3.05.2009

How to make peg doll necklaces

Painting peg dolls is one of my favorite crafts (see here and here for proof). They are miniature, which automatically wins major points (little=cute); and they are actually played with and enjoyed by my girls (again, most likely because of their itsy-bitsy-ness).

So, when I recently came across the idea of using these dolls as pendants on necklaces, I had to try it myself. 


I began with wooden peg dolls and mini screw eyes (both available at craft stores on the unfinished wood aisle).


Then, I painted the heads and bodies.


Noticing that my husband was available, I seized the opportunity and had him drill the holes for the screws.


Lobotomy completed


My next step was to paint hair, faces, and clothing details. Toothpicks are great tools for making the tiny features


To create a seal, while giving a nice polished look, I coated each doll with clear spray paint.


Once dry, I strung ribbon for the necklace. 


A sweet bow in the back keeps the necklace on, but I think next time I will invest in some little jewelry clasps - getting the bow just right is a bit of a chore. 


My girls love that they can bring their little dolls with them where ever they go (except to school, because mommy is mean like that; this resulted in lots of whining and pleading, which only further proves just how much little girls love these necklaces!)


A grown woman can wear one of these, right? Don't tell me "no." I might throw a fit. 

p.s. Obviously, because of the tiny parts this is only suitable for older girls. 

44 comments:

Jill -Forever and Ever House said...

soooooo cute!!

Christian said...

This is CA-ute, and is going on my crafty-to-do-list right now! Thank you for sharing!

Sara said...

A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.

roseylittlethings said...

Love this idea, my girls and I may have to make some this weekend!!

Melissa said...

Oh my goodness! I was just thinking about making these yesterday! Thanks for the tutorial. Maybe I'll be motivated to get started now :)

Gena said...

Those are adorable. I see a little family of dolls in my future.

RLR said...

Oooh - I think these would be sweet party favors for 3-year-olds! Please update if you try out the jewelry clasps.

Krista said...

Cute, cute! Btw, I love the new look of your blog! =)

Blake O'Quin said...

Wow those turned out so cute!!!

Mandi Shandi said...

The blog facelift turned out great! And so did these little dolls! You do such a good job on them it is no wonder your girls love them. By the way, your girls are SO cute!

SouthernDogwoods said...

LOVE IT! So precious! I am off to find some pegs!!!!

SouthernDogwoods said...

And sorry I forgot - what a beautiful dress your daughter is wearing. Did you make that? Is it a wrap dress?

Brenda said...

I love them. I have to make some peg dolls now.

As for the grown woman....I'm going to say that it depends on where the necklace lands. Because seeing a peg doll squished into cleavage...well, never mind. :)

They are cute!

Kristen said...

Cute idea! I am making some for my nieces! Thanks for sharing!

Heather said...

very cute. heck yes grown women can wear them!!

Anonymous said...

Super cute! Reminds me of the ribbon necklaces we wore in the 80's with heart pendants!

My son made the comment that the dolls would make neat Christmas ornaments, I would love to see what you could come up with that idea in mind!

You're stuff is just adorable, thanks for sharing your talents with the world! :-)

zobars said...

oh these are so adorable. I want to make them for my daughter and tomorrow or maybe right now , well its almost midnight and I cannot do that right now but I feel like it. thanks for sharing with us all.

Tracie said...

So so so cute! I love those little dolls. I might have to make some for my daughter's birthday. They are precious!

Simply Sara said...

Very adorable!

I've been visiting your blog for a little while and LOVE it!

Thanks for sharing yet another sweet and crafty project! This one's going on my list of things to attempt :)

ReminisceHeirlooms said...

I absolutely Love love love this idea!!! So darling!

Elisabeth Black said...

Oh my goodness. My husband even thinks these are painfully cute.

MammaDucky said...

I love those! How precious! I'm going to have to whip some up for my girlies (and myself)! Thanks girly!

Aubrie said...

I just stumbled across your site today, honsestly I have no clue how I got here. Just read a few posts and I am addicted! You come up with THE CUTEST stuff, SERIOUSLY! Oh I just remembered how I got here, I was searching for crayon apron patterns and was linked off to the cammando style boy one you made- awesome! I'm deff making it for my nephews! Anywho- Just wanted to tell you, your site is great and I will be reading often!

SoBella Creations said...

Super cute! They would make sweet Angels for a Christmas Tree or Wreath.

Aubrie said...

I think I just spent literally my whole day reading your blog! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I am going to have to sit down and make myself an idea journal so that I can write down all the crafty things I want to try thanks to you! Which includes these cute necklaces :o)

Anonymous said...

They are so cute!
I don't have a little sister to make them for, so I'm going to make some for myself.
A sixteen year old in a peg doll necklace isn't weird, is it?
:)

Anonymous said...

These are so pretty. They make lovely favors for a bridal shower, too! So cute!

Sada said...

If I wasn't terrified of paint & paintbrushes, these look like so much fun! I think I'll have to add mine to Jenny's project list. haha!

Terri said...

They are so cute - wouldn't that be great for a little girls birthday party!

Shannon Willcutt said...

Don't you want to make a set of these and sell them?? If you are interested, please let me know!

I would actually love to make a set of these, however, I live in one of those little towns with NO craft store ANYWHERE. We have a WalMart with a little craft section, but no Hobby Lobby :( When I do get to go, where would I find these peg dolls and little screws? What sections are they in?I am sure you know the aisles by heart :)

Kristi said...

Thank you for another great idea! I think my daughter would love this :). I made her little clothespin dolls a couple of years ago and she still has them. I like the idea of peg dolls better because of the sturdier base. Thanks again!

cherry said...

Soooooooo cute! I love them. They remind me of my little people from FP...sigh...oh how I loved them. That ws back when they were wood too. NOw they are plastic. cherry

::Sylvia:: said...

Of course we can wear them! Especially those of us who have lot of little men running around and no little girls to make them for! ;)

Love this idea!

Anonymous said...

These are too cute - even cuter with their lobotomies! :o)

Aimee Friedrich said...

just found your blog and I love it. these necklaces are so cute.

Domestic Bliss & FOUND said...

These are so unbelievably darling- thanks so much for sharing your creativity.
xoxo
Kristin

DM said...

That is a really good idea. They don't lose the doll. And what manly hands you have. - Dad

Darcy said...

So, so cute! I have two girls that will love these!

Sweet Baby Jamie said...

So adorable! If I had a daughter, I'd make her one! I'll pass this on, and keep it in mind for friends daughters!

My Trendy Tykes said...

I love them and may just have to feature them tomorrow during my crafty roundup post.

Linda

Heather - Dollar Store Crafts said...

Those are really cute. I'm not confident in my vice & drilling skills, but I might have to give it a try for this project!

heather

Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com said...

Coming back to let you know that I will be linking to this tutorial on Dollar store Crafts on July 2 (scheduling in advance for vacation!!). Link will be live then:
http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/07/peg-doll-necklacepeg-doll-necklace/

Amy ~ (Life's Small Treasures) said...

I LOVE THESE!!! What kind of paint did you use to paint the dolls? It looks so thick and vibrant.

~Amy

Lucy Hudson said...

Oh wow, you are so creative! Im eleven and my mum and dad work so im going to make some in the summer holidays to keep me busy! Your blog is seriousley cool! P.S I love the little felt house you made!!!!