Thanks all!! The miniature turnings really aren't difficult, just takes very small tools, especially for hollowing.
Cecilia--after turning & sanding sometimes I'll use a hair dryer and then hold a Viva paper towel to heat up the wood some to make it a little more purple. Then I always use CA glue as a finish. I do have one piece I used the CA glue on several years ago, and the purple color has remained.
Oh, if anyone else would like to see my work on EBAY here's a link:
http://tinyurl.com/exj7q