Did you know that a cardboard box that often ends up in the bin can become a great base for creating a toy dolls’ house? All it takes is a little imagination, the right materials and some free time to create something really special together with your child. A dolls’ house like this is not only great fun, but also an eco-friendly approach to recycling. In this guide you will learn how to make a dolls’ house out of cardboard and how to furnish it.
What will you need to make a cardboard dolls’ house?
Before you set to work, gather all the essentials in one place. Here are the materials and tools that will enable you to create a unique dolls’ house:
- A cardboard box – This will be the base of the house. By joining several cardboard boxes together, you can create a house with more floors.
- Glue – paper glue, wood glue or hot glue will be suitable.
- Cutting tools – sharp scissors, a paper knife or wallpaper cutter will enable you to cut the cardboard with precision.
- Drawing tools – a pencil, a ruler, an eyedropper and a compass will be useful.
- Decorative materials – you can use, for example, tissue paper, ribbons, decorative ribbons, decorative papers and foils or even cotton wool to decorate your dolls’ house.
Once you have prepared everything you need, make sure you have a safe space to work in. If you are working with a child, be sure to protect them when cutting and gluing the pieces together. You can use new cardboard boxes for building, but if you’re wondering what to do with cardboard boxes after you’ve moved house, making a dolls’ house or its components out of them can be a hit.
How to make a dolls’ house out of cardboard step by step?
Once your materials are prepared and your work space is ready, you can get started. Start by thinking about the look of the house and preparing a sketch of the building. When your design is ready, follow our instructions:
- Prepare a cardboard box – a square box works best. Close and tape it firmly, then cut off one side evenly.
- Create the rooms – you can use further cardboard boxes or paste partitions into the finished block. Remember to include doorways between the rooms and windows on the side of the house.
- Finish the walls – you can use decorative paper or pieces of wallpaper to cover the outside and inside walls.
- Make a roof – most dolls’ houses have a sloping roof. How do you make one? Glue a piece of cardboard folded to form a triangle to the finished building.
Note that it will be crucial to use good glue. Use wood glue or hot glue to strengthen the structure. When applying glue from a glue gun, make sure that the glue layer is as thin as possible.
How do I make cardboard dolls’ furniture?
Both a small doll’s house and a large palace must have the right furnishings. The basis will be the furniture. When the main structure is ready, you can start to furnish the house. Making small pieces of furniture may seem complicated, but once you get started, you’ll find that it’s not difficult.
Use a round piece of cardboard and matches or thin sticks to make the tables. You can wrap the legs of the furniture with ribbons and decorative tapes. Thick ribbons can also be used to make sofa covers, cot linen or table covers. On the other hand, you can cut out a bed base from cardboard, as well as cupboards, chests of drawers and even a washing machine or bathtub.
How can you creatively decorate a cardboard dolls’ house?
You can decorate the finished house to give it a personal touch. Curtains or tissue paper curtains can be an interesting idea. It is also worth considering lighting up the house – to do this, simply place strings of LED lights or individual lamps. On the other hand, you can make windows out of shiny transparent foil, and flowers out of paper to place in plasticine pots. Rugs can easily be made from a piece of carpet or felt.
Give cardboard boxes a new life and make them into a unique dolls’ house!
A dolls’ house is another innovative use for cardboard and a way to creatively transform it. Creating such a construction yourself is great fun, and you can invite your child to join in. Designing, decorating and preparing even the smallest elements together will be a great way to spend time with your little one and strengthen your relationship.
Thanks to this guide, you already know how to make a dolls’ house from cardboard step by step, how to furnish and decorate it. Now it’s time to get down to business. If you need materials, our shop offers everything you might need to make a cardboard dolls’ house.