Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Dollhouse: Staircase Renovation

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What to do on another in a seemingly endless series of rainy days? Work on the dollhouse.

Though I just wrote a post about my aversion to seasonal decorating, apparently my dollhouse is the exception.

I can’t help it. It’s just so much more fun with a mini.

My big (for me) project yesterday was one of the staircases. It came to me like this:

The previous owners didn’t put it in correctly, so it’s a bit off. Since I didn’t want to take it out, adding spindles, newel posts and a railing involved crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.

It works for me. Each time I figure something out, like enlarging the opening for the front door, installing a new door, realigning the upstairs windows or putting in the rest of the staircase, I must admit I do a little dance.

The lighting varies according to the time of day and that is why you see such contrast. I’m basically shooting into a box! As you can see the windows need trimming. I’m going to make a wood floor, using coffee stirrers. I’m thinking about beadboard in the kitchen and maybe in the living room. Any suggestions?

Upstairs. I still have to do the other staircase but I ran out of spindles.

For me, the dollhouse is by far the most challenging thing to photograph. I spend hours trying to get the right shot. Someday, when I have wallpaper and more contrasting colors, I know it will become easier. At the moment, it’s a mass of white. Bear with me.

Have a lovely day.

Comments

  1. What a fun way to “play house”, sweet blogger.

    I had one years ago but never finished it and ended up giving it away. I love doll houses but, unfortunately, don’t have the time or patience to stick with it.

    xoxo,
    Connie

  3. IT IS JUST BEAUTIFUL CLAUDIA, YOU DO SUCH NICE WORK, AND YOU CAN TELL YOU PUT A LOT OF LOVE INTO IT. WE HAD SUCH A DOWN POUR YESTERDAY, WISH IT WOULD JUST CLEAR UP…….HAVE A GREAT WEEK. RIZZI

  5. Looking good Claudia….Don’t go too far before you do the wallpaper if you are going to do it. It is much easier before you get all of the woodwork and other details in.

  6. I can see a lot of time can be spent on a miniature doll-house. It is so cute to look at and I am really enjoying watching you bring it to life. Have fun. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x4

  7. Your patience at working in such a small space and your attention to detail is amazing. It’s beyond my realm but fun to watch you at work.

  9. You certainly have a passel of patience.

    Hey, I don’t mind the whiteness of it all. In fact . . . . . .

    You are really have the knack, Claudia.

    hugs
    Gerry

  11. I love when you post pictures of your doll house! The stairs look great and I love those seasonal touches!
    Blessings, Joanne

  14. Wow! What a difference that railing makes! Your house is looking great~ it’s so fun to see those familiar accessories finding a home. Don’t you just love that vase?!!

    I just worked an estate sale today so I’m in vintage-mode today… so much fun stuff…

    hugs,
    Jill

  15. I think it looks great Claudia! The inside of my dollhouse is a mess! My granddaughters have been playing with it when they visit so some things are not as they should be. Maybe one day I will take the time to play with it again. It’s good therapy isn’t it! Good way to occupy your time and mind!~Hugs, Patti

  16. So cute…it makes me wanna live there you make it look so comfy. I especially like the pumpkins.

    Have a wonderful week Claudia

    tootles,
    bunny

  19. Hey dear, you’ve found your true calling I think – fabulous job in miniature. How about doing it full size – hang out your shingle ‘house renovation specialist’!!

    Great job – and my style – love it all.

    Mary ~

  20. Hi sweet lady,

    Lookin’ good girlfriend, it’s really comin’ along. I agree with Casymini, don’t get too far along before wallpapering or you’re going to drive yourself crazy trying to cut-in around a bunch of small, unreachable corners and stuff.

    As far as making beadboard, I don’t know how anyone else does it, but I did it years ago using balsa wood, in sheets (4″ wide by 2 ft. long by 1/4″ thick)and scoring lines length-wise. I’d then cut pieces off at the height I wanted the beadboard to be and just glue them on. There’s so many miniature trims now, too. I stained my wood, but you can paint it, too. I don’t know if this helped, but I know they also sell beadboard for dollhouses now, as I’ve seen it at Hobby Lobby. Best of luck.

    Hugs,
    Meri

  22. Claudia, you are a woman of action! When you want to do something, you do it! You did a fantastic job on those stairs. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

  23. that is it, claudia!! i am packing up my stuff one more time and moving into your seasonal doll house…lol.
    those mini pumpkins are so cute and that tote and chair should come in a grown up size!!! all very sweet. thanks for sharing.
    take care and send some of that rain down this way….that said, i do miss those leaves changing. boo hoo.
    sue

  24. Cute pumpkins :)

    I’m so happy to see more of your dollhouse that I couldn’t care less about any lighting ‘issues’! Any chance of seeing a closeup of that chest of drawers under the stairs?? – it looks really pretty.

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