Photos from the True2Scale Pie Pickup Workshop

February 28, 2019February 19, 20191 Comment

Participants in the pie pickup workshop created 1:48 accessories to go with their food trucks. The workshop, offered by Carol Kubrican (True2Scale), was held on February 2, 2018, in Petaluma, California.

Lisa and Paula Holm treated everyone to homemade pies and ice cream.

Lisa Holm

The finished pie pickup by Diane Ruess.

Cindy Bottasso

Diane Ruess, Sharon Mossman, Lisa Holm, Paula Holm

Karen Tomajan

Barbara Thorton-Hill, Lisa Holm, Lisa Panken

Lori Turner-Dolinsek

Lisa Holm shows her life-size handiwork.

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 MiniCals Sideboard Workshop

February 21, 2019February 19, 2019Leave a comment

The MiniCals miniature club hosted a workshop taught by Carlene Brown on February 16, 2018. The workshop participants created seasonal sideboards with their choice of graphics.

Carlene has been a dealer at the Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures and
offers both completed staged and unfinished sideboards and market stalls, along with accessories.

Thank you to Rhona Lee for the photos of the participants and completed prototypes.

The MiniCals will be offering more workshops and a flea market this Spring. See the N2 Region calendar for more info.

Marge and Meg Milani

Betty Jang

Carlene Brown taught the seasonal sideboards workshop.

Carol Walls

Trish Weber

Sharon Mossman and Karen Tomajan

Barbara Adams

Through sharing…

January 4, 2019January 6, 20192 Comments

The miniature community helps friends affected by the Camp Fire

We’ll remember the images on TV— traffic jams of blackened, steel boxes—remnants of cars that were left behind just moments before being consumed by the fire. We’ll remember the stories of people leaving everything—their homes, businesses, pets—to escape with their lives; and hoping that their loved ones were safe. As shocking as these images and stories were, the personal impact wasn’t felt until I received an email from one of the members of “Our Little Mini Club” in Paradise, California: “Hi. We have lost our home from the fire! All area mostly RED… 6 of us have Lost Our Homes!”

Along with many others, I felt powerless to help our mini friends. But as a community, we could make a difference.

There are 2 words in the NAME mission statement that I believe apply to more than just our experience with miniatures. These two words are, “through sharing.” It is, without a doubt, how we were able to help our friends —through the sharing of time, donations, and talents.

While the fires burned on, miniaturists in the N-2 region (Northern CA and Northern NV) were exchanging emails and phone calls. The miniature community rallied together to collect gift cards, personal notes, etc. The Sacramento and San Jose clubs organized mini play days. Benicia area miniaturists took part in a workshop taught and donated by Carol Kubrican. The Reno, Nevada area miniaturists collected gift cards for the Paradise club members.

Benicia area miniaturists work on their Friendship Hutches during the workshop taught by Carol Kubrican.

Suzanne Harrington-Cole shows her painted hutch.

Karen Tomajan created this Friendship Hutch in the workshop in Benicia, taught by Carol Kubrican.

Members of the MiniCals Club (San Jose) make reindeer antlers during lunchtime at their fundraising event.

Barbara Thornton-Hill worked quickly to accept donations from generous mini friends and family. All the while, she coordinated contact with area club members and Paradise club members.

The Mini Cyber Club held a benefit auction during their holiday party to raise money for the miniaturists.

Carol Kubrican created the “Friendship Hutch Kit” with proceeds donated to the Paradise club members. To help keep the cost of the kit supplies low, the kits included donated/discounted materials from GCLaser, Evan Designs, and Handley House. Concerned miniaturists purchased the kits from as far away as Australia, England, and New Zealand.

Through the sharing of our time, donations and talents, the miniature community was able to collect over $15,000.

The funds are being dispersed directly to the members of “Our Little Mini Club” in Paradise, California who have lost their homes. A sincere thank you to everyone who donated!

This message was received from one of the club members who lost her home:

“Thank you all for your kindness. I can’t begin to tell how much this means to us. This is the second time that I have lost everything. My home went down in the Humboldt fire. We are all looking forward to someday returning to our favorite hobby. Hugs.” — J.S.

Club members are hoping to meet at the end of January.

Do you wish to donate?

Barbara Thornton-Hill is continuing to accept monetary and gift card donations to the club members, as well as greeting cards and well wishes. Barbara may be reached at bathca@gmail.com. Please do not send miniature items at this time.

Donation and event organizers (in alphabetical order):
Luci Hanson, Mini Cyber Club auction organizer
Suzanne Harrington-Cole, Benicia area workshop organizer
Ruth Heisch, MiniCals Club/San Jose area event organizer
Carol Kubrican, Benicia workshop teacher, Friendship Hutch Kit fund raiser
Kay Loudon, Reno area donation organizer
Laura Seibert, Sacramento area event organizer
Barbara Thornton-Hill, donation organizer and Sacramento area event organizer
Karen Tomajan, Benicia area workshop organizer
Nancy Wantiez, Reno area donations organizer
Debbie Zalmana, Reno area donations organizer

Last Day to Pre-Order Friendship Hutch Kits to Benefit Camp Fire Members

November 26, 2018Leave a comment

Order the kits by Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018

If you are unable to attend the mini events (below), please consider ordering a Friendship Hutch Kit. The proceeds go toward the purchase of gift cards for our mini friends. $50 (hutch and accessories without lighting) $65 (hutch and accessories with LED lighting). All accessories shown in the picture are included in the kit. If you decide to purchase the lighted kit, the battery holder and switch is hidden in the bottom of the cabinet behind the doors. You may wish to order more than one kit; keep one for yourself and give one as a gift! Please email Carol Kubrican by Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, to reserve a kit or place an order on the true2scale website (free shipping through Tuesday).

CONSIDER ATTENDING AN N2 REGION EVENT FOR THE CAMP FIRE members

Our miniature community is rallying together to organize events to collect gift cards, personal notes, cards, etc. The events will take place in Benicia, Sacramento, and San Jose. The Reno area miniaturists have collected gift cards for the miniature club members who lost their homes in the Paradise Fire. Please consider taking part in one of the events below, and supporting our members. Not only will you have a day of fun, but you’ll be helping out our extended miniature family who are in need — just before the holidays. If you are unable to attend an event, please consider sending a gift card (more info at the bottom of this message).

Benicia, CA – WORKSHOP

Saturday, Dec 8, 2018; 10 am The Benicia area participants will be working on a 1″ scale Friendship Hutch. The workshop will be taught by Carol Kubrican (True2Scale). Workshop fee: $50 (hutch and accessories without lighting) $65 (hutch and accessories with LED lighting). All accessories shown in the picture are included in the kit. If you decide to purchase the lighted kit, the battery holder and switch is hidden in the bottom of the cabinet behind the doors. You may wish to order more than one kit; keep one for yourself and give one as a gift! All proceeds will go toward purchasing gift cards for our mini friends affected by the fire. A donation box will be available. Please bring your own lunch. Light refreshments in the morning and afternoon will be provided. Limited space. Registration deadline Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, to allow for lead time in preparing the kits. Email Karen Tomajan to register. Please join us us in raising money for the Paradise mini community. If you are unable to attend, you are still more than welcome to purchase a kit, or make a donation. LOCATION The Arsenal Benicia, CA Additional Friendship Hutch Kits are available for purchase, with the proceeds going toward the purchase of gift cards for our mini friends. Please email Carol Kubrican by Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, to reserve a kit.

Sacramento, CA – PLAY DAY & GET-TOGETHER

Saturday, Dec 8, 2018; 9am-2 pm Open to all miniaturists who are interested in joining us for a day of togetherness! Please join us for a holiday mini “PLAY DAY” & “Get-together.” Let’s have some fun while helping our extended mini family affected by the Camp Fire in the Paradise area. PLEASE BRING: something to share for a Potluck lunch, a door prize if you’d like to win a door prize, a project to work on OR order the 1 inch scale Friendship Hutch Kit by Carol Kubrican, who is donating this kit at cost, profits to be used to purchase gift cards for the fire relief efforts. Cost of the hutch kit is $50 (without lights) $65 (with LED lighting). Orders must be in by November 27, 2018 so that the kits can be made up. Email Barbara Thornton-Hill to order. ADMISSION COST: one or more gift cards which will be donated to “Our Little Mini Club” to dispense as they see fit among their members who have lost or had damage to their homes from the fires in Butte County/Paradise. St. Matthew Lutheran Church is also collecting items and gift cards for the fire effort. Can’t join us? Please feel free to send a donation to Barbara Thornton-Hill and we will buy gift cards to go with the other donated gift cards. TO REGISTER: Email Barbara Thornton-Hill or Laura Seibert. LOCATION St. Matthew Lutheran Church 5901 Lonetree Blvd. Rocklin, CA

San Jose/Morgan Hill, CA – CATCH-UP ON KITS/POTLUCK

Saturday, Dec 8, 2018; 10am- 4pm The MiniCals are planning a “catch-up on kits/potluck” for our mini friends in the Chico club. Several friends have lost their homes. Those who have worked relief efforts in Santa Rosa feel gift cards would be best at this time. Therefore, admission to our event will be a door prize for fun, and gift cards for our friends. Whatever cards you can bring will be much appreciated and dispersed among the Chico club ASAP. If you have a personal note/card, we will make sure that they receive those also. LOCATION M & L Precision 18665 Madrone Parkway Morgan Hill, CA Questions? Email Ruth

Can’t attend? Consider sending a gift card.

Gift cards are being collected for the members in need. Please send the gift cards to Barbara Thornton-Hill for distribution to our mini friends. Email Barbara for more info. Please do not send donations of minis or other items at this time.

Mini Events to Benefit Members Affected by the Camp Fire

November 22, 20181 Comment

Various mini events are being organized in the N2 Region to benefit members who have been affected by the Camp Fires in Butte County/Paradise, California. At least 6 members in our region are known to have lost their homes.

Please consider taking part in one of the events below, and supporting our members. Not only will you have a day of fun, but you’ll be helping out our extended miniature family who are in need — just before the holidays.

If you are unable to attend an event, please consider sending a gift card (more info at the bottom of this message).

Benicia, CA – WORKSHOP

Please join us us in raising money for the Paradise mini community. If you are unable to attend, you are still more than welcome to purchase a kit, or make a donation.

LOCATION
The Arsenal
Benicia, CA

Additional Friendship Hutch Kits are available for purchase, with the proceeds going toward the purchase of gift cards for our mini friends. Please email Carol Kubrican by Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, to reserve a kit.

Sacramento, CA – PLAY DAY & GET-TOGETHER

Saturday, Dec 8, 2018; 9am-2 pm

Open to all miniaturists who are interested in joining us for a day of togetherness! Please join us for a holiday mini “PLAY DAY” & “Get-together.” Let’s have some fun while helping our extended mini family affected by the Camp Fire in the Paradise area.

PLEASE BRING: something to share for a Potluck lunch, a door prize if you’d like to win a door prize, a project to work on OR order the 1 inch scale Friendship Hutch Kit by Carol Kubrican, who is donating this kit at cost, profits to be used to purchase gift cards for the fire relief efforts. Cost of the hutch kit is $50 (without lights) $65 (with LED lighting). Orders must be in by November 27, 2018 so that the kits can be made up. Email Barbara Thornton-Hill to order.

ADMISSION COST: one or more gift cards which will be donated to “Our Little Mini Club” to dispense as they see fit among their members who have lost or had damage to their homes from the fires in Butte County/Paradise.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church is also collecting items and gift cards for the fire effort.

Can’t join us? Please feel free to send a donation to Barbara Thornton-Hill and we will buy gift cards to go with the other donated gift cards.

TO REGISTER: Email Barbara Thornton-Hill or Laura Seibert.

LOCATION
St. Matthew Lutheran Church
5901 Lonetree Blvd.
Rocklin, CA

San Jose/Morgan Hill, CA – CATCH-UP ON KITS/POTLUCK

Saturday, Dec 8, 2018; 10am- 4pm
The MiniCals are planning a “catch-up on kits/potluck” for our mini friends in the Chico club. Several friends have lost their homes. Those who have worked relief efforts in Santa Rosa feel gift cards would be best at this time. Therefore, admission to our event will be a door prize for fun, and gift cards for our friends. Whatever cards you can bring will be much appreciated and dispersed among the Chico club ASAP. If you have a personal note/card, we will make sure that they receive those also.

LOCATION
M & L Precision
18665 Madrone Parkway
Morgan Hill, CA

Questions? Email Ruth

Can’t attend? Consider sending a gift card.

Hat Box Projects from Benicia Mini Magic Club

July 19, 2018July 16, 2018Leave a comment

Benicia Mini Magic Club finished these one inch scale scenes in 10” cardboard boxes.

A little interior/exterior scene complete with a kitty on a screen door was created by Karen Tomajan.

Margo Spaulding turned her hat box into an Egyptian tomb.

Suzanne Harrington-Cole’s garden store.

Reminder: Dollhouse Tool Box Workshop

January 5, 2017October 12, 20161 Comment

Tool box workshop sample

During this workshop, participants will spend the day decorating the outside and small window display of the pre-built tool box.

Interior of the tool box

February 4, 2017
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA

Cost: $60.00. Morning coffee with rolls and lunch are included.

Space is limited, so please reserve early. Contact either:

Suzanne Harrington-Cole 707-647-1928
or Karen Tomajan 925-825-7345

Dollhouse Tool Box Workshop

October 7, 2016September 14, 2016Leave a comment

Tool box workshop sample

During this workshop, participants will spend the day decorating the outside and small window display of the pre-built tool box.

Interior of the tool box

February 4, 2017
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA

Cost: $60.00. Morning coffee with rolls and lunch are included.

Space is limited, so please reserve early. Contact either:

Suzanne Harrington-Cole 707-647-1928
or Karen Tomajan 925-825-7345

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.

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.

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.

Karen Tomajan: Shabby Chic Garden Shelf

July 29, 2016August 2, 2016Leave a comment

Karen finished her Shabby Chic Garden Shelf on a Door project that was part of the MiniCals Spring workshop. She gave this piece as a table gift during the NAME Convention in Seattle.

Karen Tomajan’s shabby chic garden shelf

Karen Tomajan: MiniCals Shabby Chic Project

March 31, 2016March 12, 2016Leave a comment

Karen created this piece in MiniCal’s shabby chic garden shelf workshop.

Karen Tomajan’s shabby chic garden shelf project.

Suzanne Harrington-Cole & Karen Tomajan: Shabby Chic Shelf Project

March 18, 2016March 11, 20161 Comment

Karen and Suzanne attended the MiniCal’s shabby chic garden shelf workshop and were inspired to create these pieces based on the project from the workshop.

Karen Tomajan’s shelf with mirror.

Suzanne Harrington-Cole created this shabby chic shelf with mirror.

MiniCal's 2016 Shabby Chic Shelf Workshop

Photos from MiniCal’s Shabby Chic Workshop

February 28, 2016May 25, 20173 Comments

On Saturday, February 27, 2016, MiniCals hosted a shabby chic garden shelf on a door workshop at M & L Precision Machinery, Inc., Morgan Hill, CA.

Starting with a stock Houseworks six panel interior door, participants assembled shelves, painted, applied decals, decoupaged, and then aged the door with chalk paints. Using simple card stock, various sized planter pots, including faux galvanized French botanical buckets were cut, shaped and then colored with stock acrylic paints to resemble aged and moss covered terra cotta pots. Instructions were provided for simple flowers, placards and a laser cut wreath. A small plastic display case was provided to showcase each finished project.

Karen Tomajan showing her shabby chic project.

Suzanne Harrington-Cole displays her partially finished project.

Fun and sharing were the theme for the day with the added excitement of Deb Laue of Dragonfly on hand, who provided a surprise gift for each participant, as well as optional coordinating accessories for purchase.

Thank you, MiniCals, especially Karen Laisure and Ruth Heisch, for coordinating, setting up and hosting this very popular event!

Upcoming Spring Fling Potluck and Flea Market
On Saturday, March 19th, 2016, MiniCals will be hosting their annual Spring Fling Potluck and Flea Market open to the public. It will be held at M & L Precision, 18665 Madrone Parkway, Morgan Hill, CA and will start at 10 a.m. For more information contact: Ruth Heisch.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.