Dollhouse enthusiasts who are serious about their hobby won't settle for mass-produced pieces of furniture for their miniature homes. Only handmade will do. If you're a serious collector, but don't want to pay the prices for artisan made miniatures, you will find it is possible to furnish a home using creations of your own making.
Creating pieces of dollhouse furniture does require a careful touch and an ability to work with very small parts. There are three main options for getting the job done. The best choice will depend on the style of decorating you have in mind and your ability to work with wood and other materials. The choices involve making very simple, rustic pieces of furniture, creating from kits or working completely on your own to build furniture from the ground up. Each option has its own share of potential pros and con.
Rustic Works
This is an option that most people, no matter how handy they happen to be, can pull off. Rustic, as the name implies, is also simplistic. Examples of miniatures that can be made using this style of building include:
Creating dollhouse beds from craft (Popsicle) sticks - In its most simplistic form, this piece of furniture will only call for gluing ready-made sticks into the desired frame and headboard shape. Simple cuts might be necessary for sizing. More decorative cuts can lend to overall eye appeal.
Crafting twig-based works - Twigs can be wound and woven to create a number of pieces of dollhouse furniture. From end and coffee tables to full sized dining tables and chairs, the possibilities here are almost endless. While this type of work is simplistic, twig twisting does require a special touch and some practice.
Toothpick designs - Toothpicks cut and shaped to size can be used in conjunction with craft sticks to create more decorative chair and table designs. Using Kits
This is a great way to go that strikes a compromise on the amount of work involved with the handcrafted nature you're looking for. Kits generally come with all pieces of wood precut and ready for assembly. You will have to put them together and provide stain, paint or any other creative touches you desire to finish off the project.
Homemade Designs Let Your Creativity Flow
If you are handy or in the least bit interested in woodworking, this possibility is also open. To create your own furniture designs from scratch, you will likely want to follow a few basic steps that include:
Getting blueprints - To make sure pieces of wood and other materials are cut to fit the scale of your dollhouse, you'll want to draw plans for each piece of furniture. If this goes beyond your ability, it is possible to find plans online and in books.
Collecting materials - After your designs are made or obtained, you'll want to gather the materials and tools you need for the job.
Construction - Follow instructions closely and carefully to cut your pieces and create your furniture designs.
Finishing - Dollhouse furniture is nothing if not very realistic. To gain the right look on your pieces, you'll want to remember to stain or paint wood, apply pull handles to drawers and so on.
Buying or building a dollhouse is only the first step in turning this hobby into an enjoyable adventure. If you want to take the project to the next level, you will need to furnish your house. Making your own pieces of furniture is more than possible if you put the time, planning and work necessary into the effort.