A dollhouse or doll's house is often a toy home, made in miniature. For the last century, dollhouses have primarily been the domain of children but their collection and crafting is also a hobby for many adults. The term dollhouse is common in the United States and Canada. In UK the terms dolls' house or dollshouse are used. Dollhouses can range from the amateur miniaturist placing a few decorated boxes on top of one another, up to priceless structures.
Dollhouses are available in different forms. They range from Museum quality rare masterpieces, custom built houses made to the customer's design, to ready-made decorated house kits and finished products anyone can buy. Some design and build their own dollhouse. Simpler designs might consist of boxes stacked together and used as rooms. Miniature objects used for decoration inside dollhouses include furniture, interior decorations, dolls and items like books, couches, furniture, wallpaper, and even clocks. Some of these are available ready-made, some are kits but may also be homemade.
There are dozens of miniature trade shows held throughout the year by various miniature organizations and enthusiasts, where artisans and dealers display and sell miniatures. Often, how-to seminars and workshops are part of the show features. Miniature stores also hold classes. There are Internet forums, blogs and using other online social media concentrated in dollhouses and miniatures. Enthusiasts also share images online. Some miniatures are true treasures worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are even miniatures that date back thousands of years.
