Cabinet for American Girl Dolls

My daughters love their American Girl dolls and thumb through the catalog until it falls apart. Both grandmas have made sure that these dolls are thoroughly equipped with hats, shoes, dresses, typewriters, hair curlers; pretty much anything that they might need. Of course keeping all this organized and in good shape could be a challenge

I started to sketch out various closet ideas to hold their dolls, dresses, shoes, etc. My original plan was to build this completely from scratch, but one day while out at Target I stumbled across a 2 door organizer which was roughly the size of one of my sketches. This provided a great starting point which brought the cost of each closet (I needed to make three) down quite a bit. With another $10 worth of supplies, I was able to adequately spoil my girls.

Step 1 Supplies

To build this closet you need the following supplies:

• 2 door organizer (available at Target.com)
• 5/8" x 9.75" x ~22" melamine shelving (I found this at Menards)
• 3/8" dowel rod x 12", painted white
• small shoulder hooks. I got these at Ace. You want something dainty with the thread length short enough to not go too far through the door.
• small mirror, I use a 8"x10" oval scalloped mirror that I found at Hobby Lobby
• mirror adhesive mounting pads (I found them at Menards)
• two wood screws (#8 x 1")

Tools used (other than standard hand tools):

• Radial arm saw
• Router with 1/4" straight bit
• Drill Press (regular hand drill will work)
• 3/16" bit (brad point and regular)
• 3/8" brad point bit

Comments

[drdanfl]

Just finished mine - what a great $40 solution to a $350 problem (American Girl price). Took a little over a day because I had to let the paint dry - added a little decoration to the front to match the canopy bed I finished for Christmas.

Plans and directions were very clear and easy to follow.

Thanks for posting your project.

[twalker10]

What are the dimensions/specific description of the cabinet? The link just takes me to the general Target website.

[WilyHacker]

Target still had them last spring, but unfortunately it looks like they might not be carrying it anymore (at least online). The outside dimensions of the cabinet I used were 24" W x 31 1/2" H by 11 1/2" D. Note: they were found in the storage section (not the furniture section) in my local store.

Looking online, this looks pretty close to the same thing I used.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_37665-76182-78515_0__?productId=3276085&Ntt=closetmain&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dclosetmain&facetInfo=

Look online for "ClosetMaid White Stackable 2 Door Organizer"

[JackieBhen]

Thanks for posting.This is a creative way to make a doll's closet.

Closet

[JackieBhen]

This is a cute closet for dolls.

[malaika107]

HI, thanks so much for these instructions. After searching for an official american girl chest, I realized that I really couldn't afford it and clothes to put in it for my daughter. I actually purchased chest from target and followed several of your steps as well. Although mine is not as detailed as the one pictured (I might have chopped off a finger on accident if I used some of those tools :) )I did get the overall look. Instead of divinding it I just bought a adjustable bar that extended all the way across for more storage. I also plan on painting a pretty flower on the doors to match her room. I hid it in the basement till christmas---she will be so happy! thanks again.

[allisondavis]

Wow, if I had had this back in the day, my American girl doll might still have all of her accessories and good hair. Great instructable!!!

[NTOcomander #0]

Martha Stewart would be proud!