Painting Chrysnbon: I, too, have painted Chrysnbon without any problems. I did use the paint included with the kits (when I didn't want them painted a "color"). But, I didn't like the light color. So, when it was thoroughly dry, I put a regular walnut stain over the top, just to bring out the wood grain. The first time I did it, I had no idea what was going to happen -- fall apart, dissolve?? But, it was just fine. I did it on the kitchen set in my "big" dollhouse, the sewing machine, several chairs in the sewing room, the tea cart in dining room, the rocker in the boy's bedroom, AND the organ (like Louise) in the music room. Also, as the crib in my granddaughter's Nursery Bag and in my grandson's Nursery Bag. If you want to take a look, go to: http://fayzerplace.homestead.com -- then My Minis -- and onward from there.

Fay in St. Louis

Making a chimney smoke: I just read the question asking how does one make a chimney smoke so I phoned a friend Donna Murphy to get the details correct. If you look at her web site http://www.interlog.com/~murphys/logxmas.html you may see the most FANTASTIC log house which Donna bought as finished structure but totally completed and decorated the interior. She has added many details and in these pictures it is Christmas time, although she changes everything around for other holidays such as Easter, Halloween etc. Every time I go to visit her I have to go and drool over this log house as it is to die for! Anyway as you can see the house has a beautiful chimney which serves the rooms on both sides of it. Donna bought a smoker unit from a train store (meant for locomotives) and wired it into the electrical system so that it can be turned on or off. It sits inside the chimney just down from the opening. You can buy the stuff to make smoke for it, which is expensive, but the man at the train store finally told her to use baby oil! She puts a few drops inside the unit and it smokes beautifully plus it is inexpensive. If you want help on this I'm sure Donna could clarify things.

Cheryl in Brampton, ON

Chimney smoke: In answer to you question on making a chimney smoke there is a smoke generator that you can purchase mostly at train or model shops that are made for trains. I have one in my gypsy wagon on http://www.picturetrail.com/cbazteca it is very easy to install and you put drops of oil (smoke oil) on the inside and it smokes works great.

Donna from Texas

Paint for Plastic - by Plaid: Plaid now has "Paints For Plastic" - acrylic type paints that can be used on all the types of plastic that you weren't able to paint before. They may be more 'user friendly' than the Testors paints which require special thinners, etc. Check http://www.plaidonline.com/articleDetail.asp?entry=article&articleID=110 for information. I assume Michaels and other arts/crafts places should carry this new product - but I don't recall seeing it the last time I was at Michaels - about 2 months ago. You can check Plaids site for phone numbers for locations that carry the paints for plastic.

Linda Gale

Christmas Trees: Try the one I have on my site: http://gerdesdesign.com/northwest.htm Click on the Evergreen Trees link.

Anne Gerdes

Christmas Trees: This lady sells fantastic kits, also sells lighting and other Christmas goodies. GJ's http://minitrees.com

Viola

Decorating Ideas: http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/christopherlowell/christopherlowell.html

http://www.hgtv.com

http://www.diynet.com

JenniferKY

mossy flower pots: I used my DH's model RR "Woodland Scenics" greenery and brownery (is that a word??). The finest available--it's almost powdery. Mixed some greens together and then put thin glue down the sides of the flower pot in a shape that looked natural. Sprinkled the powdery mix and added some browns here and there. Turned out great. Nice to have a DH with the supplies needed. I guess you could spray with a matte finish on the pots to preserve--but mine have lasted without anything. I always forget that last step.!!!

Elise in Va.

Pine cone site: http://bbobx.homestead.com/index.html I found this site while updating my web page.

Nursemini

Realistic Trees: I have just the place for you! AMSI Miniature Landscaping in Petaluma, CA. E-mail Mary Costello at macamsi@svn.net and see their web site at www.amsi-minilandscaping.com. They have kits or will build to your specifications if requested. Prices are very reasonable. Mary recently built "The Big Old Tree" for me for a scene. [Landscaping isn't one of my fortes.]

Patricia / Redwood City, CA