Please note that the new Haunted House Dollhouse kit does not include risers for the staircase. While the instructions and schematics have been updated to reflect this change, the parts template still mistakenly shows eight risers as included. Additionally, the instructions feature a photo of the staircase with a bottom riser, which is not part of the new kits.
I plan to transform this Haunted House kit into a Not So Haunted House, as it is versatile enough to be customized in many ways. My first step will be to create leaded windows. A great feature of The Haunted Dollhouse kit is that the windows are completely clear, allowing me to achieve my desired look. If your windows are silk-screened, consider using transparencies instead of the original windows for a clearer finish. Transparencies, which are clear plastic sheets used in overhead projectors, can be found at most office supply stores. If transparencies are hard to find, any clear plastic will work. Keep your silk-screened windows as templates for cutting out new ones.
There are various methods to create leaded glass effects. While using thin wire or thread can produce realistic results, I prefer an easier approach. I could use a fine-tipped permanent marker in gray or another color, but I’ve decided to use glass paint instead. This will give the “leaded” design a raised effect for a more realistic appearance.
To test my approach, I cut a small piece from the acrylic sheet that held the windows and experimented with both regular acrylic gray paint and glass paint. Both dried at similar rates, but I preferred the look of the silver glass paint, which seems to hold up better. Although the glass paint instructions suggest baking or waiting 21 days for drying, it dries in just a few hours in this case since it’s not being applied to real glass or ceramics. For my leaded design, I’m opting for a traditional diamond pattern. I printed out several diamond designs from my computer and chose a medium size for some spacing between them.
To begin, tape the template to a flat work surface to keep it stable. Then, apply a bit of Mini Hold wax or glue dots to the backs of your windows so they stay in place while you work. Next, prepare a bottle with fine steel tips for applying the paint. Pour the glass paint into the bottle at an angle to help it flow smoothly toward the tip. Gently squeeze out thin lines of paint onto your windows, following the template underneath.
Start by squeezing away from your windows until air pushes the paint out easily. Aim for slight imperfections in your lines to mimic real leaded windows, where lead thickness varies. Once you finish painting, let your windows dry undisturbed. A warm light bulb can speed up drying time, but keep them at a safe distance to avoid melting the acetate panes. They should dry enough to handle in a few hours but be gentle with your raised design until it has fully cured over 24 hours.
If you desire a frosted look for your windows, clear nail polish can create this effect by giving a white frosted appearance. You can also experiment with other colors for different effects. Since I have clear nail polish on hand, I’ll use it on the interior of the windows without covering the painted design. Different nail polish colors can even produce stained glass effects. The nail polish gives my windows a frosted or crackled appearance, which fits perfectly with the style of dollhouse I’m creating.
