minifan Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I was just wondering if anyone had made a Tom's Mill brand dollhouse? I was interested in their bungalow...the rye? Just looking for opinions... :yes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I lust for the 1:24 Nottingham. I used to lust for the Charlestonian. There are some members who have built some of Tom's kits (wish he were still with us!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syphon79 Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I did the Hampton by Tom's Mill (a basic wallhouse). Was pretty straightforward in construction, and the MDF type board they use is pretty light. But like you Amanda, am lusting after the Rye. And the Salem. And the Dover. (love Craftsman and colonial style houses). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justmesue Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Never made one, but they are very lovely houses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 I went back to Earth and Tree and read more carefully. Turns out the kit I am wanting is a Tom's Mill. So they are mdf? I wonder if stucco sticks to that stuff..anyone know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 I didn't realize they're made from MDF now, the ones I saw when I was there (and Tom was still alive & making them) were made of wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallowell Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Mine is made of wood. I also did not know that they are MDF now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Well if they're using MDF now I guess I'm all cured from my lusting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 yep. i kept reading and found that they are not even mdf. They're ultra lightweight fiberboard, a lighter weight mdf with no formaldehyde in it. I think if I decide on that house, we will just order the plans and build it ourselves, as we had originally decided to do with this project. it's not that I have anything against mdf, but this stuff just does not sound that durable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 I wrote to Earth and Tree and asked them some questions about the houses. Will let you know what/if i hear back from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 I heard from them very promptly, a nice email. here's what she said about the houses: "(ultra light MDF and furniture grade white birch for the floors so they can be stained.) You need only, glue (white tacky is best), a hammer, a pencil, and a ruler for assembly. (Certain houses may require a drill and/or screwdriver)" and: "Please ask any questions you like. Our houses are strong enough to sit on when assembled. Yes, you can stucco our houses. We take a damp cloth and wipe and wood residue off, add white tacky glue to the stucco and spread on like butter." I don't know if there are other Tom Mill houses, but that clarifies what the ones from Earth and Tree are. DH and I looked at the house and the plans, and it's just not big enough for what we want, anyway. so back to the drawing board! But i was impressed with the quick response from Earth and Tree as well as the fact that she actually answered all of my questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyole Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 The people at Earth and Tree are very nice. I went there for my wiring class, they were so helpful, and I am not surprised with the quick response. They even gave me a reminder call for the class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Tom & Keri Berkner owned Earth & Tree, and Tom designed made dollhouse kits up until his untimely death. I'm not sure if one of the sons is making them now, or someone else. Other stores may be marketing the kits, but I don't think Keri carries any other brand of kits. at the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justmesue Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Just recently checked the sight out. They have lovely houses. I've ordered from Earth and Tree before, and it all went well. They are great to deal with. Hope you get your house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfire Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 I have ordered from them several times and service was great. Last spring when my sis and I took a trip up to Prince Edwards Island and drove up through New England went right past the shop (what a surprise that was!) was able to stop by and visit with them. I bought the Stonehurst Tower kit to build. It is made of a very nice quality mdf and I do not anticipate any problems in the build (except in finding time to do it!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherry Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 hmm, I thought I posted but must have forgotten to hit the button. Too many distractions. Anyway, i am really tempted to get the adobe hacienda. It's got a beautiful design inside with the staircase and balcony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Please do, Sherry, and let us know how you like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauker Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I love Earth and Tree. We visit them every once in a while, and they are the nicest, most helpful people. I bought the English Pub (already built) as a gift to myself last year and turned it into my Herb Shop. It was super pleasant to work with, easy to add stucco, thatch, and paint. I loved it. In fact, I might be going back very soon to search for some good stuff for my current projects. And when I go there, I'll drool over the Nottingham like I always do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 Keri told me how she made the door for her 1:12 Nottingham and I made the cross-buck 1:24 doors for my haciendita remembering her description! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genemini Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 Has anyone used Earth and Tree's square cut shingles? I am making the Glencroft. I am almost finished except for shingling the roof. The shingles that come with the kit seem so flimsy that I hesitate to use them. I have shingled another dollhouse (Cambridge by Duracraft) which had wonderful shingles. They have been on the house for about eight years and still look great. If you have used the Glencroft shingles did you separate them or use the strips? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggiemae Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 The houses are MDF on the outside but the floors are ply. I hate to install light tape on mdf! I buy their 2" wide staircases, unless I am building a grand house it's what I use. These save me the trouble of cutting them down. If you look at it from a RL house perspective, that 1/2" less width is about 5 sq ft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 4 hours ago, genemini said: Has anyone used Earth and Tree's square cut shingles? I am making the Glencroft. I am almost finished except for shingling the roof. The shingles that come with the kit seem so flimsy that I hesitate to use them. I have shingled another dollhouse (Cambridge by Duracraft) which had wonderful shingles. They have been on the house for about eight years and still look great. If you have used the Glencroft shingles did you separate them or use the strips? Thanks I didn't remember shingles coming with my Glencroft, that's why I used black construction paper to simulate roofing slates. I really love the GL shingles, they are easy to cut to fit nd look terrific when done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elsbeth Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 I bought the half-scale Hancock colonial. It was all birch plywood. Nicely cut pieces. But I never put it together. If you are good with wood and cutting, I'd buy the plans and cut your own if you want better wood for the 1:12 version. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lauker Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 I bought the English Pub shell, which became my herb shop. Very solid wood and fun to finish! I like to visit their shop when I am in the area. Total eye candy! (Especially the Nottingham....). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 2 hours ago, lauker said: I bought the English Pub shell, which became my herb shop. Very solid wood and fun to finish! I like to visit their shop when I am in the area. Total eye candy! (Especially the Nottingham....). The day we visited Kari was just finishing up and installing the door on the Nottingham. I think that's when I had the "Aha!" moment that I could learn to make my own doors. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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