Chicago International - Worth the Trip

I had been planning on going to the Chicago International Miniatures Show for months.  Then my friend Jazzi couldn't make it, so I contemplated the idea of not going. I decided to go with or without a friend along, then I got some really wicked allergies...might not go.  Wouldn't you know, the Thursday before the show, my son gets sick which means I have to work on Friday when I had planned on making a day of it. (I was planning on leaving in the morning, stopping by the Three Blind Mice show and a stop into Ikea before a little dinner and relaxation at the hotel)....might not go now...Then I decided I would be mad at myself if I didn't go...So now on Friday afternoon I decided to go again...crap, a friend borrowed our I-Pass...should I go or this a bad sign? 

Well......I went!!  I am sooooo glad I did!  It was a long drive, about 3 1/2 hours...a little longer having to stop for the tolls.  The primary reasons I'm glad I decided to go to the show are: First, I  got the chance to meet and have lunch with Brae of Otterine, April of  Every Little Thing and Greg  and his wife from the Greenleaf forum (who lives here near Indy).  We had a nice time and a few laughs.  A very close second is to meet and talk to Paris Renfroe from PRD Miniatures and see his miniatures up close. At first, I felt like I was talking to a celebrity because I have admired his modern miniatures for some time.  He was so nice and his wife is gorgeous. I also got to meet Erik Goddard and Peter Tucker.  All incredibly nice people who love their craft.  Wow, do I sound like a name-dropper or what?

Here are some modern miniature highlights:

 

The first stop was Erik Goddard:

 Artist's Studio

Asian/Modern Influence

 I love how the light is coming through the door and windows.  It has such a loft-like feel.

My personal favorite: PRD Miniatures

 Fab art and living/dining room pieces

 Gorgeous Pieces!

Luxury Hotel Bathroom

 Seriously who wouldn't love this no matter what your taste!?

 Luxury Hotel Room: Notice the Chicago skyline?

Check out these Roy Lichtenstein influenced pieces by Kari Bloom of  Miniton Miniatures.  Unfortunately, she doesn't have a web site right now, but it should be up soon.  She prints her own fabrics!

 So Much Fun!!!

Peter Tucker

 I love this artwork. 

No two lighting fixtures are alike. 

I love this chandellier!

Now, Here is the part I'm really ashamed of:  I made a point of writing down the shop where these items were and who made them, however in pure Cyd form, I seem to have lost the note card I was writing on and can't possibly tell you who made these amazing things. :-(  I apologize...If anyone knows who these amazing pieces are made by, please let me know so that I can give them the credit they deserve.

Isn't this stained glass amazing?

I think It has a very Frank Loyd Wright feel to it.

There were surprisingly very few midcentury miniatures at the show. But what was there was pretty cool.  Update: The stained glass is by Barbara Sabia

 Check these out, they are only 1/4" tall.

 I love the little martini shakers and lava lamps.

 Red Hot Lava! 

Update: The lava lamps, vases and midcentury boomerang tables are by RJT Miniatures.

These Heywood Wakefield inspired pieces blew me away.  Alas, I can't remember the maker.  If I regret purchasing anything, this would be it.  I have the real life version in my dining room and I adore it!

That about covers it for the modern miniatures at the show. 

Have a great day!