Mini-links: Check out my site, newly updated with hundreds more mini links. Updating is ongoing for the next couple of weeks, so be sure to hit your refresh button. http://www.miniaturereality.com/ 

Karolyn

Ceiling fan: Some 20 years ago, I used scrap flooring to make my ceiling fan...glued 2 pieces back to back over a piece of wire, let glue dry, trim the paddles to shape with scissors, sandwich the wires between 2 circles of wood..ceiling fan!! You can see mine on my website in the Odds and Ends section... http://www.geocities.com/josdollhouse/

jo-in-GA

Freezer wrap: What I want to do with it.

1. I want to use it as a backing for thin fabric so I can print on it.

2. I would like to use it as a backing for  printed tissue paper and paper napkins ( the printed layer only) so I can    use it   for my greeting card and envelope making. I do not take  the freezer paper away but I leave it on for these projects.   For the cards I cut this paper into pieces and use it in card blanks. Ican also make 12thscale cards this way.

3. I want to use tissue  permanently backed with freezer paper to fold tiny gift bags and boxes for my dollshouses.

4. I would like to use it for some quilting projects. Perhaps even minis?!

5. Finally I would love to experiment with white tissue backed with freezer paper and   run it through my printer to see if I can print my own paper to use for the things mentioned under 2 and 3

Marianne

Cleaning brushes: Another tip for anybody that doesn't like using white spirit to clean the brushes after painting with oil based stuff: I whisk the brush in a little jar containing cooking oil (any will do) and after that the paint/varnish can easily be washed of with warm soapy water.

Emmy

Miniatures on the Road: It has been a few weeks since our last road trip, and the next one is coming up.  One of the most important aspects of planning for a trip is:  What kind of projects can I work on in the car? In the first place, during daylight hours, there is very good light in the front seat of the car.   Not so great in the back seat, so   claim your spot!   Some of my  usual projects include:

Rubbing down the latest coat of finish on furniture projects

Sanding

Weaving the seats on rope-seated chairs

Weaving narrow tapes for Shaker chairs on an Inkle loom in my lap

Counted cross stitch (save this for the interstate - it's not for the back roads!)

A few other observations:

A padded fabric sun visor makes a fine pincushion.

Don't try anything with an Exacto knife - you would need more band-aids than the experiment is worth, and you really shouldn't bleed on the miniatures. I have tried gluing up projects like chairs, but the results are inconsistent and the glue gets everywhere it shouldn't be.

Keep a small bag handy for trash.  A previously unused barf bag from the airlines makes a great conversation piece.

If you have too many loose parts, they  will end up in too many places in the vehicle,   if your traveling companion has to hit the brakes hard and fast.  (Trust me on this - it's a corollary to Murphy's Law)

A final comment - Pete says that his idea of purgatory is the sound of hand sanding.  (He could turn on the radio if he really wanted to.)  Happy trails,

Pam Boorum

Sealing Paper Flooring: I used all paper flooring in my Mary   Englebreit house.  I used something called Super Sealer that is a liquid.   I applied it with a foam brush.  It worked great, it gave the paper a nice sheen and didn't bubble.  If you'd like to go take a look at it, once you get to the ME page --   http://fayzerplace.homestead.com/MEhouse.html   -- then go to Living Room and Bedroom to see the wood look.  The bathroom and kitchen have "tile" not "wood."

Fay in St. Louis

Sealing Paper Flooring: I used to finish paper flooring using Mod Podge.   Lay the flooring using yes glue & let it dry thoroughly.  Use a sponge brush & brush the Mod Podge lightly over the floor & let dry.

Sari

Paper "wooden" floors: This might not be what you are looking for, but I used laminating paper.. the adhesive kind, and got wonderful results.   Everyone that doesn't actually lean and look close or touch it thinks it's a real wooden floor with a glossy finish. (wow, that's 2 posts for me in 10 minutes, a late starter am I but when I get started I guess I don't waste any time eh?) :o)

Kim

Paper flooring: I finished my dollhouse floors by going to a printable site and printing the patterns I wanted to glossy photo paper.  I then applied three coats of clear acrylic sealer gloss (Plaid brand spray) about 20 minutes apart.   This gave my "linoleum" looking floors a very realistic look.  I've also done this with cobblestone and wood patterns, and was very satisfied with the results.

Joan/Indiana

Paper flooring: I score between my paper flooring, once it's glued down, then go over it with tea or coffee. It runs into the cracks and looks quite authentic.

Lynne Connolly