DIY Wellie Wishers Doll Playhouse

The DIY American Girl Wellie Wisher playhouse has taken a little bit longer than I had hoped to get out! I apologize for that! It’s been built for a while, it was just finding the time to complete the plans and upload everything. This is a very simple project! Even if you are not handy with tools, get your FoamWerks cutters out! This would be perfect for a foam board project. We still have a few details to add like making the curtains, a mailbox, shelves and other decorations. It will come. For now, enjoy these plans and make your own! Please tag us on Facebook or Instagram with your version!

Watch and let us know what other Wellie Wisher crafts you want to see!

Shopping List:

3 ~ 1/2’’ @ 2’ x 4’ MDF
1 ~ 1/4’’ @ 2’ x 4’ MDF
1 ~ Set of Hinges
1 ~ Package of Octagonal Red Cedar Shingles from Hobby Lobby – SKU: 1210319
1 ~ Super Glue

Cut List:

2 ~ 1/2’’ @ 26 1/16’’ x 9 1/2’’ – Sides – Follow diagram for exact measurements.
1 ~ 1/2’’ @ 17 1/16’’ x 9 1/2’’ – Top Floor
1 ~ 1/2’’ @ 17 1/16’’ x 9’’ – Bottom Floor
2 ~ 1/2’’ @ 16 1/2’’ x 8 5/16’’ – Back Doors
1 ~ 1/2’’ @ 7 3/4’’ x 6 1/16’’ – Top of Front Door
1 ~ 1/2’’ @ 7 1/2’’ x 6 1/16’’ – Bottom of Front Door
1 ~ 1/2’’ @ 18 1/16’’ x 17 1/4’’ – Front of Playhouse
2 ~ 1/4’’ @ 17 1/16’’ x 3/8’’ – Top and Bottom of Rail
5 ~ 1/4’’ @ 1 5/8’’ x 3/8’’ – Rail Posts
1 ~ 1/4’’ @ 18 1/8’’ x 13 3/4’’ – Roof

Step 1:

Glue and Nail the Sides to the top & bottom floor. Make sure that the bottom floor is flush with the front of the playhouse.

Step 2:

Attach your back doors with hinges.

Step 3:

Cut out doorway and windows before attaching. When the windows and doorway are cut out go ahead and attach the front to the playhouse.

Step 4:

Attach the doors with hinges.

Step 5:

Glue and Nail the bed rail first. Then put the bed rail in place and secure it to the sides of the playhouse.

Step 6:

Attach the roof by glueing and nailing it into place.

Step 7:

Attach the bottom row of shingles with super glue.

Step 8:

Next overlap the next row of shingles on top of the first row. Be sure to stagger each row of shingles from the previous row. After all of the shingles are in place, Mod Podge the entire roof several times to make it super strong.

1. Bobbie Shields
  December 10, 2016 at 3:57 pm –
  I appreciate all of the great detail you put into this playhouse. I especially love the paint job. Is there a tutorial you would recommend to create the weathered look and the faux boards? I have never done anything like this.
  - - Rudy
      December 12, 2016 at 6:41 am –
      Check out our Winter Chalet tutorial. There’s not a video showing how I did it, but I put pictures and an instructional together. https://www.americangirlideas.com/how-to-make-american-girl-winter-chalet/

1. Craig
  November 25, 2016 at 9:40 am –
  I think your cut list doesn’t match your shopping list… Short on 1/2 inch MDF. Unless maybe some of the 1/2 inch cuts are supposed to be 1/4 inch?
  - - Rudy
      November 25, 2016 at 10:19 am –
      It was a mistake on my part…You will need 3 sheets of 2′ x 4′ MDF…Thank you for bringing this to my attention! If you have any other issues, do not hesitate to let me know:) Thanks

1. Stacey
  November 22, 2016 at 5:29 pm –
  I am trying to do my homework before attempting this project so I hope you don’t mind me asking a few questions.
  1. What did you use to nail the boards together? I’m considering using a trim nail gun, but I’ve read that it can mushroom around the nail holes.
  2. What gauge nails did you use?
  3. Did you sand and fill the holes ? If so, with what?
  I think that’s it for now. I truly appreciate the time you put into this tutorial and look forward to creating one of these on my own!!
  - - Rudy
      November 25, 2016 at 10:36 am –
      1 – I used glue and a 23 Gauge Pin Nailer. The reason I go with the pinner is becasue the pins are very small and the glue holds it together perfectly.
      2 – I used 23 Gauge Nails….I usually use 3/4” pins or 1” pins.
      3 – I did not sand the holes becasue the pin holes are incredibly small and not noticeable. When you prime the MDF, it will fill in the tiny hole.
      Hopefully this answers all of your questions!
      Thanks

1. Laila
  November 16, 2016 at 9:52 pm –
  Wow!! You are so talented!! My mind is blown! We just purchased the doll house. It’s on back order. I’m seriously considering cancelling my order and making my own. There is no way it will look as amazing as yours, though.

1. Nica
  November 16, 2016 at 5:50 pm –
  Can you please share if the cardstock you found was in a pack or single sheets and how many sheets you used? Thank you so much for figuring out a DIY for this and sharing it! I’ve been anxiously awaiting the DIY playhouse and genuinely appreciate your hard work!
  - - Rudy
      November 17, 2016 at 6:25 am –
      Everything was in the single sheet section. I didn’t want to have to buy an entire book. I think I got 8 of blue and flower and ended up having extra. I only needed two for the floor.

1. Jill
  November 11, 2016 at 1:50 pm –
  What are the dimensions of the Wellie Wishers bench?

1. From a Doll’s Perspective
  November 9, 2016 at 3:11 pm –
  Cute! Can you make the bunny hutch? I’m sure you could find a stuffed animal to use instead of Carrot.

1. Erika
  November 9, 2016 at 12:49 pm –
  About how much did it cost to make the DIY playhouse?
  - - Rudy
      November 9, 2016 at 3:43 pm –
      It was less than $50.

1. Erika
  November 9, 2016 at 11:37 am –
  I hope you don’t mind me asking but about how much did it cost to make this?

1. The Doll Nook
  November 8, 2016 at 6:54 pm –
  Could you make the American Girl Doll Gourmet Kitchen?

DIY Wellie Wishers Doll Playhouse