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PHOTOS OF MY DOLL HOUSE
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Under the Christmas tree this past year (2001) was a
"Cherrydale" doll house kit. I had printed a catalogue photo
of this doll house and put it in my stocking and Santa delivered!
The first week of construction was NOT fun...plenty of cursing and then
some drinking went on LOL.
As the days went by, I was able to finally figure out the instructions
(a college education didn't help that much...) and I really got into the
project.
The application of the shingles on the roof was the easiest part for me,
since I have done cedar shingling on the front of my garage and sides of
a cottage on my property. Very pleasant using glue instead of a nail
gun!
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When the doll house was all put together I started
the BEST part...landscaping. I love gardening and had lots of fun
planning the front garden area, creating a walkway and stone walls using
real rocks. Best find was a miniature koi pond!
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It was MAGICAL the first time I put the plug in an outlet and the house
was all lit up. Still oooh and aaah every time I turn them on!
Additional items will be a grandfather clock for space to right of front
door, curtains for the living room and a Monet painting for over the
piano, another climbing rose for side of arbor and a mailbox for front
of stone wall. All have been ordered. I will also be shopping for a
weather vane, a fish tank that lights up, and more paintings!
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My favorite room is the bedroom, complete with a
kitty on the bed (and there's one on the couch, just like in real
life...) All the drawers of dresser open, the lid of the hope chest at
end of bed opens and the Tiffany lamps add a nice touch.
I have been asked quite a few times why there are no people in the
house...I love the Old English Sheepdog on the front porch, two cats
inside and one sitting by koi pond. Just haven't found the right doll(s)
yet. Anyone know where I can get a Conehead family in one inch scale LOL!
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Some doll house building tips from a first time (and last time) doll
house builder:
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UPDATE APRIL 2002
After perusing many websites that sold dolls, I found one I really
liked! She looks so sweet sitting on rocker on the front porch, holding
a cat in her lap. Sometimes she is playing the piano, sitting at the
kitchen table, lazing on the couch or tucked into bed.
My husband and friends all say they know why I chose that doll...they
say it looks just like me when I was younger haha! I liked the doll so
much that I bought another one and have twins living in the doll house
:-)
NEW PHOTOS WITH LOTS OF NEW STUFF-next page!!
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Close up of front door area. I added four hanging fuchsia
and potted plants.
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Climbing roses were added to arbor.
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The porch has rocking chairs, a bench, two tables and
even a BBQ!
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Two cardinals in the bird bath.
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A large vine climbs a side of the doll house.
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The base for the doll house is thick plywood, covered
with green felt. A large lazy susan was attached to the bottom so the
whole display easily spins around to view all sides.
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The fully furnished living room
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Update 2005: new photos taken with a digital camera
New area rug and ceiling fan light
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March - 2006 Something new... a sewing machine! And, gardening group
friend, Gloria, sent me a lovely oak chair with a bow-tied cushion hand
made by her!
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The twins at the front door
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The twins playing piano and singing. I finally bought a couple of
doll stands.
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New in 2007
I decided to buy new ceiling fixtures and have Vic,
from the Mixed Bag Doll House Shop in New Windsor NY, do some re-wiring
for me. He's an expert! I also decided to do something with the still
unfinished attic floor...turn one side into a sitting area and the other
side into an art studio.
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Added a drop-down ladder to get to the attic
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Found a wonderful metal wheelbarrow on eBay!
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Twin panda bears for the twins!
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A stained glass window in the gable
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Added a new cupola for the weathervane
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A new topiary in a planter near the front door and a pumpkin :-)
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Pitch fork, shovel and hoe set
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Wooden Americana welcome sign by the front door
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Little shelf with bird and dustpan and broom
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A Harry Potter book on one of the night tables
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The perfect shopping bag :-)
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I decided to switch the attic sofa and chair with the living room
sofa and chair. Sure easier to do in a doll house than a real house!
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The twins show off their gardening aprons and hats
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Framed collection of butterflies
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I removed the top half of the hutch under the stairs to make room
for a brass hat and umbrella stand
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Large planter full of flowers
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A basket full of gardening stuff
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A white wicker basket for magazines in the bedroom
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A doll house in the doll house ;-)
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I finally found a large fish tank that lights up!
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Close up of the stove top
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Mirror, brush and comb set on the chest of drawers
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Lots of goodies on the kitchen counter
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Blue Jay at the bird feeder
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Coffee tray on porch table
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Mourning Doves on the rocks
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NEW for 2009
I found a potting bench that looks like the real one I have in my back
yard. Also added a metal bracket with a hanging pot of flowers,
a garden hose with holder and hung a straw hat above the bench.
A close up
I added three bird houses to the
"tree" on one side
I found a nice brass bird cage that
opened so I could add birds. Hey,
the top of the piano needs dusting LOL.
Tulips were added to the front and
side porch gardens
Found
a great fireplace that lights up
An overhead view of the front garden
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