You have already started to make your dollhouse. Having ideas is the start! Generally, people aren’t afraid of “starting”; they are so scared of failing. I think it is essential to think about that for a bit and try to give some thought to whether that is accurate for you or not. If it is the potential failure that you are afraid of you should weigh that out about how you would feel if you have to live with the regret of never trying at all.
Crafting Dollhouse
Trying but not being successful in the end is a failure. In my opinion, not even trying is failing before you also give yourself a chance to learn and have fun. You can learn all of the skills necessary. There are many books at the library, tutorials on Pinterest and videos on YouTube. Just because you don’t know-how now, doesn’t mean you can’t learn. Before you do anything else do some research about it. Try to learn the skills you haven’t learned YET. If you need a little extra help write down what it is precisely it is that prevents you from trying, what you need to learn and improve on. If after your research you decide that you can’t determine what you need them to move on to something else but don’t give up on your dream and don’t give up on yourself before you have fully explored the possibilities. If you want it bad enough, you will take the risk to at least research and learn. You can do it. You can.
Start simple. Draw your ideas in a sketchbook – buy a smaller one to carry around (for when inspiration strikes), and a larger one to keep at home (where you can work out details, dimension, glue in samples of possible materials, etc.).
Seek out resources. I make dolls too (and am also venturing into dollhouses!), and I suggest following dollmakers and wooden dollhouse artists on social media – my favorites are Pinterest and Instagram since they’re visual. This could lead to their websites or blogs, and in the crafting world, I’ve found that artisans are quite generous with sharing tips and tricks of the trade!
More On It
Also, books. Many of the same artists have published books with some of their work, plus instructions on how to make them. If you are initially uncomfortable with designing your own, try one of their dolls to help you become more comfortable. Abby Glassenberg has an excellent book called “Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction” that I pretty much swear by. (She also has a great blog and podcast!)
I made my first doll by hand, and the pattern was from one of those Country Home and Garden mailers in the 80s (they sent you a few models for free, and if you wanted more you could buy a whole set). Every stitch was lovingly, painstakingly handsewn with my little kid hands 🙂 Depending on your preference, your first doll can be a large one (fewer pieces) or a small one (which would take less time).
