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)
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.
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!
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.
Fun to make! A collection of simple handmade doll ideas using various materials (41–50)
No-Sew Toothbrush Puppet
Grab kids’ attention! Here’s a no-sew toothbrushing puppet idea.
You’ll need felt in various colors, scissors, a pencil or something to sketch with, hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro), and fabric glue or a hot glue gun.
Make a cute animal that says “ahh” and opens its mouth wide to reveal dirt.
Since the dirt attaches with Velcro, you can take it on and off, making it easy to show how scrubbing with a toothbrush removes it.
Let’s make an adorable felt puppet!
In conclusion
This time, we introduced how to make dolls using a variety of materials. Once you make one, you’ll start wanting more friends for it, and you might end up making a whole bunch! Be sure to make lots and enjoy a lively, bustling world of dolls.