How to Make a Doll Trunk

While doll trunks are readily available for purchase in stores or on the Internet, it may be cheaper, more convenient and more fulfilling to construct one of your own. Although small in size, a good deal of planning is required prior to actual construction.

Things You'll Need

• Saw
• Hammer
• Screwdrivers
• Drill
• Glue
• Metal fasteners
• Wood of your choice

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the trunk. If there is a specific doll for which the trunk is to be designed, use it to determine the preliminary dimensions including the margins of free space. Assess how much additional space will be required to contain the doll’s accessories and whether you are building drawers, cupboards or hooks for your trunk. Choose your materials wisely, since you will have to take in the thickness of the material in your measurements. Also make sure that the screws and nails you’ll be using are size-appropriate. Don’t forget about hinges and locks. While they’re usually attached last, they’re among the features that you should consider first. Keep in mind that proper fastening requires a significant amount of surface area. If you know that screws will be needed to attach certain fixtures on the inside, pre-drilling is recommended.

2. Construct the exterior, making sure the surfaces are of the desired finish first. Unless you’re going for a very novel design scheme, your trunk will consist of two main parts to be connected with a hinge. Make sure these two parts fit together before moving on. Certain features such as shelves and closet rods should be installed in this step, if they will simply be fitted in rather than subsequently attached by screws and nails.

3. Choose your upholstery. If the interior will be lined with wallpaper or if the entire structure will be covered in leatherette, now would be a good time to start to decide which fabrics you plan to use. Attach the upholstery to your doll drunk. Either glue the fabric or fasten the upholstery to the trunk with metal fastener.

4. Build smaller features such as drawers and smaller doors. Keep in mind again size, thickness, hinges, locks and upholstery. For attaching knobs and handles, screws are usually favored. So keep your screwdriver and drill handy.

5. Attach the hinges and locks. Test each hinge and lock after attachment to make sure they’re sturdy and properly installed.