Front Opening Vermont Farmhouse Jr. Dollhouse by Real Good Toys

The dollhouse hobby. It starts with one simple question: to build from scratch or not to build from scratch? If you are new to the hobby and want to construct your first dollhouse kit, the first question you will have to ask yourself is if you want to build a dollhouse from scratch using a set of dollhouse plans, or if you would rather build using a pre-fabricated dollhouse kit.

If you decide that you would prefer to be your own dollhouse contractor, keep in mind that you will need some advanced woodworking skills to design, measure and cut your dollhouse pieces from plywood. Building a dollhouse from scratch isn’t too different than building a real house from scratch. If you are new to the dollhouse hobby or don’t have a flair for using a jigsaw, then a dollhouse kit may be the ideal solution for you.

If you decide to go with a miniature dollhouse kit, we recommend a kit manufactured by Real Good Toys. The dollhouse’s durability will hold up to many years of child’s play. If you plan to construct and decorate the doll house to be displayed as a proud showcase piece, rest assured the quality of materials will make your finished dollhouse an heirloom to be treasured by future generations.

Here are some advantages to building a dollhouse using a dollhouse kit:

1. Easy-to-Assemble: Dollhouse kits contain engineered parts that are pre-cut and ready to assemble. No headaches purchasing raw materials, measuring or sawing.

2. Variety: There are so many different styles and sizes of dollhouse kits to choose among. Whether you fancy a Victorian dollhouse mansion or a simple farmhouse, a dollhouse kit exists. When you decide to go with a dollhouse kit, you are sure to find the exact size and style you desire.

3. Quality: Dollhouse kits, specifically those made by Real Good Toys, have a reputation for quality. Unless you are a skilled carpenter, you will run the risk of making design and construction errors that compromise the quality of your finished product.

4. Unique Architectural Features: Choosing a dollhouse kit allows you to choose beautiful architectural details that would be difficult for you to craft on your own. These architectural details are already built into the kit! These features include interesting pitched roofs, wraparound porches and other details that complete the look of a particular architecture.

5. Options to Upgrade: If you decide to upgrade your dollhouse kit, additions to certain kits are available. You can add on an extra porch or 2-story addition either now or later.

Keep these valuable points in mind as you research and plan your dollhouse miniature projects. Enjoy!

Real Good Toys Front-Opening Federal Dollhouse Kit

A recent article published in Dollhouse Miniatures Magazine asks its readers to provide their most indispensable tools when building dollhouses and other dollhouse miniature projects. Here’s a list of the most important tools to top their list:

One-Inch-Scale Ruler: A standard architect’s ruler is a must-have when working with dollhouse miniatures. This handy ruler will allow you to easily transfer full-sized measurements into scale measurements, instantly! Look for the left end of the 1″ scale which is divided by 1/12″. It’s available at most office supply stores.

Miniature Bench Lighting: When working with tiny items, good lighting is essential. Use an incandescent light at a sharp angle to avoid shadows. Use color-corrected fluorescent lighting for painting when color matters because the incandescent light can drastically affect how colors appear under this type of lighting. A combination of both types of light work well when clear coat finishing furniture.

Plastic Picks for Teeth: These picks are similar to wooden toothpicks, but are made for teeth. Unlike wood, plastic doesn’t encourage things to stick or absorb. These picks are usually shaped somewhat like a hockey stick and can usually be located where toothpaste and floss are sold.

Storage with PVC Pipe: Cut various lengths (6″ to 15″) white PVC pipe, wire or tape them together and attach to a box bottom. These pipes can stand vertically or lay horizontally for storage of wood dowels, molding, metal rods, etc. A larger diameter PVC can attach to your garage wall for larger pieces.

Teflon Pressing Sheet: Teflon pressing sheets can be used while painting, sanding, gluing or even ironing. The dried paint and glue can be washed off or scraped off using an old credit card. These sheets are practically indestructible, but be careful not to cut on them. These are usually found in fabric stores and are available in different sizes.

We hope you will find these tips provided by readers of DH Miniatures magazine useful. Please visit our other blog postings for more helpful tips and suggestions.

Real Good Toys New Concepts Walton Dollhouse

You’re building your first dollhouse – either from scratch or using a dollhouse kit. You want to be sure you have a basic understanding of the project as well as all of the right tools before your miniature dollhouse building begins.

Keep in mind that building a dollhouse from a kit is a much simpler task and will include all of the pre-cut pieces in either MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or plywood. If you decide to build your own dollhouse from scratch, you will need dollhouse plans, more tools and must have an adequate understanding of how to work with different types of wood and power tools.

If you are planning to build your dollhouse using a kit, this article will provide you with a simple overview of what to expect as well as the basic items and tools you will need to get started.

The type of dollhouse kit you purchase will determine its level of difficulty to assemble. Room boxes, which are simply that – just one room, are the easiest to assemble and a great starting point if this is your first dollhouse project. Single story dollhouses are more difficult, but much easier than multi-story, multi-room dollhouse kits. Also, decide before purchasing your dollhouse if you would prefer one that opens from the front or from the rear.

Before you begin, know what to expect when you open the box that contains your dollhouse kit. Basic dollhouse kits include all of the basic pre-cut pieces. A quality dollhouse kit will include 3/8” thick walls with clapboards milled directly onto the exterior walls. All pieces are designed and built to fit together perfectly. The windows and doors will arrive pre-assembled. Your kit will include roof shingles in either cedar or pine. These will arrive in individual pieces and will be glued to the roof of your dollhouse one shingle at a time. Gingerbread trim is included in the dollhouse kits in strips. Depending upon the actual kit purchased, your kit may also include moldings, railings, staircases, shutters and window boxes, which are more common in the larger, more expensive dollhouse kits. Kits do not include finishing touches such as primer, paint, glue, curtains, landscape materials or miniature dollhouse furniture and miniature dollhouse accessories.

The basic tools needed to build a dollhouse will include a carpenter’s square, carpenter’s glue, tacky glue (found at craft stores), tape measure, exact-o knife, sandpaper and masking tape. Also, be prepared with a hammer and finishing nails.

Since your dollhouse kit will not include paint, you will want to purchase a good quality acrylic latex paint as well as a primer. Small quantities of trim colors should also be purchased (you can find these at a craft store).

Be sure to read through all instructions before you begin. If you opt to electrify your dollhouse, the basic wiring should be installed during the construction phase and completed before decorating your dollhouse. The materials needed for this are included in a wiring kit, sold separately. Cir-kit Concepts makes one of the most popular kits on the market.

Stay tuned to our other blog articles for more in-depth instructions and tips on building a dollhouse!