Dollhouse Kit tips, tricks and tools

Halo mo charaidean! Hello my friends! :)
It has been a while since I uploaded anything, so figured I would start back with some dollhouse kits to get back into the swing of things. Happy to finally have the energy to come back for a while. :)
In this video, I will be giving you some tips and tricks for completing the dollhouse kits you see all over KZbin, as well as sharing some of my favorite tools. These kinds of kits are available on Amazon mostly, and are a relatively inexpensive way to try your hand at making miniatures.
In the video, I mention the KZbinr who has videos for the Billy dollhouse kits from Japan. Keep in mind, he also does tons of other awesome miniatures of his own design, so those kits are pretty far back in his video uploads (as of 2022, they are 5+ years back in some cases). Here is a link to his channel:
HMS2 on KZbin
/ @hms2-miniaturekobo2

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I totally agree with you on kits being a good way to get out of a creative hard spot or even starting in miniatures. You get to take a lot of the planning and design head work out of the equation and just have fun seeing things come together. I am so glad to see a new video from you! You have been missed! I look forward to seeing more on either of these projects!💖

[@Will0wFire]

Totally agree!! I've been following Bentley House for a few years bit beyond making the cardboard furniture pieces, I felt too intimidated to actually begin to make a house. I've just recently bought a dollhouse kit and I'm learning SO much making all the pieces using what's is provided. Once I've made a few of these, I'm sure I'll feel more confident about making something from scratch. The scale though, one these kits is tiny!!!! So I reckon if I can make a plantpot with a plant inside it the size of my thumbnail, I can do almost anything!! 😂

[@kylie6243]

I'm honestly in one of the most depressive funks....and these have made me feel so much better. Thank you, @Skeletorama!

[@sandrabenesch2816]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!!! Omg. I am 64 years old and after 50+ years of doing a lot of needle work of all types I was on Amazon looking for a new craft to do and came across this adorable miniature houses and I just had to try it. So I bought the Building Block Town collection and a couple other ones, but once I got them I looked here in KZbin and like you said, NO ONE shows step by step how to, I know I could just follow the instructions but they too just show pictures of what to do.....kinda....but no names for specific glues to use and other helpful things. Sooooo to make a LONG story short, they have been sitting in my closet for 8 month now.... I just stopped looking for help and went back to thread art, crochet mostly. So AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to make this video. 🥰😘

[@AmeliasMiMi]

I’m late to the game but just deciding to get my feet wet in the land of miniatures. I’ve had a wooden doll house for the past 20 years that needs to be restored and I think this video has been the most helpful to get me started. Thanks so much. I’m so glad I discovered your channel today. ❤️

[@lindapelton9614]

Oh my gosh!!! You have hit the nail on the head. I hope you will be able to follow through on this topic because these doll house kits are not easy. They do not show show the behind the scene details like how to glue correctly. Step by step very slowly how to hook up the wiring. They put them together and makes it look like a snap. They are not. But videos of details would be so so so helpful. No loud music. You are awesome at doing these. I am from Seattle and desperately need tips.

[@normanshadow1]

That was SO helpful. All the kit videos I've seen just have music. Thanks!!!

[@alphonsinelepitre1992]

Thank you for the tips, especialy the glues one 😊. The kits are indeed a good starter to experment, have fun and meditate 😃 see you in a next one !

[@janealace]

Thank you. I am just getting in to this hobby. Your help is appreciated.

[@danarae6758]

So glad you're alive and back! Thanks for sharing!

[@lindapelton9614]

I really appreciate you sooooo much. Especially when talking about the different companies.

[@jodidonovan3191]

We all missed you! So happy you are back in the game! Love watching you xoxox

[@mariedanks663]

thankyou so much for your tips about tools and glues.You are a life saver.looking forward to future videos,

[@PinkOkraArts]

Yay!!!! You're back. So happy to see you!! I made your library art doll (design) and then used those videos to make a witch doll kit this October. My daughter (8) and I made our first kit, the Chocolate Shop, a year ago....I wish I'd known which glue to use for that dust cover then!!! Can't wait for this series bc I've got so many kits to make!

[@skeletorama1916]

Thank you, and a witch doll sounds awesome! :) How did your daughter enjoy the kit? There are so many cute ones, I ran out of space a bit and had to slow down with them, so have just been stockpiling them...lol. I have the first video done (minus a little editing), should hopefully upload it tomorrow. Did the little tin first. :)

[@teresavanearden7458]

Totally the gateway drug ! I started with a 1/12 dollhouse that my mom got me for Christmas… now I am obsessed!

[@janelee4232]

I have been doing miniature’s for years, and I love the kits..thank you so much for this video..in particular the different glue that you use. I have always struggled with the dust covers but can’t wait to try the liquid cement. Thank u again.

[@pamelagillikin9056]

Thanks for sharing the tips

[@denisebutcher7717]

Thank you so much now I feel better about putting my first kit together

[@juliedennis8733]

Amazing . Thank you for making this content. Very helpful.

[@LL-ex1gp]

Great video thank you! ❤

[@tinykeyholeminis]

Wait!!! Your Back!!!! Yaaaaaay🥰❤❤❤ I have missed you! And I asked Ara to check in on you!! So glad you are back!! Thank You for coming back!! I started to get worried for a bit hoping you were in good health!

[@skeletorama1916]

Thank you so much! And she did check in, which was very sweet.....so sweet for you to ask her to as well. :) It comes and goes, but tired of it taking away my fun things, so now I just have my phone's bad behavior with lighting to contend with (again)....lol!

[@albertlecuyer6761]

I am delighted to have found this channel. Your explanation of adhesives alone makes this video worth subscribing to your channel. If information was liquid my computer desk would be dripping wet right now.

[@skeletorama1916]

Glad I could help, the glue thing can get a bit complicated at times....never thought I would have as many adhesives as I do...lol! :P

[@815ashleyp]

Wow, this video was fantastic. I learned so much. Thanks!

[@TiYvM2]

Yes my Children and I loved Borders, just broke our hearts when it went away. Very nicely done.😂

[@skeletorama1916]

Us former Borders booksellers still have a very active Facebook group, and miss it like it closed last week. :) (Even though it has been almost 12 years!) :)

[@marybrewer739]

Wow This is really informative and easy to understand ! Great job. Thanks. I appreciate the explanation of the different types and uses for glue. Who knew? LOL

[@sothatschy]

Yes I was thinking about getting into kits but they didn’t explain what supplies to get or tools you might need. I been looking for a video like this.

[@HOKUINHI]

Thank you so much for talking! I just got a few kits in & have no idea where to start. Hoping this would be another outlet for my stress & recovery from some very traumatic few years. But…..finding instructions has been so difficult! I just want to know the basics like glue & steps & where to start! Sending love & appreciation!

[@skeletorama1916]

Glad it is helpful for you! Getting lost in the little details of some of these kits can be a great way to get your mind to quiet down, and process things....hope your new interest brings you some peace, wherever you are on your journey in working through your last few years.

[@theresacreativestudio]

This was so helpful thank you so much, my first kit was a disaster, with all these tips the next one will be so much better

[@suburnett701]

That was super helpful, thank you so much!!!

[@Meesha1994]

I’m just starting out and found this really useful so thank you

[@5SteeleLife]

Thank you!! Your list plus explanations were very helpful. If you ever decide to do that amazon list I think that would be very helpful.

[@neverwares]

My gateway to minis was making tiny books for my apothecary shelf 🤣 I have a cute little magic bookshop kit on the way and plans in my head for at least three dioramas

[@lindapelton9614]

You are the best....Keep going

[@user-jk1vo5yq9y]

Hi I enjoyed your videos. I'm japanese but I don't even understand some of the instruction from BILLY's kit lol😂Their inst. is not user friendly for beginners. If you are experienced, then you can figure it out. And I also like to use HM2 acct., he does excellent work! That's why I buy what he made in the past 😊 PS: however BILLY's kits are the best type once completed. They produces one of the best. And Chinese made kits are easier to make, I think. Bcoz it comes with ENG manual.

[@nicholephelps6654]

Thank you sooooo much for this video. I’ve made one kit so far and I loved it. Since then I got the “friends “ miniatures houses. Joey and Monica’s apartments. No glue came with the kits, so I’ve been struggling. Your video really helped me to understand the types of glue needed. Thank you soooo much.

[@skeletorama1916]

Those kits look so fun! 😁 Where did you find them?

[@nicholephelps6654]

My husband found them online. If you just google them it will bring you to where you can buy them.

[@veronicasalinas511]

Thank you so much. This was so helpful. I just got my first dollhouse

[@skeletorama1916]

You are quite welcome, and hope you have fun with your first dollhouse! They are addictive, though, so watch for that....lol! :)

[@RagePixie]

this was really helpful thank you. i'm new to building mini's and stuff so allot of what i've learned has been more error than success. My small kit's are mostly held together with just Beacon 3 in 1 with a little PVA on the side's. I use to make resin stuff so I've used allot of my old stuff from that but i did find UV resin was good for things like liquid effects in cup's and noodle bowls and stuff or anything with water. I've made some cool running water effect's with it, kind of like a frozen moment. but i hear you on the small tiny things just disappearing. i learn hard and fast not to cut everything out from the get go. follow the instruction book and don't jump ahead :)

[@skeletorama1916]

I have seen people use UV resin as glue for minis too, but I haven’t been brave enough to try that one!

[@zendoragrey]

Thanks for the tips. I'm stating to get into this using Temu kits.

[@christywhitmire5565]

I'm so glad that you are doing this the way you are. I try to find those few and far between video's that the person is talking without the music and or just the sounds of the working and process of the task. Anyway the music drives me nuts. Tank you

[@theresaglass1831]

🤣🤣🤣 yah I saw that bathroom by the kitchen one, seriously! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rihamafify]

About to get started, my very first one, ended up with a really large 3 floor house, never knew they take much time/effort so just picked what I loved, OMG never knew what I was actually doing to myself!! 🫣😂 Thank you so much, will go and buy those tools, looks will need them all! 🙄😫😁

[@skeletorama1916]

You've got this! Picking what you love is the best way, and don't worry if it seems like you stop and start...we all do. Just watch out, it is a bit addictive, so you may find yourself planning the next one before you are done with the first....lol! :)

[@annaweatherbee6891]

This is fabulous. I have done about 4 or 5 kits now and you taught me so many things I wish I knew earlier. Specifically the glues for metal and plastics. And I already had 4 types of glue! Still need more! 😂 Bookmarked the vid and series for future reference. Thank you!

[@skeletorama1916]

Happy it was helpful, and yes, always need more glue....lol! :D

[@fieldysgrl98]

I only use the beacon glue for my mini dollhouses. I might check out that gorilla wood glue.

[@skeletorama1916]

It is good stuff, and no volcano action when it gets low...lol! That being said, I do love my Beacon glues too, and for some things, it is unbeatable. (Like wallpaper and shingles)

[@traciewilliams8385]

Omg! I love you! All the stupid music videos. I have searched high and low for people that TALK! Thank you so much. I don't care if you never make another video. I'm just feel so validated. I feel like you can learn anything on KZbin. Except doll house stuff. For whatever reason they all think your looking to listen to royalty free music. Why??? 😢 Again I'm sorry it took me this long to find you. I'm going to subscribe and check out ALL your videos. Thank you so much!

[@traciewilliams8385]

As I'm watching you are getting the one i WANT. LOL The cat Cafe. So now I know you're truly my spirit animal. Thanks again!!

[@skeletorama1916]

That is the same frustration I had, and is exactly why I do these. (only use music when I fast forward through something that takes ages...lol) Hope you enjoy the rest of them, and thank you for reminding me why it is worthwile to keep making them!

[@sparkle5164]

I've started 2 different kits (a tiny tin one like you showed and a greenhouse with my mom) however I couldn't finish either of them because of how messy everything got. I just got glue EVERYWHERE. plus my tweezers were trash. 😭 I really want to try again and hopefully do it a bit better this time...

[@lmdj76able]

Great information, thank you! Question: what do you use for the electrical wiring? The white tape those kits provide is horrible, do you think using electrical tape would be a good idea? Also I found a Beacon spray glue at the dollar store that is amazing for gluing the wallpaper and flooring, and yes, it’s water based, but somehow works great!

[@skeletorama1916]

Isn't that 'tape' the worst?!?! Yes, electrical tape works beautifully, and I trust it way more that that stuff they put in the kits! Thanks for the Beacon spray glue tip, I am going to have to try it out. Would for sure make wallpaper and flooring easier to do, and coat way more evenly too. :)

[@newbie6296]

I started building kits really enjoyed it but have run out of room for them when done. what do you do with all of your finished kits?

[@skeletorama1916]

I have a few shelves in my craft room for them, but have slowed down a bit with those because I am starting to run out of room. Luckily they fit nice on the smaller shelves, so if you put them high enough, they can go all around a room and hold quite a few. I have seen quite a few people use a bookshelf just for their kits too, which may be my next option.

[@mybigparty6059]

I have made 3 already, just ordered the tea house

[@skeletorama1916]

The tea house was so much fun, so many little details to make. One of my all time faves. :)

[@taylorcampbell1222]

What all do you need to get started with miniature dollhouse

[@kylie6243]

Each kit comes with different glues, and it drives me nuts. One I have, you have to hold for 20 years and after it's dried you're no longer wanting to finish it LOL. I did a kit called Holiday Times, a Christmas house....and trying to glue pieces of plastic tree to things made me want to cry. PS, hope you're feeling better!

[@skeletorama1916]

I save that glue right in the trash! Just when you think it starts to hold….psych! Ugh! Hate it so much! 😂

[@nanaof6babies]

Do I have glue? Oh I've got some glue. Lol I subscribed right then!

[@princessspecialk5690]

Yay BORDERS!!! 😻

[@skeletorama1916]

I sure do miss that place!

[@mitzimoo8490]

I’m using mdf to make my room boxes with but they keep coming apart, what am I doing wrong I’ve tried quite a few glues but must say these are a few I haven’t tried. Thank you for the video ❤

[@skeletorama1916]

E-6000 works the best for me with mdf, but my pieces aren't as large. Still may be worth a shot, though! :)

[@annettetiedens3958]

Thank you, thanks I really appreciate; your information about glues. I have most of the glues you have but like you I couldn't figure out what to use on the dust covers. I to love gorilla wood glue. But, could you please write the name of the dust cover glue when you have time. I was very sorry to hear you were ill I know a little about that as I have struggled with it to. I hope you get better soon.

[@skeletorama1916]

Of course, it is the Tamiya Extra Thin Cement....here is a link to it on Amazon as well, so you can find it a bit easier www.amazon.com/Tamiya-87038-Extra-Thin-Cement/dp/B000BMYWYC/ref=sxin_17_ac_d_bv?ac_md=3-1-VW5kZXIgJDIw-ac_d_bv_bv_bv&content-id=amzn1.sym.8f2bf95d-b9c2-4e6d-96a9-5fdf77a1951d%3Aamzn1.sym.8f2bf95d-b9c2-4e6d-96a9-5fdf77a1951d&crid=2NBKEJRPWL78J&cv_ct_cx=tamiya+cement&keywords=tamiya+cement&pd_rd_i=B000BMYWYC&pd_rd_r=a1828b43-f064-4633-b7d2-839d6e480fa5&pd_rd_w=bD76A&pd_rd_wg=mj0n7&pf_rd_p=8f2bf95d-b9c2-4e6d-96a9-5fdf77a1951d&pf_rd_r=WJSKS5R84WD0X6BC0282&qid=1678564576&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=tamiya+cement%2Caps%2C384&sr=1-2-270ce31b-afa8-499f-878b-3bb461a9a5a6

[@Crewp879]

I have a question. I have the Victorian Alison Jr house from hobby lobby. It has three floors plus a tower. So far it has been great but now im to the third floor and it is bowing up. Have any tips for what i should do?

[@skeletorama1916]

When the piece is not in the dollhouse is it flat? If so, it is probably just tight somewhere…which can be fixed with sanding at the part that is receiving the most pressure. Just a little sanding, refit and see if that helps, and repeat. Best to do a little at a time so it doesn’t go the other way and fit too loosely.

[@sodkasjunkie]

How do I find the kits that include the dust jackets?

[@skeletorama1916]

It will usually show it with one in the main photo or list it in the description. Thankfully, it seems they come with them more often than not. :)

[@tinykeyholeminis]

So if your born and raised in Japan does that technically make you Japanese?!😁 these kits are great the is the second time I said this today about these kits..I have one waiting to be put together..but I will be creating a different piece out of it.

[@skeletorama1916]

My mindset for sure is...took me years to figure out why I am so hyper about manners and hate loud noise....lol! The kits are fun, and even more fun to customize once you are comfy with them. :D I did the tin one first....now if my stupid phone will give me the last two chunks of file, I can finish editing and upload those too.

[@diamond6256]

Do you know where you can get the best deal on dust overs?

[@skeletorama1916]

I try to buy them with the kit, since they are ridiculously priced by themselves! Haven’t found any good sources for them, but did find acetate on Amazon so I could try to cut it myself to make one.

[@sarahf4768]

Do you have a list of links for these supplies somewhere?

[@skeletorama1916]

I don't yet....I need to find a way to link an Amazon list to it or something. I will let you know if I can figure out how ppl are able to manage doing that on here! :)

[@maureentaylor4939]

OMG the E6000 comment …almost spit out my coffee!

[@Cricket74able]

I have aeveral sizes of doll furniturw..I want to find pieces to match their scale..how do I know what scale my doll bed neasuring 5" wide x 6 3/4" long x 5 1/2" high..It is a post bed....how do you go from inches to scale?

[@Cricket74able]

I also have a doll desk that is 1 1/2" wide x 3 5/8 " long x 2" high.. don't know what scale to use to find piece that matches that, ie. a chair..

[@skeletorama1916]

I use a real piece of furniture…like my bed…and measure it. (Or look one up on line for the dimensions) If it is 7 feet long, at 12th scale one inch is one foot, so in 12th scale it would be 7 inches. (Just an example, I think my bed would be closer to 6 feet ish) Yours sounds like it is close to a 12th scale double bed. For 1/6 scale, 6 inches would be 1 inch, so 1 foot is 2 inches…Barbie sized. Just think of the first number in any scale as 1 inch, the ‘:’ symbol as ‘equals’, and the last number as x inches. 1:144 scale means 1 inch equals 144 inches (12 feet). Hope that helps!

[@WorldOfEnchantment44]

Right after I watched your video I drove to Michael’s and bought $22 of glue lol.

[@skeletorama1916]

I did that the other day too…lol! I need to chill out with my backup stash, I think. 😂

[@ShioriRose]

My issue is wanting to customize kits. But pieces are painted already. No amount of primer or layers of paint seem to cover up the original paint

[@skeletorama1916]

That is always the hard part, and is why I usually use a heavy black gesso (Prima Art Basics by FInnabair works best for me). The bright colors most kits use are really hard to cover over, though, for sure! If you have more patience than I do, you could always sand off their paint first if nothing else seems to be working.

[@michellehicks6898]

A truer statement about e6000 has never been said!!! lol

[@lindapelton9614]

Glue is huge topic. The one in the kits do not last

[@appo5161]

Thank you very much for this video!! I was so lost and scared to start (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)

[@skeletorama1916]

Glad I could help.....they are so much fun, it just takes a bit to get the hang of things. :)

[@demontekdigital1704]

Ciamara tha thu, Mhairi. Gle mha bhidio. tapadh leat. Tha gaol agam ort, breagha hen!

[@skeletorama1916]

Tha gaol agam ort cuideachd, a ghràidh. ;) Tha do Ghàidhlig a’ fàs nas fheàrr.

[@ginnyhogan6386]

Tattoos…ish!

[@sueking3915]

Ever heard the expression "if you can't say anything kind, say nothing at all" ?

[@leilanilogan40]

This is kind of misleading. No. You don't need all those glues😂. I've done several kits and I only use one. For everything

[@skeletorama1916]

True, and you definitely have more patience than I do, or a really good fast grab glue! (then again, I could also be a bit ridiculous about my different glues....lol)

[@Cocobellaeh]

@michelle Jasek