Antiquing metal: as far as the copper pot(s). Lamp black from a simple candle flame and then when cool spray with "fixative" which can be obtained at any store that sells art supplies. It is sprayed on to a pastel or charcoal sketch to preserve it. Worth a try.

DrBob...Delray Beach, FL.

Aging metals; Try putting the metal in a zip lock bag with some household ammonia. Try not to immerse the metal in the liquid ammonia. It's the fumes that do the "dirty" work. I place a small glass (shot glass) in the zip lock and fill that with the ammonia and just put the metal to be tarnished, etc., in the bag with the contained ammonia.

DrBob....Delray Beach, FL

Furniture plans/architectural questions: I have found this site very helpful if you have questions on any types of old buildings, furniture or what color to paint different periods, thought I'd share it. http://architecture.about.com

Joanne, Calgary Miniature Club

Dollhouse/Miniatures Shows: If you subscribe to any of the mini magazines there are show listings in the back.   If you don't subscribe,  Dollhouse Miniatures magazine has a list on their website at http://www.dhminiatures.com/Meetings/Meetings.html SS has a list of various resources on their website http://www.miniature.net/smallstuff/links10.htm  and  there is also a show listing on the NAME website http://www.miniatures.org/calendar.shtml

Carol, S P Miniatures

Eggs: This tip came from an egger friend of mine. The paper thin shells of chicken eggs can be strengthened by using corn starch mixed in Elmer's glue. Just mix some corn starch in the glue and using your fingers, spread it inside the egg shell and let it dry. I can't tell you how much corn starch to mix in, but you need enough that it is not runny. You have to use very sharp scissors to cut the opening to keep the shell from cracking. She also used cuticle scissors to cut openings in finch eggs. I usually ended up crushing the very fragile finch eggs, but they are the right size to make decorated eggs for you mini scenes.

Wanda

Reflector Ovens: the directions for reflector ovens are still in both the Boy and Girl Scout Handbooks. Look in the library or contact a scout.

Peggy in Madison

Solar Ovens: You can find a lot of information about solar ovens on the Internet. For directions on making a simple solar oven out of a pizza box, go to: http://www.solarnow.org/pizzabx.htm

Rusty in KY

Cover up: My miniature group was due to arrive and I remembered this was a paint and paper day. With minutes to spare, I grabbed a new shower curtain liner and threw it over my nice table cloth. Pretty(clear) and safe to paint on! I'm sure the next time I see a plastic table cloth, I will buy it. This one was well received, however, and the weights kept it from slipping around.

Laurie Sisson

Decals: As the decals are intended to be fired in a kiln you need to add some heat. When I use decals on decorated eggs I do this. Soak the decal in warm water instead of cold to slide off the backing. Warm the surface that are going to put the decal on with the aid of a hairdryer or sitting it on a radiator. Wring out a cloth in hot water and, when you have the decal smoothed in place, press the cloth over the decal and hold in place for several minutes. It doesn't make the edge invisible but seems to make it less obvious if you persevere.

Chris

Decals: You don't need an expensive decal finishing "system" to get the edges of decals to disappear or to have decals conform to irregular surfaces. All you need is a bottle of Hobsco's Solvaset. It's available at railroad and model shops.

Sally Cook-Thomas