I am so excited to be going to my FIRST miniatures show: Tom Bishop in Chicago! I love, love, LOVE me some Chi-Town! Several friends of ours have moved to the Windy City and so we try and get there once or twice a year. It was while I was visiting my friend Jeffrey during Halstead Market Days when Jeffrey took me to the Chicago Institute of Arts to see The Thorne Rooms. I made up my mind ricky-tick to build myself a dollhouse! And voila! Merriman Park was born...
Chicago is also home to the silent screen-siren Coleen Moore's Fairy Castle. This legendary, jewel-encrusted, Art-Deco confection I have not had the pleasure of seeing in person, though I know it fondly from books. I doubt that I'll be able to squeeze it in this trip, but someday....
...Maybe I'll just wing it. Why complicate matters? Ugh! I think it's time for another number!
Hit it, girls!
Hope to bump into you in Chicago!
It is a HUGE show. Sometimes three ballrooms. One really big one and two small ones.
ReplyDeleteYou are going to be very surprised at what is on your list and what you bring home. LOL
Planning to go! Will have to see for sure yet. There are 3 shows with-in a couple of miles of each other. Bishop, IMA, and 3 blind mice. Shuttle buses run to all 3 shows.
ReplyDeleteIf you get a chance there is a shop near there called Lolly's. Very nice. Run by a very nice lady and her wonderful staff. A really good sized store. The last few times I went there I spent a lot of time looking at all she has to sell. O.K. now I sound like an advertisement!
Hi Teresa (If that is in fact your REAL name, Lolly! LOL)!
ReplyDeleteIs Lolly's near the main show, or one of the smaller shows? I had not planned on attending the smaller shows, but that was before I found out there were shuttles between them --thanks, Teresa!
My tactic at the previous shows I've been to is to do a quick walk around to get a first glance at everything, then do another walk around to get what's on my list, then a third to spend the cash I have left on 'OMG you have to come home with me' buys. However, I've never been to the big April show before, so I suspect that might not work this time. I'm a little nervous about the size of this Bishop show, I'm hoping I have enough time to see everything at all three shows.
ReplyDeleteI went to Lolly's store a couple of years ago, it is as wonderful as Teresa says. I won't go this year though, since I'm flying to Chicago this time instead of driving.
See you there!
Hey Mister
ReplyDeleteHave a great time. I visisted Chicago a couple of times in my last job and LOVED it!! I'd move there if I could. I'm so excited for you, let us know all about the fair.
take care
Simon
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteI'm a tad jealous. I hope you have a great time in chicago and especially at the show. I can't wait to hear about it.
Huigs,
Honey Badger
Hi John - I'm jealous! I hope you have fun. I will be looking for a post were you tell us all about your adventure. Take care, Troy
ReplyDeleteOh, I want to go, too! but I can't bummer! You will just have to report back every detail!
ReplyDeleteI am sure your budget will be gone very quickly--don't agonize over buying -- just buy and have a good time -- lucky you!
Cheers (and don't forget a drink now and then!)
your envious friend,
Iris
Just make up a list of the "mustn't forget" items and then go for what you fancy! If you don't get things then you could kick yourself afterwards. Another tip is to buy a thing you like when you see it rather than leave it, think about it and return - sod's law says it wont be there when you go back for it.
ReplyDeleteHave a fab time!
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great time in Chicago!
I have trouble coping with huge crowds too, but don't let that put you off. It can seem overwhelming at first, but work your way round slowly, and find out if they serve coffee at the show, and where that is, so you can go there to escape the crowds when it gets tiring!
Buy a guide with the floor plan of stalls, if available, and mark off the ones you like, pick up website details and cards if they have them too (the amount of times I saw something, but forgot where it was, and who made it!!)
Take a list, but don't worry if you don't stick to it, just enjoy what you see, chances are you'll see stuff you never thought possible in miniature!! I bought hardly a thing from my list at the last show I went to.
As for spending, I always think in my mind, can I get this online another time, or is this the only chance I'll have to buy it? The latter always takes priority with me.
Most importantly of all, have fun, enjoy yourself, drink in the experience!! It's good to take a friend, but even if you're on your own, try and have fun.
I sometimes try and find the ugliest thing at the show, the most impressive thing, the campest thing... it usually takes my mind off the crowds!
I'd love to see some pictures of the show, and what you bought there!!
be butch my friend!! ;D
Andy xxx
I doubt if you have the time to take pictures, as a big show is so overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteAnd incredible fun!
You already got the best pointers, so all I can say is: enjoy to the fullest!
Such a big show is not only full of very talented artisans, but also full of intriguing ideas.
Put on your walking shoes, make sure you had a good rest before
you go and have a great time!
SOMEDAY.... I will go to a Miniatures Fair...... Alas... Not this year :(
ReplyDeleteI am SURE you will find Amazing things... and I can't Wait to see them!
Like Everybody says... be sure to have FUN!
Hi, everyone! Thanks for all the great tips.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I know! -i can see the handwriting on the wall, already!
Teresa, I will def take the shuttles to the other shows --thanks!
Hi, Kelly! Glad to hear you're going...hope we bump into each other!
Si --if you EVER get to Chi-town again let me know --it's 'only' 7-8 hours away from Minneapolis, which is NO TIME at all in the US. We'll drive that far to save five cents on gas. So let me know and I'm so there, OK?
Hi Giac! Don't be jealous, honey badger, (I'll never live that one down)! Pea-green is def NOT your color.
Hey, Troy! You're forever reporting on the cool adventures you've taken and finally I'll have something remotely remarkable to write about! Right?
Iris, darling, i hope we can have that aforementioned drink together, sometime! Cheers!
Oh, Irene, it sounds like we've had the same 'Sod's Luck' in the past...but rest assured: Lesson Learned!
Hi, Andy! Thank you for your tips --(obviously from a seasoned pro). I'll try desperately to heed your advice to butch it up, no small feat for this most delicate of 'delicate flowers.' (lol)!
Thanks, Gee! I'm terrible with cameras and pictures and stuff so you're right --that part's most-likely a wash but I fully intend upon having a great time!
Hi, Betsy! That sumptuous wedding must have put all else on the back burner? Wish you were going!
Wish ALL y'all were going! I know it's going to be incredibly hectic but if anyone would like to meet for coffee during the show --email me!
Well HOW late am I?????
ReplyDeleteDon't know what planet i've been on lately????
Chicago sounds like soooo much fun!!! I like the way Andy has the whole strategy worked out. We have a big miniature show Sydney on the 5th of May but it's Paul's birthday then and some how I can't see the two working together......bummer!!
You have a wonderful time and spend up BIG!!
Oh and I think Catherine Zeta - Jones stole the show and I keep wishing Renee would fall of the end of the stage!!!!!
ML Fi x
ROFL!!! I tend to agree, Fi!
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet to your huz! If it were the other way around, I'd wrap up two tickets to that dollhouse show in a big, pink box and present it to Glen as if it were the Gift of the Magi.
John, so glad you are coming to Chicago for the Big Show.
ReplyDeleteStop by my table and say hello. No idea where I will be, but it shouldn't be too hard to find me.
xo,
Sophia
www.smalltreasuresminiatures.com