Preserving flowers: The drying substance your friend is talking about is called "silica gel". It costs about $5.00 for a quart at most craft suppliers. I pour about half into a tin with lid, place the flowers in gently, then gently pour the rest of the gel over the top. Cover the tin and wait about a week. The silica gel can be used over & over, and can be redried quickly by placing it on a cookie sheet in a warm oven. I also add the tiny packs that come with leather goods, computer hardware and etc. The size of these is larger, but they work just the same.

Sharon in Watsonville

Preserving Flowers: For the person who wanted to know about drying tiny flowers -- I cover them carefully with salt, which attracts moisture like no one's business. After a week or so, carefully remove the salt from them and voila! perfect flowers with the original colours. It's probably a good idea to spray them with something as they're quite fragile -- haven't decided what yet, any ideas out there?

Kay in Ottawa, Canada

Broken glass chunks: I collected some broken glass chunks too and thought that the shapes and designs were really interesting. I like the way they reflect the light. I used individual pieces as miniature glass sculptures. They also make an interesting base to display a tiny porcelain or fimo sculpture. They reminded me of chunks of ice. They would work very nicely in a winter scene as ice flows with snow around with penguins playing on them.

I saw an idea for a full sized table on a decorating show that could work in miniature. The designer had made a large glass box for a coffee table with glass on all sides about four inches deep. He put a few inches of the glass chunks inside the box. It made a very interesting coffee table and the light could shine through all the sides and it could be lit from underneath. Other glass sculptures could be displayed inside with the chunks.

Jean Day

Broken glass chunks: What about glass wall blocks ? Are they small enough for ice cubes? Jewelry? paperweights? Modern Art work? garden art pieces?

Teddy

Upholstery Remnants: Use for carpeting (area rugs, stair runners), cushion covers, upholstery - amazing how expensive some nice fabric can make even the cheap import furniture look, carpet bags and modern soft-sided luggage. Hang onto the samples and uses will come to you!

Loretta.Sniarowski

Upholstery Remnants: I haven't tried this, but with so many colors and fibers, could you clip them (like a haircut) and use the "droppings" as wool for sheep, cat fur, dog hair etc.? U can see why I NEVER throw anything away - it might come in handy in my
next life! (LOL)

M.H.Lee

Tiny stamps: I once owned a ceramic shop and as I was going though some files ( to make room for my mini info) I found some stamping tools. They are by Erika Zavori. They come in seasonal, animal (also a rooster) flowers and many different designs that I think will work for our Minis. You can use them to make wallpaper, stamp on you dishes, make title for the bath or kitchen. Just think of all the things you could use them for. If you are interested here is the web site.
http://www.voyagerweb.com/zavorimold/catpg61.htm

Dianne in Minnesota

1" sponge Brushes: Not only are these great for painting and staining, once you are done with them, you can remove the foam brush part and you have a great little plastic piece that is just perfect for spackling and caulking. Once you are done with using them to apply filler, you can use the nice wooden handle for making bed posts, table legs and, in my case, railings for my log cabin loft

Reva Losiewicz

Dollshouse accessories and photo reduction and framing service: Sally has some lovely mini toys in pewter- and others. I have my eye on the mini sailor doll for my lighthouse.

What I wanted you to see especially was the part of the site that reduces photos to mini size. How much fun to have your own grandmas photo or your children's photo in the doll house. I have not seen this service offered elsewhere and thought you might like knowing about her site.
URL-Title: Dollshouse accessories and photo reduction and framing service
http://www.miniature-illusions.co.uk/

Jane in Arkansas

For the SSers in Flood Areas that have water damage to books, magazines, room boxes, etcetera:: If you have a large local library or University near you check with them about book restorers before you toss out all your miniature books and magazines. If you are willing to pay for the restoring the items can be 'freeze dried' and restored to readable condition. It's what large libraries do when they have devastating losses of reference materials and books. It's worth looking into. Might also check to see if the room boxes could be dried out the same way.

Patricia / Redwood City, CA