matchbox dollhouse

I made this ridiculously cute little matchbox dollhouse for a swap! I considered running out and buying a 250 count matchbox until I realized you can do it without one! I made my own using this template with help from measurements from this other template because the first template doesn't have the measurements on it, but DOES have a flap you need that is omitted in the second template. Make sense? You definitely need those extra flaps! I learned this the hard way after accidentally cutting them off of one side! Instead of printing out the template (which is an image file and could print a crazy size), I drew it using the measurements. I used a cake mix box, but any sturdy-but-thin cardboard should work. Use a craft knife and a straightedge. My only other tip is to not make the outside cover until you are done with the inside to make sure it will be loose enough to open but tight enough to stay closed AFTER you have covered the inside drawer with tons of paper that will make it slightly thicker.

The matryoshka doll and knitting bag are made from felt. The embroidery and crochet were done with size 10 cotton thread and a small hook. I made the shelf and sofa out of leftover pieces of cardboard. I painted the shelf with acrylic paint and covered the sofa in fabric. The miniature knitting needles are made from toothpicks and small beads. Why is making super small stuff so fun?