How to Use a Bookshelf as a Dollhouse

Often children will figure out how to convert something into a toy before you will. If you are looking for an ambitious project for your little creator, help them convert the bookshelf into a dollhouse. It might also do as a firehouse or headquarters for action figures or even a hospital for action figures. Let their imaginations run wild with an empty bookshelf and a few supplies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Child's wooden bookshelf, books removed
• Dolls or action figures
• Doll furniture, bought or homemade
• Rugs or small pieces of fabric such as washcloths to use as rugs
• Magazines for cutting (optional)
• Scotch tape (optional)
• Vehicles (optional)

1. Remove books from a child's wooden bookshelf and wipe clean if necessary. Provide the child with dolls, furniture and rugs. Each level or shelf of the bookshelf becomes a different story of the house; no stairs necessary.

2. Encourage the child to decorate the house in any way they wish. Even photos or paintings (cut-out scraps from magazines) can be hung on the walls with tape. Rugs and furniture make it homey while small boxes work as furniture (beds, tables, chairs) as well. Use empty plastic containers for tubs and swimming pools and straws for periscopes. There's no limit on how to incorporate household items.

3. Peek in as the child pretends and acts out a scene with the dolls or figures. It's always fun for them to do this with a sibling or friend to "be" the other character.

4. Enjoy the open floor plan as the figures skid across. There should be plenty of space for action, even if this becomes the busy headquarters for superheroes, ready to rescue at a moment's notice. Kids might also imagine this as a castle for princesses.