DIY Dollhouse From A Bookcase

I'm always excited to share a good DIY project here on the blog. Today's DIY project is extra special. Not only because it turned out so cute or because it was so much fun and also very simple to put together, but because it's going somewhere very special. A few weeks ago, I jumped at the opportunity to partner with Porch.com and Wayfair to create a DIY Dollhouse to be donated to our local children's hospital. 

Instead of starting from scratch or using a pre-fabricated doll house kit to create the structure, I ordered this simple white Bookcase From Wayfair (Wayfair generously provided a gift card for the purchase of this bookcase)...

To make the bookcase look more like a house, I hit up the craft store. To give the structure character and architectural detail I picked up a bag of miniature moldings, a package of mini-windows and a doll-house fireplace.

I grabbed an assortment of scrapbook papers to use as wallpaper and Modge Podge to use as my wallpaper paste. 

I also picked up some craft fur to use as carpeting and a battery operated locker chandelier (that really light up). 

After the craft store, I headed to the toy store for furniture and figurines. I selected a line of dollhouse accessories that are completely plastic, therefore they could be cleaned and sanitized as needed. The bright colors of this collection were the perfect complement to the neutral decor I had planned for the inside of the house itself. 

Once I had all my supplies and a game plan, it was time to get to work. 

The first thing to go into the bookcase was the scrapbook-wallpaper. Each room got a different pattern. Once the Modge Podge wallpaper paste was dry, I began installing the architectural details. The mini-moldings, windows and fireplace received a coat of white spray paint. Then, I attached them to the structure using a hot glue gun. 

I mounted the chandelier using Command Strip Velcro Fasteners. This will allow it to be easily removed and put back into place when it comes time to change the batteries. I cut the craft fur into four sections to fit each room. It made the most perfect shag carpeting.  

The plastic dollhouse accessory kits I purchased to go along with the house include a family of four (Mom, Dad, Sister and Baby), a kitchen set, dining room collection, nursery outfit and a new mini-van for the garage (bottom right compartment). I left the furniture kits and accessories in the packaging so that the new recipients could have the fun of opening them and arranging the furniture inside the house. As a child, I would have loved to be able to do the arranging myself. 

I'm excited to deliver the dollhouse to Detroit Childrens Hospital (DMC) next week. Please visit my facebook page, twitter and Instagram for updates and behind the scenes pics of the delivery. 

My friends at Funky Junk Interiors, Makely Home, A Bubbly Life and Lia Griffith also participated in this partnership Porch and Wayfair. You have to stop over and see their versions of the DIY Dollhouse Project...each one is so unique and totally amazing!!!

Thank you for giving me this opportunity Porch and Wayfair.
Thanks for stopping by!

Four Simple Steps To a Great Bookcase Display

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In my humble opinion, a well styled bookcase is as functional as it is beautiful.  If it looks great, but you can't touch it, it's no fun.  Achieving an attractive, functional display was my goal in Erik and Sara's bookcase project.

My priorities were to showcase family photos, offer discrete storage and keep their favorite books close at hand.   

This project began with a big, empty, beautiful custom built-in bookcase. 

 I used four simple steps (layers) to fill the shelves. 

Implementing the display in layers made it easy to create a balanced arrangement.

The thought of filling a large bookcase in an attractive way can seem overwhelming.

Like any other task, breaking it down into steps makes it manageable.

Here are four steps I used to create this display...

{Feel free to pin}

1.  Books and baskets evenly spaced were the base that anchored the arrangement.

2. Family photos and sentimental items were placed at eye level giving them center stage.

3. Attractive "filler" accessories in a common color (sea glass green) unified the display.

4.  I finished with a little bling.  Mercury glass accessories added sparkle and depth. 

(Chevy)

Although this guy kept me company while I worked, he didn't have any strong opinions. I think overall, he is happy with the way the project turned out.  He may be disappointed that I didn't put his photo in the new bookcase.  To make it up to him, I'd like to give him a special shout out here, on the blog. 

Your a good boy, Chevy.

A few helpful styling tips…If I get stuck, I step away for a few minutes and usually return with fresh eyes.  If something still seems amiss but I can't put my finger on it,  I'll snap a quick digital photo.  A photo can sometimes offer a new perspective making the problem obvious. 

In this case, the clients had a beautiful collection of books, gorgeous family photos and pretty sentimental items that made it easy to create a great display.  Not to mention, the custom bookcase itself was easy on the eyes.  Erik and Sara, thank you, for letting me share our project.  

More to come on this space!

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*Carpentry/painting by Rob Toth of Grand Blanc, Mi.

**Architect, Christopher Macklin, Macklin Design.