You’ll find spectacular deals on everything in our clearance section as well as the Real Good Toys Factory Outlet Store.  We’ve been stocking up on summer minis just for you!

In addition to the sizzlin’ sale – our resident dollhouse guru Gary is planning to WOW you with some technique demonstrations.  These demos will include Flooring (score, stain, faux-wood), Wiring (tapewire, eyelet connections, LED’s) and Shingling (dying, applying and valleys).

Plan a road trip with your mini friends, drive up or down, and meet us Saturday, June 30, 2012.  Sale hours are 9AM – 5PM.  Demonstrations are planned for 10AM, Noon & 2PM.  Sale location is at Real Good Toys Factory Outlet Store & Clearance Area, 10 Quarry Street, Barre, VT 05641.   Have questions?  Feel free to call Jen or Jodi at 1-866-524-0222.  We hope to see you all!

Mini wishes – Jennifer

The First Lady Dollhouse

One of my most favorite things to do at Real Good Toys is to dig through old dollhouse archives, sorting through old pictures and dollhouse history. I don’t often get to do that except when a customer has a request, and recently we’ve had a few inquiries about the “First Lady” dollhouse from the 1980′s. Many of you long time miniaturists may remember this grand creation and the story that surrounds it.  It’s a bit of Real Good Toys history that is worth sharing.

Real Good Toys was approached in the fall of 1980 by an interior designer. He claimed to have been selected by Rosalynn Carter to create the 1980 White House Christmas display. He wanted Real Good Toys to provide a dollhouse to add to the old fashioned Victorian style display. As you might imagine, Jim Abrams and John Javna, then partners, were not at all sure this was a legitimate request.  Over the years people had suggested projects that never happened, so their skepticism was warranted.  This designer had seen our dollhouses at a New York City miniatures show and was quite sure he wanted a Real Good Toys dollhouse.  He wanted a bricked Victorian with a tower, wraparound porch, lots of gingerbread…the works.  That’s when it hit Jim and John…this was real. A Real Good Toys dollhouse was going to the White House!!

As you can imagine, Real Good Toys was right in the midst of their busiest time of year, but time needed to be set aside for this amazing honor and opportunity.  Finally there was a window of time to concentrate on their creation….two weeks before it needed to be completed and on the way to the White House.  Just two weeks to create the most important dollhouse in 9 years of RGT!! They decided to customize one of their Victoria’s Choice dollhouse kits with gingerbread, cornices, bricks and asphalt shingles. Construction began at a feverish pace, but the biggest challenge was bricking. No one in the shop had a ever bricked a dollhouse. Needless to say, after some round the clock work, and some trial and error masonry, the dollhouse was completed.  The job took an estimated 140 hours, but it was still not ready to head to the White House.  The designer wanted to put his finishing touches on it and decorate it for Christmas.  He aged the brick and added miniature wreaths and garlands. The grand “First Lady” was ready for its journey. 

Jim and John accompanied the dollhouse to the White House where it was unveiled at the National Press Party on December 15, 1980.  Rosalynn Carter conducted interviews with CBS, US News and World Report and Newsweek while standing right next to the dollhouse.  22,000 people a day saw the display with over 200,00 people visiting during the 1980 Christmas season. There was a great feature in the April 1981 Nutshell News and many newspapers, local and national, gave lots of exposure to the project.  The publicity for Real Good Toys dollhouses was priceless. 

The "First Lady" Dollhouse in 1" and 1/2" scale

The Dollhouse had 14 rooms and was 5 feet long, 3 feet high and 2 feet deep and was covered with over 10,000 miniature bricks.  RGT made a limited quantity that were available to sell in March 1981.  The dollhouse was so successful that a 1/2″ scale version was also created.

So where is the actual “First Lady” ? It is unclear,or memories are unclear, as to what exactly happened to this particular dollhouse. Wherever she is, I hope she is being enjoyed and that her owners know her history. If anyone has a ”First Lady” dollhouse and would like to share information or pictures,send me an email at jodi@realgoodtoys.com. I would love to hear from you.  ♥

The new & improved Dog House kit features 1/8 inch thick laser cut pieces and assembles easily.  The finished dollhouse dog house measures 2 1/2″W x 3 1/4″D x 2 7/8″H.

Come on, doesn’t your mini dog deserve a nice place to live and a bone?  That’s what I thought, order your Dog House kit today!

Mini wishes,
Jennifer

We’ve seen a ton of ingenuity with the Puzzle Dollhouse Kit and it’s just the beginning.  We have several more months to complete our projects.  Good thing because Jodi & I have alot of work to do!  Jodi is creating a Coffee Shop with live-in apartment above.  She had a vision of a spiral staircase and with Gary’s help, this will definitely become a reality.  I have decided to build a custom 2-car garage with man cave on the 2nd floor.  I’ll be logging the garage to match my Ponderosa dollhouse and Jodi is using these amazing bricks (which are Made in Williamstown, VT).

One thing is for certain – this is not your typical mini project.  Usually you receive one of our kits, unpack the parts and start prepping the pieces with paint, stain, etc.  This kit is a little different because you actually have to create your own walls and glue your blocks together before you can even consider painting or staining.  This is a whole new experience for Jodi & I and I’m sure many of you too, but oh what fun we are having with everybody who is participating.

If you haven’t stopped by our Event Page, make sure you do so soon and see what is so puzzling about this Build-Along Project.  You can see mine and Jodi’s progress by checking out our Photo Albums on our Facebook Page – Real Good Toys Dollhouses.

Stay tuned next month for more on the 2012 Facebook Build-Along Project – The Puzzle Dollhouse Kit!

Mini wishes,
Jennifer

The NEW Puzzle Dollhouse Kit consists of 70 pieces and offers various sizes of rectangles and triangles in 1/4” and 3/8” thick MDF (medium density fiberboard).  The (2) floor panels measure (1/4”) 12 13/16” by 8 31/32”.  These pieces can be arranged to create many different styles of dollhouses as well as varying roof designs. 

This project can be as simple or as detailed as you choose.  Each kit will have a parts list and a sample block layout page to get you started.  We’re positive, once you start playing with these puzzle pieces, you will really start to think outside … the blocks!

Jodi & I are both planning to use 2 kits because “the more blocks…the more fun!”  We hope you’ll consider joining us on this new mini adventure.  We’re positive you’ll learn some new techniques and make new friends along the way.  Check out all the details and see many sample pictures by clicking here!

Mini wishes – Jennifer

In 1981, Once Upon A Time opened for business!  Three years later they moved to the 120 Church Street location where they have been a part of the Vienna community for the last 27 years.  The store and its owners evolved with the times and were always willing to try something new.  They were constantly looking for new ways to improve the business while still retaining the same charm they’re known for.  If they didn’t have that particular dollhouse or miniature you wanted, they’d do everything they could to find the precise item to make you happy.  Because at the end of the day, that’s what it was all about…making their customer’s happy!

We’ve already heard from many of their customers and how sad they are to see them close their doors.  For 30 years they have made many a person’s dollhouse and miniature dreams come true.  With their fabulous enthusiasm and wonderful customer service, Lynne, Laurie and the gang at Once Upon A Time have truly shown their customers how much they care.  It’s definitely going to leave a big gap in the mini world.

On one hand, all us at Real Good Toys are deeply saddened by the closing of Once Upon A Time’s store in Vienna, VA.  But on the other hand, we’re also very hopeful for their future endeavors and wish them nothing but the best!  May your next 30 years be even more successful than the last 30.  We are truly proud to call each of you our friends!  Farewell and good luck!

On August 27th, 2011, Hurricane Irene tried to dampen the spirits of Circus Circus Dollhouse with 4 feet of water in the store.  After 32 years in business, Marilyn had to decide to let it all “float” or put on her boots and start cleaning up.  She chose the latter and the work began.  For 8 weeks, friends and customers were happy to help her out.  After all, that’s what friends do, right?  Walls were torn down, carpeting ripped up, new air conditioning and heating were installed.

After all that hard work, the store has a new, fresh look!  You’d never know that Hurricane Irene tried to turn Circus Circus Dollhouse Store into a mini-disaster.  Marilyn is happy to have the store open and available for business as usual.  She happily says, “Here we are…All Departments are Open…and we have a bright, fresh, new look!” 

Bright, Fresh New Look at Circus Circus Dollhouse in Pompton Plains, NJ

Stop in and visit Marilyn and her crew soon.  She is located at 445 Route 23 South, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.  Her store hours are Monday thru Saturday 10AM-4PM.   Take advantage of 20% off your purchase (not including sale merchandise or labor) and let her know Real Good Toys sent you!  She’ll be happy to see you and you’ll be glad you stopped in!

Good luck Marilyn – may your holidays be bright, happy and prosperous!  Oh, and mini wishes from the entire Real Good Toys gang!

The Kiwi-The lights are on!

Our Lilliput® Kiwi Cottage Dollhouse Kit is finally done!  After adding some finishing touches, Jen and I can proudly say that we have successfully wired a dollhouse!  Seeing your hard work come to fruition is very satisfying.  But isn’t that the case with every dollhouse you build or miniature you create?

Come on in. We've left the light on for you!

We started the Kiwi with the idea that we would focus on wiring and lighting and not so much on the finishing details.  Having said that, we still put stucco on the exterior and wallpapered a couple of rooms.  We wanted to  experience several different wiring situations while working with a couple of different fixtures. To wire a dollhouse is to take a real leap of faith.  We did lots and lots of prep work, running tapewire, spackling and using liner paper to hide the wiring.  Then we tested our work.  We actually held our breath when we held the tester to the tapewire to confirm good connections.  And then….there was light.  We got that “kid on Christmas morning feeling”.  We were on a roll. With good connections all around, we started putting in eyelets wherever we were planning to plug in our lights.  Jen and I actually rewired a couple of fixtures (under Gary’s tutelage, of course), before installing them.  We dealt with tiny, tiny wires that had to be pushed into tiny, tiny holes.  Our glee was a bit premature, because when we plugged in our fixtures, a couple of them didn’t work.  So we popped out the eyelets, inserted a small piece of wire to help the connection, put the eyelets back in…and tried again.  Oh my, now our glee had turned to glum.  Two fixtures still didn’t work.  That’s when we turned our backs and Gary, the dollhouse wiring wizard, MADE them work.  He fiddled and fussed, cast a spell over them, and that was that.  You will have to ask Gary what tricks he used to make those contrary fixtures work.  Needless to say, he was our hero that day and our glee returned.

Sit right down, read a book and wait for Santa!

 I know, I know, not everyone has Gary to help them when things go awry.  Jen and I are very lucky to have him to turn to, but believe me, if we can wire a dollhouse, anyone can.  Be patient and be prepared to back track if necessary.  Do overs are acceptable, but the more planning you do before you start the better.  Every dollhouse builder should try their hand at wiring.  Lighting really does make a doll house a doll home.

Lighting makes this dollhouse inviting.

Jen and I have completed 3 dollhouse projects at Real Good Toys.  Additionally, Jen and her family are working on a big dollhouse project at home.  All of this experience has added to our repertoire of dollhouse building skills, and we have become much more confident and adept at helping our customers with their construction questions.  Personally, building dollhouses has given me a self-confidence that no other craft has given me.  I think the creative spark that you get when you start a build excites your mind, and mini thoughts can consume you if you let them.  Our sweet little Kiwi will go to our Factory Outlet to become the treasure of some lucky person who purchases her.  We hope that she will excite her new owner to be creative and…that all the lights still work when they get her home. ♥

With lots of creative thoughts fresh in our minds, Jen and I are anxious to begin planning our 2012 Facebook Build Along. Exciting details are soon to come!

“Things are not difficult to make.  What is difficult is putting ourselves in a state of mind to make them.” C. Brancusi

Real Good Toys was able to help with Susie’s requests by customizing our Miniature Showcase kits to work for their specific needs.  Susie and Casey assembled, painted and electrified each Miniature Showcase unit and the final presentation was incredible!  Check out these amazing photos:

You can visit Whimsies Dollhouse Shop at 39 Lewis Street, Greenwich, CT.  Phone – 203-629-8024.  Store Hours are 10AM – 6PM, Tuesday thru Saturday.  Make sure to tell them Real Good Toys sent you!

Everybody here at RGT wishes Whimsies Dollhouse Shop the best at their new location!  May you make everybody’s mini wishes come true!

Gary Root, RGT Production Manager

When you think of momentous 30 year anniversaries that have occurred so far in 2011, you might rememer (or not) that MTV turned 30. The 30th anniversary of the 1st space shuttle launch was also celebrated this year. The most important  2011 milestone in the world of dollhouses is that Gary Root, dollhouse wizard, has been with Real Good Toys for 30 years!! Recently, the employees of Real Good Toys had a luncheon to celebrate this event. It was a very pleasant afternoon full of funny anecdotes, interspersed with a bit of nostalgia, honoring Gary’s 30 years at Real Good Toys. Gary has such a following of miniaturists through Facebook and his website, and his contributions to the success of Real Good Toys dollhouses is so important, that I thought I would let everyone know a little something about this special guy.

In 1981, Gary came to Real Good Toys by applying for an advertised job for Production Manager. The day Gary applied for the position a Powermatic table saw broke down during an important run of work. Story goes that no one knew what to do. No one knew how to fix it. Gary saw the dilemma and, althought not yet a Real Good Toys employee, rolled up his sleeves and took the motor apart. Minutes later it was back together and working like a charm. Needless to say, Gary got the job. Here we are 30 years later, and Gary is still willing to roll up his sleeves and do whatever it takes. He is the epitome of the word multi-tasking. Gary has worked at a myriad of different jobs anywhere from a gardener to a shrimp fisherman to a lumberjack, with lots of others in between. He was a licensed master electrician at the age of 18 and studied engineering at Cornell University. His experience has proven invaluable to Real Good Toys.

Gary and his wife Lynn

Gary and his wife Lynn moved to Vermont in 1975, when Gary took over the management of a family woodworking business, Weston Toy Works. While heading that company for the next six years, Gary designed and created intricate and beautifully crafted puzzles. Today Gary and Lynn live in Calais, Vermont. They have four children, Lucas, Anne, Carly and Eric. Lucas is married and lives in Fort Lee, NJ. Anne is also married and lives in Modesto, CA.  Anne recently gave birth to Gary and Lynn’s first grandchild. Carly is managing a garden center in Nantucket, MA and Eric is a student at Brandeis University in Boston, MA . Gary and Lynn enjoy community activities and share in various volunteer positions. Gary is on the planning commission of his town and this summer he is involved in learning software that will enable the integrated mapping of his town online. Did I mention he does that in his spare time?

The first step in dollhouse building, identifying the parts.

As a fellow employee of Gary’s, I think one of his finest achievements is his website, www.dhbuilder.com. When I asked Gary how the website came about he told me he became aware of the need for a website that would give people the construction tips and techniques to enable them to complete (or start) their dollhouse projects. So Gary took the bull by the horns and took computer classes at our local Community College to learn how to write programming that would enable him to create this website. His final project for the course was to create a website and www.dhbuilder.com was born. He tells me the present website has morphed greatly from his final course project, but nonetheless, the website is replete with tutorials, how to videos, and endless dollhouse building information and is an invaluable tool for seasoned and novice miniaturists alike. Gary works very hard to add to and update the site regulary.

Our newest addition to the Real Good Toys family of dollhouses, The Beachside Bungalow

A typical day for Gary at Real Good Toys might start with coaxing a cranky oil furnace to life. He might then move on to his computer to do some instruction writing or revisions or to order materials for upcoming projects. Or he might write an informational blog post for our Dollhouse Chronicles on our website about how to wire a dollhouse. Then he may get a customer service call routed to his desk. He will patiently help even the most distraught customer. The second he hangs up the phone he may be off to the Assembly Department to oversee and help with a special dollhouse building project. Fixing leaky roofs, building shelving to store materials, designing and assembling dollhouse prototypes, fixing broken machinery, creating instructional videos…well,you get the picture. Jim Abrams, President of Real Good Toys says, “Gary is capable and curious about everything and I’ve never know him to shy away from a challenge.” Jim goes on to say, ” Gary understands what makes our customers tick. He has helped make our business happen and that means he’s brought a lot of pleasure to a lot of people who appreciate dollhouses and miniatures of all kinds.”

Kudos and accolades, Gary, for all of your hard work. From the safety of our employees to the heirloom quality of each dollhouse you are a part of, it’s hard to imagine RGT without you. ♥  Our best wishes from everyone at RGT.