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Among its many uses, foam core is a great material with which
to construct 3-dimensional models. While not just a model, building a
doll house out of foam core is possible as well. Although not as sturdy
as wood, it is much lighter and can support as much as a wooden doll
house. It won’t withstand the same abuse as wood, but a dollhouse is not
likely to receive harsh treatment. Once constructed, foam core is
paintable or can be decorated in other ways as well. With the tools and
materials handy, you can build a foam core doll house in an afternoon.
Step 1: Build 3 Sides
Cut 2 square or rectangular pieces to serve as the sides. They should
be identical in size. Cut a third piece that will be the back. Make it
the same height as the sides, only wider. When cutting, draw a straight
line on the foam core and score it with the razor knife. Don’t try to
cut through the entire piece the first time. Puncture the paper layer,
cut through the foam on the second pass and cut the bottom layer of
paper on the third pass.
Step 2: Link the Sides with the Back
On one edge of both sides, trace a series of teeth from top to
bottom. The teeth should be no deeper than the foam core is thick.
Carefully score along these lines and cut out the shapes on both side
pieces. Lay the back piece down flat. On either side edge of the back,
lay the side pieces with the teeth overlapping.
Line up the toothed edge with the respective side edge of the back.
The depth of the teeth should align with the edge of the back on both
sides. Trace the teeth onto the back piece on both sides. After you
score and cut out the teeth on the back piece, they should end up
alternating with the teeth on the side pieces so they interlock.
Interlock the teeth and test out the fit. Form a U with sides and back
and trace the shape onto a bigger piece of foam core for the bottom.
Step 3: Cut Out Bottom and Upper Level
Cut out the bottom piece. Measure the interior dimensions of the U
frame and measure, trace and cut out a piece for the upper level.
Step 4: Make Windows
Before gluing the pieces together, take the U back apart and measure
for the placement of windows. Trace the lines onto the side and back
pieces and score and cut out the shapes as before.
Step 5: Reassemble with Glue
With the windows cut out, prepare your hot glue gun and glue the
toothed joints back into the U shape. Glue the bottom on. Set the upper
level into place, mark where it will go and glue it in as well. Let the
frame sit for a few minutes.
Step 6: Paint and Decorate
Now you can paint and decorate the exterior and interior the foam
core doll house. You don’t have to add a roof, but you can if you wish.
Once painted, the doll house can be furnished with dolls and
furniture to the delight of your little one. If a joint comes loose,
simply apply a little more hot glue to fix it.