What to do with this? Gaps in the seams, water damaged floors, dingy walls, unfinished staircases?
First of all, two coats of primer. Then, everything was covered with paint in whatever white I had on hand. I follow the same rule as the one I use in my real house: use what you have on hand, if at all possible.
I did so much research. Like many of you who are working on your own dollhouses, I scoured catalogs, read how-tos, looked at tutorials. Then I just went for it. (I’m trying to re-create the exact order in which I did the various parts of the renovation. That’s when having a blog comes in handy – I have the facts and figures right at my fingertips!)
I decided to tackle the stairs first. I suppose I could have gone with the stairs as they were, but that was too modern for this dollhouse. So I ordered spindles, railings and newel posts. All were painted white. Then I fiddled with them, gluing the spindles onto the stairs, one by one, hoping I cut the railing accurately, adding the newel post. (Once again, I’m dealing with photos taken by my older camera, so bear with me. Oh, what a difference a good camera makes – especially with a dollhouse.)
It worked! Since I was tackling the stairs, which were in the living room and den, I concentrated on those two rooms. After ordering some more spindles – I ran out – I did the stairs leading from the den to the bedroom next. This was the first really painstaking work I did on the dollhouse and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pull it off. So it was a little triumph when I did.
Floors were up next. I had this idea rattling around in my head. Rather than buy a sheet of faux wood flooring (not there is anything wrong with that) I wondered if I could make my own wood floors. Popsicle sticks? Coffee stirrers? So I did some research and found a couple of miniaturists who had done that very thing in their dollhouses. A valuable piece of information surfaced: stain and/or paint the sticks before gluing them down. If you paint them after gluing them down, they can warp.
I ended up choosing narrow popsicle/craft sticks that I found at Michael’s – coffee stirrers were too narrow. I cut the rounded ends of each stick, then painstakingly stained each one. When I had stained several sticks, I played around with them on the living room floor.
It was going to work. This was a long process, cutting, fitting, trimming and gluing. But what a difference it made. I really, really loved the look. By the way, I added that piece of wood in the corner to cover up a gap in the seam. I did that same thing in most every room of the dollhouse.
I cannot tell you how excited I was when this floor was finished. I wanted old, slightly worn, beautiful floors and I got them. I did the exact same thing in the den. Same stain (walnut, I believe), same look.
Then I decided to take a stab at what would be the kitchen. I wanted something different there, so I changed the direction of the wood sticks and painted them white with some gray dry brushed on top of the white.
I wasn’t entirely sure this would work. (Again, sorry for the photo quality.) The floor underneath was warped from water damage. But I reserved judgement because I had a feeling that when I started to add in the kitchen fittings, wallpaper and trim, it would look just as I had envisioned. I wanted the look of a floor that was very old and was preserved by the new owner, who appreciates old and vintage.
The next post in the series will cover choosing wallpaper and trim in the kitchen, living room and den.
If you’re interested in a tutorial on laying a wood floor in your dollhouse, visit my post How to Make a Hardwood Floor for Your Dollhouse.
Update on me: I’m hanging in there. But it’s been very, very hard, of course. This morning found me crying once again. And Dad seemed very fragile yesterday. My heart breaks for him. He took flowers to the nursing home to thank everyone for the loving care they gave my mom. It was his first time visiting since the day before my mom died. He even went into her old room to introduce himself to the woman who is now occupying her bed. Very brave and very giving. But, of course, it drove home the reality that she is gone. And that left him shaken to the core.
My dear friend, Darko Tresnjak, the Artistic Director of Hartford Stage and the man I have worked alongside on twelve productions, both there and at the Old Globe, was nominated for a Tony Award today! His direction of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder garnered a nomination. The musical itself has ten nominations, the most nominations of any production this year. My friends and colleagues, Linda Cho and Alexander Dodge, are also nominated for costume design and scenic design. I’m thrilled for all of them.
Happy Tuesday.
The work you’ve done on the dollhouse to bring it to it’s current state from what it was is simply amazing. You must have a lot of paitience to be able to do such detailed work on such a small scale. I’m glad you’re hanging in there Claudia. I remember when my step dad passed I was mad the next day because the sun came up and life went on as normal for everyone except me because I’d lost someone very dear to me. That was in 1987, I still think of him almost everyday and feel blessed to have had such an amazing dad. Take comfort where you can and hold on to those sweet memories of your mom and the great influence she had on your life.
I have to be in a patient mood, that’s for sure. But I can lose myself in this kind of work – just as I can lose myself in gardening, Janie.
This is lots of fun looking at the beginnings of the dollhouse. I enjoy seeing the process of all the work you did just by yourself. The walls are so thick, it looks really heavy. Can you move it easily or does it take two people to move it?
So glad you are having some good days. It will be a roller coaster ride for awhile. Glad to hear your dad is having his good moments too. Prayers for all of you.
Tana
I can move it, but with all the furniture and tiny things inside, I usually have Don help me to keep it steady.
The doll house is awesome! I love the floor.
I think it speaks volumes of the character of your Father to return to thank all of those who helped care for your Mom. What a truly kind and thoughtful man. Now I see where you and Mere get your kindness from.
((hugs)) to you….the days seem dark, and they are…but keep your thoughts on the happy memories of your Mom…let the bright light of all that love fill your days. ((hugs))
Both of our parents are kind people. We have had a great example as to how to treat others. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Dear Claudia,I am happy to see you back,I missed you! I think this blog and your dollhouse will be a good distraction for you.I believe the pain over losing your Mom,is as bad as it gets. While you may feel this bad again sometime,it is very rare, and there is no worse. You give your self plenty of time to grieve. You are very blessed to have a good man to lean on. Please feel free to lean on our strength,and prayers (I’m sure all of your readers would agree) and, it will take as long as it takes. You never get over this loss but you do ,as you said “learn to live in a world with out your beautiful, sweet, Mom.” I am praying for you daily.After all is said and done you will go to where ever it is you need to go, to once again pull up the strength, and courage you didn’t even know you had stand tall,once again on your own. -Judy A-
I had a post yesterday, as well, Judy. I showed all the things I’ve done to the dollhouse in the last week.
Each of your dollhouse posts are fascinating. It takes me a while to wrap my brain around those little tiny things, not to mention the time it takes to lay a floor or figure out how to put together a refrigerator!! Seriously amazes me.
Grief surely doesn’t go away, but it does lessen to a degree. There are so many days of sadness the first year. Each holiday or occasion is “the first” one in your new world and you live over all of those holidays and occasions from your past. I know you know this, but it truly took me by surprise, evan after each loss I have gone through ~~ exactly how long the grieving process truly is. I am so glad Don is home for you and with you during this time.
Rainy and cold here, today. It is the year of the lost Spring thus far. But the grass is green and not covered in white, so I do consider that a good thing. Take care.
Yes, I’m very aware that my first Mother’s Day without my mom is right around the corner. That will be very hard.
It’s gray and rain is on the way here, as well. Looks like the next 3 or 4 days will be rainy. Yuck.We worked outside for much of the day yesterday because we knew it was our only chance for a while!.
I am just so in love with this little house Claudia. I also know that it has given you so much comfort during a very difficult time and that makes it all the more of a treasure. It is so hard to lose a parent and it takes a long time to get over the loss. I’m so glad you have this doll house to help you through the difficult journey you are on.
sending hugs…
Thank you, dear June.
Claudia I love seeing the work you have done on the dollhouse. It was so interesting to see how you did the floors. I’m enjoying this series about the doll house and it’s keep you occupied also. I’m glad your Dad was able to go over to the nursing home. It’s hard but also might give him some closure. Lots of Love!!
Linda
Thank you, Linda!
The details involved on your dollhouse are mind-boggling to me. Seems like you had to figure out most of it….even tho there are tutorials out there, I would imagine each dollhouse is different. You must have the patience of a saint! It’s always fun to read these posts…keep ’em coming! Grieving is a funny thing…it can grab you at the usual times, such as holidays…but, it usually strikes me at the oddest times…it seems to be random and often occurs when I’m least expecting it. It does get easier…but it never goes away. Enjoy your day Claudia…it’s still cold here…and wet…but thankfully not snowing, so all good! ;)
Rather chilly and wet here, too. But the grass is nice and green, that spring green that is so lovely!
Love seeing the various stages of the dollhouse. If things ever slow down here (like with 2 6 month old twins – that’s going to happen – LOL) I’m going to start work on mine. Mine is in pretty good shape – don’t think I have to do anything to the outside – just start decorating on the inside.
Glad to see you back to posting. Blessings and peace to you.
Judy
I did a post yesterday, too, Judy, with lots of dollhouse updates. I think your plate is pretty full with those twins and everything else you do! I am looking forward to the time you start on your dollhouse, my friend.
I feel so bad for your Dad and you :( It’s not easy moving forward after such a great loss. Let me know when you feel up to talking :)
Thanks, Dawn.
Hi,
I love your doll house. I wish I knew you were into this. We got a bunch of dollhouse stuff in a box lot at an auction but ended up donating it as we didn’t know anyone who could use it… I really need to keep in better touch. I called your dad last Sunday and will try to call often to at least distract him a bit. He was an amazing husband. There are very few who would be as devoted. It took me forever to not cry every time I thought of my mom. I don’t think you ever get over the loss. Even now I think …Gee, its been a long time since I called my mom….It just comes out of the blue. Your mom was an a wonderful mother and aunt. You were blessed.
I read your blog about Letitia and laughed until I cried. My mom would have done the same.
My love to you all,
Eileen
Dad told me you called. Yes, he was pretty devoted – went to see Mom every day, often twice a day. I’m crying a lot right now and Dad is pretty low – the reality that Mom is gone has hit him.
Glad you like the Letitia post, Eileen. Love you, too.
Claudia- I spent hours pouring over dollhouse sites. The time just flew by. I am pretty sure you hooked me :) This series of posts will put me over the edge I think and a dollhouse person I will be. :) I had one of those metal ones when very young and somehow I think it ended up in the church nursery when I tired of it. My mom wasn’t real into holding onto things… kinda sad .
Thank you for the inspiration.
Your dad was sweet to go visit and show respect and thanks to the staff. I don’t imagine they get enough of that.
Just know thoughts and prayers are going up for you and your family.
SueZK
I had one of the metal dollhouses, too, Sue. I remember it very clearly.
I also had one of the metal houses Claudia..but I always wanted a wood one..I love how you did those stairs over..what a difference!!..I like your wood floors too..might have to invest in those nippers you showed us..I feel so sad for your Dad..so many years together..maybe he needed to go to the home and to her room one more time to see for himself that yes she is gone..to let go of that part of his life..I imagine he will feel so lost not doing his daily visit there..and for you..I hope that she will still come to visit from time to time..you know what I mean..you will know it is her..Now..I went to storage and brought the dollhouse box home..I figure if it is here staring at me I will get started sooner..It was made by Houseworks and Real Good Toys..It is called The Brittany #9006 and it is an Unassembled Shell Kit which means I will have to add windows, doors, roofing, etc..There are four rooms and two attic rooms..two stairways..inside walls..It measures 24″ wide x 21″ deep x 27″ high..I can’t wait to get started..I am so glad that you are showing everything you did to Hummingbird Cottage again..I have so much to learn..
Real Good Toys is an excellent manufacturer of dollhouses, Nancy! You’ll have so much fun!
Claudia, I went through a similar situation with my aged and ailing parents a couple of years ago. It is so very hard to watch a parent go through such a loss. I am amazed at your Father’s strength. May his strength and kindness help him to move forward. Such a great sense of loss is only experienced by those who have been fortunate enough to know great and enduring love.
He’s having a much harder time the last few days, Mandy. The reality has hit him.
It will be so very hard for him. I am truly sorry.
Even though I’ve followed the dollhouse journey from the very beginning, I NEVER tire of dollhouse posts. You’ve sparked and/or rekindled the love of dollhouses and miniatures for many of us. Thank you! I know my own dad found many friends in the nursing home staff where my mom was – what a sweet gesture from your dad, I’m sure they appreciated it.
I think they did. So glad you never tire of the dollhouse posts, Debbie!