How to Make a Victorian Porcelain Doll

Porcelain dolls are popular collectibles for children and adults. Depending upon the style and make, some porcelain dolls can be quite expensive. Victorian porcelain dolls are among the most highly valued and exquisite porcelain works, and creating one is a delicate process. However, the end result is breathtaking and well worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

• Porcelain slip
• Doll mold
• Kiln
• Sandpaper
• Paintbrush
• Rose-colored paint
• Flesh-colored paint (optional)
• Glass eyes
• False lashes
• Super Glue
• Doll wig
• Victorian doll clothing

Instructions

1. Pour the porcelain slip into the doll mold, filling the mold completely.

2. Fire the mold in a kiln for eight hours. This will shape the porcelain to your mold.

3. Remove the cooled porcelain and sand off any rough edges.

4. Paint the cheeks and lips of your doll with rose-colored paint. You can use flesh-colored paint to enhance the doll's appearance, if you wish. Remember to keep the doll's flesh a milky white to keep with Victorian style.

5. Place the glass eyes into the doll's eye sockets. They should fit snugly.

6. Glue individual false lashes above the eyes.

7. Glue the wig to the top of the doll's head. Long, curly hair is ideal for recreating a doll from the Victorian era.

8. Adorn your doll in Victorian clothing, such as a vintage lace dress.

Tips & Warnings

• Prop your doll on a porcelain doll mount for display.

• Take care when handling your porcelain doll. Porcelain can break easily if dropped.

References

• Laguana Clay