Fun to make! A collection of simple handmade doll ideas using a variety of materials
Do you all have dolls?
When we were little, we used them for make-believe play, changed their clothes, and some people carried them everywhere—when going out or even when sleeping—and still treasure them to this day.
This time, we’ve gathered ideas for making such dolls by hand.
Many of these dolls can be made from recycled materials like cans and cartons, and most of the supplies can be found at 100-yen shops.
So find a doll you like, make it, and have fun playing with it!
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Fun to make! A collection of easy handmade doll ideas using various materials (21–30)
finger puppet
Let’s make it with felt! Here are some ideas for Anpanman finger puppets.
You’ll need felt, craft glue, stuffing, thread, paper, a hole punch, a pencil, scissors, and a needle.
First, trace your finger and Anpanman’s face onto a template and cut them out.
Cut the felt along the template to create each part.
Sew the pieces together or use craft glue to assemble them, and you’re done! Since finger puppets are small, you can keep one in your pocket and bring Anpanman out anytime.
Cute paper cup finger puppets
Here’s an idea for making finger puppets using paper cups.
The example shown here is a dog finger puppet, but with a little creativity you can make all kinds of animals.
Once you have a paper cup, cut four vertical slits along the side and remove the excess parts while shaping the dog’s ears and the rings that go around your fingers.
The bottom of the cup will be the face, so draw any expression you like with a pen.
Paper cups come in various colors, so using different colors might expand your range of expression.
Ogre puppet made from a paper cup
@hoikushisatomi [Easy to Make] Oni (Demon) Puppet CraftNursery teacher / Childcare worker#100-yen shop DIY#NurseryTeacherDailyLifeSetsubunOni of SetsubunPuppet
♬ Find you in the dark feat. Nenashi – Ovall
The “Oni puppet” made from a paper cup is a unique handmade craft idea that can be enjoyed year-round.
By simply attaching horns and a face designed from origami or construction paper to a paper cup, you can create an oni with lots of expression.
Both the materials and tools are simple, making it appealing for children to work at their own pace.
During the process, imagination is nurtured through experimenting with colors and shapes, and it naturally encourages interaction with caregivers and teachers.
The finished piece is fun to display and is a highly satisfying craft made from familiar materials.
amigurumi puppet
The handmade charm of an “amigurumi puppet” makes it a perfect idea for playtime in nurseries and kindergartens.
Crafted with soft, fluffy yarn, this puppet is gentle to the eye and touch, and it’s a versatile item that can be used for performances and pretend play.
Using basic crochet techniques, you can freely customize it into animals or characters, creating uniquely expressive pieces.
The time and care put into making one bring a special sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.
It has a warmth you won’t find in mass-produced items, spreading smiles in children’s play—a highly recommended handmade puppet.
ghost puppet
The “Ghost Puppet,” made by sewing together white and black felt with a sewing machine, is a handmade puppet idea that can be enjoyed at nurseries and kindergartens.
The ghost’s body is securely stitched by machine, and the eyes and mouth are attached with glue using felt, making it durable and long-lasting—safe for small children to play with.
If you show the sewing machine in action during the process, it will spark children’s curiosity, and the finished puppet will be a hit in pretend play and performances.
It’s a perfect craft for seasonal events like Halloween, and a recommended idea for childcare workers and parents.
Mario Puppet
The felt “Mario Puppet” is a DIY idea that uses a popular character loved in preschools and kindergartens.
Using red and blue felt, you can recreate Mario’s hat and overalls, and easily finish by gluing on parts like the mustache.
While making it, you and the children can naturally communicate by choosing colors and deciding where to place each piece, creating fun memories.
Once completed, it’s great for pretend play and can help foster creativity and expressive skills.
It’s a puppet with the unique warmth that only handmade crafts can offer.
Paper bag puppet
“Paper bag puppets” are a handmade craft idea that children can enjoy at daycare and kindergarten.
Using familiar materials like paper bags, construction paper, origami paper, and yarn, it requires no special tools, making it easy for anyone to try.
Children can create freely by sticking papers of their favorite colors and patterns onto the bag or adding yarn as hair accessories, which naturally fosters their imagination and expressive skills.
The making process itself is play, and after completion the puppets shine in pretend play and puppet shows, so they can be enjoyed for a long time.
It’s a perfect craft idea for both early childhood settings and activities at home.
sock puppet
Make the most of socks! Here are ideas for sock puppets.
When you’re making puppets, it’s nice if they’re easy to put together, right? This time, let’s try making puppets using socks, which are easy to source and come in a wide range of colors.
What you’ll need: socks, stuffing, thick paper/cardstock, a pen, fabric double-sided tape or glue, felt, eye parts, scissors, and more.
Try creating sock puppets in your favorite motifs—like snakes, dogs, or bears—by customizing as you like!
bear puppet
Make it with fleece! Here are some ideas for a bear hand puppet.
Fleece is a great fabric for beginners because it doesn’t fray easily even when the edges are cut, making it easy to sew.
It’s also a good idea to repurpose fleece you no longer wear.
Give it a try! Once your bear puppet is finished, use it to perform fingerplays, nursery rhymes, or folktales featuring bears—it’s sure to capture children’s interest.
It could also be fun to adapt the design to motifs other than a bear.
Puppet made with felt
Have fun with design! Here are some felt puppet ideas.
When you decide to make a puppet, you might find yourself wondering what motif to choose.
For those people, here are ideas for original human-themed puppets! First, try sketching your puppet design as an illustration.
By incorporating features that resemble yourself or paying special attention to the hairstyle, you can express a sense of originality.
A great perk of using felt is that it makes thread finishing simple and easy.