Sen.Tet

So, a question that pops up a lot about dollhouses and miniature houses is all about materials. You’d be surprised that the stuff I use is pretty much everyday items.

I pick materials based on the scale of the dollhouse I’m working on—usually 1:24 or 1:30. I also go for things that are easier for me to handle. Here’s the lowdown on what I use for my dollhouse.

1. Paper related materials: Amazon link are below

• Amazon / packaging box (cardboard):
• Paper cookies boxes:
• Packaging sheet
• Wallpaper:Blue wall paper

Cardboard is my go-to. I love how I can reuse those Amazon boxes that seem to be everywhere. The whole shebang is crafted from cardboard. I go for the “double wall” technique to make the house sturdy. Instead of painting it, I slap on some wallpaper to jazz up my mini crib. Wallpaper’s cool because it’s cheap, considering the size of the house I’m dealing with, and there are a ton of patterns. It’s self-adhesive too, so no need to go crazy with the glue.

Paper cookie boxes are another fave. They’re thick enough but not as bulky as wood sheets. I use them for a “brick wall” vibe, my front door, or to prop up furniture. I lucked out with a thicker white packaging board once; it’s recycled too. I turned it into a kitchen counter and cabinets. I’m a fan of collecting these paper materials from packages. It’s a bit random, so I might not get the same pattern next time. Like the roof of my Christmas house? That’s from cookie rolls. I’m all about thinking outside the box and using what you have. It gives your mini house a unique vibe.

2. Wood material: Amazon link are below

• Balsa wood:Thin balsa wood
• Coffee stirring stick:Coffee stirrers
• Wood Veneer:Maple wood veneer

For anything that needs a wood touch, I’m all in for balsa wood. Windows, furniture—it’s my jam. It’s a breeze to cut and shape into those cool curves. I usually turn balsa wood into bars, paint them with acrylic or wood paint, and then cut them into shape. The only catch is, balsa wood is a bit softer compared to other types, so it’s more for looks than structural support.

Enter the humble coffee stirring stick. Surprisingly, it makes for an awesome floor. I saw other creators doing it, tried it out, and it looks fantastic. I mix it up with balsa wood for small furniture or accessories. But, the stirring stick is pretty thin. If I’m going for a larger wood-looking piece, I’d choose balsa wood or wood veneer. Since my house is 1:24 or 1:30, I need thinner materials for furniture. I love combining wood veneer and paper cookie boxes to create thicker, wood-looking items like cabinets or other fancy stuff.

To put it simply, I stick to paper and wood-related materials for my dollhouse frame because it’s on the smaller side. They’re easy to find, easy to work with, and don’t break the bank. I can use regular tools and glue, and they hold up just fine. Plus, they’re budget-friendly.

For furniture and accessories, I venture into other materials. Since accessories are even tinier, I’ll spill the beans on those materials in another article. 💪🏻Stay tuned!💖