Dolls House Books

[mad-on-miniatures]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd post some piccies of the books that I have made use of and can recommend. These books are my own, but my local library have been very good and have ordered books in from surrounding libraries in the area, if they haven't had the book in themselves. So, get down to your local library for some inspiration and ideas and the best bit is its all FREE.

The Decorated Dolls House - Jessica Ridley - ISBN 0 316 86183 9 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0316861839?ie=UTF8&tag=thedolhouemp-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0316861839)
This book is a "must have" manual for decorating and designing in miniature, all techniques are illustrated from the preperation stages, to the perfect finish and include over 350 close up photos, to guide you through the enclosed projects. Projects included are for a Scandinavian Bedroom, to laying an Italian marble floor. Other techniques show how to upholster furniture, hand paint wallpaper, gilde picture frames, crafting tables and chairs, designing curtains and blinds, thatching roofs, stencilling in miniature.


Decorate A Dolls House - Michal Morse - ISBN 0 7134 8288 5 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0713482885?ie=UTF8&tag=thedolhouemp-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0713482885)
This book is wonderful to use as a source book and includes over 40 interiors in colour, over 80 black and white drawings illustrating the details, along with clear informative text summarizing the history of decorative styles. Ideas and inspiration for all dolls house enthusiasts, to decorate your house in authentic period style and detail.


Making Dolls House Interiors in 1/12th Scale - Carol and Nigel Lodder - ISBN 0 7153 0615 4 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0715306154?ie=UTF8&tag=thedolhouemp-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0715306154)
Another great book full of information to do room by room decoration, furnishing and accessorising of your dolls house, all in a range of period styles with complete and essential advice on materials and tools. Expert tips help you authenticate your particular period style. Full size plans and instructions, detailed drawings and superb colour photographs enable you to complete your chosen project in full. I also have the two other books in this collection, (photos not shown) Making and Dressing Dolls House Dolls in 1/12th Scale - Sue Atkinson- ISBN 0 7153 0788 6, and The New Dolls House Do-It-Yourself Book, both books excellent.


Creating Dolls' House Period Style - Lionel & Ann Barnard - ISBN 0 7153 1343 X (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/071531341X?ie=UTF8&tag=thedolhouemp-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=071531341X)
This book is so good, showing lots of authentic period styles and projects with full colour photos and clear instructions showing extensive chronological galleries and finished examples suitable for Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian dolls houses. Practical advice is also given in this book on how to not only make your own items but to adapt and restly shop bought items. Comprehensive lists give details of suppliers and a helpful glossary makes this book another essential item for all Dolls House Miniaturists everywhere.


Another book that I would like to mention, The Dolls House Wedding Book - Sue Johnson - ISBN 1 86108 451 X (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/186108451X?ie=UTF8&tag=thedolhouemp-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=186108451X)
This book to me is the greatest book of all, as I make all my own costumes along with curtains and bedding, this is a wonderful book for anyone who wishes to do the same and make costumes for the ladies of your house that are out of this world. The wedding dresses shown in this book, vary from the beginner to the more advanced, but are all shown in full colour photos and text to help you through the varying stages of dress wear, from the petticoats to the final layer of the dress. Later chapters help you to compliment the dress with hats brollys and other ladies items , such as the corsette, slippers, tiaras, veils, jewellery, charms, confetti, floral arrangements, in fact anything to do with weddings is covered in this book, including plans to make your own wedding boutique and salon using the design template for the "Pumkins and Butterflies Salon" as shown in the book.

Books are shown from left to right -

[mad-on-miniatures]

Hi all.

Just thought I'd put on here, another book that is worth the read........It's not so much a book with pictures to follow styles or such things..........but more a book to read .......if you want to study the Social HIstory of the Regency Period.......from 1788 - 1830 .......

It's detailed and truthful encounters......give a clear and undiluted taste of this Period ........retelling tales......and vivid accounts of of their scandals...courtships, duelling, debts, lavish banquets and the outrageous gambling.........of this time.....

It goes on to recount the story of when Lady Caroline Lamb........stabbed herself at a ball for the love of Byron and how a mistress could cost anyhting in the region of £100,000.00 a year.........just imagine the houses you could have with that money...... all the stories told, are based on actual documents and material from the Royal Archives at Windsor and the Chatsworth Archives and makes use of contemporary accounts. diaries, menus, letters and memoirs from figures as diverse Princess Lieven and Harriette Wilson, Charles Greville and a London footman.......Illustrated throughout with rare cartoons and prints from a unique collection ........some never been seen in print before......

I am only half the way through this 300 plus, paged book..........but enjoying every wriiten word ......

The title is called :-

HIGH SOCIETY - Written by VENETIA MURRAY - ISBN No - 0-670-85758-0

Ask at your local library as they .........like mine..........may well be able to get it for you......If you are doing a house in this period........or just wish to be be more informed of the history relating to it and the people within it........then read this book........you will be glad you did.........:)

[coodencat]

Hi Mom thanks for that has given me an idea to look for the same only for Victorian era.
I have been looking through Queen Victoria's Dolls house this morning, it really is amazing and ever time I look I find I missed something. It does give quite a good indication of items/rooms of that period. My library although small is very good at ordering books for you. Although now much of it has been taken up by a computer room. A lot of the craft books have gone.
tc carol

My latest book is Dolls house making minis with Polymer clay by Sue Heaser

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/wifey2709/HippoDance.gif

[jeanmtweddle]

Thanks for that Mom - I will try my library.

[coodencat]

Ih Jean I agree with mom the library is always my first stop, and you can always renew so can have it for a while. Then If I find i really use it then will lbuy it.
tc carol
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/wifey2709/HippoDance.gif

[Dolly donut]

oooh thanks MOM i will get those soon, been wondering which ones to get

[kayjay]

My favourite book is 'Decorative Dolls' Houses' by Caroline Hamilton. I initially read it from the library and tried to buy it to discover it was out of print but I looked out for it and managed to find it on ebay :)

[coodencat]

Hi Kayjay will check that out in my local library always my first port of call.
tc carol
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[cinderella]

I also have Decorative Dolls' Houses' by Caroline Hamilton..............I had it bought me a few years ago for a birthday present and rediscovered it when I became interested in dolls houses.
It is a book Which I keep going back to look at.

I have recently bought
The Big Book of the Dolls House by Jean Nisbett ISBN No 1-86108-485-4

This is a complete guide to the making & furnishing of all kinds of dolls houses. There are useful tips & more than 50 projects to make.

[coodencat]

Oh dear now have a loooong list for my library :eek:
tc carol
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/wifey2709/HippoDance.gif

[cinderella]

Hi Coodencat

I also keep going to the local library, I think I have borrowed all of the books from one branch.............will have to try another. Up to now I having found any on making miniature foof from Filmo but I will keep trying. :mad:

[St.Vale]

Hiya Lynda,

I make a list of all the books I want, then give the list out at Xmas/birthdays, it’s amazing how many you get!! People love buying others books I have found!!

[coodencat]

Hi You are right Val I always buy books for my son in law for his Xmas present. My daughter usually tells me a few that he would like and I buy some .
I do know that way I am giving something that the person really wants and will enjoy, and will be read maybe a few times. He usually asks for hard back and has special bookcase for his books.
I usually go to my library first then If I like the book will order it from the intenet or bookshop.
tc carol
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/wifey2709/HippoDance.gif

[mad-on-miniatures]

Hiya Lynda,

I make a list of all the books I want, then give the list out at Xmas/birthdays, it’s amazing how many you get!! People love buying others books I have found!!

Hi Val,

I love books too.......... I could spend all day in a book shop just browsing and looking.....................however, I have to go to the library ....... I don't have room to keep them all.........:( I usually keep a space on my bookshelf for a "few" and then swap them.........if I need others.......:)

[cinderella]

Hi
We have books all around the house, i have books that have been presents usually surprises because when asked I can never think of any titles.
What a good idea to start a list :D

I also buy books as presents.

[wombat]

ooo i am so glad i just read this thread. i am waiting for one of the books you mention to be delivered and can't wait now i know it will be useful! its the decorating dolls house period style one!!

[Amanda]

Hi all

Just thought I would tell you about a book that has had me spellbound for most of this week, it is called Creating Dolls' House, Period Style, by Lionel and Ann Barnard ISBN 0 7153 1341-X which I purchased from Amazon on their used or nearly new section for £3.40 original price was £19.99

I has so much information in it, for all periods, projects to do, where to get things from, styles to look for, ideas for adding that finishing touch, also a section on how to do a ceiling with a paper doilies, as well as making chimney breasts, well worth a read

[Winston's Mum]

thanks Amanda will see if my library can get it when i take mine back. Also for anyone interested in making things with Fimo this book i am reading at moment is really good, even has my clock in it that i have made already, its called 'Making Doll's House Miniatures with Polymer Clay' by Sue Heaser ISBN number is 0-7063-7590-4 i think its already been mentioned somewhere else but agree it is very good, if you want to make anything out of fimo or other clays, not just food.

[WhatNow]

I got a cracking book for cross stitch the other day off ebay - A Cross Stitcher's Oriental Odyssey by Joan Elliott (ISBN0715311700). It has lots of projects, many of which I think I can convert for my wee house :D

[Winston's Mum]

Hi Whatnow thanks for that will have a look for that also, its nice to have books recommened.:D

[Amanda]

Hi WM

I am waiting for that book to be delivered now that you have said how good it is, can't wait, thanks, and I agree this thread is great for getting new books that others have read

[cinderella]

Hi Amanda

i have not been on the forum for a few days but I have orded the book I was looking for :Food Displays: Step-by-step Instructions for More Than 40 Projects - by Sue Heaser from waterstones for £7.75 which I am collecting from my local store to save on postage.
They said was in stock but now is on special order ......so I don't know haow long it will take. :mad:

[Winston's Mum]

Hi Cinderella thanks for info i will be ordering it too, i love it. Not that i ve had a chance to make anything but i will do, hope i can get it too.:D

[Amanda]

Hi Cinders

I went back onto Amazon, because of the price I did not get this book either, then I went onto Waterstones and got the same book for what you said, so thanks for that, I still do not understand the price difference I thought maybe one was harback but no they are both paperbacks!!!!!

I have now sent an email to Amazon regarding the difference in price, will let you know the results, just notice too that one of their copies was £116.00!!!!!!!

[cinderella]

Hi WM & Amanda

I don't understand why the price is such a big difference either.:eek:

[Winston's Mum]

Hi Amanda good for you, i will be ordering it from waterstones too.

[cinderella]

Hi WM

If you have a branch of Waterstones near you to cut down on the postage chose to have it sent to your local store & collect it.

[Amanda]

Well, I just got a automated reply from Waterstones to say that the book is currently unavailable, but they will send it out as soon as they have new stock, which is fine.

I also got an email from Amazon which said that they had run out of stock before I could place my order:confused:[which I was not trying to do] and that the books were priced by the marketplace or the seller who put the book on, and if I had a problem with any prices I should make a complaint to the seller direct:eek: all in all not very helpful especially as it does not address the fact that the book is far more expensive than Waterstones, go figure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Winston's Mum]

Hi Cinderella will do that will be going to the centre sometime this vweek, did you order yours on line or have you been to shop.

[cinderella]

Hi WM

I ordered it online, I don't know if its the same price in the shop or not. I have also had a email saying its out of stock but will wait for it to come in.

[Winston's Mum]

Hi Amanda and Cinderella when i enquired about it before i was told it was out of print, i thought thats why price was so high on Amazon, well we will see wont we, will order one myself this week too and see what happens let me know when you hear anything about it. Cheers

[Lorriebe]

For research for new project I am reading within the Fairy Castle Colleen Moores history of her doll house now at the chicargo science musemn and Fairies in Art...both well worth a look

[cinderella]

Hi Lorriebe

i have looked for this book at my local libary but they don't have it. Is it any good.

[katie]

I just got the food displays book from amazon for £7 and its a great book.

[MikeD]

Well, I just got a automated reply from Waterstones to say that the book is currently unavailable, but they will send it out as soon as they have new stock, which is fine.

I also got an email from Amazon which said that they had run out of stock before I could place my order:confused:[which I was not trying to do] and that the books were priced by the marketplace or the seller who put the book on, and if I had a problem with any prices I should make a complaint to the seller direct:eek: all in all not very helpful especially as it does not address the fact that the book is far more expensive than Waterstones, go figure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amanda
This is a common problem on Amazon and one beyond their control. They act as agents for sellers (anyone can be a seller) and when it is a book (or CD or whatever) is no longer available then sellers will try and make more money by selling to whoever will pay their asking price; and that price can be whatever they like. It is unusual for Amazon to be more expensive than Waterstones, but some publishers don't like Amazon's power in the marketplace so refuse to let them stock their books.
When it comes to new stuff they usually can't be beaten - I've just bought a new CD from Amazon USA and it is 47% off, and it's not available here until next month!

[Amanda]

Hi Mike

Thanks for that information it is very helpful, I still use Amazon because they have a good variety of things on offer

[coodencat]

Hi I use Amazon quite a lot mostly for books/games . I usually compare Amazon with the other sellers on their site for /new /second hand. The only problem with that is if ordering say two books from the same sorce they are usually sent seperatly so two lots of postage.
I have not tried the American site must have a check through on that.
tc carol
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[MikeD]

Hi I use Amazon quite a lot mostly for books/games . I usually compare Amazon with the other sellers on their site for /new /second hand. The only problem with that is if ordering say two books from the same sorce they are usually sent seperatly so two lots of postage.
I have not tried the American site must have a check through on that.
tc carol

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Carol
What a lot of people don't realise is that once you have an account with amazon.co.uk you can sign in to any other (such amazon.com, amazon.fr or amazon.de etc) and shop with them in just the same way!

[coodencat]

Hi Mike thanks for that I had not realized would be good to see "other " Amazons items .
You would have to work out Euros/dollars etc though ?
tc carol
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[Hollyrafe]

Hi Carol,
Dollars are easy, just half it. Like 10 dollars is roughly 5 pounds. And you can use one of these:
http://www.xe.com/ucc/

[coodencat]

Hi Holly thanks for that will check that out.
tc carol
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[Hollyrafe]

No problem! They're handy to use.

[mad-on-miniatures]

Hi Mike

Thanks for that information it is very helpful, I still use Amazon because they have a good variety of things on offer

Hi Amanda,

I've never used Amazon.......I would like to.......but I'm always warey of buying from this site.......not for any reason.......as I've never used them as I say........I'm just cautious of buying something from the second hand book section and not getting it........:confused: Is is a safe site to buy from.......?

[Amanda]

Hi MoM

Well so far I have been buying from them for a couple of years and touch wood never had a problem either with the price or the delivery, so I would certainly recommend them, you can also get things from the USA site and even with the postage they can still work out cheaper than things from the UK or as I just found out Monday they had a book that the UK site did not have!!!!

[St.Vale]

We have bought most of our books from Amazon for a number of years now, open an account with them and you get reductions too!!

[MikeD]

Hi Amanda,

I've never used Amazon.......I would like to.......but I'm always warey of buying from this site.......not for any reason.......as I've never used them as I say........I'm just cautious of buying something from the second hand book section and not getting it........:confused: Is is a safe site to buy from.......?

Amazon themselves are fine. With sellers you need to look at their feedback (same kind of thing as e-bay) and see how long they have been selling and what people have rated them. Look at people's comments too, this can often tell you a lot. I have to admit in the main I buy CDs as there is less to go wrong (if I buy a book even secondhand I want it in excellent condition). That said some of the sellers are actual old-fashioned bookshops and dealers who have realised they can make more money by selling through Amazon than in their shops!

[mad-on-miniatures]

Hi all,

Thanks for the coments, my sons girl friend mentioned them bu chance last night too......and she said that she'd never had any problems either.....I may just go and buy that book I've been lookng at now ........Thanks folks.....:D

[Lorriebe]

Hi Cinders,,,,The book is a beauty such a fairy house worth a read the house cost $500K in 1920 /30's if only ,but I love the idea of a total fantasy house so creating a version of my own I got the book from Amazon but had to put a request in as it was out of print Good luck !!!!!!