This doll chair has been a work in progress for a few years. I love this current iteration. It is studier and I love its simplicity.
My journey towards 18″ doll furniture began during the pandemic. I was talking to my friend’s daughter Grace, she was 8 at the time, and she mentioned how obsessed she was with AGD crafts. I asked her what she meant by that as it was the first time I had heard the ‘AGD crafts’ phrase. As soon as Grace explained it, I was hooked too.
I started thinking about all the possibilities of things to make for 18″ dolls. The ideas seemed endless.
When it came to the chair, I experimented using different thickness’ of wood. This version was the sturdiest and I really liked the clean lines and simplicity of the design.
So, how do you make this chair? Check out the video above for all the steps and tips to make a sturdy chair for 18″ dolls. For the supplies, you have two options: if you have a loved one who is into woodworking, ask them to cut some wood pieces for you per the following measurements or you can buy our DIY kits HERE.
Supplies that come in the DIY kit: 1 chair seat – 5″x4″x1/8th”, 4 chair leg parts – 5″x1/2″x1/2″, 4 chair leg parts – 3″x1/2″x1/2″, 2 chair aprons – 3″x1/2″x1/2″, 4 chair backs – 5″x1/2″x1/2″, 1 chair back top – 4″x1/2″x1/2′, wood glue, 4 spring clamps, parchment paper strips, pencil, sanding paper and …
Gluing templates. Additional supplies recommended but not included as part of the kit: paper towels cut into strips, paint, paint brush, disposable gloves and paper to cover your work space.
The first step is to sand all the wood pieces that look a little rough on the cut ends. Once done, it is time to start assembling the chair.
- Top left photo: working on the chair back top first. remove the double sided tape protector, then line up the 4″ long chair back top within the template space. Using the 5″ lines on the template, draw in the section you will be applying glue to on the chair back top. Then slide in 1 strip of parchment paper.
- Top right photo: apply glue to the four glue sections on the chair back top. Then apply glue on one end of the 5″ chair back pieces.
- Bottom left photo: attach the first 5″ chair back piece to the chair back top. Hold in place for roughly a count of 20.
- Bottom right photo: continue to attach the pieces noted above. Wipe off any excess glue that seeps out when the pieces are attached together. Then put aside until the glue has set enough to continue with the assembly. This can take anywhere from about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much glue was applied.
Repeat the process to attach the legs as noted for the back: peel the tape protector, place one of the 5″ legs pieces on the tape. Slide in the parchment paper, apply glue and attach all the pieces together. Attach the 3″ leg pieces before attaching the 2nd 5″ piece. Hold in place for the count of 20 then repeat with the 2nd leg. Then wipe off any excess glue that seeps out when the pieces are attached together.
Put aside both legs for the glue to set for 30 to 60 minutes before moving forward. Of note, it takes 24 hours for wood glue to cure so be careful handling the chair until 24 hours have gone by.
Once all the pieces are set enough to continue, peel off the template. Place the wood pieces flat on your work surface with the paper on top. Hold the pieces down with one hand while you gently peel off the template and the parchment paper strip.
For the next steps, you will be attaching the chair legs to the chair seat.
- Top left photo: using the 5″ leg piece, trace the outline for where you will be putting the glue. You can use the chair apron piece to trace the glue section too.
- Top right photo: put glue to both sections that will be attached: on the seat as well as the leg. Then attach both sections together.
- Bottom left photo: next attach the chair apron pieces.
- Bottom right photo: finish off by attaching the second leg. Use the spring clamps to hold the pieces together then wipe off any excess glue that seeps out. Set aside for the glue to set for 30 to 60 minutes.
Once the glue has set, remove the spring clamps. Then use the chair back to trace the glue section on the chair seat. Put glue on both the seat and the chair back.
Place your chair seat on the table at 90 degrees so that the legs are pointing to the side. Place a parchment paper strip under the chair seat and attach the chair back. Wipe off any excess glue that seeps out. Set aside to dry.
After an hour, you have the option of either painting the chair or leaving it bare. Either way, the next step is to sand the chair. This helps to remove any glue build up and makes sure that the chair is smooth.
If painting the chair, this is the time to do so. For my chair, I chose this light green color and decided to paint a flower on it. I also added a little glitter for a little sparkle. My chair was painted in two sections: first I painted it green and then allowed it to dry. then I drew the flower pencil first before using paint and glitter to finish it up.
Once you have finished painting, allow the chair to dry for 24 hours before your doll bestie ca use the chair.
I hope you enjoyed making this wooden chair.