So, I'm very excited about this week's craft! To round out our mini-series of ballerina/dance crafts, I thought it would be fabulous to make a barre -- there are almost no tutorials online about how to make your doll a ballet barre, and this version is sturdy, looks great, and goes together pretty easily!
**Giveaway update** We have a winner! It's Rena, who said she loves all kinds of dance, but specifically Fancy Shawl -- "when the dancer mimics a butterfly’s movements". Sounds like a really beautiful dance, and a great part of your cultural heritage Rena! We'll be in touch via email soon :)
Want to get started? All you need is a few things from the hardware store.
I'm using 1/2" PVC pipe for this project. One 5' length should be plenty! You'll also need two T joins, two 3-way elbow joins, two 45 degree joins, two straight connectors, and two end caps. This goes without saying, but make sure all your fittings are the right size for your pipe, and that they're all 'slip joins', not threaded.
Next, cut your pipe into sections. You can use a hacksaw for this, but I like to use a ratcheting pipe cutter. It's much cleaner, safer, and tidier. (And you can do it in your living room, instead of having to resort to the garage!)
Cutting the pieces above will get you a basic barre. If you want to add the second, lower barre, you'll need another piece of pipe 17" long.
I wanted my barre to look rather fancy, so I painted my pipe and fittings.
If you want to add the second, lower barre, now's the time to add some extra, special fittings! You'll need something that looks and works rather like this (I believe it's called a 'split ring hanger'). Drill a hole in your straight connectors, and attach the split ring hanger.
Next, lay out all your pipe pieces, as shown in this picture. Start putting everything together!
And, if you're doing the second barre, go ahead and attach that using the other half of your split ring hanger fittings.
And there you have it! A finished ballet barre, just the right size for your 18" doll!
Happy dancing, and be sure to let us know in the comments if you make this!
149 Comments
My favorite dance move is a twirl!
“My favorite dance move is watching my daughters dance!
my favorite dance moves are the ones my granddaughter does when she does her floor routine in gymnastics competitions. She’s awesome.
I always loved doing a tour jete. “step, together, step, kick, turn”. Man. . . over 30 years and it’s still ingrained in the brain!
Thanks for doing the tutorial! The barre looks grand, and I’m sure lots of dolls will now be getting their stretch on!
(It just dawned on me, I didn’t really follow directions! lol. So, “My favorite dance move is a tour jete” :)
I think all the moves are great, it is so beautiful to watch the ballerina move so the barre is a must. Thank you for all your good work and for freeby Friday, you give so much back to use I am so happy to be your customer also you are so helpful and you do so much for charity. God bless you