How to make a doll with your own hands from straw. We make straw dolls with our own hands

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Making a straw doll

For the manufacture of decorative sculptures and toys, both whole trunks of cereal plants and their upper knees, which have the longest straws, are used. Whole trunks go to large products, and the upper internodes - to medium and small ones. In order for the straw to become flexible, it is soaked in water, as well as for weaving, and then wrapped in a damp canvas for the duration of work.
Ready-made straw figurines are trimmed with lashes.

At the heart of any modern toy for decorative straw sculpture are the simplest constructive solutions found in the distant past. Straw bundles, tied in several places and connected to each other in a certain order, make it possible to convey in a conditional and laconic manner the figure of a person (Fig. 32), an animal, a bird, and much more. As in the past, the basis of the doll is made up of two bundles of straw, connected at right angles to each other. However, modern dolls still have some design features.

Starting to make the body, the straw bundle is tied as tightly as possible with a strong twine not far from the end cut (Fig. 33a). Then all the straws are bent towards the bandage (Fig. 33b) and tied with another twine. The resulting rounded shape will serve as the basis of the doll's head. Having collected another, thinner, bundle of straws, they also tie it up with twine not far from the end sections. A wire is inserted into a thin bundle to give strength (Fig. 33v). It should be soft, but at the same time keep its shape well. Depending on the size of the figurine, you can use copper, aluminum and steel wire with a thickness of 1 to 2 mm. Thanks to the wire, the master can bend the straw bundle as he pleases. A bundle of straw intended for the body is divided into two identical parts and a thin bundle reinforced with wire is inserted into the gap between them. Then both bundles are tied crosswise, and a thick bundle is also crosswise in two places to designate the neck and waist of the figurine. To prevent the strings from being visible, they are wrapped with straw ribbons on top (Fig. 33g). Having finished the winding, the tip of the remaining tape is carefully tucked under the layers of the winding.

The base of the doll is ready. From this point on, everything depends on the desire and taste of the master. He can dress the doll at his own discretion in peasant or city clothes, put on any headdress, give his hands any position, put the necessary object into them - in a word, everything will depend on the tasks that the master sets for himself. Our drawing shows the production of a female figurine in urban clothes: she is wearing a jacket, a dress with an apron, and in her hands is a shopping basket. Based on this, the figurine can be called "Hostess".

To get the bottom lines of the apron and jacket, rubber rings are put on the figure, cut, for example, from an old bicycle inner tube. Focusing on the rubber bands, carefully cut off two or three layers of straw with scissors (Fig. 33e). If they want to make the dress more magnificent, a lump of tangled straw is hammered into the middle of the beam from the butt side. Then, four-ended pigtails (“Christmas trees”) imitating frills and patterns are sewn to the dress, jacket and skirt with threads (Fig. 33e). Hands are wrapped with straw tape. Until the straw is dry, they are given the desired position. To make a hairstyle with a braid, moistened straws are placed in one row, twisted with a rope and fixed on the doll, and the protruding ends are braided (Fig. 33g). A basket is woven from smoothed straw strips. A wooden block of suitable sizes or a matchbox is used as a template (Fig. 33h).

Learn how our ancestors defended themselves from Likha or Shakes, attracted good luck and maintained health.

The Russian word "doll" comes from the Greek "kyklos" ("circle"). This name denoted a certain bundle or bundle of straw, which the girls loved to swaddle and swing, showing a maternal instinct.

Interesting facts:
The skill of creating dolls is rooted in antiquity. The dolls found in the graves of the Egyptians are about four thousand years old. The Egyptians made figures of the god Osiris from clay and were able to create humanoid figures from wax or wood. They had movable joints and hairstyles made from natural hair. Historians call Cleopatra one of the first owners of the collection of author's dolls. In the palace, dolls played the role of mannequins; the queen ordered solemn outfits from their vestments.
In France of the 17th century, dolls were dressed in the latest fashion, they were considered a stylish gift and an example of newfangled trends.

In pagan Russia, gods were carved from wood, rag and straw amulets were created. They were an important part of the life of the Slavs. They were worshiped and used as a means of protection from negativity. After a while, man-made characters began to decorate everyday life, pleased the eye and occupied the children.

The primary task of the Slavic folk doll is to attract what is desired for a particular person or family. She was used in magical rituals and as a participant in the most significant events in life, as well as for holidays. So, for the newlyweds, “lovebirds” were made - two dolls from one piece of fabric with a common hand. And with the kuvadka doll, the husband imitated the process of childbirth in order to protect the newborn from dark forces. When creating dolls, only natural materials were taken, prepared in a good mood.

Interesting fact:
Initially, the manufacture of amulets was exclusively a female prerogative. Men at this moment should not have been present even somewhere nearby. It was believed that only the keeper of the hearth was able to make a truly strong amulet and put a particle of living energy into it. By skill in creating the first doll, the girl's readiness for marriage was determined.

Slavic wooden dolls

Coastal dolls were carved by men for their beloved women from branches of sacred trees broken by the wind. A spiral of the origin of life and symbols of female fertility were applied to a miniature wooden figurine. The husband put such a doll in a linen amulet, which the woman wore on her belt, so that there would be healthy children in the family.

Slavic straw dolls

Folk dolls "Horse-Fire" from talash and bast. Photo: A. Stepanov / Lori Photobank

Straw six-handled doll

Straw was most often used to make amulets and animals. Goblin, brownie or water goblin were carefully decorated and used as ritual dolls at Slavic holidays. They helped solve family problems, restored health by transferring diseases to the figurine and burning it further.

To keep up with the housework, women made six-handled dolls from straw. In the process of their creation, they certainly sentenced: “I make you in order to succeed in all matters and do them well. I turn this handle so that there will always be order, peace and comfort in my house. I turn this handle so that my husband is always well-groomed and happy with everything.

Slavic dolls from threads

Creating a doll-amulet from threads

Traditional Russian amulet dolls made of natural material. Photo: Svet / Photobank Lori

Even small children could make winding pupae from threads, which, in addition to favorable magical properties, contributed to the development of fine motor skills. They dangled as a talisman on the road and served as a protective decor for the corners of the house. On such coastlines, as on a double, troubles, hardships and illnesses of the owner were wound.

Rag dolls-amulets

Most often in Ancient Russia, rag dolls-amulets were made, which served the owners throughout their lives. Ritual, or protective, doll was considered a powerful talisman for the good of the family.

Beregini dolls were made without the use of needles and scissors, so that they could not harm their owners. The threads were broken by hands or bitten with teeth. Even the fabric in the old days was torn by hand. When they made breasts for a doll, they thought about happy motherhood and abundance. The bereginya was created on the hem, that is, on her knees, in the personal space of a woman, and not on the table, because it was considered a common place.

Each doll was made with a white or plain face, symbolizing the purity of thoughts and the animation of the owners. During the creation process, they said: "A bright head, pure, filled with goodness and love". The Slavs never painted or embroidered their eyes, mouth and nose on their shores, so that evil spirits would not inhabit them and evil thoughts would not be transferred.

grain

The process of creating a Zernovushki doll

Cereals. Photo: G. Markov / Lori Photobank

She has several names - Krupenichka, Pea, Zernushka or Zernovushka - and is considered the main doll in the family. In the process of creation, it was traditionally filled with buckwheat grain. From the bag in her hands or from herself, the first grains were taken for the upcoming sowing. After the end of the harvest campaign, the bag was filled with grain from the new crop. Sometimes the bag was filled with other cereals: oats - for strength, pearl barley - for satiety, rice - for a holiday. Bereginya brought prosperity to the family and made life full. She was dressed up and placed in the most prominent place - in the red corner of the hut next to the icons.

Doll for happiness and good luck

Making a doll "for good luck". Photo: S. Lavrentiev / Lori Photobank

Ready-made charm doll "for good luck"

The youngest and most charming doll differed from the rest by a long braid, symbolizing a long and carefree life. Moreover, the longer the braid, the greater the protective power of the coastline. According to legend, women's hair contained vitality.

dream trap

Charm doll Traveler.

The guardian of dreams was certainly made in the spring. Such a doll was tied with an orange thread, symbolizing the sun's rays, and a protective cross was embroidered on the chest with a red thread. The “day-night” doll was made from figurines of white and black fabric tied to each other. Hanging near the bed, she not only cherished the peace of the night, but also charged with energy and joy for the coming day.

There is a lot of room for imagination in the manufacture of toys and dolls from straw. This material has one unique property - it is easy to bend and retain a new shape. Therefore, using it, you can create sculptures and figures of people, as well as funny animals - dogs, birds.

Certain rules are followed when creating straw sculptures. They are not difficult, so anyone can easily learn them. This will make it possible to create a wide variety of toys.

The first step is to prepare the material from which the toys will be created - straw. It is soaked in water for 5-6 hours. And then it steams up. This will make it soft, it will acquire the necessary flexibility. Then you need to sort out the raw materials. Remove leaves from straw stalks. If spoiled or uneven straws come across among the straws, then they must also be disposed of.

With the manufacture of the base of the figure, work on the product should begin. The base itself consists of a frame, the elements of which are bundles of straw or wire. The shape of a person or animal, depending on who you are going to make, you need to give it. Thereafter the frame is braided with straw. Very tight dressings must be made in the right places. This will give the product a finished shape. If the straw is connected, then it is compressed. And the straw extending from the dressing will make the product look like a fan. If the dressing of the straw is done when it is wet, then after drying it will retain its shape well. In the manufacture of arms and legs of dolls, this property is used quite often. It is also used when clothing elements are created for dolls and toys.

base doll

The design of this doll can serve as the basis for creating many other crafts. That is why learning to work with it is so important.

You will need the following materials in the course of creating a basic doll: wheat or barley straw. From the tools you will need: strong threads, a knife, scissors, as well as a “goat” device for straw crafts.

Progress

It is necessary to take a bunch in the amount of 60-70 pieces. After that, bend it in half so that there are no thickened knots in the middle of the bundle. This can be ensured by pushing the knees up and down, preparing the place where the doll's head will be located. In the event that at the place of the inflection there is a knee of the straw, then it will break. And this will lead to the fact that the appearance of the doll will deteriorate. The ends of the straw bundle after such a search will be uneven. But it does not matter, after at the end of the work they will have to be cut off. Note that when picking up the stems, you need to try so that a beautiful, evenly colored straw is on the front side of the product.

Now you can start making doll head and body. To do this, you need to twist a special thick tourniquet in several steps:

- with both hands you need to take the bundle so that between the palms there is an area without knees;

- repeat this action again, trying to make the tourniquet even and smooth;

- at the end, the bundle must be twisted as the laundry is wrung out.

Straw weaving of voluminous figures - dolls, animals, birds - has its roots in the distant past. Such dolls and figurines were not only toys for children, but were also used in various rituals. The doll was also used as a charm for children, since it had no facial features. And according to beliefs, in this case, it was considered an inanimate object and evil spirits could not move into it.

Horses, goats, birds, straw dolls are also deities and protectors: the horse is the hero of many beliefs and fairy tales, he always accompanied a man and was his friend, adviser, and protector; the goat is a symbol of harvest and fertility; doll - Mother-ancestress, protector of women; birds are the souls of ancestors, protecting and helping those who now live on Earth. Throughout the history of its existence, a person could not do without the hope of help and support, incomprehensible to him to the end, supernatural forces. He endowed them with images that accompanied him throughout his life. Straw figurines depicting a rooster, a dove, a goat were placed on the Christmas table. Straw birds were hung over the table. The figurines were given to young people at a wedding, to each other on the corresponding holidays, large images of Maslenitsa, Madder were made during mass ceremonies, sacrificing through burning or drowning. Straw larks were the first harbingers of spring - together with them, people called her.

The ancient customs of making ritual animals and dolls from straw have come into our lives and have become a theme for the work of many modern masters and artists.

Straw can be used to make various decorative sculptures and toys due to its ability to bend and maintain a given shape.

Work on a straw sculpture always begins with the manufacture of the base of the figure - the frame. It is made from bundles of straw or wire, forming the shape of an animal or a person. Then the frame is braided with straw. Crafts are made from steamed straw. In those places where it is necessary, dressings should be made, which should be very tight, then the product will be more beautiful, since the connected straw is reduced in volume, and the straw extending from the dressing becomes like a fan that can be beautifully fluffed. The tied wet straw retains its shape well when dried, even if the dressing is then removed. This property can be used in the manufacture of arms and legs of dolls, as well as some items of clothing. Another option for decorating a product is to tie it with colored threads, while red is best suited. For the same purposes, use braid or colored straw.

The manufacture of dolls begins precisely with the execution of the frame, only then the straw figures can be diversified: give them some character traits or dress them up in wicker clothes. Your own imagination will tell you how to decorate the doll using various wicker items for clothes and headwear. Do not forget about the main thing - the proportional ratios of the parts of the figures, otherwise the sculpture will be unfinished, and sometimes even ridiculous.

The size of the doll will depend on the length of the straw that will be used to make it. Usually, a doll 15–20 cm high is obtained from one bunch of straws. Straws must be chosen thin or medium thickness, but always without knees. Remember that the straw stalk has a different color along its length, so try to ensure that only a beautiful, evenly colored straw appears on the “front”, visible side.

straw dolls

There are several of the simplest, traditional for folk art, doll designs.

female figurines

Doll Masha - left

Take a bunch of 50-70 straws and bend it in the center. Twist the ends at the bottom in a half turn so that they swap places, and a loop forms in the middle of the tourniquet. Tie the bundle just below the loop tightly with threads, squeeze the ends with your hand and cut them with scissors so that they become even. You will get a figure resembling the outline of a woman in a sundress (Fig. 26).

Rice. 26. Doll Masha

Doll Olya - on the right

Tie a bunch of straw at the top for the 5th part of the length to get the doll's head. You can also take a long bunch, fold it in half and bandage it, separating the head. Then separate 15 straws from the bundle on both sides, weave pigtails out of them, which then bend in a semicircle. Tie a bunch of straw together with tucked pigtails at the waist - and the doll is ready. From below, also trim the ends of the straws (Fig. 27).

Rice. 27 right. Olya doll

You can tie a scarf on the doll’s head, and a fabric apron on the waist.

Lena doll - left

First you need to make a "closed head". Take a bunch of straw a little longer than for making previous dolls. Tie the top of the bundle tightly, divide the rest in half and lift it up, leaving the tied top inside, “hide” it. Then firmly squeeze the bent bundle with your hands and tie it again approximately at the level of the end of the “hidden” top (Fig. 28, a). Now flip the beam 180°.

Rice. 28. Lena doll

Take a small bundle of straw and tie it at both ends. Hands will turn out (Fig. 28, b).

Insert them into a bundle-torso, divided into two parts. Fold the part that falls on the chest of the doll (Fig. 28, in). Connect the straw-torso by tying it at the waist line (Fig. 28, G) trim the ends. Bend the doll's arms and fix them in this position, tying them to the body until the straw dries (Fig. 28, d).

The resulting dolls will be small in size, as they are made from a single bundle of straw. To make the doll bigger, it is necessary to make it from several parts interconnected. Most often this is the torso and skirt.

The skirt can be made from a separate bundle of straw, which is tied up at the top. The bun-skirt is inserted into the bun-torso and tightly tied along the waist line, which is laid over the skirt (Fig. 29).

Rice. 29 is slightly higher on the right. Separate body and skirt

The doll's skirt can also be fastened over the torso to make it look like a belted dress. To do this, the junction of the skirt and the body is hidden with a dressing of straw or ribbon. The bottom of the skirt can also be decorated with a braided ribbon. If you sew it into a ring, it will fix the shape of the skirt - the straw will not diverge in different directions.

Rice. 30 - left. head making

The skirt can also be made in another way: sew straw stalks (preferably on a typewriter) in the shape of a fan, wrap around the waist and tie to the body.

Male figurines

Take a bundle of straw, tie off the top, step back about 1 cm and tie the bundle again. Separately, make hands: take a bunch of straws equal in length to your figure, bandage its ends - you get hands. Divide the main bun into two parts and insert the arms so that both protruding arms are the same length. Bring your hands up to the band that separates the head and tie to make a waist. Next, divide the rest of the bundle in half - these will be the legs. Bandage the ends of the legs (Fig. 31).

Rice. 31 on the left. Male figurine frame

The boy's legs can be made in the same way as the doll's skirt - from different bundles of straw inserted into the body and tied with a rope or ribbon (Fig. 32).

Rice. 32 left. Male figurine frame

Often, ordinary twisted braid is used to create doll arms and legs. It can be expanded or narrowed, given the necessary shape already in the process of weaving. True, this will require certain skills, attentiveness and accuracy, but the beauty of the figure you made will be worth it.

If desired, the doll can be made hair. To do this, take a bunch of linen or synthetic threads, fold it in half, tie the middle with a thread of the same color. Attach the folded bun to the head of the doll you want to style. Step back so that the “hair” can be put on the head, and braid the rest. Glue the braid onto the doll's head. A braid can also be made from straw, which is sewn to the head along the parting line, and then braided into a braid.

The braid can be done at the same time as the head. To do this, tie a bunch of straw, divide it into three parts. The main part of the bundle will be the body in the future, and from the other two make a head and a hairstyle: bend them up and tie them up. Then bend the hair down and lay it in the shape of the head, take it back, bandage and braid the braid (Fig. 33).

Rice. 33 right. How to dress a straw doll

You can put a wreath, scarf, ribbon, hat on the doll's head. You can decorate the doll by sewing a vest or apron out of fabric. You can weave a beautiful belt from straws or colored threads, or simply weave bright threads into the straws.

Shoes can be made by bandaging the bottom of the leg bun once more above the first bandaging and bending it along this line. The foot can be made in the form of a bast shoe or a boot, for this you just need to show a little ingenuity.

The doll's face can be made by embroidering the eyes and mouth with colored threads or simply sticking them on.

Text and diagrams - from the book:

Alesya Anatolyevna Grib
Weaving from straw and other materials

The photos were taken from various sources.

I make such dolls not only in Russia. The Germans are very fond of decorating their country interiors with the help of straw dolls, and even consider them to be their German folk art. It is not surprising, because where grain was grown from ancient times, straw always remained, which local craftswomen used.

Materials:
Dried clean straw is used to make toys. The straw must be dry so that later the product from it does not rot. Multi-colored shreds for clothes and twine will also come in handy. Skewer or stick.

For children's crafts, you can use a regular whitewash brush, which is sold in hardware stores.

How to make a straw doll:

• The straws are cut to the same length, and bent in half.

• They tie up the head with a thread or twine, not forgetting to stick a skewer or stick into the knot.

• Straw hands are inserted into the body, dividing it in half and also tied with twine. Handles can be braided or simply wrapped with twine or softer straw.

• Then the ends of the arms can be tied to the belt, defining the doll's waist or left free, as in the photo.

Next, dress up the doll. You can simply decorate your head with a scarf, tying it around your head, or make a hat. In the photographs, the heads are sewn from the material, and put together with the filler over the straw. The face is drawn.

Such a doll will not only decorate a flower pot, but will also serve as a talisman for a long time. After all, amulets in Russia were never bought, they were always made only with their own hands.
You can find a lot of material on the Internet and on sites for parents, how to craft with children from straw and what amulets to make. The most common Slavic straw amulet is a decorative broom, which is also not difficult to make, and which we will definitely write about in future articles.