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Hinges - Phoenix Model Developments, If you buy in bulk and tell them you're a reseller (aka furniture craftsman), then you will also get a good discount.
Cabinetmaker's Guides. The first Cabinetmaker's Guide has been on the market since 1963, nearly 50 years ago. There are now 10 workshop books in the series, as well as 6 workshop books in the "Best of The Scale Cabinetmaker" series. Dorsett Publications is in the process of re-releasing all 20 years of The Scale Cabinetmaker on cd-rom (volumes 1 through 10 are currently available). Each Cabinetmaker's Guide comes with an introduction to scale modeling and an explanation of the techniques used the projects included in the book. For the most part, the project can be completed using hand tools (although power tools certainly make some of the projects a bit easier). Each book includes accurate plans and patterns for enough furniture to furnish a dollhouse, including living room or parlor, dining room, kitchen, and at least two bedrooms. The online catalog provides a full list of the specific plans included in each workshop book. The Best of TSC Series also includes a variety of technique articles as well. Current period workshop books from Dorsett Publications include:
The Cabinetmaker's Guides to Dollhouse Furniture
19th Century Country Furniture (Volume 1)--by Helen Dorsett
Victorian Furniture, 1850-1880 (Volume 2) -- by Helen Dorsett
Jacobean and William & Mary Furniture (Volume 3)--by Helen and Jim Dorsett
Queen Anne Furniture, 1750-1785 (Volume 4)--by Helen and Jim Dorsett
Turn-of-the-Century Oak Furniture, 1890-1915 (Volume 5)--by Helen and Jim Dorsett
French Furniture, 1715-1870 (Volume 6)--by Helen Dorsett
Overstuffed Furniture, 1875-1950 (Volume 7)--by Helen and Jim Dorsett
Half Inch Furniture (Volume 8)--by Helen Dorsett
Basic Federal Furniture, 1788-1825 (Volume 9)-- by Helen Dorsett
Shaker Furniture, 1790-1850 (Volume 10) --by Helen Dorsett
The Best of The Scale Cabinetmaker
The Toys of Christmas, 1858-1935 ( Volume 1)--Meghan and Jim Dorsett
Kitchen Cabinets, 1890-1930 (Volume 2)--Meghan and Jim Dorsett
Kitchen Appliances, 1915-1931 (Volume 3) -- Meghan and Jim Dorsett
Dollhouse Power Supplies (Volume 4)--Jim Dorsett
Arts and Crafts Furniture (Volume 5)--Jim Dorsett
Hand Woven Caning (Volume 6) -- Jim and Helen Dorsett
Seating Expert- lots of RL ideas and measurements for not only booths but tables, bar stools, lobby furniture, etc.
Miniature Furniture Tips/Hints
To improve the look of unfinished inexpensive or tab and slot furniture, round off any exposed, rough edges. Use wood filler to fill in tabs or spaces between joins. Allow to dry thoroughly, and sand smooth. To add dimension, use a small blob or sausage of wood filler to build out areas. Allow to dry and sand again. Use a tack cloth to remove sanding residue. A string can be used for trim details such as moldings. Consider using the piece as a framework for upholstery.
Google (dresser, highboy, whatever) and get the measurements and then convert it down to 1 inch to 1 foot, and go from there. Also look at RL woodworking instruction books/sites.
You can create some very nice miniature caning using 28 count Penelope canvas. It has the 2 verticals and the 2 horizontals. With color matching thread (I used quilters thread) you just weave the angles. Look on the internet (Google images) and you'll get some good pictures. Even google caning supplies. You may need to buy a small book for instructions. It can be a little tricky counting holes but turns out very well.
Decals for furniture - Cut out a colored picture from a magazine and apply three coats of clear nail polish or varnish to the front of the picture. Let each coat dry! When it is dry - soak the clipping varnished side up in a dish of water for three or four minutes - carefully rub away the soggy paper. Trim the decal to size and apply it to the object with a light coat of white glue. When dry, seal the decals with another coat of varnish. Use decals right away because they become brittle.
Magical Drill Press - discusses some of the tools Tom Walden uses to make his furniture pieces
Drawer pulls - staples, beads, "eye" part of the hook and eye. For a more modern look, cut off the rounded end of assorted sized and coloured paper clips, drill holes and glue.
Furniture feet - use push pins
Try gluing lace or embossed paper to wood creating a carved effect to your furniture. This was done on a canopy bed here. Glue or string can be used as well.
HOM kits - the period dictates mahogany stain. Do that before you put the kit together. The only parts you need to sand are those that don't come together the way they should. Don't sand the edges, a close fit is necessary to make them look right. Dry fit all parts before gluing. Use gunstock oil to finish the piece - with a spray or a tin can container, applied with a finger. It has a silky finish. Sand the coats with a piece of brown paper bag.
Comments (1)
Enchanticals said
at 2:47 am on Dec 22, 2009
You can also find miniature furniture for sale at Enchanticals, my Etsy shop. Please visit www.enchanticals.etsy.com.
:) Marsha
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