Stair rods: You can purchase thin brass rod to use as your stair rods, but the real problem is how to fasten them in place. I have only seen the brackets in magazines from the UK, where loose runners and stair rods are quite common. DH suggests cable claps, which can be purchased at a hardware store. They come small enough for telephone cords, so ought to be do-able. I was going to suggest cutting thin pieces of crown moulding and drilling holes to accept the rods, but I think I like his idea a LOT better!

Dani, in Bradshaw, MD

Stair rods: On my first dollhouse (about 20+years ago) I decided I had to have stair rods to hold the carpeting on my staircase. That long ago, you really had to improvise on things. I used jewelry screw eyes that were plated gold. They look like a screw eye in full size but are much tinier and have a sort of cap just above the threads. (They get glued into holes in earrings, etc. to fasten the posts and earwires etc.) I used small diameter brass tubing that fit through the holes in the screw eyes, and some tiny drawer knobs to plug the end of the holes in the tubing. I don't remember who makes them, but they just have a little spike on the end of the knob. I had to drill each spot where the screw eyes went - these eyes had a flat end because they weren't meant for wood. I was very pleased with the effect but it was very time consuming.

Bonnie Gibson

Door Hardware: Kendall doesn't have a website but I have those doorknobs on my site. http://www.spminiatures.com/kendallall.html

Carol

1" scale Mason jars: http://www.cottonridge.com has them!!!

Marsha, Newark, CA

Mini Domes: Thank you to everyone who responded to my mini glass domes query. I was asked to post the private responses. Here is what people suggested privately: JAF, Michaels, http://www.hometown.aol.com/GLASSMURPH/sitemap.html and http://www.minikitz.com. I need to replace one that broke.

Linda Master

Underwear: I don't know about making the undies, but I have ordered beautiful mini lingere from Gwen Brennen. She has wonderful 1" and 1/2" scale lace undies, and her prices are very reasonable.
Her email is Miniavore@aol.com.

Whui

Rhinestones: I have rhinestones for miniature jewelry I have them in 4ss, 5ss, and 6ss pointed backs and some flat backs. I have them in different colors. E-mail me fay@fay-vourite.com for information - -- Fay-vourite Crafts & miniatures co. http://www.fay-vourite.com.

Fay

Miniature kaleidoscope: There are instructions for a working 1870 kaleidoscope in "The Toys of Christmas", The Best of 'The Scale Cabinetmaker' series, Volume 1, by Dorsett Publications. It was originally in TSC 8:3. It is what induced me to buy the publication although I am a long way from trying to make it. It uses tin stock, hobby mylar mirror and acetate "glass". The instructions also include a wooden stand for the kaleidoscope.

Wendy in Clinton, NJ

On framing: I recently did my first frame, which I silver-leafed. I have a great tool that helped me a lot, which is a framing clamp. It is basically four long screws and bolts that square up your frame perfectly. I recommend it. I used a miter box, some scrap moulding, wood glue, the clamp and a silver leafing kit. Once you get the frame clamped in, be sure to press it down flat on your work surface to make sure it is nice and even and flat.

Lynette in WNC

Sewing accessories: Just made some spools of thread for the sewing room. Take dowels and cut length to scale. Wrap colored thread around it and drill a hole on each end. For button cards I cut plain index card to scale and glued the smallest colored seed beads to it for buttons. I am sure you all thought of this, but I wanted to be able to share something.

Kendra