S.A.M.E.

End of year meeting!

2011-12-25T20:01:00.005+10:30

Well, here we are again members and readers, coming the end of another year! And as always, some of our club members made a tremendous effort to entertain the rest of the group. A job most well done - and yes I know it did not include anything "miniature" - but we do like to think outside the square sometimes :)

The first to arrive was a Christmas Elf, seen here with Shona, who was trying to find out where the presents were hidden.Then came the Christmas Fairy.
Rudolphina was close behind.And last but not least Santa arrived with the Christmas Tree!The evenings festivities ran along the lines of previous Christmas meetings - we have an auction which is always a laugh - below are some of the items that went under the hammer. The house was auctioned off after being donated to the club by an elderly lady who had moved to a retirement centre, with all the money going towards our charity fund for next year. Marlene brought along a display of Christmas Bon Bons - this is going to be a several month workshop next year. The cost will be $35 per workshop - monthly - so if you are a member and haven't put your name down yet, be quick as the numbers are filling rapidly!
Judy had a little show and tell - this was an elephant she purchased in a local craft shop and decided to cut its tummy out and decorate with a scene from the Serengeti National Park and put some smaller elephants inside it! How clever and how cute?!

Ann recently went overseas on a bit of a spending spree and this is one of the items she brought back with her.So this brings us to the close for the year. On behalf of all the members of S.A.M.E. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We all hope you will continue to read the blog and maybe even come and visit us at one or more of our meetings.

All the best for 2012~

Nov 2011 Meeting...

2011-11-20T18:14:00.006+10:30

..and its nearly time for Christmas! So some of the members got to and had a workshop with Judy to make a lovely giant Christmas Bauble.

The items that were placed inside the bauble varied. But all were delightful and am sure will make a great display at Christmas time!
Was a very quiet workshop with everyone concentrating hard!Close up of the empty bauble ready for decorating.One of the finished baubles - how beautiful is that?Another workshop was held this month - Debra was the teacher here and the project was a garden or tool workbench. Very cute!Getting those little bits of wood level and in line can be tricky.So a little gadget with spirit levels on all sides is a handy tool to have in your kit box.The Garden Bench.The Tool Bench.Helen brought in a lovely piece for show and tell. Its a teapot display cabinet. Very nice :)
Well, till next time - happy miniaturing!

Festival 2011

2011-08-19T02:42:00.002+09:30

The Festival filled up rather quickly on our opening day of Saturday - lots of shopping, chatter, coffee, cake and show and tell happened early in the day.
Ellen, Anne and Judy working away in the kitchen preparing some lovely fresh food for all to enjoy."S.A.M.E. Museum" was one of the themes for the Festival this year.

Our members put on their thinking caps and imagination and a wonderful museum was created.

The Egyptian Room.The Souvenir Shop.The Caveman Room.The Unusual Art Room.The Gem and Mineral Display.And the room awaiting its new artifacts for display!

The Toy Shop.Children In the Past Room.
The Prehistoric Room.The Painting Room (a note to say that this display is of real paintings and not prints!)The Fine Glass Collection.The Greek Room.On the way outside the museum was King Tutankhamun's Pyramid."Hatched, Matched and Dispatched" was the next theme. (not necessarily always in that order either! LOL)

Shopping for that special dress.
Getting ready..
The things a girl does for that special look on that special day....(before)...and the final look was worth it all!!!And of course what would a wedding be with out a church?

Be it a small intimate wedding....
...or a large affair!
....and finally...the baby arrives!
The nurseries are ready..Baby's first trip out - to where else? but a baby shop!The toy room.Unfortunately, this dear old lady passed on from this tiny realm to another. However, the family gave her a nice funeral :)She was buried in a tidy little plot at the back of the church.In times gone by, passing over was a bit of a ritual...bits got put in jars from the body, so these guys had a job on their hands!"Movies" was the 3rd theme.

'Psycho'
'Pinocchio''My Fair Lady'
'Mary Poppins'
'101 Dalmaitions'
There was an array of display items again this year. It is nice to see the different things we all do and the different perspective we all have. Along with the different scales we like to work on.

Here are three houses that are 1/24th scale.
A 1/24th scale conservatory.The next house is a cute 1/48th scale cottage.
The side and front of the cottage lit up and open.A 1/144th scale house is next.Another style of 1/144th scale.
Telephones through the ages.A sewing corner vignette.Display of cross-stitched sewing accessories and bags.A clock repairer.This is a display of times gone past along with the display itself being quite old.Plenty of fabric to choose from the shop!A look inside a waxing and massage therapy shop.
A hat shop.Taking a leisurely bath.
A day at the beach resort.Making apple cider.
A quaint little shop.A lead-light conservartory.
A tea-room vignette.A conservatory.A toy shop.A perfumery.A delightful tearoomDuring the course of the year, there have been several workshops available to the club members. Here are three different ones that have been done.
This display is of bookends. Amazing the different looks with similar items given in the kits.
Another of the workshops were on Christmas Trees which was a success as you can see by the variety of trees that were produced.
Another workshop was Organ Grinders. What a variety that was turned out!The miniature needleworkers have been busy this year - here are some of their delightful pieces.
As always, there were many traders that came from far and wide to sell their wares to the unsuspecting crowd (??? LOL) There were many new items for sale and of course many were to irrisistable to pass up! (Does that mean I am now broke???)

Virginia from A Sheilas Shed.
Cherie and her assistant from Pewter in Miniature.
Lynn and her assistant from Lynns Small Treasures.
Sylvia and Verna's table of goodies.
Elaine displaying her wares for sale.
Pam and Margaret from the Miniature Needlework Society.
Linda from Enchanted Garden in New Zealand, was a little shy and hid!
Cathy from S.A.M.E. with some of our 'home made' items for sale.
Catriona Hall of The Miniature Costumer fame.
The boxes in the background are scenes made inside a matchbox!Dot and Barbara from Thimbella.
Bev from Any Miniature Needs.

Alec and Lorraine from Fairy Meadow Miniatures.
The Doll House was at the show to but I apologise - I dont seem to have a pic to show them :(

Clementine and Jan from Enchanting Miniatures.
Debra and her assistant Rosie from Dollhouse Gallery.
Julie and Dawn from Mum and Me Miniatures.
Greg and Linda from Strathalbyn House of Miniatures.
Jenny and Pauline from Mini Mad Mates.
Burt from Ann's Miniature Accessories
As always, there is a lovely dinner to be had on the Saturday for members and traders to relax and chat (and eat of course!) together.

The menu displayed and the tables were set for dinner.
Judith and husband John.
There is always a "Dinner Prize" on the Friday night. Here we have the Chairperson - Ann - presenting this lovely room box to the winner - Lynn.
You may remember from a previous post - our club supports childrens charities - well here is little Zoe, her brother Cody, Mum - Wendy and Dad - Paul. Zoe was the recipient of the first Hart Walker that the club were able to put our money into last year. We were delighted that the family were able to visit the show - proves how valuable this sort of equipment is to a family - enables them all to be part of society much easier.
We even had a fairy fly in for the day.
Jocelyn, one of the younger visitors to the Festival was unperturbed by the excitement.
We always have an array of demonstrators throughout the course of the weekend, imparting their knowledge and way of doing things (hopefully easier than we already do them!)

Greg demonstrated his replica early Australian furniture
We had our scrollers - Theo And our lathers - Arch
Brian
Wally
David demonstrating a simple way to tile a roof.
Ann looking intently on as David and Pam demonstrate.Pam showed how to make a simple sewing basket.
Patricia displayed her method of revamping old furniture.
A clever member made these lovely doctors bags.
Pam made some personalised greeting cards.
A little food was collected!
Julie and her little teddy bears.
Christine and her beautiful handmade lace items.
Merlene and her cute little handbags.
Julie and her pipe cleaner teddy bears.Rosalind busy quilting.Merlene and her lovely little handbags.
Nyree with her felted creatures.Some members and a visitor reflecting on the weekends adventure.
So here we are at the end of the end of the post (Thank goodness I hear you all say!) I hope you have enjoyed viewing the photos (sorry for the sometimes blurry ones - hope they dont show up too bad for you) and sorry if I have missed any out (I dont think I have, but you can email me with a message or a photo.)

There is just one thing left to say....and thats....start saving up for the next show....members, get your thinking caps on!

Pams pages part 7

2011-08-18T15:09:00.012+09:30

The Festival is well and truly over.....I would like to share here the Contemporary Textile Art Room that I made for the Festival. This is my first try at making miniature vessels and wall hangings. I just thought that it was something I hadn't seen before and also a challenge for me. I am fortunate to work in a small group of mini enthusiasts and through the year the four of us would get together and brainstorm. I could not have done it without the support and encouragement of these friends.

Some people wondered how the vessels were made as they hadn't seen this sort of thing before so I thought this was an opportunity to share some of what I did.

The room above was the result of much thought and I wanted it to look as modern as possible. I made all the vessels the same way as I make the full size ones. It was just a lot more finicky and frustrating. The main thing when working with textiles like this is to keep in mind the colour. Colour can make or break an exhibit. I made the fabric from scratch using silk tops, wool tops and scraps of chopped fabric, ribbon, tinsel and feathers. I tend to stick with colours of the same value using inclusions as light and shade.

When I am happy with the result I get stuck in with the sewing machine and stitch like crazy. After the stitching I form the vessel with whatever is handy...nothing is safe if it works for my fabric! The purple vessel in the middle at the front was formed with a pen and pulled and cut to make the wispy bits at the top.

The wall hangings were made in much the same way but were more solid. I hand stitched seed beads and some star fish and sea horse buttons onto them finishing with a matching hand made cord.

Putting the room together was important too. As it is a contemporary room it had to be minimalist and eyecatching. Finding the stands was very challenging and after trying painted dowelling and little squares of wood I decided to use all of my precious collection of clear perspex box lids to follow through with the ethereal floating look I had in mind.

Lighting was also an important part of the mix. I wanted bright light focusing on the vessels not the surroundings. I settled for two spot lights that worked very well. They were set at the front of the box pointing toward the back and down a little to illuminate the finished work.

I was happy with the result and have decided that this room box will not be dismantled and used again.

Next time, which will be quite soon I will talk about the Terrace Houses we are making for next years festival.

June and winter is here....

2011-06-18T00:24:00.011+09:30

...the month has brought the cold with it - but then again, thats what happens in winter! However, the cold has not deterred the Miniature Enthusiasts from coming to the monthly meeting! This months entertainment included "Guess Whats in the Bag?"We were allowed a quick pass around and feel of the bag - of course inside was a miniature...but what? Turned out to be a 1/12th scale computer :)

We had our usual monthly raffles and Lynette was one of the lucky winners - winning a little cat scene - well done Lynette.

We had a guest speaker - Dr Rob Morrison - who does the most amazing silver ware miniatures - come talk to us about how he got into the miniature side of life and where it has lead him. He also brought a display of what he does...I think the pics say it all!...by the way - Dr Rob will be at the Festival!

A few more of the room boxes for the hourly raffles being held during the Festival were ready and displayed.

A sewing room....An afternoon room....All rooms will be open for inspection at the Festival and all eagerly await being won and taken to a new home!!!

The workshops this month included making an Aussie Esky which Rosie taught. And basket weaving and making by Marlene.Lesley demonstrated how to make some lovely miniature shopping baskets. Very cute!...Along with tiny toy boxes.Well, the countdown is on for the next Festival - see top of page for place, time and date. Hope to see you all there! Stay warm and happy miniaturing!

Pams Page Part 6 The Saga Continues

2011-05-22T09:46:00.017+09:30

As I said earlier I would probably wander in and out of various projects. My aim with these posts is to share the joys and disasters as a newbie to the mini hobby.

I have been in the club now for almost two years and am learning heaps about how and how not to make things. I have found some of what I like to do, some of which I don't want to do and heaps of " Oh how clever is that but I just don't have the talent!" Miniature needlework is gorgeous and I love it but lack the tenacity and will to do much.....I will continue to try until I drive my talented friends mad! I am game to try most stuff and I think this is important as otherwise I will never know. I did do a filet lace cushion and am attempting a wall hanging.

My passion is creating. It is amazing how a lump of clay can be turned into anything you like. It feels good to mould and shape it and it is handy when you can't buy what you want. Having said that I wanted a 1/12th scale cart horse for my gypsy wagon and just can't get an unbreakable one. Someone suggested I make one....might try, perhaps I could.

So...what happened to the Georgian House? I am in the process of having it modified to be displayed without the shops beneath. This won't happen in a hurry but I can finish decorating and lighting it. It was a big project for a learner and I have learned much, mostly that I should have started smaller but at my age I want it now! I am happy because I will have a smaller house made to sit on the shops and it will look better.

I also have a two storey house, with attic, to decorate but am doing this with three friends. We all had a matching house made and will display our achievements at the 2012 Festival. The notion was to go through all the skills needed to decorate and light a dolls house. Perhaps I should have done this first! I am so looking forward to it as doing it together is so much fun. We plan to make as much for the house as we can. We will make some furniture, dress our dolls and do the soft furnishings. I have decided to use my ground floor as a doll house shop. This will enable me to make my 144th scale houses and display them as part of my project. I just can't wait! Lots of fun and friendship.

This year I am doing a room box for the festival and need to finish that before I can start any more new projects. It is almost done, I have used original textile wall hangings and made some vessels out of scraps...they are very tiny! My challenge was to make it all myself. No more until after the festival I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Must finish the workshop project too......Ellen's Little White Wicker Chair.....except mine is pink now! I finished the chair last night. Now for the accessories............

Facebook....

2011-05-22T00:41:00.003+09:30

Hello readers....we are now linked to Facebook! Really getting into the 21st century now!!!

The month of May...

2011-05-16T18:42:00.017+09:30

...was once again a rather busy one for most of the S.A.M.E. members. We have been busy getting ready for the Annual Festival! Below is a sneak preview of some of the hourly raffle box's that will be up for winning during the Festival weekend.

The Music RoomThe Study
The LoungeThe BathroomThere was our monthly door raffle that was won by two very happy members.
Vikki won the lovely plant arrangement.Val won two beautiful doilies.Show and Tell was a bit intriguing in the first instance.......even Judy (the shower) looked intrigued.... but all was revealed! This item is made from a rather large plastic bauble with some Christmas detail added inside. There is a possibility there will be a workshop held in the future for this delightful item.Our first 'miniature' baby is due quite soon! Can you believe it? In nearly 26 years of running, we have not had a member who has had a baby???? Well the lovely Nicole was on hand to receive a little gift from the club to celebrate the forthcoming event. We wish you all the best for your family Nicole xx (Ann and Nicole on the right)We had another little visitor to the group this month - Judy's grand daughter - it is nice to see the young ones come along and be interested in the miniature scene. Lets hope some of the talent gets passed on!
A couple of workshops were held this month. Theo held a class in making a beautiful music holder.While Ellen showed members how to make some wonderful plants (as she did last month)

Judy brought along some of her wonderful needlepoint pieces to encourage members to have a go and see what they could do. I must say that Judy does some beautiful work.Karen brought along a project she had made at a workshop whilst interstate. It is a wonderful model of a ramshackle house, complete with mice and cats!The following pictures are of the upcoming workshops available to members. If you have not enrolled to do one of these workshops - be quick! as spacing are filling fast :)

This workshop on revamping an old chair is with Debra Moyle from Dollhouse Gallery at Fullarton.
Duelling pistols in a case - to be held at the club.Stitch a beautiful stool - to be held at the club.
A white wicker chair scene - to be held at the club.

Make some lovely flowers ready for spring - to be held at the club.

And last but certainly not least - a little stationery box with a passport for the overseas miniaturist! This is an item done at a previous workshop and completed by one of the members.

That's about all for now - till next time - keep on making the little things happen and keep smiling!

Hahndorf, South Australia....

2011-04-26T23:45:00.009+09:30

....a place well worth visiting if you are in SA at any time. Food, coffee shops, more food, candle shops, yet more food...you get the picture? Anyway, SAME was invited by The Hills Doll Inc to participate in the Hahndorf Doll and Teddy Show again. Some of the members went along and set up part of the Chateau that was displayed at last years SAME Festival. Some of the tiny Christmas Displays were on show for all to see as well :)One of the traders was happy to show off a little corner room display - how cute is that setting?And one of the raffle winners - Anne ( you might recognize her as the SAME president!) Lucky girl :))A couple of pics were missed from the April meeting. Members kindly offered their time to sit and put some miniature books together for the AMEA convention. I think there was more glue on the fingers than the books at the end of the night! But as usual, there was lots of chatter and laughter to be had and at the end, all looked good!

Easter is upon us...

2011-04-16T23:03:00.004+09:30

...and the bunny was spotted weaving her way through the crowd!This months meeting was once again a rather full one - in both members attendance and what was on! Debra brought along two demonstrations this month - making Easter Baskets and filling them with covered eggs - and the Pretty Pleater for miniature pleating (curtain making and frills)We also had Cairns demonstrate how to wire up your miniatures with LED's to get the best effect for the display.
This month we had three visitors, Emma, Luke and Molly (who was over here to celebrate her mothers 100th birthday!) Lovely to see people from outside the circle (so to speak) taking an interest in our club.

Of course, there was the usual workshop - filled to the brim!

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter. Stay safe and see you all next month.

I remembered my camera this month!

2011-03-17T22:22:00.008+10:30

Getting back into the swing of things finally this year!

The March meeting was held with as much gusto as usual :)

We had a visitor from Britain, Liam - I believe he enjoyed his visit to our group cos he was still smiling when he left for the evening :))
We had our Paddys Market - now going to be held in March and October. Much shopping was done as always.
The workshop was busy this month - making lovely little palm plants.

The list has been put out for the workshops in the coming months and Saturdays - if you are interested in attending these workshops, please email me and put your name down.

Two of our delightful members enjoying a moments chat together!
These bookends are one of the workshops being offered - these particular bookends are going to be auctioned at the AMEA dinner later this year.

Pams Page Part 5

2011-03-16T19:50:00.004+10:30

It has been a long time between posts! Christmas came and went...much fun was had by all and my poor house sat neglected waiting for the lighting to be done. I now have all the lights and have diligently made grooves for the wires...It was a bit tricky as I used an old woodworking tool and brute force to do this. I don't have any fancy equipment! The lines are a bit wiggly but no-one will see that when the flooring is done. (I hope)
The aim is to get all the wires to the back of the house and then tidy them and bring them round to the side where I can get to them if I need to disconnect one. I am using a system of plugs and a long gizmo to plug them into. Sorry I don't know the technical names! The long gizmo might have to sit in the cupboard with the transformer. It might not have been such a good idea having the house made to fit in a tight space....I didn't think about the wiring but it looks like it might work this way. Goodness knows where the transformer will fit. At this stage it looks like I will have to drill a hole in the wall unit and put the transformer in the cupboard.....should be ok if I can do it without telling my husband as it won't be noticed when it is in place... hmmmm. A friend is going to come over and help me but if all else fails I might have to ask one of the experienced gentlemen in the club.....probably David as he built the house!
Meanwhile I have fallen in love with 144th scale and completed one sweet little house and bought about four more. I want to do gardens for them and have a little village with people and cars, even animals. Last night I bought a whole set of 144th scale furniture kits....they are pretty small and I can't wait to have them delivered. Hope I can cope to make them all!
The internet has so much, it's just a case of finding it. I am trying to design my own 144th scale house.....but thats another story............

Christmas cheer was had by all....

2010-12-17T23:58:00.009+10:30

..at the last meeting for the year! Some of us chose to wear silly Christmas hats... and some of us chose to dress completely Christmasie from head to toe!!The happy couple that tied the knot in October, made it together to the show too!
The committee of course were in on the act.Then there was this poor body-less person hanging around the place. But at least he was happy :)Show and tell was brought by one of our lovely members - its a little chocolate box with a beautiful tree and little toys inside. You only have to let your imagination run a little wild to come up with some terrific ideas and use for items you see every day.The Raffle House for next year was brought along for a prelim look. It is fully papered, painted and lit! So don't forget if you would like to win this house, come along to the show in August and purchase a ticket or two and be in the running. Then we got on to some serious business! Our annual auction!!!! What a laugh that is, and some interesting items went under the hammer too.The bidding was intense...The winners ecstatic....The little people happy with their new owners...And some items shone a light!
Then it was down to the REALLY serious business....SUPPER!!!
Some clever bod had made some cute cups to eat...So time for a chat and nibbles and everyone relaxing for a moment or two to discuss next years plans.So, we say farewell to you all for 2010. May you all have a Merry Christmas and safe and Happy New Year. Looking forward to having you all read about us again in 2011 (we are not back together till February, so don't panic when you don't see a post for January!)

November Meeting...

2010-11-20T01:01:00.009+10:30

Only one more before the Christmas Meeting and then a break till February!!!

However...till then lets get to this month!!!
...and last month.....one of our members - Naomi - got married!!! So congrats to her and her new hubby. The club presented Naomi with a miniature keepsake to celebrate her wedding. May the happy couple have a long and happy marriage.Our demonstrations this month were done by Brian and Karen. Brian showed us how to put together a garden of delightful, easy plants.Karen showed us how to make tiny cookie and cake cutters for making the said items out of whatever type of modelling clay we choose to use.
The cutter.....
The cutouts....
And finally... the decorated cakes!!
Theo did a workshop on a garden arch and planter box.

Bev did a workshop on opera glasses and gloves.

Bev recently visited the UK and just 'managed' to go miniature shopping while there. She brought back a beautiful little peacock that was made locally from where she was visiting... isn't it just beautiful?
We had a few sellers showing their wares..And last but not least... the list went up for the workshops next year!!!As you can see, the meeting nights are full of plenty of things for all to do.

Pams Page Part 4 - The Wallpapering Continues.

2010-10-21T19:02:00.006+10:30

This is the house wallpapered minus the left middle wall shown with the creative wallpapering.
I stood the stairs in place just to see how the house would look.

It took much longer to do the wallpaper than I had thought. The cutting had to be accurate and I had to experiment with the glue. I thought adding water might not be such a good idea so I tried it without. This worked well on the thinner paper but I still had an issue with the paper stretching a bit. When I decided enough was enough and it would have to do wrinkled or not I had a nice surprise. As the glue dried the paper went back into shape and the wrinkles disappeared. Enthused once more I wallpapered the side walls of the hallway.
On checking the house I realized with dismay that I had not papered the middle floor......only the top floor and the ground floor were complete. To compound the problem I had no more paper except the offcuts and I had already done the back wall so anything else would look horrible. I had to think carefully about what to do next. I continued to paper the rest of the house while I thought about my mistake. I eyed off the remnants of my lovely green and white striped paper and then the idea hit me......I could join the paper and do half walls with a border and paint the top half white. This would give me a nice area to hang a couple of pictures. I wasn't sure how well it would work but went ahead anyway. I dug through my stash of wallpaper borders and found one I could cut to make dolls house size borders. I glued this along the top of the wallpaper and it looked really pretty. The wall still looked unfinished so I repeated the border a centimetre below the top of the wall. This has worked very well and I am happy with the result.
When I joined the wallpaper I made sure that I overlapped the front piece on top of the back piece. That way the join would not be obvious. The join could have been done with no overlap but I decided to play it safe due to my lack of extra paper and wobbly fingers. It was easy to match as the stripes were my cutting guide.
The rest of the papering went well and it is now complete apart from the shops. I have hung several light fittings and have to go and buy more from the dolls house shop.
Now I plan to decorate the shops..........

Pams Page Part 3 - The Wallpaper

2010-10-16T09:48:00.004+10:30

After a slow start I was up until midnight last night merrily wallpapering.......well maybe not so merrily! I started with the bathroom tiles as I only had half walls to do not whole ones. The tile paper is very strong and I thought I would have to sit on it to make it stick on the edges. Having spent what seemed like forever trimming the edges of the tiles I didn't want to damage them as I stuck them onto the wall. I had to show patience as I gently pressed them down and applied light pressure with my hands. I used PVA glue with a touch of water to make it spread. It didn't help that the brush I used kept shedding hair and I had to fish it off the paper. The end result was two.....yes only two half walls papered, matching beautifully and me wearing pyjamas with glue and the brush bristles stuck to them!
Matching the top of the tiles was fun and I am so grateful that the walls slide out. The tops just had to be right or they would have looked terrible......wish I wasn't a perfectionist......dolls houses are all about learning to fudge it. It is all an illusion. I'm getting there, I have conceded that there are imperfections in the work but if someone gets close enough to see them they are too close!!!
7am saw me up and at it again. Peter Rabbit paper for the nursery but, oh joy, The walls I have are smaller than the paper so unless I did something the beautiful border would be cut in half. Just a clarification on the Peter Rabbit wallpaper......There is a small border at the top and a large one at the bottom. I wanted to use both so that is why I had to cut the lower border off and glue it on after the wall was papered. Mutter, mutter......Ok....I cut the border off and guaged the size using the rest of the sheet, trimmed it to fit and glued it on. The border will be glued on later. This paper was different to use and it had a lot of air bubbles even though I had smoothed it on carefully. I was a bit frazzled by now and hoped I hadn't ruined the sheet of paper. Thinking on the run I grabbed my trusty old tupperware rolling pin and proceeded to roll the paper smooth. It is 10.00am now and the paper is drying nicely with few blemishes. Whew......
In between the drama with Peter Rabbit I papered the back of the entrance hall and the walls in the stairwell. This was reasonably easy as I had taken the back off the house and decided to do the whole back first. I kept putting it on again to make sure the wallpaper matched well and to make sure the inside wall I had also papered fitted neatly. So far so good. One point to remember is that the wallpaper needs to be cut a teeny weeny bit smaller (top and bottom) so that the wall can still slide in without sticking and possibly tearing the paper.
I have come to the conclusion as a novice that you have to think logically and have a flow chart in your brain. You cannot rush and you have to wait for each piece to dry before you do the next. No I didn't try to do it all at once but it was tempting!
More later...........time for a break and I had better wash my pyjamas. :)

72 Days till Christmas!!

2010-10-15T00:23:00.009+10:30

This is something that we were reminded of at our October meeting, not exactly how many days to go, but the fact that the meeting after next (November) will be the Christmas one!!! I have to ask "Where does the time go"?! Seems to be a question of mine a lot lately!! Anyway.....this months meeting was an interesting one once again. We had "Market Day", a bit of show and tell and of course the ever popular workshops!
As you can see, this market stall was inundated very quickly with potential buyers!! I believe the sellers would of been very happy at this response.We had a number of visitors to the meeting again this month. It is always nice for us to have someone new along. We had a young lady from South Korea amongst our visitors - she found it strange that we all make and collect "little" things, however she did enjoy the meeting and had a go at one of the workshops making miniature roses.
Members working intently on the miniature trellis and roses.
And some just musing...

The finished product.
A bit of the Show and Tell was once again one of our new members Bert, who brought his lovely Gypsy Caravan along for us to view.
Inside the wagon.
Some of our members looking serious and some not so!
And then there are some that sit, have coffee and chat!

PAMS PAGE PART 2 - The Basic House

2010-09-15T15:10:00.005+09:30

It was very exciting when Dave and Val delivered my house. I had sketched what I wanted and measured very carefully as there was limited space for the house and I wanted to make the most of the area. This shows my house in the raw. I had wanted the typical Georgian basement below street level and steps leading up to the front door, however that would not fit the space so I decided on a pair of shops instead. These would be handy for using up bits and pieces I had bought because I just had to have them! A large second hand shop (or two smaller ) would be perfect!
As you see there is no front door because my people will go round to the back where there is a door that we cannot see. Problem solved! Needless to say as soon as I got the house I tried all my furniture in it to see how it could look.....I had been collecting bits and pieces for several years before I joined the club....and I couldn't wait to start decorating. Little did I know how long I would have to wait to start the job. I didn't know that you could buy lovely wallpapers from dollhouse shops, nor did I know where to start and it is such a big house! I baulked at what I had done and for the next few months longingly looked at the house and planned my line of attack! Now after 12 months in the club and pestering everyone with questions I feel able to make a start and in the last month I have applied undercoat on all the walls and am up to the final coat on the exterior. I wasn't aware that I would have walls that slide out for ease of decorating or that I could unscrew the stairs and frame and work easily without trying to squeeze into a tiny space with my paint brush. I love this and my next house must have these features too. The work is in progress and I hang out for a couple of hours in the evenings when I am able to work at my leisure to complete the paint job.

September ...

2010-09-12T01:15:00.006+09:30

The meeting for September was once again a busy one. We discussed the Festival of 2010 and the Festival for 2011! Planning ahead is always a good thing don't you think?

We would all like to say a big THANK YOU to all who attended the Festival this year. We once again made a few thousand dollars that will go towards a children's charity once again at the end of the year.

One of the Silver Anniversary Boxes came back for a close up. Just to show that disco is still alive!!
This months demonstrations that were held included making little toothpick dolls with Ann.
Stays for your little people with Julie.
A guest - Bert - brought his Royal Mail Stage Coach along for us to peruse. Thank you Bert!

We had a few workshops in full flight again with lots of chat and laughter.

A group of plant enthusiasts made "mother in laws tongue" plants.

We had wig making. However I think there was more laughter than hair dressing going on in that corner.
And last but not least, some furniture making and assembling.
Looking forward to you all coming back for another read next month!

PAMS PAGE PART 1

2010-09-09T18:31:00.006+09:30

At last! After much searching and sorting I am able to start posting. I am a bit technologically challenged and never thought I would blog as that was for other people, not me! My aim is to walk through the trials and joys of decorating my Georgian dollhouse and shops. Of course along the way I will digress and have fun with mini workshops other projects and another old dollhouse that came from a second hand shop. I hope to encourage and dare I say help other newbies like me who just can't keep away from this fascinating hobby. When I am able I will also post pictures of my house as it takes shape and becomes a beautiful home!

August meeting...

2010-08-12T21:22:00.005+09:30

The August meeting is always a fun meeting, we play some games, (prizes are won!)....
have show and tell....

..and of course, eat some delicious supper!!!

..and to top it off, we chat about the Festival just gone and of course the one to come!!!

2010-08-07T21:04:00.081+09:30

Our Festival began.......

with demonstrations at the door
Then we move inside to see the display ..... these photos are of 1/12th scale displays

These two houses are 1/24th scale
A 1/144th scale house.
As it is our 25th Year of S.A.M.E., we celebrated with a theme of Silver Room Boxes - and balloons!!!

Another themed set was 'Unusual Containers' - these items are of all sizes - 1/12th, 1/24th, 1/48th and 1/144th scale
This display was done by a Year 6 group from the Burnside Primary School - with NO help from parents!!
We also had some Peddler Ladies selling their wares - dont know how much they managed to sell tho!
There was even a man trying to sell his jams off!
The Christies Beach Group of Miniaturiasts brought their 'Twelve Days of Australian Christmas' to the show.

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me - An emu in a gum tree
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Two cockatoosOn the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Three lizardsOn the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Four woolly sheepOn the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Five kangaroosOn the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Six koalas munchingOn the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Seven singers singingOn the eigth day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Eight snakes skiingOn the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Nine baubles swingingOn the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Ten swaggies swiggingOn the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Eleven crackers crackingOn the twelve day of Christmas my true love sent to me - Twelve mince pies for sharingWe had demonstrators with thier goods for sale...
There was a fabulous miniature needlwork display
There was hourly raffle room boxes to be drawn..
And as you can see, there were some very happy people who won some of the room boxes
As always, there is a lovely dinning area where tea, coffee, cake and a variety of hot food is available to keep you sustained for the day...some of the lovely people who served the food and drinks
And some of the lovely people who patronized the coffee spot!
Saturday evening sees us all sitting down (well... nearly all of us!) to a wonderful meal. The lights are turned off so that "The Moon Walk" can take place....all the miniatures that have lights are better displayed this way - it is hard to do this during the day unfortunatley.
Because it is our 25th year, we had a special cake to celebrate..
Our Chairperson, Anne had the pleasure of cutting the cake..
There was a few 'original' members at the dinner.
Some displayed their miniatures and visited the show.
The traders from insterstate were happy..
There was a door prize that was drawn at the dinner..
And a very happy recipient..
And of course, the Grand Finale was the drawing of the raffle house, which has gone to a very excited young woman!!
So, all in all it was an excellent Festival, with lots of visitors and plenty of oohs and arhs at the size (or lack of size) of items displayed.
If you missed our Festival this year, please mark it on your calender to come see us next year...August 13th and 14th 2011!!!

Weekend Workshops

2010-07-18T23:39:00.019+09:30

From time to time the club runs weekend workshops. These workshops are a filled with interest, fun, glue (on the fingers), food and laughter!

Workshops were - The Peddler Doll

Discussing the finer things....
We are not really looking at the camera :)
Bev - the teacher for the day looking a bit stern
The finished peddler woman

The Marmalade Table
Getting ready for the oven
Deep concentration
Ellen with the finished table
The Marmalade Table up close

The Treasure Chest

Smile for the camera
More concentratingAnd more deep thoughts
The Treasure Chest completeAnd last but not least..

The Littlest House

Are my fingers stuck together?
Wouldn't you like to live here?

Time is getting on...

2010-07-16T20:04:00.005+09:30

....towards the next Festival!! Only about 3 weeks to go now and our 25th Anniversary Festival will be under way.
Here are a few more of the Raffle Boxes that will be available to win on the weekend!

Looking forward to seeing you all there !

There was a workshop this month as always :)) The members were learning how to make a jewelery box. Take a peek at the work in progress......and of course, the finished item.

Getting Ready!

2010-06-10T23:00:00.014+09:30

We are all busy getting ready for our Annual Festival again! Being winter is probably a good thing where miniatures are concerned as we can all just stay indoors and do 'stuff' to our hearts content! (Having said that - I better get a move on!!)

Details for the Festival are on the page above :)

There is ample parking around the centre and in the surrounding streets.

How to get there

Bus 178 leave bus stop U2 Victoria Square (North West Side) to stop 13 on Payneham Road (short walk down OG Road)

Buses 281 and 283 leave bus stop V2 in Currie Street or R1 in North Tce to Paradise Interchange - OG Road.

Circle line goes from some outer suburbs to OG Road.
***We would suggest that you contact Adelaide Metro Info Line on 1300 311 108 to check all bus times and route changes****

We have a wonderful Tudor style house for Raffle - tickets are only $1.00 - so come along and see if you are the lucky person to take this Fab house home with you!!

At the show there are Raffle Boxes which are drawn at regular intervals throughout the weekend, a large house Raffle, lucky dips, traders, demonstrations and of course there is always a scone and cuppa to sustain you through the day!

Below is two of the Raffle Boxes that will be up for winning.

The one below is 1/24th scale (or Half scale as it is also know as)
Every month at our meetings we usually have in-house demonstrators showing how to do different bits and pieces.

Here is Marlene showing how to make miniature flowers out of paper, glue and imagination.

Judy is working on flowers also. (When shes not doing committee stuff that is!)

Karen is carefully putting some shopping bags together.

We also have little workshops that can be done for a small fee (covers the cost of the kit that is put together)

Theo is one of our woodwork men - so we have some lovely park benches.
Ellen is getting everyone to get ready for a holiday by making some travel bags/cases.

This month also saw the drawing of two raffles that we have been having this year. Pam was the lucky recipient of both prizes (much to her surprise) One is a lovely little Victorian occasional table and the other a beautiful Besmac dinner set. Well done Pam !

New Furniture

2010-03-18T22:30:00.000+10:30

Here are a couple of items that Lyn has just finished. A couple of lovely pieces of furniture that would look good in any 'home'.

From the March Meeting...

2010-03-18T22:00:00.000+10:30

Hello all, Just a short post for this month. Our new meeting place seems to going a treat with a full group of enthusiasts attending. Most people seemed pleased with the fact that we now have the website up and running. I would very much appreciate it if anyone would like to add a post themselves or email one to me eg. what project you are up to or any little story you might like to share with the group (and Blogland).

As all the S.A.M.E. members will know it is our 25th Anniversary this year....so I had better get started and do my Silver Anniversary Box!!! Want to get it done before time ticks over too much. So maybe you could let me know your progress which will get all the members revved up and raring to go with their project too.

Till next time
Val

Festival 2009 - The Grande Chateau

2010-03-06T14:58:00.012+10:30