Visit the Hospitality Room at the Sacramento Houseparty

March 17, 2017March 8, 2017Leave a comment

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Our “Mini Learning Center” Hospitality Room will be open to Registrants of the Sacramento Houseparty.

Want to know what a wonderfully fun hospitality room looks and feels like? Then, come on down. We look forward to welcoming you and providing a friendly, comfortable atmosphere where you can just sit back, relax and visit with old friends and new. Maybe you would like to learn one of the various techniques we’ll be demonstrating? Each day, we will feature another exciting demo. We want to offer each guest the opportunity to roll up her/his sleeves, sit down and join in on the fun. Scattered throughout the room, you’ll find make-it and take-it stations set up with different projects for your amusement. Or, if you don’t have much time, just peek-in and check out our how-to storyboards, watch a video, or browse through our helpful book collection. We encourage one and all to stop by and enhance your mini making abilities!

Hospitality Room hours will be posted at the houseparty.

Registration is Open for NAME-Alexandria

February 23, 2017February 9, 2017Leave a comment

Welcome to the Circus

The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts will hold their national convention July 27-30, 2017, in Alexandria, Virginia. The week will feature dollhouse exhibits, miniature-making workshops, and a vendor salesroom.

Registration is now open for the NAME 2017 National Convention.

Download a registration form.

View the dealer, workshop, and theme luncheon lists.

Theme Luncheons at the Sacramento Houseparty

February 2, 2017December 26, 2016Leave a comment

Saturday, March 25, 2017 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

TLS1 – The Antique Dolls’ Houses and Miniature Structures of Moritz Gottschalk by Lew Kummerow $130.50 Moritz Gottschalk was one of the more prolific of the early toy makers, and his business was one of the most long lasting companies. He created nu- merous small structures including dolls’ houses, stables, kitchens, shops and other unusual items that were representative of the changing periods from the late 1800’s to WWII. Today his antique pieces can be seen in museums and are also part of many private collections. Each attendee will receive a miniature of one of Gottschalk’s rarer pieces.

TLS2 – Powering Your Miniatures with LED by Luci Hanson $80.50 Now that LED has been around a while many are ready to learn about what can be done with it and how they can apply it to their homes, rooms and displays. Join Luci as she shares how to mix LED lighting with the olds style lighting. Learn about the latest innovations and supplies that are availa- ble to use in miniature displays and dollhouses. Learn how to convert some of your old lamps and lighting to LED lighting. Luci will also share with you how to adapt some of the old style components with LED lighting. You will receive a 9-volt power system, a 3-volt power system, a 12-volt power system and lights to go with each system as a gift for attending.

TLS3 – ABC’s of Small Scale Food by Janet Smith $85.50 Come hear about the ABC’s of making small scale foods. We’ll discuss different clays, paints, glues, tools, materials, etc. Go home with a quarter scale replica of a luncheon based on the actual luncheon for the day as well as a printed booklet with all the information covered during the luncheon. You will receive a quarter scale luncheon based on the actual luncheon menu that you will be served.

TLS4 – Capturing Your Miniatures Using Photography & 3D Scanning by Ruth & Dan Stewart $114.50 Explore your world of capturing miniatures with us. Learn about ways to improve your photographs and explore new methods of capturing or creating your miniatures in 3D. Questions are encouraged so bring your list! You will have a choice of a 1” or 1⁄4” 3D special made item you won’t want to miss!

To attend the Theme Luncheons, participants must be registered for the NAME Sacramento Houseparty. More info and houseparty registration.

Download the Theme Luncheon Registration form.

Sign Up for a Workshop Tour During the Sacramento Houseparty

January 27, 2017May 25, 2017Leave a comment

Drive-It-Yourself: Tour of Workspaces & Collections
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 8:00AM – 5:00PM during the NAME Sacramento Houseparty

This is a “do-it-yourself” opportunity to visit some of NAME members’ workshops and collections. This is an optional tour, and there is no fee. Tour participants must be registered for the NAME Sacramento Houseparty. More info and houseparty registration.

NAME members are opening their workspaces and their miniature collections to the attendees of the Sacramento Houseparty. Tour participants may enjoy seeing how other miniaturists make their workspaces more efficient, gather a few storage tips, learn ideas of where and how to set up tools, etc. So, here is your chance!

Several of the homes on the tour are located In the California Gold Country of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills; including: Nevada City, Grass Valley and Auburn. These cities are about 1.5 hours from Sacramento. If you wish to take a tour closer to the convention hotel, you may visit a couple of homes in the immediate area of Sacramento.

The committee needs to have some idea of how many people are interested in this activity, so please download and fill out the form below.

Download the tour registration form.

Mail or email the form by March 1, 2017 to:
Denise Sanders
604 Matadero Ave Palo Alto, CA 94306

Theme Dinner, “Tool Time” at the Sacramento Houseparty

January 20, 2017December 27, 2016Leave a comment

Please join us for an evening of “Tool Time” with Luci, the Toolperson Hanson and Alberta Thornton-Hill, her loyal assistant and protégé

Friday, March 24, 2017 5:30 PM – 7:15 PM
Fee: $35.00 per registrant (participants must be registered for the NAME Sacramento Houseparty). More info and houseparty registration.

Luci and Al (for short) will take you through several safety tips and useful hints for shortcuts in your toolbox, along with a few unusual tools and uses for tools. This is not your everyday beginners lecture on tools so don’t miss this one.

What is included?:

A full plated dinner
A little entertainment & education from Luci & Al
Special Gifts
A tool exchange at each table (optional) but fun – bring small tools to swap with the other 9 people at your table and you will receive 9 small tools. Also bring one nicer tool and we’ll play pass the tool present as we do with the regular exchange at the Saturday night banquet. If you’re unsure about this activity just read page 3 of this packet, Houseparty Terminology, about the ban- quet table exchanges except this will be tools (you can never have enough emery boards, rulers, etc.) Non-exchange tables will be available too.
Perhaps a Hostess presentation at your table if there is time.

Questions? contact Janet Smith (575) 532-5432

Download the Theme Dinner Registration form.

Participants must be registered for the NAME Sacramento Houseparty. More info and houseparty registration.

Exhibit Your Miniatures at the Sacramento Houseparty

January 17, 2017December 27, 2016Leave a comment

Please join us in sharing the miniatures you have created at the houseparty. We welcome all scale projects including houses, room boxes, domes, shops or any other setting you may have created in 1”, 1⁄2”, 1⁄4”, or micro-scales. Exhibitors must be registered for the NAME Sacramento Houseparty.

Exhibits may not be for sale, nor can they be shown as an example of the exhibitor’s work with the intent to solicit orders. We would like exhibits in place between 10:00 am Friday, March 24th until 4 pm Sunday, March 26th.. Advanced arrangements may be made for early removal on Saturday evening for those leaving immediately following the Sunday Brunch. The room will be locked and volunteer monitors will be present during viewing times. Table covers and electrical power will be provided, but YOU MUST SUPPLY YOUR OWN HEAVY-DUTY EXTENSION CORDS AND ANY SPECIAL LIGHTING, RISERS OR DRAPING IF NEEDED.

Please download fill out the form below (1 PER EXHIBIT) and mail by January 17, 2017 to:
Lynn Hamel, 14654 Guadalupe Drive, Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

Download the exhibit form.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: Lynn Hamel or LaVerne Munz.

Reminder: Swap Deadline for Sacramento is Approaching

January 10, 2017January 7, 2017Leave a comment

For those of you who are new to the idea of a mini swap, it is an activity in which you swap miniatures that you have made for those that others have made. First, you must decide in which scale to participate. You may participate in more than one scale, but only once in each scale. When you are thinking about a swap item please consider our convention theme, “ABCs of Miniatures: Tools & Techniques.”

Bring 21 identical items to the houseparty, labeled with your name, address and e-mail. These should be completed items (no kits or printies please) and should be something that everyone, including you, would be happy to receive. 20 of your swaps will be used in the Mini Swap and the remaining item will become part of a Houseparty Helper. Please pack each item in sealed clear containers or bags (to be able to see that all items are the same) as compactly as possible. We don’t want anything to fall out during the swap.

Swap items will be received during registration hours only. Your swap items will be counted as you turn them in. In the end you will have 20 new items to take home!

When you receive your schedule at the Registration table, please pay careful attention to the times we will be accepting swaps as well as when you should return to claim your filled bag. No swaps will be mailed!!

If you are late turning in your items, you may miss the chance to participate. Please note that you may not turn in swaps for a friend. All participants must turn in their OWN swaps.

Please download the swap form, mail or email your completed form by January 17, 2016, to:

JoAnn Jacot
673 Joette Dr. Gardnerville, NV 89460

Sacramento Houseparty is Accepting Donations

January 3, 2017December 27, 2016Leave a comment

The NAME Sacramento Houseparty is looking for donations for door prizes, houseparty helpers and tote bag favors. Donations help to make our houseparty an exciting experience for all. Please consider donating your miniatures, tools, materials, etc. for other miniaturists to enjoy.

Door Prizes

Door Prizes are a wonderful part of any Convention, especially if there are enough for everyone to receive one. Isn’t it delightful to hear your number called and realize you’re about to receive an unexpected gift?

With that in mind, we are asking for your help, along with your club members and other mini friends to donate a door prize(s) in 1” and/or 1⁄4” scales

The guidelines are simple:
1. Door Prizes don’t have to be theme related.
2. The value of each Door Prize should be between $10 and $50.
3. Door Prizes should be unwrapped and identified with your name and address.
4. Think of Door Prizes as a gift that you would be proud to give and thrilled to receive.

Please download, complete and return the form below by January 17, 2017 to be recognized in our Souvenir Book. You are welcome to still donate after this date, but it will only be recognized by its winner.)

Download the form.

Mail this completed form to:

Ruth Heisch
7197 Wooded Lake Dr. San Jose CA 95120

If you would like more information about door prizes, contact Ruth.

Houseparty Helpers

Help to make the 2017 N2 Regional Houseparty, “ABCs of Miniatures” a huge success. We are looking for donations to be raffled at the end of the Saturday night banquet. It would be great to have ‘theme’ related items, but any donations in any scale will be most welcome!

Donated helpers are designer and/or handcrafted items valued at $150.00 or more. Items valued less than $150.00 are gladly accepted and will be combined with other donated items to make their combined value reach $150.00 or will be utilized in other fund raising activities.

Companies, clubs, shops or individuals may donate a vignette, room box, dollhouse or a very special piece of furniture or accessories. Cash may also be donated for a shopping spree in the Sales Room.

Houseparty Helper tickets will be sold on all donated items, with the proceeds used to benefit NAME. We hope you will share your talents, creativity and generosity in your donations to make the 2017 Houseparty Helpers a success.

If you wish to participate and be recognized in the Souvenir Book, please return or email the completed form below, along with a picture of your donation, to Ginger Anderson no later than January 17, 2017.

Please download the houseparty helper form, complete the form and send it to:
Ginger Anderson
515 E Carefree Hwy #113 Phoenix, AZ 85085

Tote Bag favors

Tote Bag favors are small, inexpensive, well-crafted gifts donated by clubs or individuals and given to each registrant. We will be filling 250 Tote Bags. We realize that not everyone will be able to donate 250 items, but we would appreciate a minimum of 100 of any one favor. Though this form should be mailed by January 17,2017, You should plan for your favors to arrive at the address below no later than February 20. 2017. This will allow us time to fill the bags.

Please feel free to use your own ideas for favors. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Mini Rulers
Mini X actos
Mini cutting mats
Mini Paint bottles
Mini Glue jigs
Mini cans of stain
Mini Xacto blades
Plastic boxes out of pill containers
Mini Dremel tool
Mini Saw blades
Mini or real size Tweezers
Mini needle nose Pilers
Sanding block
Mini paper towels
Mini work light
Tool holder
Mini or real size Paint brushes
Small project in process
Tiny plastic bags
Sid sticks, real size
Snacks for your workbench-real or mini
Boxes of scrap wood – mini
Mini strips of wood
Mini chopper
Mini glue bottles
Mini wood bin
Mini work apron
Mini waxed paper

To receive recognition in the souvenir book and to let us know you intend to participate, please complete and return the form below by January 17, 2017 to:

Download the form.

Carol Carton 13184 Hoot Owl Rd.., Nevada City, CA 95959
530-272-8849

More info about the Sacramento Houseparty is available here.

Don’t Forget Your Tools!

December 27, 2016December 27, 2016Leave a comment

A Basic List for the Sacramento Houseparty

Here is a list of items you may want to include in your basic toolbox. This is only a suggested list, there may be additional items you want to add or some you may not want to include at all. However, these are generally the things an instructor will expect you to have with you. If you need specific tools beyond this list, your instructor should let you know in advance. Your tool box will evolve over time and reflect your personality as you make your miniature creations.

X-acto knife with #11 blades
Small notebook and pencils
2 pair scissors (paper & fabric)
12” and 6” cork-backed rulers
Toothpicks
Sandpaper (medium/fine)
Needle nose pliers
Masking tape
Tacky Glue
Emery Boards
Small cutting mat
Paint brushes- various sizes & styles
Small spring clamps
Fine point tweezers
Glue spreader/old hotel keycards
You may wish to bring a work light and extension cord as hotel lighting isn’t always the best for Miniaturing.

Below are additional supplies that you may find are helpful to have:

Steel wool 0000
Wire cutters
Pin vise and drill bits
Utility knife
Super glue
Squaring jig or Legos
Small T-square or right angle
Band-Aids
Rubber gloves
Wood glue
Cement for plastic
Plastic “zip” bags
1” foam brush
Damp cloth or wipes
Q-tips
Ball stylus
Mouse pad
Small screw drivers
Container(s) for project
Pins, needles, thread
Wax paper
Small bar clamps
Miter box & saw or a chopper
Black “Sharpie” marker

BASIC SKILLS
These are considered the basic skills necessary for a productive, enjoyable workshop experience:

Use basic tools confidently
Cut accurately with an X-acto knife
Read rulers and mark lengths accurately
Have knowledge of basic glues and how to apply them
Know how to paint smoothly

When asked to list the skills needed beyond the basic ones, most instructors reply that they would be more than prepared to teach whatever their students do not know how to do. What they would like students to have are some “Opens” – open minds, open hearts, open eyes, open ears and an open —— smile!

Registration Opens for the 2017 NAME National Convention

December 16, 2016February 9, 2017Leave a comment

Welcome to the Circus

The 2017 National Convention will be held in Alexandria, VA, July 27-30, 2017.

The theme is Welcome to the Circus.

Registration opens January 27, 2017. You may mail your registration form between December 30, 2016 – January 27, 2017 for it to be considered 1st day postmarked (no earlier).

Download a registration form.

Visit the NAME website for more convention information.

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.

Photos from the 2016 NAME Seattle National Convention

August 10, 2016May 25, 2017Leave a comment

The 2016 NAME National Convention was held in Seattle, Washington, July 18-24. Many N2 members took part in the events and camaraderie.

Thanks to Karen Tomajan, Nancy Wantiez, Laurie Parker, and Carol Kubrican for sharing photos from the convention.

To view more photos, please click here.

Exhibit created by Angelika Oeckl and shown at the 2016 Seattle Convention. Photo by Nancy Wantiez.

Jeff Packard in costume. Photo by Laurie Parker.

Centerpiece. Photo by Nancy Wantiez.

A photo of Charlotte Atcher’s workshop sample at the 2016 Seattle Convention. Photo by Nancy Wantiez.

Suzanne, Margo, Karen and Carolyn – San Francisco Bay Area

To view more photos, please click here.

Exhibits from the Seattle National Convention

July 22, 2016May 25, 20173 Comments

The exhibit room at the 2016 NAME National Convention in Seattle showcased some of the talent of NAME Members. Here are a few of the displays:

NAME Member, Angelika Oeckl displayed her “Angelique Antique,” a 1″ scale antique shop.

NAME Member, Debby Basaraba created Baba’s General Store for Fairies. She used a combination of miniatures and altered art.

NAME Member, Pamela Teal displayed “Nature’s Wonderland” which included lighted shell lanterns.

NAME Member, Cindy Diamond created this piece entitled, “Which Door?”.

NAME Member, Pat Perry displayed her “Mad Hatter Tea Party” scene in 1/4″ scale.

Seattle Convention Information is Available

February 20, 2016February 21, 2016Leave a comment

Seattle national convention 2016

The complete information packet for registrants attending the Seattle National Convention is now available online.

Hope to see you in Seattle July 17-24, 2016!

Seattle Convention Registration Opens Jan. 29

January 26, 2016January 26, 20164 Comments

Seattle national convention 2016

It’s time to register for the 2016 National Convention to be held in Seattle, WA, July 21-24, 2016. Registration opens January 29. The theme of this year’s convention is “Welcome to My Garden.”

Download the registration form >

A list of dealers, workshops, theme luncheons and more are available on the NAME website.