How to Make a Styrofoam Ball Doll
Dolls made of polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) balls are delicate creations that are better for display than actual play. Express your creative side by making a doll that is as simple or as intricate as you would like. Some simple dolls may have nothing but a basic shape and a face, while others may have hair, an outfit and more detailed facial features. You can create several different dolls in a variety of styles with foam balls because they are so easy to work with.
Things You'll Need
- Wire cutters
- Wire
- Polystyrene foam balls
- Hot-glue gun
- Hot-glue sticks
- Plastic doll facial features
- Marker
- Doll wig
- Doll clothes
- Paint
Instructions
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1
Cut four 6-inch pieces of flexible wire and one 2-inch piece.
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2
Push two of the 6-inch-long wires into the right and left side of 6-inch-wide foam ball (one wire on each side). Push them 2 inches deep into the foam. Position the two remaining 6-inch wires 2-inches deep into the bottom of the foam ball to signify legs.
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3
Put a dot of glue from a hot-glue gun on each wire where it meets the polystyrene foam ball. Push a 1-inch polystyrene foam ball onto each of the wires until the ball rests against the spot of glue. Apply a second dot of glue on the outward facing sides of the 1-inch balls.
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4
Thread 1-inch polystyrene foam balls onto the wire until you completely cover the wires. Place a dot of glue between each ball to help hold them in place.
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5
Place the final piece of wire at the very top of the 6-inch polystyrene foam ball. Push it in 1 inch so 1 inch protrudes. Place a dot of glue where the wire meets the foam.
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6
Push a 3-inch-wide polystyrene foam ball (the head of the doll) on the 1 inch of protruding wire. Press it down until the 3-inch ball touches the glue.
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7
Glue plastic facial features onto the top 3-inch polystyrene foam ball. You can also draw the facial features on if you don't want to glue plastic onto the polystyrene foam.
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8
Place a doll wig on the head of the doll. Position it properly before you lift it and put glue on the top of the head. Place the wig down in the position you want and allow it to dry.
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9
Dress your doll in large, billowy clothing that covers the polystyrene foam balls. You can use either a dress or a pants and shirt outfit depending on your preference. You can also paint clothing onto your doll if you prefer.
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Tips & Warnings
Hot glue can leave annoying strings everywhere, so cut them off with a pair of scissors.
