all things in-person these days, NAME Day events are not able to happen in many or most areas. So Mini Cyber Club (an official NAME club) is planning an all-day event on ZOOM so that miniaturists can at least meet face-to-face online; which seems to be the new way of gathering to share the love of all things miniature.

All NAME members are invited to join, whether you are a member of Mini Cyber Club or not. If you register, you will receive the login information and any other information available to registrants. See the schedule below.

There is no cost. There will be tempting food thoughts, as well as recipes and talk, but you are on your own to actually provide those food items that will help you sustain yourself through the day. Chocolate is highly recommended for firm, attention-enhancing, steady hands for all miniature creativity.

On Saturday, October 3rd, Official NAME Day this year, we will start off with a session of: demos, tips and tricks and question answering for the 1:12 and 1:24 (1″& ½”) scale NAME Day project for this year. The instructions and parts for those two scales are more or less the same.
10:00 AM to 12:00 noon (PDT), 1:00 to 3:00 PM (EDT)
12:00 to 3:00 PM (PDT), 3:00 to 5:00 (EDT), reverse painting technique demo to make the top to your counter. Luci will demo how you can light your area.
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PDT), 5:00 to 7:00 (EDT), will be a time for surprises, prizes, games and chat. After that period, those who choose to continue to work and chat can go until sunrise if needed but will not have instruction after hours. You can help each other however, just like in clubs.

For you Quarter Scalers, instruction and demos will be Saturday, October 24th, 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon (PDT), 1:00 to 3:00 PM (EDT). Many of you Quarter Scalers are participating in the Quarter Connection NAME Day; therefore you may start your kit there, and Mini Cyber Club will be available to help with questions and finishing the week after. Those who will be doing the quarter scale on their own, MCC will be there to help from start to finish if needed, or at least for two hours. Quarter Scalers will want to join us on October 3rd however, for the Reverse Painting Technique, the Lighting and the Games and Chat portions.

Please be sure you have ordered your kits. There are some cutters who can still take orders, so you will have to ask them if they can accommodate you. See the Cutter List on the NAME website and fill out the Registration Form.

Questions? Email Barbara Thornton-Hill.

—Barbara Thornton-Hill, bathca@gmail.com

Announcing the MiniCals 2021 Spring Fling Potluck and Flea Market

August 25, 2020August 23, 2020Leave a comment

MiniCals Flea Market

Saturday, March 21, 2021
MiniCals Spring Fling Potluck and Flea Market
M&L Precision, 18665 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill, CA
Bring a dish to share and treasures to sell. Pre-Registered $6. Pay at the door $8. One entry fee provides one table space to sell your items. For more info, contact Ruth Heisch.

Itty Bittie Club’s Doll Project

August 23, 2020Leave a comment

Some of the Itty Bitties Miniature Club members participated in an online Zoom workshop taught by Deb Laue through Zoom. Members dressed a little girl doll and her dolly and learned how to make shoes for the little girl doll.

Dolls dressed by Frances Bigler, including shoes and socks for the bigger doll. The class was taught by Deb Laue.

Itty Bitties Club’s Printed Fabrics Project

August 10, 2020August 23, 2020Leave a comment

An Itty Bitties Club project facilitated by Debra Taylor, DVM

Some of the Itty Bitties Miniature Club members participated in an online Zoom workshop taught by Dr. Debra Taylor. Members learned how to prepare cotton or silk fabric and to use freezer paper to print an image on the fabrics.

Some tips: 1) If you want your printed fabric to be washable, the fixative must be applied before the freezer paper and printing process. 2) If you use Pellon’s Wonder Under or Heat n Bond, remember that these products leave adhesive permanently adhered to your fabric. The freezer paper leaves no residue.

Register Now for an Online NAME Day 2020

August 3, 2020Leave a comment

Have you ordered your NAME Day kit or are you going to cut your own? Cutters are listed in the May/June Gazette and on the NAME website (scroll down to the bottom of the page). Some cutters have Aug 15, 2020 as a cut-off date for orders. IT’S AUGUST!!

If you are going to join the Mini Cyber Day’s event – Oct 24, 2020, email Barbara Thornton-Hill to register. We will demonstrate all 3 scales, and have some other fun things. More info

—Marcia Hudspeth, Mini Cyber Club Membership

Changes to N-2 Region Events

June 29, 2020August 10, 2020Leave a comment

The following events in our region have been postponed or cancelled. Please check with your local coordinator or the event organizers for more information.

The calendar on the N-2 website lists many of the events happening in our region.

If you would like miniaturists in our region to know of an event postponement or cancellation, please email the N-2 Region Webmaster, Carol Kubrican. The change will be added to the calendar page on the website and be sent to email subscribers.

POSTPONED: Peg’s Dollhouse Parking Lot Sale
July 18, 2020 – July 19, 2020; NEW DATES TO BE SET.
Santa Rosa, CA
Call Peg 707-823-3478
CANCELLED: NAME National Convention
July 23, 2020 – July 26, 2020; will be rescheduled.
Indianapolis, IN
miniatures.org
POSTPONED: Miniatures in the Wine Country Show
September 5, 2020 at 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; NEW DATES TO BE SET
Debbie is accepting reservations to attend a “preview show.” Individuals or a very small group of people may contact Debbie to reserve a time through Sept. 30.
Lodi, CA
miniaturesonthewaterfront.com
CANCELLED: Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures
October 3, 2020; will return October 9th & 10th, 2021.
San Jose, CA
goodsamshowcase.net
CANCELLED: By Small Design will not be hosting the NAME Day workshop in Sacramento scheduled for October 2020.
Contact Darwin Spring

Register Now for the NAME Online Workshops, Theme Luncheons

June 9, 2020Leave a comment

Several of the pre-convention and registered workshop instructors who were scheduled to teach in Indianapolis will be teaching their workshops online during the week of July 19 (this is the week that would have been the NAME National Convention). There is no event registration fee; just the cost of the workshops.

During the Online Event, Roundtable and Mega Roundtable kits will be available for purchase. More information will be available closer to the July 20th date.

HOW TO REGISTER
Participants must register through the NAME website. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS OF NAME. The list of available workshops and their times – as well as registration information – is listed on the NAME website, miniatures.org. Sign up early, as there will be a limited number of spaces available.

Find more information on the NAME website.

Updated Registration Info for NAME Online Workshops

June 9, 2020June 9, 2020Leave a comment

The information for the event is still not on the NAME website. Please do not call the NAME Office. It will be announced on all of the groups as soon as it is ready. All registration needs to be done online, so please read the instructions and if you have questions you can contact me.
Barbara Thornton-Hill
bathca@gmail.com

More information about the Online Event.

Change of Date for Registering for the NAME Online Workshops

June 8, 2020June 9, 2020Leave a comment

CORRECTION: A previous message about the NAME Online Event stated that workshop signups will begin today (Monday, June 5, 2020). This has been changed to TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020.

HOW TO REGISTER
Participants must register through the NAME website. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS OF NAME. The list of available workshops and their times – as well as registration information – will be listed on the NAME website, miniatures.org, beginning on Tuesday, June 9th. Sign up early, as there will be a limited number of spaces available.

ABOUT THE ONLINE EVENT
Several of the pre-convention and registered workshop instructors who were scheduled to teach in Indianapolis will be teaching their workshops online during the week of July 19 (this is the week that would have been the NAME National Convention). There is no event registration fee; just the cost of the workshops.

During the Online Event, Roundtable and Mega Roundtable kits will be available for purchase. More information will be available closer to the July 20th date.

Find more information on the NAME website.

Announcing the NAME Online Event, July 20-26, 2020

June 6, 2020June 9, 2020Leave a comment

During the Online Event, Roundtable and Mega Roundtable kits will be available for purchase. More information will be available closer to the July 20th date.

HOW TO REGISTER
Participants must register through the NAME website. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS OF NAME. The list of available workshops and their times – as well as registration information – will be listed on the NAME website, miniatures.org, beginning on Tuesday, June 9th. Sign up early, as there will be a limited number of spaces available.

Find more information on the NAME website.

A dealer table at the Miniatures in the Wine Country Show.

Rescheduled: Miniatures in the Wine Country Show

May 14, 2020May 12, 2020Leave a comment

New date: September 5, 2020; 9am to 3pm

Location: American Legion Hall and Eagles Hall; 320 N. American Street Lodi, CA 95240
The venues are across the street from each other.

Dealers are still being accepted. Bring your dollhouse and sell it on Real Estate Row (free to vendors). For more information and to pre-register as a vendor, email Leslie Flint.

Visit the show website for more info.

NAME Roundtable Mini Weekend

April 11, 2020April 10, 2020Leave a comment

Are you burning through your miniature stash? Nothing to do? Well, today is your lucky day! Alician Pearce has been working with several artists to bring you a special online event! NAME will be holding it’s first Roundtable Mini Weekend! The artists have agreed to do online classes for their roundtable offerings. The sale of this kits will begin this weekend, April 11-12, 2020.

The roundtables will be posted on the NAME website, miniatures.org.

The NAME Portland Houseparty has been rescheduled

March 12, 2020March 16, 2020Leave a comment

Rhonda Keef, NAME President, via Facebook:

The message below is intended for those Members registered to attend the Portland Houseparty.

By now you are aware that last evening the President closed the borders to anyone traveling into the US from Europe making it impossible for some of our attendees to travel having a direct impact on our Houseparty. It is growing more and more difficult to travel as more flights are being cancelled daily and we do not know what further changes to anticipate over the next two weeks. This morning, the Governor of Oregon placed a ban on gatherings of more than 250 throughout the state which would eliminate any public day activities for the Houseparty.

The CDC has issued a statement asking anyone over the age of 60 not to travel. We all know that is the majority of our members.

I have been in contact with the hotel. We have two options. The first is to cancel entirely which is not what most attending want to happen. The second is to reschedule. We are choosing to reschedule the “Come Fly with Me” Houseparty to April 9-11, 2021.

By Monday, all room reservations for the 2019 Houseparty will be cancelled by the Sheraton. If you are still planning to travel and want to keep your reservation, you will need to contact the hotel in order to keep a reservation with them. You will also need to contact any airline you ware traveling with directly regarding any refunds or vouchers.

The Board of Trustees is asking you to stay with us through this process and agree to postpone your plans to next April. If you are registered, you will be receiving a letter from the office with more information and any necessary forms. Please be on the lookout for the letter and form via email. Tomorrow we will begin the process of working with the dealers, instructors and theme luncheon presenters to reschedule so Kim will not be able to let you now the status of any workshops or luncheons for a couple of weeks. Again, it will be several days before we know the status on the workshops and theme luncheons.

We have been looking forward to this convention for so long and I am extremely saddened that we are unable to proceed next month. NAME doesn’t want to put the health of any of our members at risk. We know that everyone has put so much effort into preparation for the Houseparty and we are asking your cooperation in transitioning to a new date.

We are all in this together and are working diligently and as quickly as we can.

Regretfully,

Rhonda Keef
President
National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts

The original Facebook post may be viewed here.

Cancelled: MiniCals Spring Fling 2020

March 12, 2020March 11, 20202 Comments

MiniCals is regretfully canceling the Spring Fling on March 21, 2020. With new cases of Coronavirus popping up in the valley, MiniCals is taking precautions to protect the mini community.

Participants who paid ahead will be refunded, or the amount may be applied to future classes. Please contact Ruth Heisch.

The attic workshop is still scheduled for April 25, 2020. The class is sold out.

Photos from the MiniCals Wire Mesh Workshop

February 28, 2020February 27, 2020Leave a comment

On Saturday, February 22nd, 2020, Karen Laisure led a workshop in Morgan Hill, California. Over twenty miniaturists participated, using wire mesh to create garden baskets and props. After carefully stretching, bending, folding and gluing the props to jewelry findings and wood, the pieces were simply painted and aged with acrylic paints. It was an easy, laid-back day.

Thank you to Rhona Lee for the photos. Some of the pieces in the photos were created by artisans, and were used as inspiration for the class.

The MiniCals will be hosting a workshop to create a 1″ scale attic room with a Tudor style exterior on April 25, 2020, in Morgan Hill, California. Contact Ruth Heisch for more info.

Karen Laisure shows participants techniques using wire mesh.

Join MiniCals for an Attic Room Workshop

February 27, 2020February 26, 2020Leave a comment

April 25, 2020
MiniCals – Attic Room Workshop
M&L Precision, 18665 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill, CA

The MiniCals will be hosting a workshop to create a 1″ scale attic room with a Tudor style exterior. Contact Ruth Heisch, grouchybeartoo@aol.com for more info and to reserve a space.

Thank you to Rhona Lee for the photos.

Workshop Reminder: Fun with Wire Mesh

February 20, 2020February 20, 2020Leave a comment

The MiniCals club will be hosting “Fun with Wire Mesh” workshop this Saturday, March 22, 2020, at 10am, in Morgan Hill.

Bring a lunch, wire cutters or wire cutting scissors, and the heavy metal mannequin, if you have one. Spare mannequins will be available.

This is a fun and easy workshop. Cost $15.

For more info, contact Ruth Heisch.

Make Your Plans for NAME Day 2020

January 23, 2020June 29, 2020Leave a comment

NAME Day will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020. Expanded events (or areas with conflicting dates) should occur as close to this date as is reasonably possible. Please check with the local coordinators to make sure that the event is still happening during the pandemic. By Small Design will not be hosting the NAME Day in Sacramento during this time.

Project: All events will center on the same project – “The Cabinet and Sink” that fit with the theme started last year, “The Dream Craft Room.” Plans for the cabinet and sink will be provided in 1”, 1⁄2” and 1⁄4” scale as soon as they are available. Some cutters will produce kits for 1/144” scale.

More info is available on the NAME website.

The 2020 NAME Day project is the sink and cabinet for the craft room.

Deadlines

April 1, 2020 – List Event
Are you organizing an event for NAME Day? Let Ann Pennypacker know the details so that your event can be listed in the Gazette, on the NAME website, and on the N2 Region’s website. Email Ann.

August 16, 2020 – Order Kits
Official deadline for ordering from the cutters. However cutters may opt to accept orders later. Watch the listings in the Gazette for individual deadlines.

September 3, 2020 – Cutters Ship Kits
Date when the cutters can ship the kits. International shipping dates may be earlier.

October 3, 2020 – NAME Day
Some groups may set a later date to accommodate other considerations.

More information about NAME Day in the N2 Region will be posted as it becomes available.

Exhibits from the 2019 Good Sam Show

January 19, 2020January 18, 2020Leave a comment

The 2019 Good Sam Show took place September 12-13, 2019 in San Jose, California. An exhibit of the work of local miniaturists was on display in the hallway of the show.

The next Good Sam Show will take place October 3-4, 2020. More info

“Farm Stand” by Laura Johnson. This was created in a workshop at the NAME Sacramento houseparty. Laura is a member of the Mini Attics.

“Hopsing Lee Chinese Laundry” by Moonyeen Moller. This scene represents a laundry located in 1950’s-era San Francisco. The doll is by Sharon Cariola.

“Room in a Teapot” by Paula Holm. This project was a workshop at the NAME Greenville convention.

Fourth of July fireworks collection by Nancy Peters. Nancy and her husband are pyrotechnicians. The rockets are reproductions of real rockets.

“Our First Grandchild” by Ruth Heisch. This was a MiniCals workshop that Ruth remade for her granddaughter-in-law’s birthday.

“Ms. Trelawny’s House” by Garry Silberstein. The Trelawny House is an historic house in Portland. The house was a project from the Portland Small Scales houseparty. Garry is a member of the MiniAttics.

“Ava Crain-Bee Shed” by Rhona Lee.

“Boat House” by June Mohn

Small Scale Shops by Gabriele Layne. Gabriele states, “This was a challenge for me – trying to make items in such a small scale to fit on the shelves.”

“Birds of a Feather” by Barbara Jones. Barbara states, “How could I resist these mallard ducklings in the scene by Beth Freeman Kane!” The scene in a lantern contains osa orange wood from Barbara’s woodpile.

“Friendship Hutch” by Juanita Landa.

“Margo” by Juanita Landa. This was the first doll that Juanita dressed and wigged. She took part in the Good Sam Academy Class taught by Dana Burton.

“Gingerbread Visions” by Carol Walls. The sideboard is from a class with Carlene Brown. The gingerbread dollhouse is from the 2012 NAME houseparty in Portland. Carol is a member of the Mini Attics.

Seeking Workshop Instructors & Students

December 12, 2019December 10, 2019Leave a comment

The Itty Bitty Miniature Club has started a new workshop program in the Sacramento, CA area. The club is sponsoring full and half day workshops. The goal is to offer 6 – 8 workshops a year.

If you are either a traveling teacher or a local area teacher, and would like to teach a workshop, please contact Deb Laue, deb@dragonflyintl.com.

If you are interested in being put on the mailing list for future workshops, please email Deb Laue, deb@dragonflyintl.com.

The next workshop will occur Jan. 25, 2020. Deb will teach “Intro to Hatmaking.” More info.

Workshop: Intro to Hatmaking

December 10, 2019December 9, 2019Leave a comment

Learn the basics to hat making with Deb Laue (Dragonfly Intl). Receive patterns to create a variety of styles using various materials.

January 25, 2020; 10 am – 4 pm
3155 Bulrush St., Roseville, CA

Bring a sack lunch. A supply list will be mailed out after registration.Cost $35.00.

To sign up, email Deb Laue deb@dragonflyintl.com

For more events, visit the N2 calendar on the website.

MiniCals Workshop: Elegant Birdcage

December 3, 2019December 4, 2019Leave a comment

The MiniCals will be offering this birdcage workshop in January 2020.

January 18, 2020 – Elegant Birdcage and Table
The MiniCals will be hosting a workshop to create a 1″ scale birdcage and table. A second smaller cage will be available for purchase.

Please bring a tool kit, jig, and a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided. You will receive an email if extra supplies are needed. Cost $20.

Contact Ruth to register, grouchybeartoo@aol.com

The workshop will be held at M & L Precision, 18665 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill, CA

For more events, visit the N2 calendar on the website.

CANCELLED: Annual Miniature Show & Sale in Sebastopol

October 29, 2019Leave a comment

Due to the incidents in Sonoma County, the 2019 show has been cancelled.

November 2, 2019; 10am – 3 pm
Annual Miniature Show and Sale
Sebastopol Masonic Hall, 373 N Main St., Sebastopol, CA
Contact Lori for more info.

Annual Miniature Show & Sale in Sebastopol – cancelled

October 16, 2019October 29, 2019Leave a comment

Due to the incidents in Sonoma County, this show has been cancelled.

November 2, 2019; 10am – 3 pm
Annual Miniature Show and Sale
Sebastopol Masonic Hall, 373 N Main St., Sebastopol, CA
Admission $2; kids free. Dealer tables available $40. Contact Lori for more info.