American Girl Bookshelf

American Girl Bookshelf

Now that you have those cute little American Girl Doll books, you need a place to store them.  Don’t let them just float around or they will get lost.  And then what will your doll read when she wants to relax on a rainy day?  This tutorial will solve all your book clutter problems.

Shopping list:

1 – 1/2’’ x 2’ x 4’  Plywood or MDF
Wood Glue
18 gauge 3/4’’ nails
Lightweight Spackle

Cut List:

2 – Sides – 1/2’’ @ 3’’ x 17’’ ( Boards need to be Dadoed – Refer to
diagram.)
2 – Top/Bottom Boards – 1/2’’ @ 3 1/2’’ x 9’’ 
1 – Back – 1/2’’ @ 17’’ x 9’’
3 – Shelves – 1×2’’ @ 8 1/2’’ x 3’’

Trim – I routered the trim to give it a fun look – I used 
leftover 3/8’’ thick wood.  I like to use leftover wood 
for trim because I feel like I am taking scraps and 
turing them into something.

Tools: 

Tape Measure
18 Gauge Nailer
Miter Saw or Circular Saw
Hearing Protection
Safety Glasses
Pencil
Sanding Block

Step 1:

Dado the sides so the shelves can just slide into place.  Once they are dadoed, attach them to the top and bottom of the bookshelf by nailing into place.

Step 2:

Nail the back of the bookshelf into place.  It should fit perfectly into place.

Step 3:

Slide each shelf into the nooks that you already dadoed.

Your American Girl Bookshelf is now built.  You can sand it down and paint it with a fun color of your choice.  If you haven’t already made the books for your dolls, go to the American Girl Book Tutorial and make some!