My longtime love of dollhouses has led to a collection of unfinished projects. Kits picked up at flea markets, thrift stores and my very first dollhouse in need of major cleaning and restoration — projects tucked away waiting for “someday." This new year my heart is full of inspiration, and my head is swirling with ideas and I’m not sure where the motivation will take me but January seems like the perfect time to set a few creative goals. If you're also feeling a creative flow...follow my blog and Instagram for updates as I go through the chaotic (because that's just how my mind works) process. Either way I'm hoping there will be useful tips, happy accidents (no doubt a few frustrations) but mostly inspiration and enthusiasm around all things dollhouses.
Years ago at a flea market I paid $20 for a Vermont Farmhouse Junior kit from Real Good Toys, and now the pieces are scattered all over my basement. I’ve built this kit several times and love its simple farmhouse charm. I think I'll make this one a bit modern by skipping the intricate trims. If you’re a beginner and want to build a dollhouse from a kit, this one is perfect and I can’t recommend it enough.
My sister-in-law found these sweet little floating shelves at a thrift store for a great price. Their simple shape is perfect for creating tiny homes for everything from Maileg Mice to peg dolls to felted animals. And since they're already built, I can skip straight to the fun part...decorating.
This last project truly has my heart....the dollhouse my parents had custom built for me and placed under our Christmas tree when I was 12. This house has been moved from Ohio, to Texas and back to Ohio, copper wired for electricity (tears were shed), windows and doors are broken or missing, the wallpaper has yellowed and our feral cat once made it her cozy home. Its extremely sentimental and needs a whole lot of cleanup, refurbishing and love - and it's my favorite of my three New Year dollhouse projects.
So be sure to follow along and uncover any miniature projects you have tucked away. I have no idea what shape these houses will be in a year from now...or if I'll be motivated to continue past next week...but even if I make a few updates and renovations I'll consider my efforts a success. Happy New Year!