Wednesday 25 April 2012

Day 315-Arnhem Dolls' House Show, Purchases

A Solander Box I bought at the shop in Wawel Palace, Krakow

This is a post which may bore some of you. Showing off minis you bought can be a little like showing off your vacation pictures sometimes. Especially when some have already seen them before. Or if everyone else who attended the same fair have already posted pictures of their purchases. I shall therefore  pretend that this post is really just for me to record the most momentous purchases from an important Dolls' House Fair, my first.


Let me ceremoniously open my box of goodies, all fitted nicely into this lovely Solander case  so that I can show you, I mean, me, how wrong I was when I thought I could come away from the fair without buying anything.


Firstly, this seltzer bottle. I don't even know how I could have spotted him, lined up together with so many other little things on a shelf amongst shelves of even more little things.  It was as if our eyes met across a crowded room and our destinies entwined in that moment. I didn't even know it's name or how it would fit into my 19th century Indian life but how do you explain love? I parted with almost 20 Euros so that we could be together, hopefully forever.



Now this one, Rosanna actually apologised to me for. We barely finished going through the fair the first time round when Rosanna pulled me to Cocky Wildeschut's stand to show me this plate. It is clear I had to buy it there and then. No waiting to come back the 2nd time around! We are talking about peacocks here! Sorry, Rosanna said, but I know you will like it. Sorry, my dear? No way!  My first purchase at the fair and the one with the most exclamation marks ....! THANK YOU! Ro!


These are my most expensive purchases. These ones, which reminded me so much of hand painted wares from Kashmir, I walked a few rounds for. You have to when you kept thinking couples get divorced over spending this kind of money. After saying hi to the sisters at Wagon Mountain Studio three times in 3  hours and after seeking advice from Rosanna or Ms-she-who-had-5 Euros-left, who of course was very encouraging, I walked up to the booth for the 4th time . I said to myself ,well, good thing I don't have a husband and promptly whipped out a chunk of cash for 2 of these boxes only to be told by one of the sisters, sorry, but that was 15 Euros too little. I had misread the prices! O, what the heck!  It's only 15 Euros to save me from a lifetime of regrets.  I gladly paid, still happy today.






It was the pitcher and basin that sold me this set from Victoria Fasken. They reminded me of the ones I saw in Wickramasinghe Folk Museum when I was in Sri Lanka. I thought these would fit quite nicely in my haveli. There were so many things I coveted at Victoria Fasken's table but I was very disciplined and quite proud too of my restraint. Until my last post when I saw the pictures all blown up and pretty. I am kicking myself now for not spotting that cute little decanter set.





I never thought I would end up buying a knitted jacket because I didn't think there would be one in this whole wide world that would suit the colourful needs of my Indian dolls. Thanks to Marijke Vuuren, there was! I love how the colours are so Missoni-ly Indo-phile. And the teeny weeny meeny little buttons. Attention please,  mini-miracle workers who knit! How in the world do you work one colour at a time like that over something half the size of  my palm? When I showed Pam all my purchases, this was the one she declared The Best Buy!


These lovely vases, I dubbed my yellow Muranos. Excellent buys at about 5-6 Euros each, I thought them better than a pair of Manolos. That's saying a lot coming from a shoe fiend like me. They were standing on a nearby shelf from Mr Seltzer Bottle in a stall run by a really sweet German lady. After extensive research, I suspect the company might have been Small Dreams Miniatures. Listed on their website are similar vases described as blown, handmade items made  from Lausha Glas.

I have since found out that the shop's name is Miniatur Puppenwelt after investigating my credit card bills.







There was no way I could resist Mr Tumbling Twirly, especially after I have named him. This vintage mechanical toy was made by the infectiously enthusiastic Serge Piacentino from France. I couldn't decide which was more fun. Watching Mr Piacentino demonstrate how his toys work or playing with the toys myself. His was the 1st and last stall I saw because it was situated near the entrance. More amazing (as if that's possible) than his miniatures is how Mr P's enthusiasm never wavered. Be it 11am or 6pm , his smiles were as wide and demonstrations just as energetic as it was before his very 1st customer.



And if you think I went nuts over these glass bottles, you couldn't have been more right! Some of you may know my penchant for glass bottles and these were so reasonably priced that I went really really crazy.





Total number 25. Would have bought more if not for the postcards I spent on in Amsterdam.

There they are, my purchases! Those I took pictures of. I also bought a dozen spindle posts from Tiny Turning 1000, 5 back issues of magazines on dolls' houses for 1 Euro each and 2 kits at the last minute just before closing time that were not quite what they cut out to be. Yes, the pieces of wood the kit came in were not even cut. It didn't cost much but let's just say there would have been no love lost if  I have left my wallet in the bag as Rosanna has suggested. It seems I only follow her advice when she encourages me to buy and ignores her when she says stop.


Pretty restaurant in Arnhem where Ro and I had our last meal in Holland. 

And then it was closing time. Ro and I bid farewell to all our friends in The Netherlands. Since we had about 2 hours to our night train to Neumunster, we took a walk down to take a photo of a bridge too far or the John Frost Bridge so that I could show it to my housemate who is a WWII nut. We had our last meal in Holland at a nice restaurant. I don't remember exactly what we had except that it was good. I think Rosanna only had soup. Don't be sad for her. She had it with her fancy Stokesay teacup and sugar bowl and was pleased as punch. 

That, my friends, was how I was no longer a Fair Virgin. Hmmm...that doesn't sound right......My Goodness! No wonder I am already gibberishing...It's 2.42am already!!!! 

45 comments:

Eva said...

I remembre all your purchases...you make feel a lot of envy ^_^ everything is stunning and you take really good pictures!
Un gran beso

Patty said...

Sans, It sounds like the most incredible trip and fair to attend!!! I really love your posts and your story telling! Great photos of all of your wonderful purchases!!! We are not bored with the photos of purchases!!!!!

rosanna said...

Actually they were 10 euros !!!
But I still have my survival kit on my desk and I shall not depart from him in any case !
Your buyings are as good today as they were at the fair: well done my dear !

The Old Maid said...

And you didn't even show me them when you were here!!!!!!!!!!!;D
I love all and every bottle you bought dear Sans!And the seltzer bottle! Fantastic!
And this colourfull knitted jacket! What a beauty!
Lucky you to see this fair and all the miniatures!:)
Thank you, dear, for sharing with us!!

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

Hi Sans,
I am so happy that you had such a great trip and are no longer a "Fair Virgen!" LOL
I love all the things you bought. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos!
Hugs

Ascension said...

Que maravillosas compras, yo solo vi el jersey y era precioso.
Me encantan esas botellas de cristal son fantasticas.
Unas compras maravillosas.......que envidia de viaje y de compras jejeje
besitos ascension

malu2 said...

Hay Susan!!
que envidia tengo!! jeje, me pasa como Ascension envidia de todo, del viaje, de las minis tan fantasticas que has comprado!! etc. todo es precioso!!y que algunas cosas las he tenido en las manos.
Que bien te quedan las fotos!!!
Pol todavía no a llegado!!
Muchos besos y abrazos de las Malu´s.

Susanne said...

Thanks for showing, Susan, I felt like being there myself while reading ;-)
Love, Susanne

cockerina said...

a fantastic journey, a purchase guessed it! each object is precious, I love the two yellow vases, and the bottle of soda!
Now, I'm curious to see the next step!
kisses, Caterina

Eva - tatalamaru said...

Que recuerdos me han venido a la cabeza viendo tus compras.(Todos buenos)... Pensar que muchas de esas cosas las he tenido yo en la mano.
Un besote

Daydreamer said...

Lovely, Lovely, LOVELY little purchases! The glass is all Gorgeous... I would have bought it for Sure! And the Peacock Plate!!!! I would be tempted to try to get a whole Set in Peacock... for the Palace of course!!! (NO Practicality here...!)And the painted boxes...! Would you believe that I try to paint sort of like that but it doesn't come out right because I don't know how they do it?!!!
Your photos are Beautiful and you have such an eye for items with Indo-Raj potential!
I Love the book-box too (I have recently bought a couple myself!)
Thank you for showing all your treasures.... and I am sure they will Always mean extra special memories for you!

Maria Ireland said...

Thank you for sharing all your fantastic buys. All the glass is wonderful. I love the yellow vases they are gorgeous.The little jacket is a treasure. Great pictures.
Hugs Maria

BiWuBär said...

I can honestly say: I've seen all of this before with my own eyes and yet it was still the biggest pleasure reading this post and seeing those treasures again! Yessss - fantastic purchases! (Btw - no cheque so far... LOL. You really got me ROFLing with your last comment!). Did you know your beautiful vases have something in common with Flutterby and Singa? Yes, it's their eyes, made of good quality "Lauschaer Glas"... ;O)

Greetings
Birgit

Rosamargarita said...

Muchas compras Sans! pero han valido el viaje y el esfuerzo, son todas bellísimas, yo también tengo envidia :)
Besos

Eliana said...

I love seeing little treasures, especially when the acquisitions are as beautiful as these!
Hugs

Sans! said...

Good afternoon, Eva! I am having lunch in the office now and this morning I finally opened the packet of "chilli nuts" I bought at your supermarket on my last day :). Guess what? You are RIGHT! It's not chilli at all! LOL! Not a hint of hot spice, just sweet! The only hint of heat is the colour of the nuts- the red hot pepper colour is totally deceiving! :)

Eva, Ro and I both agree on this - one day, you must go to Arnhem as an exhibitor.

Sans! said...

Hehehehe, Patty!!!!!! I am giggling here! Imagine laughing over exclamation marks!!

I know you attend a fair bit of these shows. God knows how many times I drooled over your purchases when you post about them. Glad I can share mine with you now.

Sans! said...

Rosanna, the rumour mill kept reducing the money in your wallet :).

I still love all those purchases. No regrets! :) What an eye opener the Fair was! I am glad it was nowhere near as intimidating as I imagined it to be. Maybe Kensington or Tom Bishop will be scarier.

Sans! said...

Yo Ewalina !!!!! I just read your email that my Zurek will be arriving!!! Woohoo! Check your email from paypal. I will reply to your email when I am home tonight.

Your turn at the fair will come and in no time, you will be exhibiting too. I will know so many makers by then, all my good friends :):):).

Sans! said...

Norma S,I am not a Fair Virgin, just a Dark one heh heh :):) and did someone just choke on that?

What a nice way to be deflowered. Instead of losing one's virginity, you walked through 1000s of mini art screaming for you to "take me, take me!" :):)

carmen said...

todo lo que has comprado era imprescindible, estoy de acuerdo!

CWPoppets said...

You found perfect miniatures for your palace. When I saw the sweater it was really like "yes, that's it".
And I won't comment about the "virgin thing" lol ...

CWPoppets said...

Oh, and if you need a survival bag after all this heavy spending, we will put one together and send it to you, right ladies ?

Piikko said...

Oh my... what a wonderful purchases you made! I can hear how they were calling you and asking you to take them home. ;D Is there any one who could resist of call of these great minis?! - Now, I can not wait to see where you are going to place your new treasures! Hugs, piikko

Sans! said...

MARIA LUISA!!!!! besossssssssssss y abrazosss

Ladies, Maria Luisa's little grandson, POL has just been born! Ooooooh , him at 1 hr 30 minutes is just the cutest. Kisses and Congratulations all round for Maria Luisa and her daughter MaLu! :):) Passing the Seltzer Bottle for a celebratory champagne :):)
Malú, que acabo de compartir la buena noticia con todos los presentes. Todos estamos muy feliz por ti :) :). Me gustaría que estoy allí para mantener Pol Pol Poco :) :) olerlo y besarlo para mí? Y me envían un montón de amor de mí, ¿ok?

Sans! said...

Ascensión, usted debe haber oído la buena noticia también :). Las chicas de Barcelona, ​​todos ellos deben estar muy emocionado y saltando arriba y abajo :).

Por cierto, quiero hacer un jardín de la Casa de Gnome :)

Ascension said...

Siiiiiiiii, ha sido niño y es guapisimooooooo!!!!! jejeje
Me encantara ver el jardin que vas a hacer.
Por cierto, ya me ha ayudado mi hijo para lo de la tienda en etsy, subire cositas en cuanto las vaya terminando, las fotos de ahora son solo para poder abrirla.
Ya he hecho una venta, a una amiga comun que queremos mucho las dos.
besitos ascension

Dark Squirrel Victoria said...

I Love everything!!! Especially the glass bottles, they are beautiful. Now to see where all this goes :)

Hugs,
Victoria

Sans! said...

Ooooooh Ascensión, quiero comprar algos de ti! Avísame cuando su tienda de Etsy se abre! No me atrevo a decirte lo que me gusta en el caso que acaba de enviar a mí. Es usted muy amable y dulce también. Usted necesita un agente! :) :)

besossssssssss

Sans! said...

Susanne, I think you would have enjoyed exhibiting there too :)

Sans! said...

Caterina :), Rosanna met you at a fair too right? :) I am sure you know exactly how I felt :)

Sans! said...

Eva Tata!!!! Pol Pol Poco ha visto todavía?

Sans! said...

WOW! Birgit, you use "Lauschaer Glas" for the bear's eyes??? I have read when I researched Lauscher Glas that it is commonly used to fashion glass eyes for human. You know my dear, you are quite the perfectionist.I am loving the garden you built for Fluby.

And check with Fluby about the cheque. He might have already cashed it ;p!

Ana Anselmo said...

I love all of them, but the bottles....I would buy all of them too!
hugs

Margriet said...

Daer Sans..your posts never bore me!!! And I love seeing what other people buy, love the glass bottles!!

Unknown said...

Well, you know for sure that I'm definitely NOT one of the people who would be bored by this post! I went all goggle eyed as I scrolled down the inventory of your treasures. We have occasional miniature shows here but I've never come across things with such incredible detail and beauty. The seltzer bottle-I've never seen one like that! The glass, the china, that amazing little sweater-how do they do this?-But oh no-the Twirly Man-that's just too much. That's just not fair. How can it work, actually tumble and twirl? I just can't believe it! What an eye you have, Sans.

Ilona said...

Hi Sans! Your blog is like a very good book, it reads very pretty ;), I like it very much; all your stories. Thanks for sharing all your treasures you have bought here in Arnhem on the fair.
Greetings, Ilona

Maria said...

Ofcourse i am not bored to see your purchases, you have such a good taste. I love every mini you bought.
If you was a Fair Virgin....what you call me then..a fair slutt? hihi
Hugs
Maria

Sans! said...

Teehee Christine :). Unlike Ro, I can't survive on candies and tea :). I will just sell my treasures when I am broke. :)

Sans! said...

hahahahahaha, Maria :):) You are hilarious :) but after a few more of these shows, you and I can team up. Let's drop the word "slut" and call ourselves Fair Femme Fatale and Fallen - especially after we are broke :)

Sans! said...

Amy, there is a huge dollhouse community in the US. Guess you must have already heard of the big shows, like Tom Bishop and Good Sam? Will love to see these in the US. But the journey there is a 27 hour flight (direct)!

Much as I love all these treasures, I absolutely love making minis. Your little red house figured huge as an inspiration when I first started, Amy because I saw that you made almost everything in that house, didn't you? Like what you did for your atelier and cafe.

dollhouse miniature said...

It can be difficult to remember when looking at these photographs that you are actually seeing a miniature.

Minnie Kitchen said...

Fabulous finds! So jealous ;)

Miniature Patisserie Chef said...

Those bottles are just gorgeous!! Great buys!

Jollie said...

Perfect shopping Sans! lol
I've also seen this glass blower when I was in Arnhme last october, and purchased some of his work too, his work is really amazing!! :-)

Thanks for sharing!
Hugs Jollie

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