Magnifying Lamps: The best type of magnifying lamp is the one with a circular fluorescent tube surrounding the lens as it doesn't cast any shadows. These can be quite expensive, up to about £100.00 in the UK, but are far superior to the other sort which uses an ordinary light bulb. Also make sure it has a glass lens and not plastic. I don't know where to get them in the US, but in the UK you can get good quality lamps and all accessories from Shesto, http://www.shesto.co.uk/ who incidentally do a whole range of tools suitable for miniatures.

Colin Bird

Forms Ruler: The ruler you were describing Dani is called a Forms Ruler or Forms Design Ruler, (usually 18" but also 12") and is/was used to design preprinted forms that required VERY specific spacing for printing considerations for data processing or information systems. In days gone by (been there) these rulers were given out as "gifts" by the forms companies to forms designers (done that) in hopes of acquiring orders... Now they usually are $10-15 if & when you can find them. Here's a URL to see what one looks like http://www.millerdial.com/rulers_photo1.shtml
http://www.millerdial.com/rulers_photo1.shtml - this particular one has a 1/6th scale (i.e. double the 1/12th scale many miniaturists use) plus other misc. scales. Do a search for "forms ruler" or "forms design ruler" - Google was used for above - and it will turn up some for purchase if you can't find them at a local "stationery" store.

Linc Leedy

Gluing Felt: If you are working with felt you can glue it with rubber cement or what I did when working with felt, not in miniatures, is to soak and saturate the felt with latex (neoprene-synthetic) and squeeze out the excess and then shape the felt and let it dry. When it is dry it can be handled like wood. Sanded, painted etc.

DrBob...Delray Beach, FL.

Gluing Felt: I am assuming that the felt you want to glue is the usual craft felt, made of polyester. The only glue I have found to use successfully on it is Fabritac...available in mini stores, craft stores and WalMarts craft dept.

Alice Zinn

Dremel Tools: Here is my recommendation for the Dremels you need. I suggest you obtain both a corded model such as the model 3962 variable speed Multipro Tool kit. This comes with a case an 72 of the accessories (bits) that will get you started. This set costs $64.00 at Lowe's' stores in this area. I also suggest the model 750 Minimite cordless. It comes with a few accessories, and charger. The accessories you get with the 3962 will fit the Minimite. This small tool is valuable when you want to work inside the dollhouse. You aren't dragging that cord in with it. It costs about $30.00. They come with a catalog so you can see the other goodies that are available.
Take a look at http://www.dremel.com It is an excellent resource. It has tips, project suggestions (with recommended bits), complete descriptions of all the Dremel tools and accessories as well as the "Owners Club" that includes a neat buletin board where many questions are asked and answered.
There should have been a little booklet in your kit that has examples of projects and the tips on how to approach them.
When all else fails, call 1-800 437-3635. This is customer support and will help you with individual problems.
Using the Dremel in no more complex than an electric toothbrush. It just will do many more things. Don't be afraid of it. Just let it do the work for you.
I invite you to take a look at my website to see some of the stuff I have made using the Dremel. http://www.homestead.com/davesminiplace/

Dave Brazelton

Cleaning plastic windows: I think rubbing alcohol works to clean off plastic, I use it all the time.

Kaye in L.A.

Glue on Plexiglas: I just finished some bakery cases that involved gluing a lot of clear plastic and I also got some glue where I didn't want it. So I used Goo Gone and a very soft old dish towel to rub it off and it worked pretty well. Not sure if it would also work on Plexiglas, but you could try it first and see. It didn't smudge my plastic and in fact it came out nice and clear and shiny. Good luck.

Helen in New Jersey

Storing Wood: The grocery stores will give boxes, as we all know, but the miracle came when I saw a Wesson Oil box. 24 slots, and the back slots can be folded in to accommodate larger wood pieces. I made a printed chart (in duplicate) of each size and wood type available so I also have a copy on my desk.
Now, if I can just come up with something a bit smaller to house the dowels I seem to have accumulated...

Marian in New Bern, NC

Storage: I store wood pieces such as clapboard etc in keyboard boxes. I get them from the IS Dept. at work. I store dowels, trims, mouldings etc in Pringle and coffee cans. I have a large square tin box I throw in all those little pieces of wood. Key is to remind myself to look in these storage places!!!

Marsha, Newark, CA

Packaging. Re-writable CD's now come in multiple packs as opposed to the individual jewel cases. The round, lockable type makes for useful mini storage. The new square larger jewel cases also have potential, but where I have found them useful is: to take the plastic sleeve that used to hold the CD and staple it to my order sheets. As I complete parts of an order, I slip the minis into the sleeve. One side is see through (now the outside) and the other is soft so as not to scratch the contents (cd's, now minis.). This way I can see how I am progressing and it keeps everything in order and visible. Of course, I only have mini books and plates and I can see that this would not work for flower arrangements!

Barbara B from South Africa