How time flies! It’s now almost seven weeks since the Miniatura Show at Stoneleigh. I imagine everyone has been busy completing orders and commissions and building stock back up for their next show.

As pointed out in my last blog, the Autumn Show was a great success on all fronts, from the great venue that everyone seemed to appreciate; to the facilities; the atmosphere – and of course the amazing array of miniatures. You talented artisans really are catering for all tastes and scales.

As Andy pointed out, we had 93 exhibitors and 1,600 visitors over the weekend – a 20% increase on the previous year, and a trend we hope to continue into Spring 2023.

There was also a great turn out from miniature clubs and societies, such as the Miniature Needlework Society displaying their skills; the Small Scale Fiddlers who made fabulous allotments – all very different – growing crops, keeping chickens and bees. One allotment even had some illicit whisky being distilled!

The Rugby Miniaturists had put on a display of their latest project, this being all about glamping. They discovered that upturned hanging basket liners make ideal glamping tents and can be glamorised in any way you like!

Pat continues raising money for charity

Always a popular stand – and for very good reason, was Pat Cutforth’s Cancer Research UK stand. Pat had this to say: “We all thoroughly enjoyed Miniatura this time. Everyone agreed that the NAEC is a more friendly venue with parking nearby, good lighting and just the right amount of warmth. I also want to  thank Andy for the terrific space you gave us! Initially I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on everything, but we mainly had four people all day and even in the busiest times people could see what was on the tables. Better tempers all round.

“I am almost embarrassed to report that once again we made just over £7,000. I was convinced that we would be way under the Spring total (just under £7,000), with times so hard, but perhaps people needed to enjoy themselves and support such a valuable charity. I took a look at our overall figures and can tell you that over the 35 years we have raised £382,220. I also want to say how grateful I am to Andy, Muriel and Bob for the tremendous support over the years.”

IGMA Artist Timea

At the last show Autumn Show, Timea Vajon had just been accepted as an IGMA artists. We caught up with her again to see how things have been for her. Timea who comes originally from Poland but has lived in England since 2005 said, “I feel very proud of this achievement, but life hasn’t really been different since I became an IGMA artist just over a year ago. I’m still working hard in my full-time job in the local hospital, and still trying to find enough time to enjoy my hobby. I think I have been busier though, as I have plenty of commissioned work to complete.

“I have always been a perfectionist, but since I gained IGMA artisan, I try to be better and better. And I’m very conscientious to keep up the high standard. Every piece is special, I want to make every doll as lifelike as I possibly can.

“As Christmas is approaching, I have been creating some festive figures. They are always nice to make and usually popular. And I have a special plan in the near future. I really would like to make a tribute for Queen Elizabeth II. I am working on a doll which will represent her. I hope ….”

David Garrett of Stick & Go was kept busy over the weekend and was glad to have both sons lending a hand. Pictured here with son Lee, he added that Lee’s partner Natalie, is also an important member of the team. As most people know Stick & Go produce cardboard flat pack room boxes and self-adhesive wallpaper. “The material is non-tear and is re-positionable,” explained David. “Plus, you can apply it over other coverings. It will stick to any flat, clean surface.”

Saturday was the launch of their new 1/24^th range of Stick & Go. David added, “We design all the patterns and print them – so we do everything ourselves. We started two years ago with 12 patterns and we now have 220 designs. We’ve doubled our range as those 220 in 1/12^th scale are also available in 1/24^th scale.”

Amongst the fabulous hand-crafted miniatures were Malcolm Hall’s range of beautiful jewellery boxes and tea caddies. (Featured at the start) Malcolm, who has made exquisite working clocks for 17 years commented that he particularly likes looking at well-made items, and enjoys visiting stately homes to see the beautifully crafted items you find there.

“I love to see well made, hand-made things. In my jewellery box there are 85 individual pieces of wood creating the pattern in the lid. The oval box has 42 pieces of wood in the lid. I make every single bit of the item: the hinges, the escutcheons; some are lined with raw silk. Tea caddies are silver plated. I also source all the wood. The grain is really fine. There’s no over-sized grain on any of my pieces. Everything is machined and polished to a mirror shine.     I try to make things exactly as the original – and possibly chocolate biscuits keep me going!”

Keep on making your wonderful miniatures and meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for Dolls House & Miniature Scene magazine’s December issue, as there should be some articles published based around Miniatura!

Further reading here: https://b-c-ing-u.com/arts-entertainment/marvellous-miniatura/

Photos by Rob Tysall – Pro Photography