What are /r/Dollhouses' favorite Products & Services?

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I customized a Rolife kit to be a Gryffindor bedroom and had so much fun! I just painted the furniture a dark brown and printed out most of the stuff on the walls. I used an old T-shirt for the bedding, it was only my second kit so maybe your friend could try something like that?

Link to the kit I customized: https://www.reddit.com/r/harrypotter/comments/ikgog8/i_made_a_miniature_gryffindor_themed_bedroom/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Link to the Rolife kit I used: https://www.amazon.com/Rolife-Miniature-Dollhouse-Bedroom-Diorama/dp/B08NCMHPQ3

I just finished this one dollhouse furniture kit which comes basically as a puzzle. They're made in Asia where hobby space can be at a premium. Miniatures are big.

I made a whole house full of 1/12 furniture in a few days.

It was SO much fun.

Currently I'm priming them on a table layered with newspaper because I'm going to start decoratively painting and upholstering all the pieces.

If I had to do it differently I would identify the pieces that are backdrops ahead of time and do scrapbook paper or paint them ahead of time but it was just my first time through.

If you buy this set buy some sandpaper along with. There are also several other similar sets of laser cut pieces ... technology is wonderful.

Just a way to get a whole bunch of furniture in a short amount of time that you can then customize.

Hey, I got it off amazon here’s a link- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decdeal-Miniature-Dollhouse-Realistic-Furniture/dp/B07G9FZJNF/ref=pd_aw_sbs_21_of_34?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07G9FZJNF&pd_rd_r=a782eae7-22e9-11e9-9f02-2dcfb0cd6a52&pd_rd_w=s1eRP&pd_rd_wg=h3JCP&pf_rd_p=d...

They have various other rooms to choose from! They are all lovely

It took me probably 90+ hours scattered over the past year to complete this kit, for anyone wondering it's this kit from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MCUSJPV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the one I ordered from Amazon CUTEBEE Dollhouse Miniature with Furniture, DIY Wooden Dollhouse Kit Plus Dust Proof and Music Movement, 1:24 Scale Creative Room Idea(Forest Habitat) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082DCBW8Q/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_qICSEbPXAABN2

My best advice is to just pick a one-room kit that appeals to you and dive right in. You're going to learn a lot just by doing. My first kit was a little loft apartment. Once I got the hang of what was going on, I started to just decorate myself.

For example rather than wrapping every step on a ladder staircase with the little faux "wood grain" papers, I just painted the stairs, I found that to be more fun. I also didn't bother with the kit artwork and made my own. I finally found a use for all the little thumbnail photos from old Shutterfly print orders that I could never bear to throw away. My room kit ended up with framed miniature photos of my own family this way. I also changed out a lot of the fabrics and used scraps of my own.

If you want to start for free you can look up tutorials on YT for making DIY miniature rooms with cardboard, no serious financial investment necessary.

I did miniatures as a kid, only recently started getting back into it in retirement.

I am currently working on this kit for dollhouse furniture ... all the pieces pop out with finger pressure and then you assemble them like a 3D puzzle. All the pieces fit together, I just used some sandpaper to smooth out the rough spots and help the parts go together more smoothly, and clear glue where necessary.

I made all the pieces in about 3 days and have spent the last few weeks painting them and upholstering them, making little quilts for the beds, etc.

You might like it, the price ($10 plus shipping) is certainly right.

Hopefully sometime I'll get around to having a dollhouse to put them in!

I bought this inexpensive dollhouse furniture kit off Amazon.

All the pieces pop out and you just put them together like a 3d jigsaw puzzle. Glue helps. I sandpapered down the edges that didn't fit together smoothly enough.

I'm just powering ahead with painting and upholstering the pieces because I want to see the whole thing through and make my mistakes and learn from them ... but having done it, if I really had my game together from Jump I would have papered and sanded and painted all the pieces before assembling them.

I just didn't know how that would have worked at the time. Now I see how much more difficult it is to fit edges and get my big old hands in those small spaces.

Yes, join the party. Even if something get mess up or broken, I just glue it back. I use Beacon 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue, and I got this tool kit from amazon for $10 lol https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LB1T5D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CuiqFbYK6WBWZ. The only thing it’s missing is a tiny little scissors (the kind that looks like they are for nails)! Good luck, can’t wait to see your work.

Dang. My reply seems to have been routed to the great bit bucket in the sky. Second try:

1. Museum putty is stickier than the wax, but it is not transparent. I have no trouble sticking stuff to my wooden dollhouse with it, and it functions like those command strips so you can remove stuff later without damaging finishes. Since you are sticking to plastic, you might also consider using glue dots. They will scrape off the dollhouse just fine, although they may be permanently attached to your wreath. I have been known to cut one in 4 pieces to stick down a lamp on a table (as neither the table nor the lamp I made are perfectly square).

2. You will definitely need a wall wart setup for the menorah. You do not have to have one specially designed for dollhouse, though. All the hobby ones, like for model railroads are the same. The only thing special is that they come with easy ways to attach the wires from the lights. The only thing you need to check is that is says output 12vDC instead of 12vAC. Just Google 12v dc power supply. I am pretty sure this one https://www.amazon.com/100-240V-Transformers-Switching-Applications-Connectors/dp/B077PW5JC3/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=KkA08&content-id=amzn1.sym.a5eaa569-8a45-4530-84d2-2dcf8023272a&pf_rd_p=a5eaa569-8a45-4530-84d2-2dcf8023272a&pf_rd...

Will do what you want, and it has a connector included to just stick your menorah wire ends into so you don't have to permanently splice the wires.

The putty is stickier, and not translucent like the wax. A tiny ball will stick a wreath or picture to my dollhouse. But mine is wood, not plastic, so if you are having trouble getting it to stick to the house as opposed to the wreath, try half a glue dot. They will scrape off the plastic after the Holliday (but may not come off the back side of the wreath).

You do not have to fork over $60 for the hobby version of the power supply, if you are willing to splice two wires together yourself. Any of the $10 versions that put out DC12v on Amazon will do if you don't have one at home already from an old piece of computer equipment. My hubby says something like this will do: https://www.amazon.com/100-240V-Transformers-Switching-Applications-Connectors/dp/B077PW5JC3/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=CjwKCAiA-dCcBhBQEiwAeWidtVDjgxmmr7OJSnJiX24Zz19oP3brg4O9eWbT73lUeTl9Mi2y19AzhhoCCSsQAvD_BwE&hvadid=174272775013&hvdev=t&hvloc...

I am pretty sure all you have to do is poke the ends of your menorah wires into that little included connector on this one and you won't have to splice anything. If you have an old one at home you are going to use, cut off the cylinder connector at the end, separate the two wires, and splice to your two menorah wires. (But test first before you start cutting it up, by sticking one menorah wire inside the cylinder and one to the outside: it should light)

There is a new 1:6 dollhouse I happened to see on utube and I thought it might interest you:

It's a modular dollhouse called "Stack and Style"

I forgot to say that I used these too inside the drilled holes: Grommet Kit 800 Sets Gronmets... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LKDDSHB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Honestly, I think it might be better just to use string lights, because they’ll reduce the bulkiness

I drilled holes in the ceiling and then I connected six mini LED lights to one another and used a battery pack to turn them on/off. EDGELEC 30pcs 12 Volt 3mm White... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T9KX9BP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share and Mini Skater 2 x 3V CR2032 Spring... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074FZYCKP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Thank you! It’s this kit and I wouldn’t say it was easy but it wasn’t hard! I had to take my time and I changed a few things here and there but overall, followed the directions. It took me a little over a month to finish. It’s a 1:24 scale so everything is tiny and I had to pay attention to detail. I had to get more glue and I used needle nosed tweezers a lot. Plus I figured out that staining the wood pieces was a hundred times easier than using the paper cut out fake wood, and looks a lot better. I wish I had done that from the get-go but live and learn!

Thank you! It’s this kit and I bought it on Amazon. I realized too late I could have just stained most of the wood instead of using the paper cut outs, I wish I had done that instead. I did it with the stairs and it turned out so nice! And I crocheted tiny afghans too. I changed a few small things so that it was more to my taste but overall followed the instructions. I’m hooked! I want to try to branch out and do more but I’m not very skilled yet. Plus this is 1:24 and everything is so TINY. But I love doing it!

I built this same one with my mom when I was a kid.

Real Good Toys Altamont Dollhouse Kit - 1 Inch Scale https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003K0FZ2A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DE3ZHH589M4C8ZMSMHE8

Another commenter has already named the model but here is a link

I often use UV glue with tiny pieces. The glue cures in a few seconds when you shine the little light on it.

https://www.amazon.com/Curing-Plastic-Adhesive-Seconds-Anything/dp/B07ZQVH9TR

It doesn't work for a lot of things, because the light needs to be able to "see" the glue, so if the glue is sealed between two pieces of wood, nothing it going to happen. I use it for things like getting the wire really securely attached to the little metal sleeve- you kind of fill the tiny sleeve with the uv glue, position the wire where you want it, then shine the light and voila! It's set perfectly.

I've done a couple of these and support the others' suggestions to have Beacon 3 in 1 and Aileen's tacky glue. I also can't say enough about how important it is to have good tweezers (I have a craft set that have 3 different tip sizes and these have been helpful for different situations and also some of these needle craft bottles. They are what I used for all my glue needs and it would have been impossible to get the tiny things glued without them.

Rylai DIY Miniature Dollhouse Kit with Music Box 3D Puzzle Challenge for Adult Queenstown Holidays https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MG58S3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_X7G6F1BRRG4EF6SGM5XM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

It isn't dog "themed" but it is a 1:24 kit with a dog in it! I have the same complaint, but just because I don't own cats, I own dogs and want to have them in my builds where I can.

TuKIIE DIY Miniature Dollhouse Kit, 1:24 Scale Wooden Mini Doll House Accessories with Furniture for Kids Teens Adults(Forest Times) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q3TWH3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_BJV57R1RF19J3SB8CZZW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The camper kit is 1:16. I know it says "1:24" on Amazon but it's def 1:16. I measured seats and doors to determine scale.

MAGQOO Dollhouse Miniature with Furniture Wooden DIY Dollhouse Kit with Voice Control and Music Movement 1:24 Scale Creative Room Idea(Time Travel) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GS323G7/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_ZXK9TCBZ0C6KGP0DBKPZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Right angle squares like these are handy, when you're aligning walls, etc. You can use masking tape to keep them in place while glue dries, and you have enough to make sure the wall is at a right angle to everything it touches.

I used to have one like this. :) As a child, so I never renovated it but that is a cools idea! Please post pics after!!

So, if you are new to this, I recommend a few things. For the walls, I recommend covering with new wallpaper that is less busy. There are many styles out there. Cardstock works great. Hobby lobby and Michaels have good selections for paper. Get more than you need and a ruler and pencil to mark. An inexpensive paper cutter is also very useful. Also get a good glue that will help paper stick well. I love this one https://www.amazon.com/Handley-House-SG_B003AKW3IO_US-Dollhouse-Grandmother/dp/B003AKW3IO * However, are the walls glossy or matte? You want them to be not glossy when you put new paper up. You can sand down in they have a finish or you could feel off if it's possible. If it's not glossy you should be fine to cover after a quick cleaning for any specs and bumps. You can also use spray glue but I find it does not work as well and peels off after awhile. For the floors you could keep them like that or you could look into different methods. Carpet, wood, tile (again hobby lobby has a good selection for this). What scale is this? It looks like Barbie scale so not quite 1:12 but most likely 1:6 or playscale? So for furniture you might be able to renovate barbie furniture which would be fun and I've seen videos on YouTube and pictures on Pinterest of people doing really cool things with the furniture. Like making it modern or realistic.

A few people recommending the Sims, but there is free interior design software online as well.

I've been using HomeStyler, which is free. Maybe not fantastic for a retail setting but at least she can play around with walls and layouts and bookshelves and the like. And can use real-world measurements as well.

Amazon has a few battery powered mini string lights! Is this similar to what you’re looking for?

Amazon string lights

I've successfully used scrapbook paper, origami paper, and specialty papers which you can purchase, gift wrap style. I've used them for projects like covering books I have restored.

You may also want to look at the I Love Paper series. Tons of very cool stuff in those books.

Oh, I just remembered something else that's important: You will need an L-shaped ruler or right angle ruler, preferably metal. This is critical for getting your walls straight. And straight walls are essential.

If you are concerned about glue, buy a Precision Applicator / Syringe that works with glue. My hands shake and this really helps me control how much glue I dispense.

This was the forest house: fantasy forest - I don't see the little tin popup houses, so maybe this wasn't the same manufacturer. I can't remember exactly why, but there was what least one step on this where I got stuck and stalled for about a month before I proceeded (maybe I needed some glue I didn't think I had?)

This was the mushroom house popup book - it was more straightforward and generally just fun.

I learned of both of those kits from this sub and they are what made me contemplate the level of effort vs end result. The fantasy forest is terrific, though - it is very cute and plays the theme from "Castle in the Sky" which is one of our favorite Miyazaki movies.

If you use this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATB1ISS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_0yH9FbMB9D97B

To press and shape leaves and flowers, you get a natural look. You’ll need a cork mat or a mat with a little give in it to shape paper.

You might find you can make the foliage work.

It’s been adapted from a shelf pin. Most decent hardware stores will have them but they’re not a frequent purchase so don’t be put off if the first person you ask doesn’t recognize it. They’ll set you up with the wood screw too.

The Hillman Group 59748 Shelf Pin, 5mm, 20-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQ9JN96/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_RUR6FbWPSWHHD

It was in a "book" (12"x12"x24pages or so) of fancy cardstock for scrapbooking, the girls picked it out at JoAnne's and it ended up all over the house :) I'm just realizing that I never even posted the entire thing hahaha, gonna have to put together an album

Amazon, it's where I get most of my kits. I bought the version from the seller "Rylai" but I see there's a few other sellers offering this kit as well.

Amazon has a number of affordable small kits that are good for a beginning hobby - and they're pretty decent looking. Here's one example https://www.amazon.com/Rylai-Puzzles-Handmade-Miniature-Dollhouse/dp/B011EI9RJG/ref=sr_1_28_sspa?keywords=1%3A12+dollhouse+camper&qid=1562649379&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-28-spons&psc=1

Yes! This is a kit called "Dream of Sky" I got mine on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Miniature-Dollhouse-Kit-Dream-Plastic/dp/B07CZ9QQ97

The box it arrived in had 5 other miniature kits pictured! I will definitely get another.

I ordered this one from Amazon, it’s really great you only need a little and it goes tacky quickly so you’re not holding pieces together forever.

> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CVYNQ4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DcJKFbG9ZS0V6

That brand isn't my favorite and is reported to be fiddlier to mix correctly and may take a really long time to cure.
If that brand doesn't work well for you, try EasyCast which is a tweaked epoxy resin (that should work fine for your use but can be a tad flexible if it's thin and freestanding after curing).
Or go with a regular epoxy resin like Envirotex Lite, Aristocrat's Liquid Glass, Ultra-Glo, or even Famowood's Glaze Coat from Home Depot,etc.

I decided to get this resin stuff, it was cheap. I'll get it tomorrow. I'm not sure if I got the right kind, though. This is what I got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CVYNQ4U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DcJKFbG9ZS0V6

That's a Pepperwood Farm dollhouse. It's from a plan book https://www.amazon.com/Pepperwood-Farm-house-constructions-plans/dp/B0006YBBSA

You might have dodged a bullet in that those are MONSTER houses. The plans call for 1/2" plywood, and so all of them that I've ever met were super heavy. But I LOVE this house because of the side openings making it a completely enclosed.

(Tangent, if you like the idea of completely enclosed houses and dollhouse spooky stories, I highly recommend "House of the Head" on the new Creepshow. Episode 1.)

You can always add panels to any open back dollhouse with a flat back. Just a piece of plywood, a couple hinges, add window holes and you have an enclosed house. :) Just sayin'.

Hope that helps!

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I just finished this kit: Rylai 3D Puzzles Miniature Dollhouse DIY Kit Flower Town Series Dolls Houses Accessories with Furniture LED Music Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XW8YBK5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2kXhFb0T71YAP

I really enjoyed it and I think it would be suitable for a beginner- especially since the kits are fairly forgiving (I myself skipped the wiring because it was such a pain!) but the kit came out great.

Aw you're sweet!

HERE is my 1st room kit, I stopped following all the decorating instructions at some point and just messed around with all the craft stuff I have.

I then found this dollhouse furniture kit on Amazon and assembled all the pieces in a couple of days. You just pop them out and click them together like a puzzle. Now using the skills I picked up from the room kit, I'm slowly sanding, painting and upholstering them.

Next step maybe a dollhouse to put all the pieces in!

This one (Sam's Study) is by Robotime (and/or other factories adjacent to that one), and it's available on Amazon (and elsewhere) for under $40 US.

I also bought one, and it's sitting, waiting. I love miniature books, but I don't even want to open the package until I have time and space (mental and physical) to get it done.

If links are allowed, here it is on Amazon.

Sorry just realized I never sent the link. (Let me know if it works). There are a bunch of these kits on amazon if you search for DIY dollhouse kits. There’s like a bunch of company names but they’re all the same and a lot of them have cute plants in them (I think there’s even a mini greenhouse one) The plants on the one I made were basically all paper. Good advice to look at train model supplies. Those usually have a ton of plants right?

ROBOTIME DIY House Decor with Accessories and Furniture Miniature Doll House Wooden Craft Kits Best Birthday Gifts for Women and Girls (Balcony Daydre https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4RRLHD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_dzLB3OmKeDj5c

Something fun for newbies is DIY dollhouse kits! You can search that on Amazon or lots of other sellers and see hundreds of options.

Keep in mind, these aren’t necessarily easy, they take a LOT of work and patience. You make every single element essentially from scratch. But I say the kits are good for newbies because you get every supply you need for a very polished final look, all in the kit! Then you learn some techniques for the future. The ones I have done, instructions are originally not in English... but they are still easy enough to figure out.

I would suggest starting simple with these. Here’s a couple examples:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZYTM4MY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pSK8EbH1A9SZ9

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085DMX41B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xTK8Eb1XP16Z6

Oh definitely! Those little lights are so delicate.

I’ve found rub-n-buff to be very easy to apply. No sanding needed! You can take a Q-tip or a small brush, and gently rub or brush it on the metal-parts (or metal-looking plastic). Just make sure not to get it on the lightbulbs. You’ll need turpentine or rubbing alcohol to remove it if you do. I applied rub-n-buff to some very shiny, cheap chrome candlesticks a few months ago, and it worked great! Definitely made them look more antiqued.

If you don’t have access to that, you could try brushing on bronze/patina paints or wax to knock back some of the shininess. You might need a primer (or matte black paint). I know that a lot of Warhammer hobbyists use several layers of paint washes to achieve an aged bronze look, but buying that many paints can be quite an investment for such a small detail!

Edit: Rub-n-buff appears to be difficult to buy right now, but Rust-Oleum is in stock on amazon!

Rust-Oleum 255330 Metallic Accents Paint, 2 oz Trial Size, Bronze Medal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003EELN46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0yxVEb6RE6X7Q

I order all my kits from Amazon, there’s a huge selection of them on there! Here’s the link to this particular one.

It took a while to arrive cause of the coronavirus :(

Aw man shes gonna be so stoked to hear all the great things you guys are saying. Thanks so much! Here’s a link to the kit she used, bought it off Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074PJXSZF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9-dtEbAJT2XCP

Well, it didn't take long.

If you do want to do it yourself there's always /r/woodworking and associated crafting subs.

I would say it was card stock. There were a ton of scrapbooking paper reams at my local Hobby Lobby - some of them even looked like wallpaper. Although if you're going for plain colors, that should be even easier to find.

This is the book I got, to give you an idea:

https://www.amazon.com/Cottage-Paper-Premium-Cardstock-Scrapbooking/dp/B01E5Y58TE