How to Make Old-fashioned Apple-faced dolls

Making apple face dolls is easier than it looks.In pioneer days, and earlier, women made their own dolls. They used all kinds of materials make them. And apples were fairly easy to obtain.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• large apples
• potato peeler
• paring knife
• acrylic paint or markers
• yarn or store bought wig
• cloth body
• doll clothing
• coat hanger
• pliers
• wire cutters
• spray varnish
• straight pins with dark glass heads

1. 
    
   Heads on hangers

   Peel the apple.
   Cut about a 10" piece of hanger; fold in half, using the pliers.
   Push the wire into the bottom of the apple.

2. 
    
   raw apple face

   Mark a triangle where the nose will be, with the paring knife.
   Carve around sides and bottom of triangle, a nose should start to form.
   Cut about a 1/2" long crescent shape under the nose, this is the mouth.
   Do the same to form the eyes.
   You can cut horizontal lines, where the forehead should be, to form wrinkles.

3. 
    
   air drying an apple head

   Put the apple face in a dry, warm place to dry.
   It will take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to air dry; depending on temperature and humidity.

4. 
    
   dried apple heads

   When the apple face has dried completely, and wrinkled, you can start to accent the face.
   You can use paint, or use the markers, to accent the facial features.
   Spray a coat of varnish on the whole apple, to preserve it.
   Push the straight pins into where the eyes are, to become the eyes.

5. 
    
   apple head with hair

   Glue hair length pieces of yarn onto the head.
   Or glue a store bought doll wig on.
   Attach a cloth body to the hanger; store bought or handmade.
   You can display the doll on the table, window sill or fireplace.

Tips & Warnings

• Make several, while you're at it.
• You can give them as gifts.
• Set them on the table with each persons name around the neck. They then can be sent home with the guest.
• Or you can start a collection of Apple Face Dolls.
• This would also make a good project to do with the kids.
• Careful when using the peeler and paring knife.

[ReuseItAll]

on 6/12/2009 Your directions and photos are great! These dolls are a childhood memory of mine! I haven't thought out this in years!!! Thanks!

[NightowlMama]

on 1/11/2009 Very cute. HOw unique

[Kilogramm]

on 11/9/2008 Great article!

[MotherDove]

on 11/8/2008 LOL, I remember doing this in grammar school! Thanks for reminding me how much my children would get a kick out of doing this. Great article.

[sunshine11219]

on 11/4/2008 oh wow what a idea