I Went, I Saw, I Shopped!!

I had an absolutely fabulous day out yesterday at the Kensington Dolls House Festival in London. This is their one day Christmas show to compliment the 3 day show in May. 

The exhibitors come from all over the world with a huge variety of miniatures. So much talent on show.

The day started really well as I met up with the extremely talented Nikki Rowe of Witch and Wizard Miniatures. Nikki had my parcel of minis with her including some really tiny, cute acorn fairy baskets.

We had a good chat in the queue about all things mini and it was so interesting to talk to someone so talented about their work.

We split up inside as Nikki had lots of exhibitor friends to see but arranged to meet for lunch after some shopping!

I have to hold my hand up and say I did a lot of shopping at this fair. Having not really done very much since breaking my wrist and having not been to the autumn Miniatura, I feel slightly less guilty. Hey someone has to keep the economy going!

Here are a couple of my favourite things. I have not quite dared to unpack everything while the husband is home!

These lidded barrels are destined for the Apothecary. They are beautifully made in rustic oak with proper steel rings around them just like real barrels.

 They are made by S and S Eismont whose work is really well scaled and crafted. I always buy something from them as they have a very good range of small wooden items as well as furniture.

I also bought three tiny wooden scoops for each barrel.

 My first port of call was to the stand of Annie Willis of Fine Design. Annie does not have a web shop so her work is only available at Kensington and Miniatura I think. This means her stand is very popular and you need to be there early as she has lots of fans.

 I went to see her intending on buying another of her fabulous owls but when I saw this hawk I had to have him.  He is quite stunning and I am sure any pure-blood wizarding family would love to have him. So he will have a place in my Magical Menagerie.

 Next I went to see Linda Cummings of Lins Minis. Her food pieces are highly sought after in her Ebay shop and I have never been lucky to win any of her stunning pieces. Lin only shows once a year at Kensington so a visit to her stand was a must.

 I was not disappointed. Her stand was full of the most gorgeous cakes, cheeses, meats and platters. With my glasses firmly attached I spent a long time looking at everything, so much choice!

Then I spied this wonderful piece which had my name written all over it, how could I resist this marvellous teapot and cupcakes? 

 Lin was so friendly and helpful too. Packing my items, yes I did mean items, with great care.

 I did buy another piece but that is still to be unpacked.

 I am sure one of my shop keepers needs a little tray of pumpkin tea to keep them going or it might find its way into my witch house drawing room.

The show seemed absolutely packed to me this year. Last year attendance suffered badly due to all that early snow we had. I am sure the exhibitors were much happier this year with so many potential shoppers coming through the door but it was much too busy for me.

Plus it was sooooo hot in the halls which made it seem even more crowded. After a couple of hours I was wilting badly!

Nikki and I headed off for a reviving latte and sandwich in the fresh air which rejuvenated me enough to head back into the crowd for another hour or so. 

I did have a marvellous time and will show a few more pieces tomorrow. As it was so busy, I couldn't get photos of individual stands unfortunately, there did not seem to be any quiet moments even later in the day. 

Hopefully the crowds have meant good business for all the exhibitors!