Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Hedges and Paths
How to make a basic hedge.
http://www.villageobsession.com/basichedge.htm
Nertha Gaal discusses her Tuscan Courtyard tutorial, giving techniques for stucco, stone walls and floors.
http://minifan99.tripod.com/tuscancourtyardtutorial/id2.html
Monday, June 29, 2009
Glass Shelves
Maureen H. in St. Albert AB from Canada Minis completed her Scentimental Journey roombox and shared how she did those glass shelves.
http://public. fotki.com/ stalbertmini/
"I used Lego pieces to hold the glass shelves in position for gluing. The pieces on the left were positioned from the top edge of the cabinet with the shelf (glass slide) held at right angles by the second set of Legos. A view from the side is next."
With the Legos in their respective positions, the Super Glue on the edge of the slide is kept away from the Legos.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Mata Hari Tree
Remember the Mata Hari Site?
http://littleroomers.blogspot.com/2009/06/mata-hari-and-titanic.html
Well here is a tutorial for making the tree featured in the opening scene.
http://matahari.fantaseert.nl/homepage/show/pagina.php?paginaid=168448
http://littleroomers.blogspot.com/2009/06/mata-hari-and-titanic.html
Well here is a tutorial for making the tree featured in the opening scene.
http://matahari.fantaseert.nl/homepage/show/pagina.php?paginaid=168448
Friday, June 26, 2009
Silica Gel in Shoes and Vit C containers
Megan wrote in Ty-nee-Stuff Tid-bits:
These are various silica gel versions I've found from packets found in new shoes/sneakers, along with Vitamin C bottles.
Megan
http://www.meganmin is.we.bs/
Member suggestions for using these:
- The smaller size ones would be great as gravel in the bottom of a fish tank,
- The larger clear ones would make excellent bubbles in a bathtub.
- The clear square ones would be ice cubes in a drink. If you roll them in black paint they could be coals in a BBQ or used to fill a charcoal bag.
- Or how about around plants in a terrarium. or in a turtle tank?
- How about stuffing for a pillow?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Making Trees
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBWdbeAzjwE&feature=channel
Check the website for more!
http://www.stormthecastle.com/mainpages/dioramas/diorama_tutorial1.htm
A tutorial for making bushes using sisal rope:
http://members. shaw.ca/twofootB ill/bush. htm
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Newport Bathroom
Paula in s. central Ohio is working on her Newport Bathroom:
http://tinyurl. com/m5rrrq
This bathroom looks pretty much like my RL one...pink, aqua & flamingos!
- I painted the shower curtain (looks just like my own) on a piece of packaging plastic.
- I scrounged the mirror out of my powder compact (I need a magnifying mirror so didn't need it).
- The tub, sink & toilet I got from an estate sale at the Columbus show this past spring.
- The rugs & towels are made from the 'granite' paint samples from Lowes.
- I made the hamper from card stock covered w/a vinyl paintable wallpaper from Lowes' closeout.
- The lid is a piece of foam sheet.
- The flower pocket on the wall is made from a Roger's chocolate Victoria creams wrapper.
- I printed out pics of my RL stained glass pieces on clear film & hung one in the window.
- The Battenburg lace curtains are made from tiny lace doilies.
- For a shower hook, I bent a tiny piece of green-colored wire into an "S" shape. That way it was easy
- to attach them to the curtain first & close one end of the open "S", then to the curtain rod & then close that one too.
- The waste basket was a clear lid to a bottle of hair spritz. I printed out 3 pics of a flamingo pattern & glued them to the inside.
- I definitely need a kitty on the windowsill (which I made from a "marble" paint sample from Lowes)
Quarter Inch Wine Bottles
From the Quarter Connection Group:
Office Supply companies carry Avery Secur-A-Tach 5" self-fastening Fasteners, but you can also look around when you are shopping for clothes. (Whine and plead with the sales people to give you a few?)
They have indentations, but once you put the label on them, the indentations don't show up.
Gallery Glass paint works the best for painting.
Laura Miller from Tucson wrote about using the tags and posted pictures to her Webshots
site:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/111537079gDLRYH?start=36
Laura sells wine glasses.
http://www.minisnmore.info
And from Judith Dowden:
For the wine bottle--cut off the top and bottom sections of the long piece. Your bottle should be just 5mm long. I painted mine with green glass paint and used a gold pen for the label and top. Use the top ball for a perfume bottle, using a no hole bead for the top. Use the ball with some of the plastic cord left on as another perfume bottle. Use the whole long piece as a wine decanter--painted or left as is. Use the barrel end as it is for a small cask or 1/144th barrel, or cut it in half to make two pots (by adding a card handle), or various dishes or vases
Dish soap container below is made from price tag plastic piece and plastic piece used. Color with permanent green marker. Label is just white paper colored with blue highlighter with dots of color from fine point markers. Top is no-hole bead painted white and super-glued on.
Who- da thunk? Keep those peepers open!
Stereo Speakers, Urinals and Trays
Chris from Canada wrote:
if you use the gel super glue in the blue and silver plastic casing (I
think it's called LocTite Control Gel, but I soaked the label off my
last one a few weeks ago and need to get more), you can pry the case
apart to find the makings of a perfect pair of modernistic tower-
style stereo speakers.
Once you cut them free of the bits of plastic joining them to the base
(reserving the base of course for further butchering to turn it into a
serving platter, or cutting guide or mold for modern Fimo serving
trays), all you need to do is give them a coat of whatever finish(es)
you desire.
Mine were done in chrome nail polish for a disco roombox scene. The
silver outer casing, if cut in half vertically, yields two ..... ummmmm
base, with a drainhole in the right spot before they are given a coating
of white enamel, and a silver or white bead flush handle.
BTW, these were not used in the same roombox, although now that I
think about it, I could have added a walled-off section with a partially
opened door and ...... No, it's best l leave it at that. The recipient might
not have appreciated the added touch, as she is of the more conservative
persuasion.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Brooke's Boxes
Brooke Tucker is the daughter of movie stat Forrest Tucker.
She creates elaborate, sophisticated roomboxes.
http://brooketucker.com/showcase.htm
http://www.brooketucker.com/putabouts.htm
Read about her life here.
http://brooketucker.com/about.htm
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mata Hari and the Titanic
Conny v / den Dungen was fascinated by the history of the Dutch-born spy Mata Hari
and has made a stunning series of roomboxes illustrating events in her life..
Gerk Koopmans, conservator of the Mata Hari collection, visiting Conny in her home 2003.
http://www.matahari.fantaseert.nl/
and has made a stunning series of roomboxes illustrating events in her life..
Gerk Koopmans, conservator of the Mata Hari collection, visiting Conny in her home 2003.
http://www.matahari.fantaseert.nl/
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What You Can Do With Toothpicks!
Patrick Ashton used 600,000 toothpicks to create this marvel!
http://www.matchstickmarvels.com/Comingin2005-2006.htm
http://www.matchstickmarvels.com/Comingin2009.htm
Scott Weaver made a huge kinetic sculpture of San Francisco entirely from toothpicks. A ball travels through it, touring the elements of the city.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrTVUESypFc&feature=related
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Foodies Alert! Betsy is here!
This lady makes absolutely awesome food. She also teaches on the Custom Dolls, Houses and Miniatures site (scroll down to the how-to links to the left on this blog)
http://betsy-niederer-miniature-food-igma-fellow.com/shop/
Greenleaf Videos!
Gina has made many of the Greenleaf dollhouses. She has a Youtube channel
and also a blog with many links and TUTs.
Check them out - don't you just love house tours?
This is her gallery on the Greenleaf Forum.
http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/index.php?autocom=gallery&req=user&user=729
Her blog and Youtube links are below.
http://www.youtube.com/user/MoreMinisGina
http://moreminis.blogspot.com/
And this is Deb's Italian Villa! She talks about it in her blog here:
http://debsminis.blogspot.com/2009/03/greenleaf-spring-fling.html
She also has a Youtube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/debsminis
Deb is the Deb from Etsy,, her username is debsminis and this is the link
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5593154
and also a blog with many links and TUTs.
Check them out - don't you just love house tours?
This is her gallery on the Greenleaf Forum.
http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/index.php?autocom=gallery&req=user&user=729
Her blog and Youtube links are below.
http://www.youtube.com/user/MoreMinisGina
http://moreminis.blogspot.com/
And this is Deb's Italian Villa! She talks about it in her blog here:
http://debsminis.blogspot.com/2009/03/greenleaf-spring-fling.html
She also has a Youtube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/debsminis
Deb is the Deb from Etsy,, her username is debsminis and this is the link
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5593154
Cottage Chic Living Room
Check out Susan Farnik's Cottage Chic Living room! Absolutely stunning! You would swear it was RL!
http://susansminiatures.shutterfly.com/
Friday, June 19, 2009
Basement, Laundry and Workroom
Fay Zerbolio from St. Louis, MO has made this fabulous vignette!
http://fayzerplace.homestead.com/basement.html
Her home page is:
http://fayzerplace.homestead.com/index.html and you will find even more fantabulous things there!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Bashing Michaels Hutches
From this to that- a brilliant transformation and Carol's TUT is below.
http://www.letsbuildadollhouse.com/lbdhbuil%20plate%20rack.htm
Wanna from El Paso discussed all the possibilities of the hutches.
http://www.wannainelpaso.com/tutorials/working_with_michaels_hutches.shtml
Dollhouse Museum on the Freedom Trail
Ancient House of Ipswich @1910
German Milliner's Shop
English Inherited Sturge House @1890
The Mildred M. Mahoney Doll's House Gallery, believed by most Fort Erie Ontario natives to be haunted, is home to the fascinating miniature world of the dollhouse. Housing one of the world's largest collections of dollhouses in North America, there are 140 exhibits spanning two centuries and rare masterpieces from England, Europe, the Orient and North America. Whether you visit for the miniature wonders or the building's historical and cultural significance, we know it will be a memorable visit. For more information call 905-871-5833.
http://www.mahoneydollhouse.com/
Click on the About US for admission, and map.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Old Pencils never Die!
Chris from Canada wrote:
Before you toss that old pencil stub:
1) Pry out the rest of the eraser. When chopped up it makes passable raw meat or dog kibble.
2) Using pliers, pull off the metal ring that held the eraser. The tube you have in your hands will become a custom-made clay cutter on whatever shape you desire. Start by gently rounding out the tube with small pliers and then identifying the end with the neatest edge. This will be your cutter. On the other end, wrap a 1.4" wide strip of masking tape around the outside of the tube a few times to reinforce it and provide a safe place to hold on to. As the metal is quite sharp and I am a klutz, I also folded about 1/32" of one layer of tape over the raw edge to the inside of the tube for added safety. Don't tape over the end of the tube as you need some way to get inside to push out your clay shape if it gets stuck inside the cutter. Finally, use your pliers to shape the other end of the tube into whatever shape cutter you need.
NOTE: Make sure to do the above 2 steps in the order specified, or you risk tearing the ring. The pencil holds the ring in shape while you gouge out the eraser bit.
3) Consider the potential of the stub as a post for a bird bath or a garden statue, the base form for a paper-clay Yule log, bakeable body core for a Fimo critter or any place you can use a RL 3-4" diameter cylinder.
4) If there is anything left of the pencil by now, gently deposit the remains in the nearest trash can, offering a few words of thanks for such long and loyal service. (sob!)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Great American Dollhouse Museum
Lori Kagan-Moore, Director and Curator
The Great American Dollhouse Museum
http://www.TheDollhouseMuseum.com
Facebook Page: The Great American Dollhouse Museum
Uses for Plastic Canvas
Sandra Manring from Texas belongs to the MSAT Flowers and Gardens group.
Her work is so elegant.
Look at her photosites below.
http://www.picturetrail.com/abritishbrat
http://community.webshots.com/user/britishrose101
The picture is of a roombox her friend Sylvia made, using plastic canvas for the railings and windows..
Stunning, isn't it?
Sandra very kindly sent me these pattern ideas.
Jackie C. from MSAT Flowers and Gardens did this gate.
Don't forget to check the previous posting for more ideas!
http://littleroomers.blogspot.com/2009/05/uses-for-plastic-cross-stitch-canvas.html
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Roman Shades
Both of these links sre for RL Drapery, but give you ideas for styles.
http://www.harborviewblinds.com/fabric-shades.html
This is a TUT for RL shades.
http://www.terrelldesigns.com/howtomakeromanshades.htm
http://www.harborviewblinds.com/fabric-shades.html
This is a TUT for RL shades.
http://www.terrelldesigns.com/howtomakeromanshades.htm
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Toddlers and Babies
Cheri DeGruccio's site shows the process for sculpting babies.
http://cheridegruccio.com/SCULPTINGSITE/PROCESS-FAQ/ProcessandFAQ.htm
Friday, June 12, 2009
Sherri Colvin's Dolls
Sherri Colvin is a talented artist and makes WONDERFUL dolls, like Jaime Carrington.
She did a tut on the Greenleaf site.
http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/dollhouse_news/JUN2008/Sculpting-Polymer-Clay.html
Her gallery is here:
http://www.colvindolls.com/layout/default.asp?page=gallery
And here on the Greenleaf site:
http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/index.php?autocom=gallery&req=user&user=2028&op=view_album&album=1073#
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Egg Carton Fireplace
Grazhina is working on her Kitschy Kitchen....see how she does the brick fireplace.
http://newenglandminiatures.blogspot.com/2009/04/kitschy-kitchen-part-ii.html
Don't forget to check the accessories from her store that she is putting into the scene.
Michaels Hutches
Grazhina posted ideas for the Michaels hutches on her blog.
http://newenglandminiatures.blogspot.com/2009/04/kitschy-kitchen-cabinet.html
She made a Bench for the kitchen here:
http://newenglandminiatures.blogspot.com/2009/04/kitschy-kitchen-part-vi.html
http://www.letsbuildadollhouse.com/lbdhbuil%20plate%20rack.htm
http://newenglandminiatures.blogspot.com/2009/04/kitschy-kitchen-cabinet.html
She made a Bench for the kitchen here:
http://newenglandminiatures.blogspot.com/2009/04/kitschy-kitchen-part-vi.html
http://www.letsbuildadollhouse.com/lbdhbuil%20plate%20rack.htm
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Dryer Lint
Chris from Canada sez:
Save some lint from the filter screen of your dryer, as it makes great stuffing for mini pillows and stuffed toys. It's much easier to
use than polyester stuffing, as the lint's fibres are so fine they will go easily into the tiniest spaces. If you are one of those laundry perfectionists whose pure white or black clothes are never, ever, washed with other colours, you can use the lint for flocking
after a quick buzz in a blender. The rest of us will have to settle for whatever colour shows up in the lint screen.
Save some lint from the filter screen of your dryer, as it makes great stuffing for mini pillows and stuffed toys. It's much easier to
use than polyester stuffing, as the lint's fibres are so fine they will go easily into the tiniest spaces. If you are one of those laundry perfectionists whose pure white or black clothes are never, ever, washed with other colours, you can use the lint for flocking
after a quick buzz in a blender. The rest of us will have to settle for whatever colour shows up in the lint screen.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Appliances
Grazhina is a wonderfully sharing and inventive miniaturist. She has instructions for making a stove,which could easily be adapted for a washer/dryer.
Check her blog! And the links section.
http://newenglandminiatures.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-make-miniature-stove.html
Monday, June 8, 2009
Nybelwyck Hall at the Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum
511 Warburton Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10701
phone:914-963-4550
website:Hudson River Museum
http://www.hrm.org/mansion.html
Check this video out!
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061227/MULTIMEDIA01/61227006/1259
More Fabulous Pictures!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tripletlads/961570661/
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Joanne Swanson's Foamcore Siding Idea
Foamcore Siding
Maureen H. in St. Albert AB wrote to The Canada Minis Digest:
I was, as usual, reading old (1993)Nutshell news and came across Joann Swanson's instructions for her garage sale. I'm thinking maybe I'll add it to my list of upcoming projects and, accordingly, I'm poring over the instructions when I spot this little gem!
The outside walls of her garage are made from foamcore yet look like siding. Here's how Joann did it.
On outside of exterior walls, measure and mark horizontal lines every 1/2" from bottom to top. Cut on the lines with an X-Acto knife and a straight edge just through the top paper layer. Make a tool like a pointed orange stick by sharpening end of a e/16" dowel in pencil sharpener. Starting from the top, slip pointed end of tool under one end of cut line. Run it along cut with enough pressure to slightly indent the area under the line and slightly lift up cut edge of paper. Repeat for all lines to create faux siding. Paint as desired. Let dry
I actually ran a 1/2" strip of wood along the line, putting more pressure on the side closest to the line.
I've put two pictures of the small sample piece I did in my CM album. The straight on picture doesn't really do it justice but you can get a better idea of how it looks from the end shot where I've highlighted the edge with marker.
Wonderful method you might want to keep tucked away in your mind.
Maureen H. in St. Albert AB wrote to The Canada Minis Digest:
I was, as usual, reading old (1993)Nutshell news and came across Joann Swanson's instructions for her garage sale. I'm thinking maybe I'll add it to my list of upcoming projects and, accordingly, I'm poring over the instructions when I spot this little gem!
The outside walls of her garage are made from foamcore yet look like siding. Here's how Joann did it.
On outside of exterior walls, measure and mark horizontal lines every 1/2" from bottom to top. Cut on the lines with an X-Acto knife and a straight edge just through the top paper layer. Make a tool like a pointed orange stick by sharpening end of a e/16" dowel in pencil sharpener. Starting from the top, slip pointed end of tool under one end of cut line. Run it along cut with enough pressure to slightly indent the area under the line and slightly lift up cut edge of paper. Repeat for all lines to create faux siding. Paint as desired. Let dry
I actually ran a 1/2" strip of wood along the line, putting more pressure on the side closest to the line.
I've put two pictures of the small sample piece I did in my CM album. The straight on picture doesn't really do it justice but you can get a better idea of how it looks from the end shot where I've highlighted the edge with marker.
Wonderful method you might want to keep tucked away in your mind.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wow! Greenleaf's Spring Fling Contest
This is where the official results are posted.
http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=21271&st=0#entry368487
Some absolutely wonderful entries! What is fascinating is that every one has a different "take" on the subject.
The link below will take you to the gallery where you can see the submissions.
http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/index.php?autocom=gallery&req=sc&cat=57
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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