Dollhouse Decorating Ideas – Gabi Wicki, Artisan

I really like Gabi's work!

Dollhouse Accessorizing - Halls, Bedrooms, Nurseries and Bathrooms

NOTE
As was true in Part 1 (Kitchen, Lounge & Dining Room), the following article by Julia Morrison is an excellent guide for the basic items you will need to accessories the 4 rooms in the title. Of course, you have decisions to make before buying the items listed. In what era does your project take place? (again, I chose Edwardian images). Aristocracy or We-The-People? Even before that, dollhouse or room box? Are you recreating a memory, copying a the room from a painting or photograph? What's your budget? Here's Julie Morrison's article.

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Dollhouse Accessories - How to Make Your House Look Real - Part 2
By Julia Morrison

In part 2 of 'How should I decorate a Dollhouse' we are looking at which dollhouse accessories to use to decorating your hall, your bedrooms, your nursery and the bathroom.

Just look around in your own house. What can you see in your hall, in your bedrooms and bathroom? Imagine how bare your home would look if there were only furniture. Following are some tips on how and which accessories you can use to make these areas of your house look absolutely real.

Dollhouse Decorating Ideas – Rocking Chair Tutorial

A SugarCharmShop tutorial makes it look easy … if you have the right tools. But buying them could lead to being a victim of the phrase “cheap is dear.”

 Click on the Greenleaf logo for a forum string that warns against underpowered lathes. Also, using a dremel is brought up. To give you an idea of cost, Amazon lists a Proxxon lathe for a high cost of #228.00. A chisel set goes for $75.00. So, do your research.

About the terrific video: Maybe it's a generational thing, but “power tools” and “woodworking” evoke a manly image to me. Not so! While you're watching the chips fly, check out the young lady's gorgeous nails!

Enjoy.

Dollhouse Artisans – Meet Mary Payne, Miniaturist

The picture of LoBue's Barber Shop on my newsfeed caught my eye. The caption “A recreation of Mary's grand father's barber shop in Weehawken, NJ.” really got me hooked, because preserving memories in in t form of a room box has always been the key to holding my interest in miniatures all these years.

I contacted Mary Payne and got this reply.


“I don’t have much of a backstory for it.  I never saw that barbershop.  The outside was reproduced from a couple of old family pictures.  We have no family members left that remember the inside so I used elements from several  pictures of old barbershops I found online. If you want to see more of my work go to [or website]. All my work is photographed and posted by my husband.  Most of the stores are memorials [of] family and friends who are gone.”


And what a lot of great work it is. Besides the wonderful barber shop room box, check out the rest of Mary's basement.

I identify with Mary in that memories, and the emotions that flow from them, are the important part of my being a miniature enthusiast. If I can't make everything myself, or don't have the time to learn to be  a renaissance artisan, that's all right. I'll buy the wares of other skilled specialists in the dollhouse miniature universe.

Other enthusiasts have the desire to create museum quality works of art, making all the items themselves. God bless them! I'm glad they have the drive and perseverance to make these wonderful creations. It shows me what can be accomplished and to show the heights craftsmanship it's possible to reach.
There is so much latitude in participating in the wonderful hobby … or art form – pick your spot on the spectrum. And knowing that we can change that niche whenever we want. It just time and effort … and some skills.

Here's a link to Mary's section of the family webpage: http://www.inpayne.com/dollhouse/dollhousefrontpage.html

Dollhouse Accessories – Kitchen, Lounge & Dining Room

NOTE
The following article by Julia Morrison is an excellent guide for the basic items you will need to accessories the 3 rooms in the title. Of course, you have decisions to make before buying the items listed. In what era does your project take place? (I chose Edwardian images). Aristocracy or the commoners? Even before that, dollhouse or room box? Are you recreating a memory, copying a the room from a painting or photograph? What's your budget?

Also, be sure to use appropriate room names. For instance, the Victorians did not have a “lounge.” But “parlor” could be used as a family room or a ladies sitting room. “Study” seems to be where the men hung out. Here's Julie Morrison's article.
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Dollhouse Accessories - How to Make Your House Look Real - Part 1
by Julia Morrison

In order to make a dollhouse look as real as possible, one of the best things you can do is to decorate your house with lots of different dollhouse accessories. In part 1 we will be looking at the best dollhouse accessories for decorating the kitchen, lounge and dining room of your dollhouse.

Just look around in your own house. What can you see? Books, ornaments, candles, pictures on the walls, rugs on the floor? Imagine how bare your home would look if there were only furniture. Following are some tips on how and which dollhouse accessories you can use to make your house look absolutely authentic.

Dollhouse Accessories for the kitchen
You should have lots of activity going on in the kitchen; baking, cooking and preparing. On your kitchen table display baking dishes, rolling pin and cookie cutters or some vegetables and meat on a chopping board. You could also set the table for the kitchen staff with plates, cutlery, some food items, a pitcher and glasses or mugs. There are many different dollhouse accessories you can display in your kitchen.

On your stove put a kettle, pots and pans with or without food in them. You can place a scale on a side table, you can decorate some dishes and cutlery or pots on your washing stand. If you have a cabinet or hutch in your kitchen you may want to decorate it with plates or you even put a freshly baked cake on it. If you have enough wall space hang up a utensil rack.

Dollhouse Accessories for the lounge
Decorate your sofa with cushions, put rugs on the floor and pictures on the wall of your lounge. If you have a table decorate it with a lacy tablecloth. You may want to put a vase or pot with flowers on the table too. If you place people on the sofa, you can put glasses on the table or even a pipe with smoking utensils like tobacco and matches.

Other furniture in your lounge can also be decorated with flowers, pot plants, ornaments such as ginger jars, a mantle clock, a bowl with fruit or even books. Accessories such as candle sticks in brass or silver are also a good option to use in your lounge.

Dollhouse Accessories for the dining room
Set the dining table with your best china, cutlery and glasses. Place some flowers in the middle and if you like place a ham and vegetables on a serving dish. You can also use a tea set and place a cake and some cookies on the table.

Decorate the rest of the room similar to your lounge, with ornaments and items such as candle sticks or vases filled with beautiful flowers. You should always use pictures on the wall and rugs on the floor as part of your furnishing. It makes a big difference to the atmosphere in your house.

The Dollhouse Company is a one-stop shop for everything you need to build a doll house. From dollhouse kits, furniture and accessories to finished dollhouses and How-To books.

Our range of products cater for every budget and skill level. We offer a membership discount and a newsletter with tips and hints for dollhouse enthusiasts from novice to expert. You can also down load our FREE e-book on how to choose, build and decorate you dollhouse at: http://www.thedollhousecompany.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Morrison

Amazing Miniaturist – Eugene Kupjack, Not Just "The Thorne Rooms" Artisan

A jeweler's son, Eugene Kupjack began his career in miniatures in the 1930s while working on "The Thorne Rooms," a series of 68 room boxes on permanent display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Using 1/12th scale. Kupjack became the master of miniature artisans by combining exquisite craftsmanship with theatrical suggestion.

Through clever lighting techniques and placement of objects, Eugene Kupjack created the illusion that the room's tiny inhabitants had just left the scene. His creations were completed without the benefit of computerized technology or high-tech bonding materials. Most detailing was done by hand, using tools that ranged from a band saw to a tiny dental pick.

Today his sons Henry and Jay carry on their father's legendary craftsmanship at the Kupjack Studios in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Here are 4 pictures of his “presidential' room boxes are below.

Dollhouse Decorating – Modern Dollhouses Are Worth A Second Look

This article by Richard Weirich is a nice introduction, if you haven't thought about going modern..

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Modern dollhouses provide hours of wonderful fun and provide a hobby that grows as big as your imagination. Since most of us have had only minimal exposure to modern architecture in homes it stands to reason that we may be reticent to explore modern styles as a dollhouse possibility. We have a tendency to dismiss that which we don't understand. As it was said in the tag line from a famous commercial, "Try it. You'll like it."

You may think that modern dollhouses are architecturally specific to the future or rooted in contemporary culture. However, modern design can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century. Modernism, as it applies to architecture, is characterized by simplification of form and the absence of ornament from the theme. The priority is on function and unnecessary detail is eliminated. Furthermore, materials are to be seen for what they are. Industrially-produced materials are often incorporated into the design. Often modern styles emphasize horizontal and vertical lines, especially in international design.

It is at the point of function that modern design can be incredibly special. Innovation, invention, cutting edge technology, and even the unconventional make modern architecture incredibly interesting.

Likely, most of us are more familiar with modern architecture in the form of big metro buildings. On the home front, our experience with modern style dwellings is primarily confined to movies and television. Seldom has the modern style made its way into the mainstream of American sub-divisions. In many regards, modern style homes are too expensive for the average home buyer. But with modern dollhouses we have a chance to experience that which we otherwise may never be able to afford.

Now that collectors have discovered modern dollhouses as a hobby these structures are in great demand. Of course, greater demand means that manufacturers are more likely to supply the needs of the market. Currently there are a number of kits available for purchase. Additionally, blueprints can also be found if you want an even greater challenge.

One of the hottest possibilities for modern dollhouses is modular pods or shipping containers. This novel concept is great for collectors and hobbyists but is less appropriate for child's play. Pods can be stacked in various combinations and can be purchased accessorized or you can do it yourself. Pods come in a 1:12 scale which is the most common dollhouse size. Some very impressive furnishings are also available for Pod miniatures. With pods you can grow your dollhouse as your budget permits. Not surprisingly, shipping container dollhouses are pricey and run in the $200 range.

Modern dollhouses come in a variety of finishes but you may like modern architectural styles that come unpainted. This gives you the opportunity for putting your own creative touches on your dollhouse. Several models emphasize "green" and "organic" themes which work perfectly with the philosophical mindset of many modernists.

Dollhouses come pre-accessorized or you can do it yourself. Appealing features like sliding glass doors, solar panels, and recessed LED lights are available. Furnishing your modern home can be great fun with many interesting products available for purchase. Of course, it's important to have a decorating plan for modern miniature. If you are unclear about how to decorate a modern dollhouse then invest some time in perusing design and decorator magazines, particularly those that focus on modern design.

If you are trying to settle on a hobby or even expand your collection of dollhouses then check out modern dollhouses. They are definitely worth a second look. You may well discover a new outlet for your creativity and imagination.

Click on the Ezine link to read other articles by Richard Weirich. 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Weirich