Dolls house - inspiration, please

[Rob_H]

I want to make a grand dolls house for my daughter's birthday. She's only three months old but I want to make a grand one I can tinker and potter with so it' ready when she's old enough. Just wondered if anyone had made one - would love to see the photos for inspiration.

 

[mailee]

Hi Rob yes I did make one many moons ago but unfortunitely no pics. (It was in the days before digital cameras, and I am no David Bailey)
I designed it on a Tudor style with white walls and black beams to the outside. It had a porch on the front and each side of the porch opened for access. At the rear the full back opened for access. and in the attic which was fitted with three dormer style windows the roof lifted for access. Everything was hand made even down to the stairs, doors, tiles which were individually cut and even a tv ariel! I did have fun making the skirtings and architrave and the windows were made out of clear plasticard and scored to simulate leading. In the bathroom I carved a bath out of a block of Pine along with the hand basin and toilet. All of the kitchen units were also made by hand as were the fire surrounds in each of the rooms. All in all it was a large house measuring 3' x 18" x 2' high. Sadly it was too big for my sisters girls room and they had to give it away in the end. I certainly enjoyed doing it though as that was back in the days when I had more time on my hands. The main structure of the house was made from 1/4" ply and the inside was decorated by my sister and her girls. HTH. :wink:

 

[Shultzy]

There are loads on the web - google "dolls house designs", there are free ones as well.

 

[Rob_H]

There are loads on the web - google "dolls house designs", there are free ones as well.

I've had a look at some on the web, but I was really interested in what forum members had done - I know there are loads of talented people on here.

 

[jhwbigley]

I made this a good few years ago for my sister,

mostly good ol' MDF

John

 

[EddieJ]

Sadly I'm not able to offer any advice about the construction aspect of building a dolls house, but I would give jhwbigley 10 out of 10 for choosing Slyvanians dolls in respect of scale.
Rob_H this is one aspect that is worth considering, as the Sylvanian toy range is massive, and availability both new and second hand is very good, so you aren't going to get drawn into the extortionate costs that are so often associated with scale toys.

 

[jhwbigley]

very true Eddie,

Slyvanians dolls where the first thing my mum ever bought of ebay.

John

 

[dchallender]

Rob

I've built about 12 over the years (lots of nieces!!), my advice would be have a look around, there is a big exhibition called minitura that is held a couple times a year that is worth a visit to see what is out there. Also get some catalogues and see what you want to build, the other thing is what scale you want as well they generally come in 12th and 24th scales. I used to get catalogues to see which one I preferred and then worked out how to build it, after that you just have to work out how much detail you want to put in. The people at Minitura produce very precise models - i've even seen a miniture piano that worked - it was £ 12k so I suppose it should do for that price !!

Finally don't forget the electrics !! there are kits you can get and from experience the copper tape is the best.

Any questions give me a shout

rgds

Darren

 

[JonnyD]

Whilst visiting Legoland as a Kid they had an amazing dollshouse there. I didnt take much notice of it at the time but my mums always banging on about it. Might be a bit technical for a first dolls house though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei6cVDU8VKE

Jon

 

[Dalboy]

Here are two. One nearly complete and the other in the process of construction(which is a Kit). Both are 1/12th scale