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Paid or Free Woodworking Plans
~ For Dollhouses ~


May 2013


Paid or Free Plans: 4 Steps to Help you Begin ...

Paid or Free Woodworking Plans for Dollhouses

Research is key to making great choices in paid or free woodworking plans.

1. It all Starts with Research

From the get-go when researching paid or free woodworking plans you have to determine what you really want. Whether established quality or something perhaps unique to explore.

  • With paid plans you receive, most of the work is done for you. All of the instructions are provided by the plan suppliers.
  • In free plans you end up doing most of the legwork yourself. Like for instance, gathering everything you need as far as information and techniques. Most of these are featured independently on privately owned websites online.  

So never be in a rush while exploring either plan scenario. Rushing through choices just makes your final decision one that may not be the best outcome for you.

2. Choose Two exciting Examples

As you research online, at your local library, or from volumes of books, aim at isolating two main choices in paid or free woodworking plans. Only two will give you a limited group of characteristics to research.

If you have been involved in the dollhouse hobby for long you know as we do that there are a multitude of ideas available today. So aim at only two. And this way you will happily avoid any state of confusion. The enemy of creative fun.

At first go only for looks. Narrow your selections quickly. Then begin to peer inside each one of your choices. Exploring all of their interesting attributes.

Paid or free woodworking plans you decide.


3. Dare to Compare to Succeed

Pick apart each product. Whether paid or free. Decide by using a pro and con ideas list. Think about which one you would definitely enjoy more while building.

  • Does it have any special features you particularly love?
  • Is one more interesting to visualize in the finished state?
  • Can you see the finished product working. And working well for whomever you give it to?
  • Is it easy to imagine the furnishings you will want to place inside your structure?

These are just some questions to get you started. But the more demanding you are of each choice the better product you will get in the end. Aim at excellence in all your paid or free woodworking plans.

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4. The Mindset of Selection

The mindset of true enjoyment in the entire plan is something to work towards. Loving your choice is a great value in the decision making process.

If the paid or free woodworking plan you choose does not interest or excite you then you should go back and do another search. Every plan should be like buying thee best whatever it is you are dreaming of... purchase. You know when you are genuinely anticipating that special item you have wanted forever. 

Yes like the purchase of a new home or car or something that sizzles as you think of it. Or even like meeting thee person you have always dreamed of meeting. It should be that good! Your personal treat, just for you!

With this kind of motivation, can you imagine the project you will select? You are liable to have the most fun doing what you love that you have ever had.

The mindset you have to have when searching for paid or free woodworking plans. Act as if you have paid for everything every time and test these plans to see if they measure up in your tiny world. Develop your own rigorous checklist.


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PROJECT:
Seven Easy Steps to Free Woodworking Plans

Developing your Own Free Woodworking Plans

Check out what Amazon has available for architecture software. The keyword "Architecture" or "Architect" software gives you the best results.
  1. Select an architectural plan software. We have reviewed and searched for ideas that would work well with dollhouses. But sadly there does not seem to be many good ones on the market. At least that are professional and easy to implement. Check the above link though for ideas of what is currently available on Amazon. They do have a varied selection.

    That said however we have found and do like Home Designer. It is easy to use and design with. If there is something else available that you have had success with we would appreciate knowing. Other programs did not seem to have the caliber of Home Designer. Contact us here about your findings regarding paid or free woodworking plans software.

  2. Get Trial Versions if Possible. Obtaining a trial version is great in that it allows you to try it before committing to a purchase. Absolutely priceless feature that will tell you if you and your chosen new software will click. If you can understand and use it as well as if the software will perform the way you will need it to. All of us have ideas and not every software is for every person.

    If you find a couple examples of products available. It will be necessary to study each program. So download trials of all candidates. Actually use software you find available if possible so you can do an adequate comparison. 

  3. Open your software and begin learning how it operates. That is the next step. To know how to work in your program is essential. With Home Designer you have a huge selection of learning videos available. You just simply click the link in your program and go right to them. These videos deal with everything from being an absolute beginner to having a degree in architecture. Absolutely priceless for developing your own free woodworking plans.

    If using Home Designer. Begin studying the videos by going back and forth between learning and using to get the hang of your new software. It is easier to know what to design if you have control of your program software and can easily put it to work.

  4. Purchase a home design magazine or book. If you are new to designing purchasing a design magazine full of real house plans will give you something to study. Then after you have studied a bit of designs you can start to create on your own. We like these kinds of tools because it helps you know something that may be needed in your plans. Ideas that you may never have thought of on your own.

  5. Experiment and enjoy the creative elements of learning. Or in other words play at creating your designs. Continuously build your own excitement so you are always liking what and how you are doing. Your dollhouse hobby should be the relaxing, stress-free environment you are seeking in a leisure activity.

  6. Decide on which software program to purchase. If you have been using a free trial in a couple of program choices it is now time to decide what program you enjoyed using the most. The easiest may be a natural selection for most people unless you like certain features better in one program than another. Only you can decide which you liked best.

    Already bought your software? Second guessing yourself? Having doubtful moments and really know the other product was right? Ask for your refund and get what you like. It is after all your choice that counts and a few days is not going to make that much difference in a refund. It may surprise you at how much companies will help you out. Mostly though do not buy until you are sure.

  7. Finally after all the practice and learning begin designing your first plan. It is always great to reach the point where you feel confident enough to put all your practice to work. That is to work on projects you find excitingly motivating and rewarding. And then to finally go in the direction of completion. Where you now have the building finished and you are inspired to pursue the interior.

Home Designer Architectural by Chief Architect

Home Designer Architectural 2014

Check out all the Home Designer Architectural details with this link or by clicking the picture above.

  • Tutorials available for all parts of the software program. Both on YouTube and that come with the program itself. You do not have to be a paying customer though to access the tutorials inside each software program they sell. Simply go to their website and select "Training Videos" located at the bottom of their site. www.homedesignersoftware.com

  • This program is conveniently linked to informative videos. So you do not even have to leave your software interface to watch them. You will find these videos in the start-up menu as you open the software to begin working on your own free woodworking plans.

  • Easy to follow and start using. They have the best support. They want to teach the how-to's of use to their customers. 

  • Prices range anywhere from $59 - $495. With a price to match most budgets.

Example of the Videos available for Home Designer

This featured video is the first one in a series of 8. Let them play through to the end. Each one is only a few minutes in length. Longest one being 4 minutes and 57 seconds (4:57). Shortest one is 55 seconds.

These videos let you see exactly how this software works in helping you design your own free woodworking plans. All 8 are only a few minutes long and can be viewed right in the video box below for your convenience.

As well as all the videos that come with this program they also have ongoing yearly updates too. Great tool to become familiar with for design purposes

With this software you can, if you desire, change all the measurements for walls, etc, to your dollhouse measurements. But it may be easier to work in large and then to convert your measurements to the scale you want after you print out your free woodworking plans. Shrinking the scale in the software does make it small and hard to see details.




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View or Buy Miniature Kitchen Hutch.


In the Spotlight


Yet another Way to Get Dollhouse Plans

The Original Mary Kay Dollhouse Design

Jon Lash of www.DollhouseDesigns.com

There is one source for online dollhouse plans that is great. However they are not free woodworking plans. These do have a very affordable price attached to each plan. On his site Jon Lash has developed eight (8) adventurous products.

These offers can help you get an idea as to what exactly goes into the production of such creative resources. Namely your own free woodworking plans. If that is your aim. Study what he has available.

However never copy designs always come up with your own. You get into far less trouble legally that way. When every bit of a design is literally all yours, you definitely have peace of mind. So be smart in your design work. Never copy.

Learning from Others made Easy

What others have done will help you in making a system to assist you in your own design ideas. Use those as patterns sort of in creating what you like.

  • For instance look at the designs package you receive when ordering these plans. 
  • What info is presented in your purchase? 
  • How is it laid out? 
  • What steps are first, second, third, etc?  
  • Study everything as a how-to package. 
  • Write down your ideas from your study time. 
  • Begin imagining what and how you could do something similar. 
  • Learn from someone who has already done what you want to do.

But then again don't simply study get busy building the dollhouses he has supplied for you. They are all intriguing to look at. Perhaps one of those will become your next dollhouse project. And as you build learn from all he has supplied in aiming at your own free woodworking plan. 

He has imaginatively creative ideas such as:

  • Country Cottage
  • The Mary Kay
  • Columns
  • The Stephanie
  • 1869 Cottage

Pictures from DollhouseDesigns.com

The Ariella
1869 Cottage
Sample Design Pages
1869 Cottage
The Mary Kay

All illustrations used with permission from DollhouseDesigns.com



All PlanSets are CAD drafted and include detailed dimensional drawings of cut patterns, construction and assembly details. The plans will walk the builder through the construction of a scratch built dollhouse. Quote from DollhouseDesigns.com




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What's been Happening At-the-Doll-House.com

Explore the following Great
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Join the On-Going Excitement on At-the-Doll-House.com. Tell your friends and family members today.

We are always building new pages for you At-the-Doll-House.com. It seems that the more we build, the more new and exciting ideas come to mind. Some of our newest pages include:

Doll's House Related Pages

  • Free EBook Offer 10 Important Tips to Great Doll House Design! Join our community and receive your complementary eBook. All are welcome.
  • Best Doll House Show Anywhere Discover dollhouse shows in your area. Current listing of shows can be found on each individual website represented. Find out about miniatures and dollhouses up close, in personal and face-to-face. What better way to get acquaint with this relaxing hobby.

  • Best Miniature Dollhouse Plan you can Create In need of dollhouse information and plans? Read this page for knowledge and guidance. Looking for a great dollhouse building plan checklist? Find that here too ...
  • Ariella Dollhouse Plan Visit this page to find out the finer details of this exquisite dollhouse project. Get into all the elements from construction, interior design, miniature kitchen cupboards, buying accessories and more. This a house to make your very own at every stage.

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  • Work-at-home-moms! Becoming a work at home mom is a worthwhile goal for some ladies. Find out if you have what it takes to achieve this goal. Take this course today ...
  • A Crafters Website Tools List At the beginning stage of getting information to work online? This page lists tools to use to get the job done on time and the right way. If you are tired of sorting through ideas on the web you need to check out SBI for all the good things they provide online. Start here ...

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Back Issues by Year and Topic

2010

  • August 2010 -- Super Summer Ideas plus Barbie size Gingerbread Ornament Read More Now...

2011

  • March 2011 --
    Dollhouse Furniture (Part 1) Some terms to consider plus Pine Cone Candle Holders Read More Now...
  • April 2011 -- Dollhouse Furniture (Part 2) Tools needed plus Paint a Miniature Hutch Read More Now...
  • May 2011 -- Dollhouse Furniture (Part 3) Wood Selection plus Create a Miniature Entryway Craft Read More Now...
  • June 2011 -- Dollhouse Furniture (Part 4) Basic Joints plus a Summer Wreathe to Create Read More Now...
  • August 2011 -- Furniture Projects, a book review, plus Make your own Entry Vanity Table Read More Now...
  • Sept 2011 -- Making Accessories with Dough plus Style Barbie a Cookie Jar Read More Now...
  • Oct 2011 -- Barbie Dollhouse Plans plus Create Mini Bottle Bibs for your fashion doll's party night Read More Now...
  • Nov 2011 -- Developing your Best Design Plans plus Make a Tiny Dollhouse for your Dollhouse Read More Now...

2012

  • Jan 2012 -- Dollhouse Kits learn while doing plus Review these amazing Decorating Techniques Read More Now...
  • Feb 2012 -- Simply enjoy yourself make these Scaled down Houses plus Cabinet Creation with unique Supplies Read More Now...
  • March 2012 -- Build your own site on the web. Learn the many ways to Succeed Read More Now...
  • April 2012 -- Miniature Wicker Furnishings plus join us and make this unique Wicker-Look Display Read More Now...
  • May 2012 -- Summer Picnic Fun for Two in Miniature plus a Tiny Mosaic Garden Stone Craft Read More Now...
  • Sept 2012 -- Woodworking ideas, Dollhouses, SBI and BB2 are they related? plus craft this Miniature Floorcloth for your Dollhouse Read More Now...
  • Oct 2012 -- Dollhouse Window Drapery plus Model Curtains for your tiny Dwelling by using what you have on-hand Read More Now...
  • Nov 2012 -- Dollhouse Kitchen Renovations plus Preparing your Tiny Dwelling to Receive a Kitchen Facelift Read More Now...

2013

  • Feb 2013 -- Ariella Dollhouse Plan Review. Read all about this intriguing dollhouse project. Get started constructing today with great price deals here Read More Now...
  • Feb 2013 -- February's main ezine issue. Miniature kitchen cupboards and how to stock the tiny shelves. Two design books to study and a tiny project. Get some extra ideas Read More Now...
  • March 2013 -- Introduce yourself to our free ebook offer all over again. You will love the new format. All online and downloadable too. As well in this mini issue acquire more free reading material to build a strong online business Read More Now...
  • April 2013 -- Starting your own crafting ebiz can be hard but not if you know sites that will help you along the way. These desire your success Read More Now...
  • May 2013 -- Have you been wanting to make your own woodworking plans for doll houses? We have good ideas as to how Read More Now...
  • June 2013 -- Take a deeper look at the Home Designer Suite of software. It CAN help you develop plans that will amaze even you Read More Now...
  • July 2013 --Explore all the particulars of the Willow Dollhouse Kit. Is it for you? As well learn to create your own mini wallpaper in minutes Read More Now...
  • August 2013 -- Make your own Mini Victorian Dolls. When nothing else works you can create something that does. Also style your doll in Hankie Couture fashions. Unique and compellingly beautiful Read More Now...
  • Sept 2013 -- Finally take a moment and really design your own dollhouse mini furniture. You can, you know you can. Next make this sweet tiny decorative chair for your 1:12 scale house Read More Now...
  • Nov 2013 -- Get excited about your mini Christmas theme this year. Pull out all the stops and do adventurous things Read More Now... 

2014

  • Jan 2014 -- Start with one word and create a new project or masterpiece. Then create this adorable mini bedspread in 1:12 scale Read More Now...
  • Mar 2014 -- Create a comfortable intimate layout for any room with the use of a tiny fireplace. Then check out the recent project and start Read More Now...
  • April 2014 -- Paint stencils have their place in dollhouses. Find out where they come in handy. Plus create some of your own Read More Now...
  • May 2014 -- Continue your study of design with this issue. We delve in and examine different elements to get you started in your own design Read More Now...
  • Aug 2014 -- Find out more about Home Designer. Up close and personal. Then take a shot at designing your own tiny room. See our master bedroom Read More Now...

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