Hobby horse heads: How about felt? you could stuff them a little, add a fringey yarn mane, French knot or bead eyes and leather reins-the kind kids string beads on for bracelets. Or look for a bead or carved wood thingy (or carve your own?. Or look for those magnets in animal heads. Maybe buttons?

Peggy in Madison, WI

Magnetic paint: I have used the magnetic paint in one of my dh's and really was disappointed with it. A friend of mine used it also, and she has to buy super strong magnets at Radio Shack. I don't like the magnets that she uses because they are too thick to look good imho. Regular magnets will not stay up on my walls, and I used 2 or 3 coats of the magnetic paint before I wallpapered.

Sherry in Tx

Magnetic paint: In a recent digest, some one asked about magnetic paint. I knew I'd read about it in Consumer Reports, but it took me a while to dig out the magazine. It is the March 2002 issue, page 8, if you want to read the entire thing, but they found the lightest magnets stuck with only one coat, but anything heavier needed more coats, and it begins to take on a funny texture. They did recommend sanding between coats for better holding power.

Oh, and it is PRICEY.

Dani, in Bradshaw, MD

Magnetic paint: I have been reading the posts with great interest and think this would be a wonderful idea, but it sounds like it doesn't work very well. Why not use thin metal on the walls under the wallpaper or whatever like one would use matte board, then the magnets would be sure to stick. Make sure you don't use aluminum though because it is not attracted to magnets. Is this possible? Any problems?

Susanna from Indiana

Magnetic paint: Susan wrote, "Why not use thin metal on the walls under the wallpaper or whatever like one would use matte board, then the magnets would be sure to stick."

How about using the metal that is used for the fronts of refrigerators and dishwashers. Some of the modern styles come with changeable panels in various colors and perhaps even various textures. You could ask if "replacement" panels are available. These could even be used for modern walls.

Peggy in Shoreline, WA

Miniature Carriages and Wagons: You must check out BD's Saddlery and Wagon shop! Expect to pay about $200.00 for a vehicle, but in the model horse hobby, he is the absolute best! You won't find anything as accurate or beautiful anywhere else. Mr. Duncan has many nice examples on his website, or will make anything you like. He offers custom paint, wheels, etc. Turnaround time is usually less than a month. Be sure to tell him you want a vehicle in "Breyer Classic Scale." That is the size of the second smallest Breyer model horses, which is 1/12 in dollhouses. Also be sure of what your scene is going to be. Back then, folks of higher incomes would have more than one carriage. Fancier ones would be used for driving to church or attending a dinner party, the other less-elaborate vehicle would be for running errands. Let Mr. Duncan know what you are trying to replicate in your scene, and he'll tell you the appropriate vehicle and colors. Address is http://home.earthlink.net/~rduncan0291/index.html

Cindy

Miniature Carriages and Wagons: You must check out BD's Saddlery and Wagon shop! Expect to pay about $200.00 for a vehicle, but in the model horse hobby, he is the absolute best! You won't find anything as accurate or beautiful anywhere else. Mr. Duncan has many nice examples on his website, or will make anything you like. He offers custom paint, wheels, etc. Turnaround time is usually less than a month. Be sure to tell him you want a vehicle in "Breyer Classic Scale." That is the size of the second smallest Breyer model horses, which is 1/12 in dollhouses. Also be sure of what your scene is going to be. Back then, folks of higher incomes would have more than one carriage. Fancier ones would be used for driving to church or attending a dinner party, the other less-elaborate vehicle would be for running errands. Let Mr. Duncan know what you are trying to replicate in your scene, and he'll tell you the appropriate vehicle and colors. Address is http://home.earthlink.net/~rduncan0291/index.html

Cindy

Victorian carriages: I don't know this artist (I wish I did) but he makes the most astounding carriages (horse drawn) that I have EVER seen! His work is very pricey, but if I had the money...I'd have all his stuff! His name is Larry Hanes, and his work is highlighted on Anita's site...she does mostly 144 scale, but his are standard scale. Even if you can't afford it, you might be able to get some great ideas. The first link is Larry's horse carriages, the second link (you'll be kicking yourself if you miss THIS...) is a gypsy wagon. I have pined over this piece since the moment I laid eyes on it! ( It actually crossed my mind, (seriously) at one point, wondering how much I could get for my used car, so I could commission my own Gypsy wagon...) Check it out. Satisfying eye candy, really extraordinary work, museum quality. (You will want to backtrack to see Anita's stuff, too She is a major talent in 144 scale.) http://www.anitamoriginals.com/larry.htm http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=676136&uid=162487 anitamorig Gallery (for the Gypsy wagon)

Sherise

Gold plating: I have used a Minwax Detail Pen, made by the same company that makes Minwax stains. Try the hardware store. They have several colors. I find the gold pen is really realistic looking. It will only stick to some plastics so try it first.

BarbaraD

Gold Dipping: l don't know if this will help or not but the first thing l thought of when l read your post was an item I've seen in catalogs, such as Miles Kimball, etc. It's a dipping solution for renewing your jewelry. either gold or silver. It sells for about $20.00 a jar. I've never used it so can't say if it works or not, just a thought.

Aloha, Jerre