Falcon Miniatures Dollhouse Jack-O-Lantern Set

As the weather slowly turns and leaves change color and begin to fall from the trees outside our windows, it occurs to us that it’s time to begin thinking of the upcoming holidays. Among the holidays during the Autumn season is of course, Halloween. To ensure your Victorian era dollhouse doesn’t lose its period authenticity, here are five helpful tips to keep in mind as you design your perfect Victorian Halloween.

1. Remember the Ghosts: During the Victorian era, ghosts were present on Halloween and October 31st was a time to be afraid. Nightfall meant darkness and quietness as the distractions of modern technology had not yet become available. Candles, gas-lit lanterns and moonlight conspired to create eerie shadows on the walls and the dead leaves danced like delirious spirits in the dark landscape. Neighbors lived far apart and Halloween was a time for mischievous pranks.

Halloween Decorating Tip #1: To instill a sense of loneliness and darkness, be sure to have plenty of dollhouse candles or miniature gas lamps on display in your Victorian dollhouse.

2. A Move Towards Family and Friends: During the late 19th century, there was a movement to change the focus of Halloween away from ghosts and witchcraft to celebrations among friends and family. These early celebrations focused on celebrating the harvest, where neighbors could share stories of the dead, tell each other’s fortunes, dance and sing.

Halloween Decorating Tip #2: Have your dollhouse resident host their own festive harvest party. Include other 1:12 scale dolls as party guests and embellish your dollhouse with traditional Victorian harvest items such as miniature wheat and  bread, dollhouse fruits and vegetables and miniature bales of hay.

3. Decorate with Gothic Styles: The Gothic styles from the early 1800’s still remained into the Victorian era. Halloween is the perfect seasonal holiday to utilize this style. Since electricity had not yet been invented, candlelight was prevalent and items such as candelabras and lanterns were  used to play with the shadows to highlight the use of the Gothic style in Halloween decorations.

Halloween Decorating Tip #3: Mix the Gothic style into your dollhouse by adding Gothic elements with dark colors, wrought iron and aged stone elements. For example, consider swapping existing dollhouse pictures for Gothic-inspired wall art to help bring a mystical layer into your dollhouse.

4. Don’t forget the Jack-O-Lantern: The traditional carved pumpkin is a symbol of Halloween and has been so for centuries. It originated as an Irish myth, but has become synonymous with Halloween.

Halloween Decorating Tip #4: Make sure to include miniature dollhouse pumpkins and carved Jack-O-Lanterns  in your Victorian era Halloween scheme.

5. Make it a Formal Affair: While informal harvest parties became popular in Victorian times, many party goers preferred a more formal celebration. Indulgent dinner parties included silver, china, and tablecloths. Delectable foods including roasted meats, fancy breads, pies and salads graced the elaborate dining room tables of the era. Beverages such as wine and cider and desserts including elaborate sweet cakes were also common at such celebrations.

Halloween Decorating Tip #5: Your Victorian era Halloween scene can mimic an indulgent dinner party with elaborate dinnerware and prepared foods. We encourage you to look at some of the miniature food dishes crafted by Small Wonders to help bring a scene such as this to life.

ShareThis

Dollhouse Miniature Schnauzer Dog

It’s no secret that we love our pets. Pets are an integral part of our lives. We play with them, cuddle them, care for them and they fill our lives with joy. While accessorizing a dollhouse, there will come a point when you will be faced with the decision of whether to add a cuddly creature to your dollhouse or leave it animal-free. Here are some things to consider before choosing a miniature animal for your dollhouse:

Type of Pet: Before you are able to select a pet, you have to decide which type of animal you would prefer in your miniature home. For dog and cat lovers, this is a no-brainer. You may find yourself drawn to a specific breed or size of pet. If you did not plan to add a miniature dollhouse pet, perhaps a lower-maintenance pet such as fish or bird may be a better alternative.

Consider the Era: This is very important if you are attempting to build a period-authentic dollhouse. For example, in Victorian times a small pet miniature dog was as indispensable as an opera box or presentation at court. The women of this time were fickle in their attachments to their lapdogs dogs as these were traded out as often as gowns and bonnets. Alternatively, you would not want to have a breed of pet in your dollhouse that would not appropriately fit into the era. If you were decorating a dollhouse for the Georgian era (late 18th century to early 19th century), a Golden Retriever would not fit into the period as this breed did not become popular until well into the 19th century.

Past Pals: Think to your past pets for inspiration. Perhaps there’s a pet from your past that’s in your heart, your memory and should be in your dollhouse too. This is a great time to add a miniature version of your pet. It can be satisfying to have something symbolic to remember your special friend. Current pets also make great additions to dollhouses too.

To complete the look of a home with a pet, be sure to add dollhouse pet supplies including a miniature pet bed, food dishes, pet toys, leashes and dog bones to help bring a sense of realism to your miniature creation. Whatever type of pet you decide to place in your dollhouse - dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits or guinea pigs - it will make a special statement about both you and your dollhouse.

ShareThis

Town Square Miniatures Art Deco Bathroom Set

It’s one of life’s paradoxes: the smallest room in your house is the one that holds the most items. Your dollhouse’s bathroom is no different. Here are 5 must-have miniatures to include when decorating your dollhouse bathroom:

1. Dollhouse Bathroom Set: This seems obvious, but keep in mind the set you choose will dictate the style of your bathroom. Miniature bath sets typically include a toilet, bathtub and sink. There are many style choices - from sleek, contemporary porcelain to traditional wooden Victorian sets to choose among. It will be the primary focal point of your bathroom, so choose your bathroom set before choosing dollhouse wallpaper, flooring or paint colors.

2. Miniature Towel Rack: The towel rack or towel bar is a necessity as no bathroom is complete without towels. There are different styles to choose among including a standalone rack or wall-mounted towel bar. You can choose a finish (silver or brass, for example) to complement your decorating scheme.

3. Dollhouse Medicine Chest: A miniature cabinet or medicine chest is needed for storage of miniature toiletries and health items. Often, you can save space by finding a medicine cabinet with a mirror, that can be placed above your bathroom sink, or perhaps a cabinet with a towel rack to place above your miniature toilet.

4. Dollhouse Bath Rug: A mini bath rug will warm-up your bathroom and give a space with many cold, hard features a softer look. Consider a large miniature bath mat to place beside your bathtub or in the center of the room, if space permits. Consider coordinating the color of your bath rug with the color of your miniature towels.

5. Dollhouse Bath Accessories: The final touches in your dollhouse bathroom decorating project should include bathroom accessories that will add interest to your miniature scene. There are so many items to choose among and your chosen design theme should dictate which items you choose. For example, a traditional Victorian bathroom could include a miniature pitcher and bowl set. A more modern bathroom could include a basket of perfumes and lotions.

There are so many wonderful miniatures to choose from when decorating your bathroom. Plan your style first, then have fun choosing items that will make your tiny space come alive!

ShareThis

Much like painting your own house, painting the interior walls of a new miniature dollhouse kit can be tedious work, but the fun happens when you begin to see everything come together in a beautiful fashion.

To begin this easy process you will need to have some paint on hand. Paint is not included with most dollhouse kits, so this will need to be purchased this separately.  Use a non-acrylic based paint as these can leave streaking. Premium latex paints (in either a flat matte or satin finish) are recommended. These are east to come by, don’t come with a heavy price tag, and are available in a wide range of colors. Visit your local hardware or diy store. Specialty paints for dollhouses also exist through craft stores and specialty websites, but generally cost more.

There are lots of options for how your dollhouse appears when finished.  If you need inspiration, look to home decorating magazines. Though intended for full size homes, the color combinations will work just as well in a 1:12 scale dollhouse. Choose trim and accents colors at the same time you choose your main wall colors. Also, be sure to choose a roller or paint brushes that are of high quality. These will prevent streaking and will provide an even coat.

A wood sealer is recommended as a first coat. This will prevent the wood from absorbing the paint and will make the process of painting your interior walls much quicker. Sealers and primers can be found in the same places where you would buy interior latex paint. Apply your sealer before you’ve assembled the dollhouse walls. Prepare surfaces for the sealer, by removing doors and windows and covering – with tape or cloths- areas that are not meant to be painted. You may also need to sand away rough areas. This is easily accomplished with an emery board- typically used for filing nails.

Once prepped, you can begin sealing, then painting the surfaces. Paint your trim and detail work first (this is much easier to install finished after your dollhouse walls have been painted). Next, apply your first coat of paint to your dollhouse walls before assembling.  Be aware that you may need as many as three coats of paint to achieve the desired result. Be sure to lightly sand each coat before applying the next coat of paint.

This dollhouse decorating project is one of the most enjoyable and will have the largest impact on the look of your interior. Spend the extra time to tape any pieces you don’t want painted. The result will be beautiful and one you will enjoy looking at for years to come.

ShareThis

Zoolabees Dollhouse Miniatures

We certainly want to hear from you as well! Share with our community of followers your current dollhouse project. We welcome photos and stories about your favorite dollhouse. We also welcome your suggestions for improving our website and hope you’ll connect with us through our new Facebook page.

Zoolabees Dollhouse Miniatures is an online retailer of 1:12 scale dollhouse miniatures including dollhouse furniture, accessories, miniature lighting, dollhouse building supplies, dollhouse kits and dolls.

ShareThis

Dollhouse Miniature Calla Lillies

Spring is here and embellishing your dollhouse porch with Springtime accessories will help bring the vibrancy of the season indoors.

Every patio - big or small needs seating, and a miniature rocking chair is ideal.  Nothing says “lazy days ahead” like a large chair beckoning for us to sit down in and raise our feet! Purchase an unfinished rocker and stain it a color to match your dollhouse’s architectural style. Also, consider placing a small table or upside down planter pot to hold your dollhouse books and a mini glass of lemonade.

To ensure your doll’s reading doesn’t have to stop once the “sun” goes down, you may consider adding a miniature lantern for evening reading. Whether placed on a table top or hung for a hook, this rustic lighting piece gives your dollhouse porch a charming appeal.

Color is the cornerstone of any porch in the Spring. Your dollhouse should be no exception! Consider a couple of dollhouse hanging flower baskets or a window flower box filled with colorful blooms. Small pots of flowers such as Calla Lillies, Tulips or Roses bring the bright colors of the season to your mini porch scene.

Lastly, don’t forget about more practical seasonal accessories such as miniature garden tools or a watering can to complete your porch scene. Hang these on a hook outside your dollhouse or place them inside of a miniature planter.

When you’re indoors this Spring, these special touches will help remind you of the sunny days to come. When the season comes to an end and you’re ready to decorate for Summer, you can easily store them away.  The best part is Spring will return, and your miniature Spring porch accessories will once again have their chance to shine.

ShareThis

Dollhouse Miniature Garbage Can

Living green is quickly becoming the way of life as more and more individuals recognize the importance of protecting the environment for future generations. If this is a trend that you willingly embrace, and you want to show how very dedicated you are to the cause, consider building a green dollhouse for your children to demonstrate the small ways a household can help in the effort.

Of course, miniature recycling bins and even solar panels on the roof of the home are a must, but more than that, you can build the home and its furniture in a way that exude the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto of green living. Look to your own recycling bin for building materials. Consider using scrap lumber (or even twigs and branches from your own yard) to build the shell. Dollhouse wallpaper could be crafted from the pages of tossed magazines, curtains could be made from old wrappers of edible goods, and the card stock from old cereal boxes could easily be crafted into tiny and adorable pieces of dollhouse furniture. With careful and thoughtful craftsmanship, no one would even know that these were found materials. Fabric scraps from your own sewing room can be used to cover any cardboard construction including walls, floors and furniture, and the paint that is left in those old paint cans in the garage can be used to spruce the tiny place up a bit.

Once the house and furniture are built, you can begin to add to it the items that make a real home green. Just as you may have thought to add the solar panels or the recycling bin before, you may also consider crafting a wind mill for the backyard, a wood stove to cut down oil consumption or even a compost bin.

Don’t forget to embellish your miniature green home with special miniature accessories. Look to nature for inspiration: small twigs in a vase, a bowl of tiny pebbles and dried and pressed flowers framed into miniature dollhouse art for the walls. These small touches will say a great deal about the point of your project. Plus, it will be fun to watch it all come together!

ShareThis

Dollhouse Basket of Green Beans

Just as with a real home, the dollhouse kitchen can serve as a beautiful focal point and a center of activity and detail is essential. Your overall goal is to recreate the world of your choice in miniature, and in real kitchens, fruits and vegetables are often part of the overall picture. Dollhouse vegetables and fruit selections are fairly easy to work into the overall décor. Here are a few tips that may help.

Scale Remains Essential – You’ve worked hard to keep all of your dollhouse miniatures in proportion, and the fruits and vegetables you choose shouldn’t break this rule. Generally, fruit isn’t half the size of your kitchen stove, so as you begin shopping for items such as miniature dollhouse bananas, consider the scale you’re working with. Most dollhouse enthusiasts stick with the one inch scale (where each inch equals a standard twelve inches) because it’s the most popular scale.

Style Must Be Considered – As you began building your dollhouse, you probably decided to incorporate a certain style. Some hobbyists work with Victorian era styles while others prefer a more modern look.  If you’re modeling a period and a season, you’ll need to remain consistent there too. For example, say your dollhouse works with an English Tudor summer style. You will want to choose fresh fruits and vegetables that would be available during that season and time period. Potatoes, for example, were only available in very large estates during this time period, so unless you’ve created a very large dollhouse in this period, they’re simply not appropriate. Additionally, consider how and where you would like to display your miniature produce. In a farmhouse, it was common practice to store vegetables in baskets, bins or wooden crates.  A more contemporary dollhouse would include fruits and vegetables stored in the refrigerator or a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter.

Don’t Forget About Aesthetics – Sure, you may not spend much time thinking about how real apples will look on your own kitchen table, but do take time to analyze your dollhouse vegetables and fruits and where you might put them in your dollhouse. Consider the size, color and texture of the miniature fruit or vegetable and the overall effect it will give your miniature project. If you’re not sure a bowl of oranges will give your dollhouse kitchen the visual impact you’re looking for choose another fruit or vegetable you think will look amazing.

Dollhouse vegetables and fruits are the perfect way to accessorize and bring an additional level of realism to your miniature kitchen, but there are several aspects to consider before you make your purchase. Take a moment to browse our extensive collection of fruits and vegetables. With lots of choices for almost every period and style as well as cute accessories like dollhouse vegetable bins, you’re certain to find the ideal produce for your kitchen.

ShareThis

Town Square Miniatures Poster Bed

Decorating the dollhouse bedroom is often the “icing on the cake” for many dollhouse hobbyists. There’s so much to consider in a typical bedroom, and coming up with all of the right miniature accessories for the bedroom in your dollhouse can be both fun and challenging.

As you begin to consider what may work with your project, don’t forget to think about several factors. The period that you plan to model is important. While a modern home has running water and plumbing, a Victorian home may not have.

Scale must also be considered. Much of what we offer is in 1:12 or 1:24 scale, and that’s the scale many hobbyists work with, but it must remain consistent throughout your home. While most dollhouse bedrooms end up looking quite different, more often than not, they include most of these top five items depending on the time period you’re emulating.

1. Dollhouse Bedding Set: Even those working with some of the earlier historical periods must have a bedding set to match. After all, everyone needs a bed and the right linens to top it off. For years, most bedrooms included a quilt on top of the bed, and many of those are available as well. Most of today’s bedding sets include accent pillows and dust ruffles, so if you’re modeling a modern home, adding accessories like these to your dollhouse bedroom is an absolute must.

2. Dollhouse Jewelry Chest: The lady of the house often has a number of jewelry items she must store somewhere, and a miniature jewelry box or chest is an excellent addition to any bedroom atmosphere. While there are a number of different choices as you choose the right dollhouse jewelry box, you’ll likely want one with a number of features. Opening doors, pull out drawers, and even hinged lids are all commonly available, and they can help to add a level of realism to the bedroom.

3. Dollhouse Clothing: Every dollhouse bedroom must include garments, and your dollhouse, no matter what period you’re working with, is little different. Fortunately, there are lots of options here as well. From miniature bathrobes, shirts and dresses to other accessories like hats, shoes, purses, and even belts, you’re certain to find options that will work out with your dollhouse. As you begin to add clothing items, though, you’ll want to consider dollhouse clothing hangers to help round out the package. You may even want to add an armoire or wardrobe to hang all of those clothes.

4. Dollhouse Lamps: While this addition depends a bit on the period of history you’re working with, even those modeling history before electricity will want to add kerosene lamps or gas lamps to help give an air of authenticity to the project. If you’re moving forward with something more modern, consider a working miniature lamp or even a lighted ceiling fan to help bring brilliance to your dollhouse.

5. Miniature Picture Frame: Sure, they may seem a bit mundane, but you see them throughout real homes, so why should your dollhouse be any different? As with almost all dollhouse miniatures, there’s much to choose from here as well. Whether you want your dollhouse to display fine art or family photos, you should be able to find the pictures and the frames you need.

ShareThis

Hansson Dollhouse Blue Floral Sofa

Mother’s Day is around the corner. Are you ready? If your mom has spent any time working on her dollhouse, there are lots of easy gift ideas you may want to purchase this year. Here are ten of the best any Mom would love in her dollhouse.

1. Miniature Cello – Adding musical instruments to a dollhouse office, living room, or even a den is an excellent idea, but as with any miniature, detail is the key. A miniature cello like this one offers a very high level of detail. Not only does it come with a lined case, but it has a small bow too. The product itself is made from solid wood, and the craftsmanship involved here is intricate and beautiful.

2. Dollhouse Pink Roses in Vase – Mothers everywhere love fresh flowers on their special day, and this little touch is sure to win you a few points since it’s for her dollhouse. Created by the well respected Falcon Miniatures company, the vase here includes six realistic pink roses in a cute glass vase that even appears as if it’s filled with water for the roses. It’s the perfect centerpiece for her dollhouse’s dining room table.

3. Heidi Ott Baby Doll – Miniature dolls are often a part of many dollhouses, no matter what period of time Mom is attempting to model. Handmade, these beautiful choices are nothing short of spectacular. They come with removable clothing, and they’re completely positionable. The Heidi Ott brand is synonymous with quality and authenticity, and Mom will be delighted to add this to her dollhouse.

4. Hansson Miniatures Blue Floral Sofa and Matching Chair – Want to add a really beautiful piece to the living room for Mom? This gorgeous floral sofa is an excellent choice. The entire sofa and chair is upholstered, and the cute country motif is a great choice depending on the style throughout Mom’s dollhouse.

5. Dollhouse Kit – Is Mom ready for a new project? Has she always dreamed of working on a dollhouse, but she’s never had the resources to get started? These amazing kits from Real Good Toys are the perfect place to start. With seventeen different choices in a variety of styles and sizes, you’re certain to choose one Mom will love decorating in the months to come. Moreover, though, choosing one of these now means you’ll always have a perfect gift idea for every holiday. There’s so much decorating to be done, you can’t go wrong in the holidays to come.

6. Hansson Eggshell Porcelain Dinner Service Set – Every dollhouse dining room needs a set of good china, and this is the ideal choice. It features a full twenty-eight pieces including four dinner plates and salad plates, three serving platters, two serving dishes (each of which come with a lid), a coffee pot that includes a lid, a creamer, a sugar bowl, and four tea cups and saucers. Elegantly painted in seafoam green with gold and fern accent colors throughout, it’s a great choice for Mom this year.

7. Miniature Computer Set – If Mom’s dollhouse is modeled with modern accents, a computer is a must have. Make certain you choose one with all of the accessories like a printer and a mouse. Moreover, ensure you purchase a stand for that new computer. You don’t want the dollhouse family to have to sit on the floor and work, do you?

8. Dollhouse Bathroom Set – Mom hasn’t gotten around to finishing up that bathroom yet? A solid bathroom set may help. These ones include multiple pieces: a bathtub, a toilet, a sink, and a miniature mirror. Made from porcelain, it’s a great choice to go with a number of different decors.

9. Hansson Dollhouse Fireplace Wall Unit – A fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home, and your mom’s dollhouse is little different. This particular choice features built in double bookcases, a faux granite mantel, a mirror, cabinets with opening doors, and four different drawers. It’s a large addition to her living room or den that she’s certain to truly appreciate.

10. Zoolabees E-Gift Certificate – When you’re not sure what to get because you know Mom would do a better job choosing her gift on her own, a dollhouse gift certificate is the right way to go. Starting in amounts as low as ten dollars, they’re a great way to show you care about her and her dollhouse.

ShareThis