DollhouseBrazil

Here I list magazines and books about miniatures that are often recommended and that I like and found very useful. Most are in English, but there are some in other languages too, including the two only books published in Brazil (in Portuguese) so far...

Most can be bought on the internet. You can find the ones in Portuguese at Livraria Cultura and most of the other ones at Amazon.

Magazines on Miniatures:

Check a free online issue of:

• American Miniaturist
• Dolls House World
• Dollhouse Miniatures

Books in Portuguese:
Reviews by the Publishers.

Book: A ARTE DAS MINIATURAS
Author: Regina Passy-Yip
ISBN: 8572050663

'A arte das miniaturas' shows how simple techniques - in conjunction with accessible materials - allow the creation of miniature settings that captivate any viewer's attention. A special care is devoted to wood working, where furniture making is presented as an easy job, yet delicate and precious.

Book: MAQUETES & MINIATURAS
Author: Regina Mazzocato Nacca
ISBN: 8572050663

Regina Mazzocato Nacca aim in this book is not to list unique formulas on how to build architectural mock-ups, as this would not be actually possible. Regina intends, as a matter of fact, to introduce us to the basic building techniques used on mock-ups from a professional angle. The author also aims to eradicate doubts architecture and interior design students usually have - either those in technical schools or in colleges - who usually find it difficult to make representations of their projects. And also to satisfy the curiosity of those interested in the subject, even if only as a hobby.

Books in other languages:
Unless otherwise stated, reviews were written by the publishers.

Book: CREATING LIFE-LIKE ANIMALS IN POLYMER CLAY
Author: Katherine Dewey
ISBN: 0891349553

Enchanting, exquisitely detailed and full of personality, Katherine Dewey's animal sculptures delight all who see them. With the friendly medium of polymer clay and the step-by-step instructions in this book, you can achieve the same magical results! Katherine leads you through ten utterly charming projects, such as a sweet little bluebird, a basset hound and a white-tailed fawn. An that's just the beginning! The "Making Changes" chapter will help you create your own original animal creations by changing poses, making realistic bases, and even modeling your animals to look like bronze, jade and other materials!

Book: CREATING LIFE-LIKE FIGURES IN POLYMER CLAY

Author: Katherine Dewey

ISBN: 0893015033

How-tos by the master of realistic fanciful polymer figures!
* More than 400 step-by-step full-color photos and 200 drawings
* Innovative techniques, taught by a master
* Inspiring ideas, practical information
Anyone who has ever marveled over Katherine Dewey’s amazing creations has wondered, "How did she do that?" In Creating Lifelike Figures in Polymer Clay, the renowned artist reveals exactly how she makes her incredible human figures and fantasy characters--and how polymer-clay crafters everywhere can do the same. With more than 400 step-by-step photographs in full color plus 200 detailed drawings, Dewey teaches how to sculpt realistic figures in any scale using her simple appliqué approach. She covers the entire process: selecting clay, making modeling tools, proportioning figures, posing, ethnic and gender subtleties, facial expressions, costumes in clay, and finishing touches. For anyone who loves fantasy, romance, nature--or sophisticated crafting--this book is a must-have.

Book: DOLLS HOUSE DO-IT-YOURSELF - CARPETS & RUGS
Author: Sue Hawkins
ISBN: 0715314343

A selection of over 25 carpets and rugs to make for the dolls' house in a variety of classic styles.
This book is all you need to create beautiful carpets and rugs of all shapes, sizes and designs, whatever the size or period of the house. The historical and style details of each piece are given, with suggestions for where each one could go in the dolls' house. There are 25 stitched projects, with several variations based on the originals. Each project has a short introduction explaining the techniques used, and ways of adapting the design. There is a wide selection of canvas sizes and fabrics, with stitches including tent stitch, cross stitch and a variety of other stitches to cater for all abilities. Charts for alternative colour ways or designs are regularly included. All the designs have symbol-on-colour stitching charts, and materials, tools and techniques are fully explained, accompanied by step-by-step diagrams and photographs.

Book: DOLLHS HOUSE DO-IT-YOURSELF - CURTAINS
Author: Sue Heaser
ISBN: 0715318527

Create life-like curtains and window dressings for dolls? houses of every period and style. From curtains, blinds and drapes, to pelmets, tiebacks and valances, everything you need to create inspirational window dressings for our dolls? house is included here.
Over 25 step-by-step projects show how to make a variety of window treatments. Further variation ideas, illustrated in color, allow you to adapt many of the projects to suit your dolls? house. A section on the basic tools and equipment used offers practical guidance on choosing fabrics and miniature haberdashery such as silks, cords, fringes and trimmings. Essential techniques such as making a pattern, fabric pleating and making tassels and cords are included and guidance on installing your finished project is also covered. Easy-to-use templates are provided where necessary, and inspirational color photographs show the finished curtains displayed in situ.

Book: DOLLS HOUSE DO-IT-YOURSELF: FOOD DISPLAYS

Author: Sue Heaser
ISBN: 0715314351
An extensive selection of step-by-step projects show how to make miniature food items from polymer clay for the 1/12th scale dolls' house. Create realistic looking food from polymer clay for the 1/12th scale dolls' house. For Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and modern-day dolls, there is simple fruit, vegetables and bread, as well as celebration food and banquets. A comprehensive step-by-step techniques section covers all the essential techniques for working polymer clay in miniature, such as shaping the clay, mixing colours, creating different textures and baking. It also details the tools and materials and how to put them to their most effective use. This information will then be used throughout the step-by-step illustrated projects. Colour photographs show the finished item and presentation ideas and instruction are given, from bread baskets to whole table settings. An essential book for feeding the 1/12th scale dolls' house family.

Book: DOLLS HOUSE DO-IT-YOURSELF - TOYS & GAMES
Author: Jane Harrop
ISBN: 071531436X

An essential step-by-step guide to making over 35 toys and games for the 1/12th scale dolls' house.
Create a range of beautifully detailed and life-like traditional toys and games for the dolls' house. From building blocks and a blackboard in the nursery to skipping ropes and tennis rackets in the yard, toys and games are an important part of daily life in a dolls' house. Find 35 step-by-step illustrated projects showing in detail how to make a variety of toys and games and variations of each. Projects include: Building blocks and mini houses Kites Abacus Xylophone Jack-in-the-box and more!
An illustrated section on the basic materials and equipment used offers practical guidance while the basic techniques, such as working with wood, using glues and varnishing, are illustrated with easy-to-follow photos. Templates and diagrams for each piece are also included.

Book: FINISHING TOUCHES

Author: Jane Harrop
ISBN: 0715317946

Create a range of beautifully detailed accessories for dolls? houses of every period and style.
From tables, chairs and shelves, to letter racks, mirrors and coat racks, everything you need to make your dolls? house a home is here. Over 30 detailed, step-by-step, illustrated projects show how to make a variety of decorative accessories. Further illustrated variation ideas allow you to adapt the style or period of the project, and mix-and-match your favorite projects to suit your dolls? house. An illustrated section on the basic materials and equipment used offers practical guidance, while the basic techniques, such as working with wood, using glues, and varnishing, are illustrated with step-by-step photographs.
Easy-to-use templates and diagrams are provided where necessary, including color photocopying pages with a selection of pictures and patterns, and inspirational color photographs show the accessories displayed in situ.

Book: HATS IN MINIATURE
Author: Lyn Waring
ISBN: 0806942657
From Library Journal
In her hat-making classes, Waring used miniature hats to illustrate sewing techniques. The miniature hats attracted such interest that she began to develop small-hat designs and to teach miniature hat-making for dolls, teddy bears, or just for display on a hat form. This book--the first this reviewer has seen on the subject--includes profusely illustrated, step-by-step instructions for 18 different hat styles, including top hats, baseball caps, berets, cloches, chef's hats, boaters, and elaborate Easter Parade creations. Depending on the types of fabric and adornments used, an astonishing variety of hats can result from the same pattern. Instructions for making a cardboard hat stand for displaying the finished hats makes miniature hat making an excellent pastime even for those who do not sew doll clothes. Recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book: HOW TO MAKE ENCHANTING MINIATURE BEARS

Autror: Debbie Kesling
ISBN: 0891347380
From Library Journal
Miniature teddy bears standing only three inches high are a recent entry in the world of collectible stuffed toys. They are made, exhibited, and sold in a relatively closed world of aficionados and command prices that seem astounding to outsiders. Kesling, a professional bear-maker, creates her own designs and devises original techniques for solving construction problems that come with miniaturization. In this delightful book, she has ten fully illustrated, step-by-step projects for bears and one bunny, along with information on going into business as a bear-maker.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book: MAGNIFICENT MINIATURES
Author: Kevin Mulvany & Susie Rogers
ISBN: 0713490594

Kevin Mulvany and Susie Rogers create some of the world’s most magnificent and coveted architectural miniatures. Museums and private collectors commission their beautiful work, which covers many periods and countries, and ranges from the double-horseshoe staircase that leads up to Fontainebleau to the outrageously decadent chandeliers at the Brighton Pavilion. This beautifully illustrated book captures the full breadth of Mulvany and Rogers’ achievements, and reveals the techniques and materials they use to fashion their stunning recreations. Practical projects for the reader include wood paneling, parquet flooring, trompe l’oeil marbling, and much more.

Book: MAKING DOLL'S HOUSE MINIATURES WITH POLYMER CLAY

Author: Sue Heaser
ISBN: 0304355704

“Here’s the definitive guide to manufacturers, tools, safety, and crafting. See how to intermix colored clays to obtain an even wider range of hues, and the different types of paints and varnishes...for adornment. Techniques for softening the clay, balling and rolling it, working with a knife, and sanding will assure good results.”—Doll Castle News.

Book: MAKING MINIATURE DOLLS WITH POLYMER CLAY

Author: Sue Heaser
ISBN: 0304356409
You won’t need any special equipment, because the new polymer clays are easy to sculpt, and even easier to harden, right in your kitchen oven. Once they’re firm, you can carve, sand, paint, and glue them, and even add details and bake again. Using the dollhouse scale of 1:12, these charming projects (with templates) include men, women, girls, boys, and baby dolls with a variety of faces, ages, and hairstyles.

Book: MAKING MINIATURE FOOD AND MARKET STALLS
Author: Angie Scarr

ISBN: 1861082150
From Library Journal
Food tends to be a neglected area in the miniature world, probably because it is usually unrealistic. Miniatures artist Scarr makes wonderfully realistic food from polymer clay (which should be kept away from small children). Her book is full of step-by-step projects for bakery goods, meats, fruits, and vegetables, all photographed in great detail. These pieces are intended for a miniature market stall project with awning and crates and can also be used in dollhouse kitchens and pantries. This useful book is certain to please in public library crafts collections.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Book: MINIATURE FOOD MASTERCLASS

Author: Angie Scarr
ISBN: 1861085257

This exciting new collection from Angie Scarr takes miniaturists on a voyage of discovery and inspiration. In a master class packed full of ideas, techniques, and easy-to-follow images, Angie reveals the secrets of her amazingly intricate work and invites us to share her passion for miniature food. She discusses tools and materials, and demonstrates how to create liquid and translucent effects; do glazing, molding, and caning; and use gels and polymers. The mouth-watering and extraordinarily detailed miniatures include various fruits and vegetables, yummy looking cakes and tarts, squid, stuffed olives, and cut coconuts.

Book: MINIATURES EN PÂTE FIMO

Author: Nathalie Gireaud
ISBN: 2295002184
A selection of miniatures you can make with polymer clay (cakes, pastries, fruit and vegetables, animals, toys, etc...). For each article the right combination of colors is clearly explained as well as the different stages of modeling. A collection of printables to decorate the miniature settings suggested for you to display the miniatures you make with clay (reduced labels, packaging, etc).

Book: MAKING & DRESSING DOLL'S HOUSE DOLLS

Author: Sue Atkinson
ISBN: 0715307886

A guide to making dolls'-house dolls and dressing them in a wide range of Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian styles and fashions for ladies, gentlemen and children. Information is included on equipment, materials, wigs, hats and dressmaking methods.

Book: DOLLS HOUSE DETAILS

Author: Kath Dalmeny
ISBN: 0715313673

No doll house is complete until it's been decorated and furnished in its period style--and no house becomes a home until all the finishing touches have been added. Inside, readers will find step-by-step instructions for over 350 fun, fascinating projects in 1/12 scale, including kitchenware, food, crockery, cleaning equipment, toys, board games, floral arrangements and more.
Packed with photos, easy-to-follow instructions and invaluable templates, this book will inspire all doll house owners who wish to bring their finished models to life.

Book: DOLL'S HOUSE FURNITURE

Author: Freida Gray
ISBN: 1861082584

With a little imagination, ingenuity, and these colorfully illustrated projects, anyone can learn to make personalized furniture to decorate a dolls' house! Start with basic pieces that require little more than a craft set; as confidence and skills increase, move on to more demanding work involving cabinet construction and miniature power tools. At every stage, there's an inventory of the necessary tools, equipment, and materials, plus same-size drawings, cutting lists, and color photographs of the completed furnishings. Try easy upholstered furniture; balsa tables, benches, and birdhouses; and imitation basketwork, including a laundry bin. Among the beautiful and small-sized items: a simple winged chair; picnic table; elegant double bed; wardrobe, tall kitchen dresser, and a range of magnificent Portuguese painted pieces. They're works of art!

Book: MAKING 1/12 SCALE WICKER FURNITURE

Author: Sheila Smith
ISBN: 1861082843

It takes only a few pages to lay out the tools and weaving techniques, which primarily involve plaiting cotton around wire strands. Twenty-five breathtaking projects, shown in color photos, include a dining room table and chairs; bed and blanket box; bathroom shelf; kitchen storage baskets; and much more. From a baby’s cradle to a chaise longue, each item is a small masterpiece.

Book: MAKING MINIATURES

Author: Christiane Berridge
ISBN: 1861083815
From a charming French café to an Arabian tent decorated with exotic rugs and wall hangings, this delightful compilation of 22 unique projects, done in standard 1/12 size, will enchant doll house enthusiasts and other miniaturists. All that’s needed is some basic equipment and the desire to create imaginative miniature worlds. A Swedish Bedroom features red-and-white gingham fabric throughout, while the Floral Morning Room has scented forget-me-not wallpaper and a doll seated at a tiny skirted table set for tea. You can also craft a greenhouse, Japanese garden, general store, or theater box, along with pretty polymer clay people to populate each lovely space you make.

Book: MINIATURE CROCHET

Author: Roz Walters
ISBN: 1861082738
More than 40 projects, with full color photographs, offer something for needleworkers of all levels; the basic introduction allows even complete novices to begin crocheting. Equip a miniature nursery with a tiny blanket and baby outfits. Fill your little closets and wardrobes with Victorian or modern clothes. Add special touches to your dolls’ house décor, from afghans to tablecloths, and even an elaborate hanging for a four-poster bed.

Book: MINI KNITS FOR THE 1/12TH SCALLE DOLLS' HOUSE

Author: Linda Spratley
ISBN: 1861083947
The perfect final touch for a truly charming dollhouse: hand-knit wardrobes for the whole family! All 40 original patterns feature fine-finish knitting threads just right for the 1/12 scale miniatures. Cuddly projects for babies include layette, lacy gown, cape, hooded jacket, leggings, vest, and slippers. For older children choose among styles of dresses, suits, and sweaters. Fashion your adult wardrobes from dresses and suits, sweaters and shawls, hats and ties. You can even knit home furnishings, including a tablecloth and place mat set, blanket and cradle set. Illustrations and instructions show how to adapt patterns to different eras and fashions.

Book: NEEDLEPOINT 1/12 SCALE

Author: Felicity Price
ISBN: 1861081669
Delightful miniature items range from simple cushions and pictures right up to more challenging rugs and carpets. The bathroom showcases a nautical theme; the nursery features teddy bears everywhere; and the resplendent dining room glimmers in rich blues and golds. Basic guides to stitching, designing, and finishing acquaint newcomers with the art of needlepoint.

Book: THE DOLL'S HOUSE SHOPKEEPER

Author: Lionel Barnard
ISBN: 0715309668
Create authentic period shops in miniature with the help of the full-color resource. Rich with historical facts, full-color photographs, line drawings, diagrams, patterns, and how-to instructions, this delightful volume is a must-have for doll house enthusiasts. Recreate an early Victorian book store, a 1930s Grocery, an Art Deco tea room, an Edwardian toy shop, and more. From tiny cash registers and merchandise to window awnings and shopkeepers' uniforms, you'll be delighted by the wonderful details of these tiny worlds.