The KZN biggest little show is back
Hosted by The Durban Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, the public is invited to come and support the biggest little show where they can meet miniature enthusiasts and see some of their work as well as purchase items from them.
TWENTY-seven stallholders will showcase their creative miniatures at the Westville Country Club on Saturday, May 25, from 10:00 to 15:00.
The World of Miniatures Fair, which is the biggest little show in the province, is hosted by The Durban Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (DAME). It offers scale models, fairy gardens, fairy houses, model trains, bonsai and dollhouses.
This year’s theme is ‘Fairies and fantasy’.
One of the organisers of the fair and DAME member, Priscilla Kleyntjens, said they work in a scale of 1:12 when they make their miniatures.
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“DAME was started on August 28, 1992. A lot of supplies are made by our members as we don’t have many suppliers of the things we need available in South Africa. Importing miniatures is very costly, so we have to make everything ourselves.”
From building their own dollhouses, room boxes / dioramas, furniture, curtains, lighting, carpets and everything they need to fill their dollhouse, making miniatures is a lot of work but fulfilling and exciting.
“We also make use of certain things that would end up in the dustbin. For instance, the top of the Sunlight liquid bottle would be made into a teapot, a plastic bottle could be cut out to make a hip bath, and the list goes on.”
Kleyntjens said she started making miniatures in 1997 after going to a train convention at the Westville Civic Centre.
“We have 33 members and welcome visitors to join and get totally addicted to our hobby. In the past year, we have had new members join who are already showing a lot of enthusiasm and their own creative side. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite display and also give the organisers an idea of what they would like to see for future shows.
This year, visitors stand a chance of winning a beautiful florist shop.
Kleyntjens said the shop has been made by a new member and all our members contributed flowers, vases, buckets, macrame and gifts to fill their shop to capacity. People can buy as many tickets as they wish at the door on the day, and one lucky person will walk away with the beautiful florist shop.
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“Our members have a roster of workshops, and every month, we have a new project to work on. The member doing the workshop will supply a ready-made kit and will instruct us on how to create it,” said Kleyntjens.
She added that they are excited to host the fair again this year.
“The show is for the whole family – there is something for everyone – children and adults.
“Every year, our financial proceeds, which we obtain through fees and collections, go towards a worthy cause. We also host mini fairs during the year, and people can follow us on our Facebook page – DBN Association of Miniatures.”
Entrance is R10 for adults and R5 for children, and children under the age of five enter for free.
Contact Priscilla Kleyntjens on 084 357 2988.
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