How to Make a Straw Doll

Start with a thick bundle of straw. The bundle should measure 1 1/2 feet in length and about 3 inches in diameter. Separate the bottom end of the bundle into two halves by bending the parts away from each other. Each separated group should be about the same thickness and 3 to 4 inches long. Secure each of these at the tops with a rubber band. They will be your leg sections. Do the same for arms, starting about two inches from the top section of the straw. Gather and secure each arm with a rubber band. This will leave you with the body section, two arms and two legs to form the basic structure of your straw doll.

Cut a hole in the Styrofoam ball with the tip of a pair of scissors and fill it with glue. Be generous with the glue. Elmers or super glue will work. Slide the Styrofoam over the end of the straw and set aside to dry thoroughly.

Use colored push pins for the eyes, nose and mouth of your straw doll. You can substitute buttons for the push pin eyes and nose if you like buttons better. Glue yarn hair to your doll or, if you prefer, you can purchase a doll wig from a hobby shop.

Dress your straw doll using doll clothes you can purchase at a hobby or craft shop. Once you have your doll dressed, stuff extra straw underneath the clothes to fill out the body, then sew the hemline of so the stuffing doesn't fall out. Sewing the hemlines not only secures the straw, it gives shape to your doll. Doll shoes are optional, but if you use them, add glue to the inside to ensure they stay on your straw doll's feet. Because of the flexibility of straw, you can display your doll standing or sitting.