Chicago International Show 2011-Long and Picture Heavy!

"Wow" does not begin to describe the wonderful people, great friends, gorgeous miniatures, and total sensory overload I experienced on Saturday.  I rode up with a member of the Stitcher's Guild and her husband.  We didn't stay together long since we were going at different paces.

First off I was able to meet several blog/Facebook friends in person.  April from Every Little Thing was there and we browsed quite a bit together... while we looked for my Guild friend.  I had the double pleasure of meeting Julie Campbell of Bellabelle Art Dolls and Jain Squires aka The Giddy Kipper.  I came away with one of Julie's dolls... more on her in a bit.  Ladies it was fantastic to meet you in person and I hope we have the chance to meet again someday!

Now for the fun part!  There we so many beautiful things it was hard to choose.  Happily I was able to come home with several pieces that spoke to me.

 Let's start off with my treasure from Julie.  Her name is Becka and Julie blogged about her last year.  I had forgotten that I'd loved her then until I went searching for any mention of her on Julie's blog. (There is a much better photo on Julie's blog.)  I do not know yet if Becka will move into the little girl's room in the "big dollhouse" once it's done or if I will construct a special setting for her.

 

 Here is a close up of my lipstick fairy by The Ladybug.  The butterfly cut-outs in the main picture also came from her table.

 These baby rabbits are a real treat.  This picture does not do them justice in the least.  The artist's name is Sylvia Mobley. Her blog can be found here and her website here.  Please, please visit them both.  Her work is stunning on a bad day and breath-taking on the best.  (And I blame Julie for my inability to resist these bunnies.)

 Now for some of the littler things.  I wanted to expand my collection of mini liquors and I needed the chocolate syrup for "Not Quite Fay's".  It was the only missing ingredient for mudslides sitting in the back corner of the hutch.  I feel in love with the mouse toy whist waiting to pay for the liquor bottles.

 Of course I was drawn to the mouse when I saw this panda bear in a basket close to the checkout area.  I think the panda will look great in the Panda Nursery.  I also had to have this little pig when I saw him.  (There are 4 tiny pairs of scissors in front of the pig.)

 The little pig looks just like a beloved toy of mine from my junior high school days.  Aren't they cute together?

 Another shot of the baby bunnies alongside a pewter candle mold and candle holder.  Perfect for either my witch's house or a Rendezvous miniature.  Come to think of it I should have grabbed a couple more of each.  Drat.

 A little something for FH's hunting cabin that I really should get back to...

 I thought he'd be fantastic in the Trading Post.

 A piece of silk that I couldn't ignore along with some flocking... black and white of course.  I bet you can't guess how I'm going to use that.

 Now for the part where I had to keep my composure and not turn into a gibbering fan-girl of epic proportions.  I was able to meet and chat with one of my heroes in the doll-making world, James Carrington.  He even signed my copy of his book.  I also received some (more) encouragement to attend the IGMA guild school. 

And I came away with this lovely.  This photo doesn't do her justice.  I really needed sunlight but I couldn't wait to take all the pictures. 

 

She's pretty much an early "everything" gift from FH.  I'll be settling for flowers and his fabulous cooking for many special occasions.  Oh darn. ;-)  This lady will definitely big getting a scene made around her.  It must include a grand staircase and doors to other rooms... I think.  For now I'll be getting domes or something to display both her and Becka in so I can enjoy them without them getting dusty.  Although Becka might come out to play with Maddie from time to time.  One never knows.

Oh and I did find my Guild friend again and we both fell asleep in the car for a bit on the way home.  Happily her husband was driving. ;-)  I'm going to go collapse now.