The Dollar Tree House Begins

Necessity is the mother of invention but grandchildren are the necessity of life. A Christmas visit from one of my granddaughters brought on a need to create. She brought her doll with her and I brought out three of mine (one of which she left with) and the play began.

One of the fun ideas we got I like to call the Dollar Store Doll House. We used tri-fold boards-like the ones you use for science fairs-and created a small kitchen in about 10 minutes. I am going to show you the kitchen we created and then, after I get the other two rooms added, I will update the article.

What we used: one tri-fold board, one flannel-backed table cloth, glue and scissors. We added cut-outs for plug-ins and a light switch.

How we made it:

1) Lay the board out on the floor, white side up and sides out-stretched.

2) Along the edges, pour glue and smear it.

3) Center the table cloth over the board and lower it. Smooth it out and let it dry.

4) After about five minutes, turn it over. Add glue over the back of the board.

5) Fold the extra edges over the glue and smooth it down. Let it dry.

6) Trim off the extra edges.

7) Copy the download-able plug-ins and light switch. Enlarge them and copy then on card stock, either white or a color that matches your wall paper.

8) Cut out the light switch and glue it at an American Girl's or other 18 inch doll's hand height.

9) Place the plug-in about 2-inches from the floor and glue it there.

10) For a kitchen window, cut out a blue, cloudy sky rectangle. Glue it at eye level for your doll.

11) Use tape, like electrical tape to the edges. You can also put one down the middle to split the window into two pieces.

12) I found a lace window covering that can be cut down and glued across the top of the window.

13) Add a round, single-colored place mat for an area run. Move in your kitchen appliances (see article on making a fridge and stove from photo boxes.)

The rest of the house will be finished soon. Follow 18-inch World so you don't miss the next room. Also, sign up before Feb. 14, 2015 and win the dishes in It All Happened at the Asian Market. All you need to do is follow the blog and leave a comment on any of the articles, including this one!