I was about to begin by saying - improvisation is half the fun - but in my reality, it’s much more than half! There is a deep satisfaction in taking bits and pieces, odds and ends and creating something for our doll houses.
Just recently, I hung a few framed paintings in my real house. I’m using, for the first time, some adhesive hangers. They are easy to install and supposedly just as easy to remove - leaving the plaster unmarked. Time will tell! So being in that ‘frame’ of mind, let’s talk about pictures for the walls. Some sources to consider are brochures, magazines, your children’s art work, greeting cards, your own existing paintings, etc.
You’ll need to get acquainted with the personnel at a print/copy service. I didn’t find real satisfaction until the third try. Success may come after some trial and error. For instance - the art may be too large for the machine - or you might have to remove the frame. Any hurdles you encounter aren’t major and you will be so pleased with the results.
I have some simple calculations for sizes appropriate for one inch scale. It’s good to cut these from paper to ‘try’ on your walls. (what would we do without wax adhesive)
| Life Size | 1″ Scale |
| 9″ x 12″ | 3/4″ x 1″ |
| 12″ x 16″ | 1″ x 1-1/3″ |
| 16″ x 20″ | 1-1/3″ x 1-2/3″ |
| 18″ x 24″ | 1-1/2″ x 2″ |
| 24″ x 36″ | 2″ x 3″ |
This type of framing is not perfect. You can buy perfect.
The simplest ‘frame look’ is to have your reduced art work trimmed to size and glued on a surface with some body, such as mat board. Could you bring yourself to ask a ‘framer’ for the small pieces of mat that would only end up in the waste basket? A medium body material could be card stock and a light weight - a quality construction paper.
Use your taste and imagination with color and sizes. Allow the amount (width) of ‘framing’ to show evenly on all sides of the picture. You’ll feel so good about your results and just think how pleased your doll house family will be!
Enjoy ~~~
Mardell