How to Make a Spartan Doll
Spartan mothers told their fighting sons to "come back with their shields or on them." Spartan warriors followed these instructions and gained a reputation as fierce and disciplined warriors. The Spartan culture lives on in ancient history reenactments, historic dioramas and family playrooms. Today you can make your own Spartan soldier doll and bring a bit of history to your own study or classroom.
Things You'll Need
- Male 12-inch doll
- Scissors
- Needle
- Thread
- Red fabric
- Thin cardboard
- Thick cardboard
- Dark brown paint
- Paintbrush
- Newspaper
- Gold spray paint
- Doll clothes clasp
- Utility knife
- Gold aluminum foil
- Mini dowel rod
- Mini arrowhead
- Leather thongs
- Doll helmet (open face)
- Feather fringe or fringed fabric trim
- Adhesive
- Doll stand (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut and hem a 10-inch square of red fabric. Position the square of fabric on the male doll as a cloak and gather the material around the neck. Mark the best location for the clasps and to maintain the gathered appearance. Use adhesive, if necessary, and if you are certain the cloth is where you want it.
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2
Cut sixteen 2- by 4-inch rectangles of thin cardboard with the utility knife. Lay the cardboard rectangles out in a clear, clean area on the newspaper. Spray paint the cardboard gold. Allow it to dry completely. Turn the cardboard pieces to the other side and spray again.
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3
Thread the needle and sew the cardboard rectangles together, placing them one over the other with 1/2- to 1-inch overlap to create the Spartan "skirt." Work eight together and then hold up to the doll. Add more as needed. Sew them together on the doll.
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4
Cut two 4-inch square blocks of gold aluminum foil. Mold around the doll's legs but above the feet to create the leg armor.
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5
Trace the bottom of the doll's feet onto another piece of thin cardboard and cut out the shapes. Paint the cardboard dark brown. Glue a leather thong into a strap over each cut-out shoe. You can glue the doll's feet to the shoes if you do not plan to remove them.
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6
Paint the helmet with the gold spray paint. Allow it to dry thoroughly. Cut two strips of thin cardboard and paint them gold as well. Allow to dry thoroughly. Line the fringe along the top of the helmet to create the crested plume. Measure and cut to size. Attach to the helmet with adhesive. Place the helmet on the doll's head.
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7
Cut a large circle of cardboard for the shield. It should be at least 5 inches at the widest point, but you can make it larger if you like. Cover the shield in gold aluminum foil. Freehand a smaller design on a circle of paper. Cut out the circle and paste on the shield. Cut two 1.5-inch thongs and attach them to the back of the shield for a handle. Slip the shield over the doll's hand. A drop of adhesive may be necessary to hold it in place.
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8
Paint the mini dowel rod brown for the spear. Glue the mini arrowhead onto the top. Wrap the base of the arrowhead and the top of the dowel rod with a leather thong. Place the dried spear into the doll's hand. Use a drop of adhesive, if necessary.
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9
Position the doll on the stand. Adjust the cloak, spear, and shield to desired positions, using adhesive, if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Use clear-drying glue to avoid any unsightly smears.
Create several dolls to form your own Spartan army.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
