I construct miniature sailing ships using wood veneer for the hulls and decks, silk and cotton threads for the rigging, toothpicks and carbon fiber rods for the masts and yards, silver-plated brass rods for oars, and 100% cotton or silk fabric glazed with clear latex for sails. My ships are between 1/400th and 1/1000th scale, and range in actual size from two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half inches in length. Most have a tiny nameplate identifying the vessel, and have paper pennants and a correctly-colored national flag ("ensign"). My designs are based on actual former or currently existing ships, and I pride myself on reproduction with exacting and accurate details-- as though someone small enough to climb aboard might recognize the layout.
Also note that I offer to include a CLEAR ACRYLIC DISPLAY CASE with each ship: includes a magnetized base that allows you to pick the ship up, handle it, and replace it perfectly within the case where it will hold firmly and safely. These cases come in two sizes: SMALL (for ships whose overall length is less than 3.75 inches long AND whose height is less than 2.8 inches) for $12, and LARGE (longer OR taller than that) for $18.
Oh, and keep them away from cats.
West Hollywood, California,
