Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Rodeo Girls


Who doesn't love the images of Western ware from the 1950's. I would have loved to be able to wear an outfit as cute as these little cowgirls are wearing.


Pipe Cleaner Dolls are much smaller than Peg Dolls, but oh my gosh are they ever cute in person. Prepainted heads can be found at Michaels and are also smaller than peg doll heads. BODY: A pipe cleaner cut in half and then bent in half is just the right proportion for the body and legs.


SHIRT: Wrap a length of stem around a pencil six times, cut with craft wire cutters. Body is slipped over feet. ARMS: Length of stem from remaining body piece is slipped through coils of shirt. SLEEVES: Wrap length of stem around arm until desired length. HANDS: Bend end of arm stem.

CLOTHES: When making clothes for Pipe Cleaner Dolls, the pieces are so small, a pattern is too difficult to use. I hand cut from felt strips 1" wide and 7/8" wide as a start and trimmed smaller as I fitted the pieces to doll. STITCHING: 2 ply floss, outline stitch through top layer of felt only. ASSEMBLY: Hot glue in place.


BOOTS: Small rectangle with triangle shape in center; small slits made on each side of triangle. ASSEMBLY: Hot Glue triangle shape to "foot" of leg stem. Wrap sides around stem, hot glue in place on back. OPTIONAL: Bottom of boot: hot glue bottom of boot to scrap piece of felt, trim to boot shape. NOTE: if using doll for a trinket box, step not necessary.


HAIR: Rectangle of felt is cut three inches wide and then into thin, even sized strips. Beading needles and one ply floss is woven back and forth through felt strip; a knot in thread is not necessary. Repeat several times to secure felt ribbon. Sixteen strips are needed for Pipe Cleaner Doll's head.


HAT: Also hand cut pieces of felt as shown.  ASSEMBLY: Tacky Glue is used to form felt hat. FRINGE: Length of crepe paper streamer is folded on itself (enough to circle hat). Cut streamer down center lengthwise, layer all cut pieces together, fold in half lengthwise, use a sewing needle and running stitch along folded edge to secure layers together. Make small slits along open edge of crepe entire length. ASSEMBLY: Hot Glue folded edge of fringe to hat edge. Separate fringe with fingers. Hot Glue to head. (Note: top of dolls head does not have hair.)



23 comments:

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Ahhh! I love it, Elizabeth! How cute is this and I can't believe the little clothes. Love the hats and boots especially.

sassypackrat said...

Oh my gosh this is so adorable!

Sarah said...

ohmigosh!! I was just here the other day looking at your little cowgirl, and now a tutorial? Thank you so much!! Now to just find the time!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I SO need to learn to make these sweet girls! Yours are so cute and I enjoy the ones you've made SO much! You are so talented, my friend! ♥

Holly Loves Art said...

So very precious! I love visiting here! Have a great day!
Holly

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Oh E!!!
You are so good about making such awesome swap gifts. I have Sandy for my partner :)
Warmly,
deb

ImagiMeri said...

Very cute E, now please watch out with your hands.

Love ya'
Meri

Angela said...

Yessiree you still amaze me, ma'am! Your partner is gonna love it! I almost joined in on the swap but I just did one for Easter (which Jenny's Heart gave me one of your sweet creations!!)
Have a great day, E!

Suz said...

So darn cute, E. I love the Rodeo girl with her twinkly stars on the box. Just adorable! She us the Queen!
Big hugs,
Suz

Helena said...

Hi !

Your blog is amazing ! Thanks for sharing this wonderfull things !

Kisses from Brazil !!!

Helena

Tresa said...

Darling, just darling!

Paper Cowgirls said...

you must be reading my mind, Elizabeth, I've been mulling over what to make for a friend exchange at the Paper Cowgirl Art Retreat in Waxahachie, TX, in June. We are supposed to make little whatevers to attach to people's nametags to show friendship. I could make your adorable cowgirl -- now I just need to find enough time to do just that!!! They would be a HIT! I'll let you know if I end up finding the time to make a few! Thanks for the as usual beautiful craft! Suzie

Jenny said...

This is my first visit to your blog .It is dull and rainy here but your blog is a great burst of cheerfulness and fun. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Waaaaaay cute! I wish I could come over and craft with you! Hugs, Patti

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

What a darling "Rodeo Girl"!

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

Eness!

How I've missed you! Life took me away for a while, but it's time to renenter the world of blogging. It's amazing how fast time goes and how much you miss out on when you can't keep up.

Did you open your craft room again?! I see you're doing lots of crafts after having cleared out your room. I'm glad to see it, but just making sure it's something you really want to do, not something you feel internally pushed to do. Gotta watch out for my E!

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

Hi Elizabeth,
I am absolutely in love with your blog. Is there an email address I can write to you without posting a public comment? I would sure appreciate it!

Pieceful Bits said...

I've been MIA for a bit. I see you are busy as a bee! Such cuteness. I always liked the hair!
(~~)
Julie

Unknown said...

So happy I have come across your blog WOW so inspiring,I love love your work I am now an avid follower :>)

lala said...

You are AMAZING!!! This is just so sweet - and those tiny stitches on the tiny clothes have me oohing and aahhing. So happy to see you are creating again, your work and stories keep me smiling for days!!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

These are the very best directions I have found for bendy dolls! Thank you. Your wonderful photos and clear help will make it so much easier.

Anonymous said...

Awesome and funny! I love your presentation!

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