There are no photos from inside the show - it was extremely busy and I spent a good deal of time chatting. I did, however, take a few of the supplier exhibits just inside the venue. Sorry for the poor quality, they are in a glass case and the lighting isn't the best.
I always find the exhibitors very accomodating when you ask permission to take photos but there is always a crowd around each table. You have to be mindfull that everyone is just as excited as you are to see everything on display.
The following photos are of the things I bought.
Bonni Backe from Weevings.Com makes the most authentic, beautiful woven items I have ever seen. This Afghan is so fine and I am told, drapes realistically over furniture by dampening it with tap water
I always visit Trulyscrumptious at fairs because their work is impeccable. Yet more items for my shed =0)
Teresa Martinez had a beautiful stand. I bought even more items for the shed and some glass bottles.
I can't resist the sweet plushies from Five Valley Bears (sorry, no site)
Elisabeth Causeret (sorry no site). Wonderful ceramics as always
I bought this parlour palm from Petite Fleur, (sorry, no site), after my weekend buddies spotted them. They're made of etched brass and painted so not only are they robust but also finely detailed
Le mini di Pierluigi was a must visit for me. I've heard nothing but good things about his kits and I wasn't disappointed.
The last two items I bought, were things that I have wanted for a while and were the hardest to get hold of.
The first, Paul Briggs of Nottingham (sorry no site), made me work for one of his scale model ships...
'I won't sell to just anyone' he told me.
I was bemused.
'Can I buy it?' I asked
After an appraising pause he answered 'Since you're from 'God's County', meaning county Durham which is NOT the county I'm from, 'I'll let you have it'
'Good' I nodded, trying my best Durham accent and taking a wad of money from my purse
'Wait' he said 'You need to hold it first'
'Yes' he said, a little too gleefully for my liking 'she stood in the middle of the fair in floods of tears but I wouldn't relent'
Hmm...
So here it is
Yes, a beautiful model. Yes, worth the money but what a beligerent old goat
The final purchase is from the wonderful Takumi Takanashi On Friday, Marion and I were pretty fast getting into the fair. I headed straight for Takumi's stall to find two of her wonderful models 'not for sale' and three already sold. I had my suspicions that other sellers had got there before me. I gave them all the look...
I was devastated....
Inconsolable...
I've experienced this disapointment before. Months before I fell in love with a gorgeous miniature skunk on Ebay. The seller is American. The auction finished at 2am in the morning (UK time). Undeterred, I stayed awake for the last ten minutes of the sale. Wham, I placed in a huge bid. No way would I lose out. The sale ended. Did I win? NO! Stupidly, I put in a bid of pounds, not dollars and then I put the decimal point in the wrong place. 400 dollars, not 4 pounds! ARGHHHHhhhhhhh!
Anyway, I digress.
Hubby sugested that Takumi may be holding back for the second day of the Fair. Sure enough, bounding through the crowds like a crazy lady I got to her table and there was a new mini animal.
MY new mini animal...
Meet Sam, my new Collie =0D
So happy =0))
I really need to make Sam some toys and a food bowl then I will post the all scale sofa tutorial that I promised.
Have a fab week
Pepper =0)
Laugh... I had my eye on the same sailing boat - but then it was sold already :-)) Nothing like going shopping with friends who have the same (good) taste!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got Sam after the huge efforts you made of keeping an eye on Takumi Takanashi's stall for hours to see whether he brought new items.. after your initial disappointment. Sam was worth the wait...
Haha, I think Takumi thought she was being stalked =0P She probably brought Sam in on Saturday just to get rid of me
DeleteHello Pepper,
ReplyDeleteAll of them are beautful. The French Cafe is just like mine even its name is similar. I saw it first time in here:)
Anyway, i'll try to make some of them in the future...
Thank you Yunus and yes, please post more of your sweet cafe scenes =0)
Deleteme alegro mucho de que disfrutases tanto de la feria , las compras que has hecho son fantasticas y me alegro mucho de que pudieses conseguir tu animalito
ReplyDeletebesitos
Mari
Persistencia finalmente dio sus frutos Mari =0D
DeleteBeautiful purchases.
ReplyDeleteThank you Faby =0)
DeleteWhat a great post!!! I always love to see what you bought at shows.
ReplyDeleteThe afghan is gorgeous. Her things are so lovely. I have a few of her tea towels. I haven't draped yet with water. Wonderful items for the shed too. I am sure they have already found just the right spot in their new home. That ship is beautiful. I can't imagine that sort behavior from a seller. I hope you are telling us he finally sold it to you. You earned it by tolerating his attitude. I love everything you bought but the dog is magnificent!!!!!!!!!!! I just love him to pieces. He is beautiful.
I did think at one point he was going to change his mind and I wouldn't get the ship. My Hubby said he was ready to tackle him to the floor if he didn't ;0P
DeleteFabulous miniatures!!
ReplyDeleteYes, all wonderfully talented sellers at the fair =0)
DeleteMe alegro que lo hayas pasado tan bien. Me encantan las compras en especial el barco y el colllie es una locura.
ReplyDeleteGracias Isabel, fue un fin de semana fabuloso =0)
DeleteTodo muy bonito, pero ese perro... mi preferido.
ReplyDeleteMe alegro que pasases lo pasases bien en la feria de Londres.
UN abrazo
Maite
hola Maite ,
Deleteel perro es mi favorito también
Sounds like a perfect day......I always love seeing what people buy at fairs. Who would think that delicate palm was made from brass......beautiful!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMe too Linda. I love living vicariously through other peoples' shopping =0P
DeleteI love your dog, Sam is really the best collie ever. And for the boat, I know what you mean....I'm still waiting for one. Every year I' m too late.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful purchase.
Hi Dominique, I now understand why people queue outside the Fair an hour before opening. You really need to be quick to get some of the items =0)
DeleteGreat finds! That gym equipment is really cool! I love it all especially the Elisabeth Causeret pottery. Did you give Mr. Briggs a look too...maybe a wink or flutter of the eye lashes along with the sweet talk to get that fabulous ship perhaps? I'm glad you went back for the second day. The dog is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I tried very, very hard to be patient but it wasn't easy. Maybe I should have given him a sweet smile and a wink ;0P
DeleteAww what a great new buddy for your amazing builds! Everything displayed was such fine quality but that palm is just ...a thing of amazing beauty! Of course the lzercut tools are wonderful, I am sure they will be put to great use;)
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, I wouldn't have believed the plant was brass if the maker hadn't told me =0)
DeleteI love all your purchases and your description of the show! Such fun to go with friends! I can't believe that palm tree is made from brass - unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteHi Penelope, having friends there really made the weekend. It was so nice to talk tiny stuff and the person understanding the fascination =0)
DeleteYou have purchased some lovely items - I love the glass items - but Sam is the special buy. He is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI really love Sam too. I can't get over how amazing Takumi's work is =0)
DeleteGreat post and thank you for sharing all those wonderful purchases photos. Sam alone was worth the trip and that boat is stunning.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Drora
Thanks Drora. Definitely worth the wait =0)
DeleteI must say I am jealous! I've only dreamed of going to KDF! You've acquired some wonderful items, nice haul :)
ReplyDeleteYou really, really should go Linda. Not as a visitor but as a seller. They would be blown away by your work =0)
DeleteHi, It was a good show, seemed to be lots of new people there this year. I love the things you bought, Elisabeth Causeret's ceramics are all beautifully crafted, you have some really unusual looking vases there, great for a modern miniature! The dog is lovely too! The great thing about the Kensington show is that it attracts miniature makers from across the world and has things to suit all budgets!
ReplyDeleteYou were there and I didn't spot you? Awww, it would have been good to meet. Maybe you spotted the three of us and decided to head the other way haha =0P
DeleteLOL! I haven't ever met anyone from Blogland at the shows! I did meet Fi from Australia last year, when she was in London on holiday, but no miniatures! I will show what I bought on my blog soon, but worry it's starting to just look like a catalogue of what I buy each time I go to a dolls house fair!! ;) xx
DeleteWow, you've got some wonderful items and they're all amazing but Sam the Collie is incredible! Glad you managed to get him in the end.
ReplyDeleteI think Sam is my favourite purchase of any show. I'm really glad you get to see sellers from across the globe =0)
DeleteWeeeeeeeeeeee! I love Sam! :D Not that the rest of your loot isn't fabulous even the Mean Guy ship. Sam and Sherwood would be a handful, I suspect!
ReplyDeleteHa, yeah. Sam and Sherwood would be a handful...I bet I would tire from playing catch before they did ;0P
DeleteThank you for those impressions of the exhibits of that show... it was fun to look at these pieces (that swiss army knife... incredible - how can anyone design and build something like this?) And it was even more fun to look at all your new bought treasures... everything so well chosen and above all that darling Sam. But not to forget - I loved your use of smilies... now I have a very clear vision how this part of your fair visit was... *grin*
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Birgit
Hi Birgit, I wasn't surprised the swiss army knife won first prize between the sellers. It is incredible =0)
DeleteLove being able to visit the show via your blog. Want to steal your purchases but will restrain myself. ;) I am in love with the ceramics from Elisabeth Causeret. So many of these wonderful artisans need to have an online shop and presence. One day, I am going to get to this show.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why a lot of the sellers shy away from the idea of online stores. Maybe their age or a confidence with technology issue. It would certainly make it easier for us.
DeleteWhen that day comes, I'll be there to greet you - with bells on =0D
So many awesome things! I've never been to a miniatures event, but I would totally love to in the near future!
ReplyDeleteBtw- your pictures are great, Pepper!
DeleteSeriously Blake, go to one...even once. It is an amazing day =0)
DeleteThank you for sharing your trip to the show. Because of my location I have never had the opportunity to visit a show (or a dollhouse store) so getting to see the things you bought and hear about your time there is a treat. All of your purchases are amazing. My favorite has to be Sam, he is gorgeous ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Annejuli. Such a shame that you can't visit a show or shop. I think dollhouse stores are getting rarer by the day =0(
DeleteHi Pepper! Sam is by far better than a Skunk! I had a family of real ones that use to live under the floor boards of my previous garage. Made me nervous about being in my own backyard. Sam however, is Completely WONDERFUL!!!! Your perseverance has paid off! :D LOVE the sailing ship too! The story about the old goat with the boat was actually quite humorous!
ReplyDeleteAnd Let's hope he doesn't follow you on your blog, or you too could get... The Look!
elizabeth :D
Haha, I have a soft spot for skunks but yes, I'm glad I bought Sam. Well if Mr Grumpy Pants follows me, he knows I'm only speaking the truth. I reckon I can out-grimace him =0D
DeleteMerci pour les photos Pepper!
ReplyDeleteBonjour Dominique ,
Deletevous êtes les bienvenus =0)
I can't think of a better way to go to a show then with friends! You walked away with some really nice pieces - sounds like you have to have quite the game plan ahead of time when going to a show! Sam is adorable, I can't wait to see him in one of your spaces!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristine, yes friends and a lot of caffeine work wonders ;0P
DeleteWhat wonderful, wonderful finds, Pepper! I always love drooling over the things you buy at the fairs. As usual, the plushies have stolen my heart. Is there any way to get through to Five Valley Bears? Those colorful plushies have me wrapped around their little dew claws!!! :-D xo Jennifer
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, FVB's have an email address and telephone number. If you drop me a mail I'll get in touch with them for you =0)
DeleteOOOOHHH, what Awesome treasures you found! I LOVE the collie! And the tools and all the "hard to make metal and glass stuff"! You sure have an eye for the perfect minis! Someday I hope to get to one of the Big fairs.... not any time soon unfortunately. But I shouldn't belittle the Sturbridge Fair.... coming up real soon in my neighborhood... and a whole lot of fun! It is a pleasure to see all your treasures and hear of your adventures! I look forward to seeing the pieces in wonderful settings...... hint hint! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, you know I love the smaller fairs too because you tend to get new makers who are just starting out. Enjoy Sturbridge =0)
DeleteA fabulous collection of treasures, great that you got to buy your new little friend, Sam who is just gorgeous. I so envy you the chance to go to such a fabulous show, but not sure that I envy you your 'interesting' encounter with the model maker, at least it didn't end in tears for you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Norma. I usually go to the more local shows but I made the effort to meet up with Friends =0)
DeleteLove all of your new minis! Going to an international mini show is on my Bucket List. I especially love Pierluigi's miniatures. I missed out on the chance to get one of his birdhouses a couple of years ago and I'm still grieving the loss.
ReplyDeletePierlugi's work is fabulous. I think you can buy from his site (link above) if you still crave the birdcages =0)
DeleteDrool, that's your best haul ever, LOVE EVERYTHING! Flippin eck, those price tags, well worth every penny though and great to see there are buyers, I wonder who got the swiss army knife... The boat is beautiful, the guy deserves to behave anyway he pleases... :D I don't think I've heard of Takumi before, Sam is fantastic (or Tess as I shall probably call her in my mind, because she's a ringer for my neighbours dog :D ) Thanks for taking photos of what you could, can imagine the crowds around those miniatures! I'm thrilled for St Leger, hope the others sold too.
ReplyDeleteP.s. I should have asked you to get me a gothic court cupboard, regrets! :D
You know, I thought about getting that cupboard for you. I was just about to sell one of my kidneys to pay for it but then I thought 'Nah, Sarah's probably got one already' =0P
DeleteYaaaaaaaaay!!!!!! I'm so happy to see all of your goodies!!! And WHOA on that boat story. One thing's for sure: Miniaturists are odd folks in good AND bad ways. Haha!!
ReplyDelete*nods* Totally agree with you there Blondie =0)
DeleteI love the plant and the bird cage (I honestly thought the palm was full size to start with! :o) but Sam is absolutely perfect, I'm so glad you managed to give him a home!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine, I love Sam too =0)))))
DeleteWasn't it a fabulous Fair. So much to see..
ReplyDeleteI was Debbie. I'm still aching from all of the walking I did =0D
DeleteThanks for sharing all these wonderful photos! You bought great things, so many lifelike and beautiful things! And Sam, he is a real cutie!!
ReplyDeleteHannah
Thank you Hannah =0)
DeleteOMG what treasures! Thank you for sharing all these amazing miniatures with us!
ReplyDeleteLove every detail! Sam is so cute!
My secret wish is that one day I'll be able to visit this show! :)
Hugs
Kikka
I really hope you get to visit one day Kikka =0)
Deletehow wonderful these fairs are. I need to know dates.....
ReplyDeleteI am totaly in love with the green glass and all the ceramic byElisabeth Causeret.
Cheers
Neomi
Hi Neomig, you need to visit when the fair is on *nods* =0)
DeleteWhat joy for the eyes!!!! What wonderful minis!!! One better the other!! I loved your story about the fair and the people andin is you were looking for. It was funny to see how you felt when you couldn't find the items you wanted. :)
ReplyDeletethat sounds like a great weekend, good for you! great treasures as always and I'm SO happy for you that you got to buy this amazing collie, wow! And I now will soon forget about that mean man, the ship is a beauty indeed.
ReplyDelete