Doll Bed From Cardboard

Supplies:

You will need the following things to get started.

Box (I used a Postal one, but a Cereal Box or Cracker box could also work)
Scrap Cardboard
Utility knife or Craft Knife
Tape, Masking or Gaff
Pencil
Paper
Paint
Material (for mattress cover)
Scrap Soft Cell Foam (Mine is leftover from a mattress topper)

Prepare your box by removing any shiny tape.  Then cover with a layer of tape to reinforce it.

Make a headboard design.  Draw it onto some paper and cut out the template.  Then trace the template onto your cardboard.  Make sure to leave enough room at the bottom to allow for the mattress.

Cut out the cardboard headboard and footboard.

Cut your Soft Cell Foam to the size of your box.  I had to split mine with scissors because it was too thick.  This is easy to do by just cutting it in half with scissors all the way across.  I had to glue my two pieces together with fabric glue.  I am sure foam glue would work too.

If you don't have foam you can stuff the mattress cover with something like Poly-fill also.

Attach the Headboard and Footboard to the box ends with tape.  I used gaff tape because I happen to have a lot of it, but it is a tad expensive usually.  You can just use masking tape.  I would not use duct tape, because it won't take paint well, unless you plan to spray paint it.

I also taped all around my corners on the Headboard to cover the holes.  Then I taped across the whole thing, to add some strength.

At this point I painted my base coat.  Then it could dry while I made the mattress cover.  I put several coats of paint on before I finished.

The finished paint job is shown.  I used two colors.

To make your mattress cover simply lay your foam on the material and measure.  You will want double the width and 1/2 inch extra on the edges.

Then fold the material in half and turn material print side in.  Sew down the side of the mattress cover.  I did this with the foam piece inside so I could make sure it was snug.  Do not sew to the foam.  Then I removed the foam and sewed down the top edge.  Now turn the material right side out and place the foam piece back inside.   Trim edges as needed, leaving about 1/4 inch.  Sew the cover closed.  I pulled the material down and sewed on the bottom edge so it would not show the final stitch on the top side of the mattress.

Put on your finishing touches.  You could add designs to the headboard or keep it simple.  Put on the mattress and maybe a blanket or sheet to match.  You might even make a pillow.

Your child will be so happy to have a new bed for her doll.