The Colonial Dollhouse: How to Make Your Own Early American Dollhouse with Colonial Furniture and Accessories for under $50

by Phyllis Gift Jellison

Here is an easy and fun way to make a beautiful six-room, three-story Early American dollhouse with miniature period furniture and accessories complete down to the bird's next in the eaves and slices of bread on the kitchen table. This book demonstrates that the art of making authentic miniature houses and furniture does not have to be difficult, expensive, or limited to the experts.

The colonial dollhouse, which is made from cardboard carton, may be constructed and furnished with the simplest materials and tools... cardboard, balsa wood, mat board, glue, a knife, paint and paper, fabric, and clay. The degree of difficulty and challenge will depend upon your choice of tools, wood types, and joining techniques. Complete step-by-step instructions and scaled patterns are given for making the dollhouse and its contents. Furniture construction techniques are discussed in detail and there are over 30 patterns for authentic 18th century pieces including a ladder-back chair with rush seat, ball-and-bell four-poster bed, Pennsylvania Dutch dry sink, candle stands, upholstered chairs, spinning wheel, and much more.

The patterns are drawn to size so that they can either be traced or worked from the dimensions given. Directions and patterns are also provided for an array of accessory items, including kitchen utensils, light fixtures, mirrors and pictures, rugs, drapes, etc.

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1977