This miniature dollhouse VICTORIAN BIRDCAGE looks complicated, but it is a quick print and very easy to understand and assemble. To curve the dome, using cotton lined kitchen gloves, simply immerse in hot water, (Not boiling) and curl around a 1" diameter wooden dowel. The small holes in the top of the dome are for threading sewing thread into 2 OPPOSITE curved pieces to pull them together, then glue. Continue with the other remaining sections making sure you choose OPPOSITES to each other.

I exclusively print with PLA and have found that ordinary clear lacquer thinner (Nail polish remover) is a wonderful glue. Make a small test for yourself of two pieces of scrap PLA and give it a try. Let sit for 20 seconds and then try to break it apart. It leaves no residue and is applied with a small brush. I've been using lacquer thinner as a glue on styrene and PLA for years. No sloppy or messy glue to show when finished.

I have always painted my models with oil paint, specifically Windsor and Newton Griffin Fast Drying Oils. They dry overnight. I never liked acrylics because they obliterate fine detail, and they always look chalky to me. Oil colors are made from the finest color pigments available, color saturation and permanence are proven throughout the history of art. Thinned with Mineral Spirits you will get the most remarkable weathering and aging finishes you have ever seen. I feel reasonably assured that once you try Griffin Oils you will never go back to water based acrylics.

Here's an interesting point for me to bring to your attention. Every model that I have designed is based on real world measurements and therefore each building is interchangeable with other structures. Simply bring the .stl file into any CAD program, even the wonderful TinkerCAD and combine to make a completely new design to 3D print.

If you would like me to design a custom model for you contact me directly at:

[email protected].

It is totally free, but I will post it on Thingiverse for others to print and enjoy.

Happy modeling,

Gary Lavarack - 3Designer