Not everyone can buy a fancy new dollhouse. Many dollhouses vary in price and style but making a doll house purchase is not for everyone. Many collectors feel that they would rather build their own dollhouse and of course some people just do not want to spend money on those types of items. Building your very own dollhouse is not all that hard. All you need is the right material and enough time to correctly put it together. You can build it on your own or get the kids involved. It can be a great activity for a group to do together so do not be afraid to make your own dollhouse. You just might be amazed at the results.
First of all, you will have to decide if you want to use the dollhouse for collection purposes or not. Perhaps you just want it for your kids or to give as a gift. If you know what it is that you plan to do with the house then you will be able to pick the design much easier. You will also have to decide on the scale that you wish to use. Most scales have one inch equaling to one foot in real life measurements. This is the way that dollhouses are often measured. Make sure that your measurements are adequate for your dolls to fit inside when the house is complete.
Decide on the shape that you want for your house. Choosing an easy shape like a square or a rectangle will be easier for those who are beginners. Always measure every side carefully before you cut the walls of the house. Even the smallest difference may cause an alteration in how the walls fit together. Of course, if you prefer you can always choose an elaborate style such as Victorian.
You should always draw out your pattern first so that you have something to follow as a guide. Use sturdy and reliable wood for the foundation of your dollhouse. Using poor materials could lead to a dollhouse that does not hold up as well as it should. Start by cutting the walls, floor and ceiling. Do not forget to cut holes for the windows. You can use either a hand saw or a circular saw to do your wood cutting. Always be careful though and use common sense and safety.
Make sure to cut all of your edges as straight as possible. You can use wood glue and nails to hold the walls together. It is probably best to use a combination of the two rather than just one or the other. Be sure to sand the wood after everything is put together. Then it is time to paint! This is the perfect time to get the kids helping. After the paint is dry it is time to decorate the dollhouse. That is when it really gets fun because now you can fill it with furniture and accessories, not to mention dolls of course. Building your own dollhouse will give you a well deserved a sense of accomplishment, one that will last you for a very long time.
