I started shingling the dollhouse today, and the difference the shingles make is already noticeable. If you're looking to reduce costs for dollhouse materials, I recommend cutting back on everything except for the shingles. No other roofing material can match the beautiful finish that shingles provide; they are essential.
I used half-scale "speed shingles" from Greenleaf Dollhouses. These shingles come in strips, are laser-cut, and made from birch veneer, with a clear front and back side, unlike one-inch scale shingles.
There are two important things to remember when using these shingles. First, they have dark, burnt edges from the laser cutting process. I'm not sure how these edges will affect the color of the stain since I haven't stained this type of shingle before. For this dollhouse, I plan to use a dark stain. If you're considering a lighter stain or paint, I recommend testing a strip of shingles first to see how it looks. Second, while these shingles are the same thickness as one-inch scale shingles, they appear much thicker when applied to half-scale models. This can lead to more cracking or breaking during cutting compared to one-inch scale shingles.
I didn't create templates for this dollhouse, but you can if you prefer. Templates are optional and can be helpful for larger or more complex projects. When working with a roof panel that has a dormer break, cut your first row of shingles as if the dormer isn't there; otherwise, your staggered lines won't align properly at the top where the dormer ends. For any gaps or breaks in your shingles, use Minwax Stainable Wood Filler. This is the only filler that matches the color of birch veneer shingles and takes stain well. Ensure it is completely dry before applying stain.
Hot melt glue is the best option for attaching shingles, whether to a template or directly to the dollhouse. I also finished installing the widow's walk.
