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 (31–40)
Puppet made from a yoga mat
Impactful puppets! Here are ideas for making puppets using yoga mats.
This is a great idea for anyone who wants to create a large-sized puppet! The key is to insert pieces of cut yoga mat inside the puppet so the parts hold their shape, stand on their own, and feel sturdy.
For the exterior, it’s best to use soft materials like felt.
Children might even feel like they’ve made a new friend.
Give it a try!
Glove rabbit puppet
Make it without any prep! Here’s an idea for a glove bunny puppet.
Do you ever find yourself unsure what to do during small pockets of time, like before a walk or before and after activities? This impromptu puppet idea comes in handy at those times.
All you need is one pair of gloves—nothing else.
There’s no need to cut or paste materials; just fold the gloves and you’re done.
It’s great how easy it is, right? You can also enjoy chatting with the children, saying things like, “The bunny came to visit!” Give it a try.
Paper Cup Frog Puppet
Easy to make! Here’s an idea for a paper cup frog puppet.
Paper cups are familiar items often used in preschools and at home, right? This time, let’s make a frog puppet using a paper cup.
You’ll need a paper cup, a pen, glue or adhesive, round stickers, and scissors.
If you want to be particular about the cup’s color, you can attach construction paper or origami paper to the cup.
By getting creative with how you draw the facial expression, you can make frogs that look different even with the same basic method.
A puppet made of cotton work gloves and paper clay
Unique puppets! Here are some ideas for puppets made with work gloves and paper clay.
When you hear “puppet,” many people probably picture something made of fabric, right? This time, let’s make a work-glove puppet using paper clay.
You’ll need lightweight paper clay, work gloves, a sculpting spatula, scissors, cardboard, duct tape, and paint.
Compared to puppets made only from fabric, these have more three-dimensionality and impact, so they’re likely to shine in puppet shows and events.
It’s the perfect idea for anyone looking to create a unique puppet!
Food Education Puppet
Carry food to its mouth—munch munch! Here are ideas for a food-education puppet.
Let’s make a food-education puppet that’s great for nutrition activities, too.
If you finish it with a cute bear motif, it’s sure to capture children’s interest! You’ll need felt, thread, adhesive tape, eye and nose parts, a pen, and so on.
The bear’s body is made by layering three pieces of felt, so you can create separate sections for the hand opening and a pocket for inserting food items.
Watching the bear eat deliciously will help children feel the joy of eating.
Colored construction paper puppet
Make it by crumpling and creasing! Here are some ideas for colored construction paper puppets.
These ideas are perfect if you want to use puppets in tomorrow’s activity or make them easily.
You’ll need colored construction paper for the body, colored paper for the facial parts, glue or double-sided tape, and scissors.
The key step is to soften the body paper by adding creases horizontally and vertically and by gently rolling it.
It also seems fun to make them together with the kids.
Give it a try!
Matryoshka
The craft of painting your own face and those of your family onto a matryoshka doll—where new companions appear one after another inside a small doll—overflows with the joy and warmth of imagination.
Start by applying a base color with acrylic paint to the surface of the wooden nesting dolls.
Once it’s dry, carefully paint expressive characters such as your self-portrait, family, or friends.
After the paint dries, add a coat of varnish to give it a sheen and significantly elevate the finish.
Each time you open it, a new face appears, making it a delight for viewers.
It also makes a perfect gift, and the key is to create it while thinking of someone special.
It’s a lovely art project that lets you feel the connection between craftsmanship and the heart.
Mordor
Fluffy, fuzzy, and cute! Here are some ideas for “moll dolls.” Moll dolls are palm-sized plush figures made by twisting soft pipe cleaners with wires inside.
They became popular in Korea and are now gaining attention in Japan too! All you need are fluffy pipe cleaners, eye and nose parts, and craft glue.
You can even find the materials at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to give it a try.
Making them with kids sounds like a great way to spend time together.
Toothbrushing doll made of felt
Let’s help a cute doll brush its teeth! Here are some ideas for making a toothbrushing doll out of felt.
You’ll need felt, thread and a needle, snap buttons, and scissors.
The key point is that you can convey the importance of brushing teeth while performing it like a puppet show.
Many children may find brushing difficult, but it would be great if they could protect their dental health by brushing together with a cute little monster! It’s also fun that you can swap between dirty teeth and shiny clean teeth using snap buttons.
A toothbrushing doll that lets you try flossing too
Recommended for kids who aren’t good at brushing their teeth! Here’s an idea for a tooth-brushing doll that also lets them try flossing.
You’ll need an ice cube tray, a toothbrush, decorative pom-poms, illustrated face parts, craft glue, a whiteboard marker, a small storage case, and yarn.
Use the tooth-brushing doll to help kids develop a positive attitude toward brushing while they play! Pretend the decorative pom-poms are plaque stuck on the teeth, and it feels great to remove it with yarn as floss.
It’s also fun to scrub with a real toothbrush!