DIY Kids’ Craft: Build a Mini Roof for Your Dollhouse or Toy House
Looking for a fun craft activity to keep your kids busy this weekend? Making a dollhouse or toy house roof together can be a fun and rewarding venture.
In this post, we’re showing you how to build a mini roof for your dollhouse, including construction, choosing the right roof tile colours, and the perfect finishing touches. Let’s get started!
Materials You’ll Need:
Before starting, make sure you have the following materials:
- Cardboard or craft foam
- Craft sticks or wooden skewers
- Glue (hot glue or tacky glue)
- Paint and brushes
- Scissors or craft knife
- Ruler and pencil
- Decorative items
Step 1: Measure the Roof Area
Start by measuring the area on your dollhouse where the roof will go. Using a ruler, measure the width and length of the house’s top. You’ll need these dimensions to cut the base of the roof to fit perfectly. We recommend adding a slight overhang to give the roof a realistic look.
Step 2: Cut the Roof Base
Using the measurements you took, cut a piece of cardboard or craft foam for the roof base. This will be the main structure that rests on top of your dollhouse. For a flat roof, you can simply cut one piece to fit the top. For a slanted or gable roof, cut two rectangular pieces and attach them at an angle to create a peak.
Step 3: Add Support Beams
To make your roof more stable, you can add support beams underneath. These beams mimic the rafters of a real roof and will help keep your structure strong. To do this, cut craft sticks or wooden skewers to the width of the roof. Glue them on the underside of the roof base, spaced evenly apart. This gives the roof extra support and a more finished look.
Step 4: Customise the Roof
This is where the fun begins! Now that the basic structure of the roof is complete, it’s time to decorate and customise it. There are endless possibilities, so let your creativity shine!
For example, you can paint the roof. Choose roof tile colours that match your dollhouse or give it a unique touch. You can paint the roof all one colour or create a pattern.
If you want to add an extra layer of realism, cut small squares from cardstock or foam to create miniature shingles. Glue them in overlapping rows on the roof.
If you’re creating a cosy cottage or fairy house, you can glue some artificial moss, small flowers, or other decorative items to the roof.
Step 5: Attach the Roof to the Dollhouse
Once the roof is fully decorated and dry, it’s time to attach it to your dollhouse. Apply glue along the edges of the roof where it will meet the house. Carefully place it on top of the dollhouse, pressing down gently to ensure it adheres properly. Our tip is to use tacky glue for a strong hold, and let it dry completely before handling the dollhouse again.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
After the roof is attached, you can add any final touches to complete the look. For example you can add miniature chimneys, made from small pieces of cardboard or foam. If you want an aged or weathered look, lightly brush some white or grey paint over the roof.
As a final touch, you could even add accessories to your roof like tiny windows, birds, or weather vanes to bring your dollhouse to life.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a mini roof for your dollhouse is a fantastic DIY project for kids of all ages. It’s a great way to bond while also helping your child learn valuable skills. Plus, the finished product will make their dollhouse look even more charming and unique!
