As promised, here is the tutorial on dolly do-overs. Also, a reminder about the
October Giveaway of one of my GRUMPY FAIRY books.
I've figured
out the printing problems and will have some ready to sell soon. As
thanks for all your inquiries and interest (and patience!) I'll give
one away in October to a commenter.
Helpful tips:
Keep a baby wipe or Wet One handy to de-glue your mucky finger tips reguarly
To use the light bulb for ironing, you need at least a 60 watt bulb
Pull the dress tightly over the bulb and run it back and forth, go all the way around the skirt
You can use the light bulb for ironing ribbons or flowers too
Sometimes, you just need to dip your fingers in water and dampen a ribbon that is already tied to the doll, to pull on it and straighten it out.
Keep your embellishments in scale with the doll. No giant buttons or jewelry, they all need to be small bits.
Try to use items the same age as the doll. You don't want to add brand new embellishments to a vintage doll.
Don't be afraid to glue everything directly to the doll, her clothes don't need to come off to be washed or changed, so just glue everything permanently to her!
She doesn't have to be perfect. You want her to still look her age.
If her rubber band that holds her head and arms on is loose, just glue the body parts in place. She really doesn't use her arms, or turn her head and look around anyway. But do it after you fix her up, if the arms are glued solid, they might be in the way. Add them last.
PS- adding lots of flowers to her hair covers up any bald spots that couldn't be corrected!
pure genius! thanks for the tips, who would ever have thought of ironing a doll’s dress on a light bulb? you’re so clever Karla!
cute dolls!!!
i have used the flower petal trick on some of my nekkid girls…i love how that looks!!!
Thansk for the tips Karla! Love the lightbulb ironing trick & also the flower petals used as clothing.
LOVE this Karla!! Thank you so much for the tips!
Hugs,
Amy
lovely tutorial. Loving that lightbulb idea! I recently revamped a doll to use as our Christmas Tree angel this year. She’s not vintage (just vintage style, from one of my favourite shops). The end result was fine, but not as good as I’d have liked. I want to say it was fun, but it was more frustrating than anything else! Patience is not my strong point!!!!!!
Well, have a lovely weekend. Ooh, I see rain on my window pane, bliss!
xx
Did you have any trouble finding some extra flowers.lol. You have the best stash to choose from. I didn’t know about the lightbulb. I’ll have to give that a try. Your dolls look great! Have a wonderful weekend
Great tutorial Karla, you do have wonderful tips and ideas. Love the light bulb ironing.
thank you
Karen
Glue as dolly hair gel- that’s a good idea
I love tutorials. The light bulb idea is pure genius! Love it!! – Kathy in Chicago
Hmmm, guess I am going to have to go out shopping at Frenchie’s Antiques who seems to always have dollies. Now that I know they can be altered {and with glue] a couple may have to come live with me :oD
Thanks for the great tips.
Inspiration and Motivation ! ! ! !
the dolls are adorable! I might think about using some of that glue when I’m having a bad hair day…..and ironing on a light bulb has opened up a whole new world for me! It’s all very clever and looks authentic!
I found a vintage naked kewpie doll the other day and bought it! Now I don’t know what to do with her!
I love the dolls! I have so many that need a day at the spa! Such a great idea about the light bulb! It’s nice to learn something new!!!
See ya soon!
Hugs, Sherry
You totally transformed that doll. (sometimes I find old dolls a leetle bit creepy, but you really made this one charming). I love the lightbulb ironing trick. I bet it would work on other small things that need ironing. Thanks!
Please enter me in the Grumpy Fairy give-away. I would love a copy of the book!
~Marilee
Karla: Your doll is so cute. You are so talented.
adorable! I have some old dolls that were my Aunt’s……now….where did I put them? ha….the flower petals for skirts are SOOOO cute! you are SUCH an inspiration….NEVER stop this blog please! 😀
Oh Karla! She’s beautiful!
And looks very refreshed.
I love the cute flower petal fairy dress, too.
hmmmmm…I think I could use a day at that spa of yours. LOL
Kimberly 🙂
Your makeovers are beautiful!!!
Blessings,
Christine
Cute and simple tutorial. I like that the instructions require household items anyone can get access.
She’s a new woman!! Thanks for a fabulous tutorial!
I have two sweet old dollies that are in need of some sprucing up, so they (and I) thank you for sharing all this great info! You are quite the handy one!