Landscaping a Front-Opening House: Another option is to do what I saw in an article in DHM where a front opening dollhouse was graced with some landscaping in the front by cutting a piece of wood to fit in front of the house. The landscaping was done on the separate piece of wood and it could be removed when you needed to open the house. When it was placed in front of the house it all looked as if it was one piece.

Nertha

Air-Plants: I use air-plants all over my landscaping! I just remove, and mist with water every week . You can go to http://www.airplants.com for all info/care. They add realism to the scene. I use the smaller ones and put in mini pots....cute added to the greenhouse!

SuLin

Sandwiches: I've made sandwiches to order in 1:12 scale for people who asked. I'll do whatever meat or filling you want with mayo, mustard, lettuce, chips even the olive and tooth pick on the top.

http://home.att.net/~stuff22/index.html

Gail

Food Sites: Your best bet would be to go to Mary Eccher's site 1st, as she has been in the business of showing people how to do mini food for many years: http://www.pannikins.com/

If you click on the catalog, and then on 'Mary's menus', you will find information and directions for some foods.

Tom of Earth & Tree Miniatures carries some quite good booklets on making food; Fimo Sweets, Petite Eats...and Meyer's Homemade Meals: http://www.dollhouse-miniatures.com

And, this great site about polymer clays...more info here than you can shake a Fimo stick at: http://www.glassattic.com

And, finally, (although there is certainly more info out there!)

Angie Scarr's site...where I learned how to make peelable oranges: http://www.compclub.demon.co.uk/asmini.htm

Kaye in L.A.

DIY Upholstered Sofas: There is a set of booklets put out by the people who use to print Scale Cabinetmakers magazine. One of the booklets is on building and upholstering sofas and chairs. It covers every era of furniture. You should be able to get it at your neighborhood miniature store.

The cost is very reasonable (under $10.00).I think it is by Dorsett Publications. I would give you the address but my copy is on loan to a friend.

Louise from MI

Storing Paints: For the person storing paint in a box, I have found that if I tighten the lids before putting them in the box then store them upside down, I can always see the colors, and pick out the one that I am looking for quickly.

Darlene

Color-fastness: To test for color fastness in your mini quilt, take a clean white cloth and wet it. Rub gently with the white cloth and see if the red transfers on to it. If it does, then you know the chances of the red bleeding and making a big mess are quite high! Remember how wet colored sneakers stain white socks? Well, this is the same idea. You may want to use cold water in the tea stain process too to help minimize risk of colors bleeding.

Linda in GA

Punch needles: Gene, I've got punch needles, yarn for punching (though the needles will use embroidery floss if you prefer) and kits for rugs. You'll see a link to Punch needle on my home page (below), let me know if you have other questions. There are a number of brands of punch needles out there, I happen to like Purrfect Punch because it's a good size to hold, and has an easy to set depth gauge. http://weevings.com

Bonni in NH

Stuffing Pillows: I have used craft sand in pillows and it makes them really drape as a real pillow would. I have always encased the sand in a lightweight cotton using a neutral color or one which matches the pillow casing, before stuffing it into the pillow itself.

Marilyn, MI

Teddy Bear Patterns: This site shows bears in international outfits .they print out at 1 ½ inches besides having needlepoint patterns for each. I thought that some of you would enjoy seeing them to use for decorating items in your doll houses or for costume ideas for your mini dolls.
http://www.vsccs.com/charts/IntlBears.html

Jane in Arkansas