Monday, 18 May 2015

Trip to London

At the beginning of the year, Annina and Marion got in touch to see if I fancied meeting up at the Kensington Dollshouse Fair in London. After a nano second of consideration, I immediately booked tickets for a weekend break. I'm back - exhausted, lighter in the purse but with a bag of miniature goodies. Best of all, I loved spending it with a couple of very talented and like minded Ladies. I'm so glad we had a chance to chat over dinner and compare notes and tips. Thank you both, you really made it a special trip for me.

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...
He had one Blue Nose Schooner left...which I wanted to buy
'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'
I held it as per his instruction while he regaled me with a rather awful tale of him bringing a customer to tears because she impatiently asked if her commision ships were ready.
'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)






Posted by

78 comments:

  1. Marion Russek18 May 2015 at 16:25

    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!!
    Glad 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...

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:15

      Haha, I think Takumi thought she was being stalked =0P She probably brought Sam in on Saturday just to get rid of me

      Delete
  2. Yunus Uyar18 May 2015 at 16:59

    Hello Pepper,

    All 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...

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:16

      Thank you Yunus and yes, please post more of your sweet cafe scenes =0)

      Delete
  3. mcddiss18 May 2015 at 17:05

    me 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

    besitos

    Mari

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:18

      Persistencia finalmente dio sus frutos Mari =0D

      Delete
  4. Fabiola18 May 2015 at 17:42

    Beautiful purchases.

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  5. Catherine18 May 2015 at 19:38

    What a great post!!! I always love to see what you bought at shows.
    The 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.

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:20

      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

      Delete
  6. Anonymous18 May 2015 at 21:02

    Fabulous miniatures!!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:21

      Yes, all wonderfully talented sellers at the fair =0)

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  7. Isabel Ruiz Alonso18 May 2015 at 21:48

    Me alegro que lo hayas pasado tan bien. Me encantan las compras en especial el barco y el colllie es una locura.

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:25

      Gracias Isabel, fue un fin de semana fabuloso =0)

      Delete
  8. miniaturista18 May 2015 at 21:50

    Todo muy bonito, pero ese perro... mi preferido.
    Me alegro que pasases lo pasases bien en la feria de Londres.
    UN abrazo
    Maite

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:26

      hola Maite ,
      el perro es mi favorito también

      Delete
  9. Linda Carswell18 May 2015 at 22:18

    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!!!!!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:27

      Me too Linda. I love living vicariously through other peoples' shopping =0P

      Delete
  10. Dominique18 May 2015 at 22:57

    I 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.
    Beautiful purchase.

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:31

      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)

      Delete
  11. Mad For Mod19 May 2015 at 00:49

    Great 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!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:33

      I 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

      Delete
  12. Jane Smith19 May 2015 at 02:53

    Aww 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;)

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:34

      Hi Jane, I wouldn't have believed the plant was brass if the maker hadn't told me =0)

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  13. Penelope19 May 2015 at 04:05

    I 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!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:36

      Hi Penelope, having friends there really made the weekend. It was so nice to talk tiny stuff and the person understanding the fascination =0)

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  14. 12Create19 May 2015 at 04:37

    You have purchased some lovely items - I love the glass items - but Sam is the special buy. He is lovely.

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:37

      I really love Sam too. I can't get over how amazing Takumi's work is =0)

      Delete
  15. Drora's minimundo19 May 2015 at 08:36

    Great post and thank you for sharing all those wonderful purchases photos. Sam alone was worth the trip and that boat is stunning.
    Hugs, Drora

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  16. miraclechicken19 May 2015 at 09:03

    I must say I am jealous! I've only dreamed of going to KDF! You've acquired some wonderful items, nice haul :)

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:38

      You really, really should go Linda. Not as a visitor but as a seller. They would be blown away by your work =0)

      Delete
  17. Andy19 May 2015 at 11:37

    Hi, 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!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:40

      You 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

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    2. Andy20 May 2015 at 00:07

      LOL! 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

      Delete
  18. Jennifer19 May 2015 at 16:36

    Wow, 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.

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:43

      I think Sam is my favourite purchase of any show. I'm really glad you get to see sellers from across the globe =0)

      Delete
  19. otterine19 May 2015 at 17:45

    Weeeeeeeeeeee! 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!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:47

      Ha, yeah. Sam and Sherwood would be a handful...I bet I would tire from playing catch before they did ;0P

      Delete
  20. BiWuBär19 May 2015 at 17:53

    Thank 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*

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson19 May 2015 at 20:49

      Hi Birgit, I wasn't surprised the swiss army knife won first prize between the sellers. It is incredible =0)

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  21. Modern MC19 May 2015 at 21:48

    Love 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.

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson20 May 2015 at 13:17

      I 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.
      When that day comes, I'll be there to greet you - with bells on =0D

      Delete
  22. Blake19 May 2015 at 21:50

    So many awesome things! I've never been to a miniatures event, but I would totally love to in the near future!

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    1. Blake19 May 2015 at 21:51

      Btw- your pictures are great, Pepper!

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    2. Pepper Mitcheson20 May 2015 at 13:18

      Seriously Blake, go to one...even once. It is an amazing day =0)

      Delete
  23. Annejuli Valentine20 May 2015 at 03:53

    Thank 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 ;)

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson20 May 2015 at 13:19

      Hi Annejuli. Such a shame that you can't visit a show or shop. I think dollhouse stores are getting rarer by the day =0(

      Delete
  24. Elizabeth S20 May 2015 at 07:58

    Hi 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!

    And Let's hope he doesn't follow you on your blog, or you too could get... The Look!

    elizabeth :D

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson20 May 2015 at 13:21

      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

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  25. les mains calmes20 May 2015 at 10:59

    Merci pour les photos Pepper!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson20 May 2015 at 13:22

      Bonjour Dominique ,
      vous êtes les bienvenus =0)

      Delete
  26. Kristine PaperDollMiniatures20 May 2015 at 21:00

    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!!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson21 May 2015 at 08:28

      Hi Kristine, yes friends and a lot of caffeine work wonders ;0P

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  27. Plushpussycat21 May 2015 at 02:11

    What 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

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson21 May 2015 at 08:30

      Hi 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)

      Delete
  28. Daydreamer21 May 2015 at 03:17

    OOOOHHH, 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!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson21 May 2015 at 08:32

      Hi Betsy, you know I love the smaller fairs too because you tend to get new makers who are just starting out. Enjoy Sturbridge =0)

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  29. Norma21 May 2015 at 13:10

    A 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 :)

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson22 May 2015 at 09:02

      Thanks Norma. I usually go to the more local shows but I made the effort to meet up with Friends =0)

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  30. WhimsyCottageMinis21 May 2015 at 18:06

    Love 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.

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson22 May 2015 at 09:03

      Pierlugi's work is fabulous. I think you can buy from his site (link above) if you still crave the birdcages =0)

      Delete
  31. Sarah21 May 2015 at 21:01

    Drool, 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.

    P.s. I should have asked you to get me a gothic court cupboard, regrets! :D

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson22 May 2015 at 09:05

      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

      Delete
  32. Blondie21 May 2015 at 22:04

    Yaaaaaaaaay!!!!!! 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!!

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson22 May 2015 at 09:05

      *nods* Totally agree with you there Blondie =0)

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  33. Last Alliance Studios22 May 2015 at 00:02

    I 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!

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  34. Debbie26 May 2015 at 13:04

    Wasn't it a fabulous Fair. So much to see..

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson26 May 2015 at 16:09

      I was Debbie. I'm still aching from all of the walking I did =0D

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  35. Hannah26 May 2015 at 14:15

    Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos! You bought great things, so many lifelike and beautiful things! And Sam, he is a real cutie!!
    Hannah

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  36. Kikka N28 May 2015 at 13:14

    OMG what treasures! Thank you for sharing all these amazing miniatures with us!
    Love every detail! Sam is so cute!
    My secret wish is that one day I'll be able to visit this show! :)
    Hugs
    Kikka

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson30 May 2015 at 20:39

      I really hope you get to visit one day Kikka =0)

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  37. Neomig29 May 2015 at 20:31

    how wonderful these fairs are. I need to know dates.....
    I am totaly in love with the green glass and all the ceramic byElisabeth Causeret.
    Cheers
    Neomi

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    1. Pepper Mitcheson30 May 2015 at 20:42

      Hi Neomig, you need to visit when the fair is on *nods* =0)

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  38. Simona M2 June 2015 at 19:35

    What 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. :)

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  39. Fabulously Small12 July 2015 at 11:54

    that 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.

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