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…