Gail Wilson Designs

These Dollhouses both complete and finished and the ones sold empty and unfinished are sold out. But read on since it is possible I will do yet another edition.

I had previously thought that I would never again make dollhouses once I finished all the ones in the first limited edition of 12 a few years ago. But through a series of serendipitous events, I realized that it could be done again and that this time, I would really keep one for myself. So, beginning in 2004, I will be doing another edition. This catalog is the first public announcement of this second edition which required commitments from at least two customers to begin. These commitments have been made, so plans are already underway. It will be an edition of only 6 complete ones (plus mine) with a few others available only as unfinished. It is a massive undertaking and only possible (the first time I dove in innocently) having learned lots of lessons about how to get it done efficiently, and although I am adding several pieces to it and improving a few places, it will be in character, quality and construction nearly identical to the first edition, though in a different color scheme.The first project began in 1987, when I showed a small setting of things to some customers of my dolls and let it be known I was going to do a whole dollhouse. Due to the scope of the project, as yet unknown to me back then, it would take nearly ten years to complete and if it hadn't been for the belief in my work by some wonderful patrons who placed orders for the first ones, and were willing to wait all that time in spite of my protests, there would never have been a dollhouse at all. The length of time needed to complete a few dollhouses working all the pieces in groups is about 18 months for the first ones, with the others following along in about 2 month intervals. This allows for payment plans on the part of the customers, usually a necessary detail in something that costs as much as my first real house back in 1976 (real as it was with no electricity or running water - but then, the dollhouse does not have these amenities either).

Making dollhouses began as an idea that since I have always spent so much effort on accessories for my dolls, that I should put it all together into a "house". I chose a cupboard style for the house itself so as to be a "frame" around the real work, which is all the individual things. There are over 125 individual pieces and sets including two dolls whose house it is and many of the pieces are to be seen on pages 3 - 6. Everything that goes into the dollhouse is part of a complete artistic statement where all the items, their colors and textures were thought out in relation to each other. The style of the house and all its contents is in an Early American theme - my favorite period of things. This style was humble and simple, but often not without a little touch of the maker say in a curve where one wasn't needed or using pleasing colors to enhance the piece when it was done. Time has shown just how appealing this is as real antiques of this type are amongst the most sought after and carry some of the highest price tags. As much as possible, everything works - drawers open and so do cupboard doors showing shelves within. Everything may be rearranged, including things on the walls (they are not glued) and the two wall cupboards that have special hangers so that they may change locations. Nothing in the house is purchased except the washtub and even this is carefully treated to remove its shiny newness and then painted. Other things such as the pewter silverware, the baskets and the hand thrown yellow ware pottery were designed by me and carefully executed by other craftsmen friends as is the house itself, for being as large as it is, it requires a real cabinet maker to construct its 2 paneled doors, peaked pediment, base and the stool to sit oneself on in order to play within. It has hidden interior lighting and a storage bin for extra things under the stool's seat (a suggestion from one owner of the first edition).

A few unfinished houses with stools will be available for those who have already been collecting all of the furniture and accessories I make in this scale, but these are only sold under two conditions. One, you must paint and finish it yourself or have it done for you (paint, supplies and basic instructions provided - interior is prepainted for you) and you must be able to come and pick it up. (Note added later - it turns out that Bekins (or other moving companies) will pick up and deliver most anywhere. Example: Most deliveries so far are around $500 - will vary now due to gasoline prices). Even later note: We crated and sent the first Finished Complete Dollhouse that was not personally delivered to California from NH. It was no small feat to crate something this big, but it worked well though was costly. This note was added so that others who live far might realize it can be done.

Limited Edition (Edition #2) Dollhouse Complete SOLD OUT
NEW EDITION Proposed - Limited Edition #3 Dollhouse Complete (6 maximum) $12,500 If you are really interested (we have one person now), you can put your name on a list. If three people sign up and are all willing to put down a deposit, a small edition (6) could be started with the understanding that it takes two years to build and make all the parts for this endeavor. You do not have to place a deposit to be on the list, but it is requested that only very serious customers ask to be on this list. Please call.

Unfinished, Empty Dollhouse, Stool and Finishing Supplies ALSO SOLD OUT
New Edition Proposed - Unfinished, Empty Dollhouse, Stool and Finishing Supplies $2,500 (20% deposit required, balance due at pick up time or in installments). If you are really interested, you can put your name on a list. If three people sign up and are all willing to put down a deposit, another small number could be started. Please call.

Please call (603-835-6551) or email (email@gailwilsondesigns.com) for more details. There are no photographs available at this time. Photos of various small settings can be seen on my website on the Furniture and Accessories page.

	Of all my work, the shadowboxes are one of my favorite things because they combine in a small setting lots of small things and lots of color. The painted wood boxes have removable lids and glass fronts that open so you can get at things and rearrange even after it is hung on the wall. The back wall is fabric covered and there is interior lighting to show off the contents. CUSTOM SHADOWBOXES with other items that I make are also available. ORIGINAL SHADOWBOX (16”w x 10”tall x 4”d)- This one is an old favorite that showcases tiny toys and doll outfits on a she lf-pegrack. 15 items in all. (Choice of colors on box) $395.00 Add to Cart
	THE SEWING ROOM (13”w x 12”tall x 8”d) The Sewing Room has a handmade basket, and a cupboard filled with fabrics and sewing accessories. Included in the 21 items is a cross stitch sampler, a handmade basket, and a tiny raggedy Ann. A peg-wooden doll waits for doll clothes in her very tiny chair and a coordinating braided rug sits on the floor. $595.00 Add to Cart
	THE LAUNDRY ROOM (13”w x 12”tall x 8”d) - This theme pulls 16 colorful items together that include a handmade laundry basket with laundry, an antiqued washtub, scrub board, drying rack, stool, clothespins and carrying box, pegrack on the wall with hanging clothes and small accessories. Of course there's also an ironing board and flat iron sitting on a braided rug. $495.00 Add to Cart
	SMALL THINGS (17”w x 12”tall x 5”d) - Has 13 items, including 9-drawer spice box, fabric cupboard, sampler,two Shaker boxes, peg-wooden doll, iron, spoolrack, pin cushion, slate, set of spools and cow pulltoy. $395.00 Add to Cart
	THE EARLY AMERICAN DOLL SERIES SHADOWBOX (19"w x 14"tall x 8"d ) - 22 items from this best loved series, including the doll and her doll both in chairs with a mix of items to balance the space and the colors. $595 Add to Cart