How to Make a Canopy Bed for an American Girl Doll

Many girls love American Girl dolls, but buying and outfitting them can get quite expensive. Here you'll learn how to save money by making a cute bed for a doll. The American Girl line consists of 18-inch dolls produced by Pleasant Company, a division of Mattel Inc. There are a variety of models available, from dolls depicting fictional girls from various points in American history to "Just Like You" dolls that come in various hair, eye and skin tones to match their owners. There are also many accessories available, including clothes (for doll and owner), books and furniture. A new doll costs about $100 (including shipping). Because of this, many mass-market retailers are producing similar 18-inch dolls at a lower price. They also offer similar accessories. For example, while a genuine American Girl canopy doll bed costs over $100, Target's version costs about $35. However, with creativity, you can make your own for much less, using materials you may have around the house.

Things You'll Need

• 2 American Girl doll boxes. You can purchase these from American Girl for about $2 each plus shipping. See Resources for contact information.
• High-loft cotton batting cut to fit the interior of the box, about 20 inches by 11 inches
• Fabric
• Glue and/or hot glue gun and sticks
• Scissors
• Pins
• Lace, ribbon and other notions (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Separate box lids and bottoms.

   • 2

     Lay one top on floor, open side up.

   • 3

     Insert narrow end of box bottom into the left end of the box top, forming a standing L-shape. The open side of the box should face inward.

   • 4

     Repeat steps 1-3 with the other box.

   • 5

     Turn one L-shape so that it forms a standing 7-shape, with the narrow end of the box on the floor. The open sides should face inward.

   • 6

     Insert the base of the 7-shape into the right end of the L-shape. This will now be a U-shape.

   • 7

     Insert the top of the L-shape into the left end of the top of the 7-shape. You will now have an open rectangle that looks like a picture frame.

   • 8

     Insert foam batting into the base of the frame. This is the mattress.

   • 9

     Decorate your canopy bed as you wish. You may want to cover the box with fabric, stickers, lace or ribbons.