Nebraska State Day 2016: Cozy Nook Event

On September 18, 2016, the Omaha-Council Bluffs Miniature Guild hosted the 23nd Annual Nebraska State Day. This year, the project was "Cozy Nook." We had 32 participants (plus committee members) from 7 states: Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, and Wisconsin. We also had two international guests this year from Canada and England. We know that it's a long journey for many of our participants, and we're so happy you took the time to come mini with us. Once again, our Nebraska State Day Committee really knocked it out of the park. Let's dive in to see the goodies!

As always, the committee members had everything perfectly sorted and arranged in individual fruit boxes. Below, you can see a strawberry box with the kit that was waiting for us at our tables. These kinds of boxes are fantastic for travel or transportation of delicate minis or builds. (TIP: Check with your local grocery store to see if they have any fruit shipping containers that they don't need or to see if they can start setting some aside for you):

The committee members used their fantastic imaginations to craft sample nooks for our guests to see. It's so helpful to be able to go look at the completed kits if you ever get stuck. (TIP: Take a LOT of photos of samples at mini shows or events so you can go back and look at the details later. How does the window go together?? Oh yes, I have a close-up picture! HOORAY!!):

One of our participants brought us a HAPPY NEBRASKA STATE DAY banner that we were proud to add to the display table:

More examples to admire:

It's always so fun to participate in a good raffle:

OCBMG would like to thank everyone who donated these wonderful miniatures to the raffle -- and offer congratulations to every lucky winner:

The room was buzzing with activity:

It was fun to walk around the room to see what everyone was making:

The committee members were always ready to help out. Here you can see Lois Andres demonstrating how to put together the peaked window area:

This year we had three vendors who provided many fun goodies to fill up the nooks. From right to left, we had Harlan Schleuter from Miniature World and Ron Chase from D-Tales Miniatures:

Marie Bound also had a table with a wide array of miniatures:

The committee provided a continental breakfast at the beginning of the day and a delicious pizza and salad lunch midway through. In the afternoon, we received snacks and drinks. Meanwhile, everyone was dutifully working on our kits:

The souvenir gift from the committee was a vegetable set made by Pat Richmond of Twin Heart. Included: celery, carrot, green onion, cabbage, tomato, green pepper, potato, and garlic. Pat's vegetables are incredibly realistic. You can even slice the cabbage open to see the mini leaves throughout the core. We also received a marble-topped bistro table set and a cardinal made by Barbara Meyer of mini-gems. All of Barbara's birds are always such a treat! We're so proud to have talented, miniature artisans there with us in spirit on our special day:

Each participant received a totebag with miniatures from OCBMG and Shoe Box Bunch members (We're so grateful to our sister group for contributing). Here are some examples of totebag gifts, including a window box and wall shelf to add to the nook:

More totebag items:

And even more totebag items:

Each year, we have an optional 21 Gift Exchange. You can make 21 gifts to exchange, and you'll get 20 items back. Here are some examples of exchange gifts:

More exchange gifts:

And even more exchange gifts:

So fun to see hand-crocheted minis up close:

Because of the way the exchange works, not everyone receives the same items, but at least 20 people received individualized stained glass window hangings from Sharon Hammell (IGMA) of Vancouver BC, Canada:

As we were walking out the door, a committee member handed us surprise brown paper bags filled with a bunch of minis and kits. WHEE!! Lots to work with here:

OCBMG would like to recognize and thank the Nebraska State Day Committee: Lois Andres, Edna Bonney, Del Faris, Georgia Gregg, Kathy Hall, Syd Hulla, Harlan Schleuter, and Ada Vicars. Thank you so much for your hard work, dedication, and generous spirits!!!! And extra special thanks to Ron Chase for donating so many of the raffle gifts this year!!

Want to know what we're going to make next year? We proudly present the Nebraska State Day 2017 project "Grandma's Attic":

Stay tuned to see more photos and get more information about Nebraska State Day 2017. I'll be sharing the details soon!! Remember, you don't have to be a NAME member or a member of our groups to participate -- everyone is welcome.

Thank you to everyone who came to mini with us!  

And a HUGE thank you again to the Faith Presbyterian Church for hosting our event! We'll see you next year!