The use of bricks can add a touch of class to your dollhouse. As a design element, bricks can be used in a variety of ways, including the exterior walls of your dollhouse, the foundation, walks, streets, patios, chimneys, posts, columns, mailbox holders, flower boxes, around trees and landscaping, doghouses, outhouses, and cellar doors, to name a few. All of these projects may be done with either plastic brick, clay brick or a combination of both.
Common Clay Bricks
Common Bricks are genuine clay bricks mounted on mesh. Each sheet measures 12" x 6" and covers approximately 72 inches. The ends are notched so that each piece fits into another. You may cut through the mesh to get the size needed for your project. I use small wire cutters to cut the bricks. Cut each brick individually and they will snap in two. They may be used for chimneys, walls, foundations and walks. I use Bond 527 glue to apply the mesh onto the wood. Be very careful if you use Quick Grip glue, because it can ooze out between the bricks and onto the top surface. Once on, it is very difficult to get off and can ruin the finish of the brick.
To determine how much brick you will need, measure the area to be covered. Multiply the length times the width to get the square inches. Sometimes it is easier to make a pattern of the area to be covered. Then you can simply lay the pattern on the bricks (on the mesh side), and cut with the wire cutter.
Patio Bricks are also genuine clay bricks mounted on a mesh backing. They are square shaped and may be used for patios, floors, walks or whatever your imagination decides. The instructions, outlined above, will work for these bricks as well.
Cobblestones
Cobblestones for streets and paths are square stones. For this look, I suggest using the patio bricks. You may either use them in the clay color, weathered, or make them look like stone.
These bricks must be glued on individually with spaces left for the mortar. I usually glue the bricks on with Bond 527 and then apply the mortar.
Using a putty knife, pallet knife or your fingers, pick up a small amount of mortar and fill in the crevices and cracks between the bricks. Work one small area at a time. Wipe off the excess mortar with a rag or sponge, rinsing it out often. Wipe until you get the finish and look you want. After the mortar dries, you can seal the brick with an acrylic spray sealer. This gives the brick an aged look, because the mortar seeps into the face of the brick.
For a new brick look, spray the brick with acrylic spray sealer before you start to mortar the brick. This keeps the mortar from seeping into the brick. After applying the mortar, you can spray with an acrylic sealer again.
To give bricks an antique look, use an antiquing medium. I usually use an oil base stain or an antiquing medium that is thicker. I have also used the craft antiquing medium called "Mud." Apply per directions and let set until it is tacky to the touch (about 10 minutes), or as stated in directions. Then take cheesecloth and a dry brush, and wipe off the excess. Leave it darker in the corners and around the windows and doors, as well as in spots on the walls. Use a dry brush to spread and feather so that it looks real.
Brick Chimney
- A wood chimney can be used as the base for the brick chimney.
- If you wish to paint the top, paint it now. Then let dry.
- Plastic or clay bricks may be used.
- Make a pattern of both the front and back of the chimney.
- Cut the pieces of brick to match each pattern. Make sure the lines of brick are even and will match when the sides are applied.
- Glue the bricks on both the front and back of wood chimney with Bond 527 glue.
- Let dry.
- Make a pattern for each side of the chimney, including the extra quarter inch or so that the bricks on the front and back have added to the width on each side.
- Cut the bricks to match each pattern. Be careful to match the alternating sequence of half and whole brick. Keep the lines even!
- Glue on the sides and set aside for 24 hours.
- The next day, apply the mortar as explained for brick.
- Let the mortar dry.
- Glue the chimney onto the house.