Here they host breaks down the actual inspiration behind the house and furniture design:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nPsqsx33lM
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This site is for all things Mattel A Frame Dollhouse for Barbie. Use search box for posts explaining with photos about: purchasing, proper cleaning, carefully restoring, replacing missing pieces, free assembly instructions download, upgrading and customizations, add ons, accessories, furniture, staging and more! If you would like to contact me for questions and to show me your photos you can reach me at: AFrame1978Guy@yahoo.com
Hi! Thank you so much for your great blog! I just happened to score an A frame this week on FB. It is in great shape and nearly complete. I think it’s missing a brace. I really appreciate access to the directions! I don’t have any screws. Do you happen to know the size. I read in your blog that you didn’t remember. Hoping since you have flipped many since, you might know. Thanks again! I really loved all your posts!
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks so much. I haven't been as active since earlier posts, but I took some pictures of the screws I have since I dont keep them in place in my house. I'll post the pictures here on the blog. I dont have the exact sizes, so my best recommendation for you is to do trial and error, maybe there are some random size bolts around the house so you can narrow down what the incorrect sizes are to pinpoint the exact right size. You'll need 26 long bolts total (blunt edge bolt not a pointy end wood screw), the length is just over 1 inch, the head width is 1 cm. For restoration projects I would buy a small bag at the hardware store, matching the flat head rounded head of the screw as much as possible to keep it vintage looking and return the sizes that didn't fit, just be sure you dont try to force a screw that is a tiny bit too large or it will crack the plastic surround, get a great fit and then coat with a tiny dab of wd 40 oil to keep them smooth and rust free for the long haul, good luck with it and thanks for checking out the blog. =-)
DeleteI'm writing here, since I can't directly email you, but I just wanted to let you know that few days ago I discovered your blog (because I was tempted to buy this house form an eBay auction), and read it to the very last (first) post: it's incredible the work you put in it, also about the outer references, the real ife examples, the world around this toy, I appreciate all of it. I'd like to send you some pics of the house I bought just yesterday, is it possible in some way? Just to have your expert eye opinion about it!
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteSure, thank you so much! Blogspot has been glitchy lately, so just reply with your social media handle wherever you can post pictures of your house (on Pinterest, Flickr, your own blogspot URL, etc) and I'll take a look see. Also, let me know what your goals are for the renovation and if I missed anything in the posts here about each step of the restoration process. Chat soon! Ken, Blog Host
Hello Ken, thank you so much for your reply! Unfortunately I don't have accounts on those sites, except Pinterest, but this project is something I'm not sharing publicly on my socials, any chance I can send the images to you? Let me know! - Roberta
DeleteOk, it's me again, sorry :D I've managed to create a Pinterest board, but I'd prefer not to publish the link here...
DeleteBloghost: Sure, you can always start a dummy account anonymously and also mark your Pinterest albums private. Is the house you got color faded, structurally damaged, incomplete, or a combo of all of the above? Are you looking to restore or reinvent the house? Ken
DeleteOk, I linked the board, and it's private, you should now be able to view it... I don't want to annoy you, but wouldn't it be easier to chat via email?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the pics with the assembled house are the ones from the seller, but I picked it already in pieces. I chose this one because it has all the windows, glasses and other elements like the flower boxes, it only lacks the front doors, unfortunately I can't find them anywhere (I'm in Italy). Also, no outdoor triangles, of course. It needs a good wash for sure, I should have all the screws, it has all the post covers (which I learned about them from your posts), but you can see they're darker and some have been reinforced with tape... I don't want to reinvent it, just restore it in a good vintage look, no need for it to be squeaky extra bright white, but I'm not sure how to proceed, especially with the covers: do you think I can wash them and just paint them without any restore job? Also, can I wash the windows too in my tub or do I have to do it manually, one by one with, like, a damp cloth? I'm sure I have many more questions :D
ReplyDeleteHello! I have made a special email address people can contact me through: AFrame1978Guy@yahoo.com
DeleteYou are welcome to send me everything there if you like. If you scroll down through all the posts here I know I have detailed cleaning instructions someplace on this site. In short, the best thing for old dusty/dirty houses is to let them soak in hot, soapy water for the day, let everything get loosened up, lay out a large bath or beach towel on the floor and as you pull each piece out of the water, wipe it down with a toothbrush or sponge, let the water drip off then stand it upright so the rest of the water drains off while you do the rest of the pieces. With "glass" doors and windows: be very careful they scratch VERY easily, so do not use a brush, just a very soft hand towel or micro fiber towel and don't push too hard or they will scratch, for little crevices I use a few Q tips, then once everything is clean let it dry for the rest of the day. Keep the screws away from the water or they WILL RUST, they are not galvanized. I clean these up with steel wool and WD40 or mineral oil. Since you don't plan to paint the rest is easy, just assemble with the instructions I have posted on here, take your time especially with the brittle pot covers. You can take off the old tape and redo it using matte Scotch tape, on the inside edges if you can. You can embellish more flowers from the craft store. Missing patio triangles may be re created if you can find a firm material that can be painted yellow. I would look around craft and home improvement stores for very thin crafting plywood, or sturdy plastic (prime it first) and paint to match. If the post covers are too dark, you can leave them off, they aren't structural, or paint them or make new white ones from scored poster board using the old ones as a template to measure a perfect fit. This is also on here someplace with photos. Let me know what else you need help with. Thank you!