How to Make a Recycled Box Bed for Your American Girl Doll
Girls need a lot of accessories to accompany the many scenarios they create with their American Girl dolls, including a bed. A simple cardboard box, spruced up with colorful fabric, has the potential to provide a comfortable bed for your American Girl Doll. Choose colors and fabrics to fit with the time period your American Girl Doll represents.
Things You'll Need
- 20-inch by 6-inch cardboard box
- 1 yard of fabric
- 60 inches by 18 inches of cotton batting
- Craft glue
- Scissors
- 2 empty toilet paper tubes
- 40 inches of 2-inch-wide lace ribbon
- Small baby blanket
Instructions
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Simple Box Bed
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1
Cover the outside of a cardboard box with fabric, attaching it with craft glue.
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2
Cover the inside bottom of the box with the cotton batting, folding it into thirds to fit and provide a cushion for the doll.
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3
Cut a piece of fabric to fit inside the box and cover the cotton batting.
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4
Cut a small piece of cotton batting and place it in the box to use as a pillow for the doll.
Toilet Paper Tube Bed
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5
Cut off one side of a cardboard box with a pair of scissors to use as the mattress for the bed.
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6
Lay the cardboard mattress on the table and glue one-half of an empty toilet paper tube to each corner of the top side of the cardboard mattress. Glue the toilet paper tubes vertically.
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7
Flip the cardboard mattress over so it rests on the toilet paper tube legs.
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8
Cut two flaps off of a cardboard box to use as the headboard and footboard of the bed. Place one flap straight against one end of the mattress and glue it to the edge of the mattress to keep it in place. Repeat with the other flap on the opposite end of the bed.
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9
Tape lace ribbon on the bottom of the long sides of the cardboard mattress to make a dust ruffle.
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10
Cover the bed with a small baby blanket or a piece of fabric cut to fit.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The size of the box may be changed if the exact size cannot be found, but the average height of an American Girl doll is approximately 18 inches tall, so be sure to choose a box at least 20 inches long to provide enough space for your doll.
References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Lifesize/Getty Images
