How to Build a Camper for an 18" Doll

A child who enjoys the outdoors may appreciate a toy camper.

Many children enjoy playing with dolls, and the play sets that toy makers make for dolls are often elaborate and entertaining. However, these sets also are often very expensive. A toy camper may attract the attention of a child who enjoys the outdoors or knows someone who owns a camper, and you can make your own custom toy camper using cardboard and some papier mache. Since papier mache is simple and safe to use, your child can participate in making and customizing the camper.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard box
• Craft knife
• Masking tape
• Cardboard
• Flour
• Water
• Metal bowl
• Salt
• Newspaper
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic paint
• Brushes
• Water
• Cup
• Wooden peg
• 2 screw eye hooks
• Glue
• Dowel rod
• 2 3-inch wooden wheels
• Spray finish
• Pencil
• Four hinges with screws
• Screwdriver
• Accessories

Instructions

1. Find a box that is about 19 inches tall, slightly larger than the doll, and just wide enough to allow the doll to move around inside. Write on the sides that you want to be the top, bottom, front, back, and sides to remind yourself and make your work easier.

2. Cut off one of the sides using a craft knife and then cut it again through the middle horizontally. This creates doors for your child to access the inside of the camper. Put them aside for later use.

3. Tape the box flaps securely on the outside with masking tape and remove any loose flaps inside the box. Make the ceiling and floor as flat as possible.

4. Cut pieces of cardboard to make divisions within the camper, such as a shower stall or sleeping space, as well as tables and counters. This can be simple or elaborate according to your skill, needs and time constraints. Tape each into place using masking tape. You may find small boxes, such as jewelry boxes, helpful in making furniture, shelves and cabinets. The cardboard pieces are to make general divisions in the camper. You can add more items later using dollhouse miniatures or toys.

5. Mix some flour with water together in equal amounts. This is the papier mache paste. You may wish to add some salt as well: it will help prevent mold.

6. Rip up strips of newspaper, about two inches wide. Dip each strip into the paste and smooth off excess paste with your fingers. Coat the camper with strips. Use only a few layers at a time and wait for the camper to dry between layers. Coat the doors of the camper as well. Add more strips until the camper feels solid and secure enough for play.

7. Wait for the camper to dry completely and then sand.

8. Paint the wooden peg silver.

9. Turn the camper over so that the bottom is facing up. Towards one end, insert two small ring hooks. The hooks must be slightly larger in diameter than your dowel rod. Put them across from each other, one close to each side of the camper. These will hold the axle for the wheels. Near the front of the camper, glue the wooden peg. This will be the stand for the camper.

10. Cut a dowel rod so that it is slightly longer than the width of the box.

11. Paint the wheels and dowel rod. Black is a good color for a realistic camper, but your child may want a bright color instead.

12. Paint the camper and doors. Use silver or white for a realistic look, or paint it your child's favorite color. Paint the inside, as well. If you want to make the camper more realistic, try using contact paper to cover the inside. That will look like wallpaper if you use a small print.

13. Add a spray finish to the camper, wheels and dowel rod for extra protection.

14. Insert the dowel rod through the ring hooks, then push a wheel onto either end. You may need to glue the wheels in place on the dowel rod.

15. Hold the doors up to the camper and lightly mark with a pencil the locations on both the sides of the camper and the doors that you want the hinges in order to ensure that the doors hang evenly. Use two hinges on either door. Attach the hinges using a screwdriver. You may need glue for extra support.

16. Fill the camper with toy chairs, pots, pans and other accessories.

Tips & Warnings

• If the metal parts do not feel secure, try using 2-part epoxy to hold them in place.

References

• American Girl: Lanie's Camper & Gear
• The Papier Mache Resource; Wendy's Way; Wendy Harford; November 2006
• DLTK: How to Paper Mache