Cutting circular openings

I recently picked up a new attachment for my Dremel rotary tool: a circle cutter and straight edge guide (as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases). In this post, I’ll show you its circle cutting capabilities. This makes circles from 3/4″ to 12″ in diameter.

I’m using scrap pieces of 1/4″ plywood here to get a feel for the tool the first time around. I’ve marked my outer circle and the center point.

I loosened the guide and adjusted the cutting bit to fit the circle.

The attachment has a pin that is 1/8″ in diameter. I drilled a hole on the center point using the same sized drill bit. You also use the same sized cutting bit, so a hole is needed for the bit as well.

You slip the pin into the center hole and then cut around the circle with the cutting bit.

This is my fourth practice run, and I’ve managed a reasonably clean circular opening. Just a little sanding to fine tune it is needed. Hooray! :D

It was not easy (and it’s very loud), but I am sure with practice (and earplugs) it will get better. And, you’re left with a better opening than you could achieve with a scroll saw or hand tools. (These cuts were done for Roland’s Retreat.)

Categories: Tools
September 27, 2014 | 0 comments

The Haunted Heritage in Miniature Collector

I have news!!! The Haunted Heritage has not only been featured in the October 2014 edition of Miniature Collector, it made the cover!!! :D

I was so excited when the writer contacted me about writing an article on the Heritage and even more excited when Miniature Collector accepted our work. I had no idea my beloved house would grace the cover.

Many of you also pop over to my sewing blog to see me in my creations, but here I am with the Heritage. The camera was giving me fits with the autofocus (I was taking the photo solo with a tripod), and I ended up with an “alright already” look on my face. Oops. :D

I wrote a tutorial for my folding suitcase valet, which is featured as well.  :]

Thank you so much to the author for writing a splendid article and to the staff at Miniature Collector for the feature and amazing cover!

Categories: Books and media, The Haunted Heritage
September 4, 2014 | 0 comments

Bishop Show – Fall 2014

The smaller Bishop Show is in town this weekend, so I popped in for the preview show last night.  Here are some of the goodies I brought home.

Wild rabbit from Weazilla.  Jessica had a wonderful selection of realistic animals, toys and curiosities.  I’m going to need a vegetable garden for this cute fella.

Creamsicle cocktails from Karen Aird Miniatures.  She had a huge table of miniatures in a wide variety of themes and categories.

I’d love to have this in real life!  And, it’s a good thing I bought this shutter table at the show because all the ones I already have are packed and I would have had nothing to use in these photos.  :D

Tin Man and Mr. Scarecrow from Sir Thomas Thumb.

I think Mr. Scarecrow needs a chiropractor.  :D  I’ll have to see if I can give him an adjustment so he stands tall.

Watermelon bowls from The Little Dollhouse Company.  I always enjoy seeing Maria and John, and they have such wonderful miniatures.

I have a set of small bowls like these in real life; only mine have the seeds painted inside.  :]

Categories: Miniature Shows and Shops
August 23, 2014 | 0 comments

Cathode Ray Tube

Found this fun little gem on etsy while searching for mini television sets. I’ve always liked the Hallmark ornament versions, but those can be pricey. This is a plastic salt and pepper set, but the size is great for a dollhouse retro TV.

The shakers look like speakers when in place, and you can’t see them from the front. You turn the knob to lift the shakers.

This set is in great shape, so I don’t think it was ever used on a tabletop.

Even the box is in great condition.

It shows you how to operate the shaker.

And, there’s a note about putting a photo in front of the screen.

All it needs is rabbit ears!  :D

Categories: Furniture
July 11, 2014 | 0 comments

Spin cycle

I’ve always dreamed of building a mini mudroom with a washer and dryer, and now I have the perfect set, a generous gift from Barbara.

The set is by Town Square Miniatures, designed by Mary Beth Tumlin. In the package was a tiny bottle of Tide.

I’d never seen this set before, even though I’ve researched washer dryer sets in miniature. It’s a remarkable set with realistic detailing. There’s even an agitator in the washer!

Thank you, Barbara! :D Funny how laundry can be fun…in miniature.

Categories: Miniatures
July 9, 2014 | 0 comments