Lydia Baby Bed

A photographer friend of mine requested I build her this after she saw them selling on Etsy for $115. They make super sweet props for newborn shoots, as well as a really cute doll bed for those popular 18" dolls. I free-handed the side details, and cut them out with my new Dremel Trio. It's an awesome tool! I used scrap MDF and plywood for everything but the 2x2 legs and finials, which I snagged for about 60 cents each at Lowe's. I played around with my finishing to give it a rustic look, since the cheap MDF I had on hand is super ripply and can't be sanded smooth.

I used the Farmhouse Doll Bed as a jumping off point for the dimensions. I put it together with my Kreg Jig, but I wouldn't recommend it, since those holes are really hard to fill, and you can see the indentations on the back of the headboard and footboard. Though it's sturdy enough to hold my 55 pound boxer, so I'm pretty sure all those newborns will be safe and sound on it! I really love how it turned out, and can't wait to get my own newborn photographed in this bed come August!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Behr Harvest Brown, Valspar weathered crackle medium, one coat flat white paint. Sanded to reveal brown on edges, and sealed with two coats of spray varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner