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There is a soft spot in every man's heart for his daughter and mine came a week after my 50th birthday, my first and only child.

I knew she would have many toys, trinkets and games from me, a woodworker who loved his craft and loved her; so when she came of an age that imaginative play kicked up a notch into realism, I made her this playhouse.

In a bit of a departure for me it is a riot of 15 different woods, for I know kids really don't get subtlety, they just like variety (though I still patterned matched everywhere, had to). She chose the floor tiles from free sample boards fished from the garbage at work - to decorate each room, and had only one request, that there be some bright blue somewhere.

There is a fold up front porch released by a brass pin and with a child's face for a handle, a cedar storage box/bench for spare carpets and to hide little treasures (with brass escutcheon pin hinges and joinery), and a removable carpeted staircase held by magnets to either side of the rear dividing wall.
Most other construction is pinned rebate, grooved, or big brass careful screws.

To make it truly hers I framed 16 pictures of all her cousins, friends and family as well as a shot of the house she lives in. These will fade in time and perhaps be replaced by shots of her own daughter, but the memory will never fade of the times we had playing here.

29"x 18"x 24" About 80 hrs.
Build on LJ's.
gene

Some details:

The happy new tenants.


Chimney pots from lamp parts.


Open sesame.


Second bedroom construction site with sidewalk superintendent.


The ever burning fire.


Jes folks.


Materials list.

Gallery

Comments

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My last child was born in May after my 50th birthday in April. I know where you are coming from. I built many things for her, but she was never interested in dollhouses. I bet if she had one as nice as this she would have enjoyed it. She just had her first child ( my 5th Grandchild) and he already has a truck that I built for him. You do good work for the right reason.

Welcome to LJ.
 

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Truly magnificent Gene, I am sure she will enjoy it thoroughly now and the sentiment in the future.
 

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I can tell you loved making this one Gene, & of course little girls know that Dads can do ANYTHING, ANYTHING at all,
What a fabulous job you have made.
Hey is the pic over the firebox to remind her that Dads always watching :: )))))

Pete
 

· In Loving Memory
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I hope my granddaughter doesn't see this! You did an outstanding job on this. The detail is amazing.
 

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What a wonderful play house ,fantastic work.
 

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This is such a wonderful project…it reminds me of a quote by D.H.Lawrence…
"Things men have made with weakened hands,
And put soft life into are awake through years
With transferred touch and go on glowing for long years.
And for this reason, some old things are lovely warm
still with the life of the forgotten men who made them."
 

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Gene: A great project made with Love. You are a blessed man.
 

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WERE GREAT FRIEND!! THAT, IN ADDITION TO A TOY, IS A WORK OF ART !!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS skilled craftsmen ;-)
 

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A lot of thought, love, fun and work went into this well thought-out play house, Gene. I love the close-up shots showing your attention to the tiny and detail! I too made something for my daughter, but nothing as elaborate as yours, just with a lot of love.
 

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My wife thinks that your project is "Just gorgeous!" and so do I. The attention to detail makes it a work of art.
 

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Exquisite work! Love the pictures.
 

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Dramatic. Fit and finish spectacular. Your a pretty good photographer also. That's the kind of project that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling.
 

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Very nice.
 

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Very nice Gene.
That project just oozes love. You really have the gift of art, and it is especially shown here. What a wonderful playfulness you have put into this.

Thanks for sharing and letting us into your life,
Steve
 

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Right down to the house number (what's its significance?) everything about this project displays quality and a father's love. An heirloom for sure.
 

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I cannot imagine a better way to spend 80 hours. The house is beautifully done, with lots of creativity and excellent workmanship. Its sure to be treasured for generations, most especially by the present ower. Congratulations!
 

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Way cool Gene. Detail is amazing and the story touching.
 

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Awesome looking dollhouse. I love the framed pictures. I have yet to get around to the ones for my daughter's dollhouse. I think I need to make that a priority, thansk for the reminder :)

CtL
 
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