Questions answered—What tools do I need to start building a dollhouse?

Many folks might wonder about the essential tools needed for crafting a dollhouse. The answer might surprise you because they are quite common. I’ll share the tools I use and delve into the details of glue and paints in this article. (Friendly reminder: I’m working on a 1:24 scales cardboard dollhouse, so my tools are selected accordingly.)

1.Basic Tool Set: Amazon link below

Cutting mate: https://a.co/d/edLEwOo
Utility knife: https://a.co/d/aJ6ZUJp
Sand paper: https://a.co/d/6B6Sqcm

I’ve stuck with these basic tools since I started with a DIY kit. Even now, as I design and build my custom dollhouse, these tools remain my go-to. They are incredibly basic and readily available. Here’s a quick rundown: scissors, ruler, pen, glue, utility knife, paints, and a cutting mat.

While a cutting mat isn’t a must-have, it’s handy for all the cutting involved. I’ve used my trusty scissors for almost everything – from cutting fabric to thin wood stirrers and toothpicks. I can’t recall where I got these scissors; they’ve been with me for over a decade. LOL.

I intentionally opted for basic tools in my dollhouse making journey, avoiding investing in advanced equipment at this stage. Perhaps my plans will change, but the benefit lies in the compatibility of these tools with my dollhouse materials. They are quite commonplace, making it easy for anyone to give it a try.

2.Four Types of Glue: Amazon Link below

I’ve explored four glues, including a glue gun, each serving a distinct purpose in my dollhouse making journey. The variety reflects my history of glue hunting and their suitability for different tasks.

3-in-1 Glue: I use this for almost everything. It’s robust enough for wood and small-piece metal, not overly wet, and easy to work with.
White Glue: This white glue serves as a special coating. I mix it with paint to create a silky surface on furniture, or with fake snow/used ground coffee for landscape making. It’s my secret weapon for various coatings, not just regular gluing.
Super Quick Dry Glue: This glue was my go-to before discovering the 3-in-1. It dries fast and is sturdy, but the downside is once it’s glued, there’s no adjusting.
Glue gun:I nearly forgot to mention the glue gun, a crucial tool in my arsenal. I primarily use it for the house structure, finding it incredibly helpful and reliable.

PS. If you’re building a 1:12 wood-made dollhouse, I’d recommend another wood glue. I don’t use it, but some experienced dollhouse creators swear by it: https://a.co/d /f37vKfB

3.Paint/Marker/Wallpaper/Chalk Pastels: Amazon Link below

My paints:https://a.co/d/45 WAcoT, https://a.co/d/ghciwCb
Metallic marker: https://a.co/d/c57Y24e
Wallpaper: https://a.co/d/hbt6yDc

I stick to very basic acrylic paint – mainly black and white, sometimes adding watercolor to a quick-dry grey paint for my house. Black and white paint work wonders on wood boards for creating window frames. That’s almost my default process. Aside from that, I use more paint on my clay food and accessories. I’ve experimented with chalk pastels on floors and clay food for a gentle color shade, a popular choice in miniature clay food making.

For the house body itself, I prefer “wallpaper” over paint for its texture, diverse appearance, and the ability to mimic wood/marble. Given the size I work with, the use of wallpaper is minimal, which means it won’t break the bank for my project. Moreover, the majority of wallpapers come with a self-adhesive feature, adding to their marvelous characteristics.

I fancy the look of wood furniture, so I opt for “wood stain” instead of regular paint. A quick tip: I paint the color before assembling them. For instance, I paint the wood stick before cutting them into shorter sections and assembling them into windows. The color turns out cleaner and neater.

“Metal material” adds a highlight to furniture or decoration, but finding the perfect size for 1:24 scales is challenging. My secret tips are “metal washi tape” and “metal marker.” I use metal washi tape to create a “metal pot/pan.” (Video is below) It’s an experiment, but the result is fantastic. Washi tape is more flexible and easy to handle while still giving a “metal enough” appearance.

Remember, tools should align with the materials you use. While laser cutting and 3D machines offer exciting possibilities, my focus now is on leveraging available tools and creative approaches to make it work. Stay tuned to my YouTube and Instagram accounts for upcoming tutorials and more exciting content.

Sen.Tet