So there you are.
To further enhance your buildings, you have the option to landscape them. I have inlcuded a link to 'The Ladybug' who have a good range of items suitable for you to have a go at landscaping your buildings.
Don't forget, there are a number of sites which can provide you with 'printables'. There are patterns for wallpapers, borders, floorings, shingles, and many, many other accessories. Perhaps I should mention that most of these are for larger scale projects, but with the right technology, I believe they can be adapted for use smaller scale. There are so many sites, including Jean Day's http://jdayminis.com ), and Jims Dollhouse Printables ( http://www.printmini.com/printables/ ) I have not, however made a list of links to these, because there are so many. They are not difficult to find, just go via search engines.
TOOLS
I have not touched on the subject of tools or equipment designed for the 1/144th scale miniaturist, this was because not only hadn't I thought about it, but apart from considering incredibly small brushes that might be needed, I didn't know of any that would fall into this category. However, I have now got one piece of equipment designed especially for this scale. (As well as about 25 other cards for different scales)
I've only seen this photograph from their website, but I am assured that they are almost invaluable - This is how they describe their own product.
" The Scale Card can easily be carried in your pocket or purse. It features a real world three inch rule marked off in the scale you choose, twenty-four cards to choose from plus eight in metric, many scales are accurate to one scale inch. Each card provides three figures: a six foot male, a five foot six inch female and a twenty-four inch one year old child. The two adult figures also feature the maximum and minimum mean height for each. The cards use a more intuitive means of gauging the accuracy of objects in a chosen scale. It works best when determining if animals and plants will fit realistically in a given scale."
Prices for the cards are $5.45 each, but please check with supplier.
A Scale Ruler has just been added to their range and they do have one in 1/144th scale as well. I believe there are 24" ($12.95 each) and 6" ($2.95 each) rulers. Prices may vary for orders not destined for the USA, so please check with supplier.
I hope the above information is of value and interest to you, my sincerest thanks to everyone who allow me to use their photographs and show you their products. If you want to contact anyone for further information, or to place an order, these are the addresses and links.
This photo will give you an idea of the scale (sorry, 'size' - I couldn't resist!) of the card and ruler against a 144th house (I should mention that for photographic purposes, I put white paper behind the ruler and card as they are transparent)
Now, here are the links and contact information for all the kind people who helped me and who you should contact to make further enquiries or place orders.
Anita McNary-Hayes
Assembled Houses, Kits, Furniture, Booklet. Please note, Buildings ordered via Anita, come with a few little extras (shingles, and maybe carpet if you buy a number of houses). Please check with her direct for stock availability, cost of assembled miniatures and any other information required.
P.O. Box 18885, Spokane, Washington, 99228-0855, U.S.A.
E-mail: AnitaMOrig@aol.com
Website: http://anitamoriginals.com website
Anita also has a Photopoint site showing amongst other things, lazer cut kits (a greenhouse and furniture which has to be seen to believe), metal miniatures etc (it should be noted that she does add new items so check regularly)
Try these sites for photo's
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumnList?u=58613&Auth=false
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=58613&a=13521893&f= http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=58613&Auth=fa - wooden kits
KB Minis
4 Buildings
Website: Hopefully available lat 2001
Email: KBMini@aol.com
Motts Miniatures
Kits, Furniture sets
Website: Mottsminiatures.com/special scale
Francis Armstrong
Her own kits and accessories in 1/144th scale.
I would like to encourage you to visit her site because recently (it's August 2001 now) she has added a lot of 144th projects and informative stuff to her site - how to make miniature toys, dolls and how to design your own house, being amonst the information.
View at: http://francesarmstrong.homestead.com
Email: farmstro@sentex.net
Oakridge Hobbies
There are a number of relevant sections on their site including metal etched house kits (please check what scale these are). They have an excellent range of N gauge Figures, Animals, unpainted white metal miniatures and architectural things that I also think would be really useful
Website: http://www.oakridgehobbies.com
NorthEastern Scale Models
Manufacturers of House Kits
Website: http://nesm.com/html/dollhouses_&_birdcages.html
Hobby Builders Supply
House Kits
Website: http://www.miniatures.com Go to 'Special Scale' or '144 inch'
Buffalo Creek
House Kits
Website: http//www,bc
Peartree Miniatures
Assembled Houses, Assembled & furnished Houses, Kits, Furniture, People, Printed Carpets
E-mail: mins@ptmin.fsnet.co.uk
Website: http://www.peartree12.freeserve.co.uk/144.html
Hanson Minis
Roomboxes
Email: hansonminis@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.hansonminis.com
Wood Street Miniatures
Houses and furniture. (Based in the UK)
Email:: maddie@wood-street-miniatures.co.uk
Website: http://www.wood-street-miniatures.co.uk
Scale Designs
http://scaledesigns.com/sdsmlkit.htm#cross
The Scale Card
Scale measurement tools
Email: :josepj@earthlink.net
Website: http://www.thescalecard.com
The Ladbybug ( Sue Thwaite)
Landscaping Items
Website: http://www.ladybug-fairies.com/home.htm
Expect Little Miracles
Metal Cast Furniture
Email:
Website: http://
Finally, I wanted to add one last link. This is just such a wonderful site, nothing that deals with 144th scale should neglect to include it! (At least that is what I think!)
Here you will find instructions and photographs to make the White Christmas Room.
http://www.geocities.com/minifan99/white_christmas_room/default.htm