Monday 30 May 2011

DIY Shelf House

Last week, I shared that I was going through a scandinavian frenzy and I spoke about a little diy project that I was working on. Well, here it is.

I saw this type of little compartment house for the first time when I was little, but could never find one. It is quite popular in Europe and in Germany especially. Then when I saw that Ferm Living sells them, I was thrilled, but once I saw that it was going to cost me about $150 for the house and shipping, I decided that this little house was going to become a DIY project.

What you will need:

- 1/4" x 2.5" x 36" wood - 4 pieces
- wood glue - Nails
- piece of plywood
- clamps
- mitre saw block (for 45 degree cuts)
- saw
- paint (optional)
- measuring tape
  • Cut 4 pieces of wood measuring 12.4 inches or 31 cm. Using the mitre saw block, the wood will need to be cut at a 45 degree angle on each end. Once cut, you will glue them together and create a square base. I recommend you let them dry overnight to make sure they are stable and that the glue has dried. 
  • Cut two pieces of wood (this time straight across), measuring 11.8 inches or 30 cm to create the floors or shelves of the house. 
  • Next, you will need two pieces of wood for the top (attic/roof) of the house, measuring 8.7 inches or 22.1 cm. You will attach these to the top of the square house. 
  • Once the house has dried, trace the shape of your house onto a piece of mdf, plywood or cardboard and cut it out. This will be the back of the house.  I used a thin piece of mdf.  I then attached the house to the mdf board.
  • Depending on how you want your "rooms", you can plan your design (ie. where to put the walls on each floor) and then cut the small pieces of wood (~3.9 inches or 10 cm).  These are important, not only because they make the rooms, but also because they are support beams.  You will need to cut these pieces so that they fit tightly. Glue them all in place.
Last, you can paint it, like I did, or you can leave it as is.  You could even use a wood stain if you want.
Alternatively, you could also glue some decorative paper to the back of the house for the background or even paint the back a different color than the house. I really like how we can put all the tiny little things, that my baby and I go for a walk. I am sorry that I didn't take pictures in between, but it was a little messy and I am thinking about making a larger one, and promise to take pictures then. 

Hope you like my little diy house and have a wonderful day.



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1 comment:

  1. Hi! I saw your comment on Creature Comforts and came over to see if I could take a peek at your house shelf--love it! I have an inexpensive craft store one I need to paint. Would be even better if I had made it myself. I love your all-white version.

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