UNITED STATES MINI STAMP OF APROVAL!

Here is just a quick post to show how miniature making can stretch beyond being just a hobby. These are the latest United States Postage stamps!

"Baker Teresa Layman created each of the houses featured on the stamps over a period of two weeks. They were constructed out of gingerbread, royal icing, and various candies, including sugary fruit slices for shingles, peppermint sticks for support beams, and round, candy-coated chocolate for doorknobs and holly berries. To keep the houses from sagging in high humidity, Layman watched the weather forecast to know when to bake and decorate.

The four Gingerbread Houses stamps will be released on November 6, 2013. Look for them online and in a Post Office near you." (USPS website)"

From what I have read in a NAME  Yahoo group, Teresa is a miniaturist and appears to be a member of  the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME)

"Renowned gingerbread house architect Teresa Layman built the actual gingerbread houses under the direction of stamp art director Derry Noyes. Stamp artist Sally Anderson-Bruce photographed the houses." 

READ MORE HERE:

http://www.wusa9.com/news/photo-gallery.aspx?storyid=281729

and here:

 http://www.uspsstamps.com/blog/2013/10/23

KUDOS TO HER!

Click on picture for a larger view

Superior workmanship

Sunday July 29th, I went to the National Convention of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts show. It was the 40th anniversity of the organization. Unfortunately, by the time I decided I would be able to attend the week long celebration it was sold out! So we just went to the public day that Sunday.

Two years ago I bought three of my grandaughters a dollhouse on their birthdays. Those are the three I took with me to the show along with one of my daughters who enjoys viewing miniatures rather than making them.

It was held in a hotel that was a very beautiful combination of provencial and modern updates. A room set up as an exhibition hall was across from the sales room. My girls oooo and ahhhh their way through both. Their first surprise was a free gift at the door. From there is was giggles and pointing for hours.

I met so many great people and some whose work I had heard of previously. I came away with more than a few goodies. (pictures soon to come)

 After shopping, I decided to whip out my camera and take some great pictures of my girls next to some of the booths and exhibits. Uh, no go. My battery light was on indicating a dying battery, so I was only able to take pictures of this one fabulous roombox.

If I had to capture one thing, this is certianly the one. The International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) artist was so friendly and took a lot of time to explain the details.  Something he also shared was that along with him and his wife, he has two daughters who are also miniaturists.


Please view this lovely work done by Ron Gill and April Gill of Wildwood Dollhouse and Miniatures:

I wish the picture could do justice to this fine piece of work. The shelving is glass...tell you what...why don't you just scoot over to their site to see and read more about it.

You may see more of their work at:  http://wildwood-dollhouse.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=9

Click pictures for a larger view