Worry Dolls

Craft It Up - Peru

Posted by Ryland Peters & Small

About

These dolls are quick and easy to make. Acrylic paint is a lovely medium to work with, but small children might find it easier to use pens. You could make just one worry doll, but why not make a whole family of them with different faces and hairstyles?


fun fact
In Peru, parents put worry dolls under their children’s
pillows if they are anxious about something. In the middle of
the night, they remove the doll and the worry along with it!

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You Will Need (8 things)

  • White Glue (PVA)
  • Popsicle Sticks
  • Fabric scraps
  • Scissors
  • Toothpick
  • 2 dolly Clothespins
  • Small Paintbrush
  • Black, brown, red, and white Acrylic Paint

Steps (3 steps, 30 minutes)

  1. 1

    Paint round, white
    face shapes on your
    dolly clothespins. You
    may need two layers
    of paint. We’ve used
    paint for the hair here,
    but you could try
    gluing wool on top
    of the dolls instead.

    Use a toothpick
    dipped in acrylic to
    paint dainty details
    on the faces.

  2. 2

    Cut out a piece of fabric
    3 x 21⁄2in (8 x 6cm). The size
    of the dolly pegs may vary,
    so line up the fabric with the
    pegs and check that it fits.

  3. 3

    Use a popsicle stick to spread white glue onto the
    fabric. Fold over the bottom and top edges so that any
    fraying fabric is hidden and wrap the fabric tightly
    around your doll. Allow the glue to dry.