When I set up a craft table at a Breast Cancer Walk/Fundraiser to benefit my friend Candice a couple of weeks ago, I needed a way to showcase the Ribbon Ruffle Applique Shirts and some other things that I make, but didn't want to spend a lot of money on the solution. As I was walking the aisles of Hobby Lobby, inspiration hit. Within 10 minutes and under $10, I had 2 "mannequins" to model my creations! I will also use these in the future for taking product pictures of clothing for my Etsy shop.
Want to make your own? Let's get started!
You will need:
Large diameter dowel rod (I used the biggest one I could find)
Small diameter dowel rod (I "eyeballed" it--real technical, I know.)
Wooden Plaques
Since the dowel rods are long, I had my "lovely assistant and hand model" cut them in half on his saw. We measured around 2 inches down from the top on the large diameter dowel rod and marked.
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial.jpg)
According to my "assistant," the best tool for the next step would be a drill press, but we don't have one of those sitting around in our garage. We decided to drill holes starting with a small drill bit and gradually work our way up to a large drill bit. We did this so we wouldn't split the dowel rod.
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial-1.jpg)
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial-2.jpg)
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial-3.jpg)
When the hole is large enough to fit the small dowel rod through, set this aside.
Find the middle point of the wooden plaque. Since our wooden plaque was a square, we drew diagonal lines on the bottom of the plaque to make an "X" and find the middle point. We're very scientific and precise around here 🙂
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial-4.jpg)
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial-5.jpg)
Drill pilot holes in the bottom of the plaque & the large dowel rod. Use your drill to attach the plaque to the large dowel rod.
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial-6.jpg)
Stand back and admire your "mannequin." Glam it up to your liking. I am thinking about adding a finial to the top and a coat of paint to dress it up a little. (I'll add an updated picture when I do.)
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial-7.jpg)
![](https://happybrownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/10-DIY-Mannequin-Tutorial-8.jpg)
Now I can display my creations and add a little height to my craft table! Wasn't that easy?
Top Ten Favorites From The Archives… | Happy Brown House
Wednesday 23rd of February 2011
[...] DIY Mannequin [...]
Wendy
Friday 21st of May 2010
Quick and do-able! Lots of ways to dress this up, as well...
Jan
Thursday 20th of May 2010
Amazingly easy. Great idea.
Kim @ Everything Etsy
Thursday 20th of May 2010
Thanks for sharing your mannequin tutorial with us! Your Etsy shop looks great!
~Kim