Monday, May 26, 2008

The Making of "America's House"

I was writing an article and project for the Miniature Gazette (deadline of June 1st) and realized I didn't want to wait that long to share what I had to say. So I am posting the article I am submitting here-now.

I know my impact zone with my blog is small, but it is my impact to make.
I would love to hear comments and ideas about anything I write.

"The Making of America's House".

Symbol- The something that represents something else by association or convention- especially a material object used to represent something invisible.

Symbolism- The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings of symbols and or representations.

Symmetry- beauty as a result of balance or harmonious arrangement or proportion.
Asymmetric- Lack of balance or symmetry. (I find this beautiful too).

I started with these definitions because they influenced my choices and decisions when planning this altered miniature project.

I wanted to make a house that wasn't a house- an artistic expression of my love of my country and it's values of freedom and democracy.

I started with a list of desired features that I wanted to include.



It had to be original but symbolic.
Asymmetrical but balanced.

Boundaries of walls but versatile in form and function.

Classic but unique.

Comfortable but organized.

Furnish it but fill it variety things that I have collected over time, or made or was given, or bought from talented miniaturists that has meaning.

Interestingly, my list reflects my philosophical view of what being American is.
But what form should it be in....repeatedly "box" popped in my mind..."box", "box", "box"..... How boring, how plain and uninteresting...."box"...what can I do with a "box"...


I made 5 boxes- all the same height, and varied the width and depth. I made at total of 10 "boxes" or rooms (2 of each size).





I started stacking them in multiple configurations until I came to a form that I wanted to keep. (HINT- draw a picture or number the boxes formation- the stack needed to be un-assembled for wallpapering).




Because all of the rooms are open faced- I added a fully enclosed box with roof on the top. It allowed me to add doors and windows. These doors are very symbolic- they represent opening yourself to others, to thoughts, to knowledge, to change and accepting them into your "home". By having the opposing door- it symbolizes that your "home" or life is in constant flow of change- "Change is never good if it doesn't happen".


The asymmetrical shape represents this change and growth. Growth is never predictable- it is not even in it's pace or volume. As in family and relationships- people change and grow at different speeds- so effort is needed to keep contected, to maintain cohesion to remain a "home".

The contents of your house makes it your "home". Associating friendship or family with a particular item occurs in miniature size too. I find it comforting and inspiring to fill my home with "stuff" that I have collected over time by purchase, gifts or creating. Sometimes it is the smallest item that has the greatest impact.


We never had children in my "human" world, but in miniature I have many...it means much to see a childs room, or their toys scattered about....it is permission to be young, to be innocent, to be non-judgemental and enjoy the moment. It is also symbolic of family- which is very important to me.



I also find myself drawn to kitchens and laundry rooms- which I find very amusing. Again in my human life I would rather not be associated with it at all. But in miniature- I find the warmth of the kitchen- the "heart of the home" and the organization of the laundry room. Maybe ironing is symbolic of a simpler time, thank goodness I can fulfill this need with symbolism and not a real ironboard.

It is important for me to include animals in my home- pets are real tanglible proof of love in the home. I believe that is their only purpose, to love us and for us to love them back.

The exterior of your "home" is important. First impressions are very important (have you heard that one before?)

The outside and interior is infused with patriotic symbolism of the USA, by color choice, by flag, by art- it is a very strong representation of the strength and independence I have, of all the possiblities in my life, and how grateful I am to have them- but not to take them granted, for they were and are still being achieved at great cost.
I used bricks to symbolize long last life and committment, but I also found it important to use stars- for dreaming, for having goals and reaching for them.
On one of the out-cropping next to the garden shed you will find a dandelion. Growing up- my father was very specific that there was never to be a weed in our yard, and for many, many years we worked as a family for that result. (naturally we were unsuccessful). Rather than having a negative image, I believe that a perfect yard can have a perfect weed. Compromising with Mother Nature is a very wise thing.

This is my challenge to all of you: look at your minature art for symbolism. I believe you will find many connections that you never consciously thought of.

Now take another step: Take this simple box pattern and make your own "home", fill it in and out with symbols that hold great importance for you.

Do not concern yourself with creating a "perfect" replication of a house, but creating a "perfect" home full of meaning for no one else but yourself. This takes guts, to expose yourself to basic emotions, to past experiences. It gives you a chance to reflect on the many influences that has molded you into who you are.

This "home" can have one room or 50, you choose. Decorate it with your heart and memory... then share it with others. Explain what certain things mean..life is important to share-this is great opportunity for you to share yourself with your family, friends, club members or accquaintances.

I would be anxious and proud to see pictures and discussions thru the Gazette or the OnLine region on what you create. It is NAME's motto: "only through sharing can we really enjoy our treasures".

Open Faced Box dimensions: (cut out of 1/16" matboard)
1: Back x 1= 2" x 2 1/4", Side Walls x 2= 2" x 1 1/4", Floor/Ceiling x 2= 2 1/4" x 1 7/32".
2: Back x 1= 2" x 1 1/2", Side Walls x 2= 2" x 7/8", Floor/Ceiling x 2= 1 1/2" x 13/16".
3: Back x 1= 2" x 1 3/4", Side Walls x 2= 2" x 1 1/4", Floor/Ceiling x 2= 1 3/16" x 1 3/4".
4: Back x 1= 2" x 2 3/4", Side Walls x 2= 2" x 1 1/4", Floor/Ceiling x 2= 1 3/16" x2 3/4".
5. Back x 1= 2" x 2", Side Walls x 2= 2" x 1 1/4", Floor/Ceiling x 2= 2" x 1 7/32".
Enclosed Box with Roof:
Front and Back x 2= 2 1/2" x 1 3/4", (mark mid-point 7/8" in , measure down 1/2" on both sides, cut corners off to make peak.)
Side Walls x 2= 2" x 31/32". (Need to bevel top of side walls for roof)
Floor x 1= 1 3/4" x 7/8".
Roof #1= 1 3/8" x 1 1/8".
Roof #2= 1 1/4" x 1 1/8".

Detailed instructions will be published in the Miniature Gazette (Sept/Oct 08 edition)

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Pictures of Centerpieces (Rain, Wine and Roses)


Rain, Wine and Roses Centerpieces
Larry Hecox was our centerpiece chairman. There were three basic centerpieces- Rain, Wine and Roses. All in 1" scale.


He had the opportunity to design these centerpieces with input from his mother before she passed, making them even more special.




Thanks to Larry and to all of the people who gave their time and effort to make these wonderful centerpieces.




Monday, May 12, 2008

Houseparty Souvenirs Identified and Pictures Posted:

Portland Souvenirs from "Rain, Wine and Roses" Houseparty









The Side Board Kit was designed by:
Pam Junk, Cut by Debbie Young, and parts Laser Cut by Gale Welch.
The Lamp was designed by Lew and Barbara Kummerow

The China Bowl by Sam Dunlap - Bangor, Maine




Special Gift from the Black Sheep (Seattle, WA) Club (Picture Frame)







The framed vignette is my project using the side board. The 1/4" interior was created by me, the furniture and wine/fruit basket is by Claire Downard, the table by BJ's.




I am planning on using the other souvenirs in a future vignette.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Portland "Rain, Wine and Roses" Houseparty: Sunday

Portland "Rain, Wine and Roses" Houseparty: Sunday

The houseparty’s last day, dawned sunny and blue.

The day started with our closing breakfast.

We received a souvenir at each meal. They were a Wine Buffet kit, a tiffany lamp and a bowl. Our souvenir book didn’t make it out of the printers- so when I get precise information on who made it and pictures, I will be posting them.

The centerpieces designed by Larry Hecox were posed and ready to be given to the winning seat number. Larry had a very unique and original way of pulling the winning number.
Every table had a sealed bag, inside was a miniature wine bottle with real wine (Lynn Jensen) and a small piece of tape with the winning number on the bottom. The bag was opened and the number read at each table.
There were three types of centerpieces- one for Rain, one for Wine and one for Roses. When I receive pictures of the centerpieces I will be posting them. (ended up I was so busy I took 3 pictures at the setup of registration and no others-so I will be getting some from others.) They were beautifully designed and well made, Larry had the opportunity to design them with his mother (before she passed).
The sales room and exhibit room was open to the members as well as the public.
At 3pm- the houseparty was over.

I enjoyed being with my mini family and look forward to the next houseparty to be with many of you again.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Portland "Rain, Wine and Roses" Houseparty: Saturday

Portland "Rain, Wine and Roses" Houseparty: Saturday

The day started with Registered Workshops:

Karen Gibbs took an actual salt box and fashioned a class called “Miss Morton’s Cottage”, a dwelling for ¼”.

Pam Junk-Knapp based her class “Whimsy Kingdom”, after Daisy Kingdom, a well-known store in Portland Oregon.



Jon Almeda brought “The Art of Raku Firing” to the houseparty.
Each student received 5 unglazed pieces to glaze and fire. I saw a number of the students completed pieces- they were gorgeous and so individual in color.

Cat Wingler taught “Strappy Sandals and Handbags”. Students learned methods to make footwear and purses in 1” scale. Each kit came with 6 matching sets of shoes and bags to make.

Mary Gutrie-Parson offered her “Picnic Basket” class. Each learned how to weave a wicker picnic basket and finish the inside so it is ready to be filled with food and drink.

Sue Herber taught the “Lilac Inn”, a ¼” scale 2 story Victorian bed and breakfast. Very romantic looking.



Ed Mabe shared his skills of marbling with his class, “Marbled Fireplace with the Master”. Students left with a Art Deco fireplace and the skills that are easily adapted to other time frames.

Pat Metcalf taught “Spooky Kitty Doll”. Students dressed a 3” doll in a leopard costume for Halloween complete with whiskers and faux fur. No tricks this class was a treat!


Joan Zeigler and Gary Handschug brought “A Little Bit of Cluck” into their student’s lives. This charming room box is surrounded by a frame and the interior filled with a hutch and much more.

Carl Bronsdon tempted his students with “Rainy Day Treats”. The King of Fimo food- taught his students how to take fimo and manipulate it into absolutely fabulous looking food. His class should come with the warning “Do Not Eat the Food”-because you will want to.








Theme Luncheons was the mid-day focus. Each luncheon had plenty of tasty food- followed by presentations and GIFTS!!!

Karla Smith brought her 3rd in a Series of “Just Your Cup of Tea”. Her lunch guests learned how to make a scene in a teacup and how to electrify it. Each guest joyfully took home a completed teacup ready to move in.

Bonnie Lynn Morrison shared her “Making Mini Memories” with her luncheon guests. She blended her incredible organizational skills into a gift book for each guest that is a diary of a houseparty and also a place to record techniques learned, information of people you met, key points on bringing and keeping the memories alive each time you thumb thru your own book. I was lucky to attend this one and loved it.

Cindy Ross presented her 6th in a series of tiny M.E. inspired houses, “Lunch with Mary and Annie”. After sharing lunch, each guest helped “Annie” to landscape her little cottage in anticipation of “Mary’s” arrival. Each guest took home this finished little scene.

Houseparty members who didn’t attend a Theme Luncheon weren’t neglected: Home Improvement Seminars were available free of charge, full of techniques and skills.

The Sales, Exhibit and Hospitality Rooms were open for a renewed flood of people eagerly taking pictures of exhibits, buying treasures and building kits.

The evening was capped off with the Saturday Banquet. The food was wonderful; the guests were spectacular in their fine clothes and some very interesting costumes. Even more Door Prizes were handed out and the Houseparty Helpers were raffled off (we had soooo many Houseparty Helpers, and I wanted most of them, I won none but enjoyed all of them).

There is still one more day of the houseparty to go….more tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Portland "Rain, Wine and Roses" Houseparty: Opening Day-Friday

Friday, May 2th started with Registered Workshops

Karen Gibbs taught her “Tea with M.E.”; she used a pre-existing teapot and turned it into cottage. Everyone that took this class can claim they have made an altered miniature, and it was adorable.

Eve Karoblis offered her “Food for Romance”; she presented a class where the student created a table vignette full of romantic food and drink. It looks delicious and I have to wonder if she tried it out on Ed???

Sue Herber brought Provence back to Portland, she taught her “La Petite Mason, Provence 2”. It is a lovely aged house that is a companion piece to an earlier Provence House (I took that class from her- it was full of amazing techniques).

Sharon Granicy taught the “Potting Shed/Patio Vignette”, she started with a New Orleans kit from Braxton Payne, then the students transformed it into a realistic place to plant and foster the crocus, daffodils and dahlias they learned to make. Finally Spring made it to Portland Oregon, thank you Sharon!!

Luci Hanson presented an innovated box that is displayed on the wall, she called her class “The Wallhugger, Electrified”. Believe me this is not an awkward person at a dance back against the wall with their finger in a socket. This clever house has 4 removable rooms that allow you to vary your display.

Jeff Packard taught “Basic Mold Making and Casting”. He revealed the mystery of mold making and how you can repeat the process at home. I know how to make the mold that lives in your refrigerator- his mold methods are easier to apply to mini’s.

Cindy Ross taught the “Rose Cottage Trunk”. The trunk came assembled so the students were able to concentrate on learning many different painting techniques. Plus she had a “surprise” inside the lid!!
Amy Doucette-Allen shared her no-sew methods with her “Look What I Can Do with One Vintage Handkerchief” class. Her students created 8 items of clothing from one handkerchief. Don’t worry- the handkerchiefs were clean and germ free at least when she handed them to her students.

Cathy O’Brien taught “Fancy Ladies Hats and Parasols”, her students made 3 different hats with matching parasols that reflected the theme of roses and wine. These students were so motivated, the class regrouped in the hospitality room to continue to work on it after the class finished and Cathy was there by their side.

We had are opening Luncheon (yummy food), everyone received a door prize and a great souvenir of a Wine Buffet Kit .
Sales Room opened for the first time, and many ATM machines were heard sighing from overuse, and the plastic on credit cards were heating up.

People were able to view the exhibits as they were waiting for the sale room to open. There were so many exhibits and all were so inspiring and fantastic to see. Thank you to all who shared their work with others- it is so motivating.

The Hospitality room was attached to the same room with exhibits and houseparty helpers- every time I looked it was being used- people were working away on projects, others were taking a minute to sit and share ideas.

Roundtables - if you haven’t attended Roundtables sales—you are missing something. The energy is literally arching off of each person, there is a need to throw that money down, snag a kit and get off to the next line. It is a great opportunity for many miniaturists to share their creative skills to others with a kit of their own creation.

The day winded down with the “Mini Swaps” (trust me, no one was winding down waiting in line to make their exchanges). It is like Trick or Treat and Christmas morning all thrown together in a bag full of miniatures made and shared with each other.

The day did end with a Lighted Exhibit Stroll…. Talk about magical…

Monday, May 5, 2008

Portland "Rain, Wine and Roses" Houseparty: Preconvention-Thursday

The NAME Portland Houseparty, “Rain, Wine and Roses” was this last weekend, with Preconvention on May 1st, and actual convention starting on Friday, the 2nd, ending on May 4th.

Thursday- was a full day of Preconvention Classes,
Stephanie Engeseth taught the “Vintage Rattan Chair and Ottoman Set”. If you haven’t seen her creations up close and personal, you are in for a treat… they are wonderful.

Bruce and Judy Steinke taught their “Wine Cellar in a Dome”. Their classes as well as their creations are of the highest quality and detail.






Karen Benson offered her “Wine and Roses Shop” class, as all her kits- they are cut precise and so easy to put together. When finished you have a delightful little shop.

Lynn Hamel is well known for her “Room in a Room in a Room” kits, this one was based on a Country Inn. I not only love her concept but have been inspired that I have incorporated this concept into some of my own art pieces. (see Heart of the Home). Jean Sweazea’s class gave life to a plain doll and turned her into “The Rose Gardener”. The students were guided in dressing, wigging and hat making for a doll in 1/12” scale. They made a beautiful doll who reminds me of Anne of Green Gables.

Eve Karoblis’s class planted a tree and it bloomed into a stunning “Magnolia Tree”. I continue to be fascinated by life’s reality in miniature, it is magical.

Georgia Queen and Jean Lierman (GJ’s) taught the 1” scale “Ye Olde Portland Wine Shop”. Trust me- no one in the class was whining. If one could shrink to scale, it would be the place you would hang out in.



My own class of the ¼” “Seaside Beach Hut” was so much fun. The people who took the class were full of energy and fun. Creative ideas were exchanged, techniques were shared and old friendships were strengthen and new friendships forged. I am looking forward to hearing about the progress and ideas they continue to have and I will share their pictures of their huts on this blog when I receive them.
Thursday Evening Workshop
As if a full 8 hours of class wasn't enough, the Thursday Evening Workshop alias “PJ party” was attended by approximately 100 members. The project was created by Cathy O’Brien. She not only brought it to existence with her imagination but she made all of the actual room boxes for each student.

Among the popcorn and cookies, the box was plastered, decorated and lighted. At the end of the evening the blank box was transformed into a villa overlooking a vineyard.

Many generous presents were given, many laughs were shared, and a few strange looks were given to a few of us as we walked thru the hotel lobby in our “PJ’s”…. my thanks and admiration to Cathy for all of the work and effort she put in to making this a great night shared by so many.

More of “Wine, Rain and Roses” to come…