Craft a Sturdy Paper Mache Doll Table

See the size of table compared with an 18" doll. On the left is a dining table  for six dolls. 
On the right is a buffet table with a rustic finish. I will cover it for parties 
and leave it uncovered for picnics.

       If your dolls need a large table for sharing meals at or displaying a buffet at a party don't fret! Tables are some of the easiest doll furnishings to craft. Gather together some strong stiff corrugated cardboard, masking tape, scissors, utility knife and wood grain shelf paper. (The paper is commonly sold at dollar stores.)

       Cut the table top to the size that best suits the space you need it for from corrugated cardboard. I chose to cut two identical pieces and glued these together. Then cut two smaller pieces of cardboard ( 1-2 inches smaller than the table top) to glue underneath the table top. These should be thick, strong, and the same size. Glue them to the underside of the table top.

       Recycle two tubes that are exactly the same length and diameter. These will act as the table legs.

       Cut also a stand for the legs to attach to. (see photos below.) Double these parts up and glue them together.

       Now I do not permanently attach the table base to my table top because I wish to store my doll tables flat. I also switch out my table tops and use the same legs for different tables. So, I only glue the table legs into the stand. In order to do this properly you will need to cut two identical holes for the tubes to fit into before you glue these in place. A utility knife or an Exacto knife are best to use to make these cuts and you should ask an adult to supervise you with this part of the craft. The tubes should fit nicely into the cut holes but should not go all the way through the base. Mask everything you craft after the glue drys. Then paste the wood grain shelf paper over the surface.

       You will then need to repeat the same method with the underside of the table top. Trace around the table legs (tubes) and cut away several layers of cardboard so that the legs fit neatly into the top of the table. However, you will not need to attach these permanently. 

       Cover the table top with wood grain shelf paper.

       When the table is in use, fill the tubes with marbles to weight the table down properly. 
       If you want to permanently attach the table together, fill the paper tubes with several inches of plaster and let these dry. Then glue the legs in place inside of the shallow cut holes underneath the table top.

Left, Cut shallow holes where arrows indicate to insert the table legs. Remove the same 
amount of cardboard from both sections so that the table will be level. Center, Put marbles
 into the tubes when the table is in use. In order to give it balance and weight. Right,
 The table is ready for decoupage.

More Table Crafts for Dolls:

• Glue Together & Paint Two Night Stands
• Craft a Unique Doll's Table Using Only Four Tiles!