DIY Lea Clark’s Fruit Stand Foam Board

Posted on Jan 11 2016 – 10:03am
by Rudy



DIY Lea Clark’s Fruit Stand Foam Board

You requested it, we made it!  A week or so ago we made the plans for Lea’s Fruit Stand that you can make out of wood or MDF.  Many readers requested that we take those plans and change them to be compatible with foam board.  It is now complete and honestly, it is just as amazing as the American Girl version for a fraction of the cost!  It will be even better once we craft some of the accessories to add to it!

Also, I am proud of my little photographer!  Check us out on Instagram, american.girl.ideas to see her in action!

Related Posts:

DIY Lea’s Fruit Stand

Materials Needed:

  1. 2 Sheets of 1/2″ Foam Board
  2. 1 Sheet of 1/4″ Foam Board
  3. Canvas (For the awning)
  4. Puffy Paint
  5. Scissors
  6. X-Acto Knife (fresh blade for clean edges)
  7. Paint
  8. Long Toothpicks or Bamboo Skewers (mine are 4″) *optional
  9. Hot Glue Gun & Extra Sticks
  10. Buttons or Beads (for window door knobs)
  11. Fruit Stand Signs
  12. Fruit Stand Wave Printable
  13. Fruit Stand Counter Top Printable
  14. Sticker Paper *Optional but recommended
  15. Tic Tac Container *We painted it with nail polish so it doesn’t chip

**I also made printables for each cut so you can print them out, cut them out, and trace them on to the foam board for a perfect cut! 

DIY Lea’s Fruit Stand Foam Board Printables

Cut List:

Fruit Stand Walls

1 – 1/2” @ 22” x 10 1/8” – Side with Window

1 – 1/2” @ 22” x 9 1/2” – Side without Window

1 – 1/2” @ 8 3/4” x 3” – Table Support

1 – 1/2” @ 7 1/8” x 4 3/4” – Table Top – Follow Diagram

1 – 1/2” @ 10 1/2” x 8 1/4” – Counter Top – Follow Diagram

Upper Storage (bread Basket):

1 – 1/4” @ 5” x 2 1/2” – Back of Upper Storage

2 – 1/4” @ 2 1/2” x 2” – Sides of Upper Storage – Follow Diagram

1 – 1/4” @ 5” x 1 1/2” – Bottom of Upper Storage

1 – 1/4” @ 5” x 1” – Front of Upper Storage

Front Fruit Display:

2 – 1/4” @ 2 1/2” x 2 3/8” – Sides of Front Fruit Display – Follow Diagram

1 – 1/4” @ 6 3/4” x 2 1/4” – Back of Front Fruit Display

1 – 1/4” @ 6 3/4” x 2 1/8” – Bottom of Front Fruit Display

1 – 1/4” @ 6 3/4” x 3/4” – Front of Front Fruit Display

2 – 1/4” @ 2 1/4” x 1 7/8” – Dividers of Front Fruit Display – Follow Diagram

Bottom Lower Storage:

2 – 1/4” @ 2 5/8” x 2 1/2” – Sides of Lower Storage

1 – 1/4” @ 7” x 2 1/4” – Back of Lower Storage

1 – 1/4” @ 7” x 2 3/8” – Bottom of Lower Storage

1 – 1/2” @ 7 3/4” x 3” – Top of Lower Storage

2 – 1/2” @ 8 5 /8” x 3 1/2” – Window Doors

Awning:

4 – 1/2” @ 1 1/2” x 1 1/4” – Awning Sides – Follow Diagram

1 – 1/2” @ 9 1/8” x 1 1/2” – Awning – Window Side

1 – 1/2” @ 9” x 1 1/2” – Awning – Table Side

TIPS:

  • I use Elmer’s foam board. I am sure others work great, but I have only used Elmer’s so I can only vouch for that brand as far as the outcome for sturdiness. It’s my favorite.
  • Like I show in the video, paint all pieces BEFORE you put anything together.  Trust me.  Saves time and painters tape.
  • When I do foam board projects, I use a large high heat glue gun.  I have used a small one in the past but the large high heat works so much better!
  • How to I get such great straight edges?  A fresh blade and FoamWerks. I’ll be doing a separate post on them so you can see the tools in action.
  • If you have sticker paper, use it for the printables! Since it’s going on foam board it is much easier just to stick them on rather than  glue them on.  Either method will work, but I highly recommend sticker sheets.  They are awesome.  Plus, we use them in a lot of our crafts so the leftover sheets WILL get used!

Watch and leave a comment if you want us to make Lea’s Rainforest House!

***Important***Please do not post, upload or sell these printables.  These are property of AmericanGirlIdeas.com and are offered here for free.  If you want to share these printables with a Facebook group, website, blog, or friend, you can simply link back to this post.  Thank you.

DIY Lea Clark’s Fruit Stand Foam Board was last modified: March 21st, 2017 by Rudy


67 Comments so far. Feel free to join this conversation.

  1. karina
    September 19, 2016 at 4:36 pm –

    hi – starting this project and realized I don’t know how to do the windows on the foam project.

    on the wood you use piano hinges – what can I use on the foam version?

    we are super excited!

    I finished cutting everything except for the wall with a window which I will do tomorrow. I will post pics when finished but PLEASE let me know how to do the windows

    thanks

    • Rudy
      September 24, 2016 at 6:38 am –

      Did you watch the video? In the video I explained what I used. You can use a skewer like I did, or you can just use a heavy duty tape.

  2. Felicity
    September 5, 2016 at 7:04 am –

    how big of a foam board did you get?

  3. Felicity
    September 4, 2016 at 6:28 pm –

    could you make a cooler and pertend fruit to go with it’s super cute!

  4. Felicity
    September 4, 2016 at 6:16 pm –

    where are the printable i can’t seem to find them

  5. Bonnie
    May 18, 2016 at 5:38 pm –

    This is fantastic! Quick question…you mentioned you used Glidden paint, but I already have craft paint and spray paint. Can you use that with the foam board or does it not work well?!?

  6. RainbowKitty10
    March 17, 2016 at 6:05 pm –

    Can you make it out of cardboard? I don’t have foamboard so I would LOVE IT if you crafted it out of cardboard. I could save money!!!

  7. Mea
    March 8, 2016 at 6:50 pm –

    Please make a rainforest hut, beach house, and accessories thank you!

  8. Mea
    March 8, 2016 at 6:49 pm –

    Please PLEASE make a rainforest hut and beach house out of foam board!

  9. Maddie
    February 22, 2016 at 12:24 pm –

    Thank you rudy fro doing this!! we made ours out of heavy cardboard and it turned out great! We used the dimensions that you had up. Thanks

  10. Maddie
    February 22, 2016 at 12:22 pm –

    Please Please Please can you make fruit for lea’s fruit stand?? we tried to make our own with model magic but we just can’t get it right ?

  11. Aliyah
    February 15, 2016 at 9:21 am –

    Can you make it out of cardbord

  12. Jeannefeo
    February 4, 2016 at 6:18 am –

    Rudy, love it! It was not difficult to do at all! (Cutting the foam board STREIGHT) was the bad part! But even wit the imperfection it is a total hit. My daughter and friends can’t get enough of it. And I spent $20 on all materials,..!

    THANK U

    Can’t wait for the Rainforest house….!

    • Rudy
      February 4, 2016 at 6:50 am –

      Woohoo! That’s great to hear!

  13. Julia M. H.
    February 3, 2016 at 3:53 pm –

    Wow! Now you have 3 Lea’s Fruit Stands! Super cool, can’t wait for her Rain forest Hut!

    • Rudy
      February 3, 2016 at 9:56 pm –

      Haha, we gave one away already at a birthday party!

  14. Deborah H
    February 2, 2016 at 6:47 am –

    I got all the foam board, but I’m not sure I have enough. I’m so excited to see how it turns out. You should totally build the Beach House.

  15. emily
    January 31, 2016 at 5:51 pm –

    I love your creation. The real thing is 150 dollars!!!!!!!!! and I don’t want to buy that so I will make this. Yes I would love for you to make Lea’s beach house. I think the next craft you should make would be the american girl piano. I love the piano. Thanks for the video!

  16. Holli Craven
    January 24, 2016 at 8:19 am –

    Great job would love to see the rainforest house!!!

  17. Alaina
    January 23, 2016 at 8:19 pm –

    Can u please make lea’s house

  18. Vicki
    January 23, 2016 at 12:32 pm –

    I am so going to try and make this with the foam board.

  19. Tara NePalmer
    January 22, 2016 at 2:59 pm –

    Plz show how to make all the accessories and the rainforest house next!!!

  20. mrsmattos
    January 21, 2016 at 7:52 pm –

    please post more DIY things for Lea. amazing job!!

  21. Julie
    January 18, 2016 at 6:10 pm –

    Awesome job and thank you so much for sharing the printables which will be very helpful. It is adorable and I would totally love the rain forest hut!!

  22. amanda
    January 18, 2016 at 4:40 pm –

    Thanks for this video please make Lea’s rainforest house and also my kids love this. Thanks for every thing Rudy !

  23. Cupcakeria
    January 18, 2016 at 6:45 am –

    Love the idea! It must be super easy to make. Could u please make other things from lea’s collection. Please make the rainforest house.

  24. Alaina
    January 17, 2016 at 8:18 pm –

    Can you make some food for Lea’s fruit stand ??

  25. Becky Redford
    January 16, 2016 at 2:38 pm –

    could you do like you did with the ice cream truck and hav printable of the walls that would be small but it would still have the real measurements for it

  26. Sophia
    January 16, 2016 at 2:13 pm –

    Super amazing,cute,and fun

  27. Mom of 2
    January 16, 2016 at 12:42 pm –

    Rudy and Crew! My girls discovered your website and couldn’t wait to share this project with me. Your video was terrific as well as the very specific directions. We’re on our way to get supplies. Thanks for inspiring not only my children but me as well to make a fruit stand. We’re super excited to see our finished product! THANK YOU! Mom of 2!!

  28. AGlover123
    January 15, 2016 at 7:20 pm –

    Where did you find the bamboo skewers?

  29. Maria S.
    January 14, 2016 at 5:28 pm –

    I’m going to build this but swap the colors and make it a mini bakery stand for Grace. I will share photos when I’m finished!

  30. Jenn
    January 13, 2016 at 5:46 pm –

    Rudy this is amazing! I was just wondering if you could show us your finalized kits teahouse you did plans and said to wait for the finishing touches so I was just wondering if or when you are going to post that! Thanks so much for the amazing crafts

  31. Becky Redford
    January 13, 2016 at 2:56 pm –

    it would make the blender that would be cool i think i might already do it on my own though

  32. laney
    January 13, 2016 at 1:57 pm –

    I really enjoyed this tutorial, but you were missing some things. Like the hooks for the serving spoons, the cooler for the drinks, and some other accessories. Also, I would love if you could make the fruit and smoothies, drinks, and everything else it comes with!

    -Laney

  33. Linda Reynolds
    January 13, 2016 at 12:04 pm –

    Rudy, I heard on the video that you used Glidden Lemon Lime Fizz for the yellow part of the fruit stand. Did you also use that brand for the teal and pink salmon or what kind of paint do you use? I have never done anything with foam board.

    • Rudy
      January 13, 2016 at 1:49 pm –

      I did use Glidden for all of it. The teal color was a mistint, so it doesn’t have a name. I found it in the “oops” section at Home Depot.

  34. Olivia Wilson
    January 12, 2016 at 9:59 pm –

    Rhonda: Oooh yes! I am looking forward to it too! I don’t understand why that Foamwerks set thingy is so expensive. Rudy: What kind of Camera do you use? I am looking into buying a new Camera, and I don’t know what to get! I am REALLY into Photography, and my Camera doesn’t take very good pictures. I currently have a Samsung ST700, and I need something better for taking pictures and filming Craft Videos! I (try to) do a lot of them! If you want a link to my YouTube Channel, just click on my name! I have shared your Videos and Printables many times! Your Printables have been a big part of my Craft Videos, so thank you for those!

  35. Rhonda
    January 12, 2016 at 1:17 pm –

    Looking forward to your post on Foamwerks. Looks expensive. What would be the most important pieces to purchase?

  36. Donna Ott
    January 12, 2016 at 9:46 am –

    Could you please show all three stands side by side?

  37. Jaida
    January 11, 2016 at 10:20 pm –

    Wow I love I and I hope you can make her house and camera to!

  38. Gina Griffin
    January 11, 2016 at 9:38 pm –

    Thank you Rudy but the best is wood.

  39. Julia M. H.
    January 11, 2016 at 8:11 pm –

    Yes! Please craft it in Foam Board too! (the Rainforest Hut)

  40. Tracy
    January 11, 2016 at 6:46 pm –

    This is wonderful. Can’t wait to make with my little one. We would love to see a DIY of the HUT

    • Rudy
      January 11, 2016 at 6:57 pm –

      It’s coming soon!

  41. Jacsan
    January 11, 2016 at 5:05 pm –

    Thanks for posting this. I would love to see the DIY house.

  42. katelyn
    January 11, 2016 at 4:13 pm –

    Could you do some kind of comparison video for all three of the fruit stands?

  43. Katia
    January 11, 2016 at 3:43 pm –

    This is awesome!!! What kind of Foam Board do you use? The kind I have is a lot thinner than that. Also where did you get the canvas I’ve not looked at any stores for this yet so if you could recommend a store that would be great!!

  44. Emma
    January 11, 2016 at 3:12 pm –

    Yes please do a rainforest house

  45. Joanne
    January 11, 2016 at 2:41 pm –

    This looks great! Please do make Lea’s rainforest house out of foam board! I also hope you are working on the accessories for the fruit stand and the rainforest house!

  46. Arianna
    January 11, 2016 at 2:39 pm –

    that is so cute! thank you! please craft her hiking accessories!

  47. Alaina
    January 11, 2016 at 2:29 pm –

    My mom,dad,and maybe my sister are gonna help me with this project I can’t wait

  48. Loretta
    January 11, 2016 at 1:48 pm –

    I’m so impressed. Your imagination cannot be equaled. I would love to see a version of Lea’s beach house in foam board. I’m entranced by all these ideas. I would also love to see it done for mini Lea!

  49. Erin
    January 11, 2016 at 1:43 pm –

    please do the rainforest house & I absolutely love this cute little fruit stand!

  50. Rebecca
    January 11, 2016 at 12:27 pm –

    <3 it and thanks for making it its so cute! ?

  51. Julia H
    January 11, 2016 at 12:04 pm –

    Wow so cute!I will definitely be making this!How many full sized foam boards do you need?I was thinking about 3 but Im not sure!Thank you so much!Yes please do the rainforest house!!

  52. Kaitlyn Harms
    January 11, 2016 at 12:02 pm –

    I an a huge fan! I watch pretty much all of your videos! Awesome job! I know that you are going to make a lot of Lea Clark crafts but could you make some Disney princess or any Disney crafts for your AG dolls? Thanks!

  53. Esther
    January 11, 2016 at 11:57 am –

    Wow! This looks just like the AG version! It would be awesome if you made Lea’s rainforest house.

  54. Tara NePalmer
    January 11, 2016 at 11:40 am –

    Thank you so much and PLEASE make Lea’s Rainforest House!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My sister really wants Lea’s Rainforest House and we won’t be spending $400 on that so i’d love to make it for her. and if you do, will you please make the Brazilian grill and the accessories that come with the Fruit stand and rainforest house.

  55. Jessica(Mrs J)
    January 11, 2016 at 11:37 am –

    Looks amazing in foamboard too! And, yes, I would love to see you make the Rainforest House! You are awesome!

  56. Jiji
    January 11, 2016 at 11:14 am –

    Wow!!! This is amazing!!!!! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done!!! Thank you so much, Rudy, for everything!!

  57. Olivia Wilson
    January 11, 2016 at 10:55 am –

    Nice! I will not be making mine out of Foam Board. My dad is going to help me build it out of MDF, but I am excited for those who can’t build one! I’m sure this will be super helpful ? Thanks for the video Rudy!