My Visit to Drap

The first miniature store I visited in Barcelona was Drap.  After a walk through the beautiful Barri Gothic area of Barcelona we found Drap Cases de Nines & Minatures.  Thanks to Eva who gave me the information on all three of the miniature stores in the Barcelona area.

I was so excited when I got to Drap, my husband became photographer to document the moment.

I had several goals for my miniature purchases in Europe.  I wanted items that would work in my current projects, within my budget (including all the birthday monies I had received, we travelled to Barcelona on my birthday).  I didn't want miniature building supplies that I could easily pick up online in North America.  But most importantly, I wanted items from local miniaturist in Europe.

I knew my lack of the local language would be an hindrance, but thanks to all the local store owners and staff, and in one case the customer, we overcame this challenge. 

At Drap I purchased the following (not the table, just using that has a backdrop):-

Several months ago I saw an article in American Miniaturist magazine on Montserrat Folch, a miniature artist in Spain.  Knowing I would be travelling to Spain, I promptly sent her an email asking if there were any stores in Barcelona carrying her products, since she didn't live in Barcelona.  I didn't get a response, but no worries, considering my email was in English, I knew I ran the risk.  But I was in luck, the first thing I saw when I walked into Drap was her miniature work.  I promptly swept up two pieces.  I am hoping to use these in my miniature castle roombox.  Check out Montserrat Folch's other works at http://www.montserrat-folch.com/english_home.htm  You will definitely be impressed when you see how often her work has been published!

My next purchase is for my minature bakery.  Don't you just love this apple pie.  It's made by Montserrat Rique.  I was not familiar with this artisan, but I was impressed with their work.  I tried googling the name, but I was unsuccessful in finding more information.  Maybe someone can let me know.

Update:  Thanks to Carmen, the web site for Montserrat Rique is http://montse-rique.jimdo.com/  Check out the wonderful site!

The next item I purchased was made by Savador Marge.  I was so impressed with the glassware of this artisan I made purchases in three of the venues I visited.  Again I tried googling the artisan but I was unsuccessful in finding something.  Hopefully I have spelled the names correctly.  Again maybe a Spanish follower can add more information for me.  I will probably use this in the castle or maybe even the bakery, filled with wonderful treats.

 

 

I've always loved Burberry bags, and now I have one in miniature.  It's made by Olga Asensio.  Again I tried googling this artisan, and could only find the name at the Swan House, but the items shown were different, so I was concerned that I have assigned the wrong artisan to this bag.  Again maybe someone can correct me on this.  I want to ensure I give the artisans credit for their work.  Again I think it will look great in either the castle room (which will be decorated for today's time period) or even sitting at a table scene outside the bakery.

 

Another update, again thanks to Carmen, the web site for Olga Asensio de Hara is http://chriserminiaturas.jimdo.com/  Check out the wonderful items of her site, wow!!

 

The first miniature item I made was a dollhouse and like so many miniaturist, I moved on to other projects without ever finishing it.  It's still on my list, but one room is papered as a little girl's bedroom.  The little teddy bear will work wonderfully there.  It's made by Francesca Martinez (Gina),  Again I put Google to work and found her on Etsy.  She has a lovely shop called Petitissim there, check it out.   http://www.etsy.com/shop/PETITISSIM

Update:  She also has a blog. Check it out at http://petitissim.blogspot.ca/

Lastly I broke my criteria with my next purchase.  I've owned a curio that was built for me about twenty years ago to house my miniatures.  I've never like the door on the curio, and I've always wanted to change the curio to a dollhouse front and have even gone as far as drawing out the facade of the house.  I had drawn a door pattern, but had given up the idea when I couldn't source the door anywhere.  Will to my delight hanging in the architectural components area of Drap was the door I had drawn.  Will I had to have it.

 

I also purchased four Minaturas magazines.  Even though they are in Spanish, the pictures are so descriptive I will have no problem following along.

 

So my visit to the first miniature store in Barcelona was an absolute success.  Later that afternoon my husband and I walked to the other two stores in Barcelona, but I had forgotten about Siesta time in Spain, and both stores were closed!  I would have to visit them when I returned to Barcelona after our Mediterrenean cruise.  More on that in my next posting since this one has gotten so long winded.  Hope the local people of Barcelona can add more on these artisans!

 

A big shout out to all the new followers who have elected to follow along.  Thanks so much in your interest in my miniature ramblings.

 

Until the next time.......

Wanda