Doll making is a cherished and age-old tradition that has not changed much in over a century. Doll making can be a rewarding experience for those who wish to pass a handmade heirloom down through the generations. There are many supplies that can aid in doll making, from patterns to parts to fancy accessories and outfits. Doll making at any skill level has some basic rules and many necessary accessories. An easy-to-follow pattern will just contain a basic body shape. Using some soft cloth as the base, you can sew the pattern together and stuff it with cotton or quilt wadding. Pre-made plastic arms, feet, and a head can be attached for a very basic doll. Ready-made dresses, specially sized for dolls, can also be purchased to complete the doll's look. Doll making allows for a great amount of creativity. More advanced patterns don't call for pre-made hands and feet. Plastic dolls' heads are available from a variety of vendors, as are plastic eyes in every imaginable shade. Special mini-patterns are available that are designed for doll's clothing. For larger dolls, actual baby clothes can be altered and fit to the doll to create a very realistic look. Advanced doll making requires the purchase of plastic molds of doll body parts. You will have to fill the molds with liquid plastics or clay so that they take the proper shape. This kind of advanced doll making requires everything to be done from scratch--all body parts, eye color, hair color, and clothing. Special paints can be purchased for doll makers who wish to paint a doll's skin and eyes, but pre-colored clays and plastics are also available.
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