No, not to Mockingbird Hill Cottage…to the dollhouse. More on that later.
How was your Christmas? Ours was quite lovely. We had a strict, strict budget this year and had to stick to it. Do you know what I re-discovered? How many presents, how much they cost – all of that doesn’t matter. We were creative with our budget. We played Christmas music, talked about the real meaning of Christmas, had fun with the dogs and realized how blessed we are. Later that day, we went over to Heidi’s for dinner with some wonderful friends. All in all, a perfect day.
Renovations on the dollhouse have begun. I finally decided to stop staring at the house and start doing something with it. I was inspired by this gift from my dear husband.
That cutie pie wanted to give me something for the dollhouse. He researched dollhouse shops online and found one near where we used to live. After visiting the shop and charming the older ladies who run it, he chose this fireplace. I love it. So, today I hauled the dollhouse into the kitchen, put it on the table and decided to go for it. This little dollhouse was extremely inexpensive, so when I complain, remember that I know I got a great deal. Nevertheless, whoever assembled this didn’t do such a great job. Walls are sometimes a bit off, there were slight gaps in the intersection of some walls, the base was too high and wasn’t level, there was some water damage on the floors, the cupola was glued to the roof in the wrong place, etc.
The shutters that were on the house were just pieces of wood with the slats painted on. Took all of them off, and will be using shutters like the one on the right to replace them.
The top two windows (on your left) were put it at an angle. I’m not sure why. They were crooked. I wanted to straighten them and was very nervous about prying them away from the house. But it was actually surprisingly easy and straightening them was a snap. They are straight, even though something about this photo makes them look a bit off.
I also took off the old base and will have a new one cut. All in all, a very satisfying day!
The inside is a blank slate. Nothing was done by the previous owners, so after I take care of the outside, I will start priming and painting the inside. I’m not sure whether I should electrify it or not. Any helpful hints?
Hope you are all having a great weekend!
Oh, Claudia, you’re doing something I’ve always wanted to do….A DollHouse! I’m going to look forward to your posts on the renovations. Wonderful fireplace with sweet memories to go with it. Have Fun and post often about this fun project!
Well isn’t that a sweet dollhouse! That would be mighty fun decorating that cute abode. Good for your husband. I love what he got you! I didn’t buy one single present this year. My gift was a fence!
Brenda
looks like fun!!!
I can’t wait to see all your renovations!! What a sweet gift from your hubby too. Sounds like you had a wonderful joy filled Christmas!!
♥ Teresa
Wow, what a fun project! The little fireplace is adorable. Enjoy!
Looks great! You seem to be having fun! ENJOY!
I love the books on your shelf!! Good ones!!!
Hugs, Lisa
I ordered a doll house for my little girl for Christmas, even called to make sure it was in stock–yes it is and it will go out on…
I had not received it yet and got an e-mail late on the evening of Dec 18 that it was on back order and would not be arriving by Christmas-ugh. No time to make one or re-order so I had to replan her entire Christmas. It is on Prince Charmings to do list for next year.
Cheri
Merry Christmas Claudia…
I love the doll house rennovations. The windows look perfect. I so love the fireplace and the little tools, and the shutters are going to be awesome.
What a wonderful deal, and you even did some reshingling. You have been a very busy girl. I am always amazed at what we can get done, in a days time. Thanks for sharing sweetie. I love the blue color, I hope you won’t change it.
Country hugs and so much love sweetie…Sherry
Hi Claudia,
I’m a new follower and have really enjoyed your blog. Your dolls house renovtion sounds like a real life one although I’ll bet a bit less messy.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheryl
Claudia, what a wonderful doll house!!!! it´s so, so pretty… are you going to decorate it inside too??
I´m so glad to hear you had a wonderful christmas… me too.
Muchos cariños,
María Cecilia
hi claudia,
how FUN! you are doing a great job on MHC, jr. love the new shutters. i always thought it would be so cool to wallpaper a dollhouse. maybe use decorative paper or scraps of vintage wallpaper with a tiny print. ? whatever you do, it will be awesome. please keep us all posted.
electrifying could be cool or just keep the christmas lights on. will sir paul stay?
i have a hunch at that you and don would have a blast playing beatles rock band.
happy you are having a nice day!
xo
elyse
What an adorable doll house. I would love to do something like that – maybe someday! And how special of your dh to search out the fireplace set for your little house. I’ll look forward to seeing your progress – keep posting pictures. Glad to hear you had a good Christmas. We did here too. Happy Pink Saturday and have a blessed weekend.
i wish I could have shown you the doll house that I won a few years ago. Claudia, it was soooo big that it was on roller wheels. I donated it to the “cat rescue network” to auction off. It made lots of money for the homeless cats. Every room was decorated. I decorated it for Xmas. Being Brittany was 19 then ( and couldn’t care less about it), and not knowing how I would have wanted to keep it now that I see all of yours in blogland, I wish that I had kept it. I had a big house back then, not the little cottage home we have now. Randy wanted nothing to do with it…. men… Anyway, play away, and feel better ok?
Merry Christmas. The sunset pic is fabulous.
Love and Happy New Year
Love Claudie
xoxoxo
How Wonderful~
I have always wanted a doll house, and yours is looking lovely! Great Renovations!
Cindy
Wonderful Claudia…I know for sure you will do an excellent job on renovating your beautiful dollhouse! Can’t wait to see the fireplace placed in the house…such a wonderful gift from your hubby!
Wish you and your hubby,a Happy New Year!
x,sabiha
Beautiful dollhouse! Have fun with your renovations and decorating.
Deborah
What a wonderful Christmas you had. It really isn’t about the presents, is it?
You are inspiring me to fix up a dollhouse for my grand daughter. Did you buy yours at a garage sale?
~janet
Hi Claudia! Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas!
I’m so excited for you to have started on your dollhouse . . . it looks wonderful so far. You won’t believe the renos I had to do to Pennethorne Manor . . . but it’s all worth it in the end!
The fireplace is fabulous! Just can’t wait for it to all come together!
Enjoy!
Hugs,
Teresa
Hello Claudia,
Oh, what fun!! The fireplace is over the top. :0) Now that you’ve decided to fix this house you can clearly see what a good architect and carpenter you really are..hehe :0) This really looks like it could be addicting…I’ve never played with miniatures (as an adult child :0) but I’ve followed a few ladies that have a passion for it..the houses are just so lovely.
I’ll just be soooooo happy to get MY house organized. My lower level where all of my fabric is stored and more supplies are looks like a fabric explosion took place. :0)
So I have many things to accomplish in 2010!
I’ve posted some updates about the painting and decorating in the great room!
Have a lovely day,
Stephanie
I am glad your thrifty Christmas was so wonderful and meaningful.
Ours was happy and noisy!
Now I am possibly as excited about your doll house as you are!
Love the fireplace with the little tools and books!
I’ll be checking back for thw great things to come!
Claudia… how absolutely adorable! I just love this! Can’t wait to watch as your renovate. I think I get as excited about dollhouses as I do about big ones. Maybe even more so. Yours is just precious!
XO,
Sheila (who is technically on break from sheer exhaustion… Christmas can only come once a year because it wears me out!)
Poor little house! It looks like it needed some TLC. What fun you are going to have putting it all together! I’m sure there will be a few frustrations along the way too!
oh what fun you are going to have! I have to say that there is something magical about having lights in your dollhouse- but I don’t have any tips for you because when I started to electrify mine my hubby took it over! Not that I minded- I like the decorating much more than the electric part:) The fireplace is beautiful- and the new shutters will look sooo much better :)
What a great fireplace. Looks like you are having fun with your darling doll house. The renovations are looking great. Be sure to keep us updated on your progress!
Hi Claudia,
I’ve so enjoyed catching up on your Christmas posts. All of your decorating is always so lovely, so I imagine that your dollhouse is going to be one of the most charming ever. It’s certainly off to a wonderful start. I love this fireplace. I’ve always wanted a fireplace in my real home. There is something so homely about them, and the thought of a mantle to decorate for the seasons, is inspiring.
I hope you and your husband will both be back to feeling completely better in time for the new year.
Best wishes to the both of you!
xo
Lena