It is undeniable that being a mother is the best gift in the world. My children and are number one supporters and are a shining light in my life. While all six of my gang are growing up faster than I can blink, I do try to savor the stages they are each in. With that in mind, I do so enjoy creating for kids. Take this oldie, but goodie. Do we smoke? nah. However, we do love a challenge. This upcycled cigar box is prime for the makeover. Let’s have some fun!
I am thankful to have come upon this cigar box. Isn’t this cute? It’s a unique shape and has plenty of space inside.
DIY TIME
As a creative soul, I had ideas swimming around in my head for it right from the start. However, I wanted to create something on a mini scale, something fun. Initially, I came up with a few ideas to see what would pique my interest. A few ideas are: (1) a travel game (2) a purse (3) a box full of fun papers, scissors, and a glue stick (4) jewelry box. Because I have a secret stash, this travel dollhouse idea wins my heart. hee hee.
Do you blame me? Who doesn’t love mini things, especially dolls. So, a travel dollhouse it is. woot! You can see my other dollhouse creation HERE using an antique radio. In addition, and old quilt rack became a super fun treehouse. Plus, I’ve built several dollhouses for my kids in the past. It’s so fun!
First order of business is to cover over those engraved details. A bit of wood filler does the trick nicely.
Then, once the filler cures, I choose my base color to go with this vintage Bakelite gem a reader sent to me along with a bundle of goodies.
It’s a gold color and I feel a blue would be the best choice. Big surprise, right? I love blue!
NEXT STEPS
Next, the fun part…decorating. Since I’m creating a travel-size dollhouse, it makes sense to make the outside of the upcycled cigar box look like…well…a house. And, the inside as well. tsk.
After that, I take oodles of time to hand-paint the dolls and add all kinds of accessories to my creation. Can you tell I get lost in my work?
Last, while I could go into more detail of my trip down memory lane while I create, I get lost and totally have fun.
PLAY TIME
Welcome to my tiny travel dollhouse home from that vintage upcycled cigar box. eep!
You can see I added the handle using eye hooks. However, you can also see I add a closure hardware I had left over from my upcycled silverware boxes turned luggage. In addition, I also added windows and a door using a clear plastic. Sheet protectors work wonderful for that. In case you didn’t notice, I also held back going nuts on the outside. tee hee.
Now, for the inside reveal. Meet my mini fam.
Proud mama has her hands lovingly full with babe, while the kiddos ramble about. The twins are always up to something! No worries though, as dad is always keeping an eye on them.
Also, the accessories make the play time real. Who doesn’t love a decorating a mini home?
Finally, if you’d like to make this family your own, you can find it in my online shop available with many other goodies too.
SHARE
Additionally, do pin and share my upcycled cigar box fun. There is potential in everything!
Up next, it’s already the second Tuesday of the month and that means it’s Trash to Treasure time. woot! HEAD HERE to see what happens to this broken decor piece.
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Trudy says
That is sooooo adorable!
Larissa says
aww…thanks, Trudy! What fun for me. 😀
Rebecca - NC says
Oh my gosh!!!!!! This is the CUTEST!!!! I have a new
favorite!!!!!!? You are an original
and a true artist!!! ?? ???
Larissa says
happy dance ovah heeya!! haha. Thanks so much, Rebecca!
Sherri says
Larissa, I am constantly in awe of your creativity and talent! This just blows me away!
Larissa says
Well, Sherri, you sure make me smile. Thank you for taking the time to join me in my fun.
Mother Deer says
Your attention to detail is unbelievable. The family is adorable, so creative. Wow 🙂
Larissa says
No joke…I wanted to do more, but ran out of time. It’s so fun! Thank you. 😉
Audra says
That is the cutest thing!!!!! So creative! And I love the bakelite handle!
Larissa says
Awww…thanks so much!! I’m tickled to hear it.
Noelle says
Ohmigoodness, that is so cute!! You are very talented!
Larissa says
tee hee hee! I’m so happy I get to have fun and share it with you. Thank you, Noelle.
Charleen says
Girl,as always you blow me away. Charming doesn’t begin to describe this little wonder. How fun for you as well as the little one who will enjoy it. God Bless you and yours.
Larissa says
I think in my former life I was a toy-making elf. haha. Thanks, Charleen!
Minnie says
OH MY STARS!
This is the cutest thing ever!
I love, love, love it!,
Most especially the detail on the face of daddy .
Blessings to you ?
Minnie
Larissa says
You are so fun, Minne! I truly delight in creating, and hearing from you is the cherry on top. Thank you!
Christy James says
Oh my goodness, this is the cutest thing ever!! XOXO
Larissa says
aww…thank you, Christy. The smalls get me every time. 😉
Jennifer says
Such a creative and happy way to repurpose an old cigar box! I am always impressed with how your brain works!
Larissa says
I’m glad somebody is! bwahaha!! 😀 Thank you so much for that loving support, Jennifer. I so enjoy sharing!
Marie B. says
Oh my goodness, how adorable is this! What a wonderful Christmas present for a special little girl too. Pinned 🙂
Larissa says
My dollhouse twinnie friend! I was hoping you’d get a chance to stop by. I thought of you! Thanks so much, Marie.