Build a Large Barbie House out of a Cabinet

You can make a large version of a Barbie Townhouse using a pre-fab, self-assemble, storage cabinet sold at hardware stores. Then you can decorate it using fabric scraps.

Steps

  1. Purchase a 5-shelf self-assemble, white melamine cabinet. They are sold at the big hardware stores and some department stores.
  2. Make each shelf of the cabinet a different floor of the doll house:
    • The first floor will serve as the living room. Use short bear fur for carpet. Buy or make small scale wallpaper for walls. Place living room furniture and accessories.If you don't have,make your own
    • The second floor is the eat-in kitchen. You can split up 1/3 of this room for a bathroom. Make a wall with cardboard or stitched plastic canvas. Support with packing tape that you will cover with vinyl flooring and wallpaper.
    • The third floor is the Formal Dining Room or Music Room. Use bear fur carpet and nice wallpaper. Add dining furniture.
    • The fourth floor is the parents room. Use pretty fabric for flooring and walls. Add the bedroom furniture.
    • The fifth floor is the kids' room. Choose a fun fabric for flooring and walls. Add all of the childrens' bedroom furniture.

Tips

  • Most fabric stores and craft stores carry fabric swatches with small prints which can work well in doll houses. Everything from baby prints, fancy prints, and funky, tie-dye looks for the kids' rooms.
  • Don't forget a second cabinet for the shoe store, veterinarian, doctor's office, etc.
  • Green, plastic, outdoor carpet makes a good front lawn.
  • You can make your own wallpaper/flooring by designing your own paper or using scrapbooking/card making paper. Use canned glue spray to adhere.
  • Some good places to look for doll furniture are: doll collector auctions or much easier,look it up on the web. It may cost a pretty penny but if you are serious about it go ahead. But beware, these pieces are usually very delicate and are not meant for playing with if they are collector's items - especially for children under the age of seven.
  • There are books and patterns available to make styrofoam or fabric doll furniture. There are also many plastic canvas books available on auction websites.
  • Get a safe step stool for reaching top floors.

Warnings

  • Because you need a step stool to reach top floors, you may decide to purchase 2 cabinets and decorate bottom floors only. Then you can use the top floors to store infrequently used toys or art and craft supplies.

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