These great and detailed step-by-step instructions for making a dollhouse from scratch will help you (and your possible helpers) learn to do things yourself when gifts are needed and the big money is not available. The dollhouse we are considering will make your child happy and you a proud mom or dad. Ready? All you need are cardboard boxes, egg cartons, lace, linen and clothes, and lots of patience. To begin, you need the basics, which are scissors, egg cartons, cloth, tape, needle and thread, pencil, staple gun and staples, glue or paste, boxes, popsicle sticks, lace and linen.

When you have the items, get a medium (or large if you like) cardboard box. You can leave the flaps on or take them off. You will need to leave the top half of the box open for the child to look inside her dollhouse, because inside the house will be filled with furniture, curtains, doors, etc. With a pencil, draw a door and windows on the box. Next, cut along each line with the scissors to carve out the windows and doors.

Cut the egg holders carefully so you do not wreck its shape. With the flap of the egg carton, cut back for the chairs. If you would like to make beds, use popsicle sticks and parts of the box. Cut the pieces in the form of a bed and use glue or paste to hold the materials together. Make chairs, tables and desks with the rest of the cardboard and egg cartons. Whether you want 2-inch or 4-inch chairs is your choice.

Cut out design for curtains with your chosen patterns. Leave room for a slit if you want ties for the curtains. Sew the top of two pieces of the lace or cloth together leaving the center open. Use paste, staples, or scotch tape to hold the curtains to the windows.

The doors you will need to leave flaps so that they can open and close. 4 inches by 2 inches across is the suggested size.

If you want carpet in the dollhouse, line the floor area and cut a pattern of terry cloth and then lay out the design.

After you have completed these steps, you may also want to design a kitchen table, end tables, or what have you. This too can be accomplished by laying out the patterns based on the chosen size, cutting the cardboard into the shape of a table and using Popsicle sticks as legs. You may have to place a rounded object at the bottom of the sticks to make them stand.

Now you have finished. Again, it depends on the child whether you want extra's in the home or not. Small mirrors can be purchased or cut from wounded mirrors if you would like to design the walls with mirrors. Otherwise, you can also purchase finger paints and create a design as well.

Wait until your little girl sees the ready dollhouse! This makes a great Birthday or christmas gift!