If you are tight on funds or want to make your own, here are the pattern pieces for Mary and Joseph, and of course, baby Jesus. It doesn’t look like a lot of work, but it is multi-pieces to put together and purchase.
Purchase 2 sheets felt for the body.
For Mary, purchase 1 sheet felt for the veil and one sheet felt for the body (different colors for each). Use string or lace or other material of your choice for the sash.
For Joseph, purchase 1 sheet of felt for the head covering and cloak, and 1 sheet felt for the clothes (different colors for each). Use string for the tie.
For the hair and faces, purchase black, non-shiny paint with a tip.
Glue sticks and gun are needed for gluing the body together and clothing parts to the body.
For Baby Jesus, use a scrap from the body color, rolling it. Use netting for His wrap.
Cut all the pattern pieces in the specific colored felt pieces chosen for each part.
Use 2 pipe cleaners to create the skeletal structure
Make the skeletal structure first, using two pipe cleaners as the picture below shows.
Then, beginning with Mary, place the clothes piece over her head. Put several spots of glue under it to hold it in place. Place the veil behind Mary’s head. Glue a small amount of the veil on the head in the front middle. Pull the sides of the veil towards the center, hold and glue in place. Finish gluing the veil so it doesn’t come off and looks natural. Add the sash and tie. Turn the doll over and place sash behind veil. Glue a dot on the veil so it cannot be removed, the same with the sash. Kids like to undress dolls and then pieces are lost. Using black or brown craft paint, make the eyes, nose, and mouth, careful to not use too much. Start small. Add hair with a part in the middle and it going to each side.
Now, with Joseph follow the same instructions starting with Joseph’s clothes, and moving to the hood. Glue the hood down all around the face, moving the material to look gathered around the face. Tuck the extra piece in under the clothes in the back. Place the cloak on, bringing the wrap sides down in front and gluing in place. Add a string tie. Paint the face, adding a beard.
Actual Pattern pieces are in the tab above titled Patterns. We used a regular size spice jar to make the head section of the skeleton.
Place the baby Jesus under Mary’s clothes and tighten the sash if necessary.
Our pre-made dolls aren’t perfect, but made with love and prayer. They have been blessed by our Pastor. If you do make yours, you might consider asking for a blessing over them as they teach your children about Advent.
Email me at contact@cathytrowbridge.com if you have any questions.
