Getting crafty with your hands is easier than ever for those with an artistic side. From brushing a doll’s hair to reapplying facial blush, personalizing fashion dolls has become a popular hobby for several crafters. If you’re a parent that wants to find a fun project for their child or an adult that wants to return to playing with dolls, creating custom fashion dolls is an excellent way to make a treasured piece of art that is really all your own. Below, we provide you with the art of how to create and customize a doll, step by step.
Starting with the Basics: Preparing Your Fashion Doll for a Makeover
It is important to prepare for accessorizing a doll before this step is initiated. The first step is to delicately scrub the face of the doll to strip it of any factory paint or makeup. This can be achieved with a gentle soap so as not to damage the integrity of the material. If the doll has a sheen to the surface, just a dab of acetone-free nail polish remover on a q-tip can brush off the paint. If any chemicals are used, ensure there is enough ventilation in the area. This may be an annoying and time-consuming process, but don’t rush it. The more time you spend on the face, the better the final product!
Repainting the Face: Adding Personality and Expression
The face is how the doll shows feelings and creativity. So grab your fine tip brushes, quality acrylics, and make-up to show your creativity on the doll. A magnifying glass can be useful too when you have small eyes and thinning lashes.
Now, sketch lightly on the face of the doll with a pencil. Make sure to outline the eyes, eyebrows, and lips as you would like them to appear. A very helpful tip is to have your acrylics close to you. They stick easier and dry faster. Build the paint slowly in layers. If there is a mess, don’t be afraid to try again. This is one step that completes the rest of the look and makes it truly one of a kind. Sometimes, instead of acrylics, watercolor pencils can be used for softer looks. Besides, they match the color of average complexions.
Creating a Custom Hairstyle: From Wig-Making to Dyeing
Doll hair is one of the great joys of fashion dolls. Most fashion dolls come with synthetic hair that can be styled, cut, or even dyed. If you are looking for a really dramatic change, consider re-rooting, which is the process of adding new hair fibers into the doll’s head. It might sound complicated, but it is a fun project that lets you create any hairstyle you can imagine. If you aren’t ready to step into re-rooting, you can try making wigs. Local craft shops and online sites sell finished doll wigs in a range of styles and colors. Wigs can be cut and styled just like human hair, and you can even create curls or braids to achieve the perfect style.
Clothes and Accessories: Bringing Out Your Doll’s Style
Start by practicing with simple patterns and fabric remnants, and continue to experiment over time with different fabrics and techniques. No experience with a needle and thread? No problem! Set aside that hot glue gun and follow these no-sew techniques to make outfits that look professionally tailored. Gone are the days of overdone frocks and uncoordinated separates. A truly fashionable doll must be fully accessorized. Tiny jewelry, hats, and handbags can help your fashion doll stand out from the crowd. Charms, beads, and ribbon bows sold at craft stores make for fabulous shoe clips and hair accessories with just a touch of glue.
When you have the look and clothing just right, how do you tie it all together? Accessories! A one of a kind mini-hat, purse, or jewelry set will give your doll that extra something. Look for miniatures and charms that work perfectly for fashion dolls. Small beads and rhinestones make beautiful jewelry or shoe decorations. These little touches and accessories will turn an ordinary doll into a one-of-a-kind creation.
Adding Finishing Touches: Details that Make a Difference
Now that you have your doll’s face, hair, and outfit looking perfect, it’s time to protect your work and add a final element of smooth, polished style. Remember to spray a layer of matte sealant over the doll’s face to protect the paint. This final touch also gives the doll a smooth, natural finish rather than the shiny look of bare plastics.
What about those plain doll shoes? Who says they have to be boring? Bring out those plastic boots, sneakers, and flats and paint the surface or glue fabric on them. Add glitter or rhinestones for a classic touch. Sparkly custom shoes will show off your style while adding the final touch to your fabulous fashion doll. It’s all in the details.
Displaying and Preserving Your Customized Dolls
Now, you’ve put your elbow grease into creating that new fashion doll, what next? You need to put it on display! A small display box can keep that customized doll under lock and key, where all that dust and sun won’t
harm the sharp new pinks and blues. If you’re planning on creating a collection of suave new dolls, you might want to put up a shelf somewhere to give those lovely creations of yours the strut they need. Just don’t place them in the sun too long, as paint and fabric will eventually fade when exposed for too long.
If you plan on giving your new doll to someone, a good idea would be to personalize a little box or make up a simple card telling their story. Whatever details you choose, the recipient will surely appreciate what you give and will have something besides an awesome new collectable to remember you by.
Summary: Unleash Your Creativity with Customized Fashion Dolls
Custom fashion dolls give you so much room for creativity, as each choice you make builds part of the story you want your doll to tell. Have fun, try new things boldly, and delight as everything comes to life in your hands. With every doll, remember that you’re not making a plaything - you’re making a piece of art that expresses your style and your imagination. Your custom doll is a statement, and a lovely, living one at that. Perfect, right? It can't get any better than that.
