If you haven’t seen this story gone viral, you should check it out. It’s called tree change dolls. Here’s the video.
The idea is down to earth and inspiring to say the least! You remove the doll’s overly made up face and replace it with a hand painted, realistic looking one. What an easy and wonderful way to transform your children’s beloved play things into something more relatable. What a way to show your children it’s important they see people for who they are, and that you love them just as they are. This little craft can be taken for so much more meaning than face value. I wrote once about raising my daughter to have high self-esteem.Now that Lily is just getting interested in playing with dolls, seeing this project truly inspired me to try it myself!
Sorry for the blurry pictures. Don’t they look so made up? Even the name “Bratz” indicates you wouldn’t want your child idolizing them.
Ready for a new face
My friend lent me 100% pure acetone to dab the doll’s faces and remove the paint. Don’t try to use regular nail polish remover with acetone in it, it does not work. Also, do not smear, just dab when removing the face because if it smears, it is harder to come off. I, of course, learned all that the hard way.
Next I used normal acrylic paint and permanent marker to draw on new facial features. I tried to give each one a unique look. Even if they aren’t as “pretty” now, their faces make more sense. Yes, people have buck teeth. Yes, people have small eyes. Yes, people have pale skin. All these things are realistic and are beautiful in their own way.
My daughter just loves her new dolls. She loves that her mommy took the time to paint unique faces on them just for her. She loves that she sees her mommy in her doll, in another she sees her neighbor, in another she sees herself. Her dolls look more like real people and I hope that encourages her to be real.
Published by Melissa Woods
My name is Melissa Woods, homemaker and parent. I am an amateur handy-woman and avid DIY-er. I am an adept painter and deft crafter. I am a finance enthusiast and frugal to the core. View all posts by Melissa Woods
