How to Save Money on Dollhouse Accessories

Dollhouse miniatures collectors vary in age but all of them know that their hobby can quickly become expensive. So, any ideas or ways to save money on accessories are usually welcome. Use these helpful hints to save money on a potentially wallet busting hobby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paint
• Furniture kits
• Scrap lumber
• Local papers

1. Set a budget to help you save money, whether beginning your collection or just starting a new project. Setting a budget keeps you from spending too much at one time and it gives you a shopping guideline. For example, your budget determines whether you buy a $50 kit versus a $500 kit.
2. Semifinish parts or rooms of the dollhouse up front to allow you to spread your purchases out over time. For example, paint all walls and floors in coordinating colors at first and add wallpaper, carpet or tile later to each room to prevent spending a large amount of money to finish the entire interior at once.
3. Create your own furniture or items using an inexpensive furniture kit or scrap lumber. Once your budget allows, you can purchase more professional items to fill out your room or replace your homemade ones. Use magazines such as Dollhouse Miniatures that provide these projects.
4. Join or visit miniatures clubs or shows. These clubs often have workshop days where member trade work or create new items. These organizations such as the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME), may also have discount agreements with local shops or online retailers.
5. Shop local sales at craft stores to save money. Hobby Lobby periodically discounts its entire dollhouses and accessories section. Look for other money saving opportunities in your community at yard sales, garage sales or thrift stores.
6. Enlist others to help you save by posting want ads in community papers or club newsletters or asking friends and family to watch for bargains that you can adapt to your collection.
7. Look in different craft disciplines for miniatures or items you can adapt to your hobby. A person who does ceramics might have miniature plates or china at a lower price than an item created specifically for a dollhouse miniature collector.