Remade Doll Parts Jewelry: Techniques and Inspiration
Remade doll parts jewelry, also known as upcycled, repurposed, or recycled doll jewelry, is a unique and creative way to transform old, damaged, or unwanted dolls into wearable art. By disassembling and combining various parts of dolls, such as heads, arms, legs, torsos, or even entire bodies, with other materials like beads, chains, wires, or fabrics, jewelry makers can create one-of-a-kind pieces that showcase their skills and imagination. In this article, we will explore the techniques involved in creating remade doll parts jewelry, as well as some examples of handmade doll jewelry that can inspire you to start your own doll part crafts.
Techniques for Creating Remade Doll Parts Jewelry
1. Selecting Doll Parts
The first step in making remade doll parts jewelry is to gather the doll parts you want to use. You can find them in various places, such as thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, or online marketplaces. Look for dolls that have interesting or unusual features, such as vintage dolls, dolls with unique faces, or dolls with colorful or textured clothing. You can also mix and match different doll parts to create a hybrid doll that reflects your style or personality.
2. Cleaning and Preparing Doll Parts
Before using the doll parts, you need to clean and prepare them. Remove any dirt, dust, or stains from the surface of the doll parts using a soft cloth or brush. If the doll parts are made of plastic, you can also polish them with a plastic cleaner to restore their shine. If the doll parts are made of fabric or hair, you can wash them with mild soap and water and let them dry completely. If the doll parts have joints or hinges, you may need to disassemble them using pliers or scissors to separate the pieces.
3. Assembling and Decorating Doll Parts
Once you have cleaned and prepared the doll parts, you can start assembling them into jewelry. There are many ways to combine doll parts with other materials, depending on your preferences and skills. Here are some techniques to try:
– Wire-wrapping: Use thin wires to wrap around the doll parts and create loops or spirals that can be attached to other elements, such as beads or chains.
– Bead-stringing: String beads in different colors, shapes, and sizes onto a wire or cord and intersperse them with doll parts to create a necklace, bracelet, or earrings.
– Sewing: Use a needle and thread to attach doll parts to a fabric base, such as a felt or denim patch, and embellish them with beads, sequins, or embroidery.
– Gluing: Use a strong adhesive, such as E6000 or super glue, to attach doll parts to a metal or plastic base, such as a ring, brooch, or pendant, and let them dry completely.
4. Finishing and Storing Doll Parts Jewelry
After you have assembled and decorated your remade doll parts jewelry, you need to finish and store it properly. You can add a clear varnish or sealant to the surface of the jewelry to protect it from scratches, moisture, or fading. You can also attach a jump ring or clasp to the ends of a necklace or bracelet to secure it. Finally, you can store your doll parts jewelry in a dry and cool place, such as a jewelry box, a drawer, or a pouch, to prevent it from getting tangled or damaged.
Examples of Handmade Doll Jewelry
Here are some examples of remade doll parts jewelry that can inspire you to create your own unique pieces:
– Doll Head Earrings: Use two doll heads with different expressions and attach them to earring hooks using wire-wrapping or gluing. You can paint the doll heads with acrylic paint to add more colors or details.
– Doll Arm Bracelet: Use several doll arms with different poses and attach them to a metal or plastic cuff using wire-wrapping or sewing. You can also add beads or charms between the arms to create a more layered effect.
– Doll Torso Pendant: Use a doll torso with a colorful or textured outfit and attach it to a metal or plastic pendant base using gluing or wire-wrapping. You can also add a chain or ribbon to the pendant to make it more wearable.
– Doll Leg Brooch: Use a doll leg with a cute or quirky shoe and attach it to a metal or plastic brooch pin using gluing or wire-wrapping. You can also add sequins or rhinestones to the shoe to make it more sparkly.
Conclusion
Remade doll parts jewelry is a fun and creative way to repurpose old dolls and express your personality through wearable art. By selecting, cleaning, preparing, assembling, decorating, finishing, and storing doll parts jewelry properly, you can create unique and eye-catching accessories that reflect your skills and imagination. Whether you prefer vintage, quirky, or elegant styles, there are endless possibilities to explore in the world of doll part crafts.
