NZAME Conventions are Biennial (occur every 2 years) and are held in various different cities throughout New Zealand – hosted by a different Club/s each time.
(NOTE** details of the next Convention can be found at the end of this page)
Registration is open to all NZAME members.
Registered attendants are Welcomed at the opening ceremony on the Friday evening and the Convention continues until the Monday afternoon – with various workshops available to the registered attendants only but a vast Display, also Sales Tables area open to the public from the Saturday morning – each day through to Monday afternoon.
The AGM is held on the Saturday evening for delegates/members, generally with a ‘Moonlight Walk’ to follow.
What goes on at Conventions:
Once you have registered you will receive a pack containing all relevant forms to be filled out and returned to the host club. Once these are returned you will receive confirmation of your workshops etc, along with other information. Morning and afternoon teas are supplied, and you can order lunches and dinners all at very reasonable costs.
The weekend generally starts with a short opening ceremony on Friday, followed by an amazing shopping spree for delegates only. This is followed by two days of hard work for those doing some of the most exciting workshops. On Saturday night we have the NZAME AGM which is followed by a moonlight walk around the displays. Sunday night is Convention Dinner which will be themed, (more on that closer to the time). Dress up or down, but you will have lots of fun! Monday is the day for the round-table workshops.
Workshops
A selection of workshops are always available at Conventions and they take place throughout the weekend.
Many talented tutors apply to tutor at Convention and many of the workshops available will have some connection to the theme each Convention… but it is not a necessity.
These popular workshops allow the delegates to learn new techniques and they vary in size, not only of the scale they are in but also to the length of time required to finish or work with your tutor – all is advised beforehand but you must always remember to book in quick as many workshops have limited kits available and are held on a “first in- first served” basis.
Roundtable Workshops
Another traditional and keenly anticipated event at Convention is the Roundtable Workshops. Tutors set up to teach a project at a table. Delegates can move from table to table and select the workshop/s they wish to do and sit down, completing one project before moving on to the next. Projects usually cost no more than $10 and are designed to be completed in a short time frame – it is recommended/requested that you sit down with the tutor on the day to do the roundtable workshops on-sight rather than just take kits, this ensures all registered members get a fair chance to purchase/finish a few smaller projects at Convention and is a great ‘bonding’ time also for all those involved.
Sales Tables
Every Convention has an area set aside for Traders and miniaturists to sell their wares.
You’ve heard about the “kid being let loose in the candy store” … well this is even better! Dealers and artisans from overseas and New Zealand reside in this area and many delegates come to Convention for the shopping alone!
This area is open to the public as well as to delegates throughout the weekend, although delegates get first pickings on the Friday night when the opening of the doors resembles somewhat the Harrods sale/stampede!
Exhibition Area
The exhibition area is full of miniature displays of all shapes and sizes that have been created by NZAME members and Clubs to display. Many exhibits are unveiled here for the first time. This area is also open to the public throughout the weekend and is what we are all about… sharing and showing the treasures we conjure up from the depths of our imagination.
A highlight for all delegates is the “Moonlight Walk” where all the lights are turned off EXCEPT those in/on the exhibits and it is like walking through a magical wonderland!
Meal Functions
The meals and dinners are a great way to meet fellow miniaturists and the Convention Dinner is always a special event. The in-house raffles will be drawn at the dinner and for this reason alone, it is worth attending. There is always a ‘table gift’ for delegates who attend the Convention Dinner and these always prove to be treasured souvenirs.
Raffles/Door Prizes
There is always a main raffle as well as lots of “spot prizes” drawn throughout the three days the display and sales areas are open to the public.
The ‘in-house’ raffles are available to delegates only and these are sure to delight any miniaturist.
Mystery Bus tour
The ‘Mystery Bus Tour’ is another iconic part of our weekend. Here members get the chance to unwind and see a little part of the host club’s surrounding town and area. This is sure to be popular so book promptly to avoid disappointment.
Goodie Bags
A longstanding tradition at Convention is the ‘goodie bag’ you receive when you arrive for registration. This is such a highlight of Convention. All Clubs around the country take great pride in making a souvenir gift for the goodie bag, and it’s usually a quick scuttle back to the bedroom to upend the bag/box and ooh and ah over the treasures inside! Traders/Dealers and other generous individuals and groups often donate items for the goodie bags as well.
PLEASE NOTE
Workshops at a Conventions are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis – to those who have registered for the Convention.
Once you have registered for a Convention, your workshop sheet gets sent out to you and we recommend/request you send your completed workshop form by July 31st, to the NZAME Convention hosts. This is to allow time for the hosts to contact tutors with numbers etc, giving the workshop tutors time to prepare their kits.
Workshop bookings may not be secured through the tutor. Bookings are accepted only on the Workshop Form issued to registered NZAME members.
~ NZAME’s 2018 Convention ~
Theme – Shop ’til You Drop
When – Labour Weekend – 19th to 22nd October 2018
Where – Awapuni Function Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Venue – Awapuni Racecourse
Contact – Mavis Cheyne (Secretary)
email – mavischeyne@gmail.com
postal – 17 PineRidge Terrace, Waikanae 5036
Accommodation – The Host Club recommends looking on http://www.manawatunz.co.nz/visit/accommodation/
WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE –
Click on a picture, then click again to see larger images…
Shabby Chic Vignette
NOTE* mannequin shown in 2nd picture is not included in this workshop but is available as a separate workshop
– see Dressed Mannequin workshop next workshop down
Tutor: Jean Blanc
Shabby chic vignette
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $72
Full day: Saturday
Max. 15
With desk, shelf unit, sewing machine and all accessories as in picture. Sewing machine available in pink, ivory or black.
Kit option available.
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Dressed Mannequin
Tutor: Jean Blanc
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $32
Full Day: Sunday
Max 20
Silk dress with lace and seed pearl panel with two layers tulle petticoat.
No sewing required.
Kit option available.
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Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice …
Wardrobe : Workshop 1
NOTE* contents shown in first picture are included in this workshop – to purchase/make remainder of extras (as in 2nd picture) see Merle’s Workshop 2… next workshop down
Tutor: Merle Mather
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $112
Full Day: Saturday
Max. 10
Ready for a new arrival.
This 1:12 scale pre-cut wardrobe will be assembled in class, painted then decorated with nursery rhyme figures. Once lined in pink gingham check fabric for the door panels and matching paper for internal shelves, students will create a fabric organiser for the door, ready to be filled with baby essentials.
Class also includes the other items in the photo.
6” x 3 ½”
Kit option available.
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Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice …
Clothing & Accessories : Workshop 2
Tutor: Merle Mather
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $82
Full day: Sunday
Max. 10
Add this to your wardrobe in Workshop 1, or you can just make the Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice clothing and accessories for use somewhere else.
Kit option available.
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Shop in an Egg
NOTE* 2nd picture is an example of how your shop can look – 2 x bears are included in your kit – more available for purchase if required
Tutor: Mike Ind
Scale: 1:48 Cost: $102
Two Days: Saturday & Sunday
Dimensions: 130 mm x 90 mm x 80 mm
The interior is lit by a battery-powered light – on/off switch under the base. The roof is ‘corrugated iron’. The front
opening can either be ‘weather board’, or finished in a brick effect as per photos.
The finished item can be used as anything the builder wishes: it can stay as a shop, or a room or scene of any type.
You will receive two bears to start your collection.
Kit option NOT available.
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The Brown Bag Lunchbar
Tutor: Lorretta Surtees
Scale: 1:48 Cost: $52
Two Days: Saturday & Sunday
Min. 6 – Max. 15
All Internal contents shown are included.
Kit option NOT available.
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Bras, Briefs and Bustieres – A shop window display
Tutor: Rio Cox
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $90
One-and-a-half Days: Saturday & Sunday Morning
Min. 2 Max. 10
Make a decorated and mirrored three-fold screen and create lacy underwear on two white painted shop torsos on stands, and perfume tray.
You can choose either the peach or blue screen.
Workshop includes all items in photo for the colour selected.
Please note: This kit includes one screen. Picture shows both sides of the screen.
Kit option NOT available.
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Victorian Shop
Tutor: Jan Stillard
Scale: 1:48 Cost: $110
Full Day: Saturday
Victorian era shop with ‘stained glass’ windows.
The corrugated roof comes off to show a good-sized interior. Each shop comes with a personalised shop name and date.
Interior contents not included.
Kit option available.
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The Gentle Art of Deception/Disguise SORRY – CLASS IS FULL
Tutor: Jim Lowe
Scale: 1:24 Cost: $45
Full Day: Saturday or, if full, possibly a Sunday class.
Max. 12 in each class
There is a lot to do in this class.
You will learn:
– How to age, paint and rust the shed using crackle effects.
– How to add contour and texture to make the ground and pond.
Dimensions: 220 mm x 145 mm x100 mm
Kit option possible.
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Traditional Putz house (Glitter House)
Tutor: Dawn Raine
Scale: approx. 1:12
Cost: $37 or $41 if you want your reindeer cut out, constructed and given a metal gold finish.
Full day: Saturday
Min. 5 Max. 16
Dollhouse for the dollhouse.
Includes lighting and reindeer.
Learn how to shorten a string of lights to provide cost effective lighting for your miniature projects.
Dimensions Base 2”x 3” Hides battery pack House 2 1/2” high
Kit option available.
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“Oh dear, I shouldn’t have gone into that Antiques shop.”
Tutor: Melody Lawrence
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $32
Full Day: Saturday
Max: 15
Arts & Crafts Bookcase C1900
(As a tribute to Anne Eustace, who also loved the Arts & Crafts furniture.)
Dimensions 7’5” x 2’3” x 1”5”
Kit option available.
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Aga Stove
Tutor: Shannon Wanty
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $22
Full day – Saturday
Max. 20
Make a modern Aga stove with gas cooktop, standard oven size – ideal for smaller spaces.
A good workshop for trying sanding to shape the doors, and work on your spray painting technique.
Cream spray paint for the stove will be supplied, as pictured.
One other option possible, probably light green or pink.
Please BYO spray paint if you want a different colour.
Kit option NOT available.
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Davenport Desk
Tutor: Frances Gillett
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $57
Full Day: Saturday
Max. 15
Davenport desk with opening desk-top and four drawers.
Dimensions: 2” wide x 2” deep x 3 ½” high
Kit option available.
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Pasta Preparation on Board
Tutor: Kim Lineham
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $47
Half Day: Saturday Morning
Max. 30
Fun with FIMO.
Students will create this scrumptious, entirely calorie-free pasta preparation board, along with mussels in a cream sauce. (Can substitute meatballs, if you prefer.)
Kit option available.
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Delivery Truck from the 20’s or 30’s
Tutor: Vicki Taylor
Scale: 1:48 Cost: $52
Half Day: Sunday Morning
Max. 20
Your truck can be put to a variety of uses such as grocery, milk, postal service, removals, etc.
You will assemble the truck from a laser-cut frame and paint the outside.
The shelf unit and other items are NOT included but can be purchased at the workshop or on Vicki’s sales table.
Kit option available.
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Beautiful Bonsai
Tutor: Kim Lineham
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $25
Half Day: Saturday afternoon
Max. 30
We will explore how to create bonsai using a variety of materials. Students will be provided with a
bonsai pot and materials to create one bonsai plant each. Extra pots will be available for purchase
as this is surely an addictive art form.
Kit option available.
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Icecream Parlour Display
Tutor: Kim Lineham
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $70
Half day: Sunday morning
Max. 30
Learn how to create mouth-watering icecream, cones, flakes, etc., using Fimo.
Students will also create their very own icecream parlour display, complete with fun,
personal touches.
Accessories are included as in the display shown in the photo.
Kit option available.
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Take a Break
Tutor: Pam Alexander
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $20
Half Day: Sunday morning
Max. 20
Kauri settee.
Looks good painted or stained.
Dimensions: 5 ¾” x 3 ½” x 1½”
Kit option available.
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Cyclamen in a Pot SORRY – CLASS IS FULL
Tutor: Alison Batterbee
Scale: 1:12 Cost $27
Half Day: Sunday afternoon
Max. 10
Make a lovely cyclamen for your dollshouse or scene. You will make one cyclamen in a pot.
Kit option NOT available.
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“Time to Go Shopping”
Tutor: Pam Alexander
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $16
Half Day: Sunday afternoon
Max. 20
Traditional Mora clock made in kauri.
Kit option available.
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Train Table
Tutor: Kim Lineham
Scale: 1:12 Cost: $150
Half Day: Sunday afternoon
Max. 30
Super fun and creative! We will use Paperclay and a variety of landscaping materials
to create this amazing train table, complete with (nonworking) train.
Students will be provided with instructions.
Kit option available
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