When you first start working on a dollhouse, a lot can go wrong, but every mistake is an opportunity to learn.
Recently, I asked our community about the biggest mistakes they made when they first got into dollhouse crafting. Their answers were really helpful and full of good advice. Here, I've put together the most common responses to help anyone who's starting their dollhouse project or currently working on one.
1. Choosing the Wrong Kit or Theme
A lot of people said their first mistake was picking a kit that was too big or poorly designed. Others regretted buying furniture and decorations without having an overall theme or style in mind. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to end up with items that don’t fit well together.
2. Getting Overwhelmed by Kits
Jumping straight into a complex kit can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to dollhouse building. Many people felt frustrated and gave up, only to come back later and have more success with pre-assembled dollhouses. These allow you to focus on decorating and personalizing rather than building.
=> Cathys Flowerhouse by Robotime was overwhelming for me and I always gave up on these kits!
3. Scale Problems
One of the most common mistakes was working in the wrong scale. Some people found out too late that their furniture didn’t match the size of the rooms. Getting the scale wrong can be really frustrating, but it’s something that can be avoided with some planning in advance.
Feel free to use my free tool: a scale converter, by the way!
4. Underestimating Costs
Many people didn’t realize how expensive building and decorating a dollhouse could be. It’s important to set a realistic budget from the beginning so you don’t end up spending more than you planned.
5. Construction Mistakes
Several members mentioned making mistakes during construction—like assembling parts backward, misplacing staircases, or forgetting to cut out extra windows and doors. Taking careful measurements and double-checking each step can save you from a lot of headaches later on.
6. Wallpaper and Painting Issues
Wallpapering and painting were also common challenges. Some people used the wrong kind of glue, which caused the wallpaper to peel over time. Others painted panels before they were dry, leading to swelling, or didn’t paint small parts before assembling, which made it hard to get a clean finish.
7. Forgetting Electrical Planning
Adding lights can really enhance a dollhouse, but many people regretted notplanning for electrical wiring early on. Consider planning your electrical layout before starting construction to avoid difficulties later. You can also use battery-operated LED lights, which can be easier to install and adjust. Installing dollhouse wallpaper and flooring before dealing with the wiring made it much harder to add lights later.
8. Not Having the Right Tools
Starting out without the right tools was another big regret. Trying to build without the proper equipment often led to mistakes and frustration. Make sure to have basic tools like a craft knife, ruler, and Grab Fast Tacky Glue to avoid frustration. Having the right tools from the beginning can make a big difference in both the quality of your work and how much you enjoy the process.
9. Rushing Through the Process
A lot of people admitted they rushed through building their dollhouse, only to realize later that careful planning would have saved them from redoing things. Taking the time to plan and double-check each step can prevent costly mistakes. Measuring carefully, checking parts, and thinking through each step before moving forward is really important for a successful build.
10. Skipping Small Details
Small details often got overlooked in the excitement of building. Many people regretted not wallpapering the ceilings or not adding enough details early on. These finishing touches can make a big difference in how the dollhouse looks, so it’s better to think about them from the start.
11. Expecting Everything to Be Perfect
Some people were too hard on themselves when things didn’t go perfectly. Dollhouse crafting is a learning process, and mistakes are a normal part of it. Instead of expecting everything to be perfect, it’s better to enjoy the process and learn from each mistake.
If you’re just starting your dollhouse journey, I hope these shared experiences help you avoid some of the common mistakes. Feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions—our community is always here to help!
I wish you happy crafting!
Lizzy
