I've always admired people who work in 1:144 scale.  The pieces are so tiny and the slightest goof is so magnified.  When I see a truly marvelous work in 1:144 scale, I am just in awe.

Interestingly enough, even though the houses are so small, the kits can be relatively expensive.  I've wanted to give it a try, but it's hard to bring myself to invest in something that might end up in disaster.  Thanks to my recent miniatures.com winnings, I can experiment without monetary investment.  Hooray!  I have two kits on order since I couldn't choose between the two I liked best.  Both are approximately 3" wide by 2" tall.

First is the Hampton House:

photo from miniatures.com website

I love the little conservatory, though I am mindful it is likely to be very delicate and give me fits as I attempt to put it together.  As I've said before to others, "If you aren't swearing at it, then how will you know how much fun you're having?!!!"  :D

The Hampton is a closed back house, so I would be able to concentrate on the exterior without worrying about room decorating.

The second is the Log Farmhouse:

photo from miniatures.com website

I love the rustic look of this structure.  The farmhouse has an open back so I would have the opportunity to decorate the interior.

I found a few helpful websites, including some instructions on making your own 1:144 scale furnishings, and I realize now I've been throwing away scraps of wood large enough to make a whole house of furniture!  Must stop doing that.

Anyway, this experiment may end up being a disaster, but I think the point is trying new things and challenging myself.  I also think working on these tiny houses while plugging away at the Newport is a good way to go.  If I get stuck or need to walk away, then I have the Newport.  If I get in the groove and work start to finish on the tiny houses, they won't take so long as to leave the Newport sitting idle for months on end.  Wish me luck!