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Wednesday, September 10

Memory House DIY

Memory House DIY We have some long-distance family with a little one, and I've been wanting to do something for her so that she remembers us the next time we come to visit.  It's hard with younger kids-- it's almost like you have to regain their trust every time you see them.  I thought about doing one of those books with names and faces, but decided to go with something more play-able.  I'm working with Canon USA on a project today to show you how to make your own wooden memory house!

DIY Photo House
First things first: supplies.  For this project, you will need various sizes of balsa wood (you can purchase at most local craft stores), an X-acto knife, tape measure, small hinges, and wood glue.  Paint is optional.

DIY Photo House
Alright, let's get started!  Set your base together and plan out where you'd like your door and windows to be.  Trace those onto your base and start measuring out your siding.

DIY Photo House
Mark your siding pieces and start the cutting process.  I found it to go a little quicker when I would measure and mark a bunch at a time and then just cut, cut, cut.

DIY Photo House
At this point, it's good to start the gluing process as well.  Glue your base together and let that dry as you are cutting out your siding and windows.

DIY Photo House
Here's a progress shot.  Keep building and gluing until you reach the top!

DIY Photo House DIY Photo House
Once you reach the top and the glue has dried, sand the sides and top with fine grit sandpaper.  If you are painting your house, now is the time to do so.

DIY Photo House DIY Photo House
I needed pretty small pictures for this project (2.5"x 2" to be exact).  This adorable little printer called SELPHY CP910 was the perfect solution.  I didn't have to waste a giant piece of photo paper for four small pictures.  Yay!

Memory House DIY
Once I got everything painted, I inserted the photos and added the hinges.  The wood is so soft that the tiny screws went in with no problems.

Memory House DIY Memory House DIY
The nice part about something like this, is that it can grow with a little one.  As my girls get older, the photos of them can be swapped out with more recent ones.  It's a toy AND a keepsake, and I like that very much.  :)


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15 comments:

  1. Wonderful idea, that hose is so cute! Hopefully I will be able to do this DIY ... it looks not too difficult, even for me :)
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena

    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  2. I love this! My son adores puzzles with the hinged doors, so this would be perfect. What a great idea!

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  3. Oh wow, this is just so cute, and so thoughtful too! x

    holljc.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. Oh my gosh! This may be my favorite tutorial I've seen on your site and ABMs ever. What an awesome present! I don't think I have the tools necessary to complete the project now, but definitely pinning this for a later time. Thanks for sharing!! :)

    -Madelyn
    onebluebicycle.blogspot.com

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  5. so adorable!

    xxoo,
    nikki

    www.dream-in-neon.com

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  6. This is ADORABLE! I love the idea :)

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  7. Awe! This is so adorable! I would love to do this for my little sister who is only six; she would really like it.

    xoxo
    Taylor

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  8. this is such a fun idea! I like that you can change the photos out :)

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  9. Well that's lovely! I love how ridiculously versatile this is. I mean - use it for family, for little neices, cousins, just for fun - even as a photo frame of sorts for display.

    What a sweet tutuorial.

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  10. What a cute idea! Can you share the dimensions for your house as a starting place?

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  11. Found this on craftgawer. Adorable. Your images are great.

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