Hunting Lodge and Chickens (---Helen!) -- The new print catalog from http://www.terrysvillage.com is chock full of thematic ideas. Also, full scale polymer strawberries that would make an adorable setting for a garden fairy doll.

Chrissy the Hyphenated

Dollhouse Kits: The Little Dollhouse Company in Toronto changed hands a year or so ago, and the present owners design their own houses. The kits are cut for them by IBEC in the same western cedar. The display houses looked to be of the same good quality, and the houses have realistic designs. The smallest has 2 rooms and an attic, the largest has 10 rooms and a hidden room in a tower. Prices range from $90 to $480 (Canadian money). Very attractive on all counts. No website, but a catalogue. For those interested, tel. nos. are 416-489-7180 and 888-763-8966, email is ail@softwonders.com I have no association with this company, but really liked their houses, and was impressed by the variety of specialist minis they had on display (doctor's office and hair salon roomboxes and much more).

Kay in Ottawa, Canada

Sewing Supplies: I just received a new catalog from Home Sew, where I've been buying sewing and doll-dressing supplies for the last 25 years, and they have more interesting goodies that can be used for miniatures, then ever before. They now carry some colors of 4mm silk ribbon and lovely silk ribbon embroidered floral bands that can be used for all kinds of decorating. You'd pay triple the price if you found this stuff for sale at a miniature show. When requesting the catalog, also ask for the sample club card no. 141, because it lists 5 different European Treasure Braids, which are gorgeous embroidered ribbons. These must have a million uses in miniatures - and the prices are low: 2 yds for $2.50. I use them in historical costuming, but a few other ideas are: frame sections as if displaying needlework, pillow tops, chair seats, on cornice boards, fire screens, or panels in a room divider, table runner, small rugs, wall hangings, small upholstery, etc. The web site is http://www.homesew.com Address: Home Sew, PO Box 4099, Bethlehem, PA 18018-0099

Paulette in Southern Indiana

Patio floors: I finally have my patio floors available in 1/2" scale and 1/4" scale. The 1/2" size is 6" by 6", the 1/4" size is 3" by 3". Both are equal to 12 feet square in life size. To see the two styles available, please go to my website. Click on Old World Tile in the contents, then floors, then scroll down to see the patios. These are so new they're not listed on the site yet. http://www.minimanor.com

Beth, In A Miniature Manor

Oily rags and fire hazards: When you have finished with a rag or cloth that has been used to apply oil to wood, and maybe you've thrown it on the floor or put it in a waste paper bin, something magical takes place! As oil oxidizes (is exposed to air) it generates heat. If the rags are covered by anything else, the heat can't dissipate. It therefore can build up and cause spontaneous combustion. (Catches fire without any other source of ignition.) There are two precautions. (1) spread the rags or cloths outside in the air to dry overnight, or (2) soak them in a bucket of water before you dispose of them.

Peter, West Sussex Woodencraft

1/144" scale. I've started working on 144th scale people but wonder if I am just crazy, since no one seems to have people in their dollhouse dollhouses. I just love making things tinier and still realistic looking. I'd like to do some furniture, too. Here is a site that carries 1/144" scale furniture and other items. This might just be the inspiration you are looking for.
http://www.wood-street-miniatures.co.uk

Marilyn

1/144 microminis: Callie asked if it's mad to make people in this scale. Actually there is a whole group of crazy microminiers who have their own list. Houses, people, furniture ... it's all there, impossibly small. Many of them are members of this list, too. Join them at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MSATMicroMinis

Kay in Ottawa, Canada

Repairing resin: I use silicon to glue resin. Use all you want as the excess will readily peel off when it's dry.

Carol, S P Miniatures

Repairing resin: Cathy asked for the best glue for repairing resin figures etc. I've found that Quick Grab works the best on resin for me.

Alice Zinn- Pt. St. Lucie FL

Repairing resin: I use super glue gel. (I like the gel because it doesn't run - and I don't end up with my fingers glued together!!)  

Patty Johnson