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How to Antique Finish an OOAK Art Doll Like Nicol Sayre's Dolls

One-of-a-kind (OOAK) dolls are handmade sculptures collected by doll enthusiasts. With hundreds of artists partaking in this art form, OOAK toys vary widely in size and appearance. Blending together OOAK doll-making and shabby chic design, artists such as Nicol Sayre create dolls with the patina and character of antiques. While Sayre's medium is papier mache, this finishing effect can be used to enhance any material including plastic, wood and fabric.

Things You'll Need

Newspaper
Face mask
Gardening gloves
Paint
Paintbrush
Toothbrush
Ink
Sandpaper
Sealer
Distressing tools (nails, foot shaver, chain)
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare your workspace by covering it with newspaper. Place paper towels, rags and water nearby.
- 2
  Sand the surfaces lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper.
- 3
  Brush the surface of the doll to remove paper dust.
- 4
  Paint the doll with paint that matches the skin tone you desire. Use other colors as appropriate for animals or other non-human dolls.
- 5
  Add painted details such as hair, eyes, blush, freckles and fingernails. Base your design on dolls from a particular era or mix features to create a custom art doll.
- 6
  Allow paint to dry overnight in a well-ventilated area.
- 7
  Brush and sponge yellow or brown ink over the body of the doll. Wipe ink off immediately with a dry rag. Repeat until the desired patina is achieved.
- 8
  Seal the surface of the doll with acrylic spray or matte papier-mache paste.
- 9
  Scratch, wear, tear and dent the surface of the doll using a variety of distressing tools such as nails, sandpaper and chain.
- 10
  Apply charcoal or graphite dust to the doll. Remove excess dust with a clean, dry toothbrush or rag.
- 11
  Spray a light acrylic seal over the project.
- 12
  Dress the doll in clothes appropriate for the era. Purchase vintage fabric or distress new material with distressing tools.

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