The Dollhouse!!

January 30, 2013


So the dollhouse that I have laboured over for the past month and half is finished!  I have not enjoyed a craft project as much as I have enjoyed this one.  As you may have read here, I was lucky enough to score this dollhouse about six weeks ago looking like this....


I think I must have always dreamed of doing up a dollhouse as I remember I even bought a few pieces of wooden furniture before I had kids - just because it was cute and I might have a girl (or three) one day!

Just prior to me receiving this wooden house, I ordered a whole heap of Sylvanian Families furniture and two families on behalf of my mother in law for the girls for christmas.  The girls had a small wooden dollhouse from aldi (which Mum and Dad gave them a couple of years ago. I had done it up too and have now given  it away).  Whilst waiting for Sylvanian stash to arrive in the post, I was lucky to score the big dollhouse!  Talk about meant to be...

Anyway, take a look inside...


The top room is my favourite - the kids' room.


Firstly, I LOVE the wallpaper.  It is by Ferm living and is they provided a miniature version free to download here.  They also have lots of other mini wallpapers to check out.  You can see the wallpaper in real size here. The central 'oh happy day' print is by Sarah Jane Studios, as is the 'be curious' bear print.  The other prints are from various artists - check them out on my art board on pinterest.   I made all the frames from assorted materials - toothpicks, cut icypole sticks and white cardboard.  The 'glass' is thin plastic recycled from an old nappy satchel.  The blue cloud is a painted craft piece I had in my general craft box.  Lamp shade is cardboard covered in this 'star sugar' which I can no longer find in pink online - but here it is in blue. Lamp legs are paperclips.  Mini doll blogged about here.  Chair was a Sylvanian piece painted yellow to look like this chair that sits in the girls' room.  I made the cushion, powerpoint (!!), painted the chest of drawers - we already had these. 


The beds were cut down from a larger double bed that came with dollhouse.  I added the bed ends and rounded the edges and painted them.  Quilts were made using cut pieces on vialene.  The right quilt is a mini version of Isabella's quilt and the left is of Juliette's (real version not yet completed!).


I made the little dress and hook, blackboard, cot, quilt, pom pom bunting and blanket above wardrobe.  Op-shopped 'toy box', painted green cupboard from a piece I already had.  Wardrobe came with dollhouse. Mohair rug is a piece of teddy bear mohair from my sister's stash.  Carpet is also some acrylic fur from my sister's stash.


I made the blackboard with cardboard and blackboard paint (and yes that is real chalk! - just splintered it from big stuff).  Deer badge I already had.  Teddy came with a little 'hello kitty' toy from supermarket.


I made the coathangers from bent coloured paperclips.


The book case came with house - I painted and inserted scrap booking paper on shelf backs. Red horse on drawers in this pic is a painted craft piece I already had. Bambi book made by printing thumbnail image and sticking on folded cardboard, then covering with sticky tape. Bead toy made from fimo and earring wire.  Mr Men book and xylophone blogged about here. Rug made using wound wool on a cardboard circle and glued down (found idea here).  Shoes were from girls' existing small doll accessories.  Mohair bear made using teddy bear mohair stuck on wooden craft bear piece.  Vintage print blue wallpaper behind shelving is from here.

Now let's go downstairs to the 'parents' room'...


I also love the 'wallpaper' in this room.  It is actually fabric.  It is by Joel Dewberry and is called Modern Meadow in Sunglow.  I bought it here a while ago and had some left overs I was saving for just the right project.  I think it looks great as wallpaper - I'd like some myself!


The bed is a modified one that came with house.  I painted it.  I made all the bedding except for mohair rug - teddy bear fur again.  Another painted green cupboard.  Little clock is Sylvanian.  Thimble was a christmas gift from the UK.



I found the scrabble letter ages ago and it has been sitting in my jewellery box.  Wedding pic from my wallet - in scrap booking frame from Reject Shop.  Dresser was one the girls already had. I painted it, put paper at back and stuck on green beads as drawer handles. Jewellery dish is a shell. perfume and nailpolish bottles made from beads.  Vase is a wooden bead.  Chair came with house - I added padded seat.  Eye chart printed from net.  I made the purse from some suede and an earring clip.  The floor has just been spray varnished - I found spray varnish invaluable for this project.


I pulled apart a cheap compact mirror (with two mirrors inside) which I used here and in bathroom.  I glued beads around this one.  Clock I made inspired by one that I originally found from this most awesome dollhouse.

And through to the kitchen...


Wallpaper is scrapbooking paper from Spotlight.  Table and chairs are Sylvanian (painted white).  I refashioned the fridge from another piece of old dollhouse furniture.  I painted it white and added the handles which are cut matchsticks coloured with silver texta.  Isabella made the broom!  Made from a toothpick and some taped cut string - cute.  Vase is a wooden bead with some picked weed/grass from our backyard.  Bear print can be found on my art board on pinterest.  Frame made from cut icypole sticks.


Teapot, cup and saucer, flour tin, detergent, plates, pumpkin all from Sylvanian country kitchen set.  Tram scroll printed from net.  Clock made with fimo, cut pins and earring pieces.  Idea came from here.


Stove and dresser also Sylvanian. I added the red gingham. Vintage signs printed from here.  I made the apron.  Issie did the mini art above the fridge.

Fancy a cuppa by the fire?  Let's head downstairs to the lounge room...


The couch, chair, coffee table, side table, phone, fireplace and firedogs are all from the Sylvanian families lounge set.  The ottoman is a padded and covered plastic milk bottle top.  Lamp came with the house - I covered the shade.  Pencils are toothpics in bead holder.


Framed pics of the girls - printed passport size and framed in cardboard and plastic glass.  Wallpaper is scrapbooking paper from Spotlight.  Coat rack made from a cut craft stick and bent earring wire. Bag was plastic blue - over the top I know, but I even painted the bag to look like my handbag!!!  I made the cushions.  Newspaper and holder are Sylvanian.


I painted the miniature artworks (blogged here).  I also made the candlesticks from beads (with cotton threaded through for wiks - mind you!).  'Bowl' is a random piece from my craft box.


Ooh yeah I made a sewing machine!  From white fimo, press studs, a dismantled earring and a sewing needle.  Cotton is threaded on a piece of toothpic.  And yes, that needle is threaded.  Lamp made from a button tool (stem), teddy bear joint and covered glue stick lid.  Scissors are fimo.  I have added two pull out cardboard boxes for craft supplies (in case those little squirrels have a flash of inspiration) since the above photo was taken.  They pull out from the table cavities.  Here is a bird's eye view...


Need to freshen up? The bathroom is just next door...


I painted the walls yellow.  The marble flooring is a laminate tile from Bunnings  The wallpaper is scrapbooking paper from Spotlight.  Towel rack came with house.  Towels are scraps of wool flannel. Toilet, dunny brush, basins, bath and shower are all Sylvanian.



The canvas is a photo I took years ago - shrunk and wrapped around layered card to look like canvas.


The shelf is a random piece of wood I found. I made the cosmetic and shampoo bottle and facewashers.  Owl is a painted button.  Large mirror from compact.


You can see the 'tiled' roof here.  Red poster paint which has black penciled lines.  I spray varnished over the top.  

A bit of a novelty having the house outside for photos.  The girls LOVE playing with it and spend at least an hour a day playing and making up stories with their little families.  It has to sit up on low table inside as Emily finds it amazingly interesting...as does Rosie the kitten.  Vaccuming will never be the same with all those little bits - is that a piece of fluff or a toothbrush?



Look hard and you will see the residents!


I had sooo much fun with this project.  I reckon our three girls have at least eight years of playing with the dollhouse ahead of them - with Emily being only 11 months.  I have already considered an extension!  But Stefan says NO!  Being a carpenter he could make a two storey side wing on the side for a laundry and boys room?  Perhaps I should give some other projects some love instead.  Also, the shape of the house would be compromised... but it is tempting!!

Anyway, signing off from my longest ever post!! I hope you enjoyed it and that you will stay tuned for a little miniature GIVEAWAY I will be having in a few days!!

Do you have a favourite room or item?  Do you have a dollhouse (not for yourself obviously - or maybe you do)?   
 
Linking up here today.

Just a little post script....some useful materials and sites I used:
Materials:
White paint; spray varnish - so much better than liquid as you can spray everything with no mess; wood glue for wooden furniture; super glue for little beads; frames, etc; fimo.
Sites:
www.domesticblissnz.blogspot.com (Mousehouse - best dollhouse I have seen)
www.blackbirdhasspoken.blogspot.co.nz (another awesome dollhouse with lots of DIY)
www.jennifersprintables.com (heaps of free wallpaper and printables)
www.1inchminisbykris.blogspot.com (tutorials on making heaps of furniture)

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37 comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    Wow! That is the most spectacular doll house I've ever seen. Amazing job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Crafted by CarlyJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:54 PM

    Squeeeeeeeel!!! That is THE coolest thing I've EVER seen - it's amaaaaazing!!! You're so clever and inventive - what a truly fantastic achievement!!! Now, can you guess what I am going to be looking out for in the charity shops??? And..... is it okay to work on doing up a dolls' house when you don't have kids???
    Thank you so much for sharing this exciting project with us all!!!
    Carly
    x

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  3. SuzJanuary 30, 2013 at 11:07 PM

    Thanks Carly! I reckon it's okay. Your future kids(?) plus visitors and relis can play (as can you!!)

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  4. ChristineJanuary 30, 2013 at 11:29 PM

    I am so blown away I don't know where to start. What a labor of love! The sewing machine is so amazing as is everything else you made. I just can't pick a favorite room though I do keep going back to look at the kids room. But that kitchen is so amazing too. I want to live there. My daughter is 21 months. I am not sure what a good age will be for her to have a doll house. My three year old likes breaking things so not anytime soon. Though I just decided that i will start collecting for her future doll house. Thank you for all the inspiration. I really can't compliment you enough on how wonderful it is.

    ReplyDelete
  5. CindyJanuary 31, 2013 at 3:19 AM

    Wowzers!! The doll house make over turned out fabulous. I adore all the details you included! I want to come over and play...;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Crafted by CarlyJanuary 31, 2013 at 4:44 AM

    Well, I know I probably shouldn't admit this, but I've just HAD to pay this post another visit! I can't get over how amazing it is!!! :-)
    Carly
    x

    ReplyDelete
  7. justmejayJanuary 31, 2013 at 6:43 AM

    This is the most fab dollhouse ever! I can tell how much fun you had making it, and the detail and execution are amazing. Have to say, I think the sewing machine is my favourite!

    I did have a dollhouse as a child - it was fairly basic in terms of the house itself (although we did end up building an extension!), but was filled with wonderful furniture. The dollhouse now belongs to the kids, and my good furniture is packed away (although the girls had it out a couple of weeks ago) - I think that it might be time for some renovations here :-)

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    Replies
    1. SuzJanuary 31, 2013 at 4:38 PM

      Thank you- I am excited to have inspired some other dollhouse renos!

      Delete
  8. RoslynJanuary 31, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    WOW! Suz what an amazing job. Love it all but the little fimo sewing machine and the teeny tiny artwork were just incredible. You have 3 very lucky girls!

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  9. FayJanuary 31, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Wow, it's just gorgeous! So many tiny details, especially love the sewing machine.

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  10. Brenda @ 13 AcresJanuary 31, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    best. doll. house. ever. i just want to enlarge it and move right in. I can't believe you made a sewing machine from Fimo! clever clever lady xx

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  11. Ginx CraftJanuary 31, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    I really like the sewing machine too, and the photos you have taken from the inside.

    ReplyDelete
  12. MissMollyCoddleJanuary 31, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    Love it! Especially the sewing machine. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  13. CJBruffJanuary 31, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Fabulous Suz!
    What a beautiful and thoughtful enterprise for the little ladies who will have great fun in it. Tea parties, housework, socialising and relaxing - they will know how to do it all!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. LisaJanuary 31, 2013 at 3:02 PM

    Absolutely stunning! you are so clever. I have a dolls house here that I am getting ready to 'renovate' so you have just given me so many ideas. Thanks for sharing this.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love button's by EmmaJanuary 31, 2013 at 3:24 PM

    All I can say is WOW. I bet a little part of you didn't want the girls to play with it and keep it all to yourself. I need to go and have another look to see all the little bits you have done. It's amazing Suz, many years of happy playing. And maybe one day in the future on of your girls will give it her own make over for her kids. Love it xx

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    Just beautiful. I can see why you enjoyed this project! And that little sewing machine - wow! It's incredible. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  17. MaxJanuary 31, 2013 at 5:40 PM

    Suz-it's amazing! So much to love here, but as always its the mini-diy-clevernesses that get me everytime. The candle sticks, paperclip coat hangers and the blackboard in addition to the zylophone all make me go "i HAVE to make one of those for my doll house immediatly"! Clever, pretty and kid-lovable, i reckon projects just dont get more ace than a diy doll house for maker and recipient-go you! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuzFebruary 2, 2013 at 8:01 AM

      Thanks max! I love your dollhouse too! Thought the DIY on this one might appeal to you!

      Delete
  18. JoJanuary 31, 2013 at 11:19 PM

    That is just simply amazing and beautiful - I'm staggered at the level of detail and think it must become a family heirloom. And the other thing is that toys mean so much more to everyone when they're handmade, don't you think? A winner!

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  19. Jess@craftiness is not optionalFebruary 1, 2013 at 11:31 AM

    this. is. amazing. I love every single detail but that sewing machine? You knocked it out of the park with that! LOVE!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. MezzFebruary 1, 2013 at 2:11 PM

    If I was a kid again and I woke up one day to find a dolls house like this in my posession, I think I would have thought myself in heaven!!!!

    Actually, no...I think as an adult I'd still feel the same way!!

    It's too lovely for words.

    Mezz

    ReplyDelete
  21. UnknownFebruary 1, 2013 at 9:52 PM

    Fabulous suz you are are truly talented. Gorgeous work they are very lucky girls!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Pam @Threading My WayFebruary 2, 2013 at 10:56 PM

    WOW!!! An amazing Dolls House, with so many details. My favourites are the sewing machine and the blackboard. This is a wonderful toy to foster imaginative play, providing years of fun. Your girls are lucky!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. TeeFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    I know I keep saying it but suz, you are one very talented lady!

    Absolutely love it all!

    Does it come in adult size? I want my house to look like that!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. DanielaFebruary 6, 2013 at 12:49 AM

    Hello there! I'm so impressed! You're so talented... this doll house is beyond cute (the tiny sewing machine is adorable)!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Miss MugginsFebruary 7, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    OMG! I want to move in!

    ReplyDelete
  26. FunkbunnyMarch 23, 2013 at 8:26 AM

    Wow, you are one talented lady! Can I please have a tiny sewing machine too?!

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnnwesMarch 31, 2013 at 5:12 AM

    What a marvelous doll house!! Wow, what a job, and what patience you must have had! You sew nice things, I love the blue dress in the next post :-)

    Easter greetings from Annwes, Norway

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  28. gailJune 12, 2013 at 4:28 PM

    DUDE, this is amazing! what a labor of love. lucky lucky girls!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. UnknownJuly 10, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    I once made a dollhouse out of a little bookshelf for my My Little Pony toys!

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    What a beautifull dollhouse! We, my 3 and 5 years old daughters and me, are very impressed. The sewing machine is the best part!! Congratulations from France. Brunette et ses filles

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  31. rupeneneSeptember 23, 2013 at 9:54 PM

    amazing!!! love it, sarah

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  32. AnonymousJune 5, 2015 at 7:30 AM

    I'm wondering if you'd mind sharing the dimensions of the house. I'm thinking of just building one to suitas i haven't found a second hand one.

    ReplyDelete
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