Does More Minis Dollhouses sell dollhouses?
No, I do not sell dollhouse kits, accessories, or assembly services. The dollhouse assembly blogs on this page are a compilation of projects I have completed over the course of more than twenty years. Most of the dollhouses featured in these blogs have been sold or donated and are no longer in my possession. These assembly blogs are intended for educational purposes only.
I'm having difficulty finding miniatures or dollhouses. Many websites have closed or have out-of-stock items. What can I do?
Unfortunately, numerous miniature stores and manufacturers have closed in recent years. Many miniature shows no longer take place, and clubs have disbanded. The remaining manufacturers often have out-of-stock items, and stores have limited inventory. Some craft stores that previously carried miniature items have removed these selections as well. This problem is multifaceted.
- Much of it stems from supply chain issues, which have been too challenging for some businesses to handle, causing them to close.
- The miniature community is aging, and there aren't enough young people interested in taking over shows and clubs, rendering them obsolete.
- Strong competition from overseas has also emerged, with stores like Amazon and Temu dominating the miniature world. Overseas suppliers selling directly to consumers make miniatures more affordable and accessible, eliminating the need for dedicated miniature stores.
- The internet provides numerous tutorials, reducing demand for artisan-made pieces as many enthusiasts can create these items themselves at a fraction of the cost.
Why are there so many discontinued dollhouses?
Numerous dollhouse manufacturers have ceased operations for various reasons. Some companies produced items that customers found unsatisfactory due to difficulty or cost. Others offered limited-edition products to gauge public interest before discontinuing them. Additionally, some brands were acquired by larger companies, rendering their names and products obsolete. Many buyers unknowingly purchase kits that are decades old from companies that no longer exist.
You may encounter various discontinued dollhouse brands that are unfamiliar or lack available information. Many of these kits are found at garage sales, estate sales, auctions, and online listings. The continued existence of these kits is primarily due to individuals who purchased them but later decided they lacked the time or found the assembly process too challenging.
What should I do if my dollhouse kit is missing instructions and/or parts?
If you need missing instructions, schematics or parts for a Greenleaf, Corona Concepts, or Real Good Toys dollhouse, you can contact these manufacturers directly for a copy. Their contact information is available on their websites. If you purchased the dollhouse from an authorized retailer, they will likely send you the instructions free of charge. Some manufacturers may also offer downloadable copies of assembly instructions on their websites. Additionally, you can visit a dollhouse forum to see if a member can provide you with the instructions.
Most dollhouse manufacturers will send replacements for missing or damaged parts free of charge if you bought your kit directly from them or from an authorized retailer.
I have scanned instructions for several popular discontinued dollhouse models in PDF format. You can contact me at moreminis@hotmail.com to inquire if I have the instructions for your specific dollhouse model. If I do, I will email them to you at no cost. Please note that I do not have instructions for any dollhouse model that is still in production.
- Dura-Craft Dollhouses is no longer operational. If you need instructions for a Dura-Craft Dollhouse, you can contact me, or you may need to search on eBay or dollhouse forums.
- Walmer Dollhouses has rebranded as Real Good Toys, and they might have instructions for Walmer brand dollhouse kits. Alternatively, you can contact me.
- Many Artply Dollhouse models were manufactured by Greenleaf Dollhouses, so they might still have instructions for these kits. You can also reach out to me for assistance.
What glue should I use to build my dollhouse?
To assemble your dollhouse, you should use high-quality wood glue or white glue, as well as a good quality tacky glue. You will likely need both types, as they serve different purposes depending on the task.
- Wood glue - This type does not dry clear, making it ideal for gluing parts that will later be painted or covered.
- White glue and/or tacky glue - Both of these options dry crystal clear, making them excellent for gluing parts that have already been stained or painted.
Keep in mind that these glues require drying time, which can vary based on the climate of your work area. High humidity levels may extend the drying period.
Note that wood stain will not penetrate any type of glue, whether clear or not. Therefore, it is best to stain before assembly or to apply glue very sparingly and carefully.
While hot melt glue can reduce drying time, it is not suitable for assembling your dollhouse, especially if you want it to be an heirloom piece. Hot melt glue tends to become brittle and can loosen over time. Additionally, it dries thickly, preventing parts from fitting together flush and often resulting in unsightly globs, which are difficult to avoid on a small scale.
For these reasons, hot melt glue should only be used for applying siding and shingles to your dollhouse. Siding can also be applied using a thick, quick-grabbing tacky glue. For additional assistance in finding the correct glue for adhering different materials, consider using an online tool designed for this purpose.
What is a dollhouse "shell"?
A dollhouse "shell" refers to the basic structure consisting of walls and floors, without any additional components.
What are dollhouse "components"?
Dollhouse components are all the elements added to the shell, including windows, doors, shutters, chimneys, gingerbread, trim, siding, and shingles. The roof is often considered a component, especially if it creates an attic space or includes dormer windows.
Should I seal my dollhouse before assembly?
It's not recommended to seal any part of a wooden dollhouse before assembly unless you plan to leave it with a natural wood finish. Sealing should only be done after the dollhouse is fully assembled. Sealing the wood beforehand will prevent proper adhesion of glue, making it impossible to assemble the shell or apply finishes such as wallpaper, flooring, paint, or stain.
Do I have to prime my dollhouse and what do I prime with?
Priming is essential for any wall that will be wallpapered or covered. It improves wallpaper adhesion, evens out the wood color to prevent dark blotches from showing through light-colored wallpaper, and reduces the natural acid released by wood that can damage wallpaper over time. You can use any household flat white primer paint or light-colored flat latex or acrylic craft paint for priming.
Walls that will be painted don't require priming, as the first coat of paint will act as a primer. Multiple coats are usually needed for painting a dollhouse.
Always prime floors if you plan to add flooring covers, using a color similar to the desired flooring color. This prevents raw wood from showing through wood planks or dark blotches from appearing under plastic or paper flooring.
If you're not using shingle templates, prime the dollhouse roof before shingling with a color similar to your shingles to prevent raw wood from showing between them.
Should I wallpaper before, during, or after assembly?
You should generally wallpaper your dollhouse after assembly. However, for tab-and-slot dollhouses, wallpapering may be needed before, during, and after assembly, depending on the model:
- Certain areas, like slanted dormers in attics, are easier to wallpaper before assembly.
- Some areas become inaccessible once the dollhouse is completed, so they must be wallpapered during assembly. This includes closets, stairwells, hallways, hidden rooms, and staircase walls.
- All other accessible, box-shaped rooms can be easily wallpapered after assembly.
To prepare effectively, dry-fit each step of your dollhouse before gluing to anticipate what needs to be done. Analyzing finished interior photos of your dollhouse model can also help determine which areas should be wallpapered at different stages. For more tips, refer to my Dollhouse Wallpapering Guide.
Should I paint my dollhouse before or after assembly?
All parts of your dollhouse should be painted before assembly. Painting afterward is not recommended as the parts are too small and difficult to paint effectively once assembled. Pre-painting ensures a nicer finished look.
What can I use to hide gaps?
Lightweight spackling compound is ideal for hiding gaps. It's user-friendly, easy to spread, smooths well, and can be sanded and painted. However, it cannot be used on areas you want to stain because it dries white. For stainable areas, use stainable wood filler.
What is "kit bashing"?
"Kit bashing" refers to modifying a dollhouse in ways not specified in its original instructions. Examples include adding a wall or closing off a window. Kit bashing allows you to customize your dollhouse to fit your unique design and style.
What is "rehabbing"?
"Rehabbing" involves rehabilitating an already assembled dollhouse. This process includes modifying it to suit your tastes, repairing damage, or salvaging it from poor assembly. Rehabs can range from simple color scheme changes to disassembling and rebuilding with new components and decor.
What paint can I use on my dollhouse?
You can use any latex household or acrylic craft paint on your dollhouse with finishes ranging from flat to satin. The choice depends on the desired end result. Glossy or oil-based paints are not recommended as they dry thickly and highlight flaws. High glosses can also prevent glue from adhering properly.
Do I have to use nails for my dollhouse?
Die-cut, tab-and-slot, or 1/8" plywood dollhouses do not require nails or staples. Glue is sufficient to hold them together. With the right adhesive, even rough play by a child won't disassemble the dollhouse for many years.
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), cabinet grade, or 3/8" plywood dollhouses require both glue and nails due to their thickness and weight. Never construct this type of dollhouse using only glue, especially for children. The dollhouse could easily come apart, potentially causing serious injury or death. Always follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions and recommendations.
Is siding applied before or after construction?
Siding should always be applied to a finished shell. Applying siding to walls before assembling the dollhouse will prevent proper fitting, as many walls overlap during assembly. The extra thickness of the siding would prevent walls from fitting flush.
You have two options for siding application: apply it to the dollhouse shell before adding components, or wait until the dollhouse is complete and cut the siding around the components. The choice depends on your preferred look. For more tips, refer to my Dollhouse Siding Guide.
Are siding and shingles painted before or after they are glued to my dollhouse?
The timing of painting depends on what's easier for you. If you apply siding after installing components, it's easier to paint before application. If you apply siding before components, painting after application might be easier. For shingles applied directly to the dollhouse roof, it's easier to stain or paint after application. If you use roof templates and glue shingles to them, it's easiest to stain or paint before application. There's no right or wrong approach.
Keep in mind that some shingle stains cannot be painted over, so be careful to avoid drips or splashes on your newly painted dollhouse, as they might be difficult to fix. For more tips, consult my Dollhouse Shingling Guide.
What is "dry-fitting"?
"Dry-fitting" involves testing a part to see how it fits before gluing it in place. Some people choose to dry-fit their entire dollhouse without glue to understand the assembly process and what to expect. Masking tape can be useful for holding the dollhouse together during this process. A more practical approach is to dry-fit each piece as you progress, following my assembly blogs to see what to expect at each step.
Do dollhouses really "speak"?
I often hear people say that their dollhouse has or hasn’t “spoken” to them yet. Dollhouses do communicate with their builders. Just as a canvas speaks to a painter or a violin resonates with its player, dollhouses convey messages to their assembly artists. You may have a vision for your dollhouse, but sometimes it will resist your plans, prompting you to alter your decor ideas. This is a common experience among dollhouse enthusiasts with every build. It’s important not to force a dollhouse into a decor that doesn’t resonate with it, as this will likely lead to dissatisfaction. Instead, allow the dollhouse to reveal what it wants to be.
What is a Dremel?
A Dremel is a small rotary tool used for sanding, cutting, and engraving. It comes with various bits that enable a wide range of functions, making it ideal for many dollhouse projects. While "Dremel" is a brand name, it has become synonymous with rotary tools in general by dollhouse builders. However, it's worth noting that many other manufacturers produce rotary tools as well.
What is an Easy Cutter?
An Easy Cutter is a tool favored by dollhouse builders for its ability to cut small-scale lumber. It features metric markings, allowing for precise miter cuts for crown molding, baseboards, and other applications.
What is HOM?
HOM stands for House of Miniatures which produced wooden furniture kits known for their detail and accurate scale. Although discontinued, these kits can still be found through some miniature retailers, eBay, and Craigslist.
What is Bespaq?
Bespaq is a former San Francisco-based company, which created museum-quality miniature furniture representing various historical eras and styles. Their highly detailed and realistic pieces, many of which were limited editions, are still available from miniature dealers despite the company's closure.
What is Chrysnbon?
Chrysnbon produces furniture kits made of polystyrene plastic, designed to resemble wood. These true-to-scale, easy-to-assemble kits are affordable replicas of antique furnishings. Chrysnbon also offers plastic accessories from different historical periods and dollhouse components.
How many dollhouse manufacturers are there?
The United States has two primary dollhouse manufacturers:
- Greenleaf Dollhouses - Produces die-cut, tab-and-slot plywood dollhouses.
- Real Good Toys - Creates MDF and cabinet-grade plywood dollhouses.
While these are the most common brands in dollhouse stores and catalogs, other manufacturers exist, particularly outside the U.S.
Are Greenleaf and Corona Concepts the same company?
Greenleaf and Corona Concepts are the same company, with Corona Concepts being a brand name under which Greenleaf manufactures dollhouses.
What is HBS?
HBS stands for Hobby Builders Supply, also known as miniatures.com. It is the leading dollhouse and miniatures supplier in the United States.
How can I attach miniature accessories to my dollhouse?
Information about products for attaching miniature accessories to dollhouses is available in this post.
Do I need to use power tools to assemble my dollhouse?
For a tab-and-slot dollhouse, power tools are not required for basic assembly. However, if you plan to undertake extensive kit-bashing, power tools can make the process easier. A simple rotary tool or palm sander can facilitate cutting plywood and sanding doors to fit openings more efficiently.
Similarly, a cabinet-grade or MDF plywood dollhouse does not require power tools for basic assembly. If you intend to kit-bash these types of dollhouses, you will need the appropriate power tools capable of handling 3/8-inch plywood and/or MDF. Since MDF is denser than plywood, it can be challenging for many power tools. It is advisable to consult the manufacturer for recommendations on suitable tools for this type of plywood. Many large power tools can be rented for a few hours or a day, eliminating the need for purchase. If you prefer not to handle power tools yourself, you can take your dollhouse parts to a home improvement store or lumber center, where staff can cut the parts for you for a fee.
What is a "laser cut" dollhouse kit?
Laser cut dollhouse kits are produced by Greenleaf Dollhouses. They utilize the same concept as traditional die-cut tab-and-slot kits, but instead of using a die machine to stamp out parts from sheets of wood, a laser beam performs the cutting. The assembly process still employs the tab-and-slot punch-out feature, but the edges of the parts are smooth, requiring minimal sanding. The precision of laser cutting allows for cleaner and crisper details, making part fitting easier. This capability has enabled Greenleaf Dollhouses to re-release many of their beloved models in half-scale.
What is a dollhouse "scale"?
Dollhouse scale refers to the defined size ratio between a full-size object and its miniature version. Dollhouses come in a variety of scales, with the most popular ones being:
- One Inch Scale (1:12 or 1/12") - 1 inch in the dollhouse equals 1 foot (12 inches) in life scale.
- Half Scale (1:24 or 1/24") - 1 inch in the dollhouse equals 2 feet (24 inches) in life scale.
- Quarter Scale (1:48 or 1/48") - 1 inch in the dollhouse equals 4 feet (48 inches) in life scale. This scale is often used in model railroad displays.
- Micro Scale (1:144 or 1/144") - Also used in some model railroad displays and to create a "dollhouse for your dollhouse."
While there are many other size scales, these are the most common for dollhouses.
The largest dollhouse scale is Playscale (1:6 or 1/6"), where 1 inch in the dollhouse equals 6 feet in life scale. This scale is typically used for 11" - 12" fashion dolls.
