Storing fabric in plastic bags: An addition to the utility of plastic Ziploc type bags. I also write in permanent marker on the top of the bag, the more rigid part above the zipper. For example, one bag may be labelled "Solids, cotton", another "Plain silk", another "Brocade" or "Christmas prints". You then only need to flip through the top of the bags, not investigate what is actually in each one.

Wendy in Clinton, NJ

Storing fabric: I, too have tons of fabric scraps. I store mine in those large cardboard storage boxes that are made to go under the bed. I did not use the plastic ones because some fabrics will deteriorate if they can't breathe (and how do I know this, you ask?). I made dividers for them and put all of the fabrics of a similar colour together in each section. I deliberately didn't label them because I like to go through them once in a awhile to see what's there. A few times a fabric has inspired a whole roombox.

Pat M, London, ON

I Love Lucy room: Why not troll garage sales/flea markets for a "dead" small portable tv, gut it, build the roombox to fit behind the screen opening, and then decorate it entirely in black, white, and shades of gray? Spray the exterior bright red like Lucy's hair or a fifties hot pink, decoupage a couple of the I Love Lucy logos in black and white on the sides, and you'd have a real eye-catcher, with the monotone color scheme completely self-explanatory.

Loretta.Sniarowski

I Love Lucy room: I used to work at Universal Studios/CA where they have a whole exhibit dedicated to 'I Love Lucy' and even have the sets up.  The colors on the walls and, i believe, the fireplace is gray.  I could be wrong on the fireplace, they may have left the brick exposed.   I'm also thinking that most everything in the room might have been painted in assorted shades of gray, it showed up on black and white tv screens much better then colored furniture.  Wish i could be a bit more helpful, as I just watched a tribute to Lucille Ball last Friday on one of the ABC, and her daughter and son were filmed on the set.   You might want to try going to the Universal Studios website to see if they have any pictures of the exhibit, and if not, you may be able to get a phone number to contact guest relations.   Hope this helps!

Monique

I Love Lucy room:   I don't know about the show living room BUT Lucy's dressing room at Universal Studios was done in greens that she believed helped enhance the redness of her hair. (At least what the guide said) You may get more of her dressing room info from Universal Studio Tours which could be applied to the TV living room.

On the other hand, has anybody ever done a set from an old B&W TV show IN black, white, and shades of gray? With no color? Wouldn't that be a hoot?

Mel K.

I Love Lucy room:   For the person doing the I Love Lucy Roombox, I just had to share the following site    http://www.dhminiatures.com/dhm/roombox/roombox98.html

The Lucy living room is the third roombox from the top (directly beneath the wonderful "All in The Family" box by Pearl Jordan)

Reva Losiewicz

Log Cabin: We had a real life log cabin and to make it more rustic we singed it with a propane torch before we oiled it.   Which is what I would do in miniature.   If you have access to one of those butane fireplace starters it would be perfect to "toast" the wood some.   Barring that, I would try a light brown watercolor or acrylic wash on the logs and then seal with Tung oil.

Renee Kutcher

Re-Painting Shiny Furniture:  it's GESSO that you want to apply to the already painted glossy cabinet. Just lightly sand and put on two coats of white gesso( it's a liquid medium found at art shops or Michaels). You can sand between coats. Your wood will be very smooth. Then paint your preferred color over. I use gesso as a primer for all my raw wood windows, doors, baseboards etc. It's WONDERFUL.

Roberta in Wisconsin

Clear caulk for water: I know someone recently mentioned clear caulk for miniature water but warned of the strong smell- I must say I used some caulk for the real tub (yes I finished that renovation that was standing still for more than a year) I purchased something called 30 or 40 year caulk- don't remember the brand but it was worth a little more expense as IT DID NOT SMELL AT ALL! 

Teresa from Canada

Clear Caulking; I have used clear caulking (DAP & GE)which does the intended job. Odor free and very cost effective. I also found out that shower and tub caulking that goes on white dries clear. Since it is not a silicone product, it can be manipulated with a wet finger.

drbob..Delray Beach, FL.