As part of January’s Pinterest Challenge, I’m going to explain how a pin inspired the creation of three Alice in Wonderland character dolls as party decor.
With the arrival of the New Year, folks appear to be thinking about hosting A Valentines Day Tea Party with Friends, and events like baby and wedding showers.
During the past month, I’ve seen a large increase in Alice in Wonderland and tea party-related blog post visitors, Pinterest followers, and sales in my Etsy shop.
Sales of the Queen of Hearts Roses & Teacup Wreath and Mad Hatter figure, reminded me that I hadn’t gotten around to blogging about the Alice in Wonderland character dolls. Come see how I designed and created Alice, the Mad Hatter, and Queen of Hearts — improvising as I went.
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Always a Fun Challenge
Last summer, I shared numerous Alice in Wonderland, Unbirthday Party projects. Two tutorial posts were included in the Pinterest Challenge, a monthly blog hop hosted by Erlene of My Pinterventures.
Easy tiered stands, made of plates and teacups, are featured in DIY Vintage China Server. How to Make Whimsical Teacup Fascinators is a more complicated, but rewarding craft — perfect for any inspired Mad Hatter.
Bee sure to take a look at all the inspirational ideas, projects and recipes at the end of this post. If you are new to Debbee’s Buzz and visiting for the first time, welcome!
Inspiration Pin
From the get-go, I knew my party budget would never accommodate a quality, ready-made doll. Besides, where would I even find Alice in Wonderland character dolls large enough to serve as buffet and tabletop centerpieces?
Instead, I looked on Pinterest for ideas to make my own. A search turned up a beautiful, limited edition Alice doll linked to Marie’s Dolls. Called “Curtsy to the Queen,” I believe she was made for Disney to commemorate the original animated film.
Here’s the Alice doll I created for the My Favorite Things Party — to celebrate my own Unbirthday.
For the Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter figures, I used John Tenniel ‘s classic book illustrations as design inspiration.
Working Without a Pattern
First thing I did was go on a recognizance mission to area craft and fabric stores, looking for doll-making supplies, patterns, fabric and embellishments.
At Joanne Fabrics I discovered bendable 18″ muslin, soft-bodied dolls. They were very reasonably priced; especially with coupons. And, much more practical and cost-effective than making a doll body from scratch.
I took one doll body home to work with. Next, I created a rough sketch for each Alice in Wonderland character. To the left is a simplified drawing based on the Queen of Hearts illustrated in the book. On the right is my simplified doll design.
But, I couldn’t find clothes patterns that fit the bill. I wasn’t interested in clothing that would come on and off. These Alice in Wonderland character dolls were to be party decorations, and not for play. So, I decided to create my own patterns; improvising as I went.
Each doll is a combination of crafting and sewing. So, armed with a tape measure, straight pins, paper and pencil, I made patterns by using each muslin doll as a dress mannequin.
Alice proved to be the most straight-forward of the three Alice in Wonderland character dolls I created.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
After cutting out the fabric, lace and rickrack, I used a sewing machine, hand-stitching, and glue gun to assemble and attach the clothing to Alice’s body.
White interface and lace trim helped create the starched and frilly look of Alice’s apron. I was careful to make sure the dolls looked finished all the way around.
Alice’s shoes are made of felt, with a button sewed on. I found free online doll patterns for making shoes. They were a good guide, but I had to freehand the patterns so that the shoes would fit.
Her white stockings are actually an odd sock; cut with pinking shears. Underneath, Alice wears the white panties the muslin doll body came dressed in.
Finally, each of the Alice in Wonderland character dolls holds an important item from the story.
Alice has a looking glass. It’s just like the mirror embellishment I made for both the Fanciful Wonderland Wreath and Queen of Hearts Roses & Teacup Wreath.
Ladylike Queen
My Queen of Hearts is a more ladylike figure than the one depicted in the story and animated film.
Fleur-de-lis print fabric and ribbon, along with red velvet, help to promote a royal air. In one hand, the regal Queen holds a heart-topped scepter.
Ruffled black and white lace decorate her cuffs and dress, along with heart-shaped buttons on her necklace and red velvet slippers.
So the queen looked just as royal coming and going, a red felt rose embellished her back and short train.
As in the classic illustration, my queen’s head is framed with a raised collar and topped with a red velvet hood.
Her mop of black curls is topped with a golden crown embellished with red hearts — befitting her illustrious title.
And, in a nod to my nicknames — Queen (Deb) Bee and Queen of Theme — I added royal bee dangling earrings.
I kept the queen to use as a Valentines Day holiday decoration. See her presiding over the Romance & Red Roses Reign on Sweetheart Table.
Mad for the Hatter
Of the Alice in Wonderland character dolls, you might think the Queen was my favorite? But, I’m actually bonkers for the Mad Hatter. I was thrilled with how he turned out.
He was also the most difficult and time-intensive to create — a labor of love.
So, I had mixed feelings when he recently sold in my Etsy shop. He’s traveling down the rabbit hole to warmer Florida to live with another Debbie. I think the Mad Hatter is to be the central decoration for a theme party?
His pants and vest are made of the same black and white diamond fabric used for the table runners. In one hand, the Hatter holds a brass key.
Ruffles and heart buttons decorate his cuffs and high-collar shirt with polka-dot bow tie.
Underneath the tall black hat, are curly brown locks of hair. On one side, I created the size label that characteristically is still attached to his hat.
Hatter’s long jacket even includes a back vent. Yes, I certainly went a little mad incorporating all the fun little details!
He was also the very last decoration I created for the Unbirthday Party.
Which is your favorite of the Alice in Wonderland character dolls?
In the end, I also sold the Alice doll as a child’s birthday party decoration and gift. She’s now in Georgia. But, I kept the Queen, which I use as a Valentines Day decoration.
All three are perfect for a birthday or tea party, baby or bridal shower, and to decorate a nursery or child’s room.
More Wonderland
Find more Alice in Wonderland theme party ideas, tablescapes, favors, games and tutorials here.
Other fun projects include; DIY Wonderland Invitation and DIY Cards and Teapot Centerpiece. Or try your hand at, How to Make a Floating Teacup Centerpiece.
Now let’s see what other things Pinterest inspired! Head over and visit the other hosts to see what they crafted, cooked, built, or tried!
Erlene – My Pinterventures • Jenny – Cookies Coffee and Crafts
Debbee – Debbee’s Buzz • Laurie – My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies
Bri – Halfpint Design • Kelli – K’s Olympic Nest
Cherryl – Farm Girl Reformed
Beverly – Across the Boulevard • Debra – Shoppe No. 5
Roseann – This Autoimmune Life • Terri – Our Good Life
T’onna – Sew Crafty Crochet • Joanne – Our Unschooling Journey
Habiba – Craftify My Love • Gail – Purple Hues and Me
Kristie – Teadoddles • Lydia – Lydia’s Flexitarian Kitchen
Kristie – Love My Little Cottage
Michelle – Our Crafty Mom
Alexandra – Eye Love Knots • Marci – Stone Cottage Adventures
Ali – Home Crafts by Ali
Susan – Suzerspace • Audra – Renewed Projects
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Are you planning to host a spring party? If so, will it have a theme?
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
They are all so full of amazing detail but I think the Mad Hatter is my favourite, he is so much fun.
Mine too, that’s why I had mixed feelings about selling him.
Deb there is no end to your talent…these dolls are adorable. How do you find the time?
Thank you Kari, that’s a very generous compliment. To be honest, I’m not sure how I got them done. When I get a theme and crafting bug, I just can’t bee stopped!
These look amazing! I love the detail and fabric. They look just like the characters!
Thanks so much Jenny. I had a lot of fun bringing them to “life.”
Debbee, now I know for certain, in my next life I’m definitely coming back as you. You don’t hold back on your talents. I can’t even think of them all. I just know you have them all. If you ever think of something you’d really like to learn, what would it be? Perhaps taking time for yourself to do for Debbee that secret something. Learn the Cyrillic alphabet so you can read The Brothers Karamazov in Russian? You have to share with us devoted fans what that may be. Also, what’s your tip for getting out of the rabbit hole?
K, remember the saying “be careful what you wish for?” I am very blessed and have a great life, but it’s not all parties and crafting. Like everyone, there are issues with elderly parents, struggling with my own aging issues, losing loved ones. I don’t share those things on the blog. Crafting is a outlet for me. I love the creative, artistic process. When I’m depressed or dealing with life’s struggles, I go make something. Also, volunteering keeps me grounded, and reminds how fortunate I am.
As far as what I’d like to learn — well, no amount of time or teaching is gonna help me learn a language. I just am not wired for it. I wish I could play our grand piano, but am settling for the fact my sons play. I guess I’d like to take an art class and learn to paint with different media.
Your inner Monet is only a brush stroke away. Back down the rabbit hole for me.
Oh my goodness; those are darling! I can only imagine the work that into them but you are a true craftswoman. Love all the detail work. Pinned.
Thanks Joanne. My mom is quite the seamstress and made a lot of our clothes growing up. She and I also made the majority of my sons’ Halloween costumes together. Having a working knowledge of working with patterns, and the basics helped me design my own.
These are just amazing!
Thanks Susan!
So impressive! You are very creative!
Thanks Roseann. Those classic illustrations were inspirational and I basically copied them in crafting my figures.
These are fabulous. The detail and workmanship are exquisite.
That’s very flattering of you to say Debra, thanks! It’s amazing what you can do when armed with a glue gun LOL!
Your dolls are fabulous! I love the fabrics you used for the Mad Hatter’s outfit, and his hat and hair are too cute. I also love the Queen’s dress. Sooooo creative and wonderful!
Thanks T’onna! I had fun searching out those fabrics as it’s been a long time since I’ve used my sewing machine. Hair was a challenge, made easier by covering a good amount of the Hatter and Queen’s heads with the hats/hood/crown.
Oh my goodness, those turned out great! I’m not sure if the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts is my favorite!
Thanks Lydia. They make a great duo!
These are so fun! I love themed parties 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up at Sweet Inspiration!
I was really pleased with how the trio came out, but they were very time-consuming to create. It was a bit nerve racking to invest all that effort and not being sure what the result would be. A labor of love!
Wow! Such talent and attention to detail! Your work is really amazing, Debbee!
Thanks very generous of you to say Tai — thanks for stopping by!
Do you know it was an Alice in Wonderland themed baby shower I was hosting that got me started in blogging? You know it is a favorite theme of mine and your dolls are adorable! You should be so proud of how they turned out!
I did not know that! Funny, it was my Favorite Things parties that started me blogging. I look forward to your Wonderland theme table every year. I’m planning on sharing another one this spring. So pleased you noticed the dolls. I’ve just brought out the Queen of Hearts to decorate for Valentine’s Day.
Debbee, I am just in awe of these dolls. They are so amazing. You are so talented. Please stop by Thursday Favorite Things Since you are being featured. Hugs, Bev
Bev, as wonderful as it is to be featured, I’m so touched and flattered by your comments — thank you!
Debbee, you never cease to amaze me! You are a true artist. The sketches you took look perfect and the end result is simply stunning. I love your passion for detail! I didn’t know you have an etsy store and just made it one of my favourites. Pinning this of course to help spread the word about your talent.
Habiba, always nice to hear from you — and your especially generous compliments! My Etsy store was a little slow to take off (I don’t pay for advertising), but had my first two sales around Christmas. Thrilled to sell the Mad Hatter, but missing him — how silly is that?!
I. Am. Stunned. My mom used to make teddy dolls that I loved as a kid. These are so darn fun! The details of each outfit is unbelievable. This is one tea party I would love to attend!
Thank you Kelli for your kind remarks. Right now, I’m using the Queen of Hearts to decorate the mantle for Valentines.
Whoa, these are amazing! You made your own pattern and I’m just floored at how beautiful these are. Love!
Thanks Erlene! Labors of love for sure.
Wow! Thanks for sharing the link to these. You are very talented with the thread and needle! The Mad Hatter’s houndstooth jacket is just adorable!!! I see why he sold so quickly!
These came out beautiful.
Delighted you think so! In the end, I think it worked out best to leave them without facial features.
Such sweet dolls! So much work but such a fun project!
Thanks Judy! They were a labor of love and great fun to envision and then create.
Oh my goodness! You’re so talented! I’m featuring your adorable dolls on today’s Crafty Creators! Thanks for sharing!
Niki, you are so very sweet to say so! Really appreciate the feature!