Floor finishes: What's in the finish is probably both dust and air bubbles. You're supposed to shield the finish as it dries to keep off the dust. And, if you stir varathane vigorously, you get bubbles that won't pop and smooth out like they do in old fashioned varnish or shellac. I finish my floors (and walls and ceilings) outside the room because it works better for me, and I can sand/make a mess without ruining other things I've done (guess how I learned that.) So, it's: stain, sand, (thinned shellac & another coat of stain if necessary, sand), varnish, sand, varnish, sand, sand again with a finer grade (or two or three), steel wool, wax, buff. I've left out a couple of other things I do, too, but then I enjoy this. Basswood is hairy when you sand it raw, and it takes stain unevenly. I'm thinking about 'real' wood for some time when I can afford/find some.

Heather in Toronto

Sculpture in Progress: Kathy might want to use casting plaster, perhaps a small milk carton or a smaller cardboard container lined with waxed paper, a tiny screwdriver such as comes in eyeglass repair kits could be used for the chisel marks and there are several painting techniques that simulate marble.

Olegator

Sculpture in Progress: " You would never have a perfectly finished torso or half of the body sticking out of the chunk of rock. " I've seen a finished statue that was just like that ... it looks like the form in the stone is trying to morph out into the world. There's also a clay working tool (dunno the real name) that might make it easier to get chisel marks in the middle where the finished part meets the rough part. It's a handle with a loop of wire on the end that can be dragged through the clay. It takes a bite that's kind of like what the curvey tip of a carrot peeler will do, but does it in the other direction. Come to think of it, maybe you could just use the tip of the carrot peeler! LOL

Chrissy the Hyphenated

Sculpture in Progress: I see that no one has mentioned the king of creating emerging sculpture from a block of marble or whatever...Rodin!!!! I have seen many many of his works with hands, faces or whatever just emerging from the stone - absolutely fantastic works of art! Whoever wanted the figure to emerge from the stone I say Go for it! Heck if Rodin could do it you can.

Ana

On the subject of statues, has anyone ever done a statue of Lot's wife, turned into a pillar of salt? I read the neatest story once about a guy who supposedly found the actual pillar of salt that was Lot's wife, and how he tried to smuggle it out of the country in the back of a truck. But he got caught in a torrential downpour and it melted! There is a recipe for clay made using baking soda which might look like salt - I might try it some time. I seem to be collecting unusual antiquities lately - so Lot's wife would make an interesting addition to a rare mini collection.

Back to partially finished sculptures: I could see where they could be used to signify someone stepping through a mirror, or another dimension in time - or a ghost coming through a wall in a Halloween scene.

Paulette in IN

Printables from the Netherlands: I just stumbled on a neat site for a show in the Netherlands. Lots of photos in different sections (explore all the links -- they have links under links in their menu).
http://www.arnhem-poppenhuisstad.com/Taal/engeland/startap.htm#AP

It also has printables -- really neat ones!
http://www.arnhem-poppenhuisstad.com/Taal/engeland/knutsel.htm

Anne Gerdes

Garden Shed: If you are talking about the printable garden shed this is the website...
http://printies.homestead.com/

Hope you have as much fun building as I did!!

jo

decorating ideas: Just bought a new book "Laura Ashley Complete Guide to Home Decorating" copywrite 1989 by Laura Ashley, forward by Nick Ashley, published by Harmony Books ISBN 0-517-59077-8 I got it for $14.99 Cdn.

The general ideas are great but even better are the ideas, drawings and instructions for window dressings, cushions, slipcovers, upholstery, bed spreads, bed linens, bed drapes, lampshades, pictures and wall hangings.

Real life size, of course, but everything's so clear there should be no problem doing in mini. Am looking forward to trying some of them.

Definitely worth a look, especially if you can borrow a copy from your library.
Beginning to think I should sign as the "Book Lady" since all of my posts seem to involve book suggestions.

Maureen in St. Albert AB Cda

Hats: For those that are making hats, and they would like to obtain patterns of several times, it is worthwhile to check the book " From the neck up..." by Denise Dreker. The hats are not in miniature scale, but the patterns can be decreased if need, see in the site" http://orbita.starmedia.com/~favagrossa/livros_miniaturas.htm It is a great book.

Roberta Fava - Brazil

American Girl Miniatures: A lot of people seem confused by this question :-) The American Girl Collection are not miniatures, but the AG Mini's ARE, and they are 1:12th scale. Go here : http://www.americangirl.com/ and click on shop, then Ag Mini's. They are wonderful!

Sarah in Iowa