Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Set up a workspace for building your miniature dollhouse. Find a place where you will be able to leave it while you are building, or set up a work area where you can easily move your dollhouse, perhaps on a rolling table. As your dollhouse construction continues, it will become heavy and difficult to move.
Read the instruction manual for a list of tools needed and create a storage area for them. Pencils, ruler and T-square, craft knife and blades, sandpaper and sanding block, masking tape and pliers are basic tools required. You may also need a small tack hammer and nails. A small hacksaw and miter box will be helpful for detailed wood work. Check the instruction manual for additional tools.
Assemble the assorted adhesives needed for the project. Wood glue, tacky glue, fast-grab glues and any specialty glues for adhering plastics and interior finishing materials. Read the package directions for the specific uses of each adhesive product.
Check that all pieces on the packaging list are included and lay out the pieces of the dollhouse. Mark the name or number of each piece with a pencil according to the instruction manual. Mark both sides if you plan to paint any pieces before assembling.
Prepare any surfaces and edges prior to assembling. Sand all rough edges, especially around pop-out windows, doors and trim using sand paper. Sand any rough surfaces before applying shingles or siding materials.
Follow the order of assembly in the instruction manual. Do a dry run of the assembly of major framework pieces before gluing. Ensure that the boards are not warped and surfaces are level. Use a framing square and level to check for accuracy. Hold pieces together temporarily with clamps and step back and check visually before gluing in position.
Use clamps to hold all glued pieces together and allow ample drying time before moving on to the next step.
Decide on the types of paints and colors you will use on the dollhouse and purchase appropriate paints, stains and brushes. You may choose to paint some areas as you build, such as the major outside surfaces, before adding windows and doors.