Anyone Build Doll Houses

Busy Beaver Lumber · February 07, 2011, 08:34:04 PM

With 5 daughters, you knew sooner or later I was going to get stuck building at least one or two doll houses.

Here are some pictures of one of the doll houses I have built over the years. This one belongs to my Daughter Heather. Also built the rolling cabinet with doors that it sits on.

The pictures really do not do it justice. The siding on the doll house was made out of over 2000 popsicle sticks that I cut the rounded ends off of and then applied to the house one stick at a time. Likewise, shingles were cut from tounge depressors just like the ones your doctor uses. Made all the wood trim for around the inside of the windows and doors using my band saw and surface planer. House has electric low voltage lighting in each room. Even the oven has a light in it that comes on and off when the door is opened or closed ( used a micro switch in the oven).

Built most of the furniture in the doll house as well, with the exception of the pool table and the metal patio furniture.

Jasperfield · February 07, 2011, 08:52:00 PM

That's really nice. I'll bet they were tickled to play with that.

Have you built a doll house for the doll house?

tyb525 · February 07, 2011, 08:56:55 PM

Do I see some mini-natural edge furniture in there?

sprucebunny · February 07, 2011, 09:02:57 PM

Cool ! That takes a lot of patience

I used to work in a doll house "factory". Actually it was 3 of us in a barn basement with lots of power tools. I was the window specialist and made them with divided lights in about 6 sizes.

WDH · February 07, 2011, 09:07:00 PM

That is truly a labor of love!

Banjo picker · February 07, 2011, 09:09:40 PM

I didn't build it, but I have one just about like that one in storage...My mom brought it here from Washington state...She displayed it in a bay window I built for her...Tim

sandhills · February 07, 2011, 10:22:27 PM

Yes I built a dollhouse, no "Santa" built a dollhouse for my two daughters, after seeing yours you'll never see a picture of mine! ;D I also built a dairy barn, complete with parlor and free stall barn with a few little cows in it, it didn't turn out any better but the kids loved it. That dollhouse is a work of art and they will love it always, and I know the patience it takes.

Dave Shepard · February 07, 2011, 10:35:25 PM

My mother built a log cabin doll house for my sister. Took a lot of time. I built a 1:8 scale post with knee brace. Took longer to cut than a real one. :D

Busy Beaver Lumber · February 08, 2011, 05:37:59 PM

Jasper - No, have not built a doll house for inside the doll house yet, but this is a good idea. Not sure if my hands are that steady for that scale work

Ty - Yes there are a few pieces of natural wood furniture in there. Cut ovals out of a few walnut branches and then used peeled pieces of smaller walnut branches for the legs and cross braces.

Sandhills and WDH - thanks for the compliments

Sprucebunny - It may have taken just a little more patience than I have. I can remember being real happy when I put the last shingle on the roof, but my daughter is now 24 and still loves it. She has it in her livingroom, proudly displayed, so it was definately worth it.

Patty · February 08, 2011, 05:42:00 PM

That doll house is AWESOME !

Next thing you know, you will be building another one for a grandaughter!

terrifictimbersllc · February 08, 2011, 05:50:27 PM

Very impressed, truly you are a Busy Beaver. Hope you build one for yourself so the girls can have one for themselves.

SwampDonkey · February 08, 2011, 05:56:43 PM

That's nice work Beaver and very meticulous I can tell.

Busy Beaver Lumber · February 08, 2011, 06:28:26 PM

Quote from: Patty on February 08, 2011, 05:42:00 PM
That doll house is AWESOME !

Next thing you know, you will be building another one for a grandaughter!

Patty

Chances are pretty good that you will be right. I have 3 grand daughters now, but they are still a bit to young to have one like this.

Busy Beaver Lumber · February 08, 2011, 06:30:45 PM

Thank you terrifictimbers and swampdonkey. Only true craftsman like yourselves would appreciate the time and effort put into this project. I would estimate that i have well over 100 hours into it, and that is probably conservative.

isawlogs · February 12, 2011, 05:14:38 PM

That is awsome, what scale is it ???

Ron Scott · February 12, 2011, 07:58:32 PM

Very Nice!

Busy Beaver Lumber · February 13, 2011, 09:04:46 AM

Isawlogs

I believe it is 1/10th scale. All total it is about 4 feet long and about 30 inches tall. The basic structure was a kit that originally was prices at $149 and that my wife got on clearance for $9.99 because it was missing quite a few parts, which I simply recreated out of the same luan type material. The kit was missing the shutters, window trim, siding, and shingles. She though I would enjoy the challenge of making the missing parts, and she was right. I like anything that allows me to use my power tools and to be creative.

isawlogs · February 13, 2011, 05:08:58 PM

Really nice !!! Thanks , but ;D You know what I would really like to see ??? Is close-ups of each room, the furnisher you builr and acessorys look awsume!!!

Busy Beaver Lumber · February 14, 2011, 05:56:02 PM

Isawlogs

Will have to take camera over to her house the next time I go and get you close up of furnishings.

isawlogs · February 14, 2011, 06:01:22 PM

I did not realise it was at your daughters house, don't you worry none about it ;) Aint gonna take anything away from the beauty of that house

semologger · March 31, 2011, 09:52:30 PM

Very very nice. My grandpa just built one for my daughter. i havent seen it yet but hear he did a great job. I will try and take some pitchures when i get the chance to go get it. I have one question how on earth did you get that pool table up on the top floor? Must of had some strong fellers helping ya. ;). Again great job.

Busy Beaver Lumber · April 01, 2011, 06:03:15 PM

would love to see pictures of your doll house when you get them.

No strong men involved in moving the pool table...we jus brought it in through the big hole in the roof..lol