Monday, December 1, 2008

Toothpick Doll Tutorial #1: Supplies & Bodies

Tutorial & Giveaway!
Want to learn how to make dolls out of toothpicks? Stick around! All this week, I'm doing a Doll-Making Tutorial. At the end of the week, I'll be giving away my finished doll. To enter, simply comment on any of the Toothpick Doll Tutorial posts. There'll be a new post every day this week (Monday-Saturday), which means you can enter once every day. Next Monday, I'll announce the winner. On to the doll-making!
First Things First: Supplies
Yes, it does take more than toothpicks to make Toothpick Dolls. But not much.

You will need:
- Toothpicks

- Tacky Glue (or any white craft glue)

- Embroidery Floss (make sure you have colors for skin, hair, & a few colors for the outfit)

- A Pencil

- A ruler (any size)

- Scissors (I use two pairs - a big pair for cutting the toothpicks & a small pair for cutting the thread. You'll survive if you don't have a small pair, they're just easier to manage. About the big pair - promise me you'll cut your toothpicks with a nice, decent-size pair of scissors. Big scissors are easier to control when cutting toothpicks, & your fingers will thank you.)

Ok, go gather!

Toothpick Doll Anatomy
Pull out your ruler, toothpicks, scissors (BIG PAIR!) & pencil.

On two toothpicks, mark 2 inches from one end. These are the legs, nice & long. On one toothpick, mark 1 inch from each end. These are the arms - just throw away the middle part after you cut the arms. On one toothpick, mark 1 1/4 inch from one end. This is the torso & head. After you cut this piece, make another mark 5/8 inch from the cut end. This marks the head.

After you cut the toothpicks to size, put your little arms away someplace safe - we won't need them again until tomorrow. Glue the legs to the torso, like the picture below. Make sure the legs don't go above the mark, or you won't be able to make your head. Congratulations! You have a body! Now don't touch it again until all that white glue turns clear. You wouldn't want crooked legs!

Tomorrow: A Dress & Some Arms

Leave a comment to enter the giveaway!

20 comments:

anonymous said...

Just curious; is this a tutorial for one of your really fancy dolls?

Can't wait to see the finished product!!

Anne

AngelaMichelle said...

This one is for the basic dolls, but I will be doing different tips & tricks periodically to show some of the fancier stuff. Thanks for asking!

aliceinparis said...

Hi Angela! You must have just left that comment on my blog:) The soup was good! A bit sweet with the apple juice and apple added. Cider would probably have been better and I didn't add any dairy which also might have cut the sweetness but I will eat the whole pot and enjoy every bowl! I prefer a curried squash soup but love to try new recipes:)
Cheer, Shelagh

Kathy said...

I can't wait to learn the rest of this! I just might have to try one.

Malissa said...

really cute, I'm going to have to tune in everyday this week! My sister makes clothespin dolls so I'm going to send her over too!

Anonymous said...

Yay- this is the first time I have already had all of the supplies on hand for a mini tutorial :O)

Lady Artisan said...

This is awesome! I've been curious about how you do these since I "met" you. Thanks so much for sharing the details!

Paola said...

wow! i love this tutorial, and of course your little wonders!
xoxo
Pola

Unknown said...

I am learning to make my own toothpick dolls after a friend made some for me as she learned from your website. I asked her if she could teach me how to make them, and she directed me to your site. I loved your Lace Queen. I think she is beatiful. I love her dress. Another doll I really liked was the mermaid. I liked it because her tail was very intricate and I loooove mermaids. Thank you for posting directions! I can't wait to get started!

Drora's minimundo said...

I love tutorials and yours is great. Thanks for allowing me to enter and learn.

Alicia said...

Is ama ONG hay you can do only with toothpicks

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Marie Corey said...

You’ve left me hanging I can’t wait till tomorrow to do the next step . Thank You

sweetruin said...

So cool!

Unknown said...

i love any minis. im slow finding your blog but thanks for the tutes. now I can make one!!

Unknown said...

Thank you next time my grand need people for their projects . Love it

armymom said...

This is so cool to make. I would have never thought of this. !! Someone has a great imagination !

armymom said...

This is so cool to make. I would have never thought of this. !! Someone has a great imagination !

armymom said...

This is so cool to make. I would have never thought of this. !! Someone has a great imagination !

elis said...

Thank you for your kindness in sharing your toothpick doll techniques with us.They are wonderful.