Make a Gothic Doll

Dolls don't have to be cheery, bright, blond and have boyfriends named Ken. The beauty of dolls is that they come in as many personalities as there are people--yep, even Goths. If a store doesn't have your type of doll on the shelf, you can always make your own. Though the Gothic style can be elaborate, making a Gothic doll can be simple if you keep some ground rules in mind: black, black, black.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic skull Paint markers Black fabric Black lace Black feathers Wire Stick Pillow padding Glue Silver crucifix

Instructions

1. Make the body. Get a sturdy stick, wrap it in padding and black fabric and secure with wire. Snip a small hole in the base of a small plastic skull--but make it big enough to fit the top of the stick. Glue the skull to the stick.

2. Fix up the head. Use paint markers to outline the skull's eyes and mouth; add eyelashes and even a beauty mark if so desired. Black works well as an outline, with dashing accents using silver or gold paint markers. Glue some lace and a black feather to the top and sides of the skull.

3. Add details. Attach a few more feathers to the body by wrapping wire around the entire torso. If your entire stick isn't covered, use a smaller piece of fabric to wrap and secure with wire around the bottom of the stick. Use wire to loop a crucifix or other silver adornment around the body.

4. Restrain yourself. You can add a few more details, like other pieces of silver jewelry, but your bold statement will come across best if you keep it simple. Don't make your doll too busy. You want a Gothic doll, not a Gothic junkyard. If you have materials left over, simply make another Gothic doll.

Tips & Warnings

• You can buy small plastic skulls at novelty and craft stores. They are also available online; see Resources. Any sturdy stick will work as the base of the body. If you don't live near the woods or don't have a small wooden stake laying around, you can use metal, plastic or any other elongated base. Old kitchen utensils or silverware are good sources. Other fine details that work well include black mesh or tulle, ribbon and thin, black-beaded necklaces wrapped around the doll's body. Fabric, lace and tulle can be purchased at stores, and especially cheaply at vintage or thrift shops. You can also keep material scraps from outfits you no longer wear the next time you clean out your closet. The skull link in Resources offers a small skull already attached to a stick. This way, half your work is already done.

• Don't make a Gothic doll for a toddler's first-birthday present.

Resources

• Skull selection