Russian Nesting Doll Crafts

Russian nesting dolls offer a wide variety of craft opportunities.

Matryoshka is also known as a Russian nesting doll and the stacking doll. It consists of small hollow wooden dolls that are stacked inside one another, each doll opening to reveal another doll inside it. The first matryoshka were created in 1890, and since then, the became a famous Russian souvenir that has been taken all over the world. Craft stores sell blank wooden matryoshka and there are many art project possibilities.

Tree Ornaments

Draw a 4-inch picture of a Russian nesting doll on a piece of paper and photocopy it. Give each child a copy of the doll and ask them to color it and cut it out. Glue each doll to a piece of cardboard and trim the cardboard from the edges. Punch a hole at the top of the cardboard matryoshka and string it with yarn. These ornaments can decorate a Christmas tree or be hung from the window with a plastic suction cup with a hook attached.

Four Seasons Nesting Doll

Give each child a nesting doll with four dolls in it. Have him paint each matryoshka doll with designs pertaining to the four seasons, one for fall, one for spring, one for summer and one for winter. For example, the summer matryoshka might be painted with green for grass fields and feature colorful flowers, while the fall matryoshka would be painted with orange and yellow leaves. This nesting doll art project encourages the students to think of the seasons in succession.

Bell-Shaped Nesting Doll

Purchase papier mache bell ornaments from a craft store, choosing ones with a loop at the top for hanging. Draw a circle close to the top of the bell for the nesting doll's face using a black marker and then give the bell to a child. Have her color in a face with paint and then draw in clothes for her matryoshka. If you are doing a nesting doll as a winter craft, have her draw a shawl or scarf on her nesting doll and have her give the doll mittens.

Felt Nesting Dolls

Create a template of a nesting doll, and cut it out of felt. Give each child a felt nesting doll and have him glue a white circle to the head to represent the face. Then allow him to decorate the matryoshka using felt scraps and glue. Children can give the matryoshka shawls, mittens, scarves, belts, aprons and other accessories. This is a good project for children who are growing more confident with their manual dexterity.

References

• Russian Crafts: History of Russian Nesting Dolls
• Craft Bits: Tree Ornaments
• Heart of the Matter: Russian Matryoshka Doll Ornaments