Tiny, tiny nails: There is a wonderful product on the market called a "Push Hammer." This looks very like a brad pusher with a big fat handle that fits in the palm of your hand ( It IS a brad pusher). Not expensive, but it allows you to put those tiny nails into the slender snout- place them exactly and "push" the nails into place. No slipping, no pounding. The best nails for this are steel as the inside of the "snout" is magnetized. But with some careful handling it will work for brass too. I sometimes use a tiny dab of tacky glue on the nail head to keep it inside the "pusher." Cleaning it out with a toothpick is easy.

Judie - Daytona Beach, FL

Glue for light fixtures: I've lighted more mini homes than I can count, and I've found that silicon or Aleene's tacky do just fine and don't damage the wiring. I've always used masking tape to hold in place for at least 24 hours. There are times when you can't tape it, so find items around the house to hold it in place for 24 hours, like a drinking glass, jar of peanut butter, etc. Just be sure not to use glues with acid that will eat the covering over the wires. I want to strongly warn against using Superglue or Quick Grab (these are what I referred to as glue with acid) when doing lighting. You may be very careful and put just a drop, but remember others won't always be so careful. I don't ever use any type of Superglue as it will eat through the insulation on the wire and it will also discolor the metal of the light fixture over time. Patience with white glue is the safest practice, and there will be no damage done to your expensive lights.

Jinger

Gluing light fixtures: Try using bath tub caulking - it will adhere to anything. Just a small wee drop is needed. Or go to an auto supply store and ask for the glue used to affix a rear view mirror to the windshield. That stuff sticks to glass also, like the caulking.

Bob in Hollywood, FL

Gluing light fixtures: Be careful about gluing in ceiling fixtures. Glue them only if they have replaceable bulbs. If the fixture will work we prefer to use Circuit's chandelier adapters and sconce adapters. One type, you glue a part of the adapter to the fixture and then it snaps into the adapter which pushes into the tape wire. Another type slides over grommets in the tape wire. Both are a lot easier to use than trying to glue a fixture to the ceiling and wall. Another plus is that it makes your fixtures removable, interchangeable and replaceable. I like "ables." You can get them at most miniature shops either in person or through the mail. They are about $5.00 each. Well worth it.

If your fixtures don't fit the adapters or you don't want to spend the money, try using poster tack. Get it in white at Wal-Mart. We cut packages into small squares and have them in our shop for our customers' convenience. It won't melt in the heat and works great on miniatures.

Sandra Olsen

Watch Parts: A friend uses pieces for sconces, door plates, canisters in 1/144 scale and the little discs look like CDs. If there is a notch in the disc, it can be slipped under something so it doesn't show.

Maria