%@$# Dollhouse!

Well, I have to make confession. I have cussed more in the last 5 days than I have in the last 10 years.

I thought I'd share some important lessons I've learned about building a dollhouse.

#1. It is not necessary to paint the tabs. Yes, they will show through when you assemble it, however, the paint makes it so dad gum thick you can't fit it through the notch. Therefore, you will end up sanding off the paint you applied and touching it up after you assemble and glue. Fiddlesticks!



#2. Just be prepared to splinter a few pieces, and have to wood glue them back together and fill holes with wood paste filler. In my case it has been the dad gum large bay window sill. I was seriously doubting the necessity of this particular piece as I tried to wedge it into the super snug slot... After repairing it 3 times, finally getting the window complete (minus trim and "glass") I'm still not sure it's necessary. As a matter of fact, I'm thinkin' the window would have looked just fine without it! Shoot!



#3. Papering the walls before assembling is recommended. Just be prepared to repair the torn paper after your window supports and trim tear it as you attempt to slide into the insanely tight fitting notches without marring the lovely yellow paint on the exterior. Crud.



#4. Sanding all notches an additional 2 inches wider will make this whole stinking process a lot easier. Yes, you may have some gaps, but at least your wood won't be splintered, paper won't be torn, and you won't be praying for forgiveness after letting the "d" word fly for the 43rd time that day. Besides, there is this wonderful thing called silicone. I happen to know they sell it in tubes, and I think it would be ideal for filling in all of the little gaps... Blast!

Well, my brain is tired and my shoulders are tense, and my lower back aches. So, even though I'm dead positive there is more nuggets of wisdom I need to share with you, I'm stopping there.

I also painted one side of most of the remaining trim. After I paint the other side I will be able to glue it fairly quickly up, (famous last words) and assemble the porch roof and door. Of course, then I will still need to shingle and build furniture....Phew!

One last thing before I sign off on this post: Studmuffin ran the sweeper and folded a load of clothes and put it away today. I think that's more than he's done in one day in the house without me nagging him for the first time in a really long time. It turns out he can do more chores one handed than he can normally do with two perfectly good arms! Just goes to show there is something to be said for cabin fever!