Thin Glass: Microscope slides are not what one would want to use for window glass. They are a bit thick. Cover slips are VERY thin (.13mm to .25mm) and could work as individual panes in a window. I've found them at various scientific supply firms (VWR, Daigger, Thomas Scientific) in various sizes (20x20mm, 20x30mm and 20x40mm). If anyone is looking for "portholes", there are also round cover slips available (15mm and 18mm diameter generally), but these are pretty expensive. I think someone still makes a plastic cover slip, but the ones I used a few lifetimes ago turned yellow. Science-wise they were the pits .... miniature-wise they were worse than the pits. I did use a hole punch to make small circles for mini "spinning aircraft propellers" from them, but was not that pleased with those either. I'd avoid any plastic ones you may find .... unless they're free.

Howard, Concord, CA

>> Painting the outside of the windows after they're placed isn't a problem, it's painting the inside after they're in place that is! <<

And that is why I don't glue in windows or doors. I use a bit of Minihold.

Carol

Filling in window openings: If you remember that mini projects are only the real world on a small scale - you will answer many of your own questions. A handyman will fill the open area in a home by inserting new reinforced sheet rock. For you the same may be done with Bristol board, a piece of wood the same thickness as your wall, a cut out from foam core, etc. Cut it to fit the opening by holding an index card to the back side of the space, trace the measurements from the right side. Now cut out your pattern being sure to cut on the outside of your line. Now glue your patch in place. You may use household spackle to fill any cracks then prime and sand the wall with gesso. I gave a tip a short while ago about using crumpled tissue for wall treatments.


Becky

Filling in window openings: If you remember that mini projects are only the real world on a small scale - you will answer many of your own questions. A handyman will fill the open area in a home by inserting new reinforced sheet rock. For you the same may be done with Bristol board, a piece of wood the same thickness as your wall, a cut out from foam core, etc. Cut it to fit the opening by holding an index card to the back side of the space, trace the measurements from the right side. Now cut out your pattern being sure to cut on the outside of your line. Now glue your patch in place. You may use household spackle to fill any cracks then prime and sand the wall with gesso. I gave a tip a short while ago about using crumpled tissue for wall treatments.


Becky

Curtain weights: It occurs to me though that you could sew length of fine solder ( Radio Shack) into the hem of the curtain to add weight, and allow you to easily shape (bend) the pleats as you like.

Tom & Kari

To get your fabrics to drape well, I work on foam board with a gazillion straight pins and when it is exactly the way I want it, I spray it with a thin starch - several times. For that really elegant look and drapeability, use silk - nothing beats it for doing exactly what you want, and no need to spray anything on after.

I also make round tablecloths with ease, by inverting the cloth and table into a teacup, and arranging the folds.

Dawn-Moree in Welcome, MD

It occurs to me that you could sew length of fine solder (Radio Shack) into the hem of the curtain to add weight, and allow you to easily shape (bend) the pleats as you like.

Tom & Kari

I use clip-on earring backs (bulk packs available in jewelry section of Michaels, Joann's etc.) as curtain brackets. Pull the rubber pad off (save for baby-bottle nipple) and paint or paper the round back to match your wallcovering, and glue the back to the wall with the hinge toward the floor.

Once glue has dried, gently open the hinge and set the curtain rod into the bracket, then close. Looks very like real-size decorative brass brackets and allows you to change curtains whenever you want.

Loretta

"butyrate sheeting" is a clear plastic sheet that is sold in Model Railroad shops and hobby shops specializing in railroads, rockets and model airplanes. It comes in several thicknesses from about .015" up. It is made by a company called K & E and is about 8" X 10" in size. It is very flexible but makes wonderful windows, clear box covers and other transparent covers for small scale minis.

Era and Bob Pearce
28 July 2004

Make window panes from the containers of clear rigid plastic that tomatoes or pies come in. (That sort of plastic). To make old glass. first cut the pane from the large piece of plastic and then rub it with some acetone. The acetone tends to dissolve the top of the plastic and leaves it all blurry like. Or, lightly go over it with very fine steel wool. The entire sheet of plastic can be treated this way and then cut out the window panes. Or coat the windows (plastic) with clear nail polish.

Dr. Bob
Delray