I started working on my daughter's dollhouse back when Emily Henderson announced her I'm a Giant challenge last year. While the challenge ended quite anti-climatically with the only finisher in the original group being Nicole Balch of Making it Lovely, it helped motivate me to start a project that was already on my to-do list. Start being the key word. Although the main pieces are in place, I never really put the finishing touches on my daughter's dollhouse. One of the big things I've been waiting for is the perfect paper with which to cover the tiny walls of my miniature abode; here are five ideas to take inspiration from.
- Downloadable paper: I was absolutely thrilled when I saw that Ferm Living has come out with free miniature versions of their own wallpaper! They've generously included a step-by-step guide in addition to the free downloadable wallpaper. And while it's probably sized to fit their own dollhouse I'm sure that it could easily be customized for most tiny casas.
- Fine Art Paper - Nicole Balch of Making it Lovely covered the walls of her lovely dollhouse with fine art paper from Paper Source
- Wrapping Paper - This bookcase stunner from Honest to Nod was covered from head to toe in patterned wrapping paper.
- Scan + Print - Megan of Mouse House had the genius idea to scan patterns from various places (e.g. the Orla Keily pattern from her address book) and print them out! She also used wallpaper samples. So savvy and smart.
- Raid your craft cupboard - John and Sherry of Young House Love used everything and anything from their craft stash - scrapbook paper, decorative tape, and gift wrap to paper the walls of their daughter Clara's handmade dollhouse.
I've also wondered if Spoonflower would allow me to make my own custom miniature wallpaper designs. Do you have any other genius ideas or sources for wallpapering a dollhouse? I'd love to hear about them!
(Images as linked above)
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Well, maybe it's obvious, but doll house suppliers SELL 1/12 scale dollhouse wallpaper in scrapbook paper sized sheets. (I have a pile of it I got on clearance once, if I ever think of a project to use it for.) (Now that I am done with making dollhouses.)
You can design your own wallpaper in photoshop using free clipart or free digital scrapbook kits. Avery sells printable sticker sheets to make application easy and mess-free.
I probably would use some of my Origami paper leftovers.
Shelf liner paper and contact paper can work nicely if the scale is small enough.
I am presently turning a hand-me-down dollhouse into an Action Figure Playhouse, as requested by my six-year old son. I am using fabric Modge Podge to apply superhero fabric to the walls in several rooms. It's wonderful - one coat allows me to cut the fabric to size, then another coat to adhere, and a final coat to cover. It's hard as a rock and crystal clear.
I went to town with scrapbooking paper on my daughter's dollhouse. It looked great. I was even in the process of building small frames to hold miniature-sized family photos to hang throughout. But then I noticed she wasn't playing much with it, this, THE most anticipated gift from Santa. On a hunch I removed every single piece of color I had placed within and voila! She now plays with it every day. Some days it's a spaceship, other days a dinosaur hospital. And maybe someday she'll want to make it into her own "house" and will want decorate it -- and I will be there, glue gun in hand, believe you me! -- but until then her imagination is changing decor every day. Lesson learned for this mom.
Does anyone know where to buy simple dollhouses like these? Either assembled or as a kit? I've searched various online sources and all the dollhouses I see are (very expensive) precious Victorian-style homes with lots of gingerbread. Nothing wrong with Victorians, but I'd really prefer something simple. Thnx!
The doll houses above are either bookshelf's, secondhand or one is Lundby which is very simple/modern style.
I used scrap booking paper and a sample tin of real wall paint to redecorate my daughters wooden dollhouse, which I bought new from Kmart but was about 5 shades of fuschia.
That first one is almost IDENTICAL to the one my parents made for me when I was 11. I still remember watching them build it out on the backyard patio. My dad used scrap shingles on the roof, and crafted staircases out of square dowels. My mom picked out the paint colors and wallpaper. Then they hauled it into my room and secured it to the wall. It was about 5 feet tall.
We're talking 1975 here, so PARENTS: Never underestimate the power of memories!
@mbaru - The first is actually from Ferm Living and they sell the dollhouse in addition to the free printable wallpaper. http://www.ferm-living.com/dollhouse-wood/
The second is by The House that Jack Built https://www.google.com/#q=the+house+that+jack+built+dollhouses&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=kXltULngGIuy0QHn4IDgBg&ved=0CDsQsxg&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=c079778bac64bc12&biw=1191&bih=675
The third is a bookcase. Maybe IKEA?
Not sure about the fourth, but the fifth is a DIY by Young House Love. They have great tutorials if you're interested in making it yourself.
Ryan's Room makes a simple open dollhouse w/ interior walls, all unfinished wood.
Thanks for all the great tips on simple dollhouse sources!
I finished a house for my nieces last year. It was surprising how much they charge for 1/12 dollhouse specific wallpaper. Instead I hit up Michael's craft store whenever they had sales on scrapbook paper -- often 4 or 6 sheets for $1. After working on a dollhouse for a bit your eyes start to see in 1/12 scale; you get pretty quick at picking out sheets that fit the bill. I was able to paper the entire house for probably less than $5 (plus a small amount of regular wallpaper glue watered down). Check it out:
http://moocasa.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.