3 comments about Miniature Embroidery For The Georgian Dolls' House.

1. This is my first time order the miniature books from here , normally , I read the miniature books from Japanese issue . But after I received the books from here . I changed my mind at all ! Especially this book give me many many wonderful idea to make the quilt , rug , carpet ..etc I love it at all ! Don't miss it ! U will love this book ever !



2. Given that the Regency period (Australian Colonial where I'm from) is my favourite, perhaps my opinion is completely biased. But out of all of Warner's excellent books, this one is my favourite. I believe it has designs of greater variety than her others and they are truly beautiful. They are also versatile - I have items made from this book in all of my houses, which include an 1830s Sydney mansion, an Australian Victorian decorated to the Federation (1900) era, a modern Melbourne townhouse, a San Francisco Victorian with Arts & Crafts interiors and an English Georgian mansion! The projects range from simple crewelwork cushions that will take an hour to gorgeous carpets that may take months to complete.

   Warner uses DMC threads, popular amongst most miniaturists - except for me, and I have found the patterns straightforward to adapt to my preferred Danish Flower Thread, Gumnut Yarn Daisies and DMC Medici, as Warner does not use an enormous colour range of similar hues. She does, however, use enough colours to maintain the detail and give a convincing miniaturisation of full-size items. This also means that most stitchers with limited experience can attempt these patterns assured of turning out a quality piece of needlework. Although sizings are given for fabric of different counts, I have found the carpet designs don't work as well on the 32 (or finer) counts I prefer - the finished carpets end up the size of mats, rather than the area rugs the designs are quite clearly meant to be. So if you are comfortable working in, say, 20, 22 and 24 count, these patterns are perfect for you. The wide variety of projects - curtains, bed and wall hangings, cushions, carpets and footstools are some - means that everyone is bound to find something they feel confident to tackle.




3. With no embroidery experience, I have been able to recreate some beautiful period pieces from this book. We are presented with an excellent range of Georgian items; from firescreens to stair carapets to samplers. They are surprisingly easy to do; just a little time consuming. I urge everyone to abandon any plan to buy a ready made carpet for your dollhouse; creating your own will be so much more satisfying!
   I did have a problem finding the suggested monocanvas (18) in Australia, but substituted 22 with no real problems. Maybe they are a little larger that is strictly authentic, but I am very fussy with my dollhouse and it hasn't bothered me!

1 comments about Miniature Embroidery for the Tudor & Stuart Dolls' House.

1. Pamela Warner has written a nifty book with extremely appealing projects with historic authenticity. The designs are extraordinary and delightful. If I were building a doll house, I would switch to Tudor style. But I didn't get this book for furnishing a doll house. I love the Tudor era and just the photos in this book keep me leafing through it all the time. If you like good designs, a well-written and illustrated book, get this one.

No comments about Making Miniatures: Projects for the 1/12 Scale Dolls' House.

4 comments about Making 1/12 Scale Wicker Furniture for the Dolls' House.

1. Real excited when I glanced through this book. Beautiful pictures and instrutions. Where do I purchase the materials to make these little treasures? CAKE WIRE No 22....says they are available from "cake decoration specialist". No one knows what I am taking about locally, nor can I find it on the Internet. MOUNT BOARD -- what thickness? Is it cardboard, foamboard or what? THREADS -- Twilley's Lyscordett No. 5. crochet cotton. Unable to find locally or on the Internet. I assume it is a 3 ply cotton crochet thread. AUNT LYDIA'S FAST FIVE may be comparable. Book is published in England, I was unable to communicate via the Internet with WickerCollections.com-- Shelia Smith site for sales of Wicker. I have USA Oregon e-mail "barshere@earthlink.net". would appreciate any information or help on locating these products.



2. I loved the pictures in the book, and was looking forward to try to make some of the items. I have searched the internet trying to find cake wire no.22 that the author of the book says is the best wire to use, but I haven`t found anything called cake wire. When in comes to the thread used, I would think you would get a more realistic look using waxed linen cord, as I know some other wicker artists use. I guess I just have to try to find some other kind of wire that can be used...



3. I adored the book because he teaches the technique of clear and objective form. Exactly never having made an only part before, I did not find difficulty to understand the execution. E really the parts are pretty.



4. I've read a lot of complaints about not being able to find the supplies in order to make these beautiful miniatures. I just recently purchased this book and did a lot of investigating.
   
   Cake wire is just "cloth wire" in various gages. This kind of wire is usually found in the floral section. [...]. You can also find linen cord here which (I think) resembles wicker the best.
   
   The mount board the author is talking about is more commonly known as "illustration board" to artists. Its approximately the thickness of the backing to a school notebook and comes in a few colors. Its very sturdy but on the pricey side.
   
   Any questions please email me. I would be delighted to reply to your emails. :)

2 comments about Making and Dressing Miniature Teddy Bears.

1. This is a delightfully, wonderful book on how to make various sizes of miniature bears, from 1 3/4 " to 5" bears! The author, Julie Owen, does an outstanding job in instructing the reader in the creation of these precious bears. One can't but help to fall in love and want to create each and every one! Ms. Owen presents a bear to create for each month of the year, in addition to a Sailor Bear, a Polar Bear, and a Baby Bear! Included also are the instructions for the basic 10 bears, on which all of the monthly bears are based on. Other women from around the world have created several of the bears and there is a short credit and story of these bears along with the instructions! Clothes patterns are also included with those bears sporting garments!

   What I especially love about this book, in addition to the precise and accurate directions, are the incredible pictures and the tips for construction. Nothing seems to have been left out of this book! The author is based in the UK, so the supply list reflects that origin, but most of the supplies can be gathered from your local craft or sewing store in the US.

   As an avid sewer, I read this book from a sewer's point of view, and found myself constructing the bears along with the directions, and noting that nothing seemed to have been left out by the author. In addition to the construction tips, the reader will find great embellishment tips, to make their bears unique.

   Ms. Owen has been making bears for quite a long time and also teaches bear workshops. This book reflects her expertise and her love of the bears. This is one of THE BEST craft/sewing books I have seen in a long time. This is a book in which everything you see, you can make! The author also includes a sample birth certificate for your creation!

   If you are interested in making your own miniature bears, I highly recommend this excellent book!!




2. The patterns and instructions are easy to follow each bear you make comes with patterns for their outfit very good book to start making miniature bears

5 comments about Making Miniature Villages in Polymer Clay.

1. As a beginner I was looking for a book that gave detailed instruction. I never thought that I would find such great instruction and pictures. This is a superb helper and will make my first attempts look like I have been using polymer clay for years. Author is to be commended for such fine and detailed instructions. I highly recommend this book.



2. Everyone loves miniatures, especially miniature dwellings...Ms Ritchey offers text and so many step by step photos - all of which make it easy to make your very own tiny abodes. Simply charming.



3. This book has great details and instructions in how to make miniature houses. It also was extreemly inspirational to go on from the author's instructions and create better and more detailed houses. I highly recommend this book.



4. I borrowed this from the library and had to buy it. I am waiting on its arrival impatiently. The details are great, the instructions are clear and the pictures couldnt be better. The only real problem I have is the pattern placements could be better. From the fourth project on, many of the pattern pieces are located near the spine, not the outer edge of the page, so they are difficult to photo copy, and even tracing a few is challenging. But I still think this problem is small and the book is well worth the money.



5. I enjoyed this book and its unpretentious step-by-step procedures for making miniature houses out of polymer clay. I would have liked to see a bit more variety in the projects offered, but there is certainly enough technique demonstrated that an imaginative reader would have no trouble extrapolating whatever design he or she can dream up.

4 comments about Making Dolls' Houses in 1/12 Scale.

1. Very good book excellent ideas, could be a bit more detailed, but overall very good. Not always very accurate eg the ladder for the fishermans cottage should have 10 not 9 steps according to the measurments, but things like that are easily adapted



2. Following the authors instructions may have you pulling your hair out. There are quite a few mistakes and vague instruction in this book.

   I would not recomend this book to the inexperienced for it's plans, as it may prove to be quite frustrating and perhaps discouraging. It is however, a great book for inspiration.

   If you are fairly experienced or really like a good challenge, then you will enjoy creating these designs. (Hopefully you will spot the errors 'before' making them!)

   I would give this book 5 stars if it were not for the errors. A web site from the author and/or publisher for errata would be very useful.

   All that aside, I did manage to buid 2 of the projects so far. (More like 10 if you count the times I did parts of them over and over and ...)




3. I checked out this book from the library and used it for my FIRST EVER miniature project - the Georgian dollhouse. The narrative instructions are a little hard to follow, (perhaps because the authors are British and I am not), and there are only a few basic diagrams. But after a few months of mild to moderate frustration, I had a beautiful product! I wouldn't recommend this book to someone who hasn't done any woodcraft or miniature projects, but for someone with a little experience, the end results can be worth the effort.



4. There are only 5 designs for this book. I am happy to learn that there is a second book available. I want to see more. The victorian store and thatched cottage are very nice. The fisherman's cottage is excellent and really tempted me to buy this book (got this out at the library) I liked the goergian house as well but it lacked a second staircase so there was no entrance into the attic rooms.
   There are detailed instructions spanning many pages but I can see how some readers might find them a bit daunting. Also the photos are too dark.The tudor example given was an unusual design however there is no furnishings in the interior so it was not as inspiring.
   
   Pretty good book overall. I would recommend looking it over at the bookstore or in the library before you buy.

2 comments about The Dolls' House Shopkeeper: Includes Five Shop Plans in 1/12 Scale.

1. This book caters for those mini-fans who enjoy authentic finishes and offers many easy to cut plans for counters, sneeze-tops, display units etc. It is categorised into many inspiring sections such as the basics to start with (tools, materials, techniques, lighting and resources) and then proceeds to 5 superb projects - An Edwardian toy shop, Victorian Ironmongers, Art Deco tea room, Victorian bookseller and 1930 Grocer. Do not think that this is only for this time period - there is so much inspiration! Many woodwork items can be used in a modern bookshop/grocer for example. Plans are included for each "shop" with background info to ensure authenticity. How to cut the pieces, assemble them and finish the shop are all included. Load. Its one of my favourite books & well worth the cost.



2. This book caters for those mini-fans who enjoy authentic finishes and offers many easy to cut plans for counters, sneeze-tops, display units etc. It is categorised into many inspiring sections such as the basics to start with (tools, materials, techniques, lighting and resources) and then proceeds to 5 superb projects - An Edwardian toy shop, Victorian Ironmongers, Art Deco tea room, Victorian bookseller and 1930 Grocer. Do not think that this is only for this time period - there is so much inspiration! Many woodwork items can be used in a modern bookshop/grocer for example. Plans are included for each "shop" with background info to ensure authenticity. How to cut the pieces, assemble them and finish the shop are all included. Load. Its one of my favourite books & well worth the cost.

5 comments about Modern Antiques for the Table: A Guide to Tabletop Accessories of 1890-1940.

1. I thought that this book was beautifully written by Risa Palazzo. While giving much valuable historical perspective, the spirit of the periods covered was wonderfully captured with great feeling.



2. I thought Risa Palazzo's writing was beautiful in this book. I gained a real understanding of the eras covered, especially for the way that women lived and entertained during the 1920s and 1930s. A very worthwhile book for anyone interested in table accessories.



3. Risa Palazzo has truly captured the feel of the periods covered and made me feel as if I was there! A very good book.



4. A very beautifully written book, with fine photography. A great resource



5. A terrific book on antique china, silver and glass that was well-written and beautifully photographed. I felt like I was part of the periods discussed.

4 comments about Hats In Miniature.

1. Lyn Waring takes the reader through the process of making original hats for dolls, including basic and sports styles through fancy and historic styles that can be embellished however one likes, to oddball styles like top hats and chef hats. A real find--there are a few books on doll hatmaking but they tend to focus more on embellishing a single style, like the ubiquitous (and quite ugly) Breton bonnet. This book gives all the construction details one needs to get started designing and making gorgeous little hats.



2. This book is wonderful! It has a broad selection of hats to choose from (17 different hats); patterns for each hat type and ideas for variations; great color photos of the step-by-step instructions, as well as photos of the beautiful, completed hats. There is a section on making and using patterns and even a section on making piping (a type of trim). In the back of the book, there is a pattern for a very simple hat display stand and a useful conversion table (inches to metric & yards to inches). Also, instructions are given for enlarging or reducing the hat patterns. I do feel that the instructions should have been included for making the wood hat stands that were utilized throughout the book for displaying the finished hats. The pattern given is for a different type of hat stand and does not make the better hat display. I also feel that the book overlooked giving the "completed size" of the various hats. It only gives a one-size completed "collar size" of 10 ½" (this is where the hat meets the head, the circumference) for all the hats, but doesn't detail the completed measurements any further for the finished height, or crown top and bottom width (which does vary by style), nor the depth (how wide) each of the various brims are at completion. This would have been very valuable in choosing which hat pattern to make for a particular look, and for making sure one maintains the size ratio when enlarging and reducing patterns. Still, all-in-all, this book is still one of my cherished favorites.



3. I did not think making doll hats could be this much fun and by copying and enlarging on a copy machine you can make hats for any size doll or even little girls. This book showed me exactly how to do each step and from there it was easy. Now I am busy making hats of all sizes. What fun. Great book and I highly recommend it expecially if you are not sure on how to get started. I sew a lot but this just gave me the extra confidence I needed to get started.



4. Lyn Waring has given us a wonderful "beginning" millinery "how-to" book for dolls. She lays out creating miniature hats in a simple step-by-step process that anyone who has general knowledge of sewing can follow.

   Lyn presents 17 styles of hats sewn with just a few basic pattern pieces. She includes some creative ideas for embellishing the hats as well.

   This book is great for beginning miniature millinery. Once one learns basic hat-making, one may continue on to period hat-making and others.

   Happy hat making!