Bill in Chicago Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 Hello from Chicago! I'm completely new at this and have no real idea what I'm doing. I was given the Arthur kit to make for my granddaughter and can already see that I'm going to have a lot of questions. Thank you in advance for your advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mid-life madness Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 Hello Bill YOU CAN DO IT! The first thing to do is get familiar with kit. I recommend leaving the pieces in their sheets and using the schematics to label the pieces in pencil. Put the sheet number and piece number on it. Once that is complete, read over the directions for assembly so you get familiar with the abbreviations like R & P (remove and prepare) I don't recommend assembling the windows first like the directions indicate. It is much easier to paint them then assemble. The next step is to do the dry fit of the major pieces. The Arthur is pretty straightforward and open without any hard to reach interior places. This helps you see house how the house is assembled and if you need to widen any slots, or sand any tabs.... Don't be afraid to ask questions. Here is a good blog on the Arthur that may be helpful to you. https://moreminis.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-arthur-dollhouse-blog.html Sending patience your way~~~~~ Carrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill in Chicago Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 Thank you Carrie. That dollhouse blog you linked is a huge help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted October 16, 2021 Share Posted October 16, 2021 (edited) Welcome to the little family, Bill. The Arthur was the first kit the Building Team built & blogged. How old is your granddaughter? Very young children like to reach through windows and doors to play, so you might want to leave those off until later. My middle son's wife asked for mine for her niece, and the second time we visited after I took it to her I had to repair the gingerbread trim on the roof that the nephew had broken off. Edited October 18, 2021 by havanaholly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMay Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 Hope to find some advice about shingles. Bought Real Good Toys Simplicity house many years ago for my granddaughter. The structure was built and painted outside. The dollhouse was relegated to the basement, until I rescued it. I added wallpaper, purchased, cut and installed moulding. The shingles are the last major part to finish. The shingles are stained and I have to buy the glue. Every site I have visited recommends a different glue. I don’t want to do all that work and have the shingles warping. PS - I think I really bought the house because I wanted it! MaggieMay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMay Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 Sorry Bill, I am new to this site and meant to send it as a new topic. I was overwhelmed when I started too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 2 hours ago, MaggieMay said: The shingles are stained and I have to buy the glue. .... I don’t want to do all that work and have the shingles warping. Moisture is what causes shingles to war. The less glue used, the better. No need to completely cover the back. A thin bead will do it. Some folks glue a few rows, cover with waxed paper, then clamp a board (think ruler, paint stirrer) to hold them down while they dry. Some folks use hot glue for the shingles. I have done this successfully. Hint: Before gluing, paint the roof the color of the shingles. Raw wood will be very noticeable peaking between the teensiest gaps in the shingles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 Also, those thin beads of glue may make thin wooden shingles warp a wee bit; they will flatten back out as the glue dries. I have had success using Titebond wood glue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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