Making baskets: had to let you know about a web site I just found.
go to http://www.minitaly.com

It is a really neat site. just go to the English version and then go to projects. It shows you how to make the cutest baskets out of tapestry fabric. I tried it because they were so cute. They are easy and very cute. I used fabric for cross stitch in the loosest weave they had. I also made one out of something that looked kind of like burlap.

Kenna in Texas

Baskets: PetiPoint makes great baskets. Keep your eyes open for pill bottle caps and some nice ones are formed on lipstick cases.. They are easy and finish off nicely.

RHODA

Lace on Picture Frames: I make a basic frame out of mitered balsa wood, to fit the picture, I might add. I've applied fine lace with white glue, (also mitered the corners), painted the frame first with red, then dry-brushed gold paint on top. I've used heavier lace, the embroidered looking type, and painted or stained the whole thing brown, black, red or whatever, then used Rub-n-Buff. The results look like carved frames. The problem is finding the 1/8" lace for the smaller frames, for larger frames 1/4" is fine. I have also cut out designs from the lace, i.e. two petals in a "V" shape, and used this just on the corners. They really go quite quickly and are fun to make. I've used "V" shaped angled wood for frames, 1/2 round wood, and even layered a small frame on a larger one, to add depth. I then paste the picture onto card stock, glue clear vinyl sheeting cut to size for glass, and then glue the whole works together. I try to put the name & artist on the back of the card, if possible.

S. Begley

Out-of-scale die-cut houses: Concerning the discussion of die-cut houses being out of scale... Well, having a background in architecture and design, I can testify that they are. Sure he houses look in scale from the outside, and inside, the rooms have appropriately scaled dimensions and ceiling heights. However, those 1/8" floors/ceilings and walls are totally out of scale. A full-size house has floors/ceilings that are about one foot. Usually, they are made of 10" joists with at least one sub-floor on top of them and a finish floor on top of the sub-floor(s). Below them are lath and plaster or sheet rock. Interior walls are about 5" thick, and exterior walls are about 6" thick. I say about, because different methods and materials are used in different parts of the country, or world. I studied in the US, so my dimensions are based on North American standards.

Most higher-quality miniature houses are made of 3/8" plywood or MDF. These look much more convincing than the houses made of 1/8" plywood. However, they still aren't to scale. Floors/ceilings would have to be made of 1" thick plywood (virtually impossible to find), exterior walls from ½" plywood, and interior walls from 3/8" plywood. Realistically, though, this would make for an exceptionally heavy miniature house!

I am currently designing my own mini home, in an American 1920s style. Since I am a stickler for realism and scale, I plan to make it in separate floors (stories) from 1/2" plywood. Therefore, when you place the second floor on top of the first floor, the two pieces of 1/2" plywood will be 1" together. Interior walls will be 3/8". This house is still several months off in the future. Before I even start it, I want to have the kitchen cabinets and appliances ready to install. Also, I want to make most of the interior doors myself. However, if anyone knows where one can by two-panel interior doors, you can save me a lot of work if you tell me where.

Jonathan in Israel

Holly Hobbie DH: Plaid Enterprises put out this dollhouse in 1" scale, last advertisement for it I saw was in a NN from 1980, but more than that we need help from the list!

Joy Perkins

Hide Glue: Someone had mentioned that hide glue came in a powder and you just add water so I felt the need to clarify something about these natural glues. Hide glue starts out to the consumer as a pkg. of glue crystals and yes you add water but what goes on after that is time consuming and not really apropos for the miniaturist...we use HOT hide glue in piano repair work. The crystals are also not consistent in their makeup so that you may end up having to throw away a whole batch. If you truly want to use hide (or fish, or whatever) try a commercially available product like Titebond Liquid Hide Glue. One of the reasons piano technicians use hot hide glue is that parts have to be taken apart, redone, re-glued, etc.,etc. (ever tried to take apart wood that had been glued with carpenter's glue?...it is not a pretty sight). On the other hand I have a dollhouse I put together with Aleen's Designer Tacky because I was doing so much changing to the design, etc...10 years later it is still together with no sign of the glue joints failing (I wouldn't put furniture together with this stuff but it has worked well in this situation).

Ana

Aleene's tack it again and again: I have used this item for many applications (such as carpets) that may have to be removed and re-installed. I have also used it on sticks to adhere things I wanted to spray paint. It has worked well for me. Although I haven't used it for your application, I think a bit of it on the feet or the bottom of the item will do well to hold it in place. Remember to let it dry overnight, at least, before you stick the item in place. If you need to remove it to show and want to replace it, the item should again adhere. If its holding power seems to be weak, repaint it and the hold should be restored. If the item is sold, a bit of wiping with the fingers or some aggressive scraping should peal the glue from the item.

Dave, Bradenton, FL

Vegas Wedding Chapel: I got married in Vegas! At the Little White Chapel, which is what your chapel to be sounds like. Michael Jordan got married there and they have a drive-thru wedding window. There is a web cam for the chapel that shows the inside of it.
http://www.alittlewhitechapel.com/html/opening_page.html

When I got married 10 years ago there, there were pews (seen on web cam), the minister did not have a podium, there was a long dresser like thing at the front of the chapel and the music was provided via a boom box. There was a video camera set up on a tripod. We had our wedding taped. IF no one else can give you details offhand, I can try to find my wedding tape and see what else I can come up with.

Carolyn in MI

Vegas Wedding Chapel: Start by visiting the chapel in any major hospital. Imagine it redecorated with any and all religious icons removed, lots of white pant, hearts, flowers, lace, and a tired wino in an Elvis suit. Position video cameras around the room and put price tags on everything as "added extras". Appropriate exaggerations in the "reception room" would be a price list which offers Frequent Nuptial discounts, a show case with rings for rent, and a recycling bin for little black books. If you "doll" your settings and include a preacher, hide racing form inside his "Good Book".

Mel K. (Guess where)

Vegas Wedding Chapel: have you seen the video for Unbelievable by Diamond Rio? It's a Vegas wedding theme!

Teresa from Canada