Tweezers are one of those tools every miniaturist uses all the time. If you mislay your favorites, as I did recently, you may not be able to find an exact replacement. While looking for a substitute I came across this reverse tweezer design from EK Success. They've become a handy addition to my toolbox, but fortunately I found my favorites, so I don't need these as a main stay tool.

I like the design of these new tweezers, but ergonomic design can have some limitations if you're used to using a tool in unusual ways! At least these ones will be easier to spot with their bright contrasting colors. They may become my second favorite pair.

Photo copyright 2008 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

Its a good idea to carry a scale reference with you when you are shopping for miniatures. Often you need to see how something would look if placed in a scene. For most of us, a person is the easiest reference. I've taken my garden boy George and set him up as a printable figure in a variety of common miniature scales so you can find one that suits your needs.

The sheet works as a handy reference to determine the closest scale you think an item might relate to, or you can print off a six foot or a five foot six inch figure in one of nine scales to take with you when you go looking for items for your next scene. It should give all of us an appreciation for those who work in smaller scales as well!

If you'd rather work on the bouquet of roses George is holding in this photo for a Valentines present, the instructions for the bouquet and the miniature paper roses are in the miniature projects section of this site.

Photo copyright 2008 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

Packaging can be just as important as the contents. If you are looking for a way to set your chocolate truffles apart from the crowd this Valentines Day, these Printable Victorian Heart Shaped Boxes may help you out. Sized in three dolls house scales, the larger printables will make favor or chocolate boxes as well as dress up a fashion doll scene.

These boxes are available in three scales, 1:6, 1:12, or 1:24 for dolls house scenes. The sides and tops will mix and match, so you should be able to outfit a dolls candy shop for Valentines day. The boxes compliment the silver, red and pink printable boxes also available from this website.

Photo copyright 2008 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

Everyone has a favorite way to stick things together and I'm slowly working my way through the list. With my limited workspace I prefer to stick to the glues I use the most, but sometimes a project calls for something a little more specific. Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue is one of those types of glues, thick, doesn't slide off vertical surfaces, and holds things in place on vertical surfaces until it dries.

I recently tried it with heavy glass jewels and was surprised at how it held without letting them slip. Took a while to get used to working with something so sticky after regular glue however! Even managed to glue plastic sheet protectors back on themselves to make a clear box lid, that was a surprise. Regular glues just let the plastic spring back on itself. Certainly is worth trying if you want a quicker hold without using a cyanoacetate (super) glue. At least this way I won't glue myself together!

Photo copyright 2008 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.