Modern Bassinet | I Can Do It Myself
We got an email that our home study will happen in 7 days and we have NOTHING! It would be a whole lot easier to just go and buy something in that time, but everything that we liked was $700 +. Since this year is The Year of the 'Penny Pinch' [ scrimping and saving for adoption costs, ] that means we had to get creative. I am a firm believer that with a bit of creativity and ingenuity, any space can be done well, and on a budget.
With that being said, I was looking for a crib or bassinet that would fit a certain footprint and had a hard time finding one that met my size requirement and budget. I wanted something functional and with modern appeal.
If you want to see my design inspiration - CLICK HERE
As you can tell, Land of Nod was a running theme. Their modern design and natural wood aesthetics really drew me in. I enjoyed the simplicity and neutral palettes, however, wasn't sold on the price tags. So I decided to design my own piece and roped my husband into my masterplan.
He is an engineer which makes life fun for me. Over the years he has built from scratch, a full set of kitchen cabinets, desks, and the list goes on and on! When i say to him, "I was thinking..." then he knows that I have been trolling on Pinterest and he must brace himself. :)
S U P P L I E S :
2 Sheets of Furniture grade Plywood - Maple
1 2X4 and 3/4 inch sheet of plywood - Birch
Screws
Material
Mattress Foam
sandpaper
Wood Putty
Paint (optional)
T O O L S :
Pencil
Tape Measure
Square ( It's actually a triangle, but whatever...)
Circular Saw
Jig Saw
Straight Edge
Ruler
Staple Gun & Staples
Dril
2 Clamps
KREG JIG - This is optional, however it is awesome!! This is a pocket hole jig and it strengthens joints and joins pieces with ease. You can find this small tool online at Lowe's or in-store. We use this jig on ALL wood working projects and it's my husband's favorite tool in his collection.
D I R E C T I O N S : MEASURE TWICE AND CUT ONCE.
1.) Sketch out all your pieces (in pencil). I would sketch out one of the angular sides and then cut it out and trace it, instead of free handing two sides. It fit better in the end that way and eliminates room for error.
2.) Once you are all sketched up, then you will cut each piece out with the circular saw. We needed the Jig Saw for the elbow on the side pieces. Make sure you clamp properly and have enough hands to keep the process a safe one.
3.) Once all pieces are cut out, then go ahead and start assembling your puzzle. 2 people are required to make sure all edges are square as you drop your screws in.
4.) We assembled the base separately. This will allow you to paint the legs before fastening them to the bassinet.
5.) Fill in any spots with wood putty. If you used the Kreg Jig as we did, then you will need to fill all those holes with putty, or you can purchase the wood plugs that slip right in. Then proceed to sand down flush with the wood.
6.) Wipe down the wood with a damp cloth making sure sawdust and sanded wood particles are gone.
7.) Paint the base and or bassinet if you choose. You can also check out different stains and sealers too.
8.) Lastly, fasten your base to the bassinet - voila!
M A T R E S S P A D : MANY WAYS TO DO THIS, BUT HERE IS HOW I DID MINE!
I purchased a roll of upholstery foam and cut it to size. I glued my foam to a board so that it wouldn't shift as I attached the fabric. I laid out my fabric upside down and played the mattress pad down, board side up. I stapled one whole edge of the fabric along the entire edge of the board. Before moving to the opposite edge, I puled very tightly and proceeded to staple it into place. You will repeat on all edges and fabric should be pulled tightly.
Again, this should fit very snug and have NO gaps between mattress and the side of the bassinet.
** I would scotch guard this piece before laying it in.
Once you are all done, cut off any excess fabric before laying it snuggly in place.
