Dollhouses: Non-Traditional
As a dollhouse collector, I can never resist any type of dollhouse, and I am amazed by the astounding degree of diversity in the realm of dollhouses. In addition to the “traditional” dollhouses that most of us think of: either the wooden models that closely resemble a real home, or the plastic versions that are more suitable for child’s play, there are many other forms of dollhouses that are also delightful, as well as unusual. I have a nice variety of non-traditional dollhouses in my collection, and I am sure I will add to them as my collection grows.
The darling little Teapot house shown below is by Enesco. The happy little mice inside are enjoying a spot of tea as they celebrate Christmas!
Several years ago, I discovered needlepoint dollhouses that are created over a plastic canvas base. In addition to being colorful and completely safe for even the smallest of children, they have the added advantage of being extraordinarily lightweight. I have seen a wide variety of these needlepoint dollhouses, but most of them have been done in 1:6 scale which is very large (Barbie size, actually). I own two needlepoint houses, and both of mine are in the more traditional 1:12 scale. I also hope to expand my needlepoint dollhouse collection by creating some of my own.
In the photos below, you will see the first needlepoint dollhouse I obtained. I purchased this on Ebay several years ago. I notice that the bathroom accessories are missing in the second picture – I do own them, but I suspect one of my cats has been playing with them, so I will have to look underneath tables & chairs to find them. I will try to update the picture whenever I reinstate those pieces.
Needlepoint Townhouse Pictures . . . coming soon
The next category of non-traditional dollhouses that I will show you are tiny “Polly Pocket” dollhouses. While these are plastic and were originally marketed as toys, they are unusual enough that they have become highly prized collectibles – not just by dollhouse collectors, but by many others as well. What makes these pieces so unusual is that even though they are tiny, each one opens to a completely furnished interior. Many also have intricate landscaping detail, with interesting features such as swimming pools, chaise lounges, etc. . . I tried to get a photo that would adequately show the interior of one of these houses, but they are so small that the detail just didn’t show up. In the picture below, you can see the exteriors of the four that I own. There are many more that were originally created, and I hope to add more to my collection at a later date.
Shown below is a 1:72 Scale Navajo Hogan with historically accurate detailing. This wonderful little replication of historical significance was created by Navajo artisan Ron Nez. The interior features all of the true-to-life aspects of the Navajo hogan . . . a silver smithing area, weaving and cooking apparatus, and of course, the all important central fire pit. Notice the accurate (and ever-so-intricate) infrastructure of the interior roof. Absolutely fantastic!
The dollhouse shown below is a vintage portable “Petite Princess” dollhouse by Ideal, circa early 1960’s. When I was a little girl, I actually had a lot of the Petite Princess dollhouse furniture (I wish I still had those pieces!), although I don’t think I owned this style of house. The house, along with its furnishings, can be closed up & carried, so it was great for kids who wanted to keep entertained during a long road trip or when they went to visit “boring” relatives houses. I found this one at the local Goodwill store, and while I don’t have many of the furnishings, I do hope to add to that collection as time permits.
Coming next . . . another needlepoint dollhouse, and some other additions!
Last modified on: January 21st 2013.