I have been planing poplar wood down to various thicknesses (1/8" - 1/2", planed one side) for various projects, and was wondering if this wood would be useful to the dollhouse maker or collector. I have lengths from a few inches on up to 36" boards. The poplar is very nice, lightweight, and the shades and tones vary. I even have some specimens with the famous the green and purple streaks.
My question is, is this sort of thing of any value to the wood crafter, and if so, where could I share my pictures? I have a surplus, and I'm sure someone could benefit from these, but don't know how to share the news.
One thing I don't want to do, is put it up on eBay, since that's what everyone else does. Gets kind of crowded in that box after a while. Besides, I want to get in touch with other wood crafters with ideas to share. I got some great ideas from this group, and am trying out my hand at it all. However, I have discovered that I'm the handiest with the planer (some talent, huh?).
I have used some of the wood for jig sawing small letters and animals. The oak wood is actually better, since it doesn't crack as quickly. But the poplar is very nice for siding on doll houses, or even small boxes (that won't carry much weight). I also created a nice thread spool rack/shelf for my wife, and added a carved dove in the middle. I quickly learned how important the dust mask was. BOY-OH-BOY does poplar create some fine dust. Someone told me it's in the same family as sumac. I don't know about that, but it sure does bug my sinuses, and burns my eyes, almost as much as cedar.
Also, I was wondering why there exists an alt.woodworking as well. This newsgroup appears to cover the same topic, and is much more popular, and bigger source of ideas.
Thanks