Little (Dream) House on the Prairie

A few week ago, I found an old Barbie Dream House at a junk store. It was in pretty sad shape - faded, chipped and cracked. It was missing windows, doors and the signature flower boxes. Still, I thought I could transform it into something special for my girls even though one is really too old to play dolls and one not quite old enough.

BEFORE

AFTER

We didn't expect it to fit so perfectly in this empty window seat.

I used old spray paint I found in the garage -

something Robert picked up at the Habitat for Humanity's junk store.

I picked up two extra cans at Hobby Lobby - aqua and hot pink.

My total investment: $25.00

So, guess what?

Yesterday, Juliette got down a metal suitcase full of Topper Dawn Dolls and Barbies I bought her several years ago. She and the Super Bridgy, sat in the floor and played dolls together all day long.

Juliette has great plans to decorate all the rooms. The goal is to use only things we already have. It's interesting to see how much more motivated children are with play when they are able to invent and create on their own. It's also interesting how much more pride they take in things when they have a hand in creating them. Juliette, who convinced me to paint the roof aqua, seemed more excited about this doll house than anything I've ever bought her.