This past weekend my sister and I went to the Minnesota Dollhouse & Miniature Show.  It was held Friday evening and Saturday.  They opened at 4 p.m. on Friday and when we arrived at a little close to 5 it was packed!  One could hardly get close enough to see things.

But we persevered, and by 5:45 or so the crowd really thinned out and we were able to make our way around much more easily.  If I go again, I’d definitely just wait and arrive a bit later.

There were only about 20 vendors, so it’s not a huge show.  Of those 20 vendors, there were a few that I thought really stood out starting with Stanford Street Miniatures.

She had some really cute things, and at really reasonable prices.  I didn’t end up buying anything from her, but I really should have purchased something for my Christmas Cottage.

Next up is Blissful Minis.

She had some very lovely things, she calls her style French Cottage.

If you know me at all, you know I loved her white, distressed pieces.

But many of her things were just a tad too lacy for my personal taste, so I didn’t actually buy anything from her.

Teeny Tiny Taylor should probably get the award for best display.  She had the most fun retro 70’s vibe.  Unfortunately, I neglected to get a good overall photo of her setup so you’ll just have to trust me on that.  Her specialty is creating miniature food like these pineapple upside down cakes.

She had a fantastic room box set up for Thanksgiving dinner.

I didn’t actually purchase anything from her either, mainly because I’m not really into that level of detail in my own dollhouse.  But her pieces were truly teeny tiny works of art.

Speaking of food, this next vendor had some great things too.

And I did even buy a fabulous birdhouse from this vendor.  Unfortunately, I paid cash, didn’t get a card and didn’t get a receipt … so I don’t know their name.  Shoot!

I’ve saved my favorite vendor for last.

Mini Mercantile Co. was right up my alley.

I’d like to have purchased one of everything she had.

Or maybe 2 or 3 of everything!

She had some adorable Christmas items.

And that brings me to my haul.

I bought this round coffee table and the items on it from Mini Mercantile.

I think my favorite thing is the ironstone covered casserole.

How perfect!  And I have the perfect spot for that in my Victorian dollhouse.

I also purchased some adorable Christmas signs from Mini Mercantile.

They will definitely end up in the Christmas Cottage.

I purchased a few mini garden items at the show as well.

I already had the potting bench … um, let’s see … I don’t know that I ever shared that piece here on the blog.  That was an oversight on my part.  I painted that up last spring using milk paint and I got a fabulously chippy result.

But I did buy the two tall square clay pots, the French street sign and the basket of apples at the miniature show.

I also purchased this fantastic hedge clipper from Sir Thomas Thumb.

They even actually open and close!  I do have another piece by him that I think I purchased from Miniature Crush and that is this scoop.

He clearly does beautiful work, I probably should have purchased a couple more things from him while I had the chance.

Last, but not least, is that birdhouse that I mentioned earlier.

I have yet to work on the landscaping for my Victorian dollhouse, but this birdhouse will definitely find a home there.  I’m in search of some classes or tutorials on creating miniature plants/gardens, so if any of you have any sources be sure to let me know.

Do you have any good miniature shows where you are?  Be sure to share in the comments if you do!