The model railroad area had a plaque with instructions. I imagine that the colorful houses are made similarly and the instructions could be adapted. Here is the text from the plaque: Applying the Imagination (or How do They make these Magical Miniature Houses/) "Blocking Out" We measure, scale, and draw the house parts on Gatorfoam (a strong yet lightweight graphic arts board with a polystyrene foam core.) After cutting the pieces out, we use hot glue to construct the building. Decorating: We also use hot glue to attach the natural materials. Windows: After sealing the windows with a clear plastic, we pour casting resin over the mullions. The resin gives the windows that wonderful rippled effect of old glass. Protecting: A thorough coating of urethane protects the house from the elements, enhances the adhesion of the decorations, and gives the building a golden antique glow. ("They" are the creative staff of Applied Imagination, Alexandria, Kentucky) I want to make a replica of my house (only with wild decorations) or maybe one of the historic houses in our downtown. kathy

Thanks so much, guys! Maire Cate, here's the closeup of the necklace. I bought it from my favorite eBay seller, Waly Beads. Everything they sell is made of natural stones, but I bought this one some time ago and I don't remember the description. I received several compliments on it, and people were surprised to learn it came from eBay and probably cost less than $15. I didn't add--though I could have--that my outfit came from the Salvation Army. My skirt was ecru-and-black striped pleated satin. Signed, Frugal Me

Art is such a personal thing. The kincaid in the original post strikes my heart with fear (I hate them...they're creepy IMO) and yet my best friend loves the horrible things. I don't look for art and would never go shopping to fill a space, from a galary or mall, because it never works. Instead when I'm out and about, sometimes art just happens along my path. Sometimes I find it in the attic LOL You just never know. I have a gorgeous bronze nude in our front parlor. If you would have asked me if I'd have a gorgeous bronze nude in my parlor prior to us seeing it at an auction I'd have probably laughed in your face, but when I saw her I just had to have her. DH and I both love her and she fits perfectly in the room. In the same room there is a tin lithograph of a steam ship. Huge thing from the turn of the century. I tripped over it at an antique show and it wouldn't take no for an answer. As to the pet picture...I'd encourage you to have a good artist paint your puppy. A dear friend of ours just lost their kitty. They do not have children and their kitty was their baby. We had a local artist paint him from photo's for them as a suprise gift in his memory when he died. It did bring tears, but it also evoked positive memories for them as well. He was a wonderful friend to them and memorializing the dear boy in a quality art piece was worth every penny to us and to them :) Art should be that personal IMO Stay away from the Thomas Kincaids please :P

I'm not inclined to put art on the wall just to decorate. I prefer to live with objects that have meaning to me. When I was in college, I saw drawings by a local artist and fell in love. A year later when I got a job in my field, I tracked down the artist. She she still had 3 40" x 60" pieces from the exhibit. This is Witch Tree VIII. The materials are paper, lead, tobacco juice and vermillion, which are traditional gifts to the tree. The image is what Hazel saw lying one her back and looking up through Manidoo-giizhikens (aka Witch Tree, Little Cedar Spirit Tree). I'm fortunate to know a framer who is excellent in framing to enhance the art. It hangs in my dining room. Here's a link to a local TV new story on the tree. Finding MN - WCCO about the tree.