Here’s a easy project that you’ll love. Now you can quickly make a doll bed for your 18 inch dolls without using tools.

Step 1: Buy a single piece of garden border.
These are the small sections that clip together to form the decorative edging around an outdoor flower bed. They are available in many different styles.

Try to find one that looks like a mini-headboard.

• I purchased mine at Michael’s craft store. Any store with a garden center, or gardening area may have this type of border. This item is seasonal. You will probably only find it in the stores during gardening season. For best selection, shop early in the season.
• There is a small loop on the right side for joining this piece of border to the next one. If it bothers you, just cut it off with your wire cutters and file any sharp edges to prevent injury. I left it on my bed, so you could see it.

Step 2: Buy a basket.
This basket was purchased at Michael’s craft store for $14.99. It’s part of their “Natural Storage Solutions.” It has a metal support structure inside that makes the basket quite sturdy.

• Look for a basket that’s about 19-inches long and at least 9-inches wide. Mine is 19-inches long by 13-inches wide by 5 inches tall.
• Turn the basket upside-down. To create the ‘headboard,’ stick the garden border through the basket on one of the short sides. Anchor the border’s ‘legs’ with metal twist ties to prevent movement.

Step 3: Spray paint the bed.
You may find it’s easier and requires less shopping time if you select your bedding fabrics first. Then select your paint color to coordinate with the fabric colors.

• I made my mattress from 1/2-inch thick foam. If your basket is shorter than 5-inches tall, you may want to use a 1-inch thick mattress to add height.
• Next, I’ll be adding the instructions to make the bedding, along with some cute matching pajamas for your American Girl doll.

Remember, the early shopper gets the best seasonal selection.

So have lots of fun!
Please leave a comment and let me know if you like this idea.

Technorati Tags: 18 Inch Doll, American Girl Dolls, doll bed, Doll Bed Patterns, Free Projects, Recycled

Now we have great doll clothes patterns for your special occasions. Your American Girl dolls will capture everyone’s attention at the nicest formal events wearing this lace dress and matching hat. This outfit is even special enough to wear to Prince William’s royal wedding …or to just watch it on TV.

Both dresses shown here can be made from this pattern.

This beautiful dress is designed to be made from a sheer lace fabric with an embroidered border placed at the hemline. The lining can be a contrasting color for Spring, like our model is wearing. Or, the dress can be made in white lace over a cream lining for a formal ceremony, like Confirmation.

Lace Dress for Special Occasions:

You can download this digital pattern and instructions right now! 
There are no shipping charges, because a paper pattern is not mailed to you. After clicking on the link and downloading the product to your computer, you can print out the instructions and pattern pieces on standard 8-1/2 X 11 paper.

Details of the lace hat with lined brim are shown below:

This doll clothes pattern includes detailed instructions and pattern pieces for making:

• the lace dress
• the lace hat with lined brim
• for an additional look, a second dress (shown below) can be made using only the lining pieces and bias binding
  

Shoes are not included.

$9.97

Dress Option 2

Technorati Tags: 18 Inch Doll, American Girl Dolls, Doll Accessories, Doll Accessory Patterns, Doll Clothes Patterns, Lace Dress, Special Occasions Dress

Who else wants more doll clothes patterns for your American Girl Dolls? These fringed, lace-up knee boots are included in this pattern and they totally rock.

The long hoodie is cut and sewn from fabric. It is NOT hand knit from yarn. So, you can easily make it in much less time. It also looks great made from fleece or a recycled sweatshirt.

Long Hoodie, Fringed Boots, Tunic and Pants:
You can download this digital pattern and instructions right now!
There are no shipping charges, because a paper pattern is not mailed to you. After clicking on the link and downloading the product to your computer, you can print out the instructions and pattern pieces on standard 8-1/2 X 11 paper.

$9.97

This doll clothes pattern includes detailed instructions for making:

• the long hoodie
  
• the fringed, lace-up knee boots
• the long-sleeved tunic
  
• the slim-cut pants

Details of the boots are shown below:

Technorati Tags: 18 Inch Doll, American Girl Dolls, Doll Accessories, Doll Clothes Patterns, Long Hoodie

Remember my blog post about the long hoodie? (If not, read it here.) That hoodie is almost ready. I’m just finishing the instructions. So, you can expect to see it soon.

The new doll clothes pattern includes the long hoodie, a long-sleeved tunic, slim pants and these adorable fringed, lace-up knee boots. The hoodie is sewn from fabric. It is NOT knit from yarn. So, it’s very quick and easy to make.

I’ll send an email to the list to let you know when this new pattern is available on the site.

Your American Girl dolls will love it. Here’s a sneak peek…

Please leave a comment and let me know how you like it.

Technorati Tags: 18 Inch Doll, American Girl Dolls, Doll Accessories, Doll Clothes Patterns

• First, click the ‘Add To Cart‘ button and fill in your name, address, etc. on the order form. At the bottom of the page it will say, “You have chosen Paypal as…”
• Ignore that and click the ‘Continue’ button to go to the next page. On that page you will have a choice of using PayPal or your own credit card. To use your credit card, just click the link next to the pictures of the credit cards, just below the Paypal area.
• If you already have a Paypal account, it will interrupt your transaction and ask you to log-in to your Paypal account. To skip Paypal and use your credit card, click ‘continue without logging in.’ Then you may need to re-enter your credit card information.
  
• Then watch your email in-box. You will be receiving an email containing the link to download your doll clothes patterns. If you can’t find the email after a couple of hours, contact me (on the ‘Contact Us’ page) and I’ll send it to you.
  

Thanks to all you American Girl Doll lovers, for supporting the website!

Technorati Tags: 18 Inch Doll, American Girl Dolls, Doll Clothes Patterns

Here’s how you’ll get your unlimited supply of cash!

About four days after you sign up to get the free the hobo bag pattern, you’ll receive an email from DollClothesPatterns with your download link for the play money. You don’t have to do anything extra. It’s automatic. You can print as much money as you want. Your doll can even be a millionaire if you have enough ink in your printer.

Have fun making money!
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think of this idea.

Technorati Tags: 18 Inch Doll, American Girl Dolls, Doll Accessories, Free Doll Clothes Patterns

Find used baby clothes in good condition, and recycle the ribbed knit trim:

Try this idea. Go to your local thrift store and look for infant clothing. Babies outgrow their clothes so fast, it’s easy to find outfits in great condition. Many show very little wear and are very inexpensive. Recycle the baby clothes by removing the ribbed knit trim from the sleeves and around the neck. Then reuse the baby’s knit trim for your doll clothes patterns. The buttons on baby clothes also work perfectly for dolls.

One of the secrets to maintaining a great source of materials is to go to the thrift store often. Get to know the people who work there, and let them know what you’re doing. Tell them you’re always looking for baby clothes with white knit trim, …or whatever colors you use most. As they get to know you, they’ll start setting things aside for you. You’ll soon have all the supplies you need for your doll clothes patterns.

Technorati Tags: 18 Inch Doll, American Girl, Doll Clothes Patterns