Hello! :)

 Oh, my! I cannot believe how long it has been since my last post. Twas never my intention to just walk away, but, it is what it is.

So much has happened in the past two years, gees, this year alone has been a roller coaster ride of good and bad for me and my family. I won't bore you with all of the details. ;)

Let's get up to date! :)

Please do let me know what you have been up to as of late!

Most recently, I exhibited at Philadelphia Miniaturia for the third year in a row. Best time evah! and best show to date! So happy to be included with so many fabulous artisans. I feel so privileged to be included in such a fabulous show.

This year I had the opportunity to teach that went really, really well. My students were so happy with their mini creations and I am so bummed that I completely forgot to bring a camera. I will try to remember for next time.

For now, some pics of my table at the show;

My very sweet son took this pic;

and I took this one of the table;

I have more pictures on the ipad, but have yet to figure all of that out completely yet. I'm still learning, even though I am old! lol

Okay, so bear with me, this old dog is going to have to learn new tricks, after being away for so long, everything is so new and different, I have much to learn, but I will keep on trying!

Thank you for still being around and interested. I really appreciate it. :)

There is much in store for dale's dreams in the coming months and coming year and many new minis to be seen. I hope you continue to join me in this miniature journey. I'm still loving it and I hope you are as well.

Many blessings sent out to you and yours!
As ever,
dale :)

AMERICANA is now live at Etsy!

By working together, we can accomplish great things!

May I present to you;

AMERICANA!

  

 These are the collaborative works of myself, CalicoJewels and KatiesClayCorner

all are now available for sale at etsy in our shops

If you would like to see the inspirations for this line, you can find them here on pinterest.

Feel free to follow my boards.

My mother was very patriotic, it gave her great pleasure that her father in law was a Yankee Doodle Dandy (born on the 4th of July), she loved history and was a genealogist. When our country celebrated the bicentennial, my mother recreated the flag that Betsy Ross made. It is for these reasons that I dedicate my new line of miniatures, AMERICANA, to her memory.

And, the new line is...

I am pleased to announce the name of my new line is.... (drum roll please) AMERICANA! This has been the result of months of work and research. It has been a collaborative effort, I've joined forces with Linda Sweigart of CalicoJewels at etsy and Katie Reid of KatiesClayCorner and blog of the same name, also at etsy. Linda is well known for her Medieval, Tudor and fantasy furniture. Katie makes all kinds of cute accessories for the dollhouse. The listings for the new line of Americana miniatures will go live in our shops on Labor Day. 

Are you following dalesdreams on facebook? 

If you are and you share the announcement post about the new line, you will be entered in a drawing to win a sneak peek preview of the line with an early option to purchase before the listings go live. 

Have you signed up to be on my mailing list? To receive the latest news and information from dalesdreams simply email me at dales_dreams@comcast.net put mailing list in the subject line and you won't miss out on any important news, information or sales details. 

Thank you all for your support and encouragement during the creation phase.

Denver Show Part II

The long awaited Part II of the Denver Dollhouse and Miniature Show!

Remember, if you want to see a larger image of the photographs, right click on one and have it the image open in a new tab, you can then click on that image to enlarge, so you don't miss out on anything!

Last time I shared with you people I had already known, but was getting to see in person.

This time, I share with you some brand new people that I met and took a liking too. :)

Era and her husband;

run Pearce Miniatures and Era makes the most exquisite miniature florals.

website is here

email is here

Gideon was our next door neighbor and he was just the nicest gentleman.

His miniature business is called Wild Wolf Miniatures and he makes very high end furniture.

website is here

email here

Jim Pounder is one of the friendliest men you will ever meet and he makes beautiful sculptures and light fixtures.

Definitely, on the must have list  for some day!

You can find some of his works here

and here.

I didn't get a picture of her, but, Judi was a wonderful gal.

She had long black hair and was wearing vintage glasses that she had her prescription put in. How cool is that? What a smart idea! She looked fabulous!

She told me how her girlfriends started the Denver show, thirty years ago.

It was a pleasure having Judi as one of our neighbors.

Before the show, I had posted in Small Stuff Digest, to see if anyone from there was going.

Sue Veeder was one to respond and say that she would be there.

Lo and behold, she was siting right next to me at the dinner on Friday night.

That was fun. :)

website here

email here

She had some lovely items, but, I had my eye on some of her son's modern black and white photography in miniature. Of course, I am kicking myself for not getting one, but, there is always next time!

Unfortunately, I only got to say a quick Hi! to the gal that has True2Scale.

Her packaging was really quite impressive!

you can find her blog here

and her website here

And there you have it for now!

A few more things to share with you in the third edition, plus a giveaway!

All coming soon! :)

Sharing Sunday! :)

 Yes, I will use any excuse I can find to pull out my blue and white china.

Photo credits below.

I especially added these top two because they fit in with the season.

I recently got this gift from Lyssa. She had a giveaway on her blog and added a special one for those that had been most supportive of her. I was so touched to be one! :)

I know the fence shelf looks a bit Halloweeny, but later it's gonna be shabby chic-y some where in one of my houses. I love her paintings and check out the basket, would you believe it is made of paper? I had to really examine it.

Sweet treasures, thank you Lyssa!

You can find her blog here and her etsy shop here.

These are from my friend Heidi. She dressed the skelly herself and that has got to be the tiniest cameo I have ever seen. I have to make up those boxes now.

I met Heidi on facebook, she's been down here to visit twice now. We have minis and food and music in common... and the occasional sarcasm. ;)

You can find her blog here, where she writes about life and day to day kinda stuff. :)

She's been back to making minis again, maybe she will share some pics soon!

Patricia from Papillon Bleu made me this dolly when we did a trade a while back. I made a proper mattress for Alienore. She gave her a pink dress because of my affinity for pink and dark hair to match me, but look at her bracelet.

She gave her a pink bracelet just like I have.

Have you any idea how hard it is to take a picture of your right hand with your left hand?

I don't suggest trying it! lol ;)

Just one of the many moments of serendipity that I have had with so many of my mini peeps.

More hat stands from Tom Saunders.... perhaps I just leave them out some where to remind me to make some hats soon! :)

He doesn't seem to have an open shop at the moment..

I thought I bought yellow apples, bananas and peppers.

According to the receipt it is bananas, grapefruit and tomatoes!

Too funny, I don't even like grapefruit!

Guess I need my eyes checked. ;)

They are from the Fieldwood Company, Inc.

Of course, we should all be preparing for this holiday!

I got this from Pepe when Caterina had a swap for Christmas.

Sadly, I cannot find her blog now, she might not have even had a blog, I am not sure, if anyone knows, please let me know and I will edit this post.

Photo credits:

Fireplace, bench, and blue and white china from my private collection.

Blue jug from Sandy Copeland

Miniature photography from Wanderinon

Folding screen, pillows, rug and shell mirror can be purchased at my etsy shop.

Thanks for joining me for sharing Sunday! :)