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.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
That is sooooo adorable!
aww…thanks, Trudy! What fun for me. 😀
Oh my gosh!!!!!! This is the CUTEST!!!! I have a new
favorite!!!!!!? You are an original
and a true artist!!! ?? ???
happy dance ovah heeya!! haha. Thanks so much, Rebecca!
Larissa, I am constantly in awe of your creativity and talent! This just blows me away!
Well, Sherri, you sure make me smile. Thank you for taking the time to join me in my fun.
Your attention to detail is unbelievable. The family is adorable, so creative. Wow 🙂
No joke…I wanted to do more, but ran out of time. It’s so fun! Thank you. 😉
That is the cutest thing!!!!! So creative! And I love the bakelite handle!
Awww…thanks so much!! I’m tickled to hear it.
Ohmigoodness, that is so cute!! You are very talented!
tee hee hee! I’m so happy I get to have fun and share it with you. Thank you, Noelle.
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.
I think in my former life I was a toy-making elf. haha. Thanks, Charleen!
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
You are so fun, Minne! I truly delight in creating, and hearing from you is the cherry on top. Thank you!
Oh my goodness, this is the cutest thing ever!! XOXO
aww…thank you, Christy. The smalls get me every time. 😉
Such a creative and happy way to repurpose an old cigar box! I am always impressed with how your brain works!
I’m glad somebody is! bwahaha!! 😀 Thank you so much for that loving support, Jennifer. I so enjoy sharing!
Oh my goodness, how adorable is this! What a wonderful Christmas present for a special little girl too. Pinned 🙂
My dollhouse twinnie friend! I was hoping you’d get a chance to stop by. I thought of you! Thanks so much, Marie.