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How to Decorate a Canopy for American Girl Doll Bed

The American Girl Dolls earn their place in children's imagination and childhood memories by applying intricate, historically accurate detailing to each doll's clothing, furniture and accessories. While certain furniture collections correspond to the time period and experience of a particular doll, the beds are all uniform in length and width. Of all the bed designs, canopy beds are among the most versatile, letting you change and decorate the canopy fabric as your daughter's tastes change and grow.

Things You'll Need

5 safety pins
2 yards ribbon
2 yards tulle
2 yards lace
2 yards fabric
Stencils
Fabric paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Pin or drape a layer of fabric over the existing canopy to accent the fabric underneath. Use a sheer material, such as tulle or lace, as your accent layer, so the canopy and bedding do not look like they are drowning in heavy layers.
- 2
  Sew ribbon or lace around the edges of the existing canopy, or onto a new canopy made from different fabric.
- 3
  Sew curtains along the inside seams of the canopy to give the doll bed a whimsical and exotic feel. Hold the curtains to the sides by tying a ribbon bow around the fabric and bedpost.
- 4
  Stencil floral or geometric designs on a canopy made with new material. Wash the fabric before cutting, sewing and stenciling with the fabric paint. Let the canopy dry completely before placing it on the bed. For best results, reserve stencils and fabric paints for single-layered, light-colored canopies.

Dolls