Do normal grown women love dolls? I would typically say no, but I think nesting dolls have enough kitch to win adults over. These little ladies are the first project that I did for the nursery. I've always loved the look of nesting dolls, but never had an excuse to have any until now.
After I saw these modern nesting dolls, I was smitten. Then one of my favorite bloggers, Liz Stanley, made some. I'm really not a great painter, but I knew I wanted a set for the shelf in the nursery. I decided risking a DIY disaster was still a cheaper option than buying a set on Etsy.
Before I even found the blank dolls, I bought these Martha Stewart paints to get inspired. I knew I would end up using them in the nursery somehow. (Her paint colors are simply the most beautiful and always turn out like you hope they will. I used: Acorn, Camellia Pink, Scallion, Pool, PurpleYam, Pea Shoot)
2. I got this cute little fridge magnet at World Market a couple years ago. I decided to use her as an example and drew a tentative design in pencil.
3. I painted the "outfits" first and then added the circles for faces. I saved drawing the faces until last because I figured this is where I would most likely mess things up. And I did. More than once. Thankfully, I just painted over the faces again and let them dry before trying again.
4. Lastly, I sprayed two applications of a high gloss coating to give the ladies their finishing touch.
I think the little one is my favorite...I'm calling her Katia. Turns out the Martha paint colors match Dr. Seuss almost identically. Total accident.
Winter Giveaway!
I am so excited to share an absolutely GORGEOUS giveaway from Julie Sinden Handmade. Julie's shop has the most beautiful boiled wool hats and scarves. Each piece is handmade by Julie's team in her Toronto workshop. One of YOU will win any item you choose from Julie's shop (a $50-$60 value). Take a look...
How to Enter...
1. Leave a comment below with "WOOL" somewhere in the post. You'll automatically be entered to win.
2. Head to Julie's shop and pick out what you would choose if you do win! (Click here.)
Want to double your chances to win?
1. Follow me on Twitter and tweet me your favorite item from Julie's shop.
2. "Like" The Lovely Cupboard on Facebook and leave a comment about your fav item.
Spread the word! This giveaway will close on Thursday, Jan. 16th.
WOOL
ReplyDeletewow, amazing pieces! I'd chose an infinity scraf - I'm not sure about the color yet, but chocolatebrown would be timeless, I guess..
All the best,
Kristina
Wool! Very pretty stuff! -Jen
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the turban hat :) by the way, I have some store bought nesting dolls and my almost 4 year old just loves them! I'm sure your daughter will too :) -Jen
ReplyDeleteWool
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to make some of those dolls....love!!
I love to wear wool because it is resistant to static electricity and less likely to cling.
ReplyDeletebjn1957{at}gmail{dot}com
Wool
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to make some of those dolls....love!!
I would love to have the Ruffle Scarf
ReplyDeletebjn1957{at}gmail{dot}com
WOOL! I love the ruffle scarf in teal!
ReplyDeleteLissy
Wool you still love me tomorrow? LOL
ReplyDeleteJulie's wool hats are adorable.
ReplyDeleteI would pick a ruffled scarf in teal. Great items. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on fb.
ReplyDeleteI love the nesting dolls. My dad worked in Ukraine for years and I have lots (like 50) from him. When I saw yours it warmed my heart. I also love that they match Dr. Suess...another favorite.
ReplyDeleteI came over from Someday Crafts. And I love wool hats.
Love the WOOL turban hat!
ReplyDeleteKaren@yearofserendipity.com
I love wearing wool in the winter! It keeps me so warm!
ReplyDeletedailydealsjc (at) gmail (dot) com
Wool!
ReplyDeleteI love the Turnan Hat in Chocolate brown. It would go great with my coat!
those dolls are sooooo cute! You did a great job painting them. I'd go for the wool fur hat.
ReplyDeleteI love WOOL.
ReplyDeleteI would get the Stripey Hat.
ReplyDeleteWOOL - I would LOVE to have that beautiful braided scarf!
ReplyDeleteWool is a beautiful fabric
ReplyDeletedlatany at gmail dot com
I like the Turban Hat
ReplyDeletedlatany at gmail dot com
I would love to win the chance to choose one of the lovely wool hats for my daughter. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWool is cool.
ReplyDeleteI would love the infinity scarf in teal...yes please!!!
The word "Wool" and "Winter" are synonomous to me! I love to use wool pieces in my quilts, it's like quilting with "butter".
ReplyDeleteThe Julie Sinden site is amazing. I love everything she shows, but I would have to say my fav is the beautiful braided scarf.
Thanks,
Nettie from Spanish Fork, UT
I just "liked" The Lovely Cupboard on FB.
ReplyDeleteLove this site too!
Nettie from Spanish Fork, UT
Those little guys you made are adorable! Love it---no doubt it looks adorable in the nursery! And those hats are too cute! I love the wool button up hat! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI love wool! Sweaters, scarfs, hats, etc. Torn between the turbin hat and the button-up. Black, purple or grey would be lovely.
ReplyDeleteOops - this is from Diane.
DeleteWool...
ReplyDeleteHmm...DANG her shop is gorgeous.
I would want either the flap hat or one of the gorgeous scarfs
OOooh wool! I would pick the turban hat in plum. Beautiful!!
ReplyDeletechelseawoodring at hotmail dot com
I love wool, my wardrobe is full of wool
ReplyDeleteI love fur hat (grey) or ribbon hat (grey with red ribbon)
Fantastic!!
I will have to watch for these, I have always love nesting dolls!
ReplyDeleteok, I love the turban hat in plum and button hat in charcoal grey. wool hats are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI love the warmth of wool in the winter. My favorite is the fur hat...although I'm not sure I could wear it as well as that gorgeous model!
ReplyDeletelanay@live.com
WOOL you pick me to win ? :) lol.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the hats. I would have to choose the ribbon hat or the turban hat. I can't decide which!!
summerdual AT gmail DOT com
I like the Lovely Cupboard on facebook
ReplyDeleteSUMMER PLEWES
tweeted too
ReplyDelete@fokxxy and I follow you
Wool, Wool, Wool!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have another of Julie's wonderful hats!
s.tweel@islandtelecom.com
ReplyDeleteI am spending a beautiful sunny day on the west coast felting WOOL sweaters that I picked up at thrift stores yesterday. While the sweaters dry I am going to go for a walk on the beach. A new hat would be so lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love all the WOOL hats from Julie's shop! I have the one with the fur poof, but would love the turban one too! :)
ReplyDeletei am loving the turban hat! WOOL WOOL WOOL!!!
ReplyDeleteWow gorgeous stuff! I must say I love the wool turban hat
ReplyDeletethe dolls are adorable--great job!
ReplyDeleteWOOL love it!
ReplyDeleteHopping by and following your lovely blog's twitter, FB and Pinterest. I blog @ Getting Healthy with Essential Oils
I am also inviting you to join Tiddle Diddle Handmade Shoppe's first giveaway event.
I love knitting with...wool!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win the Button-up hat.
ReplyDeleteI like The Lovely Cupboard on fb.
ReplyDeleteLove these her work! I sure could use a super cute WOOL item to keep me warm and toasty this winter! (from Dawn, e-mail dawnthomas5@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteGotta love the wool flap hat!
ReplyDeleteWool...wool....wool....wool...wool.... there are no words to describe just how much I adore wool. And that turban hat in chocolate brown would look absolutely darling on me!!!!! Thanks for offering such a lovely giveaway...
ReplyDeleteHello WOOL!! The scarves look lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'd really like an infinity scarf!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win the Infinity Cowl in Charcoal grey.
ReplyDeleteI think wool is beautiful in any color!
I just love this kind of give away!
Love Wool!
ReplyDeleteI would pick the wool flap hat!
ReplyDeleteWool wool wool! Love the fur hat. (now i'm singing "boots with the furrrrr" in my head)
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty wool items!
ReplyDeleteThe WOOL items are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour nesting dolls are adorable! Gotta love Hobby Lobby.