Why can't this be my dollhouse?!?!?

Brae (otterine, Reader's Choice Best Blog Finalist, go vote) sent me this link to Jeffrey Stephenson's work.

I am in awe. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, this computer enclosure is one step away from being an amazing dollhouse. The size is almost perfect, just pop out that computer, put in a second floor and some access panels, and presto fabulous dollhouse. Sadly, Jeffrey says he's just a hobbyist and does not sell his work. Man, what I would give for one of these converted to a dollhouse.

You can totally see how he drew inspiration from the Kaufmann House/Fallingwater (1935), Bachman-Wilson House (1954), Irving House (1909) and Coonley Playhouse (1912). Check out Jeffrey's website to read more about the Usonian project. He may not be selling anything, but for you DIYers there are over 200 more photographs of the Usonian project from start to finish to inspire you to build your own: bit-tech.net, HardOCP or Overclockers Australia.

Check out Jeffery's website to see more of his incredible work.

(all images and content based on Jeffrey's website slipperyskip.com)

Melissa's Traditional Modern

Melissa sent me these pictures of a dollhouse she's building from scratch. So far just the first floor, but eventually the spiral staircase will go up to a second floor and then to a roof top deck.

She's been making many items by hand and I wanted to share some of her tips. The fireplace was a package of tiles she put on the fireplace frame. The rug is a plastic weaved placemat she found at Target; I will be keeping my eye out for this one, I love the orange! The coffee table is a tile she picked up at the hardware store and built a frame for it.

The kitchen floor is real peel and stick tiles she cut down to size and the "hardwood" floors are actually peel and stick fake floors she cut into strips, all which were purchased at the hardware store.

It's my dream Sunday for the Mr. to take the kids so I can go wander the aisles at our local hardware store searching for potential modern minis. Great finds Melissa and thanks for sharing.

86'n It

Modern MC already tweeted about this house, but I wanted to post some pictures from Nikki of www.86nit.com. She renovated this dollhouse for her daughter, that was made for her by her grandfather. It's still a work in progress, but I love the modern touches she's adding to the traditional style. I LOVE the color palette (many colors from their real house) and her use of family photos and mementoes as the artwork.

The ceiling tiles in the bathroom are killer, and along with the cork floor match her real 1:1 loo.

The exterior paint matches the renovation they did to their real 1920's home. If you like real size before and after pics, her blog is a fun read on the adventures her family is having 86'n it.

(all images from www.86nit.com)

Hey Tanya from Shoot from the Hips, I want to see your dollhouse!

I saw this DIY Modern Dollhouse on Apartment Therapy. Look familiar? After seeing made by Joel's dollhouse, Tanya and her husband were inspired to build one for their son. According to Apartment Thearpy the plans they used to make it and details on how they made the furniture are up on Tanya's blog, Shoot From the Hips, but when I go to her blog its an invite only blog, and says to contact the author for an invitation. Boo!

Tanya, can help out a modern mini addict, I would love to read your post, http://www.shootfromthehipsonline.com/2010/05/secret-project.html

Congrats, it is a gorgeous house, I know a lot of adults that would like to play there, too!

(news from Apartment Thereapy image from www.shootfromthehipsonline.com)

Tutorial: SLICE Tilt Coffee Table by PRD Miniatures

I am in love with PRD Miniatures' SLICE Tilt Coffee Table. The table costs $65 finished but you can also buy the kit for only $35.

Here are some photos of the kit and how it is assembled. The kit comes as one piece for the table, plus the acrylic top (pictured in final shots above). Each section is individually numbered. I used an exacto knife to cut out the two tiny connectors between each piece and then laid them out numerically. (Everything is laser cut, I just used the knife to separate the pieces from the thin wood page they come on.)


I started with the smallest piece of the table and the first leg, then added the rest of the rectangular table pieces. Then I started adding the rest of the legs numerically around the table base. At one point I wish I had three hands, but once I got the hang of it, it went together easily.


After assembling the table, I double checked everything was pushed into place and then spray painted it silver. Make sure you follow the directions on the spray paint can - mask, well ventilated area, drop cloth for over spray. I did several light coats of paint from every direction to avoid globbing on too much. In between coats I'd let it dry about 15-20 minutes. Once I got the coverage I wanted, I let it dry 24 hours as per the instructions on the spray paint can. The dried paint helps hold any loose legs together. Enjoy!

SLICE Tilt Coffee Table $65
SLICE Tilt Coffee Table Kit $35
Sense of accomplishment after assembling something so beautiful... Priceless.

Simple DIY Design

Here's a simple design from KidInfo blog that would be a good starter build.

(Image from KidInfo blog)

Recycled Doll House

Another great idea for an affordable dollhouse. All of these images are from DollDigs94a Flickr page. Follow the link for details on building materials. I'm not a huge fan of dolls in dollhouses, but I absolutely love this idea.

Make Your Own

Interesting and affordable dollhouse ideas.

I plan on stealing this staircase idea for my loft. For directions on how this was built visit Sweet Juniper's blog.

This is from Cathy of California's blog. The image is from "better homes and gardens gifts to make yourself" 1972.