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Upcycled Cigar Box into Travel Dollhouse

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!

Vintage Cigar Box Before | prodigalpieces.com

I am thankful to my friend, Mandy, who thought of us when she saw this vintage cigar box. Why she thought of us? haha! Because she knows I enjoy taking all things vintage and wooden and making them new. Isn’t this cute? It’s a unique shape and has plenty of space inside.

Open Cigar Box Before Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Wooden Peg Dolls for Travel Dollhouse | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Filling Cigar Box with Wood Filler | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Vintage Bakelite Purse Handle | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It’s a gold color and I feel a blue would be the best choice. Big surprise, right? I love blue!

Painting Upcycled Cigar Box Blue | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Painting Inside Travel Dollhouse from Upcycled Cigar Box | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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?

Painting Baby Peg Doll Papoose | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Upcycled Cigar Box Dollhouse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #upcycled #toys

Side View Upcycled Dollhouse from Upcycled Cigar Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #toys #kids #playtime

Top View of DIY Travel Dollhouse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #toys #diy #kids #gift

You can see I added the handle using eye hooks. However, you can also see I add a closure hardware I had leftover 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.

Handmade Peg Doll Family inside Upcycled Cigar Box Dollhouse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #dolls #toys #pretendplay

Mama Peg Doll with Baby Papoose by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #toys #giftidea #dolls

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.

Girl and Boy Peg Dolls in Upcycled Cigar Box Dollhouse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #doll #gift #toys

Dad Peg Doll with Kids by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #toys #handmade #doll #play #pretend

Also, the accessories make the play time real. Who doesn’t love a decorating a mini home?

DIY Travel Dollhouse with Prairie Accessories of Upcycled Cigar Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #toys

Hand-Painted Peg Doll Family for DIY Travel Dollhouse from Upcycled Cigar Box by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #toys #kids #gift #travel

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.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

Hand-Painted Prairie Dollhouse Peg Doll Family by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #doll #toys #kids

SHARE

Additionally, do pin and share my upcycled cigar box fun. There is potential in everything!

An Upcycled Cigar Box is Turned into an Adorable Travel Dollhouse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #toys #gifts #kids #pretendplay

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.

Busted Decor Piece Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more fun toys and creations like my upcycled cigar box:

Oh my sweetness! Just look how cute this little child's tea cart is! Made from a repurposed side table by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comSay whaat?! This upcycled bookcase was turned into an adorable pretend play farmer's market stand. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces shared the DIY details on her blog prodigalpieces.com | #prodigalpieces #kids #toys #handmade #home #homedecor #furniture #diy

Comments

  1. Trudy says

    That is sooooo adorable!

  2. Rebecca - NC says

    Oh my gosh!!!!!! This is the CUTEST!!!! I have a new
    favorite!!!!!!? You are an original
    and a true artist!!! ?‍? ???

  3. 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.

  4. 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. 😉

  5. Audra says

    That is the cutest thing!!!!! So creative! And I love the bakelite handle!

  6. 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.

  7. 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!

  8. 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!

    • Larissa says

      aww…thank you, Christy. The smalls get me every time. 😉

  9. 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!

  10. 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.

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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