As soon as I saw my first fairy door I knew Vaughn had to have one. Truth? I'd like to have one. In each room.
It's whimsical. It's magical. It's fun and an unpredictable addition to a room.
Let's make a Fairy Door!
I have seen more ornate, pre-finished ones that can be bought online. Some are even made so they open. I knew I could do it for less, was fine with the plain door, and that it wouldn't open.
My unfinished door:
I found my door in the dollhouse section of Hobby Lobby. It was $8.99 and I used a 40% off coupon. I opted for the more ornate door handle and for a door knocker.
I used paint and polyurethane that I already had on hand. The unfinished wood really sucks up the paint to it took a few coats and I ended with two coats of poly for shine and durability.
Halfway there:
Attaching the door knob and knocker was a little tricky. After removing them from the packaging I found out that they're not flat on the backside. I ended up using hot glue but you may have better luck with something else. The glue pushed through the keyhole which I used an Exacto knife to slice the excess off.
To attach the door to the wall I used Command Strips and plenty of them. I forgot to take a picture but I lined the sides, top and bottom, and even a couple in the middle.
That being said I don't have an exit plan for when she doesn't want the fairy door anymore. With removing Command Strips you pull the tab from the bottom to release it but I won't be able to reach one of those tabs because they're hidden under the door. I don't foresee her wanting it gone anytime soon, so we'll deal with that when the time comes!
I wanted the Fairy Door to be a total surprise. I installed it while she was sleeping and let her discover if for herself in the morning.
It's been so fun watching her imagination run wild and listening to the stories about the fairies!
The door knob came with a key that I never intended on using but Vaughn seems to be really interested in finding a key to fit. She in fact tried using a diary key to "get in" and I'm worried that she's going to damage it trying to shove something in there. (I'm sure it will seem less magical when the door knob pops off in her hands and the hot glue is exposed on the backside!)
I tied a little piece of string onto the key and I'll leave it on her nightstand or somewhere else in her room so that she can discover it also.
I can't wait to hang a miniature wreath on the door or decorate it with garland for the holidays! The sky's the limit when it comes to what can be done with all the little extras!
You need one! Have some fun and make a Fairy Door!
