Other Topics: My Other Projects

2009 Playmobil Unicorn Princess Castle (small version).  Redone below. 

Grrrrrr!!!!! Merman's tub now! 

Old, dirty lot of pink tubs (before shot).

After mucho primer and Rustoleum products. Ah, thats better! 

No, I am not Gargemel cooking Smurf soup for lunch. I am selling my 30 year old Smurf houses (aint January a great time for spring cleaning?) and they were so grubby, bent and discolored I had to do something with them before expecting someone else to pay for and love them. This is also step one for any used toys you get that you want as minty as possible again. Hot water makes them soft and pliable as well as sanitizes them and loosens dirt. 

The during, primer is a must or else you are spraying 1000 coats of drippy color that you can still see the nasty old color looking back at you. You can see I really went to town with a sharpie marker back in 1983. 

I purposefully left the undersides original to show that the renovation was indeed necessary. 

The after village. The orange is remeniscent of the 1970's German Smurf house,with no white dots. 

The real life renovator in me couldnt resist upgrading to hardwood floors in Papa Smurf's house. virtually free and completely removable. See, the primed chimney is lighter and a flat finish, actually I like that better then the darker, shiny window frames. 

Ta daaahhhh.......

I had no idea it would take me 3 hours to assemble this 70's yellow 'house'. 

Finally done. I always did love a nice Lego set for my birthday (still do!).  Substituting lost parts is what took half my time, so I am not a total mental midget. What a crazy Saturday night that was! ;-)

Cutting apart the magenta wall (thank goodness for my black and decker dremel tool, that was the best $30 I ever spent)  is essentially necessary as the factory original castle is basically a stationary cookoo clock. one sided with funny little doors that open to a scene inside. Kind of pedestrian if you ask me. Naturally the hot pink had to go. 

The all important priming step. I should buy this stuff by the case.  PS Auto paint is the highest quality paint I have ever used. the blue for the turrets is auto spray, and you'll notice its the same blue as the inside of the 1984 hot tub. its so nice to work with. Its not nice to not ever get carded by the store clerk since spray paint is an over 18 product now. 

The rest of the parts once disassembled. The stickers come off in one nice piece, I think they are vinyl. One left behind a glue shmeer, but I keep acetone under the sink for things like that and it came right off.  This set is kind of a baby toy, but I knew I would love the end result, and the $11 for this was better then the $150 for the Playmobil large grey castle I am saving up for. 

Getting ready to contact paper the doors. The big decision was wether to paint them brown first, or leave a gold trim. I opted for the gold trim because you'll see these doors have a gold 'lock' on the bottom and I didnt want that brown. This way it looks like a metal. I had 4 shades of wood grain (fetish much?) and this was in the middle. I think the medium tone blends well with the white body of the castle and other lighter colors used in the diorama. 

Finished product. The handle between the turrets turned into a  front stoop. Its just primed grey, so one step easy.  I added a duck pond from blue paperboard from you guessed it, the Dollar Tree. I also rearranged the vineage so now there is a rose bush. 

The cut off wall is reversible, I applied the interior wall sticker back on in so you can stand it up and have a wall as an option, the chair is 1/4 or 1/2 inch scale (the real small kind, bought in a grocery store, late 70's a perfect match for a castle this size). 

The turrets are now attic space with hardwood floors, same tone as the doors. 

The floor is a square cut off from plywood in the wood aisle of Lowes. A rectangle that yielded 8 of these squares cost about $6. one side is nicer than the other. I had 6 mini cans of stain in the garage and chose this shade, glad they are getting used for something, just make sure you sand first. I also put little rubber cabinet bumpers as feet on it so its toaly done. If I do this project again (scored the castle for $11 total) will do a cream colored body with red turrets. 

2002 Barbie Rapunzel Castle Tower redone as Spanish Mediterranean Villa with hardwood floor. 

Vintage Ads: French 1979 Ad and Generic A Frame

http://cgi.ebay.fr/PUB-Publicite-Mattel-BARBIE-Princesse-et-sa-maison-1979-/300629008337?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_71&hash=item45fee29fd1#ht_572wt_982

and current ebay for sale a frame house (rare one)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960S-ERA-FRAME-SKI-CHALET-BUILDABLE-TOY-RETRO-FURNITURE-BARBIE-DOLL-SIZE-/250915193108?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6bb60114#ht_500wt_1219

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom 

Barbie Book: All Dolled Up!

Page from the newer Barbie book, All Dolled Up. 

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom 

Shout Out December 2011 Edition

The now very rare Kaleidoscope house. Ive never seen the box before, but I did see the house at the local consignment shop for $450. The furniture line for the house was a bit 'playschool'ish but overall a very cool, iconic house.

Rare 1975 Mountain house, red roofed variation with box, furniture and instructions. 

Not bad for $129 total. 

HO scale model train house. 

House kit for trains I think. 

Very rare Marx/Plasco scale house. You can see my ghost taking its picture thanks to Ebay disallowing saving pics. 

Ho Jo's !!

Actually a red roofed, A Frame Mod Church for train models. 

Just a quick post about modern and/or high pitched red or orange roofed houses from various decades. A respectful nod to other well designed small houses.

Pretty cool wood house kit from the 70's (A frames golden era) not Barbie size, but I would totally like to own own.  And at least this place had a staircase, fireplace and deck. ;-)

Like most things Hannah Montana, this house is a guilty pleasure. Yes, A frame, I have been seeing another house. I like the coloring, realism, apparent quality, cool furniture and portability. I think it ranges about $100 or so online. 

Though I am not a huge kidkraft fan, I do like the openness and potential for customization  of this house. Its in the $130-$230 range. Of course you'd have to repaint everything and maybe spanish tile roof sheets from the miniatures store would be in order, but think of the OOAK finished showpiece you would have at the end, especially you furniture/staging freaks (like me). If i had $$$ I would do that project and post. 

This is a re-issued HO train model scale split level house (under the name, Contemporary House) formerly an American made thing from the famous bachman co (not that bachman). it now comes finished in a pretty white box with cellophane window after arriving from a slow boat from china. 

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom 

Customs: Unusual Stickers and Play Mat

I haven't the foggiest as to what the flower stickers go to but they almost look factory. Thought this would be a fun show and tell for today.

Yardscape from I think a 1970's backyard BBQ/ppol playset. 

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom 

Ebay: Strange (But all true) Tales

Local Pick Up Only in Fumbuck, Kansas. The double front doors that weren't purchased on ebay for $10 were pitched last week. House will be shipped in 3 large boxes unless you want disassembled for extra fee. Post covers were broken but I am including them anyway. Covers got broken so threw them out. Has been stored for a long time and browned and missing some pieces which I will look for. House you will receive is not the one in the photo. I was upfront about he whole deal and you could have backed out anytime. I will not pay your return shipping. Windows for sale, pick ONE. Selling lot of parts because I hate to throw it away in the trash. I broke a tab off one piece so I am canceling the order since per bays rules I cannot sell a product that is not as described ($20 cottage).  Selling ONE plant peg. 

Selling ONE oven knob. Enjoy the oven you got almost for free. Missing pieces are easy and cheap to find on ebay anytime. Incredibly rare Barbie house. Stored in outdoor building for a few years will leave cleaning up to you so I don't damage it, not an expert here. The walls were tossed, just selling the smaller parts. No, I don't combine shipping. The packing fee is $2 per item won. The cost is $45 for shipping (actually fraudulently used boss's UPS business account and got it for $23, no overage refund).  

If it doesn't have a Buy It Now option, then IT IS NOT a buy it now item so DO NOT ask I WILL NOT respond. I DO NOT babysit my computer so please ask any questions as early as possible. missing a few pieces (has one door and one window, no planters). Loads of furniture (3 pieces of 90's crap).Hello. I am ready to ship the house. There is a minor problem. When I went get the house out of storage I found that a box had fallen on top of the plastic trash bag the house was in. The house is still usable but the column covers were badly broken. They are made of very thin plastic. Like I said the house is functional but the columns will not be shipped.I can't offer a concession on the price. The shipping is $51.50 or something like that.The post stated "7 days money back, buyer pays return shipping" A good condition barbies dream house yellow and read ALSO MISSING POST TRIM (THEY WERE BRITTLE AND BROKE) Found this vintage barbie piece, i could experiment with painting and swap out the fridge, what do you think? Item is dated 1978. This apparently is a rare misprint as it was not released until the80's. 

IF YOU WANT THE BOX I WILL HAVE TO ADD ANOTHER 50 TO THE SHIPPING BECAUSE OF OVERSIZED RATES.This is not for the dall but the Wall Oven Only.

DO NOT BID UNLESS YOU INTEND TO PAY IMMEDIATELYinstructions booklet folds out too 34 inches long. has been untouched for about a year.  Comes from a smoke free cat free home.  Winning bidder pays USPS PRIORITY MAIL charges, All doors good condition except for the front, I think I covered everything,  "plastic nipple" broke and so it come apart , Buyer will be responsible to put back together.,  house is in Very good condition itself and the patina is in great shape This is a very rare find, I will include some fun surprise bonuses, part out this house and triple your money, dusty from being stored in my garage....was my wives she doesnt want it no more....so im selling...FIRST OF ALL, IF YOU WIN AND ORDER PARCEL POST OR UPS GROUND AS YOUR METHOD OF SHIPMENT, DO NOT BLAME US FOR A LATE DELIVERY. would work as an outdoor/ patio dollhouse for the kids!

Honey, how do we hide that there are missing doors and windows? 

and no, I don't have an assembly diagram. So it ain't perfect,Plants have dry rotten so I threw them away but can be replaced of your liking.For your safety and mine, a state-issued ID of person picking up must be presented and must match the name & address of winning bidder as shown on PayPal payment.***If your address requires for me to fill out paper work, I do not ship to you so please do not bid or Thisitem could use a good cleaning, but I leave that up to the buyer to preserve quality.

Actual, un-retouched photo of Marx house for sale. 

The covers that go over the basic structure are almost
all there, in a box, but I did not use them because they
were cheap plastic and break after all these years. You
Could make column covers yourself, it would be fun.

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom 

Vintage Ads: Catalogue, Back of Oven Box, and Convention Pic

Don't know who this Lindsey character is but at least they put all her stuff on the bottom of the page. ;-) I am guessing the ad is circa 1982?

Nice double page layout featuring the Big House and the Big RV. This ad is blog approved. 

THis is the back of the 1982 oven box. Guess you could call this a 'serving suggestion'. 

Guess this was a convention somewhere. Shame most of my blog readers A Frames would blow this one out of the water since it has no flowers, post covers, upstairs planters or furniture. 

Other Houses: December 2011 Edition

red roof is blue box, wooden one is ryans room and the one right above this i can't remember. 

Chalet by Plan Toys, 2011

Furnishes Chalet. Original Much? Theres even a yellow fridge and green furniture. 

Obviously strikingly similar. They did have the forethought to make a nice modern staircase and a 3rd floor. Like OUR A Frame the sections are interchangeable, though there are only two sections, not three.

G'day from Australia! A postcard from the edge of the world. 

1985 Sylvanian family house. Red roof with skylights, hardwood floors with a decidedly Germanic feel, very well made for its time, wood construction and pricey to this date, not to mention so cute with the little forest critter families and furniture line. 

Here's the A Frame reinvented as a wooden barn. Um...wow....thanks....