American Girl Doll Glue Gun

I recently entered a photo challenge for iCreateForDolls.com.  The challenge was titled, “What’s Your Superpower?”  Hmmm…I had to think on that.  I guess as a crafter my superpower comes from my glue gun and scissors.  LOL.  I decided that our dolls needed a glue gun!  Today I will share with you a cute and quick DIY glue gun for your American Girl dolls.

Here I am in my Superpower craft apron I created for the iCreateForDolls.com photo challenge…and I’m locked and loaded with my weapons of choice…my trusty glue gun and scissors.  “Craft on!”

First, you will need to print off the Doll Glue Gun Printable, which you can find here: Glue Gun Printable

I print out all of my printables onto 65 lb cardstock.  This amazing clip art for the glue guns was from https://www.etsy.com/shop/NedtiDesigns .

Cut out your choice of glue gun.  For the next step you have two options.  1.  Glue the glue gun image to thick black foam paper.  This foam is about 1/4 thick; much thicker than standard foam paper.  This thick foam is found in sheets at most craft stores.   I used E6000 glue.  I placed a small dab of glue to the back of the image and spread it around with a q-tip.  OR 2. Trace your image onto the foam paper with a white or silver marker. If some of the white marker remains after cutting no worries, just take a black sharpie and black it out.

If you don’t want to use black foam paper you can always used a color foam paper that coordinates with your glue gun image of choice.  However, thick foam paper does not come in different colors in large sheets.  You can find the thick foam paper in crafting kits such as these doorknob hangers pictured below.

I found that the black foam paper that comes in sheets cuts the easiest, so I stuck with using black on all of my glue guns.

I used my Creative Versa Tool to cut out the glue gun image from the foam.  This took is basically a heated X-Acto knife.  You can find this Versa Tool at Michaels.  I used a 60% off coupon, http://www.michaels.com/walnut-hollow-creative-versa-tool/10327706.html  This little tool is a great addition for any crafter.  And honestly, a basic X-Acto knife will work just as well.  Whatever tool you use, make sure you take your time and make consistent smooth cuts.

To make the glue gun tip I used mini wood dowels.   These measure 5/64 inch thick.  These dowels can be found at Michaels; I’ve used them with a ton of doll crafts…they make great doll sucker sticks.  I colored the tip with a silver sharpie.  I then cut the colored portion off.  I used a needle tool, or use a safety pin, and puncture the tip end to create a tiny hole.  Now insert your silver dowel in the hole to create the glue gun tip.  The dowel fit so snug into the foam that no glue was needed.  If you do need glue I would recommend using the E6000.

Finally, hot glue a black pony bead to the back of the glue gun to create the holder for the glue stick.   This was so easy.  I had four glue guns done in a matter of minutes.

Since the glue gun has a flat edge on the handle it can easily stand on its own.  You have a perfect doll sized cordless glue gun!

If you want your glue gun to have a cord you can use plastic lacing.

The glue sticks are super easy! I used clear plastic cocktail straws.  I simply cut them to the length needed.  I found these straws at Kroger.  I displayed them in a small flat case.  By displaying them flat you don’t see the open end and it makes them look less like straws and more like glue sticks.  🙂

I did put a teeny tiny bit of poster putty into the bead to hold the “glue stick” in place.  That way the “glue stick” can be removed and replaced for play purposes.

For more information on our dollhouse craft room please see here: http://brandyshappyhome.com/american-girl-dollhouse-craft-room/

Craft on!