Friday, December 10, 2010

making a doll house - part 1

I am the second of four girls. When I was growing up my parents made us a Barbie house. It wasn't anything fancy but we loved it (in fact, I am sure I played dolls long after I was too old to do so). Before the doll house my parents also built us a play kitchen. My parents are great DIY'ers and have inspired me many times.

The last six months or so Sutton has really gotten into Barbies so I decided to build her a doll house for Christmas. I have finally gotten started. I couldn't do this project without the help of my husband. He's such a good sport to help me with my (often harebrained) projects!


First, I sketched out a the house design. Then we bought a $20 piece of plywood. I measured and drew all the pieces onto the board. I actually measured, drew, erased and repeated about twenty times and once it seemed right Michael cut it all out. My repeated measuring mostly paid off there were only a few pieces that need to be cut smaller. Thankfully none were too small!


Then we assembled the pieces.


The house started to take shape. And I got all giddy with excitement. She is going to love it!


Next I primed and painted the exterior, roof and ceilings.



Part two: "wallpaper" and flooring!

19 comments:

chris said...

Wow, I am impressed you've made this house! What a fun thing to play with. I wish I could come over. :)

sarahcass said...

This is so impressive! What a sweet and thoughtful gift! Sutton is very lucky!

Tammy @ she wears flowers said...

Oh my goodness--I love it! I think you need to sell those house plans--please!

Kelly said...

How cool! She's going to love it. Thanks for sharing.

mary katharine said...

This is wonderful!!!

Gypsy Sparrow said...

I have a fantastic wooden doll house in my basement that I nabbed when the daycare I worked at closed down. It's completely unfinished but has great bones. Someday when I have a little girl I am going to finish it and make it even more fabulous!

Rachel said...

Super cute, Erin. I think something like that will be in my future with three girls. :) I'm looking forward to seeing what you do for the walls and floors- I'm sure it'll be great.

Lakshmi said...

oh i love it ! now you've got me all inspired to do it for my daughter!

Kalleen at Second Street said...

Erin, you never cease to amaze me. Did you take drafting classes before drawing that out. My brain hurts to think about how you knew what to draw. And you did it with a pregnant brain. Amazing. I'm so excited to see the end result. Sutton will love it.

Unknown said...

SO cool!!! She will love it!!

Erin said...

Wow! I'm very impressed! I am sure that Sutton will love it!

Chantel said...

Have you been able to find carpet? I bought some and they only sold it by linear foot and I dont need that much. So if you have not found any let me know.

Erin said...

I am all set for carpet. Thanks though Chantel!!

Kelly said...

You never cease to amaze me Erin. Wow! I am putting this one on my list too. I am sure I am going to have to make a doll house in a few years for sure.

AmberLee said...

wow, this is totally a little girl's dream come true! can't wait to see the kitchen.

and I totally know what you mean about hairbrained ideas. I am always dragging my husband into mine.

happy holidays!!

Katie said...

How did you put the pieces together? With wood glue?

Jace said...

I realize this is four months later and my apologies if you've answered this question later - but what did you use to cut it?
I'd love to make one for my niece but I have an extremely small collection of power tools - I don't mind adding to it, just wondered what to add :)
Thanks!
Jace

Erin said...

@Jace- My husband used a circular saw for the house and the windows were cut out with a jigsaw. Good luck!!

RAJ said...

super cool, can u please give the dimension of the doll house

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