How to Make Pipe Cleaner Dolls
02 February
Sometimes I like to take a break from the larger home improvement or furniture flip projects and do something low-key... "quiet" crafts...
So I created some adorable pipe cleaner dolls!
Read on if you'd like to learn how to make them too.
How to Make Pipe Cleaner Dolls
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Here's what you'll need to make some of your own.
Supplies Needed
- Chenille Bump Pipe Cleaner Stems
- Cute Clip Art Faces:
- White Craft Glue (I like Aleene's Tacky Glue)
- Scissors
- Cupcake Toppers or other things for your dolls to hold
- Crepe Paper or Paper Baking Cups to make skirts
- Decorating Chalks (optional) for coloring the cheeks and ears if desired
- Other embellishments (ribbon, buttons, flowers, etc.)
I have an old hatbox filled with vintage bump chenille stems that I've been collecting for this very purpose! I pick them up whenever I see them at garage sales and thrift stores.
If you'd like to see more of my craft hoard, check out this post: Updated Craft Room Tour.
Step 1 - Make the doll's body.
To make the dolls you'll need to cut two pieces of chenille stem:
- one with one bump
- one with two bumps
Fold the one with two bumps in half.
If it seems too skinny around the middle where the tummy would be, you can wrap another bump of chenille stem around and twist it in the back to secure it.
Step 2 - Prepare the head.
Print the heads and cut them out. My printer isn't working as well as it should so my printed heads didn't turn out as colorful as I wanted. I used decorating chalks and Q-tips to add some color! If you don't have these regular colored chalk should work or blush from your makeup.
Glue the head onto the chenille loop with the craft glue and bend the arms and legs as you wish.
Glue the doll's hands to whatever object you choose so it looks like she's holding it.
You can make it into an ornament by adding a hanger made with a silver tinsel pipe cleaner. You can also make it into a lapel pin by adding a pin back.
To make a hanger, wrap the tinsel pipe cleaner around something like a tube of paint to get a nice shape and glue it to the back of your doll.
Here are a couple more of the dolls I made.
For my next little doll, I used one of the bunny heads. I colored it with chalk and added some vintage millinery flowers on her head where the flowers were on the printed version.
I made a skirt with a crepe paper streamer. Add a long, loose stitch around one edge of the streamer to gather it up. Put it around her waist, pull it tight, and knot it in the back. (TIP: You could also use paper muffin cups to make little dresses if you don't have crepe paper streamers).
That little flower this one is holding is actually a candle holder so I put a pearl bead down inside to make the flower complete!
I made more, they are made with stands instead of hangers. You can see them here: Adorable Pipe Cleaner Dolls - Part II
Posted by: Tania | Little Vintage Cottage
at 02 February
Tag:
holiday seasonal
Thank you for the tutorial! Now I know how to make the cute little outfits the animals are wearing. These are so cute and fun to make!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Susan, I'm glad you like them!
DeleteTania
I'm late to the game but these are adorbs! As Christmas is approaching I'm going to make them with photos of the grands and some pet faces. The clothing is above and beyond.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never! Those will be adorable!!
Delete