Good morning ladies.

Sorry that I haven't posted since my first posts. Life has decided to turn the world upside down health wise, so it's been one specialist to another and more tests than I care to have. No real bad news just enough to change life...but we must dust ourselves off and continue on.

Then I have been fighting with the company that I purchased my doll house from about returning it. That has been 3 weeks and yes, I got nasty. I swear it all depends on who you speak with as each person has a different version of the rules. Finally got a email yesterday and full refund is in the works. Now to buy a new house, yeah! I think that might have to wait until after the holidays though.

I did read the posts and all the houses are coming along so wonderful. You ladies amaze and inspire me...fantastic work! So many great idea's on how to create items and decorate your houses...each as unique as the owner.

Take care and I'm lurking until I get my new house.

Does anyone have experience making rugs? I was thinking either crochet or macrame would be a good way to go with it because I don't think I would have the patience for the tiny cross stitching. Or maybe some felt?

In the past I've done mine with Igolochkoy or Russian Punchneedle and use transfers from this book: Miniature Iron-on Transfer Patterns for Dollhouses, Dolls, and Small Projects.

They work fairly quickly after you've done your first one and gorgeous as they look like real rugs.

If anyone is still looking for a house or your new and didn't get one yet, I got my online from Wayfair.com. I've ordered loads of items from them and everything is superior. The shipping wasn't pricey either. I placed my order on Wednesday night and they were delivered on Thursday afternoon. Quick! The prices are really good also. And some of the houses are Free Shipping right now.

I got this house which is going to be my project house. Regular price $95 and I paid $52.

http://www.wayfair.com/Greenleaf-Dollhouses-Fairfield-Dollhouse-Kit-8015-DLL1031.html

and this which is going to be a Gypsy Trailer...which was $45 and I paid $22.

http://www.wayfair.com/Greenleaf-Dollhouses-Vintage-Travel-Trailer-Dollhouse-Kit-9311-DLL1010.html

Also I had to make a quick trip to town for supplies, as I'm right in the path of Hurricane Sandy, she is expected to make landfall a few blocks from my house. I went in the Dollar Store and found miniature furniture in the girls toy department. They only had dining room furniture...table, server and hutch but no chairs. But for a dollar I couldn't pass it up. They are a strange red in color but easily hacked. Thought you ladies might be interested...oh and gentlemen if we have any in the group.

I'm new to the Crafter's Community and just found this amazing forum.

This is just wonderful and anybody that can help others should as they never know when they will need help themselves.

I've done the cards for our Hero's in the last few years...and that was rewarding knowing they received them.

I'm in the midst of starting a online store, via Etsy that will cater to the needs of the elderly and handicap...and can't wait to get it up and going.

I would love to make donations to those who can't afford these items for themselves or have no family that could/or would purchase them. Many of our elderly in nursing homes have no family close to them or any that care. So sewing up some extra projects would warm my heart.

I'd love to be part of this challenge...but can't promise that I can do much before the holidays. Some health issues make days a challenge and more specialist than I care to see in the next few months.

A church sounds like it's going to be interesting to work on.

Are you going to do any certain denomination?

Next on my list after I get these 2 started, is a Pagan Altar....just have a few projects to complete before my daughter hangs me. Maybe a copy of mine or a of the altar from my grandson Naming Ceremony. We have a monthly project challenge and I am 2 behind. Grrr! Can't wrap my head around them but it has been buried in doing my studio over...3rd time was the charm.

The two kits I just purchased...I just noticed the house is 1/2" scale and I've only ever worked in 1" scale. I love the house and it fits the theme perfectly but wondering about changing scale. Does anybody work in both scales and is adapting to the smaller scale difficult? Hoping to get started on it this week but wondering if I should exchange it for 1" scale...or just tough it out and challenge my patients. lol!

Thanks for the information ladies.

On my way to the craft store so I'll pick up a bottle while there. I've used Aleene's for other projects but wasn't sure about using it on the dollhouse.

Thanks for the warm welcome Madra and alwaysinmyroom.

I have a question regarding adhesive's/glue.

It's been many years since I constructed my first house and adhesive's and glues have certainly changed a great deal and have came along way for crafter's and woodworker's.

I think basically the only choice for dollhouse construction was wood glue.

I was wondering what everyone's choice was regarding this...is one better over the other. I love woodglue, reminds me of many hours spent with my father in his workshoppe. But...it takes so long to dry and clapping is truly a pain and takes so much time that could be spend doing more fun things.

I'd love "veteren" house creator's input.

Thanks in advance...
Raven

This week I'm focusing on the bedroom, and I got a little bit done over the last couple of nights. I decided that my little bed needed a little quilt, celestial themed of course.

I used liquid starch to get it to drape correctly over the bed. I also made a little pillow.

Originally I had envisioned the bed being messed up, but I couldn't get the fabric to drape correctly that way. I like it looking neatly made, too, though.

Ashgrim

I'm just getting back into miniatures as my post says but to get my bedding to lay exactly where I wanted, whether perfectly or messed I put a layer or two of Aluminum Foil sandwiched between the top and back of the quilt. I use the cheapest brand or Dollar Store, as it's thinner and doesn't add unwanted bulk. Most of the time I've ended up using 2 layers. That way you can press it into whatever shape your looking for and it stays. I also use it under a table cloth which usually has a mind of it's own and wants to stand out at the corners.

Well I've read all 150+ and ladies (sorry and gentlemen if there are some) you are a super talented group of people.
I'm dripping with envy and so jealous...grr!

So is it too late to join this adventure?
I lost my dollhouse, a massive field stone farm house, in a house fire...and yes, the real house went to ashes with it. I use to make miniature food, cake, and Russian Punch Point rugs but when the houses went, my desire went along with it. I had just completed the house, the mini, a few days before the first.

But let's not sidetrack too much. I just ordered a new house, a small one and a camper. I know which direction I want to take them both, so I can't wait to get started. This looks like a great place to spend time with people who loved the same thing and there is just a wealth of information.

If it's not too late...I'd love to join. You'll have to bear with me...as I've not done miniatures for about 25 years, so I know I'm a tad rusty.

My house is going to be a gathering place with the local "old doll's" of the community. Like the Red Hat Society...there will be tea's, cakes and assorted other offerings on the bottom floor. The top floor is going to be an apartment that will be shared by two very lovely ladies whom shall I say, are fond of each other. The camper, is to satisfy the gypsy in me, I'm going to turn that into a Gypsy Trailer/Camper.

Now to get started.