I'm using Foam Insulation Board for some sturdy seasonal model terrain. To fill, protect and texture it I'm using Rosco Foamcoat, a water based acrylic coating similar to a dense gesso, used by prop makers to make stage props more durable. I can tint it, use painting tools to texture it, and it will cover most materials with one coat, although you can apply multiple coats to build up thicker, more durable layers. It was worth searching out as it has many properties that make it useful for terrains and buildings, even moulded details for furniture or tiny picture frames. This is one of those materials that is great when you have a large project, a model railroad or a village, or that can be purchased and divided up for use by a club or a group.

I'll be posting pictures of the carved foam projects later this week.

To make them quickly, I started with fabric leaves from a craft store, but I've included instructions for making leaves from paper in case you want custom colors, or can't find appropriate fabric leaves. If you want Kentia style palms for a dolls house, you can make them the same way, just eliminate the trunk and fringe the leaves to resemble the Kentia palms.

Photo copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

This weeks round up of holiday how - to's showcases a lot of talent. If you want to participate in future Make It Merry craft round ups, please see the link at the bottom of the post. For now, have fun with the friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts presented this week.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Plastic cloth can be messy to use. You can try the spray bottle method of moistening the plaster cloth if you have difficulty keeping the strips from getting too waterlogged. It is often used over High Density Insulation Board to make lightweight, moveable display bases.

Photo copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

With Christmas coming, a lot of readers have asked where they can find 1:12 scale farm animals for a child's farm. Anamalz a range of toys designed in Australia, may be worth searching out. Their toys have sturdy wooden bodies, heads and hoofs and flexible fabric wrapped wire legs which can be easily posed. The range works well with the Plan Toys dolls house dolls (Plan Toys also produce some animals ).

There aren't a lot of 1:12 scale animals available. If you build your farm slightly smaller, you may be able to use the Schleich range of animal figures from Germany, which are widely available in around 1:18 scale, or the Britains toy animals which are in 1:32 scale.

Photo copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

Add your favorite hand crafted ornament to the show and tell list. Miniatures make ideal tree and wreath ornaments and are great for holiday table displays. This may be the one time of year when everyone can appreciate your passion for all things small.

Which of your miniatures get featured in seasonal displays? Do you make scenes, or ornaments for friends and family? Perhaps you use your skills for making gifts. Is November a busy crafting time for you?

Photo copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

From now until Christmas, Thursday's blog will feature a roundup of seasonal projects. You should find lots of new things to try, not just miniatures!

Clothes Pin Holiday Card Holders
What to do with all those holiday cards? Hold them up with clothes pins as dazzling as twinkling lights with this how-to from Kate Pullen.

Make a Gingerbread House
Ever want to create the perfect gingerbread house? Okay, I have yet to master this skill..but you can! Our Barbara Rolek will show you how.

How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Here is one that will come in handy for all those handmade cards. Master sketch artist Helen South will show you how to draw the perfect tree from start to finish.

Paint a Glass Ornament
Turn a plain glass ball into a work of stained glass art. Our Guide to Painting will show you how to create this delicate trimming.

Silent Night Cross Stitch Pattern
Don't just get cozy, get your stitch on. Create a Silent Night design with this free pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Stitch a Pear Trio
Hang up something special in your home for that Thanksgiving gathering. This free 'Pear Trio' needlepoint pattern from Cheryl Fall is just what your walls needed.

Easy Christmas Ornaments
Start a tradition for the kids to make new ornaments each year. Sherri Osborne has the shape patterns and project ideas for these ornaments that reflect Christmas traditions.

Print Thanksgiving Placecards
Add some warmth to your table with these Thanksgiving place cards that will have your guests saying 'awwwww'. Barbara Crews has the free printable for you to personalize.

Wine Bottle Wrap Pattern
Instead of giving a bottle of wine in one of those skinny bags, make a felt wrap that the bottle can be displayed in all season. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how.

Make a Miniature Christmas Tree
Why are tiny things always so darn cute? Learn how to make a little pine or fir tree with Lesley Shepherd.

Interchangeable Thanksgiving Pins
Sometimes you just can't commit to just one pin. With this interchangeable Thanksgiving pin by Tammy Powley, you can tell everyone when you're ready for pie...and when you're overstuffed.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Fine cuts between curved surfaces call for special tools. Kemper Mini Finger Tools were designed to separate fingers in porcelain dolls before firing, but are useful for many other forms of modelling.

They work best on softer materials, plastic, resin, polymer clay or unfired clay. Their needle shaped blades can work in very tight spaces where it may be hard to use regular saws or jewellers saws.

More useful tools for miniatures:

Modelling and Sculpting Tools for Miniatures

Gifts for Fans of Polymer Clay

Photo copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

Miniature terrariums in glass Christmas balls are one of my favorite hostess gifts. They are easy to make, although you should start soon, and easy to personalize with decorations inside and out. I make some with herbs for friends who cook, some with seedlings for friends who are gardeners, and some with tiny plants that can be kept forever in the ball, my personal favorites are tiny African violets in fairly large glass balls.

The technique is easy, and if you have access to dollhouse or railroad miniatures that can stand a bit of moisture, you can make your miniature planting come alive. This particular ball contains a dolls house mole along with some Doone Valley Thyme for a friend who gardens. All it needs now is some seasonal decorations!

Photo copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.