Creating a French Bakery of Our Own

With each AG release, I am always amazed by the new products American Girl creates.  The debut of Grace, girl of the year 2015, is no different.  As soon as I saw her collection, I wanted each and every piece!  I simply love each piece.  The little blender is just adorable, and the cafe table and bakery cart are darling, but the bakery is AMAZING! But, when I saw the price, I was shocked.  At $500, even if it went on sale at 30% off it would still be $350.  This is simply out of my price range, so I put my imagination to work and decided to try to make the exterior of a French Bakery as a backdrop.  But, as I got going on this project, soon I had an entire bakery!  It certainly didn't cost me anywhere near $500, but it did take me two full days to make it.

I am not going to give step by step directions, as I didn't really create a plan before I started. But, I can tell you what I used, show you pictures along the way, and tell you what I learned as I went along.


To begin, I purchased: 2 large sheets of red foam core, 3 aqua sheets of foam core, 1 black sheet of foam core.  The back of the sheets of foam core I used were white. I also bought some pre made chalkboard signs (Walmart), 'bistro' chalk board marker (I bought medium tip, but a small would be much better- my store only had med. and large) exacto knife, letter stickers for the store sign, LOTS of hot glue and a yardstick.

I began with pencil, but just till I got the hang of it.  I realized that the chalk marker is removable. The directions say with water, but once dry, I just used a pencil eraser when I messed up.

The medium tip chalk marker was too thick to write the descriptions on the menu, so I used a fine tip acrylic paint pen, but that was still a bit thick. I added the descriptions after this picture.

Using red foam core, a full sheet for the front of the bakery, I began by cutting out the rectangle windows. I actually cut one large square, then fit strips of red back in to create three windows.  I opted for squares as cutting straight lines was much easier than a curve.

I felt that the window side was a bit plain, and added an awning. I also made this out of foam core.  I cut through the top paper layer and the foam then the paper is still connected to make the front of the canopy.  I added the white to the awning with the chalk marker. I made a sign next to the window out of black tag board.  I think if would be more fun if I used chalk board paper, then the girls would be able to change the sign.  I might change this!

To make the roof, I made a long rectangle.  Figured how tall I wanted the roof, made a partial cut through the black and folded back the bottom.  This gave me a surface to glue on, and gave the roof dimension.   I drew the shingles on with a white colored pencil.   I used strips of white foam core for the trim, and clear plastic from a toy wrapper for the 'glass' in the windows. I drew the design on the store front (under the windows) with an ultra fine black sharpie. I made the sign out of the aqua foam core with stickers for the words.

Here you can see I stuck the diner inside....and realized that I need to do something with the two windows in the left. (please excuse the mess I made around my work!)

 With the outside done, I began to retro fit the interior. I used the aqua foam core to make the little shelf in front of the counter.  It squeezes perfectly into the space, so I didn't need to use any adhesive to hold it in place.  But, as I kept looking, the phone and tall wall just bothered me.  I remembered that it folds down, so that is what I did next.

 Much better!

Not perfect, my 3 donuts had to be stacked to fit in a row, but it looks pretty cute! I like having the plated dishes on the bottom and frozen deserts in the case that is part of the OG diner.

I finished off the interior, by cutting aqua foam core the same as the exterior, trimmed out the windows, added some simple décor. Then, I made a 'counter' work station over the folded wall, using some faux marble contact paper.

 I like out beverage station too!

 A view from above.

 Folded down the window by the booth, and that made it!

 

 The doll couldn't wait to get to work baking!

 A view looking in...I covered the phone and chalkboard that I folded down with aqua foam core too.

Maybe we need a sign or display in  the window, in front of the blue.  I definitely need a café table and sign, but that is for another day! Be sure to share how we inspired you!   If you don't have the OG diner, this surely could work as a bakery, you'll just have to make your own display shelves and work counter! You are welcome to share links of my post, but please do not repost my images without my permission.

 

Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I would be glad to help as best I can!

 

Thanks!
Amanda,

Gracie and Lily