A Brief but Worthwhile Visit to the Kensington Dolls House Festival.

I was lucky enough to be able to visit the Kensington Dolls House Festival at the end of last month so I thought I would share some of the wonderful items I purchased. I only had an hour at the show because I had double booked myself, I am no socialite so it was sod's law that two events should occur on the same day! Fortuitously I only had to travel to the South Bank from Kensington so I was able to sneak in a cheeky shop!!

 I am planning a number of small Christmas projects for next year using the market stands I bought at the Apeldoorn show. There will be three traditional stands with one totally dedicated to all things gingerbread. I knew my time was limited to I had a map to hand with all the artisans I definitely wanted to see.

 Top of my list was the wonderful work of Linda Cummings. I was hoping to find an array of gingerbread marvels on her stand and was not disappointed.

 Linda only attends this fair once a year so I did buy quite a few pieces!!

 I am a huge admirer of Linda's work which she sells throughout the year in her Ebay shop lindac504 and she is collected by many people all round the world. If you like miniature food then do take a look at her work here

So with my gingerbread bought I headed to Jane Harrop's stand in order to buy some further Christmas goodies. 

I couldn't resist this tiny market stall kit and.....

 ......a tiny beach hut kit. I am going to make these to place alongside their 1/12th counterparts, I think they will look quirky and fun placed alongside.

 I also had to buy these Quick Kits as perfect shelf fillers and decorations for my market stands. Jane's kits are of a such high quality and come with everything you need. I love the packaging plus Jane is such a helpful and knowledgeable artisan.

 I couldn't resist this Santa teddy by Sally Reader. This artisan makes all sorts of tiny character dolls and now has a website making it even easier to purchase.

 I also stopped by the stand of The Giddy Kipper to collect my goblin couple that I reserved at the Apeldoorn show. Jain had a wonderful selection of characters as usual some of which are now for sale in her Etsy shop.

 I loved this couple as soon as I saw them and had to have them for Diagon Alley where they will be seen out shopping very soon!

 Jain's work is so detailed and always has that touch of humour and quirkiness that I can't resist. 

So I used my limited time to add a few well chosen items and then rushed off to watch Napoleon with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the South Bank Centre. I was really disappointed that I had to leave so early as the fair was buzzing this year with so much to see and a really vibrant atmosphere. It certainly seemed much more upbeat than the last couple of years with hundreds of people attending who appeared to be spending. Some stands were really busy so I hope all the sellers had a super successful show as we need all these talented people to keep on producing their wonderful pieces and providing people like me with inspiration.