ConJe01

Thank you guys so much! I would have replied sooner, but I was waiting on notification, which I obviously didn't tick. I have bought (and still buying) many of these kits. I can't wait to try out all of these techniques. And I appreciate the run down of the sand grit. It's mind-boggling! CJ

*I bought several House of Miniature Kits from Ebay. For those who are not familiar with them, they are mini replicas of actual real-world furniture (Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Etc). The pieces seem to be of very good quality and cut well. The instruction booklets are pretty thorough and recommend using 220, 320, and 400 grit sandpaper. I didn't realize the grit was that high a number. I do want to finish these to the best of my ability so I was wondering what grit does everyone else use? Do any of you use a mini (micro) sander? If so, what brand, etc. *Also, could someone please tell me why there such a big gap from the 320 grit to the 400 grit? *I've seen many furniture finishes on miniatures that you could tell weren't sanded very well. I would like to finish the pieces to look like the real things. I'm sure it doesn't matter to some and the finish isn't that important, but if I'm gonna invest my time I'd like them to have that showroom quality look to them. Is that asking too much of myself, being I'm an amateur? Thank you for your input! CJ

So, I've noticed that even though many different companies make so many realistic parts to use, many of you still use the parts which come with your kit. Most of the stair parts are flat dimensions. That being said, I was wondering why most of you don't change them out? Many of the houses are so awesomely realistic and then have noticeable flat parts like stair-posts and rails. Is is just a preference to keep them or are they too difficult to make the transition? CJ2

No, Holly. It has modeling clay on the box, but it reminds me of the old gray clay they had years ago. I flattened out a piece into a square and when it dried, it didn't shrink much. However, it was very, very dry looking like if you touched it, it would crumble. It was very strong, though. I think it would work for a building to look old and ugly! CJ2

Okay, hopefully I'm nearing the end of this topic! I think below is the last of my questions... 1. Since paperclay does seem to be one of the most popular choices for roofing, I was wondering if there was another type material you liked liked to work with as much, or instead? I already know it is mainly a preference and/or experience choice, but what do you like to work with? 2. I have a box of modeling clay. Is there anything about it which would not make a good choice? 3. Do any of you use or even prefer to use paper mache for your roofing tile choice? While purchasing a couple of packs of paperclay yesterday, I found a box of Activia FastMache and it states it is "sculpting". I went ahead and bought a box because the pics they used on the box mad me thing it was worth a try. Thank you, again! CJ2 (Moderator, if this belongs in another section let me know after you move it. Thanks!)

Yes, thank you Jane! Would you (or anyone else) happen to know how she ended up with a lot of gaps? I guess it probably had something to do with just doing strips instead of individual tiles. Even though it would be more time-consuming, I can see where it would be beneficial to do individual tiles instead of strips. CJ2

Her passing was the first thing I picked up on the other day when I was searching her postings. It's sad to hear, even though it happened before I got here. I thought it was very touching what her daughter wrote to you guys. CJ2

I've found many beautiful pics, but in Bev's post, she states she has a an album that is detailed step-by-step. I've also found a thread in which Tracy Topps replied and included a link to a post (or album) for a tutorial. However, I've tried to get to it by the link, but it doesn't go anywhere. CJ2

I've read thru the reply Bev had for her answer how to create the tiles out of paperclay. I think I may be able to do it. I was wondering if someone knows where her pics are she mentions in her first sentence? She states she has a step-by-step "picture album in my Greenleaf albums". I've searched and can't find it anywhere. Of course like always, I probably don't know where to look. Thanks! CJ2

Thank you guys. I think I'll try to go by Beverly's instructions. However, I'll have to fight trying to go to sleep. I have a brain disease similar to narcolepsy. That's the main reason I have a lot of problems doing research, which I've always loved to do!

The other day I figured out how to see more than the few (5) posts on a member's profile. Yes, I really didn't know. I was thinking there should be page numbers and "next" at the bottom... Anyway, I am simply amazed at all of the beautiful creations you guys do! It's really hard to believe some of these houses are not even real! And unfortunate for me, it's too easy to get lost in viewing all of the houses instead of looking for the information I started out trying to find. I really like a lot of the roof ideas I see, especially the "slate" oxidized shingles. However, for my Orchid, I'm still looking for detailed instructions for "Rik Pierce style" paperclay shingles. From the pics and what I've been told so far, I think I might try and see if I can figure it out. I think the shingles are individual, right? I see for most shingles, 1/8 in. is the average thickness. Can anyone tell me how the little raised bump/hump in the middle, along the edge is achieved? Thanks! CJ

Thank you, Holly. I've found similar instructions also. The video how-tos are very well put together. However, the instructions are for the barrel shingles. I may end up using modified instructions for the barrel to try and make the flat shingles like many of the houses I've seen, if I don't have any luck in the near future. It's just I'm not creative enough to figure out exactly what to do. I just love, love, love the shingles Tracy has on her bashed Orchid dollhouse. I actually love that whole house the way she did it. Of course I don't think I could ever be that brave! CJ

Hey All, It's been a while since I've worked on my Orchid and right now, I'm frustrated and don't want to even get back to it. When I first started wanting to get into building my dollhouse, Minis On the Edge, Tracy Topps' Blog, is the first place I found when looking for information. Of course since then, I've been to hundreds of websites. Cutting to the chase, I remember reading on an Orchid blog of hers info on paper clay shingles. I thought it was a bash she did on an Orchid, and it stated to find instructions on how to make the shingles by pulling up another blog for a particular house. However, I can't find where I read it. I've tried to google to find a tutorial or something with instructions. And now I've been searching here to find anything on how to do it. I've read several posts and when a member mentions they have a tutorial or instructions on how to make the shingles, I can't find where their post, or even gallery, is. I'm not very good at just reading instructions without a lot of detailed step-by-steps, but it doesn't matter since I can't find anything. A couple of members have mentioned Rik Pierce's tutorial, but I couldn't find it on his website, or I just don't know where to look. "New Day" mentions he had a tutorial in Dolls House World magazine and I guess I'll probably subscribe. It seems like it would be good for other info also. For now, does anyone know where I can find step-by-step instructions or a tutorial? I'm sure it would be too easy if someone knows where Tracy or Rik has their info. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, it is not the barrel shingles. They are mostly flat with some of them having a little "raised hump" in the middle, I guess to help give them a more worn, weathered look. I am almost positive I've even seen a pictured tutorial on how to create them. Any help you can provide will be very much appreciated. CJ2 P.S.

My first I'm doing (Orchid), I sanded everything at one time. Even though there aren't that many pieces, it took me a long time.. I still ended up having to do more sanding later on some pieces. My next house, which is screaming for me to take it out of the box, has a lot of pieces I think. I already know I'll be sanding it in sections. CJ2

Yes, thank you. I can't believe how much stuff is in each room, yet everything looks like it belongs there...and so uncluttered! My fav is prob the stained glass, also. Although, everything is gorgeous. CJ2