Creating Wedding Peg Dolls: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding peg dolls are a unique and thoughtful gift or wedding cake topper. They are little wooden figures made from wooden pegs, usually one-piece, that are painted to add detail and character. You can make them from scratch or buy a kit with pre-made wooden pegs. All you need to do is paint the pegs, add some hair, and seal your design.

Painting the skin

Choosing the Right Paint

For painting skin, it's essential to select the appropriate paint type and colours. Acrylic craft paints are a popular choice for peg dolls as they are easily accessible and come in a wide range of colours. You can also use paint markers, such as Uni Posca markers, which offer rich and solid colours. These markers are water-based and provide more control when adding finer details.

Mixing Skin Tones

To create realistic skin tones, you'll need to mix different shades of brown and beige colours. This can be done by using multiple shades of acrylic paint and blending them on a palette before applying to the dolls. It's important to keep warm tones when using browns to avoid an unnatural "grey" appearance. You can also mix your own custom shades using paint markers by layering and blending different colours.

Painting Tips

When painting the skin, it's advisable to work on multiple dolls simultaneously. Start by painting the skin colour on the first doll, then move on to the second, and so on. By the time you finish the last doll, the first one should be dry, and you can proceed to the next layer. This method saves time and ensures a smooth workflow.

Additionally, consider using a pencil to sketch out any intricate details, such as freckles or facial features, before applying paint. This will give you a guide to follow and help you achieve more precise results.

Layering and Detailing

After the base skin colour has dried, you can add additional layers and details. Using a black fine-point paint marker, outline the facial features and other intricate details. This step adds definition and gives your dolls a playful, cartoon-like appearance.

Sealing Your Work

Once you're satisfied with the skin tones and details, it's essential to seal your work to protect it. You can use a product like Mod Podge Super Gloss or a similar sealer. However, be cautious when applying the sealer, as overworking it can cause your intricate details to smudge. It's best to allow your paint to dry thoroughly, preferably overnight, before applying the sealer.

Your wedding peg dolls are now ready to be displayed or gifted! This guide should help you achieve beautiful and realistic skin tones for your creations.

Multitasking

Firstly, it is important to work on multiple dolls at the same time. Paint the skin colour onto your first doll, and then move on to the second, and so on. By the time you finish painting the last doll, the first one should be dry and ready for the next layer of paint. This method ensures you are not waiting for paint to dry and can work on several dolls simultaneously.

Secondly, use the paint directly from the cap of the paint tube. As peg dolls require very small amounts of paint, this will ensure you do not waste large amounts of paint by squeezing it onto a palette.

Additionally, you can save time by keeping the designs simple. For example, you can paint the bodies one basic colour and make two dots for the eyes. This method is quick and easy, and you will be able to produce many dolls in a short amount of time.

If you want to add hair to your peg dolls, consider using yarn or string. This can be glued on, and you can even make the hair detachable by using hook and loop coins. This will add variety to your dolls and give you the option to change their hairstyles.

Finally, if you are creating a set of dolls, such as a family set or a bridal party, work on the dolls in batches. For example, paint the skin colour on all the dolls first, and then move on to the next layer of paint for all the dolls. This will save time and ensure a consistent look across the set.

By following these tips, you can efficiently multitask while making wedding peg dolls, allowing you to create a beautiful set of decorations or gifts.

Using paint from the cap

Painting your wedding peg dolls can be a fun and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint your peg dolls using paint from the cap:

Prepare your paint

Before you begin painting, remove the lid from your paint and use the paint that has accumulated in the cap. This way, you will have enough paint without wasting any. Shake your paint well before opening to ensure it is mixed properly.

Start with the skin

Begin painting your peg dolls by first applying the skin colour. This will serve as your base layer. You can create different skin tones by mixing various brown and flesh-coloured paints. Remember to allow the paint to dry before moving on to the next layer.

Multitask

To speed up the process, work on multiple dolls at once. Paint the skin colour on the first doll, and then move on to the second, and so on. By the time you finish painting the skin colour on the last doll, the first one should be dry and ready for the next layer.

Add details

Once your base layer is dry, you can start adding details such as clothes, hair, and eyes. You can use a pencil to lightly sketch out the details before painting if you want to ensure precise results. Outline your details with a black marker to make them stand out and give your dolls a playful, cartoon-like vibe.

Seal your dolls

After you have finished painting and allowed the paint to dry thoroughly, it is important to seal your peg dolls to protect your artwork. You can use a product like Mod Podge Super Gloss or a spray varnish to seal your dolls. Be careful not to overwork the sealer, as it can cause your paint to smudge.

Adding details with a pencil

Before you begin painting your wedding peg dolls, it is a good idea to lightly draw the details with a pencil first. This is especially useful if you want to ensure that intricate details like hairstyles and clothing turn out as planned. You can also use a pencil to sketch the facial features of the dolls, keeping them simple but dynamic. Outline the main colours for the face and body, and add details like freckles or blush. If you are creating a set of dolls, such as a wedding party or family, sketch out the designs for each doll before you start painting. This will give you a sense of how the finished set will look and help you plan your colour palette.

Once you are happy with your sketches, you can start blocking out the main colours with paint. Use paint markers for a more precise application, filling in the colours within the pencil outlines. Go over any "mistake" marks with the paint marker so that they don't show through the final layer of paint. After the base colours are dry, you can add more details and outline everything in black. Imperfections are part of the charm of handmade crafts, so don't worry about making everything perfect!

You can also add details like hair and accessories to your peg dolls. For hair, you can glue yarn to the head, or draw it on with paint or markers. If you want to add mix-and-match hair, wind yarn around your fingers to your desired thickness, tie it off in the centre, and trim and style it as desired. You can also add buttons, craft gems, or other small decorations to give your dolls a unique look.

Mixing browns

When mixing browns, it's important to keep the tones warm to avoid an ashen appearance. You can also use acrylic paints to create a base coat for the faces of your peg dolls. For a simple look, you can paint the faces with a light brown shade and leave the wood grain visible.

For a more detailed appearance, you can add features such as freckles or blush to the cheeks. Keep the details minimal but dynamic. You can also outline the features with a black marker to make them stand out.

Additionally, you can use paint markers, such as Uni Posca markers, to add colour and details to your peg dolls. These markers offer a range of rich, solid colours, but you'll need to mix your own colours for specific skin tones. Alternatively, you can use paintbrushes and acrylic paint for a more traditional painting approach.

Frequently asked questions