Homemade Barbie Houses

Building the House

• Barbie needs lots of room because of her size and the size of her toys. A typical dollhouse just won't cut it. For a great house for Barbie, start with a medium-sized wooden bookshelf. You can typically pick one up from a local charity thrift shop or garage sale for less than 20 bucks. Pick one with built-in shelves for more stability.

  Remove the back, if it has one, to allow play from both sides. Reinforce the corners with a few L brackets you can pick up at the hardware store. The brackets come with their own screws and anyone who can use a drill can install them in just a few minutes. If the shelves are all open and even, you will need to divide them. If the unit is broken up into odd-sized cubbies, so much the better. Cut room dividers from ¾-inch plywood tall enough to fit in the shelf snugly and the same width as the bookshelf is deep.

  Cut two pieces of lumber long enough (about as long as the shelf is wide) to provide a triangle roof and join them at one end to form a 90 degree corner. Cut a scalloped edge along the bottom of the roof for more detail and attach it by nailing through the top of the roof into the top of the shelf. Be sure to use nails long enough to bite, but not pierce, through into Barbie's attic.

Decorating the House

• Once you have completed construction, call in the decorator. You can use wallpaper and carpet samples, available from almost any wall and floor covering store, or create your own fun interior with paint and brushes. Stick to water-based paints for safety and easy cleanup.

  If you have a jigsaw, or rotozip, add windows. Simply mark out the window on the side of the bookcase and remove the parts where the glass would be. If you have windows, curtains are a must. Use handkerchiefs or ladies' scarves for draperies. Furniture can come from any of the Barbie toy line. Some stores also sell a line of wooden furniture that fits fashion dolls. You can make your own furniture with anything from wood to egg cartons.

  Stand the house in the center of any room, and it will be surrounded by girls of all ages. If your girl gets bored with it, break out the paint and redecorate anytime you like. Unused cabinets and cardboard boxes also make great Barbie houses. Get creative and enjoy your playtime.