Whether you're new to collecting miniatures or you're an old pro ready to learn more about the pursuit, the West Coast Dolls House and Miniatures Show is the place to go. Held annually in Langley, British Columbia, the show brings miniaturists together from all over Canada and beyond on the second Sunday in June.



Set up as a two-day affair, the show is designed not only to give collectors a place to buy, but also to teach them tricks of the trade. The first day of the show is reserved for a workshop series. The second is dedicated to the show and sale. During the show and sale, collectors from all over can come and purchase miniatures in many scales to help them round out their own collections. Should collectors want to learn how to do things themselves, the workshop series is worth checking out. During the series, collectors can choose to attend a number of classes that will teach them how to tackle different projects related to miniature ?housekeeping.?

The workshop series does vary each year, but dollhouse enthusiasts who plan to attend the event can expect to learn such thing as:

How to create their own felted animals ? Collectors who want a serious touch of realism for their dollhouses know that family pets and other animals are a must. Instructors at the show can teach others how to make their own felted miniatures, including dogs, raccoons, cats and more.

Character dolls ? Ready-made dolls are nice, but it's always more special to populate a house with homemade creations. When enthusiasts are lucky, the workshop series will include a session on how to create realistic character dolls without the need for molds.

Clothing ? Period clothing is essential to keep the integrity of a dollhouse theme together. Unfortunately, many collectors don't know how to sew or have trouble with the tiny pieces of material they must work with. During the show's workshop series, it's possible to learn how to make finished pieces using only a glue bottle.

Electricity ? Making sure the lights are on within a dollhouse is an essential move to add realism and a sense of wonder to the setting. It is often possible for collectors to learn how to electrify their own houses during a step-by-step workshop.

Other lessons ? Depending on the slate of workshop leaders, participants may also have the opportunity to learn how to make their own pieces of furniture, decorations and more.

While the workshop series is worth attending, many enthusiasts travel to Langley for the show and sale. During this part of the festivities, miniaturists from all over show off their creations and make them available for purchase. Collectors with an eye toward doing so can literally furnish their houses from top to bottom during the sale.

If you marvel at miniatures, a trip to Langley, British Columbia, will leave your jaw dropped on the floor. The annual West Coast Dolls House and Miniature Show provides a venue for miniaturists to share ideas, learn from each other and shop to their hearts? content.