Schoolmaster's Desk: We make a schoolmaster's desk and stool. You can see a picture in the school section on our website. Online Catalog http://www.stockton-miniatures.com

Mark and Sharon Stockton, Miniature Artisans

Soda Shops: Came across a wonderful site for anyone working on '50's style soda shops, ice cream parlors, etc. This company sells all kinds of vintage vending machines, signage and soda fountain accessories. Be sure to take a look if this is a project you have on the drawing board.Just so you know, I have no connection to this company. http://www.vintagevending.com

Suzy, Chicago, IL

Uncle Ciggie's Kit: Just wanted to mention that I did the Uncle Ciggie's little cradle kit this week in wicker, it was a very nice piece and pretty good directions. I am going to trim it up with silk ribbons and lace over the weekend. I did the dog bed and a basket they had once also, they were easier, and turned out very nice too. Very happy with the finished pieces. Found them online at http://www.uncleciggie.com

Michelle Blohm

Paper. I have found the most wonderful papers at our local scrapbooking store ( a store chocked full of paper!!!) Within its walls (with a miniaturist's eye) I have found coordinated wallpapers (scrapbooking pages), wallpaper borders (continuous rolled stickers), stencils (perforated stickers), velvet paper (run through the printer makes the most sumptuous rugs), felt paper which has a looped nap and looks like chenille rugs and on and on... And on the subject of punched paper flowers, they have an almost transparent paper that I am making delphiniums from. I don't know what it is called, but it reminds me of rice paper.

Barbara from Alabama

China Closet - My passion is porcelain, too. Theirs is the first table I head to at a show and they don't do many. Their address is: China Closet, 367 W. Elbert St, Indianapolis, IN 46217

Molly Cromwell

Slotted Houses: I have used the Dopesold in model shops to condition and strengthen these devils prior to cutting or working with them. This material is used to strengthen balsa in airplane models. Work in a WELL-VENTILATED area. If you don't, you'll quickly discover why it is called Dope. It will make you high as a kite and can cause permanent brain damage. I have been satisfied with the results. I use it on both sides of the scored material. It also helps to prevent warping and elements many of the splinters. I have sealed the area around the assembled slot with wood filler or spackle then used my Dremel to sand the area smooth. The result is very neat and gives a smooth surface. Though not the kit of my choice, I have found they are workable if you spend time prepping the material before you work with it. I would point out, however, that the expense of this prep work often negates the saving in purchasing a kit of this type

Becky Holliday

Project for child visitor to take home: Why not make a collapsible room of some thin airplane plywood. If you hinge the side walls and floor you can fold it flat, and then pack the things which go in it separately. Perhaps a replica of the room in which she will be staying in your home would bring back nice memories when she goes home. Of course, you didn't say how old she is, so maybe something like a scene from a nursery rhyme or children's book would be more fun for her.

Alice Zinn

Project for child visitor to take home: The idea that popped into my head after reading your post was; a contemporary American room...maybe a kitchen, if you will be spending a lot of time there, or a family room. You could have a TV, a CD player, stuff like that, pizza, (if she will be having any, or hamburgers, etc.) Something so that she can remember her time in the U.S. How about making it out of cardboard, or foam core. Light weight, so she can bring it home with her. Actually, to carry the thought further...how about one of your own rooms? She could help, and even learn the words for things like couches, chairs, tables, etc.

Kaye in L.A.

Project for child visitor to take home: How about a medium sized doll trunk,easy to carry, sturdy and easy to put shelves in to make rooms. furniture could be sturdy wood "child's kits that she could paint or upholster. You could teach her papier-mâché with flour and water paste or show her clay and perhaps send her home with a supply of fimo. show her how to make twig furniture and how to use dried materials to create a fairy house. Help her learn to SEE in scale so that she can use found items.

Susan in OR

Project for child visitor to take home: If you choose to help her build a miniature of HER ROOM in your home, Start taking pictures through the window of HER ROOM to use as backdrops in the mini. You can take frequent pictures as seasons change so that she can enjoy the changing view as you correspond in the future. If Russian/English is a difficult translation, a picture for her mini can say 1000 words.

Mel K.