Mel K.

Window cutouts. I always use a drill and drill a 3/8 size hole in each corner of the window then I use a jig saw to cut the opening.

Steven

Flag printables...go to this site:
http://miniatures.about.com/library/weekly/topicsubprintables.htm?once=true&

She has a number of wonderful flags, buntings and patriotic vintage art. I printed out several of the flags and buntings for the mini club that I belong to so that people can decorate the front of their mini houses.

Kaye in L.A.

Flag printables...go to this site:
I found some U.S. and Canadian flag printables, if anyone is still looking for them. Here's the addy:
http://www.geocities.com/jessknight34/printables.html

Chris in Minnesota

Paper to Fabric Trick:
- First step is to get the design into your computer: scan or photograph with a digital camera.
- Second step is to clean up the design: use a program like paintshop.
- Third: print it on your computer using fabric paper from a quilt shop, I understand Walmart carries this also.
- Fourth: spray fabric with a fixative for stablizing ink...do this OUTSIDE and leave it there to air.
- Fifth: ready to use.

Laurie Sisson

Books for Newbies: welcome to mini mania! I'm gonna bore everybody recommending what I always do. Go immediately to the nearest public library and, if you don't have one, apply for a card. They should have even out of print books, may have magazines and how-to videos, and can order those they don't have for you by interlibrary loan. Your taxes are already paying for this service, so use it to "test drive" and decide which books are right for you.

Then you can shop Half.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble (on-line as bn.com they have lots of mini-topic books), etc., for your personal must-haves, and should even be able to find most out of print books reasonably priced; also check ebay's non-fiction hobbies & crafts listing under the Books category.

Personal favorites: anything by
Helen Ruthberg,
Joan McElroy,
Andrea Barham,
Patricia King,
...because I like reasonably easy do-it-yourself. Also, joining NAME gives you a Gazette subscription and access to their video how-to library by mail.
Subscribing to another magazine or two helps; best choice depends on your focus. In US, Dollhouse Miniatures has most how-tos; Miniature Collector has most artist displays (fabulously inspiring but deservedly pricey); Dolls in Miniature focuses on dressing and accessorizing mini inhabitants for your projects. (SSer Viola Williams has back issues; SSer Rosemary Macedonio just assumed publishing and offers current subscriptions.)

In UK, Dolls House World is similar to Dollhouse Miniatures; Dolls House Magazine has somewhat fewer projects, International Dolls House News is similar to Miniature Collector, and Dolls House & Miniature Scenes' Projects offers single-theme, all-project issues (pubs, weddings, gardens, etc.) and is like joining a how-to book club. You can test drive these by ordering at your local shop or through Tom at Earth & Tree, where you can find virtually everything written on the subject!

Loretta Sniarowski

Books for Newbies: A good book for beginners is The ABC's of Dollhouse Finishing; from kit to masterpiece by Barbara Warner. Published by Kalmbach at $19.95

Roberta in Wisconsin

Books for Newbies: My suggestions would be:

Everything You Wanted to Know About Dollhouses But Didn't Know Who to Ask by Nancy Van Horn (Houseworks) (available at Hobby Builders Supply)

Places in the Heart, Volume I: Elementary Landscaping and Plot Design, by Becky Holliday (Holliday & Associates) (available from http://www.beckyholliday.com/)

How to Wire Your Dolls House Using Copper Tape, by Joyce Betts (Grandads Playroom) (available from http://www.grandadsplayroom.com/)

Your own 3-ring Miniatures How To book, compiled by printing out Small Stuff tips and saving instructions from kits you buy

Chrissy the Hyphenated

I have three favourite books:
Miniature Room Settings by Helen Ruthberg, Chilton Book Company, ISBN
0-8019-6679-5 (paperback) Lots of room box ideas, patterns and suggestions for making accessories

Can't find my Joan McElroy book so can't give you the details but it was my first and is a tie for favourite with
The Dolls' House Do-It-Yourself Book by Venus and Martin Dodge, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN 0-8069-7710-8 House patterns, including a modern house, great furniture patterns. Some patterns are 1" = 16" but they're great just the same and some actually work well in very small 1/12 rooms.

Maureen in St. Albert AB Cda

Loom: Sammy and Jerry Smith make an 1850 Swedish 4 harness loom in 1/12 scale:
http://happinessisminiatures.com/loom.htm

Sir Thomas Thumb: I believe that Sir Thomas Thumb is now in Canada.
Sir Thomas Thumb
161 Canterbury Street
Ingersoll, ON N5C 1E2
Canada
519-425-1926
519-425-0488

Grace Shaw