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How to Make a Pin Doll

Clothespin dolls are an adorable and affordable craft that you can make at home. The possibilities for design and clothing options are only limited by your imagination. These dolls would make an excellent addition to any child's doll house; they're also a fun project for adults to test their creativity. If you're feeling extra crafty, you can take a cue from Martha Stewart and make Santa and Mrs. Claus Christmas ornaments.

Things You'll Need

Wooden clothespins (one piece, old-fashioned)
Wooden doll pin stands
Wooden dowel cap with 5/8" hole
6 inch square of fabric
Small ribbon
Acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Glue gun
Gloss varnish
Pencil
Small piece of flesh-colored pipe cleaner

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a face on the wooden dowel cap with your pencil.
- 2
  Paint the face and top of the pin in the color of your choice. Be sure to paint some hair, too. Let the pin dry. Repaint if necessary.
- 3
  Paint the pin stand and the "legs" of the clothespin. Let this dry and repeat if necessary.
- 4
  Varnish all parts. Allow to dry.
- 5
  Cut a 5-inch circle from your fabric scrap. Cut a small hole (about the diameter of a pipe cleaner) in the center of circle. Cut two small slits for the arms on either side of the middle hole but a little bit lower.
- 6
  Cut a 3- or 4-inch piece of pipe cleaner, center and glue to the back of the clothespin, just above the "legs."
- 7
  Push the "neck" of the pin through the center hole in fabric circle. Insert each end of the pipe cleaner through the two slits in the fabric. To create a waist, tie a piece of ribbon around the doll.
- 8
  Glue the head on the neck of doll; glue pin the legs into doll stand.

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