Elizabeth's Birthday Dollhouse

Well, we finally did it!  We refurbished my old dollhouse my granddaddy made me.  He built it for me in I think 1983.

 

We found the photos from the Christmas it was given to me.  There I am with Stephen.  What a surprise! 

We have been talking about redoing this for years, and finally Elizabeth asked for a barbie house for her 7th birthday.  We actually got this all completed start to finish in 1 week. 

Our task list included:
Cleaning
Sanding
Painting
Trim
Flooring
Walls
Furniture/Decor

First, my mom had the lucky job of cleaning all the rat crap and dust off of it.  It has been sitting in a basement or attic for 25 years.  Here is what we started with:

The house was wired for lighting, but was never successfully installed.  Original kitchen needed major cleaning and minor repairs, original vanity, jacuzzi tub, and handmade curtains by Mia :)

 

Nice 80's kitchen!!  Missing a few doors, equipped with double oven!  Pretty nice kitchen for 1983.

 

Tub up top actually bubbles when you fill it with water and press the pump.  Too fun!

 

 

The painting begins!  We spent probably 3 full days while Elizabeth was at school painting the exterior and interior.  Momma helped with all the trim and exterior, as well as the bedrooms, ceilings and shutters.  Betty came and helped last Friday.  Madeline did a great job at keeping this all a secret!

 

Time for some before and afters:

 

 

 

Den Before

 

 

Den After

 

Hardwood shelf paper flooring.  Momma made the couch out of Styrofoam, cigar boxes, and fabric.  She even made the throw pillows and drapes to match!  We printed the art and put in an old frame.  The lamp came with a furniture set. Coffee table is a fossil watch tin, TV stand is a coaster holder upside down.  TV is a frame with printed photo and plastic cover.  Books and plant came from Hobby Lobby dollhouse section. Around $3 each.

 

 

Here is a close up of the TV with Elizabeth's favorite show "Austin & Ally".

 

 

 

Love this couch!  The artwork is a Monet, ha ha.  Can't remember where the rug is from.

 

 

Kitchen Before

 

 

 

Kitchen After

 

Flooring is wrapping paper covered with clear shelf paper.  Painted white, we rigged the kitchen with tape, cigar boxes, and printed photos.  Table from target, rug is the famous "Mug Rug" made by Mia! Valance handmade by Mia for me:)

 

There's Barbie in her retro/mod kitchen! Food actually snaps into the table.  Nice!

 

 

Bedroom Before

 

 

Bedroom After

 

Purple bath mat cut up, bed and nightstand from toys r us or Kmart.  Vanity from my old stuff.  Yellow dresser from Target (Clearance jewelry box). Handmade curtains courtesy of Mia. 

 

 

 

This radio really works!  From Shindigs, $6.  See the JB poster on the wall? Ha ha. 

 

 

The old vanity.  Momma stuck a tea light on top, and stuffed monkey :)

 

 

Bathroom Before

 

 

Bathroom After

 

White shelf paper flooring. Barbie logo printed and cut out, placed clear shelf paper around.  Rugs cut out of excess bedroom carpet.  Sticker decals.  Sink and toilet from Target, I think?  Tub was mine.  Heart shaped box from Elizabeth's toy bin.  Drapes courtesy of Mia, with additions from Momma.  The yellow stripe was painted on at the last minute.  Something was missing, we think this added just the right touch.  Took some advice from a friend.  Thanks Shannon!

 

 

 

Can't wait to use the tub!  These dolls are going to be living in luxury!

 

 

Here is the final before and after photo! 

 

 

Before

 

 

 

So, there you go.  Glad to be finally finished.  I know she is going to love it!  Momma and I had the best time.  We laughed and laughed!  Madeline was a pretty good helper, well observer.  Now watch her play with it once...