How to save bookmarks in case your system crashes:

For Internet Explorer: Within Internet Explorer, click on "File" in the upper left corner and scroll down to "Import and Export" and click on it. A window will open up that says "Welcome to Import and Export Wizard", click on the word "Next". The next screen will ask you to choose whether to import or export etc., click on "Export Favorites" which will highlight it and then click on "Next". Another screen will open and will say "Export Favorite Source Folder". At this point you could export (save to the hard drive) any one folder or all the folders in your browser's "Favorite" file. In this case we are going to "export or save" the entire "favorites file" and you will see the directory of "Favorite" highlighted. If it is nothighlighted then click on it once and highlight it.

With the directory "Favorites" highlighted, click on "Next". The next window will say "Export Favorites Destination". There will be two little buttons to check, but only the last one should be usable. It will say "Export a file or address". It will allow you to choose where to place the favorites file. Windows will choose for you: C:\My Documents\bookmark.htm You can change it to another file but I suggest you leave it as is. Click "Next". A window will then tell you that you have "CompletedImport/Export Wizard" and all you have to do is click "Finish". A tiny will appear indicating "You Have SuccessfullyExportedFavorites". Click "OK" and your are done.

To find this file, "bookmarks.htm", go the Windows Exporer and look for the Directory "My Documents" and double click on it. You will need to look for the file "bookmarks.htm" All you need to do is double click this .htm document and a list of all your bookmarks will be brought up. Save the file to disk too in case of future system problems.

For Netscape: The process is a bit easier and faster in Netscape. Open Netscape and click on "Bookmarks". Scroll down to and click on "ManageBookmarks". A bookmarks window will open and you need to click on "File" in the upper left corner. Scroll down to "Export Bookmarks" and click on it. A "Save" window will open. Next to the "Save" button a file name has been filled in called, again, "bookmarks.htm", just like in Exporer. Click on "Save" Go to Windows Explorer. You need the directory of Netscape, it may be under the "Programs" directory. Double click on "Netscape" and look for "bookmarks.htm". Double click it to open and view bookmarks. You can save to disk or cd also for safety sack. From this point it works much the same and Explorer.

NOTE: If the file already exists in Netscape or Explorer, Windows will ask you if you want to replace the existing file with the new one and you just say yes. This will enable you on a regular basis to update this file with your latest bookmarks

Darlene/Somerset, NJ

Gluing Food to a flexible plate: Silicone works better on these soft plastic liners than white glue. You don't want the cookies sliding off at the last minute.

ARGO113

Artist's canvas: I recommend the use of cambric fabric. This is the stuff that roller window blinds used to be made of -- they are now plastic. It has a very tight weave that really resembles canvas in miniature. I do stenciling and wall murals professionally and use this for samples or for the finished product which is then adhered to the wall. The hard part of this is "Where can you get it?" The only place I know of is Indiana Coated Products and they sell it in HUGE rolls -- much too much for mini folks. If you contacted them and explained your needs, they might be able to supply end cuts or scraps. It doesn't take much to make a mini canvas or floor cloth. For a studio, I would suggest making some stretchers and stretch some and would also have some in rolls. The cambric does not have to be primed and also works beautifully if you can paint mini pictures (I haven't been able to reduce my eye to that level yet).

Leigh Hill in Delaware

Telescope: I have a couple of modern ones from Nantasy Fantasy on my site at http://www.spminiatures.com/nfpieces.htm They're at the bottom of the page.

Carol

Telescopes: We carry telescopes on a tripod www.dollhouseportal.com Look on page 52 of the metals section. It has to be painted and finished. Hope it helps. http://www.dollhouseportal.com

Terri in SW Florida

golf stuff: For the lady looking for mini golf stuff. Sheila Seme, 34643 Sunward Loop Sephryhills, FL 33541 (Email gpage@innet.com) makes wonderful golf clubs and bags. Hopefully she still makes them, and that the above address is still good because if I remember correctly, her prices were exceptionally good. If you were a Dolls and Miniatures subscriber, you'll see some of her work in the Summer 98 issue, beginning on page 63.

Viola

Rug Kits: For beautiful carpet kits, I highly recommend Orientals Expressed. http://mywebpage.netscape.com/orientalsxpressd/home.html

Michelle has some gorgeous designs in various sizes. If you dont want to pay $50+ for a kit, you can purchase just the chart, and furnish your own canvas and threads. Further, for a mere $15, Michelle will adapt one of her designs to suit your color and size requirements. You can send her a scan of your wallpaper, and she'll use colors to match. Before she completes the design, she'll send you a bit of it, to make sure that you like it, and if not, she'll make adjustments with color, etc. So, for $15, you get a custom designed chart to make the perfect carpet for your space.

Jonathan in Israel

Rug kits: I have made some really nice rugs without kits--using the patternsin a book entitled "Oriental Carpets in Miniature" by Frank M. Cooper (1994). Good luck!

Barbara in DE

Needlepoint Rugs: Regarding needlepoint rugs, have you considered using a small count linen or aida cloth and getting a design you like from a counted cross stitch book. You can use a piece of the pattern and make an edge then put a pattern in the middle. Instead of doing cross stitch, do your needlepoint stitch. Fringe the ends of the cloth and seal the sides with that stuff that stops fraying or fringe all four sides. If you do a round rug, make a tiny fringe by fraying some cloth leaving a couple rows in tact to glue or stitch on. I was always going to do this, but never did. I crocheted some oval rugs for my dollhouse and was going to stitch or paint a design on them and haven't done that either, but I think these are inexpensive ways to make some rugs.

Linda

Fimo cleanup: To clean your pasta machine, go to www.polymerclaycentral.com in the lesson and instructions list they actually have a lesson on cleaning your pasta machine. If you are mixing a lot of clay have you thought of using a food processor, I have a small one and it's fantastic. No more sore and aching hands and no more spending hours mixing, kneading and pummeling!

Jacquie Hall

FIMO Clean Up: I have one machine for Pasta and one for FIMO. When I'm done using the pasta machine, I run old slices of bread thru it and it cleans quite well. Haven't tried it with the FIMO machine, but I would think the same thing would work. The same trick works in a meat grinder.

Ruth

Cleaning Pasta Machine: There is instructions for cleaning the pasta machines at http://www.desiredcreations.com/howTo_PQueenAtlasMaint.htm very easy to follow.

Oleta

Beads/Findings: Beth & I located a source for jewelry components that you might find interesting, Rio Grande. They can be found at http://www.riogrande.com if you like to use beads or findings or semi-precious stones; this is the place.

Brian

Special Newspapers: When I was making Trinity's dh, I made a little newspaper all about Trini, her birthday, weight, eye and hair color, all kinds of little stuff about  what the weather was like on the day she was born, what the top news story, etc.  You get the idea.   The point is, I made it on the computer, took maybe an hour and was tons cheaper than buying newspaper patterned dh wallpaper.  Couldn't something like this be done for those on a limited budget?   I guess I am always looking for a way to diy, since I limit my spending budget as well.

Eileen in St.Louis

ROOM BY ROOM - KB TOYS: !   Thanks for the advice from fellow miniers on the Room By Room  Boxes.   Picked up the Kitchen, Bath and Dining Rooms at K-B Toys for the $15 reduced prices today.   Would like the bedroom and living rooms, but   they were not in stock.

Great starter for the little ones, and kit-bashing possibilities for us older kids.  The dishes resemble the Chrysnbon ones, and am thinking of painting them.   The plain walls could use some pretty wallpaper. The curtains go into the trash box--would like to frame scenes over the window openings on the back of the boxes.

Had a little 4-yr. old here Sunday before I picked up the rooms.  I don't usually have dolls in my houses, but the first thing she asked was "where are the dolls".  Little ones love having dolls in houses, so when I got the boxes set up I hauled out my Fisher Price dolls to go into them. Even though not in perfect scale, they are great since they bend at so many joints, and the children won't notice the difference. Sure wish they were 12 v. lighting instead of batteries, but then you can't have everything.

Dolores

Silica gel Crystals: If your rocks turn yellow, just stick them in the oven for a little while to dry them back out. They change colors to let you know that they have absorbed all the moisture that they can.

Sherry

Trip to England: To others making their first trip to the UK--a couple tips I learned the hard way. The security at Heathrow and I suppose at other UK airports is VERY serious. They can't identify minis on x-ray (they don't think small VBG) so then they want to SEE everything. Coming back from the London show they unwrapped EVERYTHING. It was a nightmare. Don't know to this day if I lost anything. Next time I took ziplock bags, bubblewrap and shoeboxes. Bag individual pieces without wrapping them so they can be seen through the bag, then layer into showboxes with bubble wrap. They still unpack everything but don't open the bags so the pieces are bigger and easier to keep track of. Keep receipts together so when you fill out customs forms at US end you can list items with accurate prices. List EVERYTHING. Duty is cheap compared to the fines (this I learned from my boss who tried to get a ring in without paying duty). If you buy antiques which must be 100 years old (get the dealer to put it on the receipt). Keep those receipts together with your custom form so you can show them. Don't keep the receipts packed with the items :( this I know from experience.) This system has worked very well for me and I have had no losses or breakage nor problems with security or customs since I started using it. Have a great trip.

Susan in OR

Business out of home: For some reason when we have a business out of our home, our customers seem to think that we have no other life aside from being at their beck and call. For those of you who are the 'customers' I certainly don't mean all customers.

There are ways to tactfully handle the little problems that arise for us. For instance, when we do have a customer come early and we are not ready, for instance our too short shorts!! PJ and our hair not done. We can politely say, well hi, you are a bit early, just give me a minute to change, shut the door and go and change. Be sure to take your time, and not feel rushed. You are on time, they may be early for what ever reason, you need to take that time so that you are calm and don't miss something (like two different colored socks). Remember that they should have phoned and said hey we made it to town early, would it be ok to come now. If they can't do that, then they will have to wait until you are ready to accept them early. Remember also, that if you go to a store that isn't open until 9 and you get there at seven that the store owner isn't going to open their doors for you. It helps to have a closed sign for the times when you are expecting someone. Put the sign in your door until 15 minutes before the appt time and don't answer the door. Remember, you could have stepped out to go to the doctor/grocery store etc. You knew when the appt was, who says you were going to be home prior to that?

Again when people are late, more frustrating than early. Remember once again. How long should the appt take? If someone is not there at the appointed time give them 15 mins or what ever you feel comfortable with, then close your 'store'. I and a friend have store hour signs. And the wonderful closed signs. When someone is late by 15 mins the store hours sign...(by appt. only) goes up and the closed sign. If I have someone coming and they say they are going to be here at 10:00 I know that an appt should take 30 mins to 45. I give the 15 min rule and then know that I can schedule or plan something for around 10:15. I have a life and can't wait for people to be late. Neither can any of you.

An at home business is a lot like the thoughts that people have of stay at home moms (I just happen to be one of them also)...we are always there to help. Do you know how many neighbors have put me on their to call list if their children need to come home and their mother isn't there? Five families have done this, one with asking. Don't get taken advantage of. People don't realize what our lives are like at home. Educating them does help.

Remember to use tact when addressing the issues that bug you with your customers. I wouldn't dream of being more than 10 mins early / late for an appt. Some people think nothing of it to come 1/2 hr either way. Kind words, in a non-offensive way often will strengthen your relationship with a customer.

Theresa

Marble: If your marble is defaced by wear, abrasion, or pitting, there is no auto/furniture/anything "polish" that will help you. My suggestion is this:
If you have a Dremel rotary tool (or equivalent), use the polishing kits they have available. These kits will actually polish your marble to a luster that you may want to wax for a final gloss. These kits include all the grinding and polishing tools you need to make your marble as beautiful as it ever was. It will work if you work slowly and don't harm your marble with your efforts.

Dave Brazelton

Polishing marble: To polish marble use plain white toothpaste - preferably one of the tooth polishing ones like Pearl Drops (which we used to be able to get in Oz - don't know if it's still around or not). The slightly gritty texture is so fine that is works well on marble and will create a really fine abrasive effect to take off any scratched surface on the marble and reveal the stone's natural shine. Another tedious but effective option (which incidentally also does a great job on shining painted surfaces is talcum powder -after bath talc - and brown lunch paper. Once you sprinkle the talc onto the marble, use the brown paper to polish it off. It takes a while on paint and I suspect it will take a lot longer on marble so perhaps you could use toothpaste first and then use the talc for your final polish? Good Luck,

Trace, Melbourne, Australia