Some of this information has already been shared in other forums, but a member recently suggested that a single place for it may be helpful. Be as specific as you can, regarding brand names, product names, stores or online stores that provide it, contact information for individuals. Also, if you've tried a commercial product and it didn't work out, that's worth knowing, too. . . . .

Hi there.

Where to begin.

www.silvercrowcreations.com
This is an odd little site that's hard to describe -- the stock is always changing so it is worth visiting time and time again. On it, I have found little gold dresdens that were perfect for putz "windows", little figures that were perfect for putz scenes, etc.

www.babykakes.com
This is a cake decorating site but they also have all those little adornments you'd find on cupcakes and such that are perfect for putz scenes. For example:
little silver trees, little santa and reindeer--Click on the link above and scroll down the page to Christmas on the right hand side.

www.orientaltrading.com
this site has a scrapbooking and crafting column where you can sometimes get things like sand, card stock.

I found some nice Halloween beads on the Silver Crow site that may work well for my Halloween houses!!

Here is a site for snowmen both resin and Pearlized.
http://factorydirectcraft.com/catalog/p ... _of_6.html.

I'm so glad you found stuff on Silvercrow Lynn--it's a great funky site worth visiting every few days--as their stock is ever changing and once something runs out, that's it. I'm off to check the link you just provided--thanks!

Stamens and peps--the little berries for the tops of luffa trees - lots of pages http://www.vintage-ornaments.com/flower ... amens-peps

Our nearby craft store is Michael's, which is pretty widespread. They have 40% off coupons almost every week, and for anything more than a small item or two (bottle of craft paint, etc.) I wait and use a coupon. Last year I found some nice Santas and snowmen the right size (though not the right vintage) at Michael's, and bought a bunch at half-off when they had them.
Amazon has Sulyn glitter, which is identical to Martha Stewart's Coarse Crystal except for the color--Stewart's is pure white and Sulyn's is faintly more ivory, which I think I will prefer now that I have it. I've gotten Mica from Howard's source, and am looking forward to using it, too. Our nearest Hobby Lobby is a long 40+ miles away through LA traffic so I haven't been there yet.
Since I work on more than one house at a time, I put each in a small 6" x 9" Rubbermaid plastic box. That way I can keep all the little parts for a particular house in one place. I have small envelopes for each house (that also fit in the plastic box) for windows, doors, etc.
I've "borrowed" many tools (chisels, wire cutters, pliers, screwdriver, etc.) from my husband's workshop. Bought a box cutter and graph paper at Staples. Use binder clips and paper clips to hold pieces together while gluing. Cadged sawdust from my contractor son-in-law. My husband is long on technical gifts: a nifty magnifier light, a computer design program that is beyond me (I can't even scan to my computer from my printer yet), plans for constructing a strand of LED lights for my houses, etc. Bought some punches of various sizes with marginal results--great for paper, not so much for anything thicker. Would love to have a hole punch just the right size for light holes in my houses, that will work on cardboard.

I know exactly what you are saying about hole punches Nan--great for paper but for anything heavier, the punch blade is dulled immediately--even if you can get a clean punch. (BTW to keep your punches sharp, punch out shapes from tin foil a half dozen times or so--the foil helps sharpen them)

I do wish--like you--that we had a punch for doors and windows!

Hello Nan,

After spending lots of time and money using various hole punches, hole cutters, without getting the really nice result that I was looking for, I got a tip from a fellow putz house crafter. Use an "arch" punch or a leather punch which you place on the cardboard and smack with a hammer... leaves the cleanest, most beautiful hole you could ask for. Arch punches new are not cheap, but you can find used ones on e-bay for reasonable prices. If buying used, be careful to only purchase one with a clean, sharp edge as they are apparently not easy to sharpen.

Howard posted this link http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsea ... arch+punch for a set of punches similar to this, and very reasonable. Have not tried them but for the price ...

Good luck!
Barb

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to spend a day looking at all the web sites that have been suggested. Appreciate all the help.