Doll shoes are the first things to get lost - but they're easier to replace than you might think (for flat-footed dolls, that is). The trick is thinking in multiple dimensions at once - two for the sole, which is flat, and three for the upper, which is not.
Stand your doll on a piece of thin cardboard and draw around her feet - this is your basic pattern.
2
Cut this pattern out and use it to cut two pieces of felt for each foot - this is your sole.
3
Cut out your shoes - straps for sandals, half-moons for scuff slippers, half-moons (with straps that go around the heel) for Mary Janes, half-moons with pink ribbons for ballet slippers, and of course leather thongs for Roman sandals. Make sure to cut the half-moons bigger than the soles - about 1/8 inch on all sides - so that there will be room for the doll's feet.
4
Make the sole by sandwiching the cardboard between the felt pieces with plenty of glue (if you're making strappy sandals, insert strap ends into the sandwich and glue all at once).
5
Glue half-moon shape to the front edges of the sole sandwich, easing to create enough fullness for the doll's foot.
6
Decorate with beads, glitter or bows if desired.
Tips & Warnings
If this seems like too much work, paint the doll's toenails in bright red or funky blue and tell your child the doll is a free spirit!
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