Realistic Trees: check out Architrees at http://www.architrees.com. They make trees for architects' models . The trees look very realistic. They have several that are 12, 18, or 24 inches high. Those seem to be a much more realistic size for 1:12 scale than most of the trees that we see sold for dollhouse landscaping. The prices are very reasonable too. I'm even hoping that if enough people working in the 1:12 scale contact them, they may increase their line of 18 and 24 inch trees. Right now they only have a few types of trees in that size.

Mary in Virginia

Faulty Wiring: I used tape wiring in my first two dollhouses. It was a sometimer for me to. Some times it worked sometimes it didn't. I wasn't my brads because they were all tightly fit, but it was my wiring from my lighting fixtures. I would have to rub the connection and it would pop back on. This happened often. I vowed I was NEVER going to use tape wiring again. However, I started my third house with the intention to sell and I didn't want to invest in wiring when I still had tape wire left. So I tried it again. But this time I soldered all my wire connections. And I got beautiful bright lights that lit every time!!! I did the same to my first two houses and all the frustrations of turning on the lights are gone. No more flicking, no more lost connections. And it's easy to do. If you can use a gun you can solder. The only difference is that it's not hot glue. And best of all. They are cheap! I see them at the 99 cent store all the time.

Tonya, BKLYN

Lighting Hutches and other furniture: Very simple to light hutches, bookcases, cabinets etc. Just drill and put bulb in hole, hidden behind a soffit of course. blob a bit of glue from behind to hold the bulb. . Run wire or tape wire down the back and attach a cord & plug. Use it like a lamp.... Go look at lighted furniture at a large furniture store and see where they put the lights. Replace the shelves with Plexiglas and put mirror stuff inside back and/or sides to scatter the light. Decorate with transparent stuff, colored beads etc. Outstanding accent!

Judie - Daytona Beach, FL

Scale: The May 2002 issue of Dollhouse Miniatures has 4 wonderful pages of size conversions compiled by Joann Swanson including standard household measurements, standing man, woman and child figures in 1", 1/2" and 1/4", sitting figures in 1", 1/2" and 1/4", conversion of 1" scale to 1/2" and 1/4" scales and a whole page of fractional conversions in 1" scale. Well worth the purchase price if you can find it. Address is http://www.dhminiatures.com Don't know but expect you can probably get back issues from them.

Maureen in St. Albert AB Cda

paper kimono directions: They can be found at either: http://www.hgtv.com/HGTV/project/0,1158,CRHO_project_24524,00.html or
http://www.yasutomo.com/project/

Annie W. (Pittsburgh)

Resin Source: Try Eager Plastics at http://www.eagerplastics.com I use them for my resins. They are quick and efficient and a pleasure to work with. I'm sure they have what you need.

Rik Pierce

Resin Source: if you are looking for resin, try www.dragonflyintl.com. that is Deb L. site. She teaches classes at workshops for mold making and resin use. She also carries the supplies. I took her class and it was great!

Elaine

Resin Source: Here is a general link to mold making and casting supplies. Very good site. http://www.lumicast.com/links.html#SOURCES

Mary Lou

Quick flowers: What you can do to make flowers in a hurry is this: Have a look at some tiny silk flowers, small  plastic plants etc. Usually there are all sorts of bits and pieces that you can cut off and they will look fine when used for flower arranging. I use them often and I have a collection of tiny berries ( great fillers in an arrangement) ), the smallest leaves ( single ones or bunches), the things from the centres of silk flowers are often nice  too. Perhaps you will even find silk flowers that are small enough. You could even cut leaves from big silk leaves when you paint a shape with fray check , leave to dry and then cut out. How about using beads? I have some that look like little daisies and roses. Perhaps they will need a bit of paint to look more realistic. DO you have a dried flower arrangement in the house ? great! You can cut off a few nice pieces and no one will notice.   It is very easy to make clusters of berries. Use some cloth covered wired coated with tacky glue and just dip it into a pot of small beads. Voilla!

Marianne

Click and drag dollhouse:   My sister, bless her non-mini heart, sent me this site which is a click and drag dollhouse. http://www.shoptoyland.com/toyland/playground/dollhouse/decorate.html   Lots of fun and the children and grandchildren should enjoy it too.

Maureen in St. Albert AB Cda