174 replies to this topic

[shannonc60]

Well, I know it's a little early, but just curious as to what the 2012 structure will be and when it will be announced. I didn't enter this year - it was too big and I don't have the space for it, and quite frankly didn't find it that exciting.

What do people want to see? I'd love to see a fantasy structure, preferably in smaller scale (although I know that'll never happen!). I really liked the ski lodge for the 2011 Spring Fling (even though I didn't enter that either).

[havanaholly]

Shannon, HBS usually announces the next year's contest kit when they show the winners.

[queenannediva]

Just received an email from HBS announcing the 2012 contest kit - a loft.

http://www.miniature...Kit-P23266.aspx


Valerie

[shannonc60]

Do you think that's it Valerie? I suppose it would have to be. I have an idea I suppose. It's not overly exciting. I have no idea how people come up with the ingenious ideas they have!

[Contrary Housewife]

I'm just stumped for original ideas on that one, too. I suppose I will come up with something truly inspired about 3 days before the contest ends, though.

[queenannediva]

The pics in the email show a much more exciting kit. The interior was finished nicely and looked like it could be a fun project. Unfortunately, my delete finger was a little too quick on that email so I had to post a link to the kit on their website. The kit is also pictured on the cover of the new catalog (Winter 2012) which has apparently been mailed or will be mailed out any day now.


Valerie

[Kabrina]

Wow...really? Maybe I'm not that creative because I don't see anything except half a Little House on the prairie house... ....I bet someone will blow us away though.

[Kabrina]

I'd be more interested if it was in a smaller scale too. No room for 1/12 scale houses any more.

[havanaholly]

Actually that one would bash nicely into some fab 1:24 structure.

[welcomehomeminis]

I've still got that email in my inbox... not sure I'm seeing where it says it's for the next contest, though...
We're celebrating the debut of our
New MiniTown Loft Shell Kit
with 15% OFF everything on our site!Dear KELLY,




Dear KELLY,
Congratulations! You are among the very first to lay eyes on our amazing new dollhouse kit, the MiniTown Loft! It's been so hard to keep my mouth shut about this one, because it is JUST ... SO ... COOL! But, at last, the time has come. Now you know I really do listen! Y'all asked for something smaller and less expensive that still had tons of potential, and I think we've hit the nail on the head! Plus, Fran did such an excellent job bringing the trendy modern-ness out of this straightforward design, you just can't help but be inspired! I can't wait to see what you all do with this versatile kit! The MiniTown Loft will be in stock next month, but go ahead and place your order now. This one is sure to go fast!


[LOL it wasn't this ugly in my email but it wouldn't paste properly here!]

[LindaC]

half a house is right. I would have to do 2 of them. can't afford it anyway so that's okay. There will indeed be creative minds at work.

[Bogie]

Here's some ideas:

House boat
Nail/Hair Salon
Spa
Coffee shop
Art Gallery
Theatre (two kits: First - lobby with upstairs and down stairs balcony seats. Second- Remove interior and make it the stage.)
Dance Studio (also two kits: First - No interior and remove right wall. Second - Remove left wall so it opens to the first. Use the loft for changing and reception.)
Ice Rink (similar construction as the Dance studio, only you might need three kits so you have a big rink)
Military Bunker
Ice cream shop

Ok, I'm getting excited. I think this might be a great contest kit.

[rbytsdy]

Here's some ideas:

House boat
Nail/Hair Salon
Spa
Coffee shop
Art Gallery
Theatre (two kits: First - lobby with upstairs and down stairs balcony seats. Second- Remove interior and make it the stage.)
Dance Studio (also two kits: First - No interior and remove right wall. Second - Remove left wall so it opens to the first. Use the loft for changing and reception.)
Ice Rink (similar construction as the Dance studio, only you might need three kits so you have a big rink)
Military Bunker
Ice cream shop

Ok, I'm getting excited. I think this might be a great contest kit.

Whew-- my idea is not on this list! Now let's see if I can actually finish this year, as opposed to the last few years...

[eliza]

I think I have a really awesome/unique idea for the loft, but I just got started with dollhouses and I just got the chimney assembled on my Brookwood. I'd also have to make a lot of custom pieces for my idea because they are not things there's a big market for.

I think I'm asking for either encouragement or discouragement. I'd need to get started pretty early in the year because I don't have big chunks of time to devote to miniatures.

Any advice?

[havanaholly]

...I'm asking for either encouragement or discouragement. I'd need to get started pretty early in the year because I don't have big chunks of time to devote to miniatures.

Any advice?

Start NOW.

[Minis On The Edge]

LOL great advice Holly! She's right though Eliza. The sooner you start, the more time you'll have for any surprises that may come your way as you build and edit your kit

[Mad for Mod]

Start early. I didn't start on last year's until September and there were a few things I just didn't have time to do. Those are fantastic ideas! I would never have thought of those.

[Gonzo]

I agree with everyone else...start early. Like Cyd, I didn't start until late in the year and was still making changes/additions on the last day. I hear a lot of folks are going to use more than one kit. I have a couple of ideas and will probably do the same.

Here is the actual link for the contest info:

http://www.miniature...Contest-W6.aspx

[eliza]

Alright, I'm in!

Problem is now I think I need to get two of the kits to take my idea over the top - I think this will be the first time I bash a kit as well.

I'm excited!

[SQUEAKY]

I've been working on mine for a few weeks; my order for building supplies was delivered last week. Now I just need the kit.