Make a Valentine Spool Doll...

I've said it before, Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays!  I don't think Valentine's Day should be a holiday only for couples as it is so often represented.  No, it's a celebration of LOVE!  So it should be a day to celebrate all those we love.

This little spool doll would be such a lovely Valentine gift to make for your Mom, Grandmother, friends, teacher, anyone you'd like to show your love and appreciation.  Also, this could be a fun project for kids to make (especially if you leave out the wood burner).  It's an easy project.  Sorry this has to be said, but, this tutorial is provided for personal use only please. 

First, buy some wooden beads (approximately an inch wide) and spools.  Lightly sand them, then wood burn the spool & paint it with watercolor paint. You can wood burn your spool, paint it, write messages on it, whatever you feel inspired to do.  I added a little, "you are loved" message to one of mine.  I used Stockmar watercolor, but you can use any watercolor paint.  Make sure it's AP certified non-toxic if it's for kids or kids are making them. After it's completely dry add a layer of beeswax sealer to the painted spool. Wait 20 minutes or so and then wipe the beeswax sealer off & buff it with a clean cloth. Draw your face with a pencil or colored pencil or leave it Waldorf simple.  Add a layer of non-toxic varnish to seal the face completely. 

I tried a couple different ways of joining the bead to the spool.  I wanted it to be glued securely. On one I used a wooden peg wrapped with a pipe cleaner & then glued. The other I just used a pipe cleaner and glued that in.  Either way works.  Children may wish to not glue the head in and have a funny little revolving head.  After gluing I made my little gnome caps and sewed them up using a blanket stitch. Wee Folk Art has a gnome cap tutorial here.  Just make sure you make it slightly larger to fit your wooden bead head.

Both of these spool dolls are at my MamaWestWind etsy shop for sale.  Until next time, sending love to you and yours!

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PS: Don't forget to enter my Valentine's Day giveaway at Little Woodlanders Facebook page.  Also please "like" my MamaWestWind Facebook page to stay up to date on all my etsy shop happenings.