Gingerbread Dollhouse Renovation Part 1 | DIY Makeover Plans

I know it’s only July, but I think I’ll need all the time I can get to complete this project by Christmas with my favourite RYOBI power tools by my side!

But let’s quickly rewind. Last December, I saw a creator, Abby Kulp, make a gingerbread dollhouse from scratch, and I thought it was a genius idea. My kids love eating gingerbread, and when I showed them her gingerbread dollhouse, they went bonkers! I knew at that moment I had to start looking for a secondhand dollhouse to renovate. Plus, I’ll always try something once! I searched FB Marketplace for a few months but found nothing I liked. Fast forward to March, I decided to go thrifting on an unusually cold, rainy day. I stopped into one of my favourite charity shops, and the ladies asked me what upcycling projects I was working on. I told them I was looking for a dollhouse to renovate, and one of them went upstairs for about 10 minutes and came back down with a dollhouse that had seen better days, but all I could see was the potential. 

This dollhouse is made from wood and has the cutest arched windows, walkways, and two fireplaces. I’m obsessed! They’ve had the dollhouse for a few years and used it as a styling piece, but it was time to pass it on and give it to someone who would give it a new lease on life. I assured her I would take excellent care of it and keep her posted on my renovation. Since then, I have been busy planning the exterior, walls and floors, furniture and decor, and lots of other tiny little elements. I’ve added a RYOBI Scroll Saw to my workshop, and I’m excited to use my RYOBI Rotary Station again. I’ve spent an insane amount of time on Pinterest (did you know you can use egg cartons to create a stone effect?!), Etsy and YouTube. I’ve been rummaging through thrift stores for secondhand supplies to make this project as sustainable as possible, and I’ve dived deep into the world of miniatures and discovered the OG’s - Chelsea Andersson, Wei from Honey Thistle and Kathleen from Miniette Co. I’m so excited to work this out over the next few months and share the entire process and experience with you, even if it means I lose a lot of sleep in the process lol. Ok, let’s get making!

My Dollhouse Renovation Plans

My Gingerbread Dollhouse Renovation Series is in collaboration with RYOBI Australia

Head over to my YouTube Channel to watch my Gingerbread Dollhouse Renovation series. I hope it leaves you feeling inspired to renovate your own dollhouse and feel free to get in touch with me on Instagram if you have any questions or comments. I love hearing from you!

Part 1: My Plans

Part 2: The Exterior

Part 3: Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Part 4: Miniature Furniture & Decor

Part 5: Reveal & Tour

 
 

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Upcycled Marquetry Table Lamp

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Upcycled Scalloped Cabinet