'How to Stuff a Poppet'
I briefly covered stuffing poppets on another page. But here I'll give you
a clearer picture of how to do this. If you're making a paraffin or wooden poppet, stuffing is not a concern. Stuffing only applies to fabric poppets.
A. What To Use:
Some poppets call for herbs. Unless you are prepared to spend loads of money to completely stuff a poppet with an herb, another alternative is to combine another type of stuffing with a pinch of the herbs. You can choose stuffing cotton which is sold as stuffing for dolls and cushions in arts and crafts stores or you can use plain soft white paper tissue and add a pinch of the
herb at strategic locations. Select whichever medium you opt for, make sure
it does not exhaust your purse.
B. How to Stuff:
Assuming the poppet has been sewn (leaving open the head), begin stuffing
the legs first. You can use a pencil to push the stuffing into the legs, but
be careful to break open the stitches. Push gently and carefully. The legs should be plump and when squeezed assume their original form (if they stay squeezed they need more stuffing).
Once the legs are complete, begin stuffing the stomach and arms and then move to the chest. If you are using herbs, add a pinch of herb here and there and if using a crystal decide BEFORE you begin stuffing where the crystal would do the most good and place it in that area. Add stuffing to keep the crystal in place.
Complete by stuffing the head and sewing it shut. At this stage the doll is ready for decoration and accessories.
