NF FAQS

Here is a list of all of Nora Fleming's St. Jude minis (in order):
1. Bear Hugs (bear in wagon)
2. Lots of Love (double heart)
3. Inch by Inch (caterpillar)
4. All Aboard (train)
5. Magical Castle
6. Whale, Hello There!
7. Flower Power Purple (daisy)
8. Jumpin’ Puddles (yellow rainboots)
9. TBD

What's the story behind the St. Jude minis?

Proceeds from the sale of St. Jude minis goes to the St. Jude Foundation.
The "Lots of Love" heart was inspired by a 16-year-old patient named Alexia. That's why it is adorably off centered!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/engageforgood.com/st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-partners-with-nora-fleming-for-limited-edition-collectibles/amp/

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital partners with nora fleming for limited-edition collectibles - Engage for Good MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — nora fleming and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have announced a new collection of limited-edition St. Jude minis that benefit the hospital’s lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children. The first mini released last fall, “bear hug,.....

Here is the history of Nora's butterflies, courtesy of Jill Rosenwald Crandall at The Silly Goose:

1.) The green butterfly was in the everyday line until about 2 years ago.
2.) The blue butterfly was the first in the Signing Series by Nora in 2015. This is when so many of us fell in love and lost our minds at the same time.
3.) 2016 was pink
4.) 2017 was purple
5.) 2018 was orange
6.) 2019 was yellow
7.) 2020 is teal
The butterflies are given away where nora does her signings when you purchase a base piece or book. Signings will be announced after the Winter Markets for retailers. Most shops that have a signing will ship you a butterfly with a purchase signed by Nora.

There are two sizes of the A154 "Be Mine" pink heart, with dimensions as shown. Credit: Debbie McNulty

New: NF "Dictionary"

1. At Retail: Sold at the price it was originally sold (see also, "Close to Retail")

2. Attachments: What Happy Everything fans (and others not in the know) call minis

3. Auctions: These nail-biting experiences occur on a regular basis in the Facebook groups. You never know what is going to happen, and if you are a seller you are terrified that you will screw it up and do something wrong. (People will be very disappointed; These get so frenzied that amazing and jaw-dropping prices are paid for tiny little ceramic figurines from China)

4. Bump: Commenting on your own sale post to move it to the top of the feed

5. Charm: What non-Flemmies call minis

6. Close to Retail: Sold within a few dollars of the price it was originally sold

7. Confetti: what you are supposed to throw kindness around like. The point of the Nora Facebook groups is not so much about collecting minis, as they are a chance to show support and kindness to our fellow travelers in Noraland (see, Noraland)

8. Crazing: Fine lines that appear within the glaze of minis or base pieces, usually caused by age or temperature fluctuations

9. Cross Posted: Listed for sale anywhere (everywhere??) else [Ed. Note: this is usually a no-no]

10. Faux Mini: Mini made from items such as salt and pepper shakers or bottle stoppers that crafters fashion a stem to go into the NF base pieces.

11. Flemmies: Super fans of Nora Fleming; also, an identity that only "we" would understand, as in "Are you a Flemmie?"

12. ISO: In search of; also known as "I seem obsessed". Willing to now pay whatever it takes to obtain the mini you are obesssed with that day.

13. Man Minis: Faux minis specifically made to get our men on board the Nora train (i.e., toolbox, fishing basket, beer bucket, etc )

14. Mini: The ceramic plug-in figures manufactured by Nora Fleming; also, a small ceramic object that you will push dear family members, old people, and your best friends out of your way to grab if you see one you are looking for in a store.

15. Newbie: Someone that has just joined "Noraland" (either as a fan of her products or as a member of one of the fan pages) (see, Noraland)

16. Newness: That exciting time, twice a year, when Nora releases new minis and bases. The excitement is almost unbearable.

17. NIB: New in box

18. Nora Buddy: Refers to the friendly relationships made through the various Nora Fleming Facebook groups. You may never actually meet these people, but through interactions via comments and buying/ selling, real friendships are formed.

19. Noraland: Where you are now living if you are reading this!

20. Painted Mini: Real NF minis that have been painted and customized but of course, still feature that great NF stem.

21. Party Pooper: Anyone that doesn't understand the fascination with Nora!

22. Rabbit Hole: The phenomenon that occurs when you suddenly develop an intense and overwhelming desire to buy a certain product line. Usually begins with Nora. Can include Lori Mitchell, Happy Everything, Jim Shore, Rae Dunn, marshmallow mugs, cocktail napkins, crocheted costuming for said mugs and also pig minis, bead garlands, etc. or all of the above. And now Fiestaware! Complications develop when you jump down multiple rabbit holes at the same time!

23. Recently Retired: Just announced as retired within the last 1-3 months -- start calling every store in the USA immediately to buy the mini you originally decided not to buy.

24. Retired: No longer being made and there's a strong chance you're not going to be able to find it or afford it!

25. Unicorn: Refers to the mini that you want the most and would do almost anything to have. (Ok, remove the word “almost” from previous sentence.) Some people have multiple unicorns. And when you finally get your unicorn, magically there is another that you suddenly must have!

Q. What kind of markers can I use on the Nora Feming Memo Board?
A. Dry erase markers work well. Also Chalk markers. These can be removed with a wet or dry cloth. For a brighter color, you can use permanent sharpies. They need to be removed with rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes. All the these methods have been used and none have left permanent residue on the memo boards.
Also, did you notice the little hole in the back to keep your marker handy??

Q. I thought teal butterflies were from signings, why do some people have them now?
A. The real butterflies have been distributed by some retailers who received them when they placed their product orders at the January gift shows.

Q. How can I get the teal butterfly?

Q. Where are the 2020 Spring signings?

Q. What stores offer free shipping?

A. Teal butterflies are given out when you purchase a NF base piece at a 2020 signing. The stores on the graphic are having Spring signings. Please call the store of your choice for ordering and shipping information.

Q: When can the new Fiesta Lady be ordered?
A: Many stores are taking pre-orders, but she will not be available until June of 2020. Also, she is only sold as part of a set with the Fiesta Butterscotch platter.

Q. What bases will be retired next?
A. Just like the minis, bases are retired from time to time. Retailers find out a piece is retired when it is not listed on their order forms any more. There are NO prior hints or warnings of this happening.

Q. What Nora Fleming groups are available for me to join?
A. Here is an alphabetical list of some of the Nora Fleming Groups I've listed the names of the admins and a short description provided by an admin where stated.

1. A. Dodson's Nora Fleming VIP Group
Admins. Kim A. Dodson's

"The A. Dodson's Nora Fleming VIP Group shares fun contests, discontinued items, new arrivals, and almost weekly giveaways (depending on how quickly the week goes by in a blur!). This group is also about spreading love - not just the love of Nora Fleming but make-the-world-a-better-place
kind of LOVE!"
-Kim A. Dodson's

2. "Haute Couture de Porcine Nora"
Admins. Cherrie Christel, Anne Kulinsky, Sharon Ringo and Leslie Touzinsky

"Haute Couture de Porcine Nora is a silly litte group dedicated to dressing up our piggy minis or costuming the other animal critter minis. Members share display ideas involving their pig/animal minis. We also laugh over fun pig jokes or videos we share. There are member sponsored raffles a few times a week. Prizes usually involve (you guessed it) pig themed items.
Please join us!!
-Leslie Touzinsky

3. "Nora Fleming Addicts Cocktail-Napkin Exchange"
Admins. Melody Hamilton and Leslie Touzinsky

"This group enjoys collecting Nora Fleming Serveware and the interchangable minis. We LOVE to match our napkins with the themed minis for holidays and parties. You can participate by signing up when announced to be paired with a napkin buddy. Sign-ups take place several times a year. Some members have been known to send other fun items-- dish towels, minis, kitchen decor etc... You and your buddy decide how elaborate you wish to be.
-Leslie Touzinsky

4. "Nora Fleming Buy, Trade, Sell"
Admin. is listed as Kristina Graece

(This buy, trade, sell group is member run. There are no written rules, members buy, trade and sell on their own merit.)

5. "Nora Fleming Celebrations"
Admins. Jill Crandall, Rhonda Goetz, Debbie McNulty and Cary Speicher

"Life is all about Celebrations! We're so excited to share, rejoice and embrace all the wonderful holidays family gatherings and recipes with you. Together, let's throw kindness around like confetti!"

- Rhonda Goetz

6. "Nora Fleming Celebrations Buy-Trade-Sell"
Admins: Debbie McNulty, Jill Rosenwald Crandall, Dot Pearce

7. "Nora Fleming Friends."
Admins. Joan Marie

8. "Nora Fleming Napkin Exchange"
Admins. Caitlin Fischer

"The Nora Fleming Napkin Exchange group is a group of people that trade/share 5x5 cocktail/beverage napkins to fit a 5x5 acrylic frame. These framed napkins coordinate with Nora Fleming minis. We are an all inclusive group that strives to give members a place where they can develop relationships with others through the partner system without feeling the need to break the bank. Members are randomly partnered for 2 months at a time and are required to share a minimum of four individual, 5x5 cocktail/beverage napkins per 2 months (2 napkins/1 month). Nora Fleming is all about bringing people
together, and we have such a lovely group of people that long for and strive for just that!"

-Caitlin Fisher

9. "Nora Fleming Napkin Fans"
Admins. Barbara Ann (Barb Semple) and Dan Ploszkiewicz.

"The NORA FLEMING NAPKIN FAN page offers Raffles every Tuesday and Thursday between 7:00-7:30pm Eastern
time (6pm Central, 5pm Mountain, 4pm Pacific). We raffle off napkins, Minis, and other fun trinkets that bring joy. We also share recipes, celebrate birthdays, and enjoy each others beautiful Mini displays."

-Barb Semple

10. "Nora Fleming Steals and Deals"
Admins: Wendy Miles Mitchell and April Papik

"This page was developed strictly to help members buy, trade, sell, or ask for items they might be in search of (ISO) as well as a page that allows member to share those “finds”, “deals”, or “specials” they might run across. Items to be offered should be Nora Fleming RETIRED authorized pieces ONLY. Items not to be posted: non Nora items (examples: food, decorating idea, faux minis, napkins, etc.). This page is maintained by admins who are not retailers and are available for any issue that comes up and to make sure the rules are followed. Please see our page for more info and rules for the site."

-Wendy Miles Mitchell


11. "ORIGINAL NORA FLEMING FRIENDS"
Admins. Jan Ritthaler-Powers, Tawanda Brown and Corinne Picataggi

"This was the first Nora group to originate! We post creative decorating ideas and celebrate everything Nora!!! Many friendships have been created over the years and we are a close, tight-knit group of Friends who genuinely show kindness and love to one another. We hold contests, raffles, etc. Please join us and share in the fun!!!"
-Jan Ritthaler-Powers

12. "The Original nf Friends"
Admins. Nancy Henderson, Christy Candiello and Carolyn Barron

Q: Please tell us about Nora's Easter Egg collection!
A. This is a list of what we know about the eggs in the order they came out. Notice in the photo, the placement of the stem so the eggs sit at different angles. All the eggs have been retired.
1."Easter Fun" - white egg with green and pink polka dots, gold nf's (No product number)
2. "Easter Fun "- pink, yellow and green striped egg embossed with flowers and dots and nf's (A10)
3. "Lacy Egg" - turquoise with gold lace stripe (A84)
4. "Wavy Egg" - blue with blue wave and pink dots (A95) cir. 2012
5. "Everything's Eggscellen" t- yellow egg with green and blue polka dots (A139) cir. 2014
6. "Eggstra Special" - pink, teal and white striped egg (A179)
7. "Easter Egg-citement" - solid blue egg (A193) retired Feb 20

RANDOM INTERESTING FAQs:
- Nora has NO retired minis in her private collection (she says she’s given them all away as gifts).
- The spider mini was made for her daughter.
- The hockey skates mini was made for her son.
(Thanks to April Papik for these)

Q. What base does Nora recommend as a gift?
A. The bread tray.

Q. What is Nora’s favorite base?
A. Her ‘new’ favorite is the triple dish.

Q. Will Nora ever make NFL helmets?
A. “Maybe later.”

Q. What is Nora’s favorite recipe in her new Mini Occasions cookbook?
A. The spaghetti recipe.

Q. When is Nora going to make some more collegiate helmets?
A. She’s working on getting licensed with more college teams.

Q. What is Nora’s favorite holiday?
A. Halloween.

Q. What is Nora’s favorite mini?
A. The grill.

Q. What was the first base Nora made for retail?
A. The round Swiss Dot platter.

Q. What was the first mini Nora made for retail?
A. The blue bird.

Q. What goes into the decision of making a new version of an older retired mini? (i.e. the anchor, ketchup&mustard, basketball)

A. According to Nora at a recent signing, she said it's primarily popularity and what people want her to re-release. (Thanks to Kathleen Nora for this Q/A)

Q: When and where is Nora signing this Fall? Where can I get a yellow butterfly?
A: You receive a free yellow butterfly by going to a Nora signing and purchasing a base piece.

Q. Are the ceramic bases microwave and dishwasher safe?

A.Yes according to the Nora Fleming web page they are microwave and dishwasher safe, but I wouldn't put any glued pieces (pedestals or vase) into either.
The web site doesn't say anything about the melamine pieces.
Also, the Cheers and Love signs are hand wash only.

NF FAQS updated their website address.

Q. Are Nora bases oven-safe?
A. Only the bakers/casserole bases are designed for use in the oven. PLEASE NOTE: Most ceramic pieces can be "baked" at 300 degrees for 30 minutes to 'set' a signature. This does NOT include glued pieces (love & cheers signs, cake pedestals, vases, etc.)

Q. Are Nora bases dishwasher safe?
A. Yes, except for the wooden pieces.

Q. How do you determine if a mini is retired?
A. A knowledgeable retailer checks the Nora ordering site to determine if it's still available. A quick check of the Nora by the Numbers and visual inventory documents, located in group files on the ONFF and NF Celebrations pages, will also list the status of minis.

Q. With signings being scheduled, could I just bring the book to a signing and get the signing mini?
A. No, purchases must be made the day of the signing or preordered and left at the shop for either pick up just prior to the signing or shipped after signing. (And yes, the book package counts as a base) ADDED: Some retailers have said they will honor prior purchases if their sales receipt is presented along with the base at signing. Please check with your retailer to verify their policy.