Monday, June 23, 2008

Dollhouses

If a hobbyist were to do ANYTHING in the hobby itself, they would choose a basic and make it a lifelong project. It's kind of like the train collector turning his/her basement into a rolling landscape of towns and country. The world have a working train, one that made stops, chugged steam out the stack and actually sounded "Choo! choo!"


That is my feelings on my dollhouse project, lifelong with working parts.





This is my dollhouse I purchased at a auction about twenty years ago, it managed to make it Thur 3 moves and being stored for about 15 years straight. In the meantime I have been given things for the interior, found things, made things and bought things. As I mentioned, it is a lifetime project of mine.





The photos to the left is the master bedroom, it is the only room that indicates what the previous wanted for the windows. A intricate hand carved inserted pane. The one on the right is the hallway or landing from the stairs. I felt this area is a all purpose room and decided to make it the craft area. You can see the spinning wheel on the back wall and the sewing machine on the left.





Here is the nursery, not quite sure what I'll do to fit two children in there but I sure I manage. The photo on the right is the bathroom, it's the far room on the lower level and quite large for a bathroom. The only other option is to have the bathroom at the top of the stairs. I didn't quite figure that would work as there isn't any privacy.





The last room are the kitchen and living room, they are my favorite area of the house. All rooms are connected with a passage, all but the attic which is shown in the large picture. I'm looking forward to finishing the kitchen, it is a space under the deck and stands out from the other rooms. There is a lot of possibilities with placement of the cupboards. Do you see the old fashioned stove? It even has a rod that lifts the hot burners.






Madam P gave up her rustic twig set to have the lovely spot atop the decking she spent about two hours to the house the night we set it up, I had to pull her away for bedtime.




My dollhouse is at the stage where I'm going to decide what the interior walls and floor will look like, I know it will be papered and the high traffic rooms, kitchen and bathroom, will have tile. I'm considering a hardwood looking floor for the others, including and trim of stenciling to match the paper. Right now I'm stuck......wiring for the working lights needs to be placed before anything and I do NOT have a clue what kit to buy. Lamps and ceiling lights need to be counted and then maybe Jack of all trades can give me a hint about required wattage. My house does have a non electric working part, it's the "player piano" behind the stairs.



Good ole' fashioned music box. C&G Design.

11 comments:

tina said...

I am looking forward to seeing you decorate it. My favorite room is the deck with the twig furniture.

Dawn said...

Going to look to get a kit this week, wallpapering will be fun, got to find everything else!

Jean Merriman said...

Great dollhouse!! I am with Tina in that I like the twig room. Is that a wheelbarrow in it? Too cute!!

The doll house has a lotta features that your nice new home has....papered walls, hardwood floors, stenciling and a player piano!! Neat.

Skeeter said...

My favorite is also the twig furniture. Could see myself sitting there while deer and bird watching!
I spent many an hour playing with my doll house as a child…
It was a sad day when I decided to grow up and sell my dollhouse at a yard sell. Buyer was happy but I was sad. I was 20years old, newly married and had to grow up right... LOL, I refused to part with the dolls though!

Jean Merriman said...

Dawn, I told you on Tina's blog but in case you don't see it I wanna tell you here. margo that commented today on Tina's blog is from someplace in Maine and blogs about crafts and flowers. Lots of quilts. Check it out, you might like it.

Dawn said...

Hi guys, Skeeter, I'll bet your dollhouse could be found in one of my books! Metal dollhouses seem to be ALL the rage recently.
Mom, I went to Margos this afternoon and I'll go back to comment, didn't have time earlier. I had to get bloodwork and took madam shopping, we didn't finish on friday, I took her out as a reward for her awards. Boy! She likes spending my money!!!

Margo in Maine said...

I am Margo of Maine...checked out your blog...very nice...I have a friend who is into doll houses...will send her the link ...it is also on my site..

DP Nguyen said...

I love doll houses. Even though i'm not a little girl anymore, I still have so many fond memories of playing with doll houses. What a fun prospect to decorate one!

Dawn said...

Thanks, Margo!

Designs by Kat Lees said...

Dawn thank you for viewing my blog, it is so nice when people are considerate enough to leave a comment. That doll was fun to make.
Your blog is wonderful. I love your dollhouse decorating and your dolls. you do a great job. Hugs, Kat Lees

Dawn said...

Hi Kat,
It was my pleasure to visit you and I'll return. Thanks for the compliment!