Home >> Toys >> Dolls

How to Make Doll Cradles

A beautiful doll cradle is not only a toy to play with, but can also become a family heirloom to be cherished for years to come. While there are commercially made doll beds of all shapes and sizes, nothing quite compares to one made by hand in your own home. With relatively little skill, this cradle can be made in less than an hour. Take time to decorate the cradle with your little ones and together you can create a toy and a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Things You'll Need

1-inch-by-6 inch boards
Jig saw
Hammer
Nails
Compass
Pencil
Handsaw
Sandpaper
Wood stain or decorative paints

Instructions

- 1
  Cut three 1-inch-by-6 inch boards, 18 inches long (for the sides and bottom). Saw one 1-inch-by-6 inch board, 9 inches long (for the foot board). Cut one 1-inch-by-6 inch board, 1 foot long (for the headboard).
- 2
  Set the bottom board down and align the side boards against it. Nail into place to create the bed of the cradle.
- 3
  Mark a center point on the foot board 3 inches from one end and 3 inches in. Mark an arch with the compass to create a semicircle. Create a second line 1/2 inch out from the mark, closer to the corners of the board.
- 4
  Saw off the corners along the second mark. This will leave a portion of the foot board with a flat bottom and a curve on each side for rocking.
- 5
  Align the top edge of the foot board with the tops of the side boards. Keep the marked side facing in. Nail into place.
- 6
  Mark the first semicircle in the same manner on each end of the headboard. On only one side, create the secondary mark to create the bottom. Saw along the main semicircle to create the top and then along the second line for the bottom.
- 7
  Attach the headboard to the cradle, marked line facing in, after lining up the end of the top arch with the top of the side boards. Nail to secure.
- 8
  Sand the entire to cradle to remove splinters and prepare the cradle for painting or staining. Decorate as desired.

Dolls