How to Build Wood Barbie Furniture

Although it's certainly possible to purchase just about any kind of Barbie accessory, custom-made furniture for the popular doll is a fun option. Leftover lengths of 2-by-4 boards and plywood, along with a little fabric, can create a one-of-a kind upholstered sofa and chair that are just Barbie's size. As with genuine furniture, the wood will serve as the foundation for the final upholstered piece.

Things You'll Need

• 1 8-inch length of a 2-by-4 board (sofa)
• 1 5-inch length of a 2-by-4 board (chair)
• Wooden dowel rod, 2 inches in diameter
• 1 piece of 3/8-inch plywood cut into a 8-by-6 rectangle with corners rounded (sofa)
• 1 piece of 3/8-inch plywood cut into a 5-by-6 rectangle with corners rounded (chair)
• 4 3/4-inch wood screws
• 1/2 yard of quilt batting
• Polyester Fiberfil
• 1 yard of sturdy fabric
• Desired trims
• Glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Fine sandpaper

Instructions

1. 

   Attach the 8-by-6 plywood piece to the 8-by-2 block with wood screws. Attach the 5-by-6 plywood piece to the 5-by-2 block of wood in the same manner.

2. 

   Add arm supports by cutting four 2-inch pieces from a wood dowel. Glue with a glue gun to the edges of the blocks in the manner shown. This completes the wood frame for the furniture.

3. 

   Cover the seat bottom and back of both pieces with quilt batting. Add an extra piece of batting along the top edge of the sofa and chair and across the arm supports. Attach with the glue gun. For extra cushioning, add polyester Fiberfil and secure with glue.

4. 

   Cover the arms and sides of the sofa and chair with fabric and secure with the glue gun. This is a little like gift-wrapping an oddly shaped package.

5. 

   Cover the front, seat, seat back and back of each piece with a separate piece of fabric. Cut the fabric to fit, according to how much cushioning is desired.

6. 

   Cut eight 1/2 inch rounds from the dowel rod and sand the edges. Attach with the glue gun in the four bottom corners of each piece of furniture to serve as legs.

7. 

   Finish off by trimming around the bottom of each piece with ribbon or fabric notions if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• For an added finishing touch, add miniature pillows in a complementary fabric.

• This toy is best suited for elementary-aged children and is not appropriate for preschoolers.

Resources

• Barbie's official website