Doll House

If you think that doll houses are just for kids, think again. This is a serious hobby with fans all over the world, and still growing in popularity. Sure, there are plenty of children's doll houses, some pretty impressive ones that anyone would be tempted to have a play with. But the sort of houses that we are looking at here, for the serious hobbyist, they are just too good for kids! Why should they have all the fun? Join us here for a glimpse of why people love their doll houses?

Doll houses (or dollhouses in the US) have been around for centuries but for the last hundred years or so have been largely aimed at the toy market for children, only recently there has been an interest in the doll house as a hobby. For many hobbyists, the passion began with the house they had a child, and became a specialised hobby in adulthood. Most of us have fond childhood memories of playing with dolls in their houses, and didn't want to give it up! The elaborate display doll houses in the homes of wealthy European women 400 years or so ago gradually gave way to smaller, more everyday models which were accessible to the ordinary household. Once doll houses became toys, certain restrictions were placed on them for safety reasons. So there is a big difference between the doll houses sold as toys today and those bought or made by the hobbyist.

Whether you want to make your own doll house or buy one ready made, there is lots on the market to get you started. Making your own can be satisfying and a great outlet for your creative urges and you can be as innovative as your skills allow. Your house will be as unique as you are, and can be a great family heirloom. You can make something for both you and your children to enjoy together. You can then go on to make the furnishings and fittings to go in your house. Most hobbyists use MDF or plywood for their creation, but you can always improvise. It can be as big or small as you like. When it comes to materials for the furniture, anything goes; it?s amazing what people come up with.

If you want to buy your doll house and select the pieces to go in it, you can create just as unique a house as the handyman. Doll houses are often in historic styles like Tudor, Georgian or Victorian. There are so many outlets for you to choose from, try looking online, in craft magazines, through craft shops and maybe there is a club or group near you. Working with other fans is sure to get your imagination fired up. It can be very inspiring to see the work that others have created, so have a look at pictures in books from your library or on the internet. And don't stop at just a house either; many people go on to produce whole towns with commercial buildings and streets. As long as you have got the space, you can keep going.

Whether you are a beginner or a confirmed fan, we want to hear from you. Bring your ideas and questions here and let's see how many of you out there are loving your doll houses!