Pictured: Outside back of half-scale Van Buren dollhouse. (Click photos for full size.)
I've done several haunted houses or Halloween-themed houses since it's a favorite way to decorate in miniature.
I've been working on the half-scale Greenleaf Van Buren dollhouse a while, having let it sit and then going back to it some months ago to finish it. So I finally kicked myself to (mostly) finish decorating so I could post it here.
I'm sure I'll add or change more things over time, but I'm done for now. I'd like to add some more decorations on the front walls and some kind of wreaths on the doors, but I can't decide what would look good.
Since this will be kind of long, I decided to split the house tour in two, so be sure to check for the second post later today as well.
Let's start outside on the Patio:
Well, it looks like Mr. Pumpkinhead isn't such a bad guy after all. He decided to clean up the patio and rake some leaves. How nice of him! (Rake: SDK Miniatures; Table and chair, TMC Miniatures; Bench: Jane Harrop Miniatures, UK).
The window boxes looked plain, so I added some tiny skulls. (I like that decorative pumpkin string on the balcony* but I think I'll add some orange paper in back to show through and then it'll be more visible.) I really liked doing the whole house in brick. I used the textured brick paper from Starboc2/Etsy. *The balcony was part of a fence section from AlphaStamps since I didn't like the bulky piece that came with the house. I also cut out the top row of the fence for the top of the roof. (See top photo.)
C'mon inside!
Front hall: (right side of the dining room)
I like these using little statues like this one of Pan (by the front door.) I have another one like this but in stone color. I also have an archer that I got from WCD Miniatures. Fun decorating additions. I usually pick up one or two new ones at the Fall Miniature Show, Schaumburg, Ill. (Nov. 8-9) Recovering the Victorian couch really made a difference, I think. Really liked this fabric!
Kitchen on right:
I can't help getting a bit gorey here. Decided to use an old Tootsietoy icebox - and I didn't even have to touch-up the chips. ha! I love Tootsie toy pieces (1920s-'30s) and try to use them when I find them cheap. Here's some history on them.) I also hesitated, but gave in and dirtied up a plastic sink/stove section I had as it fit here. Since this photo below, I added two painted seed beads for knobs and a piece of cut solder for the faucet. I think a picture is needed above the icebox.
Oh.... I wouldn't bother Grandma if I were you. As you can see, it's best to not complain about the menu or her cooking! That must be what happened to the family portrait, too. Quite a temper!
The table has some yummy bone soup for lunch. There are pies in preparation on the side table. (Side: Narrow Vesper table, All About Miniatures/Etsy ). The bookcase has some potions, whatever other ingredients, and some cookbooks. I liked using a different style this time instead of just walnut stain. This time I painted it gold and used red metallic designs for inserts. (Gothic set, SDK Miniatures.)
Here's a view of the closet and staircase next to the kitchen. Watch out for the monster under the stairs!
To the dining room, left:
Some items on the table:
The doll was one of those cheapie figures that I painted gray and re-dressed for a Miss Havisham-style room. The bench seat and table are my favorite Gothic half scale furnishings (SDK Miniatures.) My friend Gigi gave me that little heater and I thought it fit perfect here. I still have to add some silverware to the table.
Next Post: Come back later for part 2 of the tour upstairs! (If you sign up for email headline updates in the left column, you'll know when it posts!)
Thanks again for visiting!
