Wicker: linen cord As for where to get linen cord...... You can use waxed linen cord which is sold in 25 yard spools at most miniature shops and craft shops. I myself hate the stuff. I prefer unwaxed linen cord which I bring in in large one pound spools from Ireland. I won't sell the big spools but will measure out for single project amounts. (I used to but then found that someone who talked me out of a spool at wholesale cost for club use, was using my free patterns and the cord to make and sell their own items. Not sure that their club ever got to use it. Well that was a compliment in a back handed sort of way but left a bad taste - to be honest).

Now another thought - there's no reason to be tied to linen cord for doing wicker. You can use button hole twist thread, jute, hemp, string, crochet cotton. There's no hard and fast rules. Each just give you a different look and texture.

And please, anyone who makes use of my patterns - please feel free to contact me with any questions. They've all been tested out but sometimes questions arise and I've found them to be helpful when writing out other instructions or improving the ones already up. (not to mention, helping the person asking the question <g>) I am a visual learner myself so you can imagine the gyrations I do to write instructions!
http://www.embraceables.com

Debi in Quesnel

Clear Bathtub/Bathroom Set: I used the clear plastic tub in Brooke Tucker's Elegant Bath class. I was amazed at how well it turned out. When I painted the tub (my tub was beige) it did not look smooth on the inside, however when it dried the outside looked like glass. In the class we also did the clear plastic tile sheets for the tub enclosure and it looked exactly like ceramic tile although the grout was not white. I guess if you had the patience and a steady hand you could paint the grout lines white and then paint the tile.

Louise in MI

Clear Bathtub/Bathroom Set: Grout; You can add the grout much like you do in real size - afterwards. You paint the plastic tiles from the back side so they look shiny from the front. Then you can use miniature grout or whip up some gryproc filler so it's nice and smooth (and yes, this can be tinted) and then wipe it on the top side. You wipe off the excess with a damp sponge. The tile sheets have inward lines that the grout sits right into. You want to do this in one application though as you don't want to scratch the plastic.

Debi in Quesnel

Clear Bathtub/Bathroom Set: I took the Brooke Tucker class "Elegant Bath" and did it in red and white and it turned out very striking. It was the clear bathtub and sink set. I did mine in a marble finish to match the red and white tiles I used on floor. The red tiles had a black vein in them so I dabbed black on the underside of the bathtub/sink and then painted it lipstick red. It turned out very elegant. Every one who has seen it says " I wish I had a bathroom like that".

Jayleen in MT

Clear Bathtub/Bathroom Set: As a person that gives class with MBS products as well as have it in the shop, I can tell you that the see thru items are a great product. You paint them on the reverse or you can apply a matching decal or something you've cut from your wallpaper first and just use acrylic paint to cover. Usually it takes 2 coats.

Not only do they have 1/12 but 1/2 scale also in the see through. You can also get tiles to really have the look you want in a variety of sizes. Other than the toilet and pedestal sink, you have to sink the pieces into a base of some kind.

I've also been thinking of doing a bathroom with a red bath and black and white checked floor but never have the time. Good luck with your project.

Deanna

Clear Bathtub/Bathroom Set: Model Builder Supply does have fabulous clear bathroom tubs, sinks and toilets. I've done a few and they are fun. Very easy. You can even marbleize or paint a floral design on them before painting on the main colour. If you'd like to see some done up, I have some on the Gallery page of my web site. http://www.embraceables.com They have nice faucets too and everything is a very good price. Also, have you ever seen Brooke Tuckers Elegant Bath? You can see that on her web site. She uses their components too.

Debi in Quesnel

Clear Bathtub/Bathroom Set: Yeah the possibilities sure are endless...What about a red tub with naked ladies or men painted on the sides as if you are seeing the person through the tub? You could probably do it by putting a doll in the tub and draw on the outside with washable marker what you see and then reverse paint it from there...or if the tub is up against a wall and you can only see one side reduce one of those naked lady/men paintings, paint around it for the color of the tub and glue it in. Good for a gag in a number of scenes I can think of.

Carolyn

Scotty Room: Have you tried the following site?http://homespunminiatures.homestead.com There are all kinds of printie things featuring Scotties and West Highland Terriers.

Maureen in Hemel, UK

Log Cabin: Just as I was putting finishing touches on my kitchen yesterday, my bathroom finally arrived, yehaa!! My cabin officially has every single room filled with furniture. It is just a matter of the smaller details now, it is so very exciting:). The most involved piece that I have so far created was my kitchen range, oddly enough. It took about 3x the time of every other kitchen piece, but it was worth it:). I even put a "real" glass door into it -- this was achieved by making an oven door, cutting out where the glass would be, gluing that to the stove, painting the "window" hole black, and filling up the hole with crystal clear gallery glass!). I used sequins and pins to simulate burners, which at first I was convinced would look cheesy, but really worked out well. The dials were punched posterboard that are ringed with jump rings. I *think* I may have it completed now (who knew that a simple non-opening convection oven could have so much detail involved?) Definitely a thunderbolt moment. :)

Kim From Canada

Literary scene/Henry James house: when you're ready to tackle a Jamesian house, maybe Edith Wharton's interior design books would be helpful -- since they were such great friends, it's likely their tastes were similar (On the Decoration of Houses; Italian Villas & Their Gardens).

Loretta.Sniarowski