Apple Head Dolls
Source of Recipe
MOM sent it
Applehead dolls are a very old American Folk Art that has been handed down through the centuries. No two appleheads will ever be alike, because each apple wrinkles differently as it dries due to the water content and where it is placed within the apple. These are very durable, they should always be stored in an airy place. Through the years the apple will take on it's own lifelike personality, as it becomes darker with age, however the apple will not spoil.
Carving the Applehead
A butter knife and vegetable peeler will be needed for carving
Choose a large, unblemished apple (recommend a Golden Delicious)
Wash apple well
Peel apple and shave away any bruised spots (do not remove core)
Using tip of butter knife outline the eyes, nose and mouth
Using tip of vegetable peeler, scoop out two shallow hollows for eyes
Carve out wedged shaped pieces from each side of nose
Slice out a shallow slit for the mouth
Remember to make features well defined to allow for shrinkage
Don't worry about mistakes. If you don't like the way an apple looks, you can just eat it and start again....
Preserving the Applehead
Soak applehead for 10 minutes in concentrated lemon juice (helps preserve apple)
Remember apples will float, so make sure the apple is completely covered
After 10 minutes remove applehead from mixture
Drying the Applehead
Push popsicle stick halfway into core of applehead
Hang applehead by a string in a dry place where it is reasonably free from drafts (not in the sun or near a heat register) making sure it does not touch anything
Air dry approximately 3 to 4 weeks (a wrinkly face will appear)
Creating the Body
After the applehead is dry, make a body with pipe cleaners
Twist the corner of a pipe cleaner around the popsicle stick just under the apple, and extend at both sides, this forms the arms
The middle of the popsicle stick will form the torso
Twist the center of another pipe cleaner around the bottom portion of the popsicle stick and bend downward, this forms the legs
Beginning with neck, twist cotton batting around pipe cleansers, continuing wrapping arms, torso and ending with legs
Wrap strips of cloth securely around the padded body by tying the cloth strips onto the body and wrapping until entire body is covered.
Dressing the Doll
Make a simple doll dress pattern....fold material in half....make shoulders of dress at fold.....cut a v-neck....measure out about 3 and 1/4 inches on each side of v-neck...cut straight down about 1 and 3/4 inches on each side....then cut in about 2 and 1/2 inches back toward v-neck....you now have your sleeves....angle out and cut down about 5 inches....that will give you the skirt of dress. Turn the dress inside out and sew back to front at side seams.
Hem dress, add lace or ribbon at neck or hemline if desired
Turn finished dress right side out and pull over doll's head and place arms through sleeves
Glue on simple felt hands and boots....cut hands like
mittens....make simple boot shapes for boots....cut two for each hand and foot....then glue together over pipe cleaner end
Squeeze a line of glue along the hairline, can use mohair, but use whatever you like, pull back and form into a bun
Press the pointy side of a popcorn seed into each eye socket....dot each with black
Add cheek and lip color with makeup
After hair has dried you can cut a small triangle shaped piece of fabric and tie a scarf, knotting it in front.
You can personalize these in so many ways, you can give her a small basket, or have her using a small butter churn....look for miniatures at any craft store .
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