One Doll LLC © 2009-2011
Decorating Ideas & Tips
Ideas: Draw, glue, braid, dress...decorate! Watch your doll come to life! Have fun! Go wild! When you use
your imagination, the possibilities are endless.
Tips: Here's some basics to get you started! For more in-depth tips and extensive party information, see .
- Buttons make great eyes, "shoe" buckles and dress decorations.
- Hair barrettes & ponytail holders also make great belts and bracelets.
- Glitter on her lips or dress
- Beads in her hair or as earrings
- Ribbons can be used for sashes and belts
- If she's going to charity, you could write a heart-warming message on her belly.
- Fake flowers for her hair
- Glue-on appliques for her dress
- Fake eyelashes
1. Before beginning, it's a good idea to make a plan for how you want to personalize your doll. See the Photo Gallery for great
examples of the wide variety of faces and decorating ideas others have used in making their dolls. Using a pencil and paper,
do some practice drawings. If you aren't comfortable drawing faces, a simple 1/2 circle mouth and 2 dots for eyes works just
fine. Notice how the personality changes with the placement of different features.
2. Check around the house or go to a craft store to find things that will make your doll unique. Don't forget her hair and dress.
Try fabric paint to outline eyes and mouth. Your doll will come alive as you start adding decorations.
3. Remove the dress and lie flat. It's easier to decorate it this way. You can even reverse the dress if you reposition
the button.
4. If using fabric markers, follow directions on the box. It's best to use the fabric markers and paint last, but if you use
them first, be sure to let it dry before adding other embellishments. A hair dryer may speed the process. Don't forget, protect
your furniture and clothes if using fabric markers and paint. They're permanent!!
5. Dipping the end of her hair in water will make it easier to thread beads on!
6. Have someone who knows how to sew help with buttons.
7. Fill out the tag on the back of your doll. Her birthday is the date you make her. Even if you're keeping your doll
and not donating her back to the One Doll Project, please consider sending us your doll's name, photo and story. We would love
to hear about her and put her photo on our website to inspire others.