Building a Barbie Dream House

I have been meaning to build a Barbie dream house for my daughter for some time. I started thinking I would make a modular system, allowing her to arrange the house any way she wanted. But this became very complicated and did not seem to fit how she wanted to play with her Barbies and house. I built a series of floors, each with a room and a balcony at one end, and a spiral stair at the other. There are three of these floors and a roof deck. I made the Barbie house from ½ inch and 5/8 inch birch plywood, and cut the doorways and stair on the CNC router.
Some of the tools used in this project
Cantilever Clamps: amzn.to/1TJmAFx
DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Router: amzn.to/1TJmFcr
Milwaukee 18-volt Compact Drill: amzn.to/1sj855F
Whiteside Router Bit 1/8-Inch: amzn.to/1NvVwxd
Whiteside Router Bit 1/4-Inch: amzn.to/2bPwUhf
Oshlun 8-1/2-Inch Negative Hook Finishing ATB Saw Blade:amzn.to/1TJmTQJ
FastCap Glu-Bot Glue Bottle: amzn.to/1TJn0vq
3M Peltor H10A Optime 105 Earmuff: amzn.to/1sj80iw
3M Reusable Respirator: amzn.to/2cGwyPL
3M Particulate Filter P100: amzn.to/2bYwhaK
Barbie
Barbie Closet and Fashion Set: amzn.to/2ehGTAj
'Deluxe Modern Kitchen' Battery Operated Toy Kitchen Playset: amzn.to/2euSRG2
Barbie Story Starter Dinner Date Playset: amzn.to/2eF9oWS
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[@briancnc]

I love the way you tell the story Frank, you're an incredible filmmaker. Some of these woodworking youtubers get so caught up in fancy equipment, servo driven moving cameras etc. and forget about the substance. The clean simple shots with hints of stop motion and overlay from sketchup to provide context, and the calm voice overs as you narrate the project, it's a perfect balance. I think it's so neat that you get your kids involved in this stuff at a young age, it's surely something they will never forget. I hope to do the same someday soon with my kids. I think you might have a future architect or interior designer on your hands!

[@frankmakes]

Thanks

[@nicolek4076]

+briancnc At risk of a post saying "I agree", I agree.

[@dejanira2]

Such a inspiring project built by an adult mind guided by a child's mind. Giving your daughter the freedom to imagine as she wishes. Great project, even greater example of a caring parent.

[@mfinney47]

Frank this is one of my favorites of your videos. I built many projects with my daughter as she was growing up and I assure you it will continue. Mine just turned thirty and we still build things together whenever we get a chance. Absolutely the sweetest of all life has to offer!

[@woodstoney]

One of the best thing you've ever done was to involve her with you in your shop. That time together is immeasurable and irreplaceable! Well done Frank!

[@wwaxwork]

What a great build. When I was about Claires age my father built me a dolls house for Christmas I remember helping him work on it in his workshop. I still remember the smell of the wood & the serious discussions we had about paint colors & him finding bits of carpet scraps to go in it. I think that's why I love watching your videos so much they remind me so much of sitting perched on his one rickety stool watching my Dad building things in his workshop, as we called the corner of the garage he set up his tools in. He would have loved your workshop & the modern computer controlled tools so much.

[@Diggnuts]

Well, she installed that kitchen a hell of a lot faster than you did !

[@TaiChiKnees]

What a great dad! My dad made me a dollhouse for Christmas when I was about 6 (I'm 52 now) and I still remember how amazed and excited I was when I saw it on Christmas morning. I loved that dollhouse and spent many years playing with it. I love that you had her help putting it together.

[@GetHandsDirty]

This is so fantastic, I enjoyed every second of the video, the process, the thinking and how Claire actually came to help for a few steps and had the idea very structured in her head. Awesome build and awesome kid!

[@frankmakes]

Thanks.

[@Mikidy303]

Thanks for making me realize I am so old. This reminds me of the projects I did with my daughter, Clara, 15 years ago. You're a good dad.

[@frankmakes]

we are all getting older.

[@PhilipPetrunak]

You only believe that because the people staying the same age are keeping the secret to immortality to themselves, fearing they will be hunted for their endless youth.

[@Mekhanic1]

+Phil Dog Shhhhhhhh

[@cosmosestas371]

Looks like that dollhouse could double as a bookcase after she grows out it. Cool.

[@donknotts650]

Frank probably already had that in mind lol

[@frankmakes]

yes

[@timlaunyc]

Or it can stay a dollhouse so she never grows up.

[@RobRobertson1000]

Lovely project dad. And isn't it wonderful learning our kids different personalities as they grow up? :)

[@Critt3er]

Those memories you've made with with your kids will last a lifetime!! Awesome work, Frank!!

[@Robertlavigne1]

Nice build. Your are an excellent dad. I really respect how you went back to her to ask how you could make something that would work best for her. Too often I find myself trying to convince the kids in my life to play the way I think should be most fun, rather than trying to just be a facilitator for the way they want to play.

[@claredriscoll5092]

Okay, including links to the Barbie play sets was too darn cute. What a great dad!

[@frankmakes]

you can give my wife credit for that.

[@STMwoodturning]

Ii admire how you are willing to apply your wood working talents to something your daughter will appreciate. It shows your love for her as a Dad. It was also nice to see you including her in the process of building the doll house. Too often Dads just focus on "fixing" the problem (I'm guilty of this!) but you listened to Claire & then followed the lead she gave you-BRAVO!

[@sophiedefran]

This is adorable. To see the love and the consideration you and your wife have for your children is truly amazing. I adore how you made a point of going against your usual methods to make this something good for HER; it's Claire's project, and you made it happen. That's phenomenal! Please continue to upload more videos like these! X

[@frankmakes]

Thanks

[@WayneBrownWoodworking]

A memory to last several lifetimes. What a great gift Frank

[@RivertownWoodcraft]

As a father of two daughters, this project really made me smile. Thanks for sharing, and great work Frank.

[@TJgrebdnul]

My dad is a woodworker and being with him in the shop working on things, building projects, are some of my favorite memories.

[@SudburyDave]

Frank that reminds me of a flat my dad built for my sisters dolls. It was fixed floors and stairs. He then made scale size furniture for it. It was fitted with electric lights and power outlets for table lamps. That was 50 years ago, all made with hand tools. It's great to see the interaction of your daughter with you.Keep posting the videos, they are great.

[@frankmakes]

wow, that's cool. I thought about lights, but did not get to it.

[@peterscoley9512]

Thanks for that Frank, cool and inspiring to see another dad who's so proud of his thoughtful and methodical daughter!

[@rgetso]

Claire is an awesome daughter. Ask her to design something new in the Spring and do another build. It's amazing to see a child's mind at work.

[@mc_cpu]

It's good when you have a client that knows exactly what she wants.

[@19Elyse]

I am not usually some one who comments but I just had to tell you that your love for your children really shines through with the way you speak about them and the gentle way you interact with them. It is so lovely to see :) Some of my fondest memories are building things with my Dad in the shop as a little girl and as an adult I am an avid woodworker and maker. You are giving her an invaluable gift with your time and attention. I'm sure she will look back and appreciate it! I cant wait to do the same with my son once he grows out of the suicidal toddler stage haha

[@TonyStrongman]

"A bookcase that she can write the stories that go on it" and there you got me. Cheers Frank, not sure why someone's cutting onions at midnight.

[@flatflo]

I love Calvin's contributions! And Claire is one lucky girl!

[@97quadcam]

Adorable. As bright and interested as she is you may want to bring her in on a few small projects. See if she has an interest in learning woodworking. It always makes me proud to have my daughter helping with that sort of stuff. All of these life skills will be rewarding in her adult years. Keep up the good work, we love watching.

[@daveweber1331]

Very cool. From your daughter's perspective- unforgettable. Precious. Thank you, Frank, for sharing such an intimate, warm moment with us. You'll always be blessed, that you took the time...

[@derunfassbareMazimus]

Frank Howarth. Woodworker, Husband, Dad, Storryteller. Everytime you upload, my World is a bit better. Greetings from Germany

[@CatholicWoodworker]

I'm amazed you were able to keep her attention that long. That's the difference between boys and girls :). I also think it's awesome you bring them into the shop, exposing them to tools, machinery, and the art of creating things. The drawing at the beginning was priceless. Thanks for sharing

[@Paul57T]

Hi Frank. I built a dollhouse for my granddaughter for her American Girl dolls, so the rooms had to be bigger to accommodate the taller dolls But the concept was basically the same. I made it with raw MDF. Since then she has decorated each room with paint and flooring and furniture She loves it and all her little friends want her " Papa" to build one for them Thanks for all your great videos

[@indie825]

Claire is one lucky girl. Who needs a store bought Barbie house when you have a dad that can make one way cooler. You two make a great team!

[@MsRmaclaren]

Awesome, Claire, hope you become a maker when you grow up. Great job designing it! And Frank, you are a great helper!

[@DrumAndBassSoul7928]

When I were young, I had a whole shelf for my dolls with their furniture inside. This video made me nostalgic. I dream of having a workshop to create things like you. Nice video!

[@luckyduckie2000]

So happy that you let the creativity up to Clair. She was the architect and you where construction..Great job

[@Jay2525Jay]

Frank once again you nailed the video, the project and video are brilliant. But the thing that is most beautiful is the relationship with your daughter. Thank you.

[@frankmakes]

aww, thanks

[@kenderman1]

"If I can get a bit philosophical, its a little bit like a built a bookcase, and Claire can write the stories that go on it." I love that. That is a great way of looking at it. Wonderful build.

[@MARKBaid]

What an incredible kindness Frank. I'm sure Clair will have many fond memories of this doll house. Bravo sir Take care my friend Mark

[@SuperYtviewer]

Men see function and utility - Women see purpose and imagination. I love the house and your daughter sees a world to play in that requires (as my dolls did) that they walk up and down stairs and on the floors of the house. It is just the way it is... - Annie Great dad and future (prepare yourself) grandad.

[@dnngskn62]

Very nice father and daughter story. The doll house was icing on the cake.

[@kristenblack3930]

I love this. and the idea of letting your daughter write the stories that go into the house is so sweet and so perfect. thank you for sharing this

[@dhac4925]

I loved the build and the video. I have a six and a two year old. I was thinking of doing something like this with my oldest and again with the youngest when she is around that age. Thanks for the great ideas. I even liked the stairs!

[@ardonull]

its awesome to see some father daughter time. and its beautiful to see how much afford you have for your children.

[@eliasmaximiliano]

amazing house ..and great father!! i love you videos frank!

[@sharonkaysnowton]

Claire is soo blessed to have a daddy like you- You built her book case (doll house) and she can write her own story(decorate it). Merry Christmas 2021 to you both. I hope she still enjoys playing with it. Thank you for this video.

[@9Biloela99]

Frank this is brilliant. Loved seeing barbie pop up during the build.

[@diggerdeb]

Very sweet Frank. Loved what you did to line all the steps up. Simple but brilliant.

[@stephenisbell1749]

I RARELY comment on videos but just had to compliment you; not only on your craftsmanship, but also on your parenting. You seem to be doing a great job! I'm sure she's going to have great memories of this well into her adult life.

[@pmgodfrey]

You have created a lifetime of memories. Brilliant work! I really love how she was part of the whole thing. Good job, Frank. :)

[@tomalcolm]

Frank, I love your narration as much as your work and creativity.

[@MichaelNatrin]

Frank, you are the most impressive maker and storyteller. Thank you for everything that you do. The spiral staircase reminds me of Ben Uyeda's recent video.

[@NornerNlhoutbewerking]

That's really awesome Frank. And I love how you involve your children into the work you do. They can learn from the best. I try to take my son as often as possible into the shop.

[@RicardoJunqueira]

Pretty cool project. I´d have done the pinning between floors with a shallow dado with biscuits (or dowels) glued only to the top part. Great project Frank. Really nice one to do with the kids. And you can also extend it with her painting the walls and stuff like that. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidaue579]

Fantastic build, absolutely love that you involve the kids in some of your projects. Keep up the great work!

[@frankmakes]

Thanks, getting them involved while i can

[@res0ijo7]

Wow very impressive, it reminded me of past memories of my grandfather and I when he would have me help with such projects. Now woodworking is a true passion of mine for the past 30 years. Great way to inspire and pass on to a newer generation.

[@Florensia8]

It'll be interesting when your kids grow up and watch your videos to see what they think. Great video as always!

[@ICanProbablyDoThat]

That last "bookcase" comment at the end really tugged on the heartstrings. Great video!

[@jonathancook4022]

I think its wonderfull that your children should grow up in such a great envioroment. I did, and it did me a lot of good. No practical skill seems too hard for me to learn and enjoy!

[@rwhope]

Beautiful work. What an awesome Daddy/Daughter project!

[@We_Reddit]

I must admit that this house was a LOT bigger than i thought it'd be. Lol. Great work.

[@frankmakes]

Barbie is kind of tall.

[@jorgenlannock]

tall and thin, so that's why barbie lives in a thin, high house ;-)

[@paulkelly1702]

An heirloom gift for sure Frank. I know her daughter will play with it too.

[@cashh_a]

This is absolutely adorable!!! Wish I had such a house when I was a child! Great job, Frank and Claire! She seems to be really concentrated here in this video, it's amazing☺️

[@wbrjr820]

Hey Frank, I just warnt to thank you for all your stuff you are building. It is always cool to see your Videos! Thanks!

[@ViktorSobota]

Lovely. just lovely. I loved how You realized it is Her dollhouse, not Your. As soon as I saw the drawing I started to imagine all the cool ways, to make it modular and fit in different configurations. I imagined my dollhouse. Good lesson. Often it's not about what I want, but what they imagined. Cheers Frank!

[@frankmakes]

Thanks, yes

[@michaelmoss5976]

You're a hero to her now, Frank! Good job!

[@tooljunkie555]

can't beat daddy daughter time in the shop.") the way u made those stairs was really cool! as always GOOD STUFF MAN!!🖒💥🍻💥

[@barretthageman3350]

Very cool. You get her to help more than I can get my 3 sons to, and they are all in their 20s. LOL. When the grandkids come a doll house is top of my list.

[@stetsonator]

The quicker you realize that the women of the house are always right! Your assigned tasks will progress more efficiently! Definitely an awesome Mom & Dad! Top-shelf.

[@caliaguilar4]

It was so fascinating to see you build that staircase. I would never have thought of making it that way! Great job, I really like watching your videos!

[@craftedworkshop]

Amazing work, Frank. Your videos give me so much inspiration.

[@dreambydesign808]

Frank, I started watching your videos years ago with the French cleat, and its really amazing to see the growth of your channel and your craft. I just want to say its very great to see you do your thing and keep going. It is very entertaining as well as informative.

[@kookyflukes9749]

nice job frank. great building stuff for the kids and letting them help too.

[@bengesell]

Excellent work for such a sweetie. Totally inspired to do something like this for my daughter!

[@kaden56]

So cool! I love that you involved her in the design and then even the build. I feel like that is so much more meaningful than just a surprise.

[@pdxminecraft]

Super Dad! That is better then anything my wood worker dad ever made for me and my sister. Love your videos, especially love the commentary as you give insight as to why you are doing something the way you are.

[@novotwist808]

Every piece you work with is very detailed but this video made me so excited the result is just flawless

[@Maxid1]

When my Dad was home and working in the shop, if he'd turn left or right, there was a very good chance he'd hit me in the forehead with his elbow. I didn't ask questions, I just watched and soaked it all in. My Dad was the one that did all the talking. Telling me what he was doing and explaining what he just did wrong (trapzoidal cabinet doors, backward and upsidedown part mistakes,etc). He was very generous and transparent with me, as proud of a man as he was. I owe him for my accuracy because I don't make any of those mistakes. I make some of my own though...

[@dennisdownes9319]

I wish I had a set of stairs in my house like that! Great job!

[@marceaton3128]

Frank, your attention to detail is amazing.

[@benbencom]

I like that she can use it as a bookcase or display cabinet as she grows up because the style doesn't force you to think of it as "kid's dollhouse".

[@BryGy]

As with all your other videos, it is the story that captures my interest.

[@suryadavies]

Good job. My daughter enjoyed watching this one

[@Mekhanic1]

Great build Frank! She's going to be a future architect or woodworker!

[@mattlong6359]

frank you are a lovely dad, a great videogragher { I am sure thats spelled wrong so sorry }, and a wonderful philosopher. I like your self have a had a child a little later in my life . So it is wonderful see a guy a bit like myself traveling through time ...,much respect and props and what ever the coolest kids are saying these days ..IF I get a vote ....? Love when you do voice overs regarding design etc. I think it's great . All our best from way over on the eastern side of things. Rave on !

[@PistolPat]

Loving those spiral stairs

[@katherinekelly5380]

Love this ! And it brought back lovely memories of playing with a dollhouse - my dolls also always used the stairs :)

[@kevinfinney8849]

Great Project Frank your a outstanding DAD!

[@jorgenlannock]

all the work for making stairs, and that you notice that barbie can fly :D. buy, like said before in the comments, the way you tell it, makes me want to watch the enitre video. great work frank,

[@EMTdrummer]

Someday Clair will realize how lucky she is to have a Dad that can, and is willing to do these kind of things with her... the bad news is it will probably be past the teen years by a few.... nice video... Dave

[@eponymousbosh]

I enjoyed this so much. I love all your videos, but this is one of the best!

[@yehoshafat]

excellent woodworker but even better at being a dad. Way to go!

[@colinwilson7524]

Could not agree more with Briancnc - Great video as always Frank and nice to see you getting the kids involved

[@tkdleigh]

Well...now you've done it. I have to build my daughter a doll house for sure. thank you for your imagination.

[@jadebonable]

very nice result! I bet Claire is happy.

[@jakekimds]

Could you try cutting wooden legos on the cnc? Maybe use dowels for the pins if the grain structure isn't good enough?

[@frankmakes]

I've thought about that.

[@LennardHartman]

Her drawing skills are already better than yours 😅

[@TheAnimystro]

Lennard Hartman so true!

[@sarcigon]

Her practice drawings are my best drawings.

[@DBYNOE]

Lennard Hartman, yes, his daughter's initial rendering and post build attention to detail are quite impressive. She is her father's child after all.

[@juniortran8264]

hey man your 💀💀💀💀💀💀😵🦂🕸🌋

[@ezrasmith3893]

You should make a scale model of your shop, I think that would be cool. Love your videos

[@andrewp.tucker3219]

Love your videos. You're as good of a storyteller as you are a woodworker.

[@zioscozio]

Barbie's voice was so funny!

[@neddyboy01]

Great work as usual Frank. You might need to build Claire a small work bench soon.