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Step-by-Step  to Decorating a Simple Dollhouse

I have been looking high and low for just the right dollhouse to suit my purposes. I was not, necessarily, looking for something elaborate, but for something with an older dollhouse look, and to be front opening. I had considered using a kit, but that did not give quite the look I wanted. I also had ordered plans for making my own house from scratch. I will keep those plans for the future, but don't think I am ready for that yet. I had mostly been searching  Ebay for  my dollhouse, but was finding a problem with the shipping costs. This, of course, is understandable considering the bulk of these houses. So, the search continued..... 

But, recently I was shown a very simple "house" at Lucy's Dollhouse Shop, in Camden, Maine. It is a shop with no words that can explain the magnificent antique and vintage dollhouses, miniature furniture and dolls, and larger dolls. My mouth was open from the moment I stepped in the door. There are most spectacular dollhouses beyond my purse, but, tucked away in a little back room was just what I have had in mind for my first real attempt. 

It is simple, with no front, but had the "age" I was looking for. I, actually, liked the simplicity. I am very upset with myself that I did not take a picture of the house when I brought it home, but only after removing the wallpaper. What was I thinking?!!  ...Just too excited to get going, I guess. Well, at least I thought of it at this point. There were layers of old paper, which helped to determine the age, which we put at the turn-of-the-century....... or, early 1900's. The paper was too far gone on all of the rooms, except one, but I decided I wanted to wire the house, so decided to strip that room, too, and begin anew. 

Stripping the paper was easy, as most was pulling off already. The rest came off by just dampening with a sponge with hot water and a scraper. The next step was to get the house primed. 

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PRIMING

Priming is important if you are going to wire your house, and also is a good base for papering and doing your decorative painting. I decided to go with Cir-Kit Concepts tape wire lighting. I had a large kit from many years ago, when I had decided to get a house and wire it. For some reason, at that time, I just could not get the courage to just START ! So, the set has been waiting for just this moment. 

The priming is needed, so that the tape will have a good base to stick to.  I primed with a latex primer that is meant cover any spots, or imperfections, and so that the wood colors do not bleed through your final paint job, or wallpaper. 

Before priming, I let the house dry for a few days after removing the wallpaper. It is important not to have any dampness under the primer. I did not prime very small area on the floor, as I wanted to leave the floors with the natural wood of the dollhouse showing. Down the road, I hope to utilize it for flooring, covered with area and throw rugs. I, also, left the top right area unpainted, except for the left wall, as I plan to have it be an attic. I thought leaving the bare wood might be a good beginning for my little attic. 

Let the painting begin!! Oooo, this is very scary, but not so as I got into it. I taped areas of the floor so as not to get paint on them, yet I could get my brush as close to the floor as possible. I just gave it one coat at this time. I will be giving it a second coat after I apply the tape wire. 

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TO BE CONTINUED.... (today is 9/10/07) ......Yes, I've done more, but need to take pictures..(today is 4/25/08)

 

 

 

Six Steps To Creating The Perfect Dollhouse


by Veronica Scott  From The Magical Dollhouse
Each dollhouse is its own unique creation. No dollhouse will be exactly like another, nor should it be. Nevertheless, there are certain steps to the process that, if followed, will help each dollhouse to become a harmonious and balanced whole. Of course, rules are made to be broken, so any of these tips may not apply to your particular design. Just be aware of the purpose behind these guidelines. That will ensure that your unique ideas work in harmony with the principles of balance and design.

1. Be aware of the purpose and function of the dollhouse.

Before you ever begin dollhouse construction or even planning, it is important to make an overall assessment of the project. Who will own the dollhouse? Will it be a toy or a display item? Where will the dollhouse be located? How much space is available for its display? What are the interests of the dollhouse owner and how will these interests be incorporated into the design? What will the style and era of the dollhouse be? If the style is eclectic, what overall theme will tie the individual rooms together? Be sure that you narrow the focus of the project before you begin.

2. Determine the structure and style of the dollhouse.

Choose a scale for the miniaturization. The most common scale in the United States today is 1:12, where one inch of dollhouse equals one foot of a full-sized home.

The most popular option is to purchase a dollhouse kit. This will give you all the precut pieces necessary to build the model of your choice.

If you decide to design the dollhouse yourself, determine which building materials you will use and how large the finished product will be. Now you will need to draw the layout. Dollhouse layouts are can be created on paper or with the help of software. From a simple shareware program to AutoCAD, many programs are now able to give you a three-dimensional layout of the dollhouse before you begin.

3. Design the interior of the dollhouse.

Keep in mind the form and function of the dollhouse as well as the architectural style when planning your interior decorating. As with the exterior design, be sure to lay out the interior carefully before you begin decorating. Decide on a cohesive theme for the interior, but design each room individually. Draw up a floor plan on the same scale as the exterior shell. Be certain to mark out existing architectural features such as doors, windows and any special elements. Choose a focal point for each room and design the rest of the room around that focal point.

4. Pre-wire the dollhouse for electricity before furnishing the interior.

Lighting can be an exciting part of your interior design plan. Be sure to wire the necessary electricity before adding any other interior features. In this way, the wiring can be hidden behind paint, wallpaper and flooring, creating a much more realistic look.

5. Decorate the interior of the dollhouse.

Follow your interior design plan but leave yourself room for inspiration and imaginative creativity. Expect this to be an ongoing process, not something completed in a weekend. Enjoy the process of shopping for just the right furniture, flooring and all the little details.

6. Decide who will live in your dollhouse.

Some dollhouses are left empty, functioning strictly as design showcases. However, adding a few doll occupants will give your dollhouse a feeling of warmth and life. Take your time deciding on the perfect doll occupants.

About the Author

Add to your miniature collection, or start a new one! Come see our large selection of doll house miniatures and accessories. Visit us online at http://www.TheMagicalDollhouse.com today.


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