FROM THE PRESIDENT

We’re into August already! Where does the time go? Hope you all had a good time at the “Christmas in July” and got something nice to take home. These things were either bought with mini money from Hobby Builders Supply Houseparty or donations from Marilyn Hess. Thanks Marilyn, and to all who ordered at the Houseparty.

I think we all had fun, even if it was a challenge to figure out what my “pussy paws” and “shovels” were. I promise not to play cards again!

The August meeting features “quilt” making. Marilyn Hess will bring kits and show us how to make quilts without sewing. No money is needed. Supplies are:

Cork board or pinning board
White Tacky glue
Straight pins

We need a few more steam irons (she has two), we have a couple of small boards, and will bring some towels for pressing too.

Bring your COMPLETED box from the Hobby Builders Houseparty. Everyone who brings a finished box will get $2 mini money. Oh, this is fun paying out this mini money! I love making these executive decisions.

July Exhibit What a wonderful day! Barb Hefti did a lot of work and it showed. Thank you Barb for your hard work. The only glitch was that we had to be out by 5pm so we started to take down at 4pm and a few disappointed people came in after that.

The new NAME state representative came, brought some displays, and sat a a table with our MAME and NAME information. She would like to see this continued next year and include other surrounding clubs!

We had wonderful participation: Barb Hefti, Nancy Flanagan, Marjorie Thomas, Mary Clark, Joan Emden, Rita Wandel, Diane Barden, Sue Veeder, Linda Kasper, Lori Johnson, Jodi and Peg Eklund. Plus Lynn Jensen (Region A-1 NAME rep) and Betty Smith from Milwaukee Small Scale Club. The above members brought displays, some demonstrated, and some had sales tables.

There were also exhibits from some unable to attend: Donna Balsley, Marilyn Hess, Nancy Woudstra, Peggy Bugg, Loretta Snee. Lori Johnson and her husband did a marvelous job of taking lots of pictures which she has on a CD. I have prints available for those who want to look at them in August. We will submit an article and pictures to American Miniaturist and the NAME Gazette.

We filled all the available tables at Reiman! There were lots of interested visitors – men, women, and children. The Visitor Center people were very impressed and it sounds like we may be asked back! It was an exciting day and we all went home thrilled to have shared our hobby, and very tired!

Lori Johnson set up a work day in July at the Sun Prairie Library. About seven of us showed up to check it out and do some work. It is a wonderful facility: a big room with lots of tables, chairs, and great light! There is also a kitchen with fridge, coffee pots, etc that we can use. This would be a great place for workshops in the future!

Did you see Sue Veeder’s article “Cat Facts” in the August issue of Miniature Collector? Great going Sue – and you can add more mini money to your bank account. Not enough people signed up for the Indianapolis trip so we will look into a couple of day trips.

Of course you have all checked out the MAME website. Tell Jodi Eklund about anything you would like to see on this site. I would like a community project to promote our hobby. Education for Girls Scouts or in the schools was suggested and Joan Emden will look into it. I spoke to the Rock County 4H people about being a resource for miniature projects and will do more checking.

Got another idea! A Reiman exhibit visitor told about their new members packet. When a newcomer joins after a three month visitor status they get a folder with a brochure and by-laws, and a small mini tool box. Would we like to do something like this?

Looking forward to seeing you Thursday and sharing all the good news about our exhibit! And I will probably have some more ideas, too!

Nancy Flanagan 

 

 

JULY MEETING
For Christmas in July President Nancy wore a red shirt, Christmas vest, Christmas watch. Jodi Eklund wore red shorts, Diane Barden a red shirt and shorts, and Rita a red skort. Nancy left the room during a short break and returned ringing bells and dressed as Santa!

There was a very special treat at this meeting! Marjorie brought a wedding cake from the wedding of her grandson, offensive tackle Joe Thomas. Since there were a few extra pieces, some lucky husbands got to share the wedding cake of one of UW’s best known players!

Show and Tell
Marjorie Thomas showed a Christmas room and porch with snow covered shrubs and trees. Windows had lighted wreathes. The marble topped table was a gift from Phil Rowin from a long ago Christmas party. Sue showed her Story Book Cottage in quarter scale including furniture made from a kit from Suzanne and Andrew’s Miniatures.

Joan Emden showed her Vintage Emporium (kit from Seattle House Party) that housed Kewpie dolls, toy chest, china in a cabinet, chandeliers, and clothing. Nancy Woudstra had a lot of pull toys made at RIM. She had cut warm fimo into a shape and glued Mrs. Grossman’s stickers to each side. Sounds like a good project.

Sue showed a Christmas tree she made for her mother showing Sue and her sister as children playing with Barbies, Shari Lewis’ Lamb Chop, and wrapped gifts. Someone (who could it be?) had a Debbie Young Christmas house with furniture made from quarter scale kits. Peggy and Linda showed their elaborate hats and boxes for Easter, Ascot Race Day, and July. All had intricate details cute as can be.

Donna Thorson showed the quarter scale replica of the old Union Valley school house in Iowa county that she made for her mother. It was complete with a little bridge over a creek and a specialized outhouse – boys on one side, girls on the other side, and stacks of wood in the middle. American Miniatures has asked for pictures and an article about it.

Loretta showed one of the 1/144 scale gothic houses that she loves. This one required six hours just to paint the gingerbread. Jan Waisman’s art deco tea room the St. Pierre is finished and features an art deco mirror. Tables and chairs are on a raised area; it includes some of the most exquisite and delicate pastries anyone had ever seen. Some were on a tea trolley from England.

MAME Book for Points

Lori has put this book together to help members keep up to date with their points for a MAME pin. A big thank you to Lori for all of this work. She has yet to speak to the RIM woman about a series of programs based on various techniques used on $1 hutches. She will buy 15-20 so as to have them on hand.

The Holiday Party committee will be chaired by Sue Veeder and assisted by Jan Waisman, Marjorie Thomas, Linda Kasper, and Joan Emden.

Business Items

Nancy Woudstra will contact Wisconsin State Journal about inclusion in Neighbors. Gerry will contact Madison libraries about a list they may maintain on local clubs. Discussion of the Weather Watch list brought up the subject of cell phones. Gerry will bring a form to the next meeting for people to list their cell phones (if they keep them “on”) and these numbers will be added to the membership list.

Nancy suggested changes in the by-laws because some items are out of date. Since Georgia Wagner has mentioned in the past that it is easiest to operate with the least amount of by-law mandates, she will be asked about this matter.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS
Or rather best wishes for a long happy life to the bride! Charlotte LaGesse married Lowell “Mike” in Janesville July 18. Unfortunately she had to use a walker on the happy day but her leg will heal in time. Her new name is Charlotte LaGesse Millisor. Contact a board member for her new address and phone number.

LINDA’S CYCLAMEN CLASS
The class will cost $8 and will be held at the Green Lantern Aug 18 from 9am till you all “finish or get kicked out.” You should bring:

Work surface
Small and medium stylus
Wire cutter
Round plier (I have some extra)
Needle nose plier
Small sharp scissor
Favorite flower glue
Take home container

Gerry Schlecht, Secretary