Does anyone build dollhouses?

I've always wanted to build doll houses. I have a kit for a nice Victorian that I hope to get around to doing some day. Decorating them seems like it will cost a small fortune though!

When I was growing up , my father and I built a dollhouse. I was a voracious reader and often read books about dollhouses and hidden treasures and had always wanted an old fashioned dollhouse and my dad was an engineer and liked to build things so it was something fun to do together . We picked out a kit but my dad added extra stuff to my liking. Inthe late 80's and early 90 ' s there was not a lot of access for us to materials or accessories for miniatures ( we made a trip to get to a huge craft store to get the kit). There was a ccatalog called dollhouse builder's supply company where you could order things to build and furnish a dollhouse . They likely have a website now! I still own my dollhouse. It's in my daughter 's room and when she is old enough I'll get out all the tiny furniture and dolls for her to play with or let her update it how she likes.

“Paisios” said:

View attachment 256509 So I’ve decided to try my hand at it. I am going to start with a 1:12 (1”) scale 3 bedroom ranch style house with a log cabin appearance. It will be 44”x24” with 10” ceilings and will have a farmer’s porch attached. I am using 1/4” square poplar dowels to frame it, will cover the outside with a thin balsa wood, then finish the outside using 3/4” half-rounds. I plan to hinge the roof to open it for play. I’m not quite sure yet what I will use for interior walls or for window glass. I hope to build from scratch the doors and door frames.

So far I have framed the front exterior wall and started to frame the exterior sides and back.

Click to expand...

Good luck, and have fun!

My grandfather started building one for me but it was much too large. The doors were my height! My grandmother convinced him that a kit was best and he agreed.

I used to frequent sites and stores years ago and researched the subject recently. There are simple plans online ranging from the Ikea Billy bookcase hack to more elaborate projects.

I’m building one in the fall in my woodworking class. I’ll keep an eye on your progress. Enjoy!

“Paisios” said:

I am just wondering if anyone here builds dollhouses? I am thinking of taking up the hobby, as it seems to be a nice, creative endeavor, which hopefully will not take up too much space and allows me to use tools (always fun).

I know there are lots of books and YouTube videos on the subject, which should give me a starting point. Anybody build dollhouses from scratch, or do you use pre-made kits?

I’d be interested in seeing pictures if anyone cares to share their work.

Click to expand...

i'd like to see pix too. that is a wonderful idea for a hobby.

How is it coming along @“Paisios” ?

“Paisios” said:

With the new puppy and some family issues, i have not had time to work on it recently. Soon, I hope to get back to it.

Click to expand...

I hope its nothing serious. You’ll be in my prayers. Do enjoy the new addition. They’re adorable!

i like the big doll houses of the victorian age and before. is that the kind you are interested in making?

My nanny built an awesome dollhouse which she passed on to me when I was 7,I wish
she had waited till I was older though because at that young age it ended up being wrecked within now too much time.

sunshineforJesus said:

My nanny built an awesome dollhouse which she passed on to me when I was 7,I wish
she had waited till I was older though because at that young age it ended up being wrecked within now too much time.

Click to expand...

where is it now? maybe it can be renovated. but even a wrecked one can have its charm.

“Paisios” said:

I’m building from scratch, not a kit, so I decided to start with something simpler.

Click to expand...

i love improvising. it puts more of me into a project. you must be very talented.

miggles said:

where is it now? maybe it can be renovated. but even a wrecked one can have its charm.

Click to expand...

Oh Its long gone.We had a fire in our house when I was around 10 and alot of our stuff had to be thrown away.I lost so much stuff I wanted to save like my carebear colection and etc.

I am making miniatures, furnitures and accessories. I am working on a project right now, it is not a house but just a balcony type in a 3 level flat.