Getting a Book Published: If you are publishing the book in the US, submit it to either (not more than one at a time) Scott Publishing (Miniature Collector) or Kalmbach Publishing (Dollhouse Miniatures). In the UK, I would try The Guild of Master Craftsmen (Dollhouse Magazine).

Tom Berkner

Pattern/Idea Books: regarding the books of designs that someone mentioned (as a source for Chinese designs) - these books are produced by Dover http://store.doverpublications.com/
go here for the craft section: http://store.doverpublications.com/by-subject-crafts.html and here for quick access to all the design books: http://store.doverpublications.com/by-subject-art.html
These books contain copyright free clip art, lettering, designs, etc., and mostnow come with the CD. They are very reasonably priced, and an invaluable source of designs for any and every purpose. I have several myself.

Graceanne

Scale Cabinetmaker: In case anyone else has problems cutting the wood pieces for the furniture in any of the Dorsett books, with the odd measurements given..... The drawings in all of their books are actually patterns. You can copy or scan and print them, draw around them, and then cut the wood. I should have thought of that when Dolores first mentioned it, but it's one of those simple-minded things you don't think of. (I've been using their books since the first blue one in the big format - still have four or five of those.) I think the first one mentioned that the drawings are actual patterns somewhere in the foreword - I was so anxious to start making something that I didn't read that part until after I had struggled with several pieces.

Nancy in Indiana

Scale Cabinetmaker: As far as I know all the patterns are given in full-sized inches and feet and you need to use a scale ruler to scale them down, but the drawings, as Nancy pointed out, are in scale and can be used as patterns just as they are. The other measurements given are for the thickness’ of the wood and they are given in thousands of an inch so .0833 refers to 1" in scale, or 3/32" thick wood. If the sofa is 6" long then it is 6' in full size and so on.

June in London Ontario Canada

Books - new and used: I want to echo Rose's post, and say that ABE Books is the best place I have found to get both new and out of print books. They don't have everything, but when they do have what you want, you get to choose from quite a few dealers and quite a few different prices! Through ABE, I have purchased books from dealers in Canada, the US, and England, and have been absolutely delighted with every transaction. At the moment I am into books on porcelain - John needs ideas for mini plates and teapots and such. Some of the porcelain books have quite beautiful illustrations, so I am getting to the point where I just want the books for the sheer delight of the illustrations. As you can probably gather, I am buying used books *g*. http://www.abebooks.com

Joy in Midland, Ontario

New book on mini shops: I ordered this book published recently, but have not received it yet. The review says it contains instructions for creating 5 model shops in 1/12th scale. I remember another review mentioning an Edwardian toy shop, and a grocer. Full plans for the shops are included, including fixtures, fittings, signs and stock. Details: Dolls' House Shopkeeper, by Lionel and Ann Barnard. Published by David & Charles, 2001 ISBN 0175309668

Betsie, South Africa

Book recommendation: In answer to Peter's question about the best mini book, without doubt I would choose Building Miniature Houses and Furniture by Dorie Krusz. She's the one who build houses using a craftwood stud frame and matboard. I know it sounds crazy, but the things she makes are perfectly lovely and she does it without any expensive power tools. She builds a perfect colonial chair from toothpicks, pins, beads, sequins and string. I love her work not only for its perfection but for the 'make it from what I find' mini worldview it represents. Anyone with endless time and especially money can come up with a nice mini presentation. But let's face it, most of us can't afford real porcelain, silver, and so forth. On top of that, lots of us WANT to make what we display. The Krusz book shows how to do that and do it well. My favorite.

Linda in Leroy, OH

How-To Books: I have an extensive library on books pertaining to dollhouses and miniatures.   I will try to give you an idea of each of these books merits.

- Beryl Armstrong's How to Make Your Dolls' House Special: Beryl is a great one for finding use in the found, everyday objects instead of bought components.   This particular edition has several pictures from her previous book (Design and Build Your Dollhouses, Chartwell Books, Inc.)  She gives step by step directions for thatch roofing, fire grates and vintage cook stoves, making your own lamps and light fixtures, cutting your own windows/door- ways along with numerous ideas for exterior finishes.   I think her castle is fabulous.   I highly recommend either of her books.

- Kath Dalmeny's Dolls' House Details:   This book reminds me a lot of Venus Dodge's book in that it has numerous patterns for projects and furniture. I like the way she has divided her ideas into chapters such as Toys and Games, In the Kitchen, Leisure Activities, Flowers and Plants, Celebrations, just to name a few.   Each of these chapters has at least four subcategories of ideas.   If you like Venus Dodge's book, you will like this one too.

- Nick Forder's Dollhouse Decor, Creating Soft Furnishings in 1/12th Scale:   Just got this one and what a beautiful book, not so much a how-to as a history of different eras in decorating.   The pictures are absolutely beautiful, great for inspiration.  I have everything he has printed on the subject of dollhouse miniatures. There is the odd pattern for needlework rugs, cushion covers, etc., also some drapery patterns.

If you liked Venus's and Jessica's books I think you won't go wrong with these three.  Hope this helps.

Susan in Texas

Spiral staircases.    Since I did not catch the original post, I don't know if the question involved buying one or building one from scratch.   But in case someone was wanting to build one from scratch (the ones available for buying are very expensive), I thought I would mention that in her book, "Making Victorian Dolls' House Furniture", Patricia King gives time-consuming, but VERY easy and inexpensive basic instructions for making a spiral staircase.   I followed her instructions, adding my own embellishments (as she encourages one to do), and I am extremely pleased with the lovely result - so pleased that I am going to make several more, and have already scrounged or bought the necessary components.   So, whoever it was that asked the question, if what you wanted was to make your own, I recommend that you try Ms. King's idea.   The book is new enough that it should be readily available in any mini store or failing that, try  www.Amazon.com, www.Bibliophile.com  or www.Bookfinders.org .

Shirley in Chesapeake, Virginia

Buying BOOKS online: another way to search is to use an engine like Addall, which is MUCH better than some, and will give you some idea of how many copies of the book you want are online and the wide range of prices. It includes ABE and Half.com and Powell's, among others. Rare Used and Out of Print Book Search http://www.addall.com/Used/

Rose

Linen patterns and directions, once again try Dover Books: Shep Stadtman's   Dollhouse Furnishings for the Bedroom and Bath. Mattresses, pillows, sheets, pillowcases, comforters, quilts, curtains, plus towels, shower curtains, and even a bathrobe. Some of the designs are a little clunky by today's miniaturing standards, but the problem is the scale of the lace and other trims used.  The linens themselves are good scale, with clear instructions, and better trims are available now.   And as usual with Dover, you get excellent value for a low price.

Loretta.Sniarowski

Fimo How to's: I have just purchased "Making Doll's House Miniatures with Polymer Clay" by Sue Heaser & spent the whole weekend drooling over it.  It covers items for the entire house & some food, as well as bowls & dishes. Good instructions on sizing and colours too.  Definitely for newbies like us.

Sharon - S. Africa

Magazines: if you want a magazine primarily for projects, your best bets are probably Dollhouse Miniatures (US) or Dolls House World (UK); the latter is more expensive, but overall more of the projects are better suited to beginners than DM's, and sometimes a bit more unusual. I haven't seen the UK Projects magazine, so can't judge that.

Loretta Sniarowski

Harry Smith Book: I want to say that I recently received Harry Smith's book "The Art of Making Furniture in Miniature". The best part is that it is one of the best books I have seen for crafting miniature furniture. This book is for making fine furniture indeed - no drawer pulls fashioned from beads, no balsa wood, etc. It is clear, concise, very well illustrated and quite inspiring. I recommend it to anyone who considers building from scratch, as well as to those who build from kits. In fact, it is especially good for kit builders, because it gives you information on assembly, sanding and finishing, which will allow you to build that kit at a much higher level.

Jonathan in Israel

Building a Dollhouse: There is a book Everything You Wanted to Know About Building a Dollhouse that is online. You can print it out - it's at: http://miniatures.com/guide/intro.html

Marsha, in CA

Magazines: I have found mini magazines at Books-a-Million. You can order magazines from the web site if you don't have a store near you. The three I have found are:
Dollhouse Miniatures (American publication)
Doll's House and Miniature Scene (British)
Miniature Collector (American)
I like the British one the best. There are often free dollhouse plans, clothingpatterns, cut-outs, and every month there is a column on making foods and objects with Fimo (You can go to Angie Scarr's website for good free projects. http://www.compclub.demon.co.uk/asmini.htm). You can go here ( http://www.emfpublishing.co.uk) to order DHMS online. I have done this and theservice is good. They also make a Miniatures Projects magazine that is more expensive (about $12/copy) but has lots of do-it-yourself projects and the issues are big. It is put out 4x/year. I don't much care for the Miniature Collector for DIY projects (although there are some in there that are very good). It is more of a "Showcase" magazine that shows the best and most interesting dollhouses...and for that reason is still a very good magazine.

Lynn in Gainesville

Magazines: if you want a magazine primarily for projects, your best bets are probably Dollhouse Miniatures (US) or Dolls House World (UK); the latter is more expensive, but overall more of the projects are better suited to beginners than DM's, and sometimes a bit more unusual. I haven't seen the UK Projects magazine, so can't judge that.

Loretta Sniarowski

Harry Smith Book: I want to say that I recently received Harry Smith's book "The Art of Making Furniture in Miniature". The best part is that it is one of the best books I have seen for crafting miniature furniture. This book is for making fine furniture indeed - no drawer pulls fashioned from beads, no balsa wood, etc. It is clear, concise, very well illustrated and quite inspiring. I recommend it to anyone who considers building from scratch, as well as to those who build from kits. In fact, it is especially good for kit builders, because it gives you information on assembly, sanding and finishing, which will allow you to build that kit at a much higher level.

Jonathan in Israel

Orrin' s Book: Attention collectors and builders of Miniature Houses Homes, furniture and furnishings. It is true! Strange things have been going on at night in YOUR houses. To find out all about it, read Journey To the West, The saga of how the Folk (never call them the little people) came to cross the great storm tossed Atlantic and established themselves in the NEW WORLD. But please don't expect stories about " cute little fellers" They hate to be described in such terms. These are real adult souls who just happen to also be scaled one inch to the foot. Their adventures and hardships rank along with those of Swift Family Robertson and Robinson Crusoe. The best way to picture them is to look through the wrong end of a telescope at regular people walking down the street! JOURNEY TO THE WEST by Orrin Llewellyn, is a fun-filled action adventure is an ideal gift for children (and adults) of all ages especially collectors of to scale Houses and furnishings. Discover their history and learn the surprising truth about them, but more importantly learn the truth about who they tell us we are! Be prepared to find out the shocking truth about us! If you are looking for scenes to depict here you will find a treasure trove. Think of the extra drama that these Scaled folk experience in their every day lives.These events are ingredients for exciting and interesting Depiction. To order the book contact Xlibris Corporation http://www.xlibris.com. or phone.888.795.4274 or 215.923.4686 fax 215.923.4685 email info@xlibris.com or contact Orrin@ollewellyn@cfl.rr.com

Orrin

CHILD'S ROOM: For great ideas for children's rooms, you can pick up a copy of a J.C. Penney specialty catalog, or the ads in the Sunday paper have great pictures in some of the inserts (Target, etc.). A lot of the children's furniture lends itself greatly to D.I.Y.

Debbie Grasty