A dollhouse dream
26 August 09

The girls love playing with their people. And I like it when they do.
They’re entertained for hours, develop elaborate scenarios based on very few props, and play nicely with each other, even sharing some with Calista.
But we’ve only had one dollhouse that has suited the Playmobil people, and although I’ve sworn never to take the easy way out and buy one-of-everything-for-each-child, I’ve been pitying poor Brioni who misses out.
And so began my dollhouse dream. (Yes, it has been my dream. So?)
I looked around at what was available. Playmobil make several dollhouses. Oooo, doesn’t this one look tempting (despite the German voice-over)?
But, eek! the price. Plus shipping to this backwaters island. I couldn’t see it happening.
Make-it-yourself dollhouse kits aren’t that much cheaper, and it’s not very easy to find them in the “half” scale (1/2 inch:1 foot) that I needed.
And then David went away for a couple of days.
There’s just something about David’s absence that makes me feel like being crafty, like building things — often grandiose schemes that are clearly possible in my daydreams but don’t translate into reality within the boundaries of physics.
So the build-a-Playmobil-dollhouse-myself dream was borne, and I scrounged all the materials from around David’s shed. When I was ready to start the construction work, I realised David had taken all his tools with him.
So I had to wait.
Then yesterday, David helped me start on the construction and even made me some beautiful stairs after I had abandoned the idea because my skill-level is just not up to the challenge.

Notice the little project foreman inspecting the job site? Hmmm. I forgot his hard hat.

When I brought the dollhouse up to the house for the final touches, I soon lost control of the project. Aisha and Brioni very quickly arranged themselves in front of the house and started to transfer their families into the rooms after carefully parking the car in the underground carpark. I had to shoo them away in order to get anything done.

Cost so far: $25. The house is looking great, and the people are eager to move in.
We have a collection of Playmobil furniture ready for placement in the rooms, and I’ll make some accessories to finish the rooms in a more realistic fashion: ceiling light fixtures, pictures, mirrors, etc.
Ah, it’s a dream come true. But easily another obsession, I’m afraid. I keep looking at the roof-line and wondering if I should add an attic and roof. It’s something to daydream about, anyway.
And food. What can I use for little Playmobil food? Hmmm, the possibilities… How far do I want this dollhouse things to go?
Let me know if you see any cute miniatures in “half” scale size, will you?
1 · Anne · 26 August 2009, 21:31
You are more noble than I. My girls have a sensible and sturdy dollhouse, and I have my own beautiful one from when I was a child in a box, with all the lovely furniture and dishes in another box and I’m not getting it out until all my children have left home and I can remodel it in peace.
2 · Paulo · 27 August 2009, 00:47
“… this backwaters island” hahahaha!
3 · Lori L. McKee · 27 August 2009, 00:56
This is adorable. I bet they love it but will come up with their own ways of renovating, too.
4 · Jennifer Thorn · 27 August 2009, 10:24
Lauren you are amazing. Wish you lived closer so I could come over for some lessons :) I am sure your kids will have hours of fun playing with it.
5 · Sharon · 27 August 2009, 13:32
Well done, Lauren! Hmmm… I seem to remember a Better Homes & Garden magazine with very creative furniture/fittings for a doll house… I think they used toothpaste tube caps/other larger caps for pot plants(spray painted to coordinate), and matchboxes… they also had very creative frying pans and somehow used a clip for handle…. will have to find it now…
You did a great job, though, Lauren! I am sure the girls are having a blast!
6 · Sharon · 27 August 2009, 13:40
Here is a video link…
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/yaunzpop/popup/?rn=1341467&cl=14293889&src=y7lifestyle&ch=
They made house from cardboard but I thought they had some very cute /creative and inexpensive accessories for around the house…
Hope it helps
7 · Manou · 27 August 2009, 16:09
Oh how I love it all!Using your own ideas AND working together,just wonderful.Am glad that you mentioned Hong Kong,too
8 · tree · 12 September 2010, 13:30
this is how it’s done! that’s my idea of what a dollhouse should be. full of play and wonder. I always had the dream of a dollhouse too. tree