This month, the Greenleaf Gazette rocks the mini world! Quite literally, we're taking a look at stonework in the miniature realm. From exploring the trends in architectural stonework thru the ages to creating your own King Arthur fantasy scene, this month's issue rocks! Tracy Topps shares a truly magical bit of stonework with us in this issue, and there are also some other tips and tricks, as well as some great eye candy of stonework in miniature. So put down your slingshots and save those pebbles for a great fireplace, wall, or house foundation! Grab your rolling pin and Paperclay, or your sandpaper and pastels, and get ready to try some wonderful effects of stone in miniature!

From the dawn of time, people have turned to the security, safety and comfort of stone for their houses. Naturally, miniaturists replicate stonework in our mini homes as much as we can and the results are always realistic and delightful. Let's take a look at different types of stonework and when they were most popular.

So many times, when a person mentions Creative Paperclay,© people automatically think either Stonework for the dollhouse structure or they think fireplace. Well this month, I am challenging everyone who wants to take the time to even "play" with paperclay to think outside of the black package!!

An option for stonework in minis is using real stones! Follow along as we construct a rustic river rock wall perfect for your mini home, garden or park.

Jenny (Ms. Mini) has been a member of the Greenleaf Miniature Community since December 20, 2005. With 3,087 posts (and counting) she has shared with us the ups and downs of real-life and mini-life, making us laugh and cry along the way. Having the distinction as one of the youngest members of the forum, she sets a pace that some of us more 'mature' ladies (I'm strictly speaking for myself here) and gentlemen, can find hard to keep up with!

Kipper the fish has his own version of a mini house in his watery home. His owner, Christine, has provided him with a miniature aquarium all his own! This ingenious use of a paperweight makes Kipper the envy of every other fish on the block. After all, they just have ordinary castles and treasure chests, but Kipper has a true mini!

Kipper will be receiving a $25 gift certificate from PetSmart with our thanks for being the July Critter of the Month.

If you'd like to submit your pet's picture for consideration for the Critter Corner, you can upload pictures in the "Good Pets acting bad!" or "Good Pets acting cute!" galleries at the Greenleaf Forum.

The Greenleaf community is mourning the loss of one of our family, Jimmy Cullen. Jimmy has been a vital part of the Greenleaf community since its inception. Jimmy was a Master Builder, half of the famous 'Linda and Jimmy" building team. While he worked most often behind the scenes, Jimmy's building expertise, his humor and his wisdom were a vital part of Greenleaf. Jimmy and Linda's visits to the Greenleaf offices were always eagerly anticipated and Jimmy offered a great deal of insight about the Greenleaf line. Jimmy's building tips and techniques were highly valued by both the experienced and the novice builders who followed his instructional blogs.

Jimmy was a man of many talents... a builder, a poet, a gentle prankster, an artisan and, most of all, a loving and caring person. When answering the question, 'What makes you smile?', Jimmy's response was 'Knowing my wife loves me as much as I love her.' We mourn the loss of this exceptional man and our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and their family in this time of sorrow.