How to Make Handmade Dolls

Miniature dollhouse doll; face paint added and dressed by author. Accessories handmade by author.

Dolls have been a favorite plaything for generations of children. From simple cornhusk and rag dolls made by mothers in pioneer families, to life-like porcelain and sculpted dolls, handmade dolls have long been a favorite with children and parents of all ages. Today's doll maker has a variety of choices available. Don't be afraid to try a new technique to create your own original handmade doll.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton or other fabric
• Needle
• Thread
• Fabric glue
• Tacky glue
• Yarn, viscose for hair
• Porcelain, vinyl or other doll bodies and limbs
• Doll stands

Instructions

1. Decide on the type of doll to make. Pick an era such as traditional, modern, historic or futuristic. This will determine the type of clothing for your doll. Also, decide on the doll's use, whether it will be a collectible or a plaything. This will determine the choice of materials used and the durability needed.

2. Sculpted Dolls: Sculpting can be done from scratch or a mold. A variety of press molds are available for miniature and smaller dolls. Use polymer, oven bake or clay. Most doll makers use Sculpey or PuppenFimo to sculpt a doll head.
   To sculpt with a mold, powder the mold with talc, corn starch or translucent face powder. Condition the clay (soften it in your hands) and press into mold. Be sure to press firmly so the clay gets into all small crevices. Putting the mold in the freezer for a few minutes will allow for easier removal.
   Freehand sculpting requires starting with an aluminum foil ball as a base. Make a round ball for a head and attach a wire or toothpick at the neck to hold it. A small stand for sculpting is also available at doll supply sites.
   Use small tools such as scalpels, picks or flat knives to make indentationss for features. Smooth the areas with your finger as you go along. Your dentist is a good source for small scalpels and picks that are no longer in use.
   Attach small balls of clay to make cheeks, nose and eyelids. Pinch, smooth and indent them where needed. Go slowly. Too much pressure or warmth from your hands can ruin a sculpture. Consult a doll making video or an experienced doll sculptor for examples and techniques on how to add the features. Many sculptors share tips on their websites or have videos showing the molding steps.

3. Porcelain Dolls: Porcelain collector dolls remain popular. You can find miniature or full-size porcelain dolls already assembled, painted and ready to dress, or learn to paint or fire your own.
   Working with porcelain is an exacting process that is best learned from a professional. You need a kiln, different temperature "cones," porcelain slip, sculpting tools, sandpaper and a face mask.
   Pour porcelain slip into a plaster mold. Wrap with rubber bands. After about a 1/16th inch thickness forms on the edges, blow the excess out with a cocktail straw. Allow the mold to set for up to half an hour. (The time needed depends on humidity and other conditions.)
   Remove the figure in one piece and set on fiberfill to harden. Smooth any imperfections. Heat the kiln in stages, soft-firing for at least six hours. Individual kiln times may vary.
   Soak the figure in water. Smooth or sand any imperfections. Clean the figure and cut the seams off. Paint doll and re-fire, according to kiln directions. China painting can be redone several times, building the paint up in layers. Each firing can take up to eight hours, depending on the kiln. Check your kiln manual for specific directions.

4. Cloth Dolls: Choose your fabric and material. Use your favorite fabric to make a cloth doll. Draw your own design, use a pattern or let the pattern be a basis for your own interpretation. Dolls can be hand- or machine-sewn.
   Assemble parts according to pattern directions.
   Paint, draw or embroider your doll's face. Different materials such as yarn, cloth strips, braids or the standard doll hair (wool, viscose or mohair) can be used to wig doll.

5. Plastic and Vinyl Dolls: Plastic and vinyl dolls can be assembled from a kit. Purchase your kit at a local or online craft or hobby store. Most doll kits have a cloth body that can be stuffed with fiberfill, cotton or bead pellets, which give the body weight and make it feel more natural.
   Construct the body according to the kit or pattern directions. Sew or wire-tie the head to the body. If separate, glue or sew the limbs to the cloth appendages and stuff them so the limbs are full and not floppy.

6. Paper Dolls: An old favorite, paper dolls continue to be popular with collectors. Dover Books has a number of wonderfully illustrated paper doll booklets featuring historical time periods and figures, plus celebrities, movie stars and even the First Family! Another option is to draw your own.
   Draw and cut out your dolls. Design clothes to fit over the body shapes you've drawn, and add holding tabs that fold over the shoulders and sides.
   Make paper dolls last by mounting the dolls on heavy cardboard and laminating or coating them with varnish. Material and fabrics can be used to embellish paper clothes.

7. Paper Art Dolls: Make a paper art doll by decorating a doll pattern with fabric swatches, beads, fabric paint, glitter and other decorative items. Use feathers, lace or whatever you desire to give the figure a 3-D effect and make it your own. Be sure to glue your paper doll to a heavy base and coat it with a varnish so it will last.

Tips & Warnings

• Collect pictures of costumes and dolls for inspiration.

• Keep a notebook of color swatches and ideas that you like.

• Sort your supplies in plastic bins.This will result in less time and frustration spent hunting for things instead of creating.

• Breathing in porcelain dust is dangerous and can harm lungs. Work in a well-ventilate area and sand under water to reduce flying dust.

References

• Make a pioneer cornhusk doll
• Minaiture doll community, email list and lessons
• Make a paper art doll, free patterns

Resources

• Variety of cloth doll patterns