If you are any bit like me, Christmas time is the brightest spot in your year, so why not spread the joy to your dolls too?!?! The following list has a few suggestions for ways you can dress up your doll area for a holiday never to forget!
*** Christmas just isn't Christmas without a great tree to decorate. For your dolls, try looking at Franks Nursery and Crafts (or a similar store) for "baby" fake trees- they're typically about two feet tall and cost substantially less than the AG version (I got mine for $7.95!).TIP: Search early! Often stores have clearance sales of Christmas items at off times of year.
*** To brighten up your dolls' table set, put a Christmas napkin or hankie on it as a table cloth. This is a simpe and cost friendly idea that can make the BIG difference in the doll setup. TIP: Ty layering napkins- i.e. a red one on the bottom and a patterned or green at an angle on the top.
*** To decorate the tree or doll area, look for mini ornaments Hallmark or a Christmas outlet store. A cheaper, yet just as adorable alternative is to use necklaces or beads and wrapping paper ribbons to adorn the scene.
*** Save those tiny boxes that rings and bracelets come in, then wrap them in surplus Christmas paper and place them under the tree...ta da! Doll sized presents!
***Doll sized Christmas story books often are sold in special holiday candy packs (such as Lifesavers). Now your dolls can read the treasured tales too!
Finally, dress your dolls in their Christmas best, and you're set!
*** The staple of All Hallow's Eve fun? The pumpkin, of course! Try to pick up some of those tiny little pumpkins from the grocery store that you always thought were silly- they are perfect doll size! Use a black permanent marker to create a Jack-O-Lantern face, or simply leave them plain. TIP: Plain, uncarved pumpkins, especially tiny ones, can last for months- save yours for
Thanksgiving decorating!!
*** For costumes, use doll outfits you already have and rearrange! For example, a black outfit becomes a witch when you find a tiny witch hat or pot at a craft store. A white dress turns into a fairy costume when you construct wings out of star twine or a hanger and nylons. A light napkin or rag and a marker makes a ghost out of anyone. TIP: I used a costume that came on a teddy
from Build-A-Bear...double usage!
***Construct a treat bag from a spare grocery bag using some tape and twine. If you have a spare jewelry carry case, it will work well too.
***Take a few clean leaves that have fallen outside and cut them into smaller pieces (but not too small- what a mess!). It's fall foilage!
***Make a cap by cutting a .75 inch wide strip of paper with a length fitting your dolls' head. Tape edges together, and use a flat square of paper to stick on the top. Twist some thread or string together for a tastle.
***Create a diploma by scrolling a small piece of paper and tie it with thread.
***Any pastel colored or birthday dress is a perfect Easter ensemble.
***Jelly beans work great as doll siezed easter eggs!
***Use colorful ribbons and small flowers to adorn the pastel napkin covered table.
***Tiny rabbit and chick toys are everywhere this time of year...pick some up and go wild!
***Create Valentine cards using stickers and construction paper.
*** Candy message hearts are perfect doll size- put a few on your red napkin colored table, and it screams I <3 U.
***Red or White Christmas dresses can take a second spin now.
***Red, white, and pink ribbons look like party paper in doll world.
***Use small American flags (the type often put in planters, available at craft stores or florists) and your best red, white, and blue wear and go! See PHOTOS.