American Girl Gardening Bench

When American Girl had their 2015 Special Edition release a few days ago, my daughter and I had a fun visit to the store.  It was a fun trip to see everything that had just come out and grab a few new things while we were there too.  Before we arrived I had planned on getting the new Sunshine Gardening Bench Set.  In the picture it was super adorable.  However, when we arrived at the store I was a little let down.  it was smaller than I thought it would be for American Girl and it looked TO EASY!  I guess that’s a good thing though because now I have made one and I can share the plans with you!

Please look at the stock photo of this bench next to a doll.  It is not supposed to be a big piece.  The measurements below represent the American Girl dimensions, but you can always adjust these plans to make them bigger.

**Stay tuned!  I will have another post in a few days showing you this American Girl Gardening Bench Set with all the accessories that come with it!

Shopping list:

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 2’ x 4’

Wood Glue

1 – 3/8’’ Nails for 18 Gauge Nailer

4 – 24’’ x 1/2’’ x 1/2’’ – Craft Wood Strips – Hobby Lobby

Cut List:

2 – 1/2’’ x 1/2’’ @ 11 1/4’’ – Back Legs

2 – 1/2’’ x 1/2’’ @ 7 3/4’’ – Front Legs

2 – 1/2’’ x 1/2’’ @ 2 1/4’’ – Side Bench Supports

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 4 1/2’’ x 1 1/2’’ – Back of Bench Support

2 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 4 1/2’’ x 1’’ – Front Table Support & Lower Shelf Support

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 4 1/2’’ x 2 3/4’’ – Bottom Shelf

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 7’’ x 4’’ – Table Top – Follow Step 1 for exact measurements.

2 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 3 1/2’’ x 1’’ – Side Bench Supports

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 5 1/2’’ x 1’’ – Bottom of Upper Shelf

1 – 1/2’’ Plywood @ 5 1/2’’ x 1 1/2’’ -Top of Upper Shelf

Tools:

18 Gauge Nailer

Tape Measure

Jig Saw

Miter Saw

Table Saw

Hearing Protection

Safety Glasses

Pencil

Sanding Block

Level

Optional – Scroll Saw

Step 1:

The rectangle that you cut 4″ by 7″ needs to have a notch like the diagram shown below.  This will make it so it fits into place.

Step 2:

Connect the back leg to the front leg using the top side bench support.  Be sure to use wood glue and nail into place. Repeat for both sides.

Step 3:

Connect the legs you just made by using the back bench support.  Se diagram for placement.

Step 4:

Nail the front bench support into place.

Step 5:

Add the bottom bench support.

Step 6:

Nail into place the bottom shelf.

Step 7:

Slide the top shelf into place.

Step 8:

Add the top side supports for the top shelf.

Step 9:

Glue and nail the top upper shelf on.

Step 10:

Add the back to the top upper shelf.

You are done!  Make sure to spackle all the nail holes, sand, prime and paint a beautiful color!  Your dolls will love this easy addition!