DIY American Girl Doll Ferris Wheel

Since we did a large American Girl Carnival scene, we really needed a large piece to be the center of attention. The carnival swings were a great addition, but we wanted something a little bigger with more of a wow factor. That is why we went with an American Girl DIY Ferris Wheel! When the American Girl Place stores all put up their window displays with a ferris wheel in them, we knew that was the main attraction for our carnival. Ours is a little smaller seating only six instead of eight. I still needed to be able to carry it! ? This would be a perfect build for a carnival birthday party! Or any party for that matter! Fun, fun, fun!

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PDF Instructions:

American Girl DIY Ferris Wheel instructions

Shopping List:

• 1 – 3/4” MDF @ 2′ x 2′ – Base of Ferris Wheel
• 1 – 1/4’’ MDF @ 2’ x 2’
• 1 – 2×4 @ 8′
• 1 – 1×12 @ 6′
• 10′ of 1/2” dowels
• 5 – 1/2” x 2” washer
• 1 – 1/2” Hex Bolt @ 4”
• 1 – 1/2” Lock Nut
• Wood Glue
• Kreg Jig Screws
• Kreg Jig

Cut List:

• 1 – 2×4 @ 32” – Main Wheel Support – Drill 1/2” hole 3” from the top in the center of the 2×4
• 1 – 2×4 @ 11 3/8” – Bottom Back Support
• 1 – 2×4 @ 22” – Slanted Back Support – Cut one end at 31° off square and the other end at 59° off square
• 2 – 2×4 @ 22 1/2” – Side Supports – Cut one end at 25° off square and the other end at 65° off square
• 6 – 1×4 @ 20” – Outer Wheel – Cut each end at 30° off square. Drill a hole in the side and bottom of outer wheel. The bottom hole needs to be 3/4” deep.
• 1 – 1×12 @ 10” x 8 11/16” – Center of Wheel – Drill a 1/2” hole through the center
• 6 – 1/2” Dowel @ 11” – These dowels connect the outer wheel to the inner wheel
• 6 – 1/2” Dowel @ 7 3/4” – These dowels are what the Ferris Wheel seats hang on
• 12 – 1/4’’ MDF @ 7 1/2’’ x 5 1/2’’ – Swing back and bottom – Cut 7 1/2’’ end at 30°. You will need to do this for all 12 pieces
• 12 – 1/4’’ MDF @ 2’’ x 2’’ – Swing bottom support – Cut one end at 30°. You will need to do this for all 12 pieces

Step 1:

Assemble the base. The pieces that attach to the base are: Main wheel support, bottom back support, slanted back support and side supports. See diagram below.

Step 2:

Start by drilling a 1/2” hole in the center of the Ferris Wheel. Then drill six 1/2” holes in each side of the Ferris Wheel Center, making sure they are centered. Next drill six 1/2” holes in the bottom of each piece of the Outer Ferris Wheel, making sure they are centered.  Finally, drill a 1/2” hole on the face of each Outer Ferris Wheel board, making sure they are centered. This is where the seats will hang from. All holes are 3/4” deep.

Then add the dowels to the center of the Ferris Wheel. Next add the outer part of the Ferris Wheel. I used my kreg Jig to create the pocket holes needed to connect the outer part of the Ferris Wheel together. Finally, add the dowels that the seats will ride on. I glued all dowels in place.

Step 3:

Add the 1/2” bolt with the washers. There should be 3 washers between the inner Ferris Wheel and the Main Wheel Support. You can add more if needed. I also added a washer at the beginning and end of the bolt.

Step 4:

Start by connecting the Ferris Wheel Seats together with glue and nail pins. Then add the bottom of the seat supports by glueing and nailing into place.

Step 5:

Fill all nail holes, spackle and paint. I added the Star that I got from Hobby Lobby. The Star really brings it all together.