Without trying to be repetitious, this build is especially difficult and has not been a particularly fun project. The kit dating back to the early '90s is machine cut from 3/8th inch poor quality plywood that splinters easily with a rough surface. The cut-outs for doors and windows are rounded rather than squared off, so the house directions say to square the corners for a better fit. I forgot to do that for the windows on the second left, but it didn't seem to matter.
The mansard roof with its angled sides is also difficult to glue together. I assembled the second floor side before I installed the second floor which would be the roof. I could give a whole discussion on how to assemble this house, but I won't because it is not available now unless it shows up eBay or some other sales forum. If so, contact me. Briefly, I should have installed the second floor then built the walls.
As a result, nothing fits rights--at least in this case. But the second floor is installed and the roof is on. There are gaps, but wallpaper and moldings will cover them up. No will know--but you and me. 😊
According to the directions, this is order for the pieces.
With the window taped in place, I began stacking the pieces.
And that is how the window fits together. So I glued each piece in place after I had the main window in place.
Once I figured out the order, I was able to get the dormer windows in place. Now I have to refigure my roof.
Once the ceiling was in place, the gaps were apparent. I knew they would be there due the uneven sizes of the wall panels. I don't know how I messed up on that so badly and that mistake has ruined the entire experience for me. However, when working with these old kits is indeed a challenge. So, I must figure out how to cover the imperfections--I am really good at that.
Good Grief
I have installed the crown molding, which cover up the gap, but there still gaps to deal with.
My Secret Weapon
Easy to apply. You can either apply it to your finger and rub it in place or just squeeze the tube to run a bead of caulk across the gap. Then I wet my finger and run it over the bead of caulk to smooth it out.
I do tend to lose my confidence in dollhouse assembling when I see the the beautiful houses on Instagram and Facebook then I realize that the newer kits are easy to assemble--not mistake proof by any means--but they do not present the problems of the older kits.
This is my 5th build and certainly the hardest. This house definitely is not for a beginner.
I noticed a new follower: Welcome Alice. I'm not so sure that blogging is a popular as it once was and there are some fabulous artists and builders out there who now use InstaGram, which Ann's Dollhouse Dreams is there, but I've not posted much. I do post some tutorials on Facebook Dollhouse Miniatures Tutorials & DIY, but I love the blog the most. So thank you for dropping by.
One last note: A huge thank you to George at CR2s (https://cr2s.com/) where I purchase my power supply for the dollhouses. I emailed the company with a problem, received an email on Sunday to call him if his instructions in the email did not work. I was raised not bother people on Sunday, but the email said to call, so I did. He was so helpful, and after trying his suggestions, I emailed him back and said I'd just order a new piece. He so very generously sent me a new part without charge. Thank you, George. I love your products and appreciate your service and generosity. He has great YouTube tutorials on how to electrify a dollhouse, too.
Seriously speaking, this is one great reason to buy American. I have had several occasions to call companies: Minatures.com called me in regards to an order--such a sweet woman. I emailed HouseWorks, the company that milled all of the beautiful wood building supplies--trim, molding, doors, window, cabinet kits. That lady called me! She loved to visit and gave me few tips. Sadly, she has passed. HouseWorks sold to Miniatures. com who is now run by Miniature Crush, a Texas company, that is now one my favorite suppliers.
If you are working with LEDs, Evan Designs is a great company with great customer service. For me they are local company in Ft. Collins, CO, while I'm not sure if they have a store front, they have excellent customer service--I've spoken to them on the phone, too. I use them for all of my battery operated LEDs lamps and lights. Great instructions online, too. https://evandesigns.com/
For kits, Real Good Toys, is my go to, another great phone experience with customer service.
Sometimes we do pay more when we buy locally or buy American made, but it is the neighborly thing to do and when we find ourselves in a bind with a product or task, the help is often just a phone calla way.
I'll be letting the Newbury rest for awhile as I move to the other side of the basement workshop to open up my card making studio to my DAR friends to make Veterans Day cards for our veterans in two care facilities: the Cheyenne, WY VA nursing home and Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose, CO.
One last note: I'll be monitoring comments before they are posted to avoid spam. In the decade that I've been blogging, I've never had spam comments until the last post and I don't know how to get rid of either! So be patient for your comment to post.
See you soon. And thanks for dropping by.
Ann
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