How to Make a Dollhouse Bookcase

Even inhabitants of a dollhouse need to be well read. One of the most sophisticated rooms in a dollhouse is the library. Sturdy bookshelves hold leather-bound miniature books, framed photos, plants and knick knacks, making the studious room look well lived in. Creating an elegant bookshelf and filling it with clever accessories will enhance your library and the whole doll house. And you don't even have to crack a book.

Things You'll Need

• Balsa wood
• Glue
• Rubber band
• Paper
• Cardstock
• Leather
• Shoe polish
• Gold pen
• Clay
• Wire
• Large bead
• Photos or magazine clippings
• Jewelry findings

Instructions

Bookshelves

1. Create built-in bookshelves by adding horizontal slats to an inset next to a fireplace or between two walls.

2. Make your own bookshelf by constructing a shelf from thin balsa wood. Cut a 6 inch by 4 inch section for the shelf backing. Cut two sides measuring 6 inches by 1 inch and both a top and bottom measuring 4 inch by 1 inch.

3. Glue together the four sides and hold it together with a large rubber band

4. Attach the back and place a heavy object on top while the glue dries.

5. Insert the shelves evenly within the bookcase and glue securely.

6. Add a curved wooden piece or crown molding to the top for ornamentation.

Books

1. Cut a small piece of balsa wood measuring 1 inch by a ½ inch for the book base. Alternately, fold a 6 inch by ½ inch strip of paper into small zigzags, creasing strongly.

2. Trim a piece of leather or heavy cardstock to 2 ¼ inch by 1 inch. Rub with shoe polish for an aged look.

3. Glue the book covering onto the book base. Secure under a heavy object until the glue dries.

4. Line the book edges with a gold pen, adding one or two lines on the book edge.

Decor

1. Press small pieces of clay flat and wrap around a small section of wire to create flowers.

2. Add leaves to the wire and let the flowers air dry.

3. Place several flowers in a large bead or clay flower pot. Place the vase of flowers onto the book shelf.

4. Reduce photos or magazine clippings on a color copier to a miniature size. Or cut out extra small photos from a catalog.

5. Frame the photos with small jewelry findings. Create a frame backing by folding a stiff piece of cardstock in half and gluing to the back of the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak the wood in a tea solution for a natural stain.

• Arrange the books, flowers and paraphernalia on the bookshelves and secure with tacky gum or glue.

Resources

• Buy unfinished dollhouse furniture at DollhouseCollectables.com.