Creating Your Own Dollhouse Printables – The Ultimate Guide!

I’ve talked about dollhouse printables quite a bit on my blog, but I thought it was time to write a longer walkthrough with some extra explanation. Why? Because I struggled with this myself for ages (seriously, it was a whole journey—lol).

Of course, there are tons of free printables available online, and you can even find gorgeous ones for a very reasonable price. But stubborn me? I wanted to figure out how to make them myself. DIY all the way!

Let me just say—without using any curse words here—it was not easy to find good information. And honestly, I get it. A lot of creators keep their secrets to themselves, and even the dollhouse magazines I subscribed to were pretty tight-lipped about it.

Yes, I went there—I actually contacted a dollhouse magazine that I’m subscribed to and begged them to write a tutorial about it. I’m that person! 😂

But alas, their response was along the lines of: “Oh, I draw the designs, and my husband uses software to create the printables for the magazine.” And let’s just say, after half an hour on the phone with them, I was still none the wiser.

Fast forward to now, and I’ve figured out a lot on my own! I even have my own Etsy store where I sell dollhouse printables—just wallpaper designs for now, but printable tiles are definitely in the works.

Anyway, long story short, this introduction has been a bit of a ramble. Let’s dive into the actual walkthrough, shall we? 😊

1: Finding the Perfect Images

The foundation of great printables is high-quality images. But not all images are free to use, and understanding where to look can save you time and frustration. Let’s break it down.

1. Public Domain Images

These images are no longer under copyright, making them free for personal or commercial use. Perfect for dollhouse printables! Some fantastic sources include:

• The National Gallery of Art: Browse public-domain masterpieces, from classical paintings to decorative arts. Your dollhouse could have its own miniature Monet!
  
  
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Nearly half a million high-quality images, ideal for historical or artistic touches in your dollhouse.
  
  Or how about creating a Gothic or spooky dollhouse, for example, and get old black and white pictures from their gallery :-).
  
  
• Rawpixel: A great source for vintage prints and whimsical patterns, perfect for unique touches like tiny book covers or kitchen tile designs.
  
  
• Wikimedia Commons: A diverse collection of images, including old maps, fabric patterns, and other quirky finds.
  
  
  

2. Stock Images

Stock photography sites offer an enormous variety of images, but most require a license for use. Sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock can be a great investment if you need specific or professional-looking images.

3. Creating AI images.

I know: using AI to create images is controversial, especially in our miniature world. I hear you.

But believe me: I have created fantastic dollhouse wallpaper designs with this brand new trend and I will keep experimenting with it, as I don’t believe this is ‘stealing’ from other creators, at all.

The wallpaper that I designed so far, looks like nothing I ever saw in real life 😉

Is it ‘stealing’ from other artists’ work? It depends on who you ask.

2. Raster vs. Vector Images – understanding the difference

Knowing the difference between raster and vector images is critical for high-quality results in the world of printables. So here’s what you really need to know:

• Raster Images:
  
  Made of pixels, these are great for detailed designs like photographs or intricate patterns. But beware—enlarging them can lead to blurry or pixelated results.
  
  So stick with high-resolution files, ideally 300 DPI.
  
  
• Vector Images:
  
  These are created using mathematical equations, which means they can be resized endlessly without losing quality.
  
  Ideal for logos, borders, and repeating patterns, like dollhouse wallpaper or floor tiles. Common formats include SVG, EPS, and AI.
  

Pro Tip: If you’re working with raster images, always start with the highest resolution you can find. Enlarging small, low-quality images is a recipe for disappointment.

3. DPI and Resampling: What You Need to Know

DPI (dots per inch) measures the resolution of your image when printed.

For dollhouse printables, aim for 300 DPI to ensure crisp and clear results. If you’re resizing an image, be cautious:

• Upsampling:
  
  Increasing the resolution can make an image larger, but it might reduce quality. Use tools like GIMP, Canva or Photoshop to resample without losing too much detail.
  
  
• Downsampling: Reducing the resolution works better, especially for designs that won’t require much detail.
  
  

If your printable looks blurry or pixelated, chances are the DPI isn’t high enough. Stick to images with at least 300 DPI for best results.

Maybe I am repeating the importance of this latter to much, but that’s just because I think it is important 😉

4. 4 Ways to Edit Your Images

Once you’ve found your images, editing is where the magic happens. Here’s a detailed look at the tools you can use to perfect your printable designs.

1. Canva

Canva.com is a lifesaver for beginners and I have used it a few years now for a lot of my stuff on my website, my Youtube channel and my Etsy store.

Its intuitive interface makes resizing and tweaking images a breeze (well, it can be a bit confusing in the beginning, but that could be my fault lol).

Here’s how you can resize printables in Canva:

1. Upload Your Image: Drag and drop your image into the Canva workspace.
   
2. Resize: Click the “Resize” button and input the exact dimensions you need.
   
3. Adjust: Use the corner handles to scale your image proportionally.
   
4. Export: Save your design as a high-resolution PNG or PDF for printing.
   
   

Need more help? Check out my step-by-step guide on resizing in Canva, there is a video tutorial as well.

2. GIMP

GIMP is a free, open-source alternative to Photoshop. It offers robust tools for cropping, resizing, and adjusting colors. The Scale Image feature is especially useful for resizing without losing too much quality.

Download GIMP: https://www.gimp.org/

3. Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is the gold standard for vector editing. It’s perfect for creating scalable designs like intricate wallpaper patterns or miniature furniture. If you work with SVG or EPS files, Illustrator is a must-have.

Learn more: https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html

4. Inkscape

Inkscape is a free alternative to Illustrator. It’s great for resizing and editing vector files. Use the Trace Bitmap feature to convert raster images into scalable vectors for endless customization.

Explore Inkscape: https://inkscape.org/

5. Choosing the Right Paper

The type of paper you use can make or break your dollhouse printables. Here’s what works best:

• Wallpaper: Matte-finish cardstock paper provides a realistic look.
  
  
• Rugs and Textiles: Printable fabric sheets or glossy photo paper ensure vibrant, durable results.
  You could also print printables straight onto fabrics, like I explained in this blog post.
  
  
• Books and Magazines: Standard printer paper works fine, but for an aged look, give them a teabag wash.
  
  

Pro Tip: For rugs or textured printables, consider layering your design onto thin foam or cardboard to add depth.

6. Tips for Printing and Finishing Dollhouse Printables

Once your designs are printed ( how to print dollhouse printables), I still have a few extra tips for you to consider. (if you are still reading this haha):

• Precision cutting tools are essential to get you those clean edges for your printables. A sharp craft knife or precision scissors will give you just that.
  

• Glue to Use: A regular glue stick is perfect for most dollhouse printables, including wallpaper, flooring, small decorative items like miniature food, furniture, and more. It’s easy to apply, dries clear, and avoids bubbles or warping.
  
  
• Making Floor tiles Glossy: For a realistic tile effect, apply a thin layer of high-gloss Mod Podge or clear acrylic varnish over your paper flooring.
  Check out my guide on making paper dollhouse tiles glossy and realistic for detailed instructions.
  
  
• Seal for Durability: After gluing, seal your printables with Mod Podge (available in matte, satin, or gloss finishes) or a spray sealant to protect them from wear and tear.
  
  This is especially helpful for high-use areas like floors or furniture tops.
  
  
• Prevent Curling: Apply glue evenly across the entire surface and press the paper firmly onto the dollhouse surface.
  
  Use a brayer (a small rubber roller) or a flat tool to smooth out air bubbles and ensure a seamless finish.
  
  
• Test Placement First: Before permanently glueing your printables, use painter’s tape or small bits of removable dots of glue to test their position.
  This ensures proper alignment without damaging the paper or surfaces.
  
  
• Print Extras: Always print a few extras of your designs in case of mistakes. This way, you have backups ready and avoid reprinting (and frustration).
  
  
• Add Texture for Realism: Lightly brush your printables with a dry brush dipped in a tiny amount of paint to create texture. Dry brushing is a much used technique to paint miniatures like for Warhammer figurines.
  
  For example, use white paint to give “wood” flooring a distressed look or metallic paint for subtle accents on furniture.
  

Don’t feel like creating your own printables? Check out my complete list on where to find those dollhouse printies online, for free or for a small fee!

My Final Conclusion

Dollhouse printables allow you to add personal, detailed touches to your miniature projects while staying budget-friendly.

Have any extra tips or favorite tools you use for printables? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear about your adventures (or frustrations) in the world of dollhouse printables!

I wish you happy crafting!

Kind regards,

Lizzy

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