Dainty Doll Newsletter: you can read more about my newsletter on my web site: http://daintydoll.tripod.com/DaintyDolls/ It's especially for people who make, dress, or collect miniature dolls. We give patterns with instructions, helpful hints, news, and artist features. We have more ideas than we have room for! Anyone can email me personally for more information. Daintydollnews@InsightBB.com

Paulette Stinson

Plain Old style Furniture: I saw a library copy of just the book for you, by Phyllis G. Jellison, The Remember-When Dollhouse. It has patterns and directions to completely furnish a turn of the (19th to 20th) century farmhouse in the Grand Rapids style golden oak furniture and accessories like a Victrola. Checked bn.com out of print which has numerous copies available ranging from bargain 12 dollars to ridiculous 92 dollars; may be available elsewhere too.

Loretta.Sniarowski

1/12th Scale Character Figures book: I got the Carrington book for Christmas. What it did was intimidate me from even trying to sculpt! I put the book away and am trying again to get up my nerve. His people are so wonderfully lively. I think maybe Kitty Mackey's book would be less scary to start out with; her article in DM on sculpting an Elvis wasn't nearly as intimidating. And one thing that disappointed me about Carrington is that the information on costuming was negligible, and the realistic drape and hang of his garments creates much of the realism. I've never been a mini-doll person because I don't do Victorian, and pretty much all male garments and modern female garments just don't look real to me, however real the dolls. Pants don't hang right and jackets look bulky like life jackets. (I wanted to learn to make dolls just to try another skill, not necessarily to populate my houses.)

Loretta.Sniarowski

Carrington book: I agree completely with what Loretta Sniarowski says about the James Carrington book: "...one thing that disappointed me about Carrington is that the information on costuming was negligible, and the realistic drape and hang of his garments creates much of the realism."

I also agree that his approach is more intimidating than others, and I was also very disappointed when he did not include instructions for getting that realistic look. That was exactly why I ordered his book, thinking I would learn about costuming. Telling us to use chalks is one thing; showing us is another.

I think you can get just as much in the way of general info about sculpting from other less expensive sources. For example, I have learned far more by joining the MiniDolls list (msatminidolls@yahoogroups.com).

Wanna in El Paso

Minis in Japan: You didn't say when you are going but unless you can speak/read Japanese or have translation software on your laptop you may have a hard time communicating.  The same day that Tom Bishop holds his dollhouse and mini show in Japan (either June or July) there is always a teddy bear show in the same building and the people who run that show speak English and know a lot of the miniaturists.  That is about as helpful as I can be without any of my contact info around. I know Beth Stark from Liliput Land did the Bishop Show in Japan---you could try to ask her for some info.   Or you could ask Tom Bishop himself who also has had Japanese artisans at Chicago International Shows. 

Aside from the obvious miniaturists, you will see wonderful Origami paper in designs never sold outside of Japan from which you can make dozens and dozens of things in mini.  The finest silk "left-overs" and brocades and then there are all sorts of mini skate boards and items that the Japanese use for kids games.   Plus the greatest source of all are the shops and nurseries that specialize in bonsai plants!  If you are going to Kyoto ask your concierge for the name of the most famous fan store in Kyoto---no English---but eye candy and fans of every size and color imaginable---this is where you can buy tiny, teeny fans for the dolls that they use on Girls Day.   Also, try some of the antique stores and look for all the older ceramic Japanese dolls (in any of the cities).  If you are really lucky you will find a complete set still in the box with extra wigs and obis, etc.  If you are really, really lucky you will find a small shrine with the emperor and empress and lots of courtesans and musical instruments that will actually fold right back down into a box that you can hand carry onto the airplane.  Just keep your eyes open and enjoy. Personally, I obviously prefer the historical pieces because even I can make modern tatami matting myself.

Sara in Paris

Carrington book: I have met Jamie Carrington and have seen his dolls in person, they are incredible. His dolls remind me of him, he has a personality and a half, great guy! I have his book and it takes you step by step through the process with drawings and tips, also a few giggles. lol I think the book is a must have.

I think there are people out there that can tell you the basics, but for me, I don't think I could have understood it all without the book. Just my humble opinion.

Kathy in NYC

Barn/Stable: For those interested in a making a barn. I have a copy of "Stable of Champions" which tells how to make a stable and about any accessory you can think of. This was published by the Nutshell News publisher so maybe you could check with them about a copy.

Irene

Minis in Japan: I forgot who was looking for info on buying minis in Japan.  I suggest that you visit the flea market at the YOYOGI shrine in Tokyo.  It is held on Saturday and I think only the 1st Sat. of the month.   Ask at your hotel and they should know or be able to find out for you.  I hope you are in the city on the correct Sat.  I bought some wonderful old mini, handmade vases and kokoshi dolls (mini) and a musical instrument.  (Can't remember the name--it is stringed and very long.)  Most of my purchases were $1.00.  We bought a full size wedding kimono to hang on the wall here at home.   It is beautiful and was very reasonable. I forgot to say they had oodles and are all second hand.  Makes a wonderful reminder of our trip. Look at the gift shops at any of the shrines and usually they have things that work in minis.  I found bronze statues of gods, goddess, Buddha, etc. 

Staining

I rehab a lot of houses, but for children, so sturdy playability is more important than period detail and perfection. Often if trim is in bad shape, I just sand, use wood filler, sand again, and repaint rather than going to the trouble of removing and replacing it -- but either way, it's much more tedious than difficult! If you're lucky and the original builder did it the lazy way with hot glue, if the house isn't falling completely apart already, you can loosen the broken bits with a hot hair dryer, then scrape off the glue residue. And of course when you do your restoration, use a good glue (check the Archives for tips) so your work stays done. Have fun. This is the right place to get all the advice you need step by step from people with much more expertise than I have, but if I can do it, so can you!

Loretta.Sniarowski

Bunka: Heritage Miniatures from Goffstown, NH has a supply of bunka in all colors and at a reasonable price. They also have laces, trims, and fabrics. E-mail them at heritagemin@mindspring.com I am a bit behind in SSD so you may have already found some.

Bobbie Lacoy