Puppet Theater/Dress Up Storage Part Two – “How to”

Two weeks ago, I blogged about my finished project, a puppet theater and dress up storage unit built from scratch for my two princesses. Yes, I did build it myself and it was super easy too! Like all good things I’m going to share with you how…

Modifying the Plans

For starters, I used the dress up storage plan found at Ana-White.com. This is the place to go for furniture building inspiration. The blog is AMAZING – brimming with plans for all levels of experience and plenty of support and help if you should run into some building troubles.

I used the dress up storage plan as a loose guide for my project. Ana’s plans call for a combination of 1×10 and 1×12 boards. I used used 1 x 12 boards only (pine in case anyone is wondering) and leftover MDF to make my reversible unit. Because I wanted a slightly bigger/taller unit, I had to change measurements a bit to fit my needs.

Cutlist for Reversible Puppet Theater Dress Up Storage

• 2 – 1 x 12 @ 48″ (sides)*
• 2 – 1 x 12 @ 36″ (bottom of box and shelf)
• 3 – 1 x 12 @ 36″ (sides of box)**
• 1 – 1″ diameter dowel @ 36″ for storage rod
• 1 – 4.5″ x 36″ plywood or MDF for trim

*Note: Round top corners of the side boards 3″ down with a jigsaw. I don’t own a jigsaw so I asked my dad to do this step for me!

**Note: I indicated 3 – 1 x12 @ 36″ because I had leftover MDF already cut as a 1 x 12 board. I used 2 pieces to create the higher puppet theater side and 1 piece for the lower dress up storage side. I did this to use up scraps and save a bit of money. It wasn’t easy hiding the seam. If you want to cut a large piece of plywood or MDF then you would only need 1 – 1 x 12 @ 36″ and 1 – 22.5″ x 36″ piece of plywood or MDF.

Once you have everything cut and ready you can put together as per Ana’s plans, adding the additional pieces (extra puppet theater side piece and trim) as necessary. The hardest part for me was attaching the rod. I totally winged it and hoped it would look okay. Otherwise this project was very easy. If you can put together Ikea furniture, then building this puppet theater will be a breeze. Check it out:

This project cost me more than I expected. I spent about $75 and that was on wood alone. I had leftover paint and all the other required supplies. Maybe I was shopping at the wrong place (ahem, Home Depot). Not that I’m really complaining because the truth is, owning a custom built piece is priceless.

Ready to start building? Be sure to visit ana-white.com for endless furniture building inspiration and more importantly, tons of motivation and support from the super handi-homemaker herself and her devoted readers!