How to Make Julie’s Bed

Photo Credit: American Girl

How to Make Julie’s Bed

There is a lot of excitement in the air about Julie Albright right now.  Hummmm, it probably has something to do with the crazy Jill’s Steals and Deals that just happened.  Now, more people have Julie than before the sale that’s for sure.  With all the excitement about her I wanted to do a few special things.  I am bringing her into my home and the first thing I needed to do for her is prepare a place for her to sleep.  A bed of course!  And not just any bed, but a replica of the American Girl version.  This post is just the bed frame itself which is very simple.  You gotta love simple!  However, soon to follow this post is her bedding!  I already have it made, I’m just putting the instructions together so you can follow them easily.

The cost out of pocket for me was nothing since I already had scrap wood on hand.  If you start with nothing, the wood will be about $6.  That’s buying three 1″ x 2″ at 8 feet long.  Crazy!  Julie’s bed online is $125.  Of course that includes the bedding, so when I post my version of bedding I will update costs.

Shopping list:

3 – 1’’ x 2’’ @ 8’
Wood Glue
1 – 1 1/4’’ Nails for 18 Gauge Nailer

Cut List:

4 – 3/4’’ x 3/4’’ @ 21 1/2’’ – Legs
2 – 1 1/2’’ x 3/4’’ @ 21 1/2’’ – Side Rails
2 – 1 1/2’’ x 3/4’’ @ 11 1/2’’ – Headboard & Footboard Rails
2 – 1 1/4’’ x 5/8’’ @ 11 1/2’’ – Mattress Supports
2 – 3/4’’ x 1/2’’ @ 23’’ – Side Canopy Supports – Cut ends 45 degrees off square
2 – 3/4’’ x 1/2’’ @ 13’’ – Top and Bottom Canopy Supports – Cut ends 45 degrees off square
1 – 1’’ x 1/2’’ @ 11 1/2’’ – Middle Canopy Support

Tools:

18 Gauge Nailer
Tape Measure
Miter Saw
Table Saw
Hearing Protection
Safety Glasses
Pencil
Sanding Block
Level

Other Items for Julie’s Room:

Julie’s Table & Chairs

Julie’s Bedding

Julie’s Room Tour

Step 1:

Attach the side rails to the legs.  Be sure to use wood glue and nail into place.  See the diagram for each placement.

Step 2:

Attach the headboard and Footboard rails to the legs.  See the diagram for exact placement.

Step 3:

Your frame is now done, insert the mattress supports for added strength.

Step 4:

Glue and nail the canopy supports to the top of the legs.

Step 5:

Add the middle canopy support.