Dollhouse News

The new laser cut Beaumont Dollhouse was just about ready for release when it hit me that we were still thinking like die cutters and not taking full advantage of our new laser cutting process. To date, all of our new laser cut dollhouse releases have been almost exact replicas of their die cut brethren. So we went back to the drawing board and decided to give the Beaumont Dollhouse a face lift!

One of the more significant changes has been to the windows. We decided to move away from our traditional silkscreen windows and added laser cut detailed mullions to a new double hung design. In addition, we changed the shutters to a new louvered design that adds an authentic appearance never seen before on a Greenleaf Dollhouse. All these changes looked so great, but the upper windows where partially covered by the pediment, so we lower all the second floor windows to show off these new features.

We didn’t stop there! The entrance way has been radically changed as well. Out with the double doors and in with a new engraved design with detailed sidelights to match. The raised panel door look extends to the interior doors as well! The French patio doors got a makeover that will make you want to head out to the balcony for a mint julep! And speaking about the patios, the new railing system makes the conservatory roof look so inviting; you’ll get a sun tan just looking at it!

There are other improvements, but you’re going to have to stop by the Greenleaf Dollhouses Company Store on August 10^th for both the big picture and all the mini details. Because of a limited availability of the front columns, there will only be 12 units available for this initial release, so don’t miss out on your chance to own a new Greenleaf legend; the Beaumont Dollhouse Kit!

Greenleaf Dollhouses is proud to introduce our new line of laser cut dollhouse kits! We are starting off with an old fan favorite, the Tennyson Dollhouse, which has been out of production for years. Enjoy this house like never before with it’s improved laser cut features.  For new offerings, we have released a Dollhouse Lighthouse in both one inch and half inch scale, both of which have a level of detail that is amazing.

Laser cutting works by directing a high powered beam of light with incredible precision across the surface of a sheet of wood leaving a high quality finished cut. There are many differences in die-cutting and laser cutting wood, the most important is that we can realize intricate designs that are too complex for die-cutting. We can also cut smooth curves and even engrave highly detailed patterns into the wood, a technique that will add dimension and scope to our products. Additional benefits of laser cutting is considerably less stripping of parts and minimal sanding.

For over sixty years, Greenleaf Dollhouses has been die-cutting thousands of products with great success and will continue to do so. We look forward to a future of blending laser cutting into our product line, while continuing to die cut our dollhouse kits that are loved worldwide.Â

I know it’s been a while since my original post about our Dollhouse Lighthouse project, but I’m happy to announce that the long wait is almost over!  As you can see, there are significant changes from the original prototype, largely due to a new manufacturing process at Greenleaf … Laser Cutting.  Using a laser cutter, we are now able to add new design features that were impossible to obtain through die cutting.  Additionally, you will spend less time in assembling your kit as many parts require no stripping and call for minimal sanding. 

The Miniature Lighthouse will be available this month for sale exclusively at the Greenleaf Company Store with an expected retail of under $100!  I’m still working on the name, so if you have any suggestions, please post them below!

EDIT:  The Dollhouse Lighthouse is now available at the Greenleaf Company Store for $99 with FREE shipping!

Our goal at Greenleaf has always been to keep dollhouses and miniature collecting an affordable hobby.  With that in mind, you can imagine the challenge when we are designing for our Spring Fling Contest.  We need to have a project that not only surpasses affordable, but we also have to deliver it to you free of charge.  In an effort to meet that end, we are offering this years contest house with a roof upgrade option.  The standard roof on the right offers the appearance of a metal roof.  The upgraded roof on the left is made up of the wood slats that offers a unique alternative.  The upgrade kit will be available at the time of purchase for an additional charge.

Dollhouse on the Martha Stewart Show?  That’s right, but not just any dollhouse, it’s a Greenleaf Dollhouse!  Our friends over at Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures, better known as CDHM.org and the Storybook Cottage Dollhouse Kit will be on the Martha Stewart Show this Tuesday, November 11th.

Well How did that happen?  It all sits squarely on the shoulders of Marlene Buffington of CDHM.org, also know around the Greenleaf Miniature Community as chikzilla.  Marlene is on a mission to bring little things into the big time and her most recent promotional push is the upcoming appearance on Martha Stewart Living Television.

The segment of  show focuses on miniature food artist Betsy Niederer who will be demonstrating how to create a mini turkey to hostess Martha Stewart.  Betsy is absolutely amazing and I would suggest that everyone visit her gallery at CDHM, but do so on a full stomach because you’re guaranteed to get hungry looking at all her delicious food items.

Marlene had put months into making this happen, and when it all began to finally come together, she extended an invitation to her long time sponsor, Greenleaf Dollhouses, to join in the excitement.  Of course, we graciously accepted and donated 220 Storybook Cottage Dollhouse Kits to be given away as gifts to Martha Stewart’s audience members.

Of course, there was a need for a painted model for the show so, in steps miniature superstar, Tracy Topps.  Time was of the essence and Tracy is always up for a challenge, so she stayed up all night making a Storybook Cottage for Martha that she shipped out FedEx the next day.  Tracy also completed the furniture and it all looked fantastic on the set.  Tracy also has a gallery at CDHM and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, I would suggest contacting her… she is a true artist.

A big thanks to our friends at CDHM for including us in this great opportunity. The CDHM web site is filled with miniaturists of all genres happily chatting, teaching and attending tutorials, writing blogs, filling galleries, and participating in many, many other features all designed to promote mini artists and the hobby of miniatures.  It’s some what like a Mall of Miniatures with each artists having their own store.  It’s the first place to start looking for unique goodies for your miniature collecting hobby.  I highly recommend you stop by  Custom Dolls, Houses & Miniatures and have a look for yourself.

It goes without saying that we want to thank the entire production crew on the Martha Stewart Living Show for showcasing miniatures and Greenleaf Dollhouses to her viewing audience. Of course, a big thanks to Martha for having us and taking a picture with my sister Lisa, Marlene and Alice (I’ll post a copy as soon as I get one).  Be sure to set your Tivo’s to see the Storybook Dollhouse on Martha Stewart.