American Girl Grace Thomas Bed

There is a lot of excitement for Grace Thomas to make her grand appearance!  She will be here in a few short days and I wanted to make sure she felt welcomed in her new home.  From what we know about her, she will not have a specific bed.  So, the first thing to prepare for her was to make a unique bed.  I love that this bed has posts, but not too tall.  And the headboard and footboard have just the right amount of roundness!  It is simple, yet elegant.  I am still debating if I want to add little Eiffel towers on it.  I didn’t want to go overboard with them, so I will hold off for now until her entire room is decorated.  If you are planning a big welcome for Grace Thomas, her bed is the perfect start!

Shopping list:

1 – 1×2 @ 8’

1 – 1×8 @ 6’ (Leftovers)

1 – 1/4’’ @ 2’ x 4’

Wood Glue

3/4’’ Nails for 18 Gauge Nailer

1 – 1 1/4” Kreg Jig Pocket Screws

Cut List:

2 – 1×2 @ 7’’ – Footboard Legs

2 – 1×2 @ 10’’ – Headboard Legs

2 – 1×2 @ 18 1/2’’ – Side Mattress Support

1 – 1/4’’ @ 19 1/4’’ x 6 1/2’’ – Mattress Support Board

4 – 1×2 @ 6 1/2’’ – Bottom of Headboard/Footboard & Support for Mattress Board

1 – 3/4’’ @ 6 1/2’’ x 6 1/4’’ – Headboard

1 – 3/4’’ @ 6 1/2’’ x 3 1/2’’ – Footboard

Tools:

Kreg Jig

18 Gauge Nailer

Tape Measure

Jig Saw

Miter Saw

Table Saw

Hearing Protection

Safety Glasses

Pencil

Sanding Block

Step 1

Using the pocket holes, screw in the 6 1/2″ headboard mattress supports to the headboard legs on both sides.  Repeat this step for the footboard legs.  

Step 2

Attach the headboard legs and footboard legs by screwing in the 18 1/2″ side mattress supports

Step 3

Add the remaining two 6 1/2″ mattress supports to the 18 1/2″ side mattress supports.

Step 4

Insert the mattress support board.

Step 5

The cut for the headboard is 3/4’’ wood @ 6 1/2’’ x 6 1/4’’.  6 1/4″ is the measurement for the top center of the headboard.  If you want the arch, you can draw a line from the top center to the right side.  Repeat for the left side.  Or, you can use something as a guide.  I used a bowl.  The headboard will not be screwed into place with a pocket hole, but nailed into place instead.

Step 6

The cut for the footboard is 3/4’’ wood @ 6 1/2’’ x 3 1/2’’.  The top center of the footboard is 3 1/2″.  If you want it rounded you can follow the instructions in step 5.

Step 7

Spackle the nail holes.  Sand the entire bed.  Prime and paint the color of your choice.  Add cute Paris themed bedding!