Welcome to my house! My doll house, that is. Today, I couldn’t be more excited to share one of my most ambitious projects to date! So, let’s get right to it. Come inside, and take a look around my 3D Victorian doll house.
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This paper craft has been on my mind for a long time! But I knew it was going to take a lot of planning and time. I wasn’t wrong in that assessment, but I couldn’t be more proud of the results!
Like many little girls, I loved playing with dolls. But, honestly, my favorite part was getting everything set up just right. As I put this project together, and especially as I posed all my little figures, it brought back so many fond childhood memories for me!
I’m not going to lie, this 3D Victorian doll house is a time consuming project, that demands effort and patience to create. Standing at over 17″ tall and requiring over 30 sheets of cardstock to make, this is a big one. But, if you’ve ever been a doll person at any point in your life, I promise that it will be a really fun and worthwhile pursuit!
Follow along using the instructions below, or check out this tutorial video.
Supplies
- Cardstock
- Vellum
- Hot Glue
- Craft Glue
- Bone Folder (optional)
- A Cutting Machine or X-ACTO knife
- My Free Template
How to Make It
1. Use your cutting machine or X-ACTO knife, along with my template, to cut out all of the doll house pieces.
Note: If you are using the SVG files that includes the score lines, don’t forget to set them as such in Cricut Design Space and attach them to their shapes before sending through your cutting machine. I used a lime green color to mark the score lines, so hopefully that helps! If you’re having trouble with the score lines, check out this video.
Assembling the Base
2. I always like to start by assembling the base. This one is pretty straightforward: connect the two main sections, attach the white fencing details, and fold in the edges. Just be sure that the cut marks int he base line up as shown: with the hexagonal area on the left side.
Assembling the Front & Sides
3. Each wall section is broken up into two pieces. Line up the pieces as shown in the first image, and glue them together with hot glue. Note that the top section on the left side is slightly different that the one on the right, so don’t get them mixed up.
Once those are put together, you can work on your window embellishments. I’ve included two layers to each window: a more complex (in this case, grey) piece, and a recessed (pink) frame to go behind. I apologize, but the recessed exterior frames are nearly the exact same size as the interior window frames. So, you will need to sort those out and make sure that you are using the correct pieces when putting these together. The best way to do that is to line up the recessed frame with the outer, grey, one, and make sure that it fits correctly before gluing.
After those are all attached, flip your pieces over, and glue in your vellum windows. Don’t add the interior window frames just yet (except the door one: you can add that one now, if you’d like).
4. Once all of those embellishment pieces are in place, you are ready to assemble the main structure of your doll house! Give each of your tabs and score lines a good fold, and glue them together like so.
Making the Roof
5. This doll house has three roof peaks, and by the end of these next few steps, you will be a certified roofer! I’ve included a lot of shingle strips in the design, but you can always make more if you need to. Note that there are two different strip patterns so that you can overlap the shingles in a realistic way.
I started with the smaller (the center and right) roof sections first. Note that the center section does connect with the balcony pieces. For these, layer on your roof strips one at a time, starting with the bottom, and working your way up. Once you’ve completed a section, trim off the excess. Then, you can glue your roof into its peak shape.
For the larger (left) roof peak, you have quite a bit more shingling to do—including some scalloped shingles that will go on the front (these ones are already cut to size, so they are a little easier to work with).
Once all of your shingles are in place, assemble the roof section, and set aside.
6. For this next step, I chose to attach my roof piece before shingling in order to hide my tabs under the shingles. This does make things a little more difficult, but things come together really clean in the end.
Attach the front porch and the balcony sections like so. Then, hot glue the roof piece on using the right side tab and the center roof peak—attaching the tabs to the outside.
Then, attach the left and right roof peaks as well.
7. Next, start layering on your shingles one section at a time, just like you did previously: starting with the bottom, and working your way up. The tricky part is that you may have to do your trimming as you go, depending on how stiff your material is.
Building the Inside
8. Now it’s time to get to work on that interior! There are probably a dozen different way that you could go about this, but this is how I chose to do it.
First, I started by assembling my interior walls and floors. (I’ve included carpets in this design as well: in my version, they are the same white as the floor structures themselves, but feel free to change them up with each room if you’d like.)
I like to use hot glue for almost all of my paper crafts, but I used a lot of tacky glue for this interior. That was mostly due to the fact that I needed more time to place and move things than hot glue would have allowed. That being said, I wish I had stuck with hot glue on the square sections of wall paper. You can see that the tacky glue caused those walls to bend a little bit, and that annoyed me. It worked great on the other sections of wallpaper though! But I’m getting ahead of myself.
For the next part, I called in an extra set of hands. I had my husband steady the house structure while I glued in the interior floors. This was the most stressful moment of the process for me!
After that was in, I was able to take a deep breath, and add the rest of the wallpaper.
Once all the wallpaper is glued in, you can attach your interior window frames.
Note: I suggest attaching the top part of the ladder after you do this. I attached it before putting in the wallpaper and window frames, and it was a pain to work around!
Final Assembly
9. You are on the home stretch! The next thing to do is attach your ornamental roof fence using the tabs provided.
Then, you can assemble your front steps by folding along the score lines, and glueing the tabs to the inside.
10. Attach your steps to the front of your base. This is a good time to glue on your first floor carpet as well.
Then, start attaching your house to the base, one tab at a time.
Included in the design is an extra, smaller base piece. In case your base could use a little extra support int he center (like mine did). Fold/glue that rectangular section, and attach it to the underside of the base.
You did it!! Your 3D Victorian doll house is complete!
I realize that there are a lot of instructions to comb through with this one, but I really hope you’re able to just have fun with it! It took me three days to cut out all the pieces and put mine together, but I enjoyed coming back to this project each and every time!
Right now, this doll house is a bit empty, but if you like this design (which I hope you do!), I will create some furniture and appliances to go inside!
Like I said before, setting up my doll house was my favorite part of playing dolls as a child, and I think it’s pretty obvious that I was having a good time photographing my latest creation with these adorable little critters.
I use Adobe Illustrator for all of my designs, and a Cricut Maker to bring my creations to life. For tips on creating fun paper cuts like this one, see the FAQ section on my website. Also, be sure to check out the other awesome die cut freebies available on my blog!
I hope you enjoy putting this die cut, 3D Victorian doll house together! As I watch you take on my more challenging projects, I am filled with joy to see them come to life in your own homes. Be sure to share your masterpieces with me on Instagram (#designsbymissmandee)!
Watch the video tutorial for this design here:
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through my links to make a purchase, you are supporting this blog and the hard work that goes into providing free, quality designs.
Mandee is a professional graphic designer, amateur bird watcher, and rollercoaster enthusiast. She is a wife to hardworking high school teacher and mommy to three adorable little humans. She fell in love with graphic design when she started working on a comedy website with a guy she met her freshman year of college. Design wasn’t the only thing she fell in love with, and they were married a year and a half later. She created Designs By Miss Mandee to be a place where she could merge her passion for design with her lifelong love of crafting. 66 Comments on 3D Victorian Doll House
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Marsha
August 10, 2020 at 7:05 am (4 years ago)Wow, this is so beautiful and special! Incredible! Thank you for sharing!❤️❤️❤️
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 9:46 am (4 years ago)Thank you Marsha! I’m so glad you like it!!
Agnes Fix
April 16, 2021 at 8:40 pm (3 years ago)Loved your house
KK
August 10, 2020 at 7:15 am (4 years ago)This is amazing. If you ever decide to give classes on how you make these homes, etc, I would love to register. Great job.
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 9:48 am (4 years ago)Thank you so much! I do hope to do a Skillshare course (whenever I get the time 😆) in the future!!
Agnes Fix
April 17, 2021 at 8:03 pm (3 years ago)Omg I did this doll house I love it ty, I’m up to 1.1k likes on my photo
Mandee
April 19, 2021 at 12:13 pm (3 years ago)Yay! So glad you enjoyed this project!! 😀
Patti Schafer
August 10, 2020 at 7:19 am (4 years ago)WOW this Doll house is beautiful. I’m sure this took hours to design and assemble.
Can’t believe you are willing to share this svg file and instruction!
Thank you for sharing your talents with me
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 9:49 am (4 years ago)Aww, thank you Patti! It did take time, but I’m glad I can share it with awesome people like you! 😊
Catherine Barry
August 10, 2020 at 7:24 am (4 years ago)This looks incredible! I’m absolutely amazed by the talent you have for designing svgs, they are incredible!
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 9:49 am (4 years ago)You are too kind Catherine. Thank you so much!!
Mary Ellen Torres
August 10, 2020 at 7:40 am (4 years ago)oh my goodness this house is just fabulous !!!!! thanks so very much for sharing this wonderful creation and the time you must have put into this. I dont think I will be making the house as I have no one to give it to and nowhere to keep it, but I will certainly be using all of the wonderful trims
big hugs
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 9:50 am (4 years ago)Thanks so much Mary Ellen! I’m so glad you like it. Have fun using the elements in this design!!
Tracey
August 10, 2020 at 7:51 am (4 years ago)Oh my goodness Mandee! This is outstanding! So beautiful!! Cressida is going to love it when she gets older. The fact that you are sharing it for free blows my mind!
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 9:51 am (4 years ago)Thank you Tracey! I hope she likes it as well. 😊
sandra m
August 10, 2020 at 8:50 am (4 years ago)This is so charming, lovely, mesmerizing. How many words can I find to capture it’s beauty. I know a little girl who is going to be wild about it. Were your little critters a purchase specifically for the house? They’re so perfect. Thank you so very much for sharing and look forward to the accessories.
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 9:53 am (4 years ago)Aww, thank you so much! You are too kind. 😊
I actually borrowed these cute little animals from my mom (also a fan of dolls). They are called Calico Critters, and they are just adorable!
Grietje Jansen
August 10, 2020 at 8:50 am (4 years ago)Wow, wat een fantastisch ontwerp, en wat een werk!!
Wat geweldig dat je dit gratis met ons wilt delen.
Ik heb het gedownload, en hoop er ooit de tijd voor te krijgen om het te maken.
Super bedankt!!
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 9:54 am (4 years ago)Thank you for your kind words! Have fun making this doll house!! ❤️
Joan
August 10, 2020 at 10:48 am (4 years ago)Outstanding job! You should be SO proud of yourself!!!!
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 11:50 am (4 years ago)Aww, thanks Joan!! 😊
Dawn
August 10, 2020 at 11:48 am (4 years ago)This is crazy Beautiful. Thanks for creating and sharing.
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 11:50 am (4 years ago)Thank you very much Dawn!! ❤️
Ruth
August 10, 2020 at 12:59 pm (4 years ago)Beautiful, fantastic, amazing. You are very talented. thank you for sharing
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 4:34 pm (4 years ago)Aww, thank you Ruth!! 😊
katie hernandez
August 10, 2020 at 1:10 pm (4 years ago)Love this!!! how big did you make the design in design space so it can stand 17″ tall???
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 4:35 pm (4 years ago)Thank you! I made sure that the pieces can fit on 8.5″x11″ sheets of paper, don’t worry. 😊
Lesley Bliss
August 10, 2020 at 2:21 pm (4 years ago)Thank you so much its amazing. It will be a fun project.
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 4:35 pm (4 years ago)It is a lot of fun to put together! Enjoy!!
dawn tyson
August 10, 2020 at 3:11 pm (4 years ago)Amazing thank you so much for sharing your fantastic work. The hours you would of spent design . how ever do you do it. You are so generous. Lost for words. Big thank you again xx
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 4:36 pm (4 years ago)You are too kind Dawn! I’m so glad you like it!! I love sharing my designs with all you wonderful people. ❤️
Christine Hopkinson
August 10, 2020 at 3:54 pm (4 years ago)Thank you for this absolutely beautiful design. You are so very generous to create and share these projects.
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 4:36 pm (4 years ago)Thank you Christine! I’m glad you like it!!
Veri
August 10, 2020 at 4:06 pm (4 years ago)Oh my goodness this is absolutely AMAZING! You are totally spoiling us! I can’t wait to make this, it’s going to give me so much joy in this very difficult time. Thank you so much.
Mandee
August 10, 2020 at 4:37 pm (4 years ago)Have so much fun! I really loved putting this doll house together, and I hope you have as good of an experience as I did!! 😊
Maryanne Graham
August 10, 2020 at 4:35 pm (4 years ago)Wow that is an ambitious project, but end result looks great as always, thank you for all your designs. This may give me a project to do during lockdown
Karen
August 10, 2020 at 10:02 pm (4 years ago)Wow, this is amazing, thanks so much for sharing,
Mandee
August 11, 2020 at 1:35 pm (4 years ago)Thank you Karen!! 😊
Kathy
August 12, 2020 at 6:53 pm (4 years ago)I don’t know how I missed this post! This is absolutely stunning! You are the most creative and generous person I have ever encountered in my life! Thank you so much for this incredible design!
Mandee
August 17, 2020 at 10:07 am (4 years ago)You are too kind Kathy! Thank you so much for your kind words!! ❤️
carolyn cardoza
August 18, 2020 at 12:06 am (4 years ago)I love this victorian style house. You are very creative and have great talent. Thanks for sharing.
Mandee
August 19, 2020 at 8:38 am (4 years ago)Thank you so much Carolyn! I’m glad you like it. 😊
Vanesa
August 18, 2020 at 5:46 pm (4 years ago)Soy de Argentina y me estoy iniciando en este mundo. No tengo mas que palabras de admiracion hacia tus trabajos. Realmente sos una genia e inspiras a un monton de cosas. Gracias por compartir tus conocimientos de esta manera tan generosa. Gracias!
Mandee
August 19, 2020 at 8:39 am (4 years ago)Thank you so much Vanesa! You are very kind!! ❤️
Christine
September 1, 2020 at 8:23 am (4 years ago)Hello ,
C’ est magnifique comme d’habitude super bien expliqué c’ est superbe à bientôt
Mandee
September 1, 2020 at 11:07 am (4 years ago)Thank you Christine!!
Carlee Johnson
September 6, 2020 at 3:20 pm (4 years ago)I am in the process of making this for my 6 year old great grand daughter. She saw it and just loves it. It certainly is challenging however I will not give up you didn’t and you had the challenge of making it for us, Can not begin to tell you how wonderful you are and so generous I know this took a lot of patience on your part. So all i can say is thank you and may you have a blessed day.
Mandee
September 8, 2020 at 10:56 am (4 years ago)Yay! What a fun project for your great grand daughter!! Keep at it. 😊
If you have any trouble, be sure to check out the tutorial video I added!
Angie
September 11, 2020 at 7:26 am (4 years ago)You are so talented! I love to browse through your blog and get inspired by your creations. And I love how generous you are with us – providing great instructions and downloads. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all.
Mandee
September 11, 2020 at 11:01 am (4 years ago)Aww, thanks so much Angie!! You are very kind. I’m so glad my designs can be a source of inspiration for you! 😊
maman-cocci
September 17, 2020 at 9:38 am (4 years ago)j’adore …
Mandee
September 17, 2020 at 10:24 am (4 years ago)So glad you like it! ❤️
Amy
February 24, 2021 at 1:55 pm (3 years ago)Hi, I have a silhouette machine and the file is way to big and it would cut every little fold and shingle out individually, is there a way to make it smaller and not cut every piece on it.
Thanks
Mandee
February 25, 2021 at 12:26 pm (3 years ago)Hi Amy,
I’m not really familiar with Silhouette’s software, but I did include a version that doesn’t have the score lines. I’ve been told in the past that Silhouette doesn’t support score lines added outside of their software.
And, if you want to make it smaller, you certainly can. SVG files are infinitely scaleable. Just be sure to have all the pieces selected when scaling your project, so that everything fits together when it is cut.
Hope that answers your question!
Mandee
Carol Bell
October 23, 2021 at 7:27 am (3 years ago)I can’t believe that you are so generous to give this project away!! I know it took days to do this! Thank you so much!!! I guess if I made the walls of the house with foam board, it would change all the dimensions and wouldn’t go together correctly. Am I correct in thinking that?
Mandee
October 25, 2021 at 11:59 am (3 years ago)You are very welcome Carol! It took a long time, but was totally worth it. 🙂
Foam board would change the dimensions a bit, yes. But, I think you could probably cut things a little bit shorter here and there in order to make it work. Mounting to something thinner, like chipboard, might be more ideal, though.
Melody
July 26, 2022 at 7:44 am (2 years ago)How do I download the svg. I tried hitting the download but it didn’t work. This is awesome and my new passion is paper houses!
Mandee
July 26, 2022 at 1:33 pm (2 years ago)Hi There! Sorry you are having trouble. Check out my FAQ page for detailed downloading instructions and troubleshooting tips. 🙂
Patricia
November 21, 2022 at 6:09 am (1 year ago)Sublime bravo !!! j’adore (l)
Mandee
November 22, 2022 at 10:24 am (1 year ago)Thank you so much Patricia!!
Kara McCabe
January 11, 2023 at 1:50 pm (1 year ago)Hi Mandee, I am in the middle of making your Victorian Dollhouse and I love it. It is so much fun. Thank you for all the freebies you offer.
I tried to sign up for your Newsletter but it keeps telling me something went wrong. Can you put me on your list?
Mandee
January 12, 2023 at 2:27 pm (1 year ago)Yay! I’m so glad to hear that you are enjoying this project. It’s a fulfilling one for sure!
Sorry my sign-up form was giving you grief. But I just added you myself, so you should be good to go now. 😊
de blasi
August 25, 2023 at 11:27 pm (9 months ago)Sublime bravo !!! j’adore j ai fait plusieur de vos model sublime aurier vous un modelle pour faire un banc d ecole j ai fait machinbe a popcorn machine a ecrire et je cherche pour faire un banc d ecole sublime vo creation
Mandee
August 30, 2023 at 11:36 am (9 months ago)I’m so glad you enjoy making my designs!!
Kylie Lawson
April 8, 2024 at 5:08 am (1 month ago)This is The 1st Wonderful Pattern of Yours on Pinterest and Let’s Just Say WOW WOW!! I Couldn’t Believe That No.1 It was a Free Pattern and No.2 There Are So Many More Wonderful Free Patterns So I Will Be Buying You A Few Coffee’s Soon You Are So Talented Now I Am Off to Download the Furniture for This Gorgeous House I Could Live in this House 😁💖
Mandee
April 8, 2024 at 1:34 pm (1 month ago)Yay!! I’m so glad that you discovered my little corner of the internet, Kylie! Thanks so much for your kind words about my designs. I hope you enjoy putting them to good use. ☺️