DIY American Girl Doll Ice Cream Cart

A few weeks ago the American Girl Doll Ice Cream Cart came out and as soon as we opened it I knew it would be a simple build. I like the concept that AG brought to the table, but there was definitely  room for improvements. Normally I like to make the replica an exact match or as close as possible, but this time I had to make a tweaks upfront to give it better play value. The clear top case can stay put or be taken off, however I left off the swinging door because that just caused it to fall off of the AG version.  Now you can put things on the top too! It is also raised higher so it’s easier to reach in when scooping the ice cream. ? You can glue the printables right on the cart, or just stick them on when you want it to be an Ice Cream Cart. I laminated mine that way I can change the cart into different things when wanted. Like a Taco cart!  Also, the menu can come off. Again, to change it up!

Watch and give us a thumbs up if you want us to show you a step by step using foam board!

Shopping List-

• 1 – 1/8” @ 12” x 12” Plexiglass
• 1 – 1/2” MDF @ 2′ x 2′
• 1 – 1/4” MDF @ 2′ x 2′
• Wood Glue
• 2 Handles *door handle about 1 1/2″ handle for side about 3″
• 1 1/4” Spade Drill Bit
• 2  Hinges
• American Girl Ice Cream Cart Printable
• American Girl ice Cream Cart Printable 2
• American Girl Ice Cream Cart Printable 3

Cut List-

Refrigerator:

• 2 – 1/4’’ @ 4 1/2’’ x 4 1/2’’ – Top and bottom of Fridge
• 2 – 1/4’’ @ 4 5/8’’ x 4 1/2’’ – Sides of Fridge
• 1 – 1/4’’ @ 5 1/8’’ x 4 1/2’’ – Back of Fridge
• 1 – 1/4’’ @ 4 1/2’’ x 4’’ – Fridge Shelf – See diagram for height of shelf
• 1 – 1/4’’ @ 5 1/8’’ x 4 1/2’’ – Fridge Door

Ice Cream Cart:

• 2 – 1/2’’ @ 9’’ x 7 7/16’’ – Sides of Ice Cream Cart
• 2 – 1/2’’ @ 7 7/16’’ x 4 1/4’’ – Front and back of Ice Cream Cart
• 1 – 1/2’’ @ 8’’ x 4 1/4’’ – Bottom of Ice Cream Cart
• 1 – 1/2’’ @ 9 1/2’’ x 5 1/2’’ – Top Counter – See diagram
• 4 – 3/4’’ @ 1 7/8’’ x 7/8’’ – Wheels – See Diagram

Counter Divider:

• 1 – 1/4’’ @ 6 3/16’’ x 3 1/2’’ – Bottom
• 2 – 1/4’’ @ 6 3/16’’ x 1 1/8’’ – Sides
• 2 – 1/4’’ @ 3 1/2’’ x 1 3/8’’ – Front and back
• 2 – 1/4’’ @ 3’’ x 1 1/8’’ – Ice Cream Dividers
• 4 – 1/4’’ @ 2 5/16’’ @ 1 1/8’’ – Popsicle Dividers
• 1 – 1/4’’ @ 1 1/8’’ x 1’’ – Popsicle End Divider
• 1 – 1/4’’ @ 3 1/2’’ x 1 5/16’’ – Top Cup Holder
• 1 – 1/2’’ @ 3 1/2’’ x 1 5/16’’ – Bottom of Cup Holder

Plexiglass Case:

• 1 – 1/8’’ @ 6 15/16’’ x 3’’ – Front
• 2 – 1/8’’ @ 3 15/16’’ x 3’’ – Sides – See Diagram for exact measurements
• 1 – 1/8’’ @ 6 15/16’’ x 2 1/8’’ – Top
• 1 – 1/8’’ @ 6 11/16’’ x 1/2’’ – Open side support

TIPS:

• I like to paint as I go because once the project is complete some areas can be hard to paint around. Like the side where the handle is. You cant take the handle off to paint when your done building, so paint that wall before you put the handle on.
• If you cut your plexiglass and the sides are rough, use a metal nail file to sand down the edges. That will give you smooth, even sides to work with.
• If you want your cart to be only for Ice Cream, you can Mod Podge (or glue of choice) the printables. If you want to be able to change it up, you can laminate the printables so you can put them on and take them off. I prefer that way.

Step 1:

Make the refrigerator box as shown below.  Attach using wood glue, and pinnig into place.

Step 2:

Insert the refrigerator shelf, glue and pin.

Step 3:

Attach the floor, sides and back of the cart. Glue and pin into place.

Step 4:

Cut the hole for the refrigerator door and then place the front wall on the cart. Glue and pin.

Step 5:

Add the cart side handle BEFORE attaching the counter top. I used a drawer pul so I needed to screw it in from the inside. Then add Fridge to the ice cream cart and make sure the fridge is flush with the side of the cart. Then attach the refrigerator door using 3/4″ x 11/16″ hinges.

Step 6:

Cut out the opening in the counter. You can wait to cut the circles out until the counter is in place.

Step 7:

Insert your dividers as shown. You can change your design up, but I really liked this so we can put ice cream pans in and out.

Step 8:

Add the top and bottom of cup holder. This is so when you drill in the holes there are no open spaces on the sides.

Step 9:

Glue wheels on.

Step 10:

Drill in the cup holders. We used a 1 1/4” Spade Drill Bit.

Step 11:

Glue the plexiglass case together as shown. If your counter is the exact same size as mine, you can use the measurements below. If you made tweaks, you will need to measure to see how big to make your case.

Step 12:

Add the menu. I used a plaque from Michaels and glued the printable menu to it. I did plane it down so it was much thinner. That’s optional. I glued a dowel joint into the cart and drilled a hole through the top of the menu so the menu can be put on and taken off. You could also just use a cup hook and just laminate the printable. Same concept.