As a miniaturist my skills have always been in demand for Christmas decorations for school Christmas bazaars. That and presents for children seems to be a big focus for a lot of my fall crafting time. I like fall projects that do double duty, help me develop a skill and make decorations or presents I can use. I start off with more involved ones and switch to faster projects at the start of December.

Does fall turn your thoughts to miniatures, or are you busy making other things?

Halloween Projects

Thanksgiving Projects

Christmas Projects.

Here's another in the series on weaving in miniature. This time it's a simple coil basket made with a rag over wire core. These baskets add a lovely country touch to miniature scenes. The method used for this basket is one that can be done without any sewing. Sometimes called a lazy coil, these baskets rely on knotted ties to hold the coils together.

Just like the other baskets in the series, these instructions work for full size baskets in case you want to make one to match your miniature. They are a great fall accessory and make a good container for a selection of jams and jellies as a hostess gift for a friend (made in full size!)

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

Many of the most stunning dolls' houses, grand dolls' houses and museum pieces in the world's best miniature museums have been created by the team of Susie Rogers and Kevin Mulvany. Their recently released book serves as a retrospective of their career, and showcases many of the pieces they are famous for.

Magnificent Miniatures is more than a coffee table book. Although it is full of stunning photographs of spectacular miniature details, it also has tips and techniques for all levels of miniature builders. The subtitle, Inspiration and Technique for Grand Houses on a Small Scale says it best. If you know a collector or someone who appreciates the best miniatures in the world, this would be a good bet for a Christmas present, especially if you don't live close to a major miniature museum.

The Seattle Dollhouse Miniature Show last weekend had lots to tell us about creativity. There was the usual wonderful range of displays, and I tried to photograph as many as possible (the lighting is not a friend of photographers!) If you feel stuck in a rut, take a look at the Seattle Show Gallery and get your creative juices flowing.

Every time I visit this show I am amazed by how much scope people find in working with miniatures. This show presented all kinds of ideas that anyone can use, regardless of their budget or skill. Just look at the set of doorways. What a great way for a beginner to showcase developing skills.