I installed the door, which was a straightforward process, and decorated the interior using wood scraps from the kit.
Next, I pre-assembled the bay window. This bay window is quite simple, and you shouldn't encounter any obstacles. However, it's important not to install it until after you finish the double-hung windows, as you’ll need the large opening for easier gluing of the double-hung window by the door.
I started on the double-hung windows. I wanted to document this process with detailed pictures but couldn’t. Many people find the double-hung windows of this dollhouse challenging, but they are actually quite simple; it’s just that the instructions can be confusing. Each window in the dollhouse consists of two square openings stacked vertically. One window sash fits over the top opening on the exterior, while another fits over the bottom opening on the interior. When you apply the outer casing, it creates the appearance of a double-hung window. To give the impression of an inner sash, you will need to paint the wallpaper inside white, and do the same on the outside. I painted over the wallpaper without any issues. You can measure with a sash beforehand to determine which areas should remain unpapered and unpainted for this effect. I first attached the sashes, then painted the wallpaper and outside edges to match the thickness of the glued sashes.
After that, I glued on the exterior trim, followed by the interior trim, all exterior window sills and bottom trims, then all interior sills. Finally, I added all pediments and bottom square trims. You can use masking tape to hold trims in place without interfering with gluing on pediments and square trims. For all window construction, use tacky glue. It dries clear and is thick enough to hold pieces in place without excessive masking tape on your wallpaper.
I then glued on the staircase, which was also a simple task, followed by attaching the top railings. Next, I glued on the large middle dormer window seat/porch roof. This needs to dry completely before handling it again, so I clamped it in place while it dried. I chose to paint it light blue instead of staining it since it won’t be visible. I plan to make upholstery for it using nice fabric and lace to create a bed. This will allow for more space in the bedroom for other furniture.
After that, I glued on the back foundation base piece and then attached the back roof section. This part was slightly challenging because one side's slots were too narrow for the tabs, but I widened them successfully. I didn’t need to be overly careful since everything will be covered with shingles. I slid in and glued down the assembled porch floor and steps, then added trim along both sides of the porch by the foundation. I also glued on the porch railings and banisters. Finally, I glued on the bay window and its roof, followed by installing the gussets.
Once everything was dry enough to touch, I added white squares and trim to the porch and glued on top trim to cover any slots. I then glued on the roof eaves and center trim on the gables.
At this point, everything has been glued onto the dollhouse except for the gingerbread trim, which cannot be installed until after shingling the roof. I rummaged through my bag of scraps from previous kits and found some useful pieces for this dollhouse. I stained and glued a decorative piece atop all interior windows and found some keystone-like pieces that I painted and added to the dormer windows.
To create trim for the interior bay window, baseboards for the floor, and trim for door openings, I used skinny sticks. These sticks also helped hide floor and wall edges at the back of the dollhouse and trimmed out staircase openings. For exterior and interior trim around the bay window, I used bamboo skewers and dowels.
