A doll is a figure of a human being (or sometimes of an animal) used most often as a children’s toy, in magic and religious rituals. There are documents that prove that dolls were use in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. They were made from materials that were available like clay, stone, wood, bone, ivory, leather or wax... There is also archaeological evidence that dolls were oldest known toys.

Dolls are with us for thousands of years.

They had many purposes - from protection and magic to religious roles and entertainment. Here you can read more about doll history.

Not all dolls are the same and for every type of doll something interesting can be said.

THE VERY FIRST DOLLS

Dolls are said to have existed as early as the​ Paleolithic Era​ (roughly 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 B.C.). The eldest one, discovered in Siberia in 2017, had a head carved from soapstone and a body made of organic materials which have since then decomposed. It is believed to be over 4,500 years old.

Wooden paddle dolls from​ Ancient Egypt​ also appeared to be popular.

Archaeologists have also confirmed that dolls were used in​ Ancient Greece and Rome.​ Made of a great diversity of natural materials such as clay, wood, wax, bone, ivory, jade stone, several were found in graves and in particular children’s tombs. Most were rather rudimentary yet some could be considered as work of art :​ articulated and delicately painted.

Dolls hold a special place in folk art.
​ Their creation can inform us about the physical and mental world in which their creators grew up. No matter whether it’s an apple head doll, a rag doll or a lovingly revamped discarded shoe, these dolls cannot be swallowed up by commercialism.

A folk doll, because it is a conscious creation with so much put into it, becomes a small window into the world of its makers and owners.
What are the Essentials of Doll Making?
Assuming you have the basic sewing supplies like scissors, thread, and a needle, here’s what you’ll need to make a doll:

Fabric

Stuffing

A pattern or design to follow

Embroidery floss

Buttons​

Ribbon

Lace

A hot glue gun​
With just these few things, you can make a doll and start this hobby. Of course, there are many other materials you can use to enhance your doll making, but these are the essentials.

​ Also, if you want to keep this hobby chaos-free, get a complete​ doll making kit, so you don’t forget anything. Good doll making kits have all essentials of this craft and some easy-to-follow patterns you can try to practice your skill.​

Which Type of Dolls is the Easiest to Make?

An exciting thing about dolls is that there are so many different types. Whether you prefer simple rag dolls or more elaborate dolls with movable parts, you can find a perfect one to suit your preference. In general, rag dolls are the simplest type of doll to create. All you need is a piece of fabric, some stuffing, and a few basic sewing supplies. You can also add features like button eyes or yarn hair to give your doll a unique look.​

If you want to work on a more challenging project, try making a doll with movable parts – these dolls require a bit more effort to construct, but they can be very rewarding to make. Similarly, making cloth dolls are relatively simple, especially if you use a pre-made pattern. And while making a porcelain doll may require specialized supplies and techniques, there are kits available that can walk you through this process. So ultimately, the easiest doll to make is the one that best suits your needs and abilities.

Is Doll Making an Interesting Craft?

A handmade doll doesn’t just relay the love and care that goes into each one, but also the attention to detail. No two handmade dolls are ever exactly alike, which makes them even more special. Whether made from cloth or ceramic, simple or elaborate, there’s a certain magic to handmade dolls. For many people, doll making is an interesting and enjoyable craft. It’s a way to be creative and use your imagination to craft something beautiful and unique. And when you give a handmade doll to someone special, it’s a gift that will be cherished for sure.

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