Secrets and Shabby Habits

I don't know if you've noticed, but I haven't been posting any of my own work recently. The reason is that I just finished my last class for my masters (YES!!!!) but I've also been working on a top secret house for the Greenleaf Dollhouse Spring Fling. I promise that I've been taking loads of pictures and have a couple of tutorials all ready to go but it's been so hard not to share with you all!

In the meantime, have you ever thought of making the outside of your dollhouse shabby? I happen to love the look of antiques and making new things look old so why not with one of my houses? My Beacon Hill has been giving me fits when it comes to the paint color so I'm willing to try new things! Here's an example of a technique I used on a mini cabinet that I love:

Take a look at these antique houses I found on the web (warm colors):

My Beacon Hill right now...

A beautiful antique church from Country Living magazine....I love the weathered look of antique dollhouses and the shabby look is in style after all. I am seriously considering it! Picture patches of paint showing through, layers and years of colors, worn edges, muted colors, etc. a lot like the cabinet at the top of the post. What do you think?