I'm going to show you why turning a shoebox into a dollhouse isn't just a crafty pastime, but also an adventure in creativity that people of all ages can enjoy.
You're going to find out about the materials and tools you'll need, which are mostly everyday items that are easily accessible and how it is made.
A shoebox dollhouse project is brilliant for a couple of reasons. First, it's budget-friendly – you're repurposing materials you likely already have. Second, it's customizable to any concept or style that you prefer.
Collecting the materials needed to build your shoebox dollhouse
There are only a few basic things that you need to build a shoebox dollhouse; a little list of bare necessities, but also things that you can use, but are not a must (just as an example are the trash pieces, as seen in the video below).
- First, look for sturdy shoeboxes that are roughly the same size. This is going to help keep your dollhouse looking uniform and make it easier to stack or attach side-by-side.
- When you have your foundation built, and start with the interior, there are tons and tons of waste and various recyclables that you and your kids could use, like:
Cardboard, popsicle sticks, linen samples, plastic cups, a compact mirror, empty K-Cups, mason jar lids, styrofoam balls, beads, yarn, empty spice caps, stencil floss, empty Phone case boxes or other empty boxes, mason jar, empty water bottles, nerf noodles, and more.
- To glue the shoeboxes together, I'm going to suggest using a hot glue gun because it's strong and sets quickly. Apply the glue generously along the edges you're connecting.
Press the boxes together firmly to make sure they bond well. If you want to create a multi-level dollhouse, stacking the shoeboxes and gluing the 'roofs to the floors' will be the way to go.
Just make sure to let the glue cool completely before you move on.
For dollhouse wallpaper and furniture, however, I would use an all-purpose glue like grab-fast Tacky glue.
- You will also need the next materials for decoration and painting: spray paint, acrylic paint, surfaces paper pads and/or scrapbook paper and/or dollhouse printable wallpaper.
You can make it as simple or as complicated as you want and you can use any of these to your likings!
Constructing and Decorating Your Shoebox Dollhouse
- First, think about the overall look and feel you want for your shoebox dollhouse. They can be as varied as your imagination allows from a cozy cottage vibe to a modern city loft.
Then just glue the boxes together with a glue gun, be careful of the heat the glue brings!
- When glueing shoeboxes together it's important to ensure stability. You might want to consider reinforcing the corners with extra cardboard strips glued into the interior corners of each box.
- After this, you can start with the ceiling, wallpaper or paint the walls, and flooring (I prefer it in this order). This is way more fun and cheaper than decorating a real house. You can even add pieces of cardboard for more floor space.
At this point, you can also decorate the exterior walls and the rooftop.
- Creating the furnishings can be surprisingly straightforward.
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In the video above, by "WhatsupMoms", the whole family created this shoebox dollhouse and it looked like so much fun! 🙂 This is what they did:
- They started with the dollhouse beds where they used easy