November 2010, Issue 10
Book Review
Page 94
Reviewed
Dolls' House Bathrooms
Lots of Little Loos
By Patricia King
Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd
Dolls' House Bathrooms, Lots of Little Loos by Patricia King is one of the most unusual books to ever be found on the dollhouse artist's bookshelf. Ever. First published in 1997, the book is out of print but still found on websites that carry used books from $4.27 USD and up. It is 94 pages of full color, divided into five chapters and packed with step by step instructions on how to make ANY style of toilet (loo).
The first chapter delves into supplies and techniques: glue guns, paints, findings (buckles, jewelry, cake decorating supplies, plastic containers and packagings, shampoo spouts, birdcage seed hoppers, walnuts - nothing is sacred).
Several pages are devoted to listing many, many potential found objects and how they can be transformed into the perfect loo. The author has a healthy sense of humor about her obsession with found objects, as does her family.
"... many is the time the King family has had to use a product because of the pack it came in! Any customs officer opening my suitcase on my return from a holiday abroad would come to the conclusion that I am a secret drinker, as I frequently return with the free miniature bottles - empty - given to me and to everyone on the plane within persuading reach!"
Being a "bit of a hoarder" is a good thing for the creative miniaturist.
The second chapter begins with The Magnificent Dolphin Loo. And it is magnificent. A Fimo sculpted base sits on a handbag clasp and supports a Fimo sculpt around a plastic egg half and a keyhole cover toilet lid for the pot with an assortment of jewelry findings, copper wire, Balsa wood and card stock create the perfect Victorian-era double tank toilet.
The first page displays a full color picture of the completed toilet and materials list. The next page shows a broken out schematic of each part and how the toilet is assembled followed by a plate etching of the completed loo and a page of assembly instructions broken down into easy steps.
Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures / CDHM