I just got back from Chicago--a great few days immersed in the miniature world. I took three classes including the 1:144 Leather Bound Books in a Bookcase Class. The books, which are 2 - 4 mm in length do open. The books were great fun to make and our instructors--Tine Krinjnen & Rachel Roet--were wonderful. I hope they are back next year so I can take another class. I took two other classes also--Wire Your Miniature Settings with Tim Kraft and working with the Jewelry Saw with Diane Almedya. Both of these classes were very informative and the instructor's really know their subject matter.
Then on Friday, I attended the Bishop Show all-day preview. This is a great way to see the show. Yes there are 600 people in attendance but that is much less than on the regular show days and you can actually stop and talk to the dealers and browse leisurely without feeling like you are keeping other people from being able to visit a booth. Saturday, I wondered over to the IMA show and Sunday made another trip back thru the Bishop show before I headed back to Indy. I loved the browsing and admiring--but, of course, I also spent some money. Another book kit from Tine, some QS furniture kits from Templewood Miniatures (owned by Alan and Kathryn from the UK), some 1/144th scale roomboxes, and a random assortment of other minis, including a 1" scale mortar and pestle for my Wizard's Potion Room.
My only disappointment was that with my classes and the Bishop Preview show, I didn't make it to Three Blind Mice. I will definitely schedule next year so that I make that show also. Yes, I am already planning for next year.
