How to Make a Matryoshka Doll
A Matryoshka doll, also known as a Russian nesting doll, is one of a set of dolls that can fit inside each other. The sizes vary from small to large. Any number of Matryoshka dolls can made to fit inside each other, creating a simple toy for children. The dolls are decorated with faces on one or both sides. Matryoshka dolls can be made from wood or plastic. The most common types of wood used for these dolls are balsa, aspen or birch.
Things You'll Need
- Dried wood logs
- Turning lathe
- Woodcarving knifes
- Chisels
- Wood oil
- Glue primer
- Tempera or oil paints
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn a piece of wood on the lathe to create the smallest doll. The smallest doll cannot be taken apart and will help determine the size of the rest of the dolls.
-
2
Turn the bottom half of the doll that the smallest Matryoshka will fit into. The bottom half should have an indented ring at the top. The top half of the doll is turned next and have an inset to match the ring on the bottom half. This step should be repeated for all of the larger dolls.
-
-
3
Carve or chisel the outside of the dolls to create a desired shape. Traditional Matryoshka dolls resemble a bowling-pin-type shape, though their body is only slightly wider than their head.
-
4
Treat the carved pieces with wood oil. This treatment retains moisture to prevent cracking. Let the oil cure for a week or more.
-
5
Apply a glue primer to the surface of the dolls. The glue provides a good surface for the paint to adhere to.
-
6
Paint the face and body on each doll. The images usually have a common theme, but that can be changed at the artist's discretion.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
A finishing lacquer can be used on the painted dolls to help protect the paint.
Let the designs on all of the Matryoshka dolls dry before nesting them inside each other.
